Title: Part 7

Series: The Unknown

Author: Affinity/Mel

Archive: None but willing to share if you ask ^.^

Pairing: Getting there (SwanQueen and others)

Rating: PG-13 (mostly for language)

Disclaimers: Don't own Once or anything like that, just borrowing their characters.

Comments: I'm a feedback whore so if you want more of this, you'll have to let me know that ^.^ Also, I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine and will be fixed as I find them.

Part 7

A few days later. . .

Returning to their routine, Emma found a sort of comfort as she descended the stairs. Ana was regaining her independence and settling in to this new world which gave the Savior a bit more time to enjoy things like breakfast before hurrying off to get Henry to school. At the base of the steps she took a moment for a long stretch before noticing Fey lurking about in the kitchen. On her way in she gave a tired wave, "morning."

"Good morning. Was your eve peaceful?" Fey replied with a hint of sleep still in her voice. She was learning the art of "making conversation" as she'd heard Regina call it, even if she didn't understand the point. Watching the light swirl of creamer in her coffee she wondered if the Savior had made any progress concerning their shared predicaments. Granted the complications were different but still.

Emma sighed. Catching up on sleep was great but any moment she really got to thinking exhausted her. She'd finally come to the conclusion all of the stuff whirling around her brain wasn't something she could think out. Emotions weren't that easy and feeling vulnerable wasn't something she had much experience with. Not to mention the looming doubt and fear. Could Regina possibly feel the same way? Stirring her coffee, Emma faced the other blonde. "Yeah. I think the nightmares are getting easier for her. Still wish there was something I could do. Maybe I'll see if Gold has another one of those charms so the flames can't actually hurt her. How about you?"

Fey smiled. "She is strong. Thank you for all you do to aid in her recovery. This charm you speak of is very thoughtful and I am certain it would be greatly appreciated. My sleep has been restless but I take comfort in the bonds I share with all of you. I am not who I once was and I hope you will accept my deepest gratitude for helping me to change. Caring for others has never been a strength I possessed but here I believe it can be." Sipping from her cup, she didn't realize just how sappy that sounded but it was the truth. Emma and Regina made her feel she belonged somewhere, a sensation she'd never experienced anywhere else.

The sudden downpour of appreciation caught her off guard but in a pleasant way. Honestly she enjoyed the company of these women and even if they might be murderous villains elsewhere, here they were her friends. And not because she was the daughter of Prince Charming and Snow White. Her heart swelled as she sat next to the other woman and met her eyes. Fey wasn't the only one who'd changed since coming to this town and Emma understood how strange belonging could be for a person who hadn't experienced it before. "Look, I have to be honest I still don't trust you but that's who I am. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate all the kind words and you know if something happens I'm here. At first it was because of my deal with Regina but after getting to know you I guess now I just want to. Think Regina's newfound compassion is rubbing off on me."

"Humorous how gestures from those we love effect our own responses, wouldn't you say?" Fey chuckled, head turning when she heard a noise in the next room. Her hand darted for the dagger sheathed at her waist but relaxed once she got a clear glimpse of who it was.

"Hilarious," Emma shot back with a playful half smile before following Fey's gaze. She practically choked on her coffee seeing Regina in those silky pajamas and defiantly beat back thoughts of getting the brunette out of them. 'Keep it together Swan.'

Regina made a noise that sounded like some form of greeting akin to "good morning" as she shuffled to the coffeemaker and filled her thermal mug. Adding the appropriate amounts of creamer and sugar, she noticed the sudden awkward silence and wondered if she'd interrupted something. A sudden surge of resentment boiled under the surface but she shrugged it off. No need to over think things, especially before her morning cup. She knew how irrational she could be without caffeine. "Sleep well?" she managed to mumble after a couple gulps of liquid ecstasy.

Fifteen minutes later upstairs. . .

What a strangely pleasant conversation. All small talk of course but both of her companions had been, dare she say, cheerful. Seeing Emma like that felt downright surreal. Something was going on here and Regina wasn't sure if she liked it or not yet. Setting a cup down on the nightstand for Ana, she noticed the younger woman hugging her knees and approached with extreme caution. "Is something the matter dear?"

Regina's voice was deeply rooted in genuine concern which would certainly surprise anyone outside their very exclusive circle but not Ana. Her abilities helped her to trust these women more easily than Fey might and she didn't doubt their intentions. The truth of her past had rushed in like a chilling winter wind and panic trampled all other emotions. Would her new acquaintances abandon her upon learning who she was and what she'd done? Fighting the debilitating fright she confessed, "yes. I. . .am a horrible, evil, vengeful monster."

Regina's brows pushed together in silent understanding and she pulled a chair up next to the bed. "I think such words are a bit harsh. I've always believed that evil isn't born, it's made. Betrayal and revenge bring out the very worst in us and can consume our entire existence. It very nearly destroyed me. If not for Henry. . .well, let's just say we're all better off not knowing the rest of that. Like me you've been given another chance but it's your decision how to use it. You can start over Ana and it won't be easy but striving to become a better person is within your grasp."

Still shaking, the younger woman absorbed the soothing words and wondered who Regina use to be. There was a vague memory of her face but why? Where had their paths crossed? Slowly raising her eyes to meet Regina's she found a comfort there she'd never known. It felt. . .like the love of a mother. A tear inched down her cheek as she sniffled gratefully, "thank you. Your words have truly touched my heart Regina and I hope one day to be as kind as you. Again I am in your debt and though I have little to offer, you have my word that no matter what transpires I shall be here should you need me. I believe these people call it. . .friendship? If you will accept."

For once when Regina's mouth opened nothing sassy spilled forth. As a matter of fact nothing at all made it past her throat as she wrapped her mind around the offer. An actual friendship? She had to admit she'd grown attached to the younger woman in a somewhat maternal sort of way and at times it reminded her of nursing Henry back to health when he was sick. She felt a strange swelling in her heart when Ana praised her and it was then she knew refusing was not an option. Tenderly wiping the tear away with a tissue, normally hard eyes softened as she spoke, "I do but you should be aware I'm not very good at showing I care."

Finally her muscles eased and she let out a breath she'd been holding. Placing her hand on Regina's, she replied confidently, "if you remain honest with me I will learn to adapt to your ways and understand your actions. I have yet another confession to make. My memories. . .are steadily returning. Have we met before? I remember your face but it is. . .foggy."

Regina shifted awkwardly. "We have. Before you nearly died I transported you to my vault where I placed you in stasis. When I enacted the curse you were brought here as Fey arranged. This might not be my place but I think you should mention this information to her at your earliest convenience. However, don't be so open with Miss Swan. She has good intentions but her parents are close minded, prejudice idiots."

Afternoon. . .

Hearing the familiar chime Belle made her way to the main shop from the back room, surprised to see Ruby looking around. "Long time stranger. What can I help you with?"

Searching the place with all of her senses she let out a discouraged growl under her breath. Red had combed the entire city looking for anything out of place and thus far the only thing she could tell was missing belonged in this shop. Still scanning her surroundings for clues, she replied distractedly, "I'm actually here to see Mr. Gold."

Belle swallowed hard and her heart rate jumped which she knew wouldn't get past the brunette. Suddenly uncomfortable, she gave the most honest answer she could without betraying anyone's trust. "I'm afraid he's not in."

Red's eyes narrowed. Belle was hiding something, from her of all people. That meant Gold didn't want to be found but was he really capable of leaving Storybrooke alone? If so where had he gone off to? And if not what could have possessed him to leave with Hook? They hated each other and yet they were the only ones who'd vanished. The only logical conclusion she could make was they were BOTH on that ship which wasn't going to please David at all. Finally meeting the other woman's eyes, she sighed. "He's with Hook and you're not suppose to tell anyone. I get it. You wanna grab a bite? I promise I'll drop the subject."

Belle eased and offered the brunette a smile. "Sure."

Meanwhile in Ana's room. . .

Staring at the disappearing form of Regina, Fey pondered what that look could have meant. Their conversation was too brief and her instincts told her when she passed through this door the unexpected would be awaiting. Taking a deep breath, she slipped inside and made her way to the chair. "Does the day find you well?" she began apprehensively.

Crystalline eyes lifted from the fairly bland but necessary reading material Ana had been focusing on. Learning how to communicate in this world was important but she found English was not the easiest to pick up or master. Such confusing use of words and she hadn't even begun attempting slang. Placing her marker, she set the book aside and finally met the blonde's eyes with an unsure smile. "All things considered, well enough. . .sister."

Fey's heart tore in two. Part of it swelled with joy while the other suffocated in agony. Wrapping her arms about the fragile woman, she hugged her tightly. Her voice was but a whisper, concealing all that stirred beneath, "welcome home. I know it is not all I promised but I believe we can begin anew here and live the life you truly deserve."

Sinking into the tender show of affection Fey was not commonly known for, Ana let herself fully smile. It had been far too long since she'd felt complete, safe and shockingly positive but the prickling at the back of her mind would not ease. A part of her knew something was awry but she didn't have the heart to probe Fey about it right now. Instead a hand raised to stroke fair curls and she pressed her lips to the other woman's cheek. "How I have missed you. Do not fret for this land is perfect and you have done such valiant work my knight."

At the Charming residence. . .

"David, do you think Emma's been acting strange? I know she said it's best for everyone for now but I don't know. Something seems wrong. Maybe I'm worrying too much," Snow murmured as she gazed out the window. Turning to face him, her eyes were filled to the brim with questions only their daughter could properly answer. Having alone time with her husband felt incredible but each day she was beginning to feel more of a distance developing between them and Emma.

Frowning as he placed the last dish on the drying rack, David sighed. "I thought it was just me. I've had a gut feeling there's more happening than she's letting on but I can't figure out why she'd keep anything from us. We've been so distracted with Hook, the beans and digging for information I think it's starting to put a divide between us. Maybe when she gets home tomorrow we can have a talk about it. What do you think?"

Snow smiled, slipping her arms around his waist and placing a kiss on his lips. "That's a great idea."

Evening. . .

What a long day. Things had been pretty quiet at the station and thanks to Henry they'd made it out of the house earlier than usual. He really loved Regina's cooking and with her own lack of culinary skills, she couldn't blame the kid. She'd found herself drawn to family meals with the Queen too, but not just for the wonderful food. They were headed to the mansion but in between destinations she'd mentioned stopping at Gold's shop. Ana was still having those dreams and she'd been too busy to pick up a charm until tonight. Henry was locked up safe in the car, armed with his walkie if anything major happened while Emma ran her errand. Pushing past the door it wasn't hard to spot the auburn haired beauty dusting shelves off to one side and they exchanged smiles.

Discarding the rag, Belle made herself more presentable and greeted chipperly, "good evening Sherriff. Is there something I can help you with?" Part of her wondered if this had anything to do with Ruby's visit earlier or if it happened to be a social call. One could never be too sure with Emma but either way Belle trusted it wouldn't compromise her word to anyone else.

Placing a folded piece of paper on the counter with two fingers holding it down, Emma gave the other woman a charming smile. "I have a favor to ask and I think it might help with your friends in the ward. This is a very sensitive case that nobody can know about. If you're willing to help I just need some information on the bloodline of this person. I have a feeling there's more to it than that but we won't know until we get some answers. Oh, and Gold gave Henry a charm when he was having nightmares after the sleeping curse. Do you have any more of those?"

Listening intently, her brows furrowed. Of course she wanted to help and she wasn't sure how until the blonde explained the need for research. That she could most certainly do and even though she was beginning to feel like everyone's confidant it wasn't a bad thing. If fact it made her quite proud so many trusted her. Glancing at the paper, her eyes returned to Emma's as she replied, "you might be surprised how well I can keep a secret. Give me a couple days and I'll call when I find something useful. As for the charm, I'm afraid without Rumple's magic we're out of luck."

With the agreement set she released the paper into Belle's care and nodded. Well that was unfortunate for Ana but they'd figure it out. "Thank you Belle, I really appreciate it. Have a safe night."

After dinner. . .

The socializing had begun. Every night after the dishes were squared away and everyone entered the food coma stage they'd pair off for conversation while Henry took care of his homework in the main room should he needed help. Tonight Emma and Fey sat sipping hard apple cider close to the fireplace as Regina taught Ana while helping Henry on his history assignment. A warm, relaxed grin spread over the Savior's face as she whispered to the other blonde, "y'know, I never imagined this is what perfect would feel like."

The still awkward gesture of smiling made Fey look funny but she honestly couldn't care less in this moment. Everything she'd ever wanted had come to pass and she couldn't think of better words to describe it than those Emma used. The ache in her chest dulled more every sip and a sigh of contentment finally parted from her lips. "I understand completely Savior."

She couldn't tell what Henry said before he grabbed the book and dashed upstairs but the soft laughter tumbled out before she could resist. There was a brief but warm glance between herself and Regina that sent butterflies fluttering rampantly in her stomach and Emma concluded she'd had enough to drink. Watching how the two brunettes interacted caused unknown emotions to stir but instead of keeping it to herself she blurted out, "those two seem to be getting along pretty well."

Fey's smile took on a slightly pained look and she downed the remaining liquid in her cup. "They share a great deal of tragedy and loss in their personal journeys so it would stand to reason a new bond has emerged with the return of memories lost. It is quite charming to watch if you ask me."

So Ana's memories were coming back? What a terrifying experience she imagined but her thoughts weren't on the younger of the two brunettes. She couldn't chase away her developing concern for the former Queen so she'd quiet it by polishing off her cider. Standing with every intention of grabbing another drink, her head turned when she heard her name called.

"Miss Swan," Regina repeated, only satisfied when the blonde looked directly at her. "Would you like to tuck Henry in tonight?" she offered with a twinge of hesitation. Silly as it might be, this nightly ritual had always been something only she had shared with her son but that was the thing about co-parenting. He was their son and with Ana well enough to manage without Emma this rare opportunity presented itself.

Ana shuffled over to the now vacant chair and settled herself into it, glancing at the striking woman with a slightly mischievous smile. Now that she'd returned to herself the obvious connection between Regina and Emma gave her this compulsion to play Cupid. Gesturing toward the scene of Emma ascending the stairs while Regina watched, Ana whispered to her counterpart, "I believe it is time an outside force interfered. Wouldn't you agree sister?"

~tbc~