A/N: Hello readers! Thank you to all of you who reviewed in the last chapter! I'm sorry this one took so long, my computer had a technical problem and had to be sent away to be fixed, but now it is and I will be updating sooner than last time! I added some extra so it's longer than normal to try and make up for the long wait. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Once Upon a Time or Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.


Chapter 8
Once, I almost Perished like a S'more

Will hadn't mentioned his conversation with Ruby when he returned with lunch. He and Ana enjoyed the rest of a relaxing afternoon in peace and quiet. Just after dinner time, when Will was starting to worry, Alice and Cyrus returned home and made a shocking announcement.

"We found an apartment!" Alice announced with excitement as she and Cyrus stood in front of the television facing Ana and Will lying intertwined on the couch.

"You what?" Will asked looking between the pair, "How?"

"So much for being an expert on this world," Alice teased.

"I mean how did you two, who can't tell a computer from a car, manage to do that?"

"Well we went to the diner for breakfast and Ruby…"

"Of bloody course, isn't a story if Ruby didn't have a part…"

"Ruby," Alice cut Will off like he had Cyrus, "Commented on how crowded the apartment must be and offered to help us find one on our lunch break."

"And just like that you have an apartment?"

"Yes, it's been approved by this woman named Belle, who is in charge of the building while the owner is off in Neverland. We can move in in a few days!"

"Bloody hell," Will groaned, "And you two think you can survive on your own here?"

"We survived Wonderland fine," Alice argued, "Can't you just be happy for us?"

"Congratulations, Alice and Cyrus." Ana cut in, nudging Will to be silent with her elbow. "We can't wait to see it, right, Will?"

"Of course."


Will was very tired when they retired to their room later. Alice and Ana had spent most of the evening talking about the new apartment, Will had lightened up once Cyrus and Alice had agreed to let him really teach them about this world over the next few days.

"Tired, darling?" Ana asked as he climbed into bed.

"It's been a long night," He muttered kissing her, "And I'm afraid it isn't over yet."

"What do you mean?"

"I talked to Ruby earlier..."

"And? Granny cutting you off from coffee?" She asked with a laugh.

"No," Will answered, moving so they were facing each other, "I asked her if she knew anything about your family."

Ana sobered up quickly, sitting up straighter and preparing herself for the answer to the question she was about to ask, "And?"

"They are all here," Will said, watching her reaction carefully, "Have been the whole time."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

Ana nodded, keeping her emotions in check, "Did she say anything else? Are they all okay?"

Will nodded, "Your mother and sister, Drizella, were treated well during the curse. They live just outside of town. Ella wasn't so fortunate during the curse."

Ana took a deep breath, "And now?"

"She is happy," Will watched as Ana let out the breath she had been holding. "Married and starting a new business."

"That's good," Ana said with a small smile. "Does Ruby think she could get in contact with her for me?"

"Said all you had to do was ask and she would try," Will promised.

"Tomorrow, then?"

"We will call her first thing in the morning."


The next morning Alice and Cyrus went out to the diner for breakfast, leaving Ana and Will to a quiet morning in the kitchen. Will put on the coffee, and true to his word grabbed his phone so they could call Ruby.

Ana sat at the counter sipping tea as Will explained the basic function of the phone and showed her how to call someone, "I'll pick you up a phone today." He promised as he dialed Ruby's number, laughing as Ana jumped at the ringing noise.

"Hello?"

"Ruby, It's Will and Ana."

"Hey," Ruby's replied, "What's up?"

Ana motioned for Will to hand her the phone, she mimicked his action and held the device to her ear, "Good morning, Ruby. I hope it isn't to early."

"Maybe if just Will had called, but never for you, Ana. What do you need?"

"Will told me about your conversation lately. About my family, about Ella. And I was wondering if you could contact her for me, see if she would be willing to meet."

"I can defiantly contact her and see if she would be up for it," Ruby replied.

"Thank you, Ruby. This means a lot."

"It's not a problem, I'll call when I know more. Later."

"Goodbye."

Ana handed a smiling Will back the phone, "See, not so hard."

Ana nodded in agreement, "Now we wait."


"I already programmed my number in here," Will said as he placed the cell phone within reach of Ana's position on the couch, "And Ruby's, Granny's, Dr. Whale, and Dr. Hopper..."

"I could just come with you all if you are so worried, Will," Ana cut him off.

"No," Will argued, ignoring Alice and Cyrus's amused looks at the couple's banter. After Alice and Cyrus had returned from breakfast he left the trio while he made a run to the electronics store. He had gotten all three of them cell phones and was determined to make sure Ana understood how to use it before he left her alone to show Alice and Cyrus around. "You need to rest and it will probably be easier without the rest of us here to bother you."

Ana sighed, knowing she wasn't going to change his mind and rather have him leave now so he returned sooner, "I'll be fine. There is a ton of food, Ruby agreed to check in on me if you are gone for more than three hours and this town is smaller than the Tulgey Wood. Go."

He kissed her quickly, "Call if you need anything or feel worse."

"Everything will be fine," She said as Alice and Cyrus waved on their way out of the apartment. "Besides, I've been ordered bed rest, you have to teach those two how to survive in this world. You may be the one calling me."

"Love you," He kissed her again before heading out the door.

"You too."


Ana pouted as she sat across from Will drinking coffee in the kitchen. Will waited, sipping the hot liquid before acknowledging her pouting, "What's wrong, Ana?"

"I want to come shopping today." She said sitting up straighter and leaning across the counter. She had been, what she considered, the perfect patient. She stayed resting on the couch during the four days while Will had taken Alice and Cyrus out and about, trying to make sure they knew everything they had to know before they moved out. She read every book in Will's tiny apartment, trying desperately to keep her mind off the fact that they hadn't yet heard back from Ruby. She was quickly running out of entertainment, but felt much better. She also knew that if she didn't get out of the apartment soon she was going to go crazy, and that wouldn't do anything for her recovery.

"Alright, get dressed."

"I'm feeling much better, Will, honestly! I've stayed resting for the past few days just like… Did you say yes?"

Will smiled, watching her transform her put together argument face to a shocked expression that made him laugh, "I did. You rested, like I asked, and are doing much better. Besides, this shopping trip should be enjoyed by someone at least."

She smiled wide as she hopped off her stool and kissed his cheek, "Thank you, darling."

"Hurry up, yeah? We are leaving soon." Will smiled after her as she hurried down the hall to their bedroom. He knew she was going crazy being stuck inside the apartment. She had called Tweedle seven times in the last twenty-four hours alone and while Tweedle never uttered a single complaint, Rabbit made his annoyance known. She wasn't doing well not being in control of the situation, both in regards to Wonderland and making contact with her sister. Having her out of the house would be good for her.

He listened carefully, making sure the bedroom door shut before grabbing the phone. Alice and Cyrus had gone to the diner for breakfast, leaving the pair alone before their shopping trip. They asked if they had wanted to go, but Will knew the person he needed to speak to didn't get into work today until noon.

He dialed the number by heart and waited as it rang a few times before it was answered, "Hello?"

"Hey, Ruby. It's Will."

"What do you want, Will? It's my morning off."

"I know, I'm just checking in to see if you spoke to Ella."

Will waited, listening to the silence from the other end of the phone. "I did. I'm sorry, Will, but she says she has to think about it. Has Ana been asking about it?"

"No," Will answered looking to make sure the door was shut, "But I can tell she has been thinking about it."

"I can try talking to her again today, see if she has figured out what she wants."

"Thanks, Ruby. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye, Will."


Will couldn't hide the smile on his face when Ana came skipping down the hall a little while later, a smile bright on her face. She wore jeans tucked into black boots, a sapphire blue top that made her eyes sparkle, her hair pulled back off her face in a high ponytail, and a leather jacket similar to his own.

"I'm ready to go!" She said stopped in front of him.

"You look beautiful," He said kissing her quickly.

"Flattery will get you everywhere," She said kissing him again, "After the shopping trip, of course."

"Of course," Will rolled his eyes, wrapped his arm around her waist and leading them towards the door, "Come on, we have to meet Alice and Cyrus before they get too ahead of themselves."

"Honestly, darling," Ana said with a giggling laugh, "They've been in this world for nearly a week. You've spent days teaching them about cell phones, and stores and everything else you know about this world. I think they have a fairly good idea of what they are doing by now."

"One would hope, and one would be wrong." Will replied locking up the apartment and heading into town, with a happy Ana at his side.


Ana felt better immediately, walking down the busy Storybrooke streets with Will. It was without a doubt a better way to spend the day than sitting around on the couch with nothing to do.

They made it to the furniture store fairly quickly, and found Cyrus and Alice wandering around inside. According to Will, the apartment was mostly furnished and this was more to focusing on decorating the apartment, adding their own touch.

"Ana! Will!" Alice called pulling them over to the bedding they were looking at, "Finally."

"Sorry, darling." Ana answered, untangling her arm from Will's and moving to look at the bedding Alice was pointing out, "This is lovely."

"Yes, but do you think it goes with this?" Alice asked pulling Ana's attention away from the bedding and leading her further into the store.

"Could you have even imagined the two of them shopping for furniture together a week ago?" Cyrus asked with a laugh as the girls disappeared deeper into the store.

"They couldn't even breathe the same air without it ending in an argument." Will concluded following them into the store, "It's frightening."

"It's a miracle."


It was nearly two hours later when Alice and Cyrus had agreed on everything they needed for their apartment. The group now made their way back to the apartment to help move Alice and Cyrus's stuff in.

Alice and Cyrus walked ahead, Alice fishing for the key Will was worried she had already lost. Will had to admit it would be nice to have the apartment just to himself and Ana, but he didn't have complete faith in Alice and Cyrus's ability to survive by themselves in this world.

Ana smiled at him from her place next to him, "You still feeling okay?"

"Fine, darling." She smiled widely as they waited for Alice to unlock the door, "This was fun."

"Good," Will smiled as Alice pushed the door open. Ana hurried inside after the pair, excited to see the apartment for the first time.

"Oh, this is beautiful!" She exclaimed as she placed the bags she had been carrying down on the hardwood floors. It was a bit bigger than Will's apartment, but still one bedroom and one bath. The kitchen and living room were connected and filled with light. The furniture was modern and neutral, but the accessories they had purchased would help to customize the apartment.

"Isn't it?" Alice said happily. "Large and private."

"Lovely," Ana smiled wide, "Let's get you both settled then!"


The group had rearranged furniture, unpacked Cyrus and Alice'sbelonging and stocked the fridge by nightfall. Will cooked dinner in the apartment's kitchen, showing Alice and Cyrus everything they should know once again. Ana sat at the table and laughed at Will's frustration and Alice's feigned cluelessness to prompt it. Cyrus soon joined her, leaving the two best friends to bicker in the kitchen, delaying dinner by nearly an hour.

"We will see you soon," Ana said hugging Cyrus and Alice at the door, "Enjoy the apartment!"

"Bye," The pair waved as they watched Ana and Will walk down the street and out of sight.

"They will be fine," Ana said as she looped her arm through Will's.

"Probably," Will agreed smiling at her, "Nice place."

"Lovely," Ana agreed, "But I think our apartment is homier."

"Do you now?" Will asked with a smirk, "Well then, let's go home." The pair walked together down the street and back to the apartment, enjoying the peace and quiet of it being just the two of them.


Will wandered back into the living room later that night to find Ana digging through her satchel, "What are you doing?"

"I thought I'd check in with Tweedle," She muttered, "But I can't find my mirror."

"That's 'cause I took it," He answered heading into the kitchen and opening the pantry.

"You what?" Ana asked tossing the satchel to the side and moving into the kitchen as Will pilled ingredients onto the counter.

"I took it," He repeated his words turning to face her, "Hid it."

"Why would you do that?"

"There have been some complaints."

"Tweedle would never…"

"… But Rabbit would. How many calls have you made to Wonderland in the past twenty-four hours?"

"A few," She muttered sitting at the counter.

"Seven. That I know of."

"I need to check in!" She argued.

"Not seven times a day you don't!" He argued back, moving towards her and spinning her chair away from the counter so she faced him.

"Wonderland is important and I have to make sure my advisers are getting things done," She argued, eye level with him in the bar chair.

"They are advisers for a reason, they can handle things."

She smirked at his frustrated expression, "It seems we having differing opinions, darling." Her voice softened and she let the last word roll of her tongue.

"I suppose we do," Will agreed, "How about a compromise?"

"What are your terms?" She asked tilting her head to the side in contemplation.

"No more communication with anyone tonight outside this apartment. I'll turn off my cell phone and you put away your mirror."

"And what will we do to pass the time?"

He held up a bag of marshmallows, "Dessert."

"What are those?" She asked fascinating, reaching for the bag that he let her take.

"Marshmallows. An important ingredient in the making of a s'more. Do we have a deal?"

"I accept your terms," She said with a smile, kissing him on the lips in a sign of truce.

"Good," He said pulling away from her to place his cell phone on the counter, "Did I ever tell you about the time I almost perished like a s'more?"

"I bet it's a fascinating story," She laughed as he led her over to the stove, "Do tell."

"Well, once upon a time in Wonderland…" He started his tale as he showed her how to roast the marshmallow over the stove.


An hour later they sat on the floor in front of the couch with a plate of half eaten s'mores on the coffee table in front of them. Will's back rested against the couch, with Ana resting against him, his hands curling around strands of her hair.

"We should make s'mores every night," Ana commented as she popped the last bit of one into her mouth.

"Thought you'd like them," He answered as he kissed the top of her head.

"You know me very well," She said as she turned her body to face him, kissing him softly.

"You taste like a s'more," Will commented earning a laugh from her as they separated.

"So do you," She giggled as she kissed him again. "This is weird."

"I thought you liked the taste of s'mores?"

"No, us. Finally being alone together," She said quietly, "I never thought we would get back to here."

He pushed the hair out of her face and pulled her closer, kissing her deeply, "Then enjoy the moment."

She greedily returned his kiss, pushing him down until he was laying completely on the floor, her covering him. She ran her hand under his shift, moving up and down his chest before deciding to pull his shirt up.

They were pulled from their trance by the shocking sound of a phone. He groaned, but quickly kissed her, whispering between pecks, "Ignore it."

She nodded, kissing him again hungrily as the phone silenced, only to stop when it immediately started to ring again. "You need to get that."

"Whoever it is can wait," He argued kissing her again, "We had an agreement and there's nothing I'd rather be doing right now than kissing you."

"As sweet as that is, darling, someone is trying pretty adamantly to contact you," She argued sitting up so she was straddling him on the ground.

"I'm sure they can leave a message," He tried pulling her back down.

"What if it is Alice and Cyrus?" She argued, "They could be in trouble. It's there first night alone in this world."

He rubbed a hand over his eyes as he relented, knowing she was right. He sat up and kissed her before she moved off of him and stood up. The phone stopped and started again, "Ours too," He muttered as he moved to answer the phone, Ana following him into the kitchen.

"First of many," She comforted as she took her seat at the counter.

He pecked her quickly as she settled, picking up the phone and hitting the green button without checking to see who was calling, "Hello?"

"Finally, did I interrupt something, Will?" Ruby's approving laugh carried over the line and Will rolled his eyes, Ana gave him a questioning look.

"What can I do for you at this hour, Ruby?" He asked answering Ana's silent question of the caller's identity.

"It's not what you can do for me but what I can do for you. Is Ana there?"

Will watched her face to see if she could hear Ruby, but she didn't give any indication that she could, "Yes, why?"

"Put her on."

"Why?"

"Will, come on the sooner I talk to Ana the sooner I go away."

"Fine," He answered in a huff, holding the phone out to his unsuspecting girlfriend, "It's for you."

Ana took the phone with confusion, but held it up to her ear, "Hello?"

"Ana," She jumped slightly at the noise coming from the machine still not completely used to it, "It's Ruby."

"Hello, Ruby." Ana replied as she watched Will clean up their mess from making s'mores, "How are you?"

"I'm fine." She answered in a barking laugh, "I actually have some news about your sister, Ella."

"Is she okay?" The question slipped from Ana's lips quickly, dread filling her stomach, Will turning to face her at the sound of her voice.

"She is fine," Ruby answered quickly, "It took some convincing, but she has agreed to meet with you."

"She has?" Ana asked surprised, meeting Will's eyes with a tentative smile.

"She has," Ruby answered, "We were thinking tomorrow, during the afternoon lull at the diner. I'll be the only one working and the place is basically abandoned around that time. Does that work for you guys?"

Ana could feel her heart beating fast, nodding even though Ruby couldn't see her, "We can make that work."

"Great! I'll see you tomorrow. Go back to what you were doing."

Ana rolled her eyes, "Goodnight, Ruby." She handed the phone to Will who placed it on the counter when he saw Ruby had already ended the call. He waited patiently for her to find her voice, "Ella agreed to meet with me."

"That's what you wanted, isn't it?" He asked trying to gauge her reaction.

"Of course," She responded immediately. "I just didn't expect her to want to meet tomorrow."

"That could be good, she could be really excited to see you again."

"Or really wants to yell at me and get it over with."

"If you aren't ready I can call Ruby back right now," Will offered, moving to stand in front of her stool and place a comforting hand on her shoulder, "We can reschedule."

"No," Ana answered quickly, "She agreed to it and I don't want to risk her changing her mind. I'll be fine."

"You sure?"

"Positive," She answered, fully meeting his eyes, her gaze determined.

"Let's get to bed then, tomorrow will be a big day." He said pulling her from the stool.

"We didn't finish dessert," She argued, thinking back to their previous activities.

He wrapped his arms around her, "You're shaking. You're nervous about tomorrow and not in the mood for anything but some sleep. We can make more s'mores tomorrow."

"Promise?" She asked with a smirk as some of the butterflies in her stomach settled, replaced by a new feeling.

He kissed her, "Promise." She accepted this and the two moved to bed, both anxious for the meeting that would take place in a few hours.


A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter, let me know what you think! Have a good start to the week!