Part 9
Disclaimer: I wish, but no, I don't own the characters/show.
"So…you okay?"
Okay? She's miles from okay. Charming stuck in a sleeping curse, Henry with Regina, and all on the chance that she and her estranged daughter can defeat the most powerful witch of them all and in doing so find a way home.
Of course she won't be telling Emma any of this, they might be in it together but her private thoughts are still her own, and she desperately wants to believe Charming, just as much as Emma when they both expressed their faith in finding a way back. But still she has to say something, her daughter starting a conversation out of the blue is still unheard of despite everything, and she will not waste the opportunity, even if the subject matter is touchy to say the least.
"Not really," she settles for vague answer.
"I know the feeling," Emma nods, keeping pace as they bring up the rear. It's obvious that neither Emma or herself trust Mulan enough right now to let her follow behind them, and as for Aurora's escape, Snow can't help but feel itchy. Something wasn't right there-
"Were you really going to kill her?"
The question startles her, but Emma's voice holds no judgment, only curiosity, and it compels her to answer more than anything. But what to say? Would she have driven that arrow home?
She slows her pace, making sure to put more distance between her almost victim and Aurora.
"Honestly? I don't know. I admit, I wasn't in the best state of mind back there. Seeing your father was, well, it opened up more vulnerable spots than I was prepared for. And in that moment I was ready to do whatever was necessary to see us home, even kill. But what I also know is that for every life you take yours is affected, so you must choose wisely when fate puts you in such a position."
It's the best answer she can give, she only hopes that Emma can understand. A quick glance tells her Emma is looking straight ahead, seemingly lost in thought, and Snow let's her be, continuing their walk.
"I think I get it," she finally speaks up, and Snow quickly glances back, trying to catch her daughter's eye.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. You might remember a certain mad hatter and a croquet mallet?"
She nods, remembering that night all too well.
I cannot lose my family.
"By rights he should have been dead from that fall, but you did what you had to do. You protected me. I didn't get it then, how this little mouse of a school teacher could Sparta kick a full grown man out a window, but I do now."
Emma's speech fades off, and for a moment Snow thinks she's done, but then, in almost a whisper Emma continues.
"You weren't willing to lose your family either."
It's true, and it hits the heart of her hard. She'd never quite realized it as Mary Margaret, but ever since Emma had arrived she'd been looking out for the blonde, watching over her in her way. Just as much as she was purposefully doing so now.
"Yes," she nods, taking another big chance and reaching for Emma's hand. They've jumped so many hurdles today, would one more be too much? But without a second thought Emma meets her halfway, and the elation that flutters in her chest at the feeling of her daughter's hand in hers makes her ready to take on anyone else who dare stand in their way. Especially Cora.
And that thought, she tightens her grip on Emma's hand, feeling her squeeze back, is no idle threat.
