Truth Be Told

Hope and Andy were standing in the janitorial closet and Hope was finally about to tell him the whole truth.

"You told me your secret, now it's time I tell you mine." Hope started. "I've been avoiding the L word because like I told you when we first started dating, I'm going to have to go back home at some point. Sometime soon I assume, it's really up to my brother. Where I'm from, you don't just fall in love and walk away. When we love, we love hard and true and eternally and I thought that if I never said it, it would never be true but I know better. I love you Andy and I don't know how I will be able to just let you go."

"There are long distance relationships." Andy pointed out.

"They never work, it especially won't where I'm from. Brace yourself." Hope laughed. "I'm from another universe. Fairy tales are just stories based on real people and Snow White's my grandmother."

"… And they say I'm crazy."

She chuckled. "Look at me, hair black as ebony, skin white as snow, lips red as blood." She said the last part flirtatiously.

"That doesn't prove anything."

"Why don't I prove that magic is real?" She touched his arm and teleported them to Maleficent's living room. He moved back and fell onto the couch. "Keep calm."

"Where are we?" Andy asked.

"Where I've been staying, Maleficent's house in New York City and when I say Maleficent, yes I do mean from Sleeping Beauty and no she's not a villain… anymore." She sat next to him. "I know it's overwhelming Ranger but it's the truth. Now everything is on the table." He sat there wide-eyed. "That's okay, don't say anything yet. When my mom told my papa this he revealed he was from the same world and his papa was Rumplestiltskin." Hope laughed. "She was more surprised than he was. That's why they always said, 'Always start a relationship with the truth.' So I tried to do that with you as much as possible… After all you've just learned about me, you should understand why I was so understanding about the toys. Speaking of toys…" She held out her hands and a Buzz Lightyear and Woody toy, both with Andy still written on the bottom of the feet, appeared in her hands.

He jumped back. "Get those things away from me. I gave them to a little girl years ago."

"Ranger, calm down. It's okay."

"You don't know what I've gone through."

"I don't but after what you've just seen, don't you believe that anything's possible? I know crazy and you're not it. I think you're just traumatized." She looked down at the toys. "So Woody, Buzz, if you can hear me, talk back, move or something. Do something to let Andy know he's not crazy. You must love him the way he loved you, I mean you were his toys."

"Hope, just stop. At this rate you'll have me back in the asylum."

The toys began to move. "You're not crazy." Woody said.

Andy scooted back on the couch and grabbed a pillow. "This isn't real. It's all a dream."

"Sorry but you're wide awake." Buzz Lightyear said.

Hope got face to face with Andy. "Listen to me, you're not crazy. The toys are enchanted. You know like in Beauty and the Beast when the candle talked? It's just magic… Look at me, you're not crazy. You never were." She hugged him.

-v-

The next morning, Vella awoke on her twenty-second birthday to Bae bringing in a tray of breakfast to her, eggs, sausage and pancakes topped with a blue candle.

"Happy birthday Princess. Ready to make your first birthday wish?"

"First?" She questioned as he sat the tray in front of her.

"Absolutely." He smiled.

She blew out the candle and made her first wish of the day. "Do you feel better than you did last night?"

He forced a smile. "Yes."

"Baelfire, do you know when I'm lying to you?" Vella asked, he knew where she was going with that.

"Yes."

"Do you think I'm unaware of when you're lying to me?"

"… I guess not."

"You guess right. You know I'm here for you whatever it is."

"I know… but it's your birthd-"

"I know you want me to be happy and these past few days with you have been wonderful but if you're not happy then I'm not happy. I know you understand that."

"You know I'm protective of Hope. I worry about her. I wonder if it would have been better if she'd stayed home with my parents instead of coming with me and I miss my family. That's all."

"Hope is fine. I know you have a bit of a hero complex but-"

"I don't have a hero complex."

"Aww! You do baby but that's okay, it's one of your charms. However, you can't protect her from everything. You have to have faith that things will work out for the best. She's alright, isn't she?"

"Yeah…"

"Things are going to go wrong sometimes but it works out… Wow, haven't I've grown?"

Bae smiled. "Yes."

"Damon was totally caught off guard by it." She referred to her growth but quickly realized she put her foot in her mouth.

"Damon? What about him?"

Vella sighed. "He may have followed me to my dorm room a couple weeks ago…"

"What?" Bae exclaimed. "What did he do?"

"Calm down Charming. Hero complex, remember? I handled him, choked him, kneed him, put in a headlock, he got the picture. I didn't let your little sister put me through basically boot camp for nothing. He was so scared, I don't think he'll ever come near me again."

"That's my girl." He kissed her.

-v-

A brooding Henry was in the castle's library reading about different spells. No one takes into account the different things you can find in the library. No one looks there for things like this but he did learn a thing or two from his step-grandmother Belle. His mom locks up her spell book and it can only be opened by blood magic but he can't because that stupid bracelet was still on his wrist. He was working on how to get that thing off. He'd been buttering everyone up in hopes that they would trust him again and his mom would take it off. It seemed to be working. So he was one step closer to his revenge on Goldie, not to mention the closure he desperately wanted from the situation.

-v-

After the last discussion on how they were going to handle King George, the royals were having a little small talk to take their minds off of it for a moment.

"I'm starting to worry about papa and Jane. They should have been back by now." Neal said.

"They're fine." Regina stated as a matter of fact.

"You don't know that." Neal replied.

"The man lived a few centuries, a simple trip won't kill him and he would protect Jane from anything." Regina said.

"He was The Dark One for most of that time." Neal pointed out.

"He made it fifty years before becoming The Dark One and he's survived twenty years after. Not to mention he was the longest living Dark One ever. He's fine. They both are." Regina insisted.

Then Roland walked in with an announcement. "We just got a letter from grandpa."

"See. Listen to your big sister." Regina said.

"I'm older than you!" Neal exclaimed.

"Technicalities." Regina said.

"Not this ultra-weird conversation again. Can one of you just read the letter?" Emma jumped in. She didn't want to hear her grandmother and husband debate about who was older. Bad enough they're siblings and she tries to pretend like they're not because well, she likes thinking of her step-grandmother as her grandmother. That's been in her head her whole life, she can't just turn it off. Plus, her husband is technically two hundred years old. Whatever but it's a litt;e... odd.

Neal began to read the letter aloud. "Dear family, I'm writing to inform you that Jane and I are fine. Jane has fell in love here and married a man raised by apes…"

"Apes?" Everyone echoed.

"Yes apes." Neal continued word for word. "He's not quite ready to go into the real world yet so we will stay longer than expected. I'm not sure when we'll be back but hopefully it won't be too long. Will miss you all sincerely dearies, see you soon."

"Raised by apes?" David repeated. That's fascinating.

"Graham was raised by wolves. What's the difference?" Snow reminded.

-v-

The next day, Bae went back to Maleficent's and settled in again. It was a Sunday so everyone was relaxing.

"How was the trip?" Emery inquired.

"Wonderful." Bae replied with a smile.

"Did you tell her?" Emery asked.

"Not yet." Bae said.

"What are you waiting for? Do you think the many holes of information about your life goes unnoticed?"

"No. I was going to tell her before you called me about Hope but I lost the nerve afterward. Besides, Hope was on my mind… We almost lost her."

"But we didn't, that's what matters. However, I understand. It's been bothering me as well."

"Do you think I have a hero complex?"

Emery laughed. "Of course but we all do. My parents – your grandparents are Snow White and Prince Charming. My sister – your mother is ordained the savior. We come from a long line of royalty that has made a difference in our world. There's a legacy, it's natural that we feel as though we need to live up to it. To top that, we find out that we're the most powerful people to ever live in most world's and you know what they say, with great power comes great responsibility. So yes, you, I and just about everyone else in our family has a hero complex. We know no other way but sometimes we may need to take a chill pill as they say."

"Duly noted."

"Here's something I hate to drop on you right now but I want you to be aware… I know I came here as your support but although Mel can visit, I'm not being fair to her. Mom told me how she felt all those years without dad and Mel doesn't have to be without me so if you're not ready to go back home in six months, I'm going to go and I think it's best Hope goes with me."

"That's fair. I understand. I'm not sure how long I'll be here, hopefully I'll know before then. Have you spoken to Hope about this?"

"Not yet and I don't know if she'll really be ready."

"Well, I'm glad you came. This experience wouldn't have been the same without you here."

"I'm glad too. Honestly, I did want to try something a bit different." Emery said before Hope walked in the living room and sat in between them.

"How do you feel?" Bae asked.

"Good. Alive. I told Andy the truth and he told me his truth. He didn't take my news as well as I took his. I helped him with his problem but I think I just scared him more. He'll be alright."

"What exactly was his truth?" Bae asked.

"His toys talked to him when he was a child. They put him in a mental hospital. In actuality, they were enchanted. He's trying to take it all in."

"Do you think he may be a bit much for you? Or maybe not strong enough for you?" Bae questioned.

"No! He's just traumatized and a tad neurotic but he's intelligent and kind and I love him."

Bae and Emery looked at each other. "Love?" They thought.

"Yes, I said it. I love him so I'm not going to walk away from him. When you love someone you love them through everything. So what he's not the bravest, he's been through a lot. You both can save your opinions. I'm a big girl." Hope got up and strormed out of the room but popped her head back in a second later. "I love you both." She kept walking away but she had to add that. Nothing like knocking at heaven's door to remind you to make sure you say those three words every time you get a chance.

"She definitely won't be ready to go home." Emery repeated after that ordeal.

-v-

Four months later…

Vella was promoting her first two singles, music video and EP. Things were moving pretty swiftly but it was going well because she had a good team. She was tired, finishing up her last semester of college, promoting her album, modeling and spending time with Bae but it's the happiest she's ever been.

Today she performed on Jimmy Kimmel, Ellen and she just finished her set on The Real. She met Bae backstage.

"That was amazing! I mean, I don't usually get star struck but these are people I grew up watching, people who have inspired me. Three talk shows in one day, I can't even believe it. It's all happening so fast but it's happening!"

"I'm happy for you Princess." There's nothing that warms a man's heart more than seeing his woman's face light up.

"Well my Prince, we better go so that we can catch our plane. I still have to go shopping for the masquerade ball tomorrow!"

The college was having a ball and all the students were excited for it, a ball wasn't something you get to go to too often in your lifetime in this world. Oh the irony of going to a ball with a prince who you don't even know is a prince.

The next day came, Vella, Amy and Sam were getting ready at their dorm and Hope, Bae, Emery and Melody were getting ready at Maleficent's. Vella got Emery and Melody tickets to the ball since they didn't go there.

Bae went to Vella's and knocked on her door looking like the prince he is in a sharp, classy tuxedo with his mask on top of his head and a single red rose. She opened the door revealing herself in a deep wine colored gown, short in the front, long dramatic back with a sweetheart top, accented with lace. Her hair was in it's natural big curls. She was gorgeous. Bae could just picture her in his world in a beautiful gown but of course he was getting ahead of himself because he'd have to tell her about his world first if she was going to go there.

"You are radiant." Bae said before he kissed her.

"And you are absolutely dapper." She replied as he entered the room where Wherever You Go by The Calling was playing in the background. Her roommates had already left. "I know dancing isn't really your thing but don't worry, just follow my lead."

"I will follow you but I can lead on the ballroom dancing, I'm actually pretty good at that."

"You never cease to surprise me. Where did you learn that?"

"I sort of grew up learning."

"Really? And where exactly did you grow up?" Vella waited for an answer. She was starting to pick at the subject. Enough was enough.

"You know, far-"

"-Far away." Vella finished a bit irritated and went over to the mirror to put her earrings in.

"What's wrong?" He could make an educated guess but he asked anyway.

"What's wrong? I've tried really hard to be patient with you but it's been too long. What are you not telling me? We've been together six months now, eight if you count when we were just hanging out and I still don't know where you're from or even where you live now. I mean, far, far away was cute when we were fourteen and even when we met again but now it's ridiculous. I don't trust people but I trust you and although my instincts tell me I should, I could be wrong and I really don't want to be. What the hell am I supposed to think when you jump around the facts of your life like a damn kangaroo?"

Bae sighed. He should have never procrastinated this long. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'm not perfect. I got scared. I don't know what will happen once I tell you the truth so I wanted to stay in our perfect little bubble but we'll never move forward if I don't." She turned to him with her arms folded, waiting on the truth. "Okay… have a seat, please." That didn't sound good but Vella sat on her bed hesitantly. "Truth is, you do know where I live now. I've been staying with Maleficent for the past eight months."

"Maleficent lives in New York. I'm supposed to believe you fly from New York to Michigan to work at a diner and horse stable?"

"No… You know all those strange stories I tell you about fairy tales? They're real. They're what actually happened and most of them I'm related to in some way. Fairy tales generally start with, 'Once upon a time in a land far, far away.' I'm from that land, that universe. I'm from a place called Misthaven or The Enchanted Forest."

Vella had a blank stare on her face. "OMG. You're crazy. Just my luck, I fall in love with a nut."

Bae chuckled. "I know it sounds crazy but it's not. Snow White and Prince Charming are my grandparents actually. That's why it's kind of funny when you call me Charming."

"Oh God." She said with an eyebrow raised.

"I can prove it." He took her hand and grabbed her stuffed crow off the bed then went by the window and opened it.

"What are you doing?"

"If you can believe in magic, you can believe in anything so I'll show you." He held the stuffed crow in the palms of his hands and stared at it then suddenly it became a real crow and he set it free out of the window. She jumped back, eyes wide open. It was dead silent. "Say something."

"… We have a ball to get to." That's all she said as she headed toward the door and he opened it for her. He didn't know what to think. She wasn't talking.

Bae had a horse and carriage outside waiting for them. Vella had grown to expect such things from him but it finally made sense as to why. Vella was silent the whole way there but a million things were running through her mind. They entered the ball arm and arm with their masks on as did most people and ran into Amy and Sam.

"It took you two long enough." Amy said.

Vella was in a daze, she was there but not really.

"V! Vella!" Sam called before Vella finally snapped out of it.

"Oh. Sorry. Hey! Nice turnout…" Vella said, still not fully in the moment.

"Excuse us." Amy said, taking Vella aside with Sam to find out why she was acting so strange.

Emery, Melody, Hope and Andy walked up to Bae.

"Hey bro!" Hope exclaimed.

"Hey… I told Vella the truth."

"Finally. What did she say?" Emery asked.

"That's the thing. She hasn't said anything." Bae replied.

"Well, she's here. That's a good sign. If you scared her off, she wouldn't be." Hope said.

"Take it from me, it's a lot to take in. Give her some time." Andy said.

The music changed to something for a classic ball to give them a chance to fully embrace the occasion and do an actual ballroom dance. The couples began to dance and Bae went over to Vella.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" Bae asked. Vella looked up at him and took his hand. He led the beautiful dance and for a moment when she finally stopped her mind from running away with her, she really did feel like a princess. Then she stopped dancing abruptly and looked him in his olive green eyes.

"You're Snow White and Prince Charming's grandson? So technically, you really are Prince Charming. Like Prince Charming the second or something? I'm in love with Prince Charming. I'm in love with a Prince. You're a real prince? Is your real last name Charming?" Vella sped through all that with no breath in between.

"Wow. To answer your questions, yes and my last name is actually Cassidy though there isn't much use for it where I'm from. Charming is just a nickname my grandma gave my grandpa like you gave me."

"Let's go somewhere."

"We just got here."

"I can't keep my focus here. We need to talk. I want to know more."

"So you're not bothered by what I told you?"

"No! I'm in shock and it's starting to wear off so now I just want answers. I'm sorry for how I reacted or my lack of reaction but-"

"It's okay." He took her hand and they left the ball. "I want to take you somewhere." He embraced her close to him then teleported them to central park.

"What the hell? Are we in Central Park?"

"Indeed, we are."

She hit his chest. "You've been able to do that all this time and you let us spend all that time and money on planes and hotels?" Vella yelled.

"I'm sorry?"

They sat down on a bench as a horse and carriage rode by."

"When my papa lived in New York, he used to come here because it reminded him of home. He proposed to my mother here after her prom."

"Sounds romantic."

"I know I should have told you sooner. My mom didn't even wait this long to tell my papa the truth but then again, she finally told him because she was pregnant with me. I just didn't tell you because telling you came with a decision."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm from another world. Do I stay here with you or would you go with me?"

"Oh… Would you stay here with me?"

"Of course I would. I told you I've loved you since we were fourteen. What I didn't tell you is that I had this feeling that you were my soulmate and I came back to find you."

"Wow. That's something one only dreams about hearing but I wouldn't make you stay here with me. I love you Baelfire, I would follow you wherever you go. There's nothing holding me here. I'm going to graduate next week and have nowhere to go home to. You have so many people you love and who love you, I wouldn't ask you to let that go. That's a blessing not everyone has and you shouldn't let it go."

"But your career, you've worked so hard for it."

"A career doesn't keep you warm at night. I can sing and use my other talents and knowledge anywhere. So you were worried for nothing but it's good to know you would stay with me if you had to."

"I know this is sudden and I kept some things from you but from now on, I promise I'm an open book." He pulled the engagement ring that's been in his family for generations out of his pocket. "Legend has it, true love follows this ring wherever it goes and I promise I will love you for all of eternity, if you will have me. Will you marry me?"

"… Yes Baelfire, I will marry you." Vella replied with a smile as bright as the sun.

He put the ring on her finger and they kissed passionately.

"So you want to head back to the ball?" Bae asked.

"Sure…"

"Then maybe you can stay with me tonight and I can tell you all about my world and my family."

"Great! If I'm going to be moving to a whole new world, pun intended, then I want to know everything about it. Hey, do you know-"

"Jasmine and Aladdin? Yes. They're friends of my grandparents. We're friends of their daughter."

"Interesting!"

They went back to the ball in a less tense spirit, overjoyed actually. They danced the night away but when it was almost over, Vella found her friends.

"Don't wait up. I'm staying with Baelfire tonight." Vella informed.

"He's finally taking you to his house?" Sam questioned.

"I've been there before." Vella replied.

"That's not what you said, last week." Sam said.

"I've been there, okay. A couple times. Besides, we have some things to discuss." Vella turned her head and slowly stroked her hair so they could spot the ring.

"You're engaged?" Amy exclaimed.

"Yeah! Can you believe it?"

"Congratulations!" Amy hugged her.

"Isn't that a peridot stone? Aren't they known as a poor man's stone." Sam said.

"Excuse me? First of all, genius, a peridot stone is believed to increase prosperity and happiness which I imagine is why this has been in Baelfire's family for generations. You don't have to like it, I love it. It's not even about the ring, it's about the love and the fact that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. I didn't know you were so shallow. What is your problem with Baelfire anyway?"

"I just don't want him to hurt you. I don't want you to jump into anything. You're only twenty-two… I'm just sorry that I wasn't there for you when you were with Damon." Sam said.

"… Baelfire isn't Damon. He's a beautiful person. We can get through anything. I know we can. Besides, what's age when you have eternal love?" Vella said like a flower child in 1968.

"You're sure?" Amy asked.

"Absolutely." Vella responded without hesitation.

"Sometimes it seems like he's pulled you into some fairy tale and you've lost touch with reality." Sam said.

Funny she should say that. "Sometimes life is a fairy tale. What's a fairy tale anyway? Life is rough then suddenly a door opens and there's light and true love prevails and that isn't about romance. It's about the most powerful, realest thing to ever exist and ever will exist winning."

They were taken aback by Vella's blissfulness but that made them realize something.

"Wow. If you're this happy and positive, who are we to question it?" Amy said.

"We've known you for four years and have never seen you this happy." Sam acknowledged.

"It's true but don't get me wrong, my happiness isn't dependent on Baelfire, though he is a big part of it. I'm finding peace with my past, myself and I'm seeing the light more than the darkness."

"I'm happy for you." Amy said.

"We are happy for you." Sam corrected before they shared a group hug.

Meanwhile, Bae was talking to Emery and Hope.

"We got engaged!" Bae announced.

"Finally!" Hope exclaimed.

"Great news! Do you know when you'll be ready to go back home?" Emery inquired.

"Soon, I'm sure." Bae replied.

"Not before the prom." Hope stated.

"Why do you need to go to a prom when you've been going to balls all your life? This society has proms because that's all they get." Bae questioned.

"Exactly. I have a friend who I am not going to bail on for one of the most memorable moments in her life. I'm her only friend and she doesn't have a date or anything. It would be terrible… Speaking of dates, can one of you-"

"No." Bae and Emery interjected in unison.

Hope's mouth was wide open from shock, they didn't even let her finish the question. "Come on! What kind of prince's are you? You're just going to let a poor young girl go to a dance all by her lonesome. Grandpa would be so disappointed in you two."

"Ugh! Don't be so dramatic. I'll take her." Emery volunteered.

"Now that's the Prince Charming Junior you were raised to be!" Hope leaped over and hugged him then kissed Bae on the cheek. "Congrats bro!" She exclaimed before going back to Andy.

"You know, she's a master manipulator." Emery realized.

"That's the Rumplestiltskin genes." Baelfire said.

"So you're a master manipulator too?" Emery asked.

"It skipped me." Bae kidded as Vella came back over.

"Welcome to the family Princess Vella." Emery greeted.

"Thank you! I've never had an uncle but I'm glad I'm inheriting you."

"Believe me love, you'll be inheriting so much family we might have to quiz you just so you can remember who's who." Emery joked.

The night was beautiful but long and time to come to a halt so Bae, Vella, Emery and Melody went back to Maleficent's while Hope took Andy back to his apartment.

-v-

At the castle, it was time to go after King George before he came after them and what better way to show the kingdom that their dedication and especially Henry's dedication had not changed then by having Henry help them take on King George. They're fighting for the kingdom and its people, they have to believe in them again.

Regina and Robin pulled Henry aside.

"Lately, you've really been showing us that you've been trying so it's only fair that we do our parts and give you a real chance so…" Robin started.

Regina waved her hand and the bracelet appeared in her hand. "Prove us right. We love you. We always will no matter what. Now a family that fights together stays together so help us defeat King George."

Henry just nodded. He would help them, it is his kingdom too but he was just so relieved that bracelet was off so that he could follow through on his master plan.

-v-

Emery and Melody took the pull out couch and were lying down facing each other in deep conversation, both pleased that Emery would be coming home soon. Melody was going back today, since it was after midnight. She probably wouldn't have to come back to visit again before they get back home. All that realm traveling can take a toll on a mermaid.

Bae and Vella were in the guest room, in the bed chatting. They were both still excited. Bae was relieved his birthday wish came true and he finally got that secret off his chest. He couldn't wait to start the next chapter of his life with Vella and Vella felt the same. Bae also promised the details of his family and life and she was ready to know now, partly because she was fascinated but also because she wanted to move to the next phase of her life with an open book. No secrets.

Speaking of open books, Bae had the Once Upon a Time book out for reference and because it's captivating to someone new to it. He would move on to the other books later but for now, he'd start at the beginning. He did have Stories from Other Realms next to him just in case it came up.

"Are you ready?" Bae asked.

Vella nodded with a smile.

"I don't know, if we start talking about my family we might not get done until the sun comes up." Bae joked.

-v-

Meanwhile, Hope was at Andy's apartment and instead of dropping him off and leaving like she was supposed to after midnight they got in his room and started talking about what they meant to each other, how much closer they were after getting things out in the open and accepting everything that came with it. To sum it up…

"I love you, Hope. That's not something I take lightly. I also can't thank you enough for showing me that I'm not crazy. Of course, nothing can stop anyone else from believing that." Andy said as they sat closely, not even an inch apart.

"I love you too. I never expected to come here and fall in love but I did. As far as everyone else, I know it hurts but you can't let them have power over you. You have to be secure within yourself first." Hope replied now forehead to forehead.

"I am. It just gets lonely sometimes. Sometimes I think you're the only one who really sees me." They kissed which slowly became making out which they did often but never in a bedroom. It always just enough to get those young hormones jumping but not enough to quench the thirst. Now that everything was out in the open, there were totally no guards up so they let go, they let go way too much. Clothes were coming off, a gown here, a tuxedo there…

To be continued…