Running Out Of Time
Chapter 35
Storybrooke – Snow's POV
"Are you sure it is okay for us to use Henry's room?" Snow asked as she cradled her baby boy and watched her husband struggle to hand the mobile from a rafter in what had been their grandson's room.
They had pushed the bed to one side against the wall and moved the crib into the middle of the room where the bed had once stood. David was currently up a small ladder reaching full stretch to attach the beautiful unicorn mobile so it hung just above the crib.
"He seemed pretty sure they wouldn't be coming back to live here" David replied, "and with the whole of that big house between the three of them then who can blame them."
Mary Margaret could understand why in the long run it made sense for Emma and Henry to move in with Regina. As Charming said it was more spacious than their tiny apartment, especially now there was a baby in the family. If Emma and Regina truly are true loves like Emma's lion tattoo suggests then them living together is inevitable. However Snow can't help feeling a bit selfish though and wishing it wasn't quite yet. Plus it was all very sudden. Only a few days ago she thought Emma liked Hook and Regina liked Robin.
"Don't you think it's moving a bit quick between the two of them?" she asked her husband. He had finally finished hanging the mobile up and was climbing down from the step ladder.
"Regina and Emma?" he asked as his feet it the floor. "No quicker than we did once we had finally found each other."
His words were accompanied by a wide smile at the use of his trademark phrase. He looked adorable and it made her smile too.
"That is true" she admitted, giggling slightly at the fond memories. Pretty much the second they had finally found each other after the sleeping curse they got engaged. So in comparison Regina and Emma were moving quite sedately.
She wondered how Regina was holding up. David had informed her of his conversation with their grandson when he had first arrived home. It had been utterly shocking to her to discover Regina was in fact Rumpelstiltskin's daughter and not Prince Henry's. She could only imagine how Regina felt because Henry had been the one person to always stand by her no matter what occurred or what she did. Snow wasn't sure how she would feel if put in the same position.
"It looks good" she said, turning her attention back to the nursery. She placed Charming Junior in the crib and smiled brightly. "It's nice to see it finally hanging over the crib of one of our children and not just in an empty room."
David moved the step ladder to the side and stepped alongside her to admire the view. Instead of smiling though his brow wrinkled in deep thought.
"Do you think Emma will be okay?" he asked quietly. "It was meant to be for her and I remember how she felt in the Echo Caves when we mentioned having another child."
Snow remembered it well too. The look of fear and hurt in her daughter's eyes had been unmistakable and painful. However they couldn't stop living their lives just to abate Emma's fears just as Emma couldn't and shouldn't stop loving Regina to abate Snow's concerns. They would just have to move through their issues together; supporting each other as families are meant to.
"She knows we love her" she assured her husband.
"I don't think that was the issue" he countered quickly. "I think she's just sad that she had to grow up alone when her little brother will have us."
It had crossed Snow's mind in the moments before they were all to be sent back to the Enchanted Forest after Pan had cast his curse that Regina had been wrong in describing Emma as having 'escaped the curse'. Emma had not been affected by the curse like everyone else but she had spent twenty eight years living the effects of it. Snow and David….well they may have lived twenty eight years apart but until the day Emma came to Storybrooke they had been stuck in a kind of time loop. Every day had reset itself and therefore their punishment had actually been minimal although the months that followed Emma's arrival had been trying. Emma on the other hand had lived twenty eight years feeling abandoned and unwanted passed from one terrible foster home to another. As Emma herself had once said; which curse is worse?
"Not a day goes by when I don't feel terrible for the decision we made to send her through that wardrobe" she admitted to her husband. "Yet I know it was the right thing to do and when faced with the same decision I would do it again."
Her husband still looked thoughtful and sad so she reached out and gave his hand a squeeze. 'We' was probably a bit of a stretch as it had been her decision and he had reluctantly agreed. Yet they had shouldered the guilt and the blame in their daughter's eyes evenly. Never once had he corrected either woman.
"I pray we never have to" he replied, reaching into the crib to hold their baby's hand too. "Once was one time too many for my liking."
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Storybrooke – Emma's POV
Emma had just got herself comfortable on the sofa in Regina's study. Her pile of paperwork was stacked on the coffee table in front of her ready to begin. She heard the door creak open to the side of her and glanced across to see her girlfriend struggling into the room with two steaming cup of coffee's. She had been surprised when the brunette hadn't immediately followed her but also quite grateful to have a few minutes alone to pull herself together.
"Why are you sitting there and not at the desk?" Regina asked as she placed the mugs down on the coasters next to Emma's paperwork.
The brunette remained stood on the opposite side of the coffee table and Emma gazed up at her. The blond hadn't even considered sitting at the desk as it was Regina's domain. The brunette probably had a place for everything and Emma didn't want to move anything she shouldn't.
"I didn't know if I was allowed" she admitted.
Regina snorted in amusement but also dropped her eye line to the floor, making it hard for Emma to understand what the older woman was thinking. After a couple of seconds the brunette looked up again and stepped around the coffee table so she was stood by Emma side.
"Sit at the desk with me and I'll give you a hand" Regina offered; reaching out her hand to help the blond up. Emma took the offered hand and stood.
"You're going to help me with my paperwork Madame Mayor?" she asked flirtatiously, running the hand that wasn't still clasped in Regina's from the brunette's sternum and down to her flat stomach.
"At least it will be filled in correctly for once Sherriff Swan" Regina sassed back. The brunette stifled any remark Emma could muster in return by placing a soft kiss on the blonde's mouth.
Emma smiled into the kiss and extended it by stepping forward into it as Regina began to pull back. When they both pulled away Regina picked up the two mugs again and placed them on the desk. Emma followed her over with the paperwork and sat down on the brunette's plush office chair. She expected Regina to pull up another chair or find purchase on the edge of the desk but instead the brunette took a seat on Emma's lap so she was at ninety degrees to the blond. This gave Emma room to be able to read and write the paperwork although the blond wasn't sure if Regina was going to help her as much as distract her.
For the first ten minutes the brunette helped her go through the first two pieces of paperwork, counting up figures much quicker than Emma could on her own and directing the blond were to fill in certain details. It had all been done in near silence as Emma's mind still kept slipping back to her parents. Then, after Emma had signed and dated the second piece of paperwork, Regina took the pen out of her hand and placed it down on the table in front of them.
"Talk to me Emma" the brunette pleaded.
Emma wasn't used to having someone to talk to about 'her feelings'. Sure her parents had tried at times but it was usually awkward and they had a habit of preaching rather than advising or sympathising. She had on the odd occasion tried to talk to Hook about things that bothered her but he had always put her issues down to her unrequited love for him and made her wish she had stayed quiet. Having a loving girlfriend was very different for Emma and it was both comforting that she had someone to support her and terrifying. The brunette's pleading eyes and warming close proximity gave Emma confidence to try and explain her confused emotions.
"I'm okay" she promised her girlfriend. "It's silly really and immature but sometimes I just get jealous that this baby will get everything I missed out on."
It wasn't until the words left her mouth and Regina's face fell that Emma remembered the role the brunette had played in her abandonment and the way the words must have cut the older woman. Emma really hadn't meant to make Regina feel guilt or sadness especially as Emma had long since forgiven the brunette for the casting of the original curse.
"I'm sorry" Regina said sadly, letting out a deep regretful sigh.
"No you're not….you got Henry out of it remember" Emma stated with a slight smirk. It reminded her of the brunette's words when Pan had them all tied up to is stupid tree. Regina had stated clearly then that the curse had led her to Henry and that was all that mattered to her. That probably should bother Emma but then she didn't regret being drawn into this crazy life in Storybrooke because she had been given the chance to connect to the son she had once given away. Children had the power to have that effect on you.
"That doesn't mean I am not sorry for the life my actions caused you to lead Emma" Regina cut in, frustration lacing her voice. "Sorrow and regret are two different things. You can regret something because it got you into trouble but not feel sorry for your actions."
Emma nodded, able to understand the brunette's sentiment. Emma had regretted meeting Neal for a long time especially during her stint behind bars. Yet at the same time she wasn't sorry that she had met him because for the first time in her seventeen year life she had been happy. Even if it had only been for a short time it had been something for her to hold on too.
"I on the other hand am sorry that you grew up without your parents but I don't regret casting the curse. We have Henry…and we have each other. How can I regret something that enabled both those things?" Regina finished. Emma could see the uncertainty and fear in the older woman's eyes. The blond supposed it would take them both a while to get used to the fact that the other wasn't going to suddenly bolt to the exit because of an awkward conversation or a disagreement.
Emma entwined her right hand with Regina's and reached up with her left hand to brush some strands of brunette hair that had strayed over her girlfriends face. The action caused brown eyes to gaze back at her with such adoration and hope that Emma's heart beat twice as quickly in her chest. It felt like the organ was being squeezed.
"I'm not angry with you Regina or with my parents…or even with Gold for playing puppeteer" she promised her girlfriend. "I guess I just have abandonment issues to deal with still."
Regina's gaze fell to their combined hands in the brunette's lap and she began moving her thumb steadily over Emma's knuckles. There was a brief silence whilst the two basked in the affectionate contact before Regina spoke up again.
"Your parents love you and need you still Emma even though they have a new baby" she assured her. It was sweet that Regina was trying to comfort her given the brunette's own distressing situation. They hadn't even really talked about what had happened earlier in the day yet and instead used physical comfort to temporarily chase the demons away.
"I know" Emma replied before lifting their entwined hands and placing a soft kiss on Regina's knuckles. "What about you?"
"I love you and I have no intentions of ever letting you go" Regina responded immediately, not understanding he question. Emma liked the answer though as she loved hearing the brunette say the words 'I love you'. She kissed her knuckles again in response before correcting her.
"That's not what I meant but thank you and I love you too" Emma chuckled as she spoke. Regina looked at her blankly before finally catching onto the meaning of Emma's words.
"Oh you are asking me about my family issues?" she clarified, dropping her gaze to her lap again.
Emma continued to kiss the brunette's knuckles and the back of her hand until the older woman had composed herself enough to answer the question. The play of emotions on Regina's face was utterly breath taking. Emma had never met anyone who could look completely beautiful no matter what emotion she was feeling. Jesus the older woman even cried like an angel. The Disney fairy tales had certainly messed up in their portrayal of the Evil Queen because there was no question she was the fairest in any land, not in Emma's mind anyway.
"I accept that Rumpelstiltskin is my father and that for Henry's sake if not my own I need to try and embrace that" Regina replied evenly. "I'm just not sure when or how I can go about doing so."
Emma remembered her own dilemma when faced with the news that her parents truly were Snow White and Prince Charming AKA Mary Margaret and David. The first step to dealing with the news had been acceptance…that had been half the battle. Then it had been the shit storm of emotions that followed. That had taken a lot longer to manoeuvre her way through to the point where she could comfortably call them mum and dad.
"But you are okay?" Emma asked.
Regina smiled softly and leant in, leaning her forehead against Emma's left temple and stroking their fingers together again. Emma could feel the brunette's soft breaths tickling her jaw line.
"I would have been a mess without your support" Regina conceded, "but with it then yes…I am more than okay."
Regina's breath was replaced by soft lips slowly tracing Emma's jaw from her neck to her chin before rising to claim the corner of the blonde's lips. Emma turned her head so that their lips met fully. The brunette immediately responded by wrapping her right arm around the younger woman's shoulder and drawing her in close. Emma entwined her left hand in Regina's hair whilst her right hand ran up and down Regina's left arm. A left arm whose hand had found its way to Emma's breasts causing the blond to arch and moan at the contact. They were finding it increasingly hard to keep their hands of each other but Emma was very aware that they were not home alone.
"Henry is next door" she pointed out as they broke the kiss. Regina instantly halted the movements of her rogue hand and let out a deep sigh.
"Yes he is" the brunette agreed, before pecking Emma affectionately on the lips and then the nose. "So come on let's get this paperwork over and done with and then we can spend some mother, mother and son time with him."
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Storybrooke – Belle's's POV
Belle had learnt how to cook long ago at Rumpelstiltskin's castle but cooking in the very modern Storybrooke was a new skill. It had taken her a while to grasp the basics of all the appliances in the kitchen but now she was very adept at making meals and enjoyed it immensely.
Today she was making her fiancée's favourite, roast beef, potatoes and root vegetables. There was a reason for the extra effort. Rumpel had been very low and reflective after Regina had visited the shop, discovered she was indeed his daughter and left in a hurry this morning. He was currently sat in the living room in front of the fire and staring off into space.
Once the food was prepared Belle placed it all in the oven to roast and headed through to the living room. Rumpel was still sat stoically in front of the fire watching the flames like they were a television.
"Food will be about forty five minutes" she informed him. Belle was convinced he had heard her even though her words drew no response from him.
It was no surprise that Regina's rejection would hit him hard after his son's death but Belle was confident that the former Evil Queen would accept him eventually. Regina had lost too many family members already to push away another.
"Rumpel she WILL come around eventually just give her time" she tried to cheer her fiancée up. "It's been a huge shock for her and she is a not a person who deals with surprises well."
Rumpel finally dragged his eyes away from the flames and looked her way. There was a hopefulness there that made her heart ache. She liked these rare moments of vulnerability he showed her especially as he was always so strong and indifferent in front of others. Belle sat on the arm of her fiancée's large comfortable chair and gave his shoulder a comforting rub.
"I think Henry is keen to help you with wedding plans" Rumpel spoke up.
Belle was glad he was making conversation with her now especially as it was wedding talk. She was very keen to be married as soon as possible so it was a welcome topic and she had already started putting some ideas together.
"I've already told my father and he has given us his blessing" she told him. "It's not like we want a huge wedding that will take time to organise, just something personal to us and simple."
Rumpel nodded at the new information about her father and took her hand affectionately. Belle had made the call just after they had arrived home and had been pleasantly pleased how positive her father had been. His opinion of Rumpel had improved when he had given his life to save others against Peter Pan. It had convinced him that Rumpelstiltskin did indeed have a heart capable of love.
"If you let Henry loose it may be a bigger event than we envisioned" Rumpel quipped.
Belle and Henry had discussed the wedding earlier whilst Rumpel had gone to fetch lunch from Granny's. She had been impressed by her soon to be step-grandson's ideas, input and eagerness. Most teenagers would not be thrilled by the prospect of wedding planning but Henry was not a normal teenager.
"Actually he thinks we should have a small family wedding by the wishing well officiated over by Archie" Belle replied. Rumpel quietly mulled the idea over before smiling and nodding.
"I actually really like that idea" he admitted.
Belle really liked the idea too. The wishing well was significant to them because they had been heading there when she had recovered her memories and they had been united. It had also been the location that allowed Rumpel to bring magic to Storybrooke and enable his search for his son to continue. She couldn't think of anywhere else more fitting and was sure that with some subtle lighting and decoration it would look beautiful.
Whilst she was reflecting on Henry's ideas Rumpel had become quiet and thoughtful again. His eyes had travelled back to the flames of their fireplace again. She had hoped a conversation about their wedding would bring him out of himself but that plan seemed to be failing.
"What are you thinking?" she asked her fiancée.
"I had always imagined that Baelfire would be there for our wedding" Rumpel replied solemnly.
Belle took a deep sigh before reaching out to stroke her fingers through his hair. Neal had only died a couple of weeks ago and the wound was still very fresh. It had all been made worse by the fact her fiancée had not been given the proper opportunity to grieve. He had not been able to attend his own son's funeral as he was a puppet to Zelena. Belle had been left to carry the burden of organising the funeral and tombstone on her own.
"Henry will be there with his mothers and the Charming's" she reminded the older man. Other than her, Henry seemed to be the thing that brought her fiancée joy now.
"Do you think she'll come?" Rumpel asked.
He didn't have to say the name for Belle to understand who he was talking about. He was hopeful that Regina would attend but scared that she wouldn't. Belle was convinced the brunette woman would come if only for Henry's sake.
"Yes" she answered her fiancée truthfully. "I'm sure she will."
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Storybrooke - Hook POV
Killian pulled the sheriffs cruiser into the parking bay nearest the moored fishing boat he had been living in since returning to Storybrooke. He had closed up the Sheriff's station just ten minutes before, safe in the knowledge that it was Charming on call tonight so he'd get a moments peace.
Although working as the Sheriff wasn't very physically taxing most of the time it was often mind numbingly boring which actually was quite tiring. He also wasn't very good at tolerating people's stupidity so remaining polite and keeping his mouth shut had taken up a fair bit of energy too. So he was looking forward to showering and settling down with some food and a drink. The fishing boat had a small TV and DVD player which Mr Smee had shown him how to operate a couple of weeks ago. The DVD collection on the boat was small so he had purchased a few more during his lunch break.
Ruby had flounced into the Sheriff's station during the afternoon with a box of clothing for him. She had told him the pirate outfit was getting a bit old and boring now so she'd found him some clothes that she thought would suit him and his style. He had been dubious at first but on opening the box once she had left he had been pleasantly surprised. She had given him some black jeans, various black and white t-shits and two black leather jackets. One was short and one was mid-thigh length. The package had also contained underwear and socks which he had blushed at and some sleepwear. It looked far more comfortable than what he usually wore to bed so he was eager to clean up and get changed into them.
One ten minute shower later, Killian was sat in his living space in his new chequered pyjamas with a plate of cold meats, cheese and bread in front of him. He had just started watching one of his new DVD's, an action movie with lots of armoured people swinging swords around. The movie was making plenty of noise between the war cry's and the clashing of swords so any slight sounds from just outside the dock where drowned out. It wasn't like there was ever much noise or movement down there at this time in the evening anyway. All the fishing boats were docked by this time so apart from the occasional other boat resident returning home from the bar it was all quiet on the waters of Storybrooke. So it was a huge surprise when there was a terrible roaring sound from outside the boat that echoed around Hook's new home like rolling thunder.
Hook grabbed the scabbard which contained his sword and his old Pirate coat before dashing onto the deck of his boat. He flung his coat on as he leapt up the stairs, protecting himself against the cool night air. His bare feet were cold as the raced across the chilled planks of the deck. Once he was out in the open he gazed out across the dock, quickly locating the origin but not the reason for the sound. In one of the abandoned warehouses just a hundred feet away there was an abnormally bright light emanating out of the building and upwards into the sky.
Hook jogged across the dock as quietly as possible, his bare feet aiding his attempt at sneaking up on the building. As he reached the slightly ajar door he un-sheathed his sword and peered around the heavy entrance way. He wasn't sure what to expect although if he had been forced to guess he'd have put money on a man or woman performing some sort of magic. Instead he was aghast to see a large mechanical and rather magical looking device spinning around in the centre of the warehouse. It emitted a bright green light which was being amplified by numerous mirrors which were spinning around the object.
Behind the object was a large hanging curtain made of shimmering material. Hook could see some sort of movement behind the material but he decided given the scenes unusual nature he should call for help before investigating. So he slipped back behind the door again so he was outside the building and grasped the spare Deputy Sherriff cell phone he had been given. He racked his brain to remember David's instructions. Press the little button at the side of the phone to unlock the screen… press 1…press the large green button. Hook hoped he had that right as he pressed the cell to his ear. To his relief he could hear it starting to ring.