A/N: Sorry this took so long. I have been attending a film festival with a friend and didn't have much time for writing. However, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I think it might answer a question I keep getting.

It was the fourth time that the annoying music had played, drums and thumping in Mary Margaret's ears and two women trying to do a dance from the 1990s that looked a bit like the activities in kindergarten. Ruby was sure that the dance moves to the Macarena included a kick step somewhere in the not so intricate patterns of hand gestures. She had decided that Emma just had to learn the dance that was somehow a part of her repertoire though where she had picked it up she didn't know. The waitress spun a bit too much, throwing her long arms out for balance and yelling whoa as Emma stepped in to brace her.

"That looks more like the hokey pokey," Mary Margaret commentated from her spot on the loveseat with Belle. The two women might not have known each other before – at least according to their cursed memories and Emma's recollection of having never me the woman in the Enchanted Forest. But they were getting along famously as they laughed over some sort of magazine with crazy quizzes for every occasion. From what was their most likely occupation to what side of the bed did their soulmates sleep on, the two had plowed through it and announced their results with loud gusto. Admittedly Emma and Ruby weren't exactly paying attention.

"I thought we were going to watch movies," Emma mentioned to her pseudo-dance teacher. "Just a quiet respite from our lives?"

Ruby wrinkled her nose, cheeks flushed from the alcohol. "Don't trust Mary Margaret's taste in movies. It's Nicholas Sparks or animated. There is no in between." The teacher protested loudly as Ruby waved her off. "Intentions don't count when I'm watching another angst filled love scene before a main character dies and we all curl up with tissues, a blanket and our thumbs in our mouths."

"I'm not that bad," Emma's mother declared from behind the magazine. "Tell her, Emma."

Ruby was back to fired up. "We need to look no farther than Ms. Blanchard's bedside table to see the evidence." Strolling through the open area of the loft space, Ruby grabbed what she needed and returned. "For your consideration," she said, posing with a dog eared copy of a book as if she was a game show model. "We have a copy of, 'The Notebook.'" She threw the book down. "A box of tissues." She held up the box and dropped it too. Emma stepped in to steer Ruby away from her current argument and distract her with a few more musical selections.

Belle held the wine glass more elegantly than an escaped mental patient should, at least that was what Mary Margaret thought as the two toasted to their new bond over laughing at Ruby and silly surveys. Some of the laughs were directed at Emma, who while elegant, appeared completely lost at the silly dance moves. "Is it elbows and then shoulders or shoulders and then elbows?" Emma asked, carefully backing away from a more stable but still teetering Ruby.

"What exactly is a girls night in?" Belle asked with a tentative softness and trepidation. "I suppose it means the girls doing something together inside."

Ruby was ignoring the inquiry, lifting her drink high above her shoulder and grinning at Emma. "To finding lost people!"

"That's a toast?" Emma scoffed, but still lifted her tumbler and tilted it gently to her lips. If Ruby had been sober, she might have noticed that the blonde's lips remained closed. However, she let out a loud whoop and continued her parade through bad dances.

Mary Margaret was more observant. "Are you not a fan of tequila?" she asked Emma as she sidled up next to her and retrieved the package of cookies. Emma shot her a look. "Hey! I'm not the one pouring my drink back into the pitcher. I saw you."

"The taste doesn't agree with me," Emma said, glancing to see if Ruby heard her. "I didn't want to hurt her feelings."

The teacher giggled at that thought. "I don't think she's feeling any pain."

***AAA***

There was nobody on the street when the mayor of the town of Storybrooke pushed the stroller with the sleeping infant toward the pawn shop that appeared to be dark and shuttered for the evening. She was moving quickly, not bothering to appreciate the sleeping town that she ran or the quietness that would have soothed most after a tough week. She did not have to wait long at the door of the shop, instead the owner seemed to be waiting for her and ushered her in with a quick look to the deserted street to see if anyone was lurking.

"I don't usually entertain visitors so late," Mr. Gold stated with a small smirk. "I'm afraid I have brewed no coffee or tea to offer you."

She was not in the playful mood that his words required. "What is she doing here? Emma should not be here yet."

The man's grin grew a bit wider, as he was the type to enjoy someone else's distress. "This is the reason for your clandestine visit to me?" he asked. "I am shocked and disappointed. I thought we might have some new material to discuss."

Regina glanced down at the peacefully sleeping child and tried to calm herself. "What does she know? She's been snooping. I know that."

He did not acknowledge her question at first, gazing at her intently. "Your mother," he said. "She was such an intense student. She wanted everything right away. There was no following a process for her. She merely wanted it all and wanted it right then. Conversely you were more reluctant. Oh, you wanted to learn magic, but you also hated yourself a little more with each new skill and talent."

The woman let out a frustrated sigh. "I came here for answers and you're giving me a history lesson?" she almost shouted if not for the baby. "How does this have anything to do with Emma? We don't even have magic here in Storybrooke."

His hands clenched and released automatically, eyes still intensely studying her. She still wore the pants and blouse of her pantsuit, the jacket left behind in her haste for answers. He still wore the dark grey suit that seemed tailored to him, impeccable despite the late hour when most would be much more casual. However, the image of him relaxing in front of a television or dozing after a snack seemed out of place. "We don't have magic," he confirmed. "It's a terrible void really. One that I had anticipated. However, magic always exists. It might be dormant or sleeping, but it's there. Sometimes in unexpected places."

Headlights from a passing car pierced the dimly lit room and Regina resisted the urge to cower from them. "So why are we discussing magic?"

The unflappable man smiled again. "My dear magic was ripped from those of us brought over in the dark curse. That curse removed everything that made us unique and special. It took away more than memories and happy endings. It took away identities. And magic was linked with our identity. It always is. For a person who has a gift of magic can never expect to live an ordinary life of say a princess or queen of some far off kingdom as her parents are swept into a new realm."

Regina's dark eyes closed and her hands gripped the padded stroller handles for both comfort and support. "What are you telling me?"

"She still has hers," the man said. "Emma is still magical. She has not completely embraced or honed her skills, but she has them. They are a part of her."

There was no hiding the shock on Regina's face. "How do you know?"

The impish man gave a shrug. "She's meant to break the curse," he reminded her. "It's her destiny. Nothing is forever, my dear."

"Not until she's 28," Regina protested with the pitch of a whine. "She's only 24."

"As I said, time is a funny thing. It is nothing that really exists, as we make it up to make order and sense out of our lives. Why do you think we all look as we do here?"

Regina hated to be confused and hated other people's knowledge even more. She frowned angrily at the man. "Tell me," she seethed.

"You cast the curse, dearie," he said. "We all appear as you picture us. Snow, Charming, Red, the Huntsman, even those insipid little dwarfs. Everyone's identity here is your mind's eye turned into a new reality."

"And Emma…"

"Is going to destroy it all," he answered in an emotionally flat tone. "She may be here early, but she's here. And I don't see how you can stop her when it is destiny that she complete this."

"There has to be a way," Regina insisted, her nostrils flared and her eyes widened. "You know, don't you?"

He circled around to the other side of the counter, now putting a barrier between them. "Her magic, like most, is derived from emotion," he said, voice lifting on the last word. "If one were to, say, isolate her so that she had no emotional tethers, it might be reduced or even go dormant. It's not a permanent solution, but a temporary fix. She'll still break the curse. It would just buy you more time."

***AAA***

The loft was quieter once Ruby had decided that dancing was not as much fun when the room spun and her stomach lurched. At some point she had laid out on the floor with a throw pillow under her head and an arm folded over her eyes. As the conversation normally flowed, she was talking to Mary Margaret and Emma about men.

"I know he's not the only man in Storybrooke," she said declaratively. "He's not even the best looking man. It's just that he…"

Mary Margaret shifted in her seat to rest her arm on the back of the chair and her head at the crook of her elbow. Belle had already drifted off and from the heavy lidded expression of Emma next to her, she knew the blonde wasn't far behind.

"He made me forget that I'm just a waitress or that I've never even been out of this place. I'm stuck and he was a distraction."

"There are other distractions," the teacher suggested gently. "I know that I…"

Ruby rolled to her side, groaning a bit at the fast movement. Propping herself up on a bent arm, she looked disdainfully at the woman. "It's different for you," she said. "Sure you live like a nun now, but there's a guy for you. You'll get married. Have babies. And you'll get what you want. I don't want that. I want more. I want to have adventures that don't include wondering how much someone's going to tip or having to battle with Granny over how late I'm out."

Mary Margaret cooed sympathetically. "You'll have them Ruby."

"Sure, and you'll get your perfect guy. You seem to have gotten David's attention."

"He's a married man," Mary Margaret protested. "And I was just…"

Ruby chuckled. "He isn't married for long," she said. "At least that is the rumor. Seems he told that Katherine he's done." She smirked brightly. "And I hear he may have asked how to get in touch with you."

Mary Margaret blushed. The tall waitress looked upward dramatically. "What about you, Emma?" she asked, straining her head back to look at the quiet woman. "Are you looking to settle down like Mary Margaret or you an adventurous type too?"

Emma blinked as though she might not have heard the question. "I suppose," she said slowly, carefully choosing her words. "I suppose I would like both. Why should we have to choose?"

Ruby looked pacified, but Mary Margaret grinned knowingly. "With Killian?"

Emma dropped her gaze to the faded rug on the floor, her toes digging into the softness. "I suppose," she said quietly. "I can't picture anyone else."

"That's the curse of this town talking," Ruby sighed dramatically. "So few options." She wrinkled her nose.

Mary Margaret gave a gentle kick to Ruby, shushing her. "Emma doesn't need options if she's found the one for her, which I think she has." She turned her face back to the blonde. "I think it's romantic. We need more of that in this town. We need romance."

Again the waitress wrinkled her nose. "I don't need to know about that. I want to know the fun stuff."

"The fun stuff?" Emma asked, wide eyed. "What would that include?"

Mary Margaret rolled her eyes. "Ignore her. She's drunk. Tell me more. When did you know? I mean when did you know he was the one?"

Ruby groaned loudly and rolled onto her back again. "I want to know where is the kinkiest place they've done it and you want the mushy stuff. Typical."

Emma blushed, not used to the boldness of her mother's friend in that way. "I don't suppose there is one moment," she said to her mother shyly. "Perhaps when I first heard him say my name." She smiled at the memory of it, the shy and timid way he had dropped her title at her request. She knew that he had been reluctant, relying on propriety, but he had said her name at her request. It was the moment she realized he was something more than her guard and chaperone.

Mary Margaret's smile was wide. "That's so sweet," she cooed again, her foot at the ready to kick Ruby if need be. "Do you love him? I mean truly?"

Emma again blinked, her face pink and glowing. She had not pictured having a conversation like this with her mother, but it felt normal in a way. "Yes," Emma answered honestly. "I am."

***AAA***

Killian had actually managed more than a few hours of sleep, something he felt he should be celebrating. However, his brother had other ideas. Liam had been up since before dawn and pacing. He'd eaten breakfast as soon as the diner opened and returned to pacing outside Killian's door until the younger Jones had finally thrown open the door with an angry scowl.

"What has gotten into you?"

"I have an idea," Liam announced dramatically. "It's perfect."

A yawn broke Killian's silent stare. "Can it wait for breakfast?"

The impatience on the older brother's face was almost laughable. "I've eaten. You would have never been such a laze about on my ship. Why are you this way now?"

Again, the younger Jones brother yawned. "This place is different, brother," he said, running a hand over his face. "It is customary here to appreciate the quiet moments. Now if you will give me a moment I shall make myself presentable for breakfast and we can discuss this idea of yours then."

"I should think you would want to hear this now," Liam said with a pout that was usually reserved for the younger brother. "I have thought…"

Killian held up his hand. "No ideas before breakfast," he said. His body leaned against the frame of the door and his other hand held the doorknob. "It can wait that short amount of time."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Liam looked to the room beyond Killian's shoulder. "She came back last night? Is that why you are so reluctant?"

Killian raised his brow in confusion. "She? You mean Emma?"

"Of course," Liam said irritably. "I know of no other woman who would be having a dalliance in your quarters. Is she here now? Is this…" He smirked. "Why are you so tired?"

Killian frowned. "No," he said. "You were with me when we left her at the loft. "She is not here." The lieutenant shot a look back into the room at the bed with a bit of regret that he was not lying.

Liam laughed. "You know, brother, I may not relish the idea of the crown finding out about your feelings for the princess, but it is entertaining to watch. My brother in love with a princess. It has made you soft."

He scoffed at the idea. "I am not soft," he challenged. "You are simply…"

"Now, now," Liam laughed again. "I meant nothing by it. Just enjoying the idea that my brother might someday have people bow to him as royalty."

***AAA***

Ruby stumbled over a pair of shoes that she did not recognize and plunged for the loft's only bathroom, hoping it was a short trip and not occupied. She was in luck and sank to her knees to empty the contents of her stomach just in time. Resting her head on her hand, she vowed never to drink so much again, no matter her emotional state.

"Do you need some water?" she heard a voice ask her. "A cracker, perhaps?"

Ruby reluctantly turned her head to the bright and pulsating light that silhouetted Emma in the doorway. She grimaced as the light pierced her and made her wish she was still asleep. "Tequila is not my friend."

"I should think not," Emma said, crossing the tile floor to kneel down next to her. She soothed back the hair that was across Ruby's forehead. "It is few people's friend."

Ruby nodded gently and groaned when that movement. "What are you doing up?" she asked, realizing that from the silence of the loft that they were the only two stirring. "Shouldn't you be in this position too? You drank as much as I did."

Emma smiled gently and did not correct the assumption. "I have to get to my job," she explained. "Are you sure you don't want a cracker? They do help." She dug into the bag she had dropped when she knelt and pulled out a sleeve of saltines.

Reaching out to pluck one of the crackers, Ruby looked at her curiously. "Do you normally carry such items in your bag? That many hangovers?"

Emma laughed at the image. "No," she said, handing her the rest of the package. "You keep these and I'll get you a glass of water." She stood and patted the other woman's shoulder.

Ruby scooted herself to rest her back against the bathtub, relishing the coolness through her shirt. Knees pulled up under her chin, she wondered if anyone would mind if she slept in the tiny room. Her head ached miserably and her stomach churned as she bit into the bland cracker. She would have to thank Emma for her attention, she thought. The woman was understanding, more so than any of her other friends.

Ruby let her head come to be cradled between her knees, hugging her arms around her legs. She looked around the bright room with the cheerful daisies on the counter and pencil sketches framed on the walls. Even the black and white tiles were arranged in a soothing pattern that would not upset someone with OCD. There was a flash of yellow that caught her eye in the form of a folded slip of paper just beside the closed tote that Emma had left in her quest for water.

Granny had always warned her that curiosity rarely brought good results. If something was a secret, it was rightly so. One did not need to know everything to be happy. But Ruby was curious. Unfolding herself, she trailed her fingers along the tiled floor and dragged the paper back to her with her index finger. Sighing, she peeled back the edges and straightened out the thin yellow form. Her eyes scanned it and saw boxes checked and numbers scribbled, recognizing it as a bill from the hospital. At the bottom in Victor's handwriting was the diagnosis.

"Emma's pregnant?" Ruby asked the room.