Summary: Word is starting to spread about the marriage difficulties of Storybrooke's most illustrious royal couple. Ruby and Dorothy are also having problems.
Meanwhile, David reaches a decision on his family's future.
Snow White had left the family home on Sunday afternoon, with a single suitcase. She'd originally planned to stay at their old flat, which was still unsold, for a few days, to allow Charming, and her, time to cool down.
She'd realized, after what he'd said when he came back, and his reactions ever since finding out, that her behaviour many years ago, with their closest friend, could have been construed as cheating. Could have! She'd even said so. But even now, in her heart, she still felt that, with Ruby, it really wasn't really the same thing! After all, they had a past before she'd even met him. They'd become intimate. Lovers, even. Friends who were always there to comfort one another when both were being hunted down. But when Charming came along, everything changed. The force of nature that her future true love became, changed all that. David was her everything. But Ruby remained her closest friend. Her confidant. Her comfort. And even when David would spend days courting the princess, before he'd proposed and while she was on the run, Snow often found refuge in the evenings, in hidden places with Ruby.
But her eventual marriage changed all that. It had been unspoken, after he proposed, but Ruby began to keep more of a distance from Snow, to allow the couple to build their relationship. However, that damn dream catcher of Gold's revealed the rare times the two women sought simple affection and comfort in one another. Fuck Gold and his toys!
Snow hated magic. Hated it with a vengeance. Magic had poisoned her mother, been used to murder her father, the king. Magic had enabled a demented psychopath to usurp his throne, to try and chase down and kill her, destroying many more innocent lives in the process. The mere fact that white magic had enabled Emma to return and break their curse, restoring their memories and finally uniting their family, did nothing to alleviate the pain of having lost the first twenty-eight years of her life! And now, even her son had magic. And from what Regina had told her, Neal's would probably be just as powerful as his sister's one day!
And now, magic would probably be a cause of the destruction of her family. Why the hell did Merlin have to give Charming that damn blue stone?
As it looked like Snow would be living in the flat much longer than planned, she realized she would have to return to the farm in the morning, to bring more clothes and toiletries and…everything. Especially as it was looking increasingly likely that this was to be her home for the foreseeable future.
Her cell phone interrupted her thoughts.
"Ruby?"
"I just picked up your voicemail. You're in your old flat?"
"I've been here all afternoon. Who told you?"
"Dorothy. She and David were on duty together. And before you ask, he told her all about that blue stone he used on you. And the questions he asked you!"
"Sorry, I don't…" It took a moment for her to realize the implication. "Oh."
"Yeah, oh! Only thing is, she borrowed the bloody thing, brought it home, and started asking me the same questions! Course, she didn't tell me what it was, till after it went red!"
"Oh Ruby, I'm sorry. Where are you?"
"Standing outside your place. Can I come in?"
The Nolan Farm
It was nearly eight o' clock when Regina arrived at the farm, with Neal, after the day spent in Storybrooke, having texted his father beforehand to let him know she would bring him home.
"Thanks for bringing him back, Regina," he said as the boy raced in, dropping his bag by the table, thanking Regina and bounding up the stairs to change.
"No problem. He's already had dinner at our place, so he shouldn't be hungry."
"That's kind of you. He loves spending time with you guys." As he spoke, he noticed the former Evil Queen seemed unusually…twitchy. "Did you have a good time?"
"I did, surprisingly. I'm not usually keen on watching people firing pieces of wood at things. But…having Merlin there made it interesting. Although having my husband apparently using my own son for archery practice isn't something I'm altogether comfortable with! Oh well…"
"Archery…I'm sorry?" he said, confused.
"It doesn't matter…I dare say you'll find out about it in due course. Is Snow in?"
"No. She's erm…she's out."
"Really? I haven't seen her around the town for a few weeks now, which is most unusual for her."
Was she fishing for information, like most of the town? "Regina, I'm quite sure you've already heard about our recent disagreements? I'd be amazed if you haven't because the town's rumour-mill is very much alive and kicking!"
"I may have heard…something," she admitted, as the famous royal brow arched. "But you should know me well enough by now, to know that I've never been one for idle gossip, David! No, I actually wanted to talk to you both about your son."
"Neal? Why, what's he done this time?"
"Nothing at all. There's nothing wrong, he's just delightfully mischievous, as always. In fact, he played a rather good trick on Robin today, and got his just comeuppance for his efforts! No, the reason I wanted to talk to you is because Merlin has opened a summer school for magically gifted children. But I can leave it to another time if it's inconvenient?"
"No, it's fine. I'm sorry if I was a little curt, Regina. And for earlier today. I've a lot on my mind right now. Come on inside. Coffee?"
Normally she would have declined, as the Nolans always made god-awful coffee. But her curiosity about his situation with Snow was aroused, especially after what Emma had told her. In confidence, of course. It would be nice to be ahead of all the gossip for once! "That would be nice," she lied.
For the next twenty minutes she explained Merlin's proposal for educating the children, and how some of the adults would all be involved, some travelling to and staying at the magical school. As they talked, Charming seemed to lighten considerably, happy to forget about all his marital issues for a change, and just focus on the future.
"And you told Neal all about it?"
"Merlin did. He seems thrilled at the chance! You know David, in the years to come, he could turn out to be a very powerful magician. He's acquired his magic much earlier than Emma or me, and he seems to adapt very quickly. This could help him avoid many of the pitfalls we faced. He'll probably ask if you'll let him come shortly."
"Well, if you're entrusting Honour and Charlie to this school of his, and Emma's doing the same with her two, that's good enough for me! If Neal wants to do it, then I'm all in."
"I'm going with all of them, but Charlotte won't be having any lessons just yet, as she's a little too young. But Roland will."
"Roland? But he hasn't got magic! Has he?"
"Yes, according to Merlin. This will help him uncover it, apparently. I'm sure Neal will be delighted, but surely you'll want to check with Snow first, to make sure she's agreeable?"
"No. I'll sign the consents and let her know."
That was a surprise. Charming never did anything without his wife's agreement. She also couldn't help noticing the sadness return to his eyes at her mention. Emma had told her about what she thought was the cause of the bust-up, but it was only when someone else had confirmed it, she realised just how serious it had become.
"Well…if you're sure?" At that he silently nodded. "David…" She wanted to stop and leave, but something prevented her. "Neal told me what's happened. With you and Snow. I'm sorry."
"He told you?" He almost visibly deflated. "I really wish he hadn't."
"I didn't ask him to, I swear. After we fed him at home, he seemed to change when I said I was bringing him back here. He seemed very upset all of a sudden, so I took him into the study, and he suddenly came out with it. He told me he'd eavesdropped on you. Again, I'm sorry…"
"Yeah. Me too." He looked up at the ceiling, towards Neal's bedroom, and she saw his now-watery eyes almost waiting to cry. "He shouldn't have to face all this."
"David, it's none of my business and I'm not going to ask you about something so deeply private, but I would like to say something about me. Do you remember the time when Marian first arrived in Storybrooke?" He again nodded. "You were there when I told Emma I loved her. That I was in love with her."
"Yeah, I remember. She said the same thing back to you, as I recall. Lot of tears. All very emotional."
"Indeed. But by then, she had a one-year-old and a husband, who she loved even more than me! Marian and I weren't quite together as a couple then, but even she saw how I felt for your daughter."
"What are you trying to say? It's not the same thing, Regina. Not the same thing at all! It's not like you found out Marian or Robin was being unfaithful right after your wedding now, is it?"
Regina's eyes widened. Neal hadn't told her that bit! "True. But what I'm saying is, it's possible to be in love with more than one person. In my case, I have Robin and Marian. Me, the Evil Queen, capable of loving two wonderful people? Yet still have feelings for your daughter, which I have no intention of acting on!"
"Precisely! But what if you did act on them, after you married? Do you seriously think Robin and Marian would stick around? I hardly think so…"
"Probably not. But Snow is very much a product of love. Much as I find her infuriatingly gushing at times, she represents love and hope, like no one else! She and the wolf were stupidly close before you even came on the scene. And if all the well-founded rumours at the time are to be believed, you were also no stranger to Ruby's bedchamber before you married? We all know Snow's full-on emotionally, so she probably didn't even equate it to being wrong. And…frankly, if you do have a dog in the house, it will occasionally get on the bed!" Even as she said it, she regretted her poor choice of analogy. "Sorry, but you know what I mean."
"She's moved out. She's living in the old flat…"
"Moved out? Permanently? She's moved in with her?" Regina was horrified.
"What? No. I'm not sure. But…there's something else I discovered earlier today which just made it…well any way, she lost her temper and left…"
"David, I don't know what going on in your head right now; but all I know is that this evening, I had a heartbroken boy crying on my shoulder, desperate for his father not to leave the family home. You and Snow need to sort this out quickly. Before it's too late! Go see Hopper, or something! Everyone else in this godforsaken town does! If you want, I'm more than happy for Neal to come stay with us for a few days while you clear the air. The girls adore him. But you need to fix this, fast. That is, if you want to?"
Back in their old first floor flat, an overwrought Snow sat with her best friend on the old battered sofa, holding hands, as they comforted each other over their ongoing problems. The two women the truth stone had insisted were in love with each other. There were now no more tears, all effectively cried out over the last few days and weeks.
"I'd better get back home. Dot's going to be wondering where I've gone."
"You never told her you were coming over here?"
"No. The mood she was in, I thought best not to! She'll have calmed down by now, I reckon. At least I ruddy well hope so!"
"Well, thanks for coming over. Honestly, I really appreciate it."
"No problem. That's what best friends are for, right? It'll sort itself out in the end, Snow, you'll see. Still, I'd better-" Ruby stopped the moment they heard the loud rapping came from the front door.
"Who the hell's that, at this hour?" Only a couple of people even knew where she was! Snow stood to go answer it.
"Emma?" Snow stiffened, surprised to see her daughter. "What are you doing here so late? How did you even know I was here?"
"I spoke to Regina a few minutes ago. She'd just left the farm after she dropped off Neal, and…" that's when she spotted Ruby Lucas, now standing, over her mother's shoulder. "What the hell's she doing here?" She snarled the last words out. "Haven't you done enough damage?"
Ruby flinched. "I was just leaving, Emma."
"Good! You've more than screwed up my parent's marriage, don't you think! Fuck off!"
"EMMA!" Snow was horrified. "Do not-"
"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I HAVEN'T started!"
She shrank back from her daughter's furious stare. "Yes, I think it's best you go now!"
It started up again, within seconds of the wolf leaving.
"How could you do that to him? To dad, of all people!"
"Emma…you don't understand."
"What's to understand? You and Lucas? You're married, for fuck's sake! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
"Emma, I don't know what you've heard…"
"My little brother, devastated, because his mother's been sleeping with a married woman! How could you?"
"Emma, I'm not getting into this with you, until you calm down."
"Calm down? Do you deny it?"
"Emma, please calm down! And sit. I can't talk to you while you're shouting at me. Come in. Sit down. And we'll talk."
Five minutes later, Snow brought a mug of hot tea over, leaving it on the small coffee table in front of her daughter, which she ignored. They hadn't lived in the flat for a good few years, and it was spartanly furnished due to them occasionally renting it out from time to time. As Snow studied her daughter's stormy expression, she pondered how best to start.
"Now. I haven't spoken to Neal about this yet, and he doesn't know I've moved in here…"
"He knows a lot more than you think! He says he bugged the house when dad came back."
"I'm aware of that. But…what he overheard, doesn't tell the whole story."
"Go on," her voice was cold. "I've got all night!"
"Your father became angry and left, two weeks ago, because of a couple of minor…incidents, which I don't want to discuss with you. Or Neal, because they are deeply private, something between a married couple."
"By incidents, I assume you mean you being unfaithful?"
"No. Yes. Erm, that depends on your interpretation."
"Let me guess? You and Lucas think it isn't, and dad thinks it is?" Her mother's response by looking down, grinding her hands together, told her she was right. "But there's more to it than that, isn't there? You might as well tell me because Neal knew about Gold and the dream catcher! That's what made him storm off, wasn't it? You did something stupid with Lucas, he finds out and he storms off; goes to Gold, to help him leave, sees a dream catcher, which he uses to find out his true love, Mrs. Ever-so-perfect Snow White, has done the dirty on him four times after you married him?"
Snow exhaled, resigned. She basically knows everything! "You don't understand, Emma. Ruby and I were in a relationship, of sorts, before I even knew your father."
"Were! That's the point – the past tense! And just so you know, and to save you time avoiding it; that weird thing you've got going on with Lucas and her wife? It's written up in one of Henry's story books! I already knew something was going on, because a few months ago I returned to the farm to drop off dad's truck and heard all sorts of horrible stuff coming from your bedroom! You weren't alone!"
Snow couldn't believe what she was hearing! In a story book? So, Henry knows too? She stayed silent, not knowing how to answer her. But Emma wasn't finished.
"Yeah, we know quite a bit! But…you know what? I don't really care if you and dad want to play around. Spice up your sex life by bringing in other people, or whatever you do. I don't want to think about it - but I really don't care that much! But what I do care is about you doing it behind his back. Cheating on him. And yes, Neal heard that piss-poor excuse about you and Ruby being…different! Do you really believe that crap? Cheating is cheating, mum! Whether it's with an old girlfriend, or anyone else! Killian once came really close to dumping me a few years ago, when he thought I was too close to someone. And he was right, I was too close, but I never cheated! But to cheat on dad? After all he's done for you? Do you really love him?"
Snow seemed to visibly wither under the onslaught. "More than you can possibly imagine. Nobody has ever taken his place. Ruby, nobody. None of this was intentional, Emma. I never meant to hurt him. Or you…"
"Yeah? Well you obviously did. If you still want to save your marriage, you've got some serious grovelling apologies to make! For your sake, you better hope and pray he forgives you! Because Neal told me if you two do split up, there's no way he's coming to live with you after this!"
Emma finally finished her diatribe at her mother, she now felt guilty as she saw the broken expression staring back. The legendary 'fairest of them all' was now a haunted shadow of her usually ebullient self. And as she wondered whether she should offer some hope to the town's very living symbol of hope, she was distracted by a loud text tone on Snow's cell phone. The exhausted woman turned it on to look:
David: I've made a decision. I'll drop Neal at school in the morning, and come straight over to the flat?