I just wanted to note that Alexander will be in a D/S relationship with Rumple because I actually hated the Bell and Rumple relationship on the show. It was too abusive for me. Bell just kept going back. And I have sympathy for men or women in that kind of situation, but I don't like it or condone it and ask that if you are in that kind of relationship to find help and the courage to leave.
The Next Morning Alexander woke up early, about 5:00 A.M. the usual time. He showered and used a drying charm, then combed his hair; Alexander shaved with a shaving charm since he didn't have any essentials with him from the Wizarding realm to the land without magic. Before he'd ever come here, though, Draco and Blaze had taken him shopping to update and teach him about style and what was best to buy. It was a godsend since Alexander had never had that understanding or opportunity to do that until after Hogwarts Battle. He discovered that Draco was more similar than he had thought, so naturally, Blaze followed into the friendship. And since they were on far better terms now, it wasn't odd to see them together. They had become friends. Hanging out, Draco had followed his father and became a barrister; Blaze gained mastery in charms, while Harry became the Auror everyone expected him to be.
Draco and his friendship were built on mutual understanding of doing things they didn't necessarily agree with or want to do because they wanted to survive, and the expectations were placed upon them. Coming out of his thoughts, he transfigured his clothing from yesterday into a pair of black slacks, a white button-down shirt, he transfigured his trench coat into a tan blazer, and his boots were turned in to loafers. He grabbed his waist pack and transfigured that into a messenger bag, making sure all his supplies were still in the compartments he'd placed them in. he was going to be making a deal today. Alexander wanted to make sure that he had a bargaining chip that Mr. Gold couldn't refuse.
Alexander walked down the stairs and waved over at Granny, who was starting her morning routine in getting the Diner ready to open up. She waved back, smiling at him. He could tell that Granny thought that he would be suitable for Ruby, that Alexander was just straightforward enough being a special agent with MI6 that Mr. Charming would keep her on track. Alexander could admit shed be the type he would hang out with to have a good time, a friend with benefits. He would never initiate a long-term relationship with anyone, though, because of his past. Every time Alexander got close to someone who cared about them enough to even think that things would turn out for him, they died. And besides, even though he was Bisexual, he definitely leaned more towards having more male partnerships than female ones. That's the main reason why he had stopped dating Ginny Weasley. She had this romantic notion that she could be the one to make him stay. He didn't believe in true love. Hed never experienced it, though his parents were the epitome of true love and soulmates that made him an anomaly. The only thing that made him feel better about it was that Emma felt the same, so it wasn't terrible they could share their misery with each other.
Alexander walked past the citizens of Storybook, nodded, and waved hello, making headway at engendering the public to him. That was his plan; he had a thought about the way things might be heading with Emma and the Queen. Alexander Leopold Charming didn't go to stop the Evil Queen from challenging Emma; it was confrontations like these and others in the future that would dictate the kind of Hero Emma was going to be Alexander could give her guidance and suggestions. Still, he would make sure that Regina didn't hurt his family! Especially Henry. So after seeing Mr. Gold, he would be going to the local Judge to request a court order to get Henry's medical records, psychological records, and school records. That was another thing about his meeting that he was springing on Mr. Gold since the man OWNED! The town, Alexander, would be buying land to build a house on.
When Alexander reached the Home, Mr. Gold owned, cast a silencing spell on his shoes, and then cast an Alohomora on the front door. The lock clicked open, and he silently slipped through. Alexander made his way to the kitchen and began cooking breakfast with what Mr. Gold had available: toast, eggs, and bacon. He also poured two glasses of orange juice, and then he started on the hot beverage. Alexander was amazed that Mr. Gold had an excellent Darjeeling tea. He put the kettle on the stove, heated it up when breakfast was made and laid it out on the table. He was interrupted by a very familiar voice. "What exactly are you doing in my house at such an hour, Mr. Charming, and please explain to me why I am not calling sheriff Graham to have you arrested for breaking and entering?" Alexander turned away from the stove, still waiting for the water in the kettle to boil.
He leaned his hip against the counter and folded his arms over his chest, and looked at the man speculatively. Once he made up his mind, he turned and took the squealing kettle off the stove and poured it into the teapot to let the Darjeeling tea steep for three minutes. Once that was done, Alexander could feel the annoyance from Mr. Golds' building, so he decided to give the man a break and say his piece. "I want to make a deal, Dark one, and I hear you're the one to see about that, especially when you want things to be honest and plain. I wouldn't go to the fairies even if they had their abilities. I don't appreciate being tricked and being taken advantage of, and you know they tend to do that. I find their trickiness and double standards maddening." When he looked back at Mr. Gold, he could see the man. He didn't confirm Alexander's suspicions, but he didn't deny them either. Still, he was suspicious of him and how Alexander knew that Mr. Gold had been Rumpelstiltskin, the Dark One in the enchanted forest. Still, Mr. Gold was just interested enough to hear Alexander out that he sat down and poured himself a cup of tea.
"So, Mr. Charming, what kind of deal would you like to make?" Gold took a sip of his tea, and he could admit that the young man did make a good brew. This was better than what bell used to make, granted that bell didn't have the luxury of modern conveniences. They lived in a castle with no electricity, but still, she didn't do this well on breakfast either in fact, this breakfast, as simple as it was, was fantastic. Alexander had seasoned the Eggs with something more than just salt and pepper, he could taste a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes, and Alexander had sprinkled the eggs with parsley. "Well, Mr. Gold, it a big complex favor, so before I explain, I would like to share with you what I have to offer you first in exchange for the deal." Alexander drank his orange juice and started in on his own meal. He waited for Mr. Gold to either tell him that he wouldn't make a deal without knowing what he wanted first or decide that Gold didn't want to deal at all, but he was betting that the Dark one would be too intrigued about the offer to even think about denying him.
At Mayor's house, Mayor Regina Mills was sitting on her settee in her silk blue pajamas and black silk robe, flipping through Henry's Storybook frantically. She couldn't believe how detailed it was. Still, there were things missing Details that were left out it painted her as a character that was vain that only cared that if she was prettier, then Snow White and that absolutely was wrong there was no mention of how ten-year-old Snow had killed Daniel by revealing her and his secret plans. Regina paused on a page depicting the Evil Queen at Snow White and Prince Charming's wedding, with Prince Charming's sword in mid-flight toward her. She remembered that day with perfect clarity. The Evil Queen enjoyed instilling that fear into not only prince Charming but his Bride as well. It gave her extreme joy to know that shed done it with the whole of their kingdom watching as well.
Snow would never stop her. She was too good-hearted. Snow White really should have executed her when they had the chance. Coming out of her memories, Regina turned the next page then finds several pages have been ripped from the book. This was Henry, she thought annoyed. He believed that she was the Evil Queen, ignoring the fact that he was entirely correct, but that was beside the point. This whole situation was getting out of hand. She stood up and took the book and walked down the hall and into Henry's room. She didn't even bother to knock on Henry's door. She just barged into his room as he is getting ready for school. It startled him. He whipped his head around and stared at his adoptive mother with wide, scared eyes. The look made her feel a bit of guilt that her child was afraid, but she put those thoughts and feelings in the back of her mind and leaned over Henry and demanded.
"The missing pages, where are they?" Thank the gods for Alexander. His uncle had appeared last night when everyone had been asleep. He woke Henry to tell him what he was doing, and it had been a Brilliant Idea. Alexander snuck into Regina's room and cast the bewitched sleeping spell on her. He told Henry that she would be in a deep enough sleep to take some blood from the Queen to anchor the live tracking rune and the recording spell he was placed on Henry's computer.
Somehow in this realm, his magic was muted enough that it didn't affect electronics as much as it would in the Wizarding World. Alexander didn't even have access to the magic of the enchanted forest, so he wasn't sure what would happen to his Wizarding magic if or when he was ever exposed to it. So when his uncle scratched the live tracking rune onto his computer and anchored it with his adopted mother's blood and the recording spell. That meant that every time she came into his room, his web camera recorded it. His uncle was brilliant, intelligent, and Cunning, just like the Harry Potter books described the Slytherins. So it was no surprise that when he glanced at his computer with his peripheral vision that he saw the rune light up green for a brief second; relief flooded him he would be safe. It's an old book, stuff's missing. "What do you care?"
Regina hated that Henry was defying her. He never used to be this way. It had only been the last couple of years that he'd started to withdraw from her and act out and draw into himself. That's the reason why she had him start seeing Dr. Hopper in hopes that they could figure out what the problem was and take care of it so she could get back to enjoying her rule over Storybook. But it hadn't worked. All she was receiving for her effort was rebellion and strife. "I care because you think I'm some evil queen. And that hurts me, Henry. I'm your mother." She said. Regina reached out to touch his face, but Henry moved away from her as if her touch would physically hurt him. She really didn't understand this. It wasn't like Regina was her mother and kept him away from who he really wanted to be with or do what he really wanted to do.
Henry wanted for nothing. He had the best that she could provide. She ignored the fact that what he really needed was love and that she was a cold hard person; she hadn't truly loved anyone since Daniel. And she wasn't aware that she had made that perfectly clear to the young boy almost his whole life. "No, you're not." He accused she was his caretaker, she bought him what he needed, gave him food and drink, gave him a roof over his head, but shed never been what he imagined a mother to be. He wanted someone warm, caring, and kind. Regina was none of those. She was like a Matron of an orphanage providing the bare minimum for survival, of course, an excellent, plentiful survival in his case, but he wasn't allowed to truly live.
Regina stood at full height while hugging the book to her chest in a move that showed her defensiveness at the accusation Henry spat at her. She wasn't about to reveal to a ten-year-old how much that statement hurt her. "Well, then, who is? That woman you brought here? I don't like what she, her brother, or this book is doing to you. Thankfully, one of them is no longer an issue." Henry looked at the ground and shuffles his feet. But secretly in his mind. He was chuckling because he knew that his uncle was staying. His uncle Alex believed him and helped Emma become the Hero and Savior she was meant to be. But he was also nervous that Emma would leave. She didn't have the connection to him or the community she needed yet. She could still go if she wanted. He just had to hope that whatever his uncle was doing, he would work fast before Emma made that decision. He looked up again in feigned shock and said, "What?"
Before more could be said, The clock tower chimed. Regina spun around in surprise. She had turned her body toward the sound. The Mayor couldn't believe that the clock tower was working again. Regina was so stunned that she didn't hear Henry exit. Just you wait, Swan and Charming. "I will have you out of our lives very soon." She said to herself as she sneered at the clock tower, never knowing that Henry's computer was still recording her.
It was Seven fifteen when the clock chimed. It was no surprise for Alexander he had figured that when Emma decided to stay for the week, things had begun to change, but before that, he had the impression as Emma asked the Mayor if she loved Henry. He saw Emma's magic spike to ensure that Emma stayed because even if she didn't want the boy right now, she would still like to make sure he was safe and around safe people. That was what Alexander was doing here at Mr. Golds house. He looked at the older man on the other side of the table as him he didn't seem surprised either by the chime, which confirmed that Mr. Gold remembered had his memories. Gold knew who he was. first, "I offer you one vile of Liquid luck in exchange for your successful legal services in the custody case of Henry Daniel mills, if and when it becomes necessary. Second, I offer you one vile containing three drops of phoenix tears in exchange for letting me buy two of your properties of my own choice. And thirdly for , and this is a one-time offer. I will allow you to bring one person back from the dead at any time. In exchange for your word that Rumpelstiltskin, the Dark One, or Mr. God will not do anything magically, physically, emotionally or mentally to harm my family."
Gold was stunned, and if anyone other than Alexander charming had said these things to him, he would have called them insane He knew who Alexander charming was. He remembered the vision he had those many years ago in Snow and charming's Dungeon of the twin. Emma would be the savior and bring back the Happy Endings. But Alexander would be mighty because he would become the Master of Death. Alexander had embraced both sides of magic equally. He was the great balance in their realm, he had Wizarding magic and magic, and he and his sister were the products of true love. To have these offerings from Alexander for such small requests as Mr. Gold saw them. This Deal was beyond his imagining. He would have to be very careful if he was to get these gifts from the young man.
"Phoenix tears, you say, and what makes you think I would believe they were real and not drops of tap water?" Gold asked. He watched in amazement and even a bit of envy as Alexander waved his hand, and the dishes disappeared then reappeared in the sink and began washing. It was an odd bit of magic; it wasn't used like this in simple everyday things in the enchanted forest. Magic was used only as a last resort because it always came with a price, but it didn't look like the Enchanted Forest magic rules applied to wizarding magic.
Alexander leaned back in his chair and looked Rumpelstiltskin right in the eye, it made the Dark one weary, but he certainly wouldn't show it. As if Alexander was reading his mind, he smirked then called out, "Fawex." Before Gold could ask what he was up to, a flash of flame appeared, causing Mr. Gold to jump out of his seat and stumble back in shock as he gazed at a reasonably large red and Gold bird hovering over his kitchen table and crooning a song that touched even his dark heart. The Bird finished its song and landed on the chair next to Alexander and looked between them. Fawex acknowledged Alexander first as it should because the young man was its Wizard. The Phoenix then looked at Mr. Gold the same way Alexander had as if the Bird was assessing his intentions. Though Phoenixes were typically Neither Light nor Dark, they were extremely loyal to the one they had bonded with. To see one with the Wizard that would bring balance to both sides of magic was a sight to see. Alexander pulled out an empty vile from his messenger bag, held it up to the Birds eye, and said. "Just Three tears Fawex, this Deal is for Henry." The Bird crooned in acknowledgment and then tilted its head to the side and let three tears drop into the vile that was held before it. Once the glass vile was sealed, the Phoenix flashed away in flames, presumably back to where it had been previously.
There, you have seen that I speak the truth. I am an honest man Rumpelstiltskin. Alexander said he placed his left hand on the table where Gold could see the spindly scrawl of scarred letters that the boy known as Harry Potter had been forced to cut onto the top of his hand by His fifth-year defense teacher. I must not tell lies. Rumpelstiltskin couldn't imagine what had happened to cause the boy to have that cut into his hand and scar himself like that, and somewhere deep inside of him, he was angry for the young man that he had endured such things. He never would have let something like that happen to his Son Balefire. For all of the God's sake (Noting that the enchanted forest was a Polytheistic society, they believed in the many and varied gods.), he became the Dark One to keep his child safe. "Which two Properties do you have in mind?" Alexander smiled widely, Good he was getting somewhere he thought, this was going to be a good day.
"I want the land where Henry's playground is located on, two acres of it. And the second property I want to buy is Mary Margaret Blanchard's apartment. I feel that Emma will need a place to stay soon because she won't back down when Mayor mills come calling, and I can only imagine that shell have Emma kicked out of the inn before the day comes to an end. And I have plans for that land that I can't have anyone interfering with." Gold nodded, then said, "What happens hypothetically if I break the Deal, dearie? What are the consequences you have lined up for me? If you want to be open and honest, I have to be aware of the consequences."
Alexander reached into his Satchel again and pulled out a miniaturized cupboard. He placed it on the floor. Then motioned for Rumple to stand aside, out of direct eye line of the closet. Once Rumple was standing where he needed to, he watched as the young man waved his hand and opened the door. What stepped out chilled him to the bone. Mr. Gold suddenly heard Balefire yelling, "You Coward! You promised, Don't break our Deal!" he looked up. He saw a figure dressed in black with skeletal hands standing before Alexander. He saw the boy cringing. What must he be hearing to affect the usually stoic and forthright man?
Alexander only let the Boggart Disguised as a Dementor affect him for just a bit longer so Rumple could get an excellent idea of the consequences of breaking a deal with him. It was a good thing that the Boggart could only disguise and have a real dementor's minimal ability. Alexander heard the Dementors. Lupin had once praised him for having that a Dementor as his Boggart, spouting that it was good that fear itself was the thing Harry Potter feared the most because to overcome fear, you must do what you are afraid of. When he heard that from the wolf, he almost scoffed at him in front of the whole class. Alexander didn't fear the Dementors because The Wizard was afraid to not act. He feared them because what he heard was the world begging him to keep saving them, asking him to keep sacrificing everything for them while they did nothing.
Alexander waved his hand, casting the Reddikulus charm at the Boggart, and it transformed into Regina walking around. She was dressed in an Elizabethan style dress, her face caked with white plaster makeup and ruby red lips, spouting "Out with their hearts, You there she pointed at thin air, Out with your heart." Rumple couldn't help it. He burst out in a chuckle, and a second later, Alexander joined them; it didn't take long for the Boggart to crawl back into its cupboard. Alexander cast a locking, then a shrinking charm. He walked over and picked it up, and placed it back into his Satchel. He turned to rumple, who had moved back over to the table across from the young man.
"That Mr. Gold was a Boggart if seen, they disguise themselves by transforming into the thing you fear the most, and what I fear the most is Dementors. They are, by nature, Demons who feed on the happiness of others, leaving you only with your worst memories and fears. They also, when commanded, can suck out your soul. In the wizarding world, they are often used by the legal system to man their jails keeping the prisoners in the worst sort of state as punishment for their crimes. They make you feel like you'll never be happy again while slowly driving you insane with the memories of everything you regret. That is what I will leave you with for three days. I will shut your mouth and bind your magic so that you wont have a way to rid yourself of it even by spinning Gold, and by the time I relieve you of your suffering, you'll be not but a quivering mess. But you're a smart man Rumpelstiltskin. You don't break Deals, do you?" Alexander asked in a teasing voice he knew the Dark One never broke a deal.
Alexander then waved his hand, and a legally binding contract appeared before him, and the blood quill along with it. Alexander signed first, knowing what the Parchment said beforehand since he had created it; though there was no magic in this land, the contract would be locked in both signer's blood and would cause massive health problems to either that broke the Deal. Gold watched as the skin on Alexanders had begun to raise, then become red and irritated, then eventually the skin cracked and bled. The quill's ink was red apparently because the quill used the blood of the signer, which made Gold worried, but he couldn't pass up gaining the offerings from the young man. It was just too good to pass up. Suddenly it was his turn. Gold took the Parchment and read it through thoroughly. He was the Master deal maker. After all, it wouldn't do for him to sign something that could potentially come back to bite him. As he read it, he was impressed it was forthright and honest. It was worded in such a way as to give him no loopholes to work through to go back on his deals, not that he would either he always kept his end of the Deal, but he was impressed with the contract either way. It stated in the custody issue for the child known as Henry Daniel Mills it could be successful in several different ways.
1.) Emma Swan was to gain all custody of the child named in the contract
2.) If somehow relations work out, custody could be shared between Regina Mills and Emma Swan swapping every other week and weekends on a decided schedule that will be discussed and worked out between the two parties to have Dr. Hopper as mediator.
3.) if the individual parties cannot provide home and care for the child named above, then temporary custody or permanent custody, depending on the situation, would go to the other parent would if both parties are unable to provide home and care for the child named above. Suppose no other family members on either side can give home and care to One Henry Daniel Mills. In that case, his custody should be turned over to Alexander Leopold Charming, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the situation.
4.) Requirements for care should be as followed progress reports regularly from Psychiatric care provider to ensure that child is developing in an actively positive manner. The child's socialization should increase two-fold, meaning he has access to others of his age and access to age-appropriate activities, so the child may have a social standing with his peers. The child named above is required to miss no more than three days of school per month if circumstances allow.
5.) Guardian of the child must attend most if not all of the Henry Daniel Mills after-school social engagements such as plays, sporting events, science fairs, Etc... To ensure that child is aware that the guardian wants to be involved in his development.
The list went on, making sure that Henry would receive a full and active childhood also that it required that Henry had a happy one as well. Yes, Mr. Gold was suitably impressed; yes, this contract left no stone unturned when it came to Mr. Charming's Nephew. He read the other points of the agreement that would gain him the liquid luck and the opportunity to have one dead person resurrected. The contract stated that the land and Mary Margaret's property would be paid for in full by the end of the day, either by wireless transfer or certified check. The request for the resurrection of one person did not have a time limit, so that made it possible for Rumple to take his time and not waste it on someone meaningless. "You have a Deal, dearie."
It took Mr. Gold a good 10-15 minutes to read and re-read the contract just to make sure there was nothing hiding or loopholes he wasn't aware of, but as he had thought at the beginning, it was simple, straight forward and spelled out to the intent and the letter. So he took up the quill and began to sign his name. What happened to Alexander started to happen to his own hand. It was pretty irritating. At least all three deals were on one Parchment he would have reconsidered agreeing if he had to sign three times. Once done, Alexander magically dried the blood ink. Then an insight of Gold, he cast an incendio at the quill, he knew what Alexander was saying when the young Wizard did that, that he wouldn't be using the traces of his blood that was left on the quill for anything nefarious. Again he was impressed because Rumpelstiltskin probably okay, Most likely would have taken that advantage. And he couldn't even sneer at him and say it was because he was a hero and would never do something sneaky and tricky like that. It was just because Alexander was an honest and forthright person. "There you go, lad, all signed and sealed." Gold said, handing back the contract.
"And here you are, your glass vile of liquid luck, and this charm will contact me when you desire to have someone resurrected. It will heat and alert me through my Tattoo." Gold looked at the Tattoo on Alexander's charming's wrist, the Triangle outside the circle, and the horizontal line. He knew what it was; it was the sign of the Deathly Hallows. Alexander was the Master of Death. With that, they both stood. Mr. Gold showed Alexander to the door as he went and prepared himself for the day, taking Both the glass vials of liquid luck and the phoenix tears and the charm with him.
Regina stood on the sidewalk, looking up at the clock. She was alone until Archie and Pongo walked up to her. "Hey, how bout that? Guess those rusty old innards finally straightened themselves out, huh?" Archie asked. He was just as surprised as the rest of the town. He had greeted many others that morning, and all of them had commented on it. For as long as anyone could remember, that clock had been stuck on 8:15.
Regina looked across the street and saw Emma's car. She was the cause of this, her and that Dam brother of hers. they would rue the day that they had stepped into this town and messed with her revenge. "Yes, how bout that, indeed." She said in a tone that belied her true feelings at the new change in the town.
Emma was in her room at Granny's Bed and Breakfast, just getting ready for the day. She had called her brother at 6:45 A.M. and asked if he would like to come over and have breakfast with her so they could discuss what he had discovered so far in Henry's files. He had told her that he had already had breakfast and that he was now on his way to talk to the Judge to get a court order to have Henry's medical and psychological files released to him. But that he would meet her in the Diner anyway. She hung up the phone and started looking around for her car keys and wallet when there is a knock at the door. Emma walked over and opened it only to find Regina, standing there in the hallway, holding a basket of apples. Emma looked at the Mayor and cocked her eyebrow in question while giving her the most enormous Bitch face she could.
"Good morning Ms. Swan, Did you know the Honeycrisp tree is the most vigorous and hardy of all apple trees? It can survive temperatures as low as forty below and keep growing. It can weather any storm. I have one that I've tended to since I was a little girl. And to this day, I have yet to taste anything more delicious than the fruit it offers." Regina extended the basket of apples to Emma with a smile that held a hint of malice in it.
Emma Took the apples and said, "Thanks." In a very suspicious tone. This was more than just a stop by to be kind. She knew this was a warning or a threat; Emma hoped that whatever Alexander found would get Henry out of this woman's grip. It was despicable what she had said and done within the 24 hours that she and Alexander had met her.
"I'm sure you and your brother will enjoy them on your drive back home." She said in a smug tone; Regina had no doubt that she had intimidated Ms. Swan enough to get her to leave, and if not, she had plenty of options left for her to use. Now she just had to find a weakness for her brother. She was sure she could everyone had one, and she would find his.
Emma placed the basket on the bottom of the bed then turned back to face the Mayor. She put her hands inside her Jean pockets and said In an informative manner. "Actually, we're going to stay for a while."
Regina stiffened at that. She didn't want her to stay. It was bad enough that Regina didn't have anything to threaten Mr. Charming with so she could get rid of him; Regina would take what she could get at the moment, though. besides, if Emma left, she was sure Alexander Charming wouldn't be far behind. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Henry has enough issues. He doesn't need you and your brother confusing him."
God, she was glad that Alexander was getting a court order for all of Henrys Medical files. She wanted to know if he was healthy and what was going on in his life that he would feel the sudden need to find her and rebel against Regina, although she could kind of guess the answer to the latter question. Regina was a Bitch, and she would have done the same thing. "All due respect, Madame Mayor, the fact that you have now threatened me twice in the last twelve hours makes me want to stay more. My brother is already gathering information to contest your custody; do you really want to give him further ammunition?"
Regina was fuming inside. She didn't want to give the man any more excuses for him to keep looking into things here. The Mayor hated that Alexander had recorded evidence that made her look like she wasn't a good role model for Henry. Regina had lost her temper, and he had it all on recorded audio. She needed to keep her calm, be smart about her next move. What she didn't know was Alexander is a Slytherin. Hed learned to play the manipulating game from one of the best, only because he'd been a piece on the chessboard his entire life. So beating him at strategy would be incredibly hard. "Since when were apples a threat?"
Emma scoffed. She didn't buy any of Reginas crap that she was really a nice person. It was an act. It wasn't fooling her one bit, and she was going to make it clear, or maybe if she explained why she was here, the woman would back up off her and just leave her alone. "I can read between the lines. Sorry, I just wanna make sure Henrys okay. He ran away and found me for a reason. As Alexander says, ten-year-olds don't cross state lines just because they're unhappy at home; its because they're hurt or afraid something must have happened that got him thinking life would be better with a mother that gave him up than stay with the woman who adopted him."
Regina hated that Emma was right, but she didn't know what happened ever since she explained that he was adopted when he asked where his father was two years ago. Hed been like a man wounded in battle, healing but never fully recovering; it had changed him. That knowledge had changed everything, and more now than ever, she wished she had lied to him and told him something else. "He's fine, dear. Any problems he has are being taken care of."
Emma was surprised by the statement she knew the kid was seeing a therapist, but what other issues was she talking about? She had to go see Dr. Hoppers court order or not. Emma would just ask for his opinion on the whole belief in the cursed thing, and that would be it. "What does that mean?" Emma asked warily. She was sure whatever answer she got, she wasn't going to like it.
"It means I have him in therapy. Its all under control. Take my advice, Miss Swan; only one of us knows what's best for Henry." With that, Regina turned and walked out of the room Emma was staying in. Just before Emma closed the door, she said
"Yeah, I'm starting to think you're right about that." Regina turned around and leaned towards her trying to be domineering and intimidating again. She wanted to make her point perfectly clear, knowing that Alexander wasn't within hearing distance, so she was safe to threaten the girl. It would be her word against Emma's if the issue was brought to alexander. "Its time for you to go." Emma straightened at the threat and asked forcefully. "Or what?" She wasn't going to back down. There was nothing in this town that would make her or Alexander run until they knew that Henry was safe. She was so glad she had Alexanders support. For only knowing the guy for two days he had earned her trust and respect.
Regina Took a step towards Emma and said sternly. "Don't underestimate me, Miss Swan. You have no idea what I'm capable of."
The Enchanted Forest. Past. The Castle. Snow White and Prince Charming's wedding.
Evil Queen pointed at Snow and Charming, the threat was clear that she was talking to the new Bride and Groom, everyone else in the kingdom was just going to be a bonus because they loved Snow White and Charming so much, and because of that, they would pay the price as well. "I shall destroy your happiness if it is the last thing I do." She turned and made her way back down the Isle just before she made it to the doors. She was stopped by Prince charming's yell.
"Hey!" Charming yelled, taking his sword from Snow. The Queen turned back, glaring at the shepherd that was playing at being a prince. James hurled his sword at her from over his head. Charming's sword blade neared. Getting within a breaths distance of the Queen, Regina raised a hand, vanished with purple smoke, and took the sword with her.
Regina stepped out of the swirl of purple smoke as she landed in the hall of her personal wing. She ignored the blade was still on its trajectory and didn't pay attention to where it had pierced the wall. The Evil Queen ignored everything and made her way to her bedroom. On her way, she was approached by Her Father, King Henry, Who asked, "Would you like something to drink?" she stopped and turned her head, looking at him in a way that made his spine tingle with fear. He loved his daughter. It broke his heart that she had turned into this bitter woman, he should have done more to help Regina escape her mother, but he was as much under Coras control as Regina had been. She locked eyes with him and said in a mock, kind tone, "Do I look like I need a drink?"
King Henry sighed; he always got disdain from her for trying to be kind. He was only trying to make up for the past wrongs he'd done in not being able to give her the life she wanted. "I was only trying to help." He held up the silver tray and offered her the drink again. Regina looked at his defeated face. Regina loved her father as much as her heart could love at this point, but she also had a lot of resentment towards the man for not doing enough or trying hard enough to get her away from her mother. Regina knew in her mind that he had tried, but to her, when the Evil Queen was a little girl, Regina didn't understand why he hadn't tried harder or done something asked someone for help. So King Henry suffered from her anger now, but she was grateful that her father hadn't left her as well. He was her one tether to her humanity.
The Evil Queen Took the glass and offered her father a small smile of gratitude that she could muster up. "Thank you." He smiled back, knowing she wouldn't appreciate any kind words of praise for the small act of compassion and love. It would only cause her to sneer and bring her walls back up because she believed love was a weakness as her mother did. But King Henry appreciated that she had bent that rule for him.
She resumed her walk to her bedroom when the Magic mirror starts speaking to her. Now that was a considerable threat. "Destroy everyone's happiness? How do you plan on accomplishing that?" she kept walking, and the Mirror and her father followed. The Mirror had to keep switching mirrors to keep up with the walking Queen. It could be distracting for someone that wasn't use to all the flashing as the man in the Mirror moved to keep with the conversation. "The Dark Curse." The Evil Queen said. She smirked; it was an excellent plan. The Evil Queen would take that curse, enact it and watch as Snow White suffered the loss of her love just as she had suffered the loss of Daniel. King Henry wasn't sure this was the best plan. It would hurt many people and cause his daughters heart to blacken; even more, it did her more harm because she hadn't removed her heart like her mother had.
Regina could still feel and understand that she was making bad choices, Cora might have been a nasty piece of work, but she couldn't feel or make good or bad decisions because of her hearts removal. Her choices were just run-on feelings, with no logic or understanding to know what was right and wrong, so it didn't affect her the same way. "Are you sure, your Majesty?" he asked Regina turned to say something scathing at her father, but before she could, the mirror man spoke again. "But you said you'd never use it. You made a deal when you gave away that Curse." King Henry gently reminded her. "And going back to get it was dangerous." This wasn't the first time that Regina was running off half-cocked in one of her plans. She was constantly thwarted.
king, Henry could only hope that she would be stopped again this time. "Yes, you traded it away." the man in the mirror asked. He knew what the curse entailed. The Man in the Mirror had been hiding in a small mirror on Reginas vanity. He overheard the Dark one describe it when Rumpelstiltskin had presented it to her as an option to punish Snow-white, and what he had heard was terrifying. It would take everyone to a land without magic, and Regina would decide their fate. "She wont be happy to see you." Maleficent was a powerful and dark sorceress, but even she was unwilling to cast such a dark curse, she had stuck with the simple sleeping curses to punish those who were her enemies, though both had been broken with True Loves Kiss. But she hadn't ever gone beyond that. King Henry, the Queen's father believed Maleficent had a sense of honor even though it was unto herself.
The Evil Queen sneered at the two of them. They were delusional if they thought their words would deter her, make her pause and think. No, this was the solution. Rumple had been right. This was the Dark curse to end all Dark curses, and she would be the one to fulfill it. Not knowing that this was what he truly wanted anyway would satisfy his own desires and plans. "Since when do I care about anyone else's happiness but mine? Prepare the Carriage. I'm going to the Forbidden Fortress."
The Queens Carriage approached the Forbidden Fortress. There was no ounce of reluctance in the Queens mind. She was determined to get the curse back from Maleficent; she would instead that the woman worked with her, but The Queen would do what she had to, to get it. Once the Carriage parked, one of the Queens Black knights opened the Carriage door and offered his hand to help her down, which she rejected. She didn't need help with anything. Regina entered the Fortress and found Maleficent waiting for her in the entrance hall, her Raven having seen the Queen coming from miles away. They made their way to the throne room both Maleficent and the Queen sat in front of the fireplace and began chatting as two old friends tend to do. "How are you, dear?" the Dark Sorceress asked; she was feigning interest. Maleficent knew why Regina had come rumors of her threat to Snow-white, and Prince charming had spread far and wide. No one who was anyone was unaware of the promise shed made to the newly married couple.
Evil Queen smiled in mock kindness. This was the kind of rapport that the two of them had. They were friendly enemies, sometimes allies, but they left each other alone most of the time. "I'm doing fine." Which she really wasn't. This was just small talk until they got to the issue at hand, and they would get there soon.
"Are you?" Maleficent asked as she poured herself a drink from the clay pitcher sitting on the table between Regina and herself. "If it were me, Id be simply tortured, watching that flake of Snow so happy." She offered Regina a refill of Wine but was rejected. "Weren't you about the same age when you were to be married? Before she ruined it all?" Maleficent Raised her glass In mock cheers for the happy couple. "Yes, you were."
The Evil Queen was irritated that her own tragedy was being brought up and mocked. It made her furious that the woman who had felt similar pain as to her could speak of it so simply, so she decided to stab at the woman's own pain. "It was about the same age you were when that sleeping beauty got the best of you, my dear Maleficent." Maleficent narrowed her eyes, glaring at the Queen for the Dig. But decided not to take the bate. There was no point in arguing about who has been more hurt, the one whose love died because of deception or the one whose love was stolen away. "I soldiered on, as you will, too... Hopefully." It wasn't going to happen, and she knew that. She just had to be powerful enough to Keep Regina at bay until she relented and left to find a different solution.
The Evil Queen waved that preposterous thought away as if it was a gnat that was buzzing in her face. She didn't want to be talked out of enacting the curse. Regina didn't want to hear the advice on how to overcome and overlook Snows treachery. Regina wanted what she had come here for, and now it was time to get it. Enough games. "You know why I'm here. I need my curse back."
Maleficent shook her head in mock disappointment that all her efforts were going to waste. She spoke as if to a child explaining the rules that once you gave something away, it wasn't hers to have again. "Its not yours anymore, my dear. A deals a deal. I traded it you my Sleeping Curse." Maleficent could see what she said, and her tone was not appreciated by the Evil Queen, but she was not going to stand on ceremony for the woman and let her destroy their world and land and be ruler over them all.
Regina was Livid the Bitch was mocking her, talking to her as if she were a child needing correction it would not do. "Which failed. Undone by a simple kiss. Now please, return what's mine." The Evil Queen pointed out ruthlessly to the Sorceress beside her. She would Kill Maleficent if necessary she had no qualms of doing it, but if she could get it without doing so, that would be just one more to punish in that other place.
"The Dark Curse, really? You must know that not even its unholy power can bring your loved one back from the dead. Have you considered a pet?" Maleficent said in a curious tone as she stroked her unicorns muzzle. She has had this unicorn for a while. Now Maleficent had an egg that was readying its self to hatch with in the next year, and it would be lovely to see her child astride it when it was old enough. "They can be pretty comforting." Regina crossed her arms over her chest in a huff and said, "The only comfort for me is Snow Whites suffering."
Maleficent chuckled. Thinking what the Bride and groom were up to at this very moment to try and get their minds off the Queens threat, to try and end the day on a high note. It was amusing to her. Yes, she just imagined the throws of passion they were giving each other. "Well, its her wedding night. I doubt she's suffering right now."
Evil Queen gave Maleficent a disgusted look as if that was something to be thinking or even imagining about at this time. She almost wanted to relieve her stomach contents right on the floor in front of the witch. Still, now she would hold her disgust and derision for the imagery inside and count herself lucky that she didn't care about what the new couple was up to. "I need that curse. I know you keep it hidden in the orb above your staff."
Maleficent nodded; she didn't need to lie; it was the most obvious place, though she shrugged off the thought that she should be concerned that her hiding spot was so easily found. "Hidden for the good of all, old friend. Whoever created that monstrosity makes the two of us look positively... moral. Who did give it to you?"
The Evil Queen Stood from her chair; Regina took a stance that showed Maleficent that she was ready to battle and win; whatever it took, she would get that curse. If it took all her energy, every ounce of magic, if she had to kill the Sorceress to do it, she would. "Where I got it is none of your concern. Hand it back." Maleficent sighed. She wanted to avoid this. She didn't want to humiliate Regina by beating her in a fight. Maleficent could turn herself into a dragon after all, and she was more experienced in magic than the Queen was. This was going to ruin their alliance. Maleficent was going to give Regina one last chance to back down. "Must we do this?" she asked wearily.
The Evil Queen answered, "Alas, we must." The fight ensues. Queen Regina used her magic to take fire from the fireplace to the palm of her hand. The fire was suspended by enchantment and her will. Regina then launched it at the Sorceress; Maleficent used her staff to deflect it by erecting a magical protective barrier. She was safe from the barrage of fire that the Queen kept sending towards her; she was astounded how hard it was for her to maintain the barrier. When had Regina gotten so strong in dark magic? The Queen then levitated the various weapons in the room, pointing them toward Maleficent. She was distracted by the unicorn, whinnying, then she was struck with the idea; Maleficent seemed to have some affection towards that creature, so she would kill that and then strike at her. The Queen directed her magic which pointed the steel weapons at the Nag, and just before she let them fly and kill the Beast, Maleficent screamed.
"NOO!" She moved quickly, jumping over the chair which was in her way. Maleficent was able to raise the magical barrier just in time to protect her unicorn. While the sorceress was busy keeping the last of the weapons from harming the unicorn, The Queen dropped the chandelier on Maleficent. Using the curved metal to ensnare her. An action that caused Maleficent to drop her staff, enabling Regina to finally retrieve her curse. Maleficent was shocked at how easily The Queen had beaten her, but she couldn't let the gift for her baby die. She just couldn't.
The Evil Queen walked over and Picked up the staff. She felt elated that she had won the battle; Regina had expected more from Maleficent. The Sorceress had been ruthless in her time. The Evil Queen had at one time admired Maleficent for it when in the middle of her training with the Dark One, Regina still at that point had a bit of humanity left in her. It was when the young Queen wasn't sure if this was the path she wanted to travel. The course The evil Queen was on now. That had been the reason she had traded curses. Regena thought if she could get her revenge through a sleeping curse, there was no need to destroy the Enchanted realm, there was no thought like that now, Now The Evil Queen knew it was her only option. "love is weakness, Maleficent. I thought you knew that."
Maleficent was resigned. If the Queen could destroy a world for revenge, what hope did she have that Regina would let her survive? Her baby would be motherless, but at least she would live for a time, maybe even be transported to this new land and be taken care of by someone. She had to hope, as loath as she was, to admit it. Hope was her best chance now. "If you're going to kill me, kill me!"
The Evil Queen looked at her prisoner in a mock sad tone as if she didn't understand why the question and statement had been said. As if she would be kind to the woman, mocking her pain, trying to derail her plans, and the woman fighting against her. Why would she just End her life? Without even making her suffer first, Regina went through to regain what was hers? No! she wouldn't kill her. "Why would I do that? You're my only friend."
Maleficent struggled in her iron confinements, trying to get free; she knew it was hopeless, but she had to try and dissuade Regina from enacting this curse. "Don't do this. This Curse... there are lines even we should not cross." Maleficent watched as The Queen turned her staff upside down and broke the orb against the floor. All power comes with a price. The Queen bent down and picked up a small scroll from among the shards of glass. She didn't care about the price it would be worth paying when she got her revenge on snow white. "Enacting it will take a terrible toll... It will leave an emptiness inside you... A void you will never be able to fill." The Evil Queen smiled at her triumph to high in her happiness that she didn't head the last thing that maleficent said, she would look back on this time, some years from now, and regret this but not now, The Evil Queen didn't know. Regina, the woman, didn't understand that the Queen would have to sacrifice the thing she loves the most, so in essence, Regenia, the woman standing triumphant before the defeated Sorceress, would never be able to have true love again. That was the price Regina was going to pay. Whomever she loved, if she ever loved again in the future, Regenia would lose them. "So be it."
Months Later-The Enchanted Forest.
Deep within the forest. The Evil Queen and King Henry, her father, and several others are gathered around a fire. Among These others included an ogre, a gnome and, a blind witch. Those with the darkest hearts were listening to the Evil Queens plan. They were being promised revenge for all of the slights dealt with them from their enemies. Of course, this was what the Queen wanted them to think that they would be getting their revenge alongside her. She was using them. The only one that would be getting their Happy ending was her. They only had what she needed; she had gathered them all together as ingredients for her brew. She just had to convince them to give her what she wanted. "Who among us is tired of losing?" they all raised their hands and jeered "That's why I called you here. To put an end to our misery. Today, we claim victory and move to a new, better realm—a place where we can finally win."
The Blind Witch pointed her face in the direction of the Evil Queens voice and asked, "And we'll be happy?" The tone suggested that she didn't quite believe that they would be receiving what was being promised, but this was too good of an opportunity to give up.
The Evil Queen smiled. That was it; she had hooked them by their desires, now she just had to real them in. they shouldn't have trusted her. She was The Evil Queen, after all. "I guarantee it. But first, I need something from you—a lock of hair from those with the darkest souls. You must trust me. Because, if you don't... there are other ways." The Queen Used her magic to move the trees surrounding them. Making them believe that if they didn't give willingly, she would force the issue. The gnome, witch, and ogre removed locks of hair and presented them to her. "A wise decision." She collected their hair. It was a bit disgusting; just because they had the darkest hearts didn't mean they couldn't bathe. It was sickening. "All that remains is the final ingredient." Her father, King Henry, presented a box to her. She opened it and reached in, then pulled a Sizable heart. She held it in her hand and explained what it was. "A Cherished heart from my childhood steed. A glorious beast whose passing will fuel our victory. and Let my wrath be unleashed." Without another word, the Queen tossed the heart into the fire. It took a moment, but the fire started to bloom into a cloud of dark smoke. Just as it was beginning to build and move to do her will, it began to dissipate, leaving those assembled looking shocked and confused. The gnome began to laugh incessantly at the Queens failure. He thought it was beyond entertaining to see the woman fail, he said while chuckling, "Yeah, you really unleashed something there!" He pointed his finger at her and laughed again. The Queen promptly turned him into stone, which would be used in her Apple garden in the other place.
Storybrooke. Present. The Mayor's house, exterior.
Regina was busy picking apples from her tree when Sidney Glass, a reporter for the Mirror, which the Storybook newspaper was called. Walked up to her showing off a newspaper, and said. "The Mirror strikes again." Regina didn't turn around. She just kept tending to her tree as if it was the most important thing she could be doing right now. "You're late." She stated gruffly, she was irritated, Regina was always upset lately, and it came from Henry finding his birth-mother, it came from Emma Swan, who was proving to be a pain in her Ass, and it also came from that Dam brother of Emma's who'd so far beaten her at her own game, and it was beyond frustrating that she couldn't do much about the last person, He was MI6 and FBI he held a lot of power over her, and he knew it,
Sidney cringed. He recognized when Regina was in a foul mood, but hopefully, what he had would cheer her up just a bit. "Sorry, I wanted to bring you the latest edition. I assure you, its one of my better hatchet jobs." He presented her with the newspaper and gave her a hope-filled look. Taking the newspaper, she glanced at the headline and scoffed. She threw the paperback at him and raged, "That's not what I asked for. What'd you find out about them?"
Sidney gathered all the fallen pieces of the paper that were lying on the grass, saying, "Well, the truth be told, there wasn't much. The girl spent a lot of time in foster homes. She got into a bit of trouble when she was a kid, but the details are locked up pretty tight. Since then, she's clean. Bounced around all over. The only thing I really learned was that she doesn't like to sit still." He said in a non-caring kind of way, except he should care because Regina cared, "That appears to have changed." He nodded obediently like the excellent lap dog he was. "I-I didn't know that, um, she had Henry while she was in Phoenix? How'd he wind up here in Maine?" he wondered aloud; Regina didn't answer. Sidney continued to brief her on what he'd found about Alexander Leopold Charming, Formally known as Lord Harry Potter-Black.
"As for her brother, I didn't find out even less about his life or his work for obvious reasons. I found that he was adopted from the same orphanage that Emma was sent to, but the couple who adopted him only wanted the boy. They took him back to their home country, England. He lived with them for Fifteen months until they were murdered by a thief who broke into their home. He was then sent to the mother's relatives. Other than that, his file was sealed for national security's sake. I found out that he is a Lord twice over, first of house Black being the older of the Two and house Pottier being the name of his adoptive parents they lived in England though the family is French in origin. Apparently, Both are very wealthy families, and he's the last of them."
Regina finally stopped pruning her beloved apple tree, turned around, and said in an angry, disappointed tone, "So, if I understand you correctly, you've found nothing of value. Which means you have no value, Sidney. Do you know what I do with things that hold no value to me? I throw them away." Everything she had tried had failed, which meant Emma and Alexander were still in town. That also furthered Henrys belief that Regina was The Evil Queen, which was true enough, but he shouldn't know that. It made him rebel against her even more, which was causing so many more problems with Alexander since he had the power and authority to take Henry from her.
Sidney caught the meaning behind the threat; though he didn't remember what she had done to him in the enchanted forest, he was well aware of what she could do here. "I...I'll keep looking." He said stammering, quickly turned, and walked away from Mayor Sidney wasn't willing to risk any more of her wrath. The man would just do what she told him and hoped that what he would find would be satisfying enough to cool her down.
Alexander was just coming out of the justice hall after contacting the local District Attorney, Albert Spencer. He had submitted his claim and paperwork along with a copy of Henrys Video from this morning; keeping the original to himself, he was stupid enough to give up his only copy. Along with that video recording, he had submitted a copy of the Audio threat that Mayor Mills had made to Emma after having dropped Henry off to her the second time. Now he was off to Dr. Hopper's office.
Earlier that same morning
At 7:15 in the morning, the local FBI in Massachusetts conferenced called Judge, Marcus Ramsey, and District Attorney Spencer. Special Agent, Mason Hollis, informed the D.A. and the Judge that at 9:15, Agent charming would be over to discuss the child endangerment custody case he was working on. When District Attorney hung up from Agent Hollis, they were suitably intimidated. Enough at least to overlook Reginas potential anger for not informing her of what was going on.
Precisely at 8:15, Alexander joined them in chambers to discuss Henry's case. They questioned his reasoning for looking into the custody and placement of the boy he had just met. And Alexander Simply said, I had noticed Henry's odd behavior. I have worked with several task forces for missing and abused children. "I recognized the behavior as befitting a physically or emotionally abused child, it presented when I while getting to know My sister, Emma Swan, and her Son. I questioned his reasoning for running away across state lines, and he expressed his fear and dislike of his current situation with Regina. And having met Dr. Hopper upon our arrival in Storybook, it was clear that he was receiving help, but the therapy obviously wasn't working. Emma and I brought Henry home to his mother, and Regina and Madam Mayor proceeded to threaten My sister. I informed Emma that if she desired to go back to Boston, I would stay here and check up on the boy. She obviously didn't make it back to Boston," He said, pointing to the newspaper. that showed the damage after having slammed into the welcome sign. "This by the way was done not because she was drunk but because she swerved to avoid hitting a wolf, which I have a video recording of as well, by the way, as well as Madam Mayor having threatened his sister more than once. Henry's subtle indicators alarmed me so I started working on a source for Henry's surveillance to gather intel as well as a preventative measure to keep him safe." Alexander was aware that since the child had crossed state lines. It wasn't a local matter, so he didn't need a warrant from Sherriff Graham to set everything up. "It's a matter of perspective, gentlemen. Would you rather suffer a bit of anger from Mayor Mills? Or suffer the consequences of a full investigation into your town? From the FBI and MI6 as their Liaison and Field agent, you could be facing federal and international consequences for ignoring the law?"
That was the Crux of the matter, wasn't it? If they involved themselves in this case and didn't uphold the law, especially when it pertained to a minor having crossed state lines, in conjunction with the recordings? They would be in a lot of trouble. It wasn't worth messing with a Case that one of the FBI's international liaison and MI6's Field agent worked on they would rather have Reginas anger more than this young mans. Had succeeded in getting the court order, he needed to start collecting evidence in Henry's case. They had an agreement that Alexander recorded with their permission, of course, and signed documentation in the effect of their understanding, and then he was off. He had to meet Emma for hot chocolate.
Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Diner.
Emma was seated at the counter, reading the newspaper; when Alexander walked it at 8:30, he waved at Ruby, Winked at Sheriff Graham, who bowed his head and blushed a ruby red it was cute Alexander didn't think the guy was gay or bisexual. Still, it didn't hurt anyone to seductively flirt with the guy. Graham was very handsome after all; he sat next to Emma and bumped her with his elbow gaining her attention. She smiled widely at him. Emma was about to explain all about Regina, her apples, and the threats this morning. But was interrupted when Ruby sat a mug of hot chocolate, with cinnamon, in front of her. Here you go. Emma frowned at her, she hadn't ordered this, and Alexander just got here, so he didn't order it,
"What none for me, love? I am disappointed in your lack of care for me." Alexander said in a mock pout to Ruby, which made Ruby smile widely at him. She liked Alexander. He was a severe kind of man, but there were instances that his cheeky friendliness poked out, and that made her like him all the more, but she had also seen him wink at Sheriff Graham, so she didn't know what to do about him.
Emma broke into Rubys waring thoughts, "Thank you... but I did not order that." Emma said, motioning to the cup of hot chocolate with cinnamon sprinkled on top; Ruby nodded and then said, Yeah, I know. You have an admirer. Emma and Alexander turned around; seeing Sheriff Graham seated in a booth, they both assumed that he had sent Emma the drink. "Are you trying to horn in on my conquest sister? Because I showed interest In the town's Sheriff first, Emma, but I will concede to your gender if he should reject my advances and turn him over to you with no hard feelings." He said teasingly. Emma whipped her head around, ready to deny empirically that she had any such ideas, but she was stopped when she saw his broad smile and a twinkle of teasing in his eyes. She huffed out in mock annoyance to his shenanigans and then said lowly, "Idiot."
Emma put the paper down, then stood from her barstool and walked over to where the Sheriff with the glass of hot chocolate in her hand. When Emma reached his table, she set the cup down. Graham looked up and smiled at her and said cheerfully, "Ah, so you decided to stay." He said, putting his own copy of the newspaper down on the table. He glanced over at Alexander, who was still sitting at the counter talking to Ruby and laughing at something she said. He couldn't get a read on the guy. First, he was flirting with him, then he was acting the same with ruby the few times he'd seen them talking. It was very confusing. Plus, he was in a sort of relationship with the Mayor, the twin's Adversary, he had been for as long as Graham could remember, Graham didn't feel anything for Regina, the way his heart speed up when Alexander looked at him. He couldn't decide if Alexander was just flirty with everyone or what it was confusing as hell.
Emma broke him out of his thoughts, "Observant. Essential for a cop." She teased she could see the looks between Him and her twin, but Alexander had shared those same looks with ruby. Was her brother Bisexual? Not that it bothered her any, but it could be a stigma in a small town like this. She knew that he could take care of himself, but she would be outraged on his behalf if someone made a big deal about it to him, her, or Henry. Alexander had already faced enough hate from his adoptive relatives. He didn't need it from these people.
"That's good news for our tourist business, bad for our local signage." Smiled Teasingly at her, Emma gave him a look; she didn't appreciate that he was bringing up the accident. "Its-its a joke... because you ran over our sign..." Emma interrupted him before he could finish the lame joke, her patients was waning, and she wasn't going to encourage any flirting of any kind if her brother had eyes on the Sherriff. That would be a no-no in the sister codebook, even if she had only been a sister for 48 hours.
"Look, the cocoa was a nice gesture, and I am impressed that you guessed that I like cinnamon in my chocolate, cause most people don't, but I am not here to flirt, my brother is so, thank you, but no thank you." Graham's eyes widened at her mention of her brother flirting with him. He glanced over to where Alexander was and was surprised further that Alexander was looking at him with? With what he would call a hungry look in his eye, He, Graham was the pray, and Alexander was the hunter. Emma noticing the look sets the mug on the table. She was about to leave when she was stopped by Graham again.
"I didn't send it." He said, swallowing the lump forming in his throat from the steaming look Alexander was sending him. He couldn't take his eyes off the dark-haired, green-eyed special agent. He was too mesmerized.
Henry turned, facing Emma from where he was seated at another booth. He looked at her Henry smiled innocently at her, then smirked at Graham, who was still looking at his uncle as if he were a deer in the road. "I did. I like cinnamon, too." Henry got up and walked towards her and Alexander, stood up, approaching Emma and the Sherriff, Alexander placed his hand on Graham's shoulder letting his magic run through his fingers, giving Graham a bit of a zing. He grinned as the Sherriff inhaled sharply. "Don't you have school?" Emma asked, trying to draw Henrys attention away from her brother's playful flirtation.
"Duh, I'm ten. You two want to Walk me." Alexander shook his head and gave Emma a nudge-nudge look saying he was going to stay and flirt more with the Sheriff while she took the time to get to know her Son while walking him to the school. Emma got the message; before she hightailed it out of there, Alexander pulled her to the side and whispered in her ear. "Ill text where to meet you in thirty minutes to go over Henrys case with you." She nodded and grabbed Henry by the shoulder and turned him towards the Diners door; Henry looked back at his uncle and gave him a thumbs up. Alexander smirked at the cheeky kid, then sat down across from the Sheriff and began talking. So Sherriff, what is it that you do around here for fun? .
Emma and Henry outside.
"So, what's the Deal with you and your mom?" Emma asked. She wanted to really find out why Henry was mad at his adoptive mother, a reason that didn't have anything to do with the curse, a real reason that made sense. Henry shook his head. "It's not about us; its about her curse. We have to break it. Luckily, I have a plan, Step one identification. I call it Operation Cobra." He said. Henry was trying to get her to realize how important this was to him and how important she was to him and the town. Henry wanted to get working on the curse as soon as possible so people could remember who they were. And so he could get away from the evil Queen and be with his family again. Emma shook her head fondly at the thought. Well, she didn't think that she could find a better male role model for her son, so that was a bonus, she guessed but Cobra? That was a weird code name. "Cobra? That has nothing to do with fairytales."
"Exactly, its a codename. It'll throw the Queen off the trail." She looked at him fondly; this kind was funny. He had such a vivid and vast imagination. He was going from believing the townsfolk were fairy tale characters, that she was a savior, and Now he was planning a mission, like a secrets spy 007 kind of mission. He had his villain and now his Spymaster, which was her. All he needed now was a damsel in distress and his Q to equip the spy with some awesome tech. "So, everyone here is a fairytale character; they just don't know it." She asked this whole thing was worrying, Alexander had it right; something was wrong with either her Son or his situation where he couldn't distinguish fantasy from reality. And even though she hasn't felt like she could be his mother when she gave birth to him and was having a hard time adjusting to having him back in her life, those instincts wouldn't leave her. "Breaking the curse, that's the cure. Times been frozen... Until you, and uncle Alex got here." Emma lifted the apple that she had brought with her from Reginas basket and was about to take a bite out of it when Henry noticed. Henry saw the apple, and he was suspicious she hadn't taken the apple from the Diner, and the only one he knew that had anything to do with apples was his adopted mother, so just before Emma bite into it, he distracts her. "Hey! Where'd you get that?"
Emma looked down at him, surprised by his outburst. She then looked back at the apple then her Son again and said, Your mom. He looked at her wildly and frantically said, "Don't eat that!" He unceremoniously takes it from her and throws it behind his back, unaware of where it landed as he just kept walking to get to his bus stop. Emma rolled her eyes at his antics. He was a suspicious person thinking that just because Regina had given her a bunch of apples that they were poisoned, did he think that shed get away with it if she did.
"Okay... Um, uh, alright. What about their pasts?" She asked as they kept walking; Emma bet if asked, Alexander would look up their names, so they would have documented proof she could show him that they all had a past, parents, documentation on their whole lives. Henry replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world and that Emma should figure it out fairly easily. "Its a haze to them. Ask anyone anything, and you'll see." She took a minute to think about what Henry had just said. There was just something about this town, the creepiness of it and the people to it was almost like she was walking into the fictional town of sleepy hollow, where there was a town legend of a ghost that was going to chop your head off at night if you didn't cross the bridge in time. Except the big bad scary thing was the Mayor of this town and Regina just happened to have custody of her Son. Emma wanted to ask a question that was totally out of the realm of actual possibility, but she had to. It was just ridiculous. So much so that It was almost too hard to get the question out of her mouth. "So... for decades, people have been walking around, in a haze, not aging, with screwed up memories, stuck in a cursed town that kept them oblivious." She asked Henry. He nodded in agreement. She didn't know why she was playing along with his fantasy that was so unbelievable there was no way any part of it could be real.
"I knew you'd get it! That's why we need you and uncle Alex; your the only one who can stop her curse, and he's the only one to guide you." He smiled brilliantly at her like she'd figured some great secret out. Henry didn't understand that Emma was still anxious and skeptical and looking for standard everyday answers to why Henry was so insistent that his whole life and everyone in it wasn't real. "Because Alexander and I are the children of Snow White and Prince Charming?" she asked. But she also wondered about alexander? If she was the savior, what did it mean that he was supposed to guide her? She was pretty positive that she was the older twin. Didn't that mean that she was supposed to guide him and be a good example to him? She thought in her mind. Well, Alexander did have a lot of experiences that she didn't being an MI6 agent and all that. But she was sure she had a lot of experiences that he didn't either like living on the street, in the foster system, being shuffled from family to family.
"Yes! And right now, The three of us have the advantage. My mom doesn't know that." Henry then pulled his backpack off of his shoulders and Unzipped it. He reached in and took out a bunch of papers and handed them to Emma. When she looked at them, she noticed they were several pages from the book. She looked at the boy for a moment, stunned that he would deface the book like that, but before she could admonish the actions, he explained, saying, "I took out the end the part with you and Uncle Alex in it." Emma looked down at the pages in her hand; she could see the page contained an illustration of Prince Charming placing baby Emma in the wardrobe. The name Emma was clearly stitched on the baby blanket.
Emma couldn't believe that it looked exactly like the one shed kept with her all these years. It couldn't be the same one; it couldn't be. Clearly, her mother had seen the book before and made the blanket to match, and it was just a coincidence that her name was the same and the baby in the book. Yes, that's what it was a coincidence. "See? Your mom is Snow White!" Emma was just about to explain her theory about the blanket, "Kid..." but before she could get anything else out, Henry spoke first. He wasn't going to let her say anything that would talk herself out of believing in him, even just the tiniest bit. "I know the Hero never believes at first; if they did, it wouldn't be an interesting story, it wouldn't show how the Hero discovered they were special. If you need proof, take them, read them. But whatever you do, don't let the Evil Queen see these pages. They're dangerous. If she finds out who you and Uncle Alex are... then it would be... Bad! Its already dangerous since Uncle Alex's last name is Charming. Its like a dead giveaway." When they got to the front of the school, He and Emma stopped walking; Henry turned to face her fully and continued speaking excitedly this time. "I got to go, but Ill find you later," and we can get started. He then started to walk towards school before yelling over his shoulder, "I knew you'd believe me!" Emma stayed where she was and watched Henry walk away; she saw Mary Margret approaching from the corner of her eye. Before Mary Margret came to her, she yelled back to Henry, "I never said I did!"
Henry turned, walking backward a bit, with a smirk on his face that looked like his fathers and a bit like his uncles. Both were annoying though, Henry yelled back his question back at her, "Why else would you be here?" He turned around and ran off toward the school.
Mary Margaret stepped up beside the Blond woman, Emma, and watched the byplay between them. It was sweet that Emma was trying, and it was so good that Henry had someone to talk to. Even though she had gotten in trouble with the Mayor, she would have done it again to see him happy, happier than she had seen him in two years. "It's good to see his smile." commented offhandedly, not wanting to say something that would make Emma's walls rise back up, Mary Margaret had to be very careful with Emma; and what she said to her. The young teacher could see that Emma was the type of person that would cut and run at the first obstacle. "I didn't do anything," Emma said, and she really hadn't. Emma doubted everything that Henry said. She wasn't special or wanted, and she certainly wasn't the savior.
Mary Margaret was silent for a minute; before she said anything, she had to choose her words didn't want to see that devastation in Henrys face if something she said made Emma leave. She was optimistic that Alexander would stay; something about him told her that he had the tendency to deal with challenging situations no matter the personal attacks, hardships, or consequences. She could tell Alexander was Steel when it came to making something work, and if it wasn't, he would change the circumstances until it did. He would think of Henrys wellbeing before himself. Well, You and Alexander stayed. "So.. does the Mayor know you're still here?"
Emma Snorted incredulously and gave a look that said, Of course, she does to Marry Margaret; Mary Margaret just smiled a knowing smile. The mayor seemed to know everything going on with absolutely everyone, even seemingly private things that she shouldn't know about. Apparently, Madam Mayor kept a closer eye on the town than Regina did her own son. "Oh, she knows. What is her Deal? Shes not a great people person. How did she get elected?" Emma asked curiously; she couldn't believe anyone in this town had liked the woman enough to put her in office. Mary Margaret tilted her head to the side in thought, she tried to search her memories for the first time shed seen Regina or her campaign for office, but her memories were stuck as they always were, that things had always been this way. "Shes been Mayor for as long as I can remember. No ones ever been brave enough to run against her. She inspires quite a bit of.. well, fear. I'm afraid I only made that worse by giving Henry that book, and now he thinks she's the Evil Queen."
Emma was stunned remembering Henry's saying that things had never changed and 10 years she had to admit was a long time for things not to change. She was curious, though, who Mary Margret apparently was in Henrys fantasy. Mary Margaret looked a bit like , but that was ridiculous to even have come across her thoughts No, Emma was not buying into the curse thing, Na uh not going to happen. But..., "Who does he think you are?" she asked, kicking herself mentally for even asking the question. Mary Margaret Blushed then Scoffed. She looked down. She really didn't want to say it. It was flattering that Henry thought of her as Brave, selfless, kind, and trustworthy. But she wasn't those things. Mary Margaret was Shy, Awkward, and was a hopeless romantic in her heart; Mary Margaret didn't dare to go after what she wanted. Mary Margaret was nothing like the woman Henry believed her to be. "It's silly..." she sighed. Emma Laughed at the look Mary Margaret had on her face. She looked like she could have swallowed a hot pepper by how red her face was; it couldn't be that bad; Henrys teacher seemed like she was a kind woman. Emma could tell she really loved all her students; she leaned slightly in and said in a conspiratorial way. "I just got five minutes of silly. Lay it on me." Mary Margaret Blushed again then said in a tone that said she wished it was true but knew ultimately that it wasn't. The sorrow in her eyes seemed so visceral. Emma felt terrible asking now. "Snow White."
Emma looked slightly stunned. The school bell rang and interrupted her thoughts; if she believed everything that Henry had said, she would be meeting her and Alexanders mother right now. It was really too bad the curse was just a fantasy. Emma thought It would have been nice to have met Mary Margaret and have her actually be their mom. Emma was glad that Alexander wasn't here; she didn't want to think about his reaction to all of this. But she also couldn't ignore how similarities between them, Both had black hair and were on the shorter side, but that might have been because of the way he grew up. He had lived in a cupboard under the stairs for 10 years. It wouldn't be a leap to think that it had stunted his growth; Emma was brought out of her dark thought when Mary Margaret asked, "Who does he think you are?" For some reason, Mary Margarets answer scared her; she didn't want to answer and have Mary Margaret laugh at her the same way she had laughed at Henrys theory. She wanted to get away from the woman her son believed to be her mom. So Emma quickly said, "I'm not in the book..." She pulled out her phone, hearing a message alert; when she looked at it, it was from Alexander: Meet Me at DR. Hoppers. I just received the federal court order for Henrys file; we can grab it and look it over. Would you mind if I made a copy to look over on my own? She replied that she didn't care and that she would be there. "Can I ask you a favor? Regina mentioned the kids in therapy; do you know where I can find the doctors office? I'm supposed to meet my brother there."
Alexander in Granny's Diner with Sheriff Graham.
Alexander watched his twin and Henry walk out of the Diner. He thought it was pretty hilarious that his nephew gave him the thumbs up and wishing him good luck. Alexander Charming shook his head in amusement. He wasn't looking for true love; at least Alexander didn't believe he was. He wasn't ready to be tied down like that and devote himself to one person and one person only. When he did, those he got close to loving ended up dying or leaving him. Alexander thought of his first crush, Cedric Diggory. He hadn't been in a relationship with Cedric, but he'd dreamed about going out with the Handsome Hufflepuff. When he was Harry Potter, Harry had thought Cedric was the kind of guy he was looking for, someone that didn't care if he was The Boy Who Lived; it was just too bad that Cedric had been dating Cho Chang. That was one of the things that the Author of his book had gotten wrong. He wasn't pinning after the Asian girl; she hadn't even been a thought in his head. But Cedric was at the time when he was known as Harry. He remembered that he had felt terrible; being entered into the Triwizard tournament had caused Cedric and his house to be outshined. Dam! Dumbledore to the pit of Tartarus, it was the Headmaster's fault he'd put the spotlight on him instead of where it should have been.
He did try to make it up to Cedric by telling him about the Dragons they would be facing in the first task. He had dreamed that Cedric had joined him in the prefect's bathrooms and introduced him to the mysteries of gay sex, but that hadn't happened. Ah, good memories. He had a lot of fantasy material that year, seeing Cedric in swimming apparel for the second task he'd had a hard-on until he'd jumped in the freezing water. Man Talk about shrinkage that had distracted him enough that he forgot to open his mouth and breath through the gills that had opened on his neck, but it had been worth it seeing Cedric all wet and dripping in the champions tent Man he'd almost spilled his load right there. But he had enough decorum to distract himself, just barely.
And when Alexander/ Harry Potter tried to get the boy, he liked to take the Triwizard cup to win. Harry/Alexander thought that Cedric being the Triwizard champion would be payback to Hufflepuff and Cedric. Cedrics dad was so proud of his son and wanted everyone to know that he deserved to be there. Harry/ Alexander wanted to make that happen, but Cedric had talked him into taking it together. It only ended up being the worst thing Cedric could have done. It was the cause of his death, and it was Harrys fault for offering it to him, or so he had thought at the time. After that, it had been the straw that broke the Hippogriffs back. No more relationships or thinking of getting into relationships. It wasn't worth the trouble or heartache. He didn't understand that he could be loved; Alexander/ Harry Potter was too different. He was needed for other things like fighting Dark Lords, Saving people, Dying at the opportune moment. And he understood sacrifice he battled for seven years for his own survival. In the end, though, Alexander/Harry made a choice after trying everything Alexander/ Harry could think of to live only to willingly Die. Harry Potter would die so others, the people harry/Alexander hated, the people Harry/ Alexander didn't know, and the people Harry/Alexander loved would be safe. That was the only love he understood.
He brought himself out of his morbid thought and sat down across from graham, who looked distinctly worried that Alexander would eat him up and spit him out. It made a smirk form on the corner of his mouth. He broke the ice by saying, "So, since my sister as outed my intention to flirt with you Sherriff Graham, how about we skip that part and get to the Meat of the situation if you will, Id like to take you out for one evening." He said as he leaned over, resting his arms on the table. He took one of Graham's hands and began to stroke the sheriff's fingers with his own; he let a bit of magical energy skim over Grahams skin, causing goose pimples to rise on the palm of his hand and his heartbeat speed up. Graham sucked in a sharp breath and closed his eyes. He couldn't remember when a touch felt that good and titillating. Hed never felt like this with Regina. Graham couldn't remember having ever been excited like he was now. Alexander increased the electricity Graham was feeling. A large current traveled from his palm to his groin. "By the Moon! What are Ya doing to me?" He asked in a breathless voice. The Sherriff almost moaned out in pleasure just before he could; the surge decreased to being just barely felt; he looked over at the forest green jewels that were alexanders eyes. He could see the delight in them, high on the pleasure that he was stimulating in the Sherriff. If Graham thought about it, the town Sherriff would venture to say that Mr. Charming was teasing him into a frenzy, so he'd skive off his shift for the afternoon and have a good rumble in the woods with him. Wait woods? Why would he have sex with someone in the woods like an animal?
Graham shook his head to clear some of the sexual fog from his brain and looked at Alexander again. This time when Graham looked, he was looking at the mans entire face. He could see the need in every line of his face though anyone else that looked would see a charming young man sitting at ease and Smirking at him in amusement; it was his eyes again they were locked on Graham; they were intense and unmoving from his own. "I'm giving you a sample of the pleasure you would feel if you came out for the evening with me sheriff, I want you and I usually tend to get what I want. But just be aware I'm not looking for a relationship here. I don't do those nasty entanglements; they never seem to work out, but I am very hospitable in bed, and I would like to have you if your willing?" Graham closed his eyes again; he was warring with himself he wanted to; the Man really did, but the Mayor, Emma, and her twin brother were at odds with each other, and Madam Mayor controlled him. He wasn't going to deny it. She had her hands in everything, literally everything. If he got involved, even just in a sexual relationship with Alexander, she would hold it as leverage over him. And he actually thought that what Alexander was attempting to do with the custody case was a good idea, and he didn't want to be the one to jeopardize it. So no, he would have to deny the man and hoped they could remain on good terms. And that's what he told him. "I cant, Mr. Charming, while you and your sister are at odds with the Mayor of this town, I can't in good conscience have a sexual relationship with you. What you are doing for that boy, Henry, is a good thing, and if Regina ever found out, it would be something she could use against you, and I would hate for that to be the reason you can't get Henry into a better situation. I hope you understand, and we can still be friends?" Alexander sighed deeply, Dam it made sense. It was noble and self-sacrificing and brave to go against the Mayor in this seemingly small way, but he was grateful for it because Henry really did come first before his libido as it should be. "Thank you, Sherriff you're right it's not the proper time for this. Perhaps when everything is finished, and over we can reconsider my offer, yes?" the Sherriff nodded emphatically. "Yes, absolutely. When everything is done, we can revisit your offer, Mr. Charming." Alexander smiled and said, "please call me Alexander; I insist."
Sherriff Graham smiled in agreement. He finished his coffee and got up and nodded in goodby to Alexander, who waved and walked out of the diner and down to the sheriff's station. Alexander pouted a minute because of the nonrejection rejection, then pulled out his phone and texted his sister. Meet Me at DR. Hoppers. I just received the federal court order for Henrys file; we can grab it and look it over. Would you mind if I made a copy to look over on my own? he pushed send, then walked out of the diner as well and down to the court office to pick up the court order that was waiting for him. Then he headed towards Dr. Hopper's office just in time to see him hand Emma over the File. "you better wait until I give you this, Dr. Hopper. We want to do everything strictly legal here. The Mayor is just itching to have something on us she can use to disrupt my investigation into her custody of Henry." Alexander said in a stern official tone. The mad had the decency to look ashamed of himself, and Emma looked embarrassed because she hadn't even thought of that; maybe Henry was right Alexander was the one that needed to guide her.
Storybrooke. Present. Dr. Archie Hoppers office.
Archie was sitting reading the newspaper when he was interrupted by a knock on the door. He looked at his watch; he didn't have an appointment until noon with Leroy for his court-appointed therapy for anger management before he could get up and answer the door. Emma walked in; she seemed to be agitated and on edge. He noticed he didn't say anything. He just observed her for a minute. She walked over to his couch and sat down, "Hey." Emma said absently. She didn't really know how to begin to ask what she wanted to. She didn't want to just have mountains of words coming out of her mouth and not make sense; Emma could feel that he was waiting for her to keep going, but she couldn't get her thought together. And he seemed to sense that.
"Emma Swan." Dr. Hopper said as he stood up from his chair next to the fireplace while picking up the newspaper. He turned the front page towards her so she could see it, he wasn't judging her, but Archie thought he could break the ice with a bit of shrink humor. "I was just, uh, reading about you. Let me guess, you're here for help with a bit of post-traumatic stress?" Dr. Hopper Chuckled at his own joke; seeing that Emma hadn't even lifted a lip in any kind of humor, good or bad, made him rethink his strategy. He cleared his throat and set the paper down. "That diagnosis was free, by the way." That got Emma to Laugh at the least a nervous laugh; she took in a breath to calm and center herself. Once she was confident, she could ask what she wanted to and not sound like an idiot or a horrible person. She began by saying, "No, I'm here about Henry." Emma looked at him with a desperate sort of expression on her face; she really wanted to try and find out what had caused this break from reality for her son; it didn't make sense she and Alexander had both been given up and abandoned on the side of the road. She at least hadn't retreated into a fantasy world, and it didn't sound or look like Alexander had either.
Archie folded his arms over his chest and stood as if he was going to tell her that she was going to the principles office for toilet papering the Gym and that he was disappointed in the choice she had made; it kind of irritated her, to be honest. "I'm sorry, I..., I..., I really shouldn't..." he stammered out. Dr. Hopper hated doing this to the poor woman; Archie had been told by the mayor that she would stop by and that after sufficient coaxing, Archie should hand over Henrys file for her, then phone the Sherriff and report that she had attacked him and took the file. He didn't want to, but she said that she would ruin him, and he was too scared of her to tell her he wouldn't. Emma held up her hand in a placating manner. She wanted to explain first and see if her reasons were enough to bend his code of ethics a bit. "I know, I'm sorry, I just... just tell me something. This fairytale obsession, what is causing it? I mean, he thinks everyone is a character in his book. That's... crazy." She exclaimed her tone was desperate; she was scared for Henry; if they didn't nip this thing in the bud, he would be labeled and hospitalized as a schizophrenic. That would ruin his life.
Archie sat down and said to her in a concerned tone that he may be a coward and break his ethics because of the Mayor, but he cared about Henry. He didn't want the boy to get hurt by his other birthmother and his adopted mother. "I..., I hope you don't talk that way in front of him. The word crazy is, um.. quite damaging. These stories- they're his language. He has no idea how to express complex emotions, so Henry's translating as best he can. Its how he communicates. He's using this book to help deal with his problems." Emma got up and began to move about the small room; she felt guilty and restless and needed to expend some of her excess energy. But he got the book a month ago. Has he seen you longer than that? She asked. She hoped she wasn't too invasive; Emma wanted as much information as Dr. Hopper was willing to give, but she knew there were things that he couldn't discuss because of patient confidentiality. Archie looked down. He really didn't want to lead Emma into more trouble with Regina; he just wanted to be a therapist and do his job and at the end of the day go home to pongo or go meet up with Marco for a drink. They hadn't had a drink together for a week or so, but he had to do this or lose his patients, Practice, and license. She would ruin him, just as she threatened to do so, he answered, "Um-Yes, he has. That much was true." He had been seeing Henry for two years ever since shed told him he was adopted when Henry asked about his father and where he was.
Emma turned sharply around and pointed the finger at him in an Ah-ha gesture, and stated, "So it's Regina, isn't it?" Oh, she could just imagine what the woman was like; she had been in foster homes where she was just another government paycheck. She had been ignored and told that she was to keep her mouth shut and not say anything and pretend she didn't exist. Oh, if Alexander knew that she had been told the exact same thing he had, Alexander would have asked if the woman was a distant relative of Vernon Dursley. Poor Henry having to go through that made her sad and angry at the same time. Archie stammered about a bit but then tentatively replied with the kindest description he could manage to describe the attitude and demeanor of the Mayor. "Uh- his mother is a... highly complex woman, and uh- over the years, her attempts to try and bring Henry closer have only backfired." This was probably the best time to give her the file and move this conversation along so she'd leave. He moved over to the filing cabinet, opening the second drawer, and to the M section, he pulled Henrys file. He was about to hand it to her when he said, "Why don't you take a look at the file? Um... see what I mean."
Emma reached out to take the file and asked him hesitantly, Why are you doing this? Emma knew she shouldn't accept the file; it was against the law, and it was unethical, and if Regina or Henry ever found out, Regina would be pissed, but henry would be devastated. He wouldn't trust her again. But she needed to know what she was up against and how to battle it. "Well, he talks about you a lot. You're.. very important to him." He said the file was inching closer to Emma's hand. Archie still had time to take it back and tell her it was a mistake, that as a Dr., he wouldn't break his medical and moral oath just to satisfy either woman, but he was weak. Emma smiled as she inched her hand closer. She didn't want to move too fast in case he changed his mind by her quick movements. "Thank you." But before she grabbed onto it, the door opened again, and Alexander was standing there. He had the official business expression on his face and said, "you better wait until I give you this, Dr. Hopper. We want to do everything strictly legal here. The Mayor is just itching to have something on us so she can use to disrupt my investigation into her custody of her son Henry Mills." Alexander kept his eyes on the two of them. Archie looked mortified that he'd been caught by a Liaison agent with the FBI and an MI6 field agent. This couldn't have been any worse for him; forget the Mayor ruining him. Hed did it himself. Emma was also suitably embarrassed. Once shed left Henry at school and finished talking with Mary Margaret. After finding that Henry believed that his teacher was Snow White, that she and Alexander were supposedly her children, it had freaked her out enough to lose her senses, and now that they were back because of her brother. She was horrified at her actions. Maybe Henry was right; he was levelheaded, and he had the perspective that she needed to guide her brashness and sometimes her recklessness. "Sorry, I got ahead of myself here; Henry told me something that kind of freaked me out." Alexander nodded in understanding desperate people did desperate things. He was just glad that he caught them before anything that could ruin what he was working on happened. "I understand Emma, really I do, but if you want to get Henry in a situation that is best for him, we need to think about what's best for him and not what's best for us, right? When we do that, everything else will fall into place. Okay?" Emma nodded her head. She was suitably chastised. He thought the way her head drooped in regret and embarrassment; he smirked internally.
This reminded him of when Severus had caught him sneaking around in his fourth year after the Yule Ball. He just saw Cedric lead Cho into one of the broom closets on the third floor near where Fluffy had been kept; luckily, he had taken care to keep his invisibility cloak with him. If Cedric was snogging or having sex with the witch, he wanted to be close enough to hear and wank himself to the image and sound of it, Imagining it was him in there. Harry/Alexader listened for ten minutes to their Snogging and foreplay. He was so aroused, he ached to be released. Extending his leg just a bit to unzip his Trousers and pull himself out to begin pleasuring himself, Harry/ Alexander hadn't been aware his foot peeked out from under the cloak. He had been startled when someone abruptly pulled him up by the neck of his shirt by his Potions master. He, too, was Horrified and embarrassed just as Emma was now. Severus Snape was the man who mentored ever since he'd come to Hogwarts in the first year. Severus had cared for harry/Alexander as good as Severus was able under the nose of the old medaling fool, Dumbledore. And he couldn't believe Severus was seeing him with his zipper hanging out and his wanker dangling for all to see. "Mr. Potter, What the bloody hell are you doing?" Severus Whisper yelled as he hauled Harry down the corridor. He wasn't even going to give the boy the time or opportunity to fix himself; if someone caught him with his willy hanging out at attention, he'd just have to deal with the humiliation. Honestly, for Merlin's sake, he couldn't believe he'd caught his student waking himself in the hallway listening to another pair of students entrenching themselves in carnal delights; it was exasperating. Hadn't he taught the boy more cunning and discretion than that? Was the boy a Slytherin among lions or not? "Sorry, sir, but I wasn't going to take Padma to one of those rooms, you know, swing more to my own gender than the female. Though I do appreciate the sight of a good figure, I do appreciate more the sight of a fine male behind, and all the other rooms were full, sir, Severus... Honestly, let me at least put myself inside, so my pubic hair doesn't get caught."
Severus stopped and allowed him to tuck himself inside, but he didn't give him the chance to zip up. He would just have to suffer that embarrassment if someone saw. Honestly, Harry, you couldn't have just gone back to your dorm and done that. Did you need audio inspiration to achieve lift-off? Alexander/Harry shrugged then cheekily said, "I couldn't imagine his tone and Tenor in my mind and make it sound just right." Severus stopped in the middle of the moving staircase and looked down at the boy Hed vowed to keep safe and alive with a stunned and mystified expression, he went over what the boy had just said, "you couldn't get the tone and tenor of your crush's voice just right in your head? You needed the real thing?" Harry/Alexander nodded again and staring at him with a blank face as if that was the thing everyone did. Severus saw the glint of amusement in the boy's eyes than when he'd pondered on the words again, and then he let out a chuckle then said. "you Idiot, next time mind the foot." Harry/Alexander chuckled and followed his Potions professor down to the dungeons to scrub cauldrons for a bit for his detention.
Alexander sent Emma off to her room at Granny's inn with the impression he would be giving Dr. Hopper a good talking, too, also telling Emma that he would make her a copy of the file and bring it to her. Emma accepted. Then she took the opportunity to leave but not before giving Archie an apologetic look; Archie grimaced and accepted the unvoiced platitudes and watched as she closed the door. He sits down at a desk and places his head in his hands, and begins to breathe deeply; he was waiting for Mr. Charming to start laying into him. After a minute of silence, lifting his head, he looked around only to find Alexander sitting with his right leg crossed over his left, on his couch. Henrys File was next to him with an official-looking document on top. Archie gulped. He knew what it was. That was a court order for the release of medical files. Therapy was considered under that distinction. Alexander ignored Dr. Hopper for the moment. His attention was on the headline, which was titled, STRANGER, DESTROYS HISTORIC SIGN. Alexander scowled at the page bitterly. Alexander recorded what happed, and he offered it to the Sherriff as evidence to get her out of jail. It wasn't Emma's fault. She was getting the same treatment from the press that Alexander/ Harry had in the Wizarding world. Both papers were filled with nothing but lies and made-up stories. As a boy, Alexander/Harry Potter couldn't do anything about it back then. Alexander was an officer of the law. He could do something about it now. Alexander could sue for character defamation, printing false information which might cause undue damage to his sister's reputation. He knew that it wasn't fair that she had lies printed about her since he was the one to cause the accident, but he couldn't let her leave. She had work to do here. He wasn't thinking about the curse; he was thinking about Henry. Emma needed to make things right with him, have him in her life. It would be good for her. Yeah, he thought he'd sue the newspaper if they didn't print a retraction.
Alexander picked up the court order beside him and waved it in front of Archies face casting a nonverbal silencing spell on the room. The mayor had devices human or magical that could be used for eavesdropping. Once he was sure they were secure, he handed the document to Archie. "I presume you know what that is, Dr. Hopper?" Archie nodded, "yes, it's a court signed document allowing the release of all personal and medical files for the name applied on the document." Alexander nodded in agreement, switched legs, and crossed the left over the right. It denoted that he was comfortable using both sides of his body. Suppose his brain function was the same way. In that case, he could cross between his analytical hemisphere to his creative hemisphere with ease or simultaneously use logic and emotion working perfectly in tandem. That was a rare quality; usually, you were one or the other or had a tiny bit of both, but to have an equal amount on either end was nearly unheard of. It was interesting in a psychological way. "Do you consider yourself to be a man of moral fiber or a man that bases his decision-making on emotion? Dr. Hopper?" He asked casually. He knew the most likely reason he'd tried to trick Emma into taking the File, but he wanted to see what the man's heart was made out of Diamond or Coal? He watched Archie Gulp. Alexander could see the sweat start to build on his brow and trickle down the side of his face. Obviously, the man wasn't sure how to answer, or he didn't know what kind of a man he was; never having been put in a situation like this for 28 years, Archie had forgotten who he was, according to Henry. He didn't remember that he was supposed to be Jiminy Cricket, the conscious of Pinocchio. The one that was supposed to keep the lad on the straight and narrow. Well, let's see if he could Jog the old memories a bit he thought to himself. "I had a teacher once, a demented old fool of a goat, back in boarding school that said something to me once, and I think it might apply here, Dr. he said. It takes a great deal of Bravery to stand up to your enemies, but just as much to stand up to your friends. I hope you'll consider my words next time you decide to play the pansy to someone that doesn't care a whit about you and asks you to do something you know is wrong, whether they be an enemy or a friend trying to take advantage of what you have that they don't but think they need."
Alexander uncrossed his legs, picked up the file, walked over to the door, and left; leaving the door open, he quickly called the power of the invisibility cloak and was suddenly draped and hidden from anyone he could be seen by. He canceled the silencing charm on the room and moved to listen to the phone conversation that was being had. He also pulled out his audio recorder and recorded the conversation. "You were right. Ms. Swan... was just here." Archie said he had been touched deeply by Alexander's words, Dr. Hopper questioned himself what kind of man he was, and so far, it seemed that he was lead by emotion, not ethics. He had let Regina intimidate and threaten him into breaking his ethical oath. And Alexander had let him go with just a few wise words that penetrated his mind and heart. Was he a moral man? Archie liked to think so, but he hadn't been very ethical before now. Archie lacked courage. He knew that and bravery as well to stand against the tide that fell upon him. Archie was determined to be better. He hoped he would be. The first step was to have the desire; did he have that now? "Did she take the file?" Regina said On the other end of the line, she was probably in her office, he figured, she was playing a game, but she didn't know who all the players were, and that would be her downfall, you cant know the stratagem if you don't see the master. "Yes. H-how did you know she was going to come here?" He asked worriedly. He had just lied to Regina, she hadn't taken the file her brother had, and it was legal for him to do it; maybe this would give them the edge they needed to stop her from ruining Henrys life more.
Regina smirked. She spun around on her office chair, happy as can be; she was very proud of herself right now. Regina didn't know that she would regret that action because Alexander was better at playing the game. "Because I'm the one who gave her the idea." When Archie hung up, he mumbled to himself, "I want to be a man of moral fiber, I want to be brave and stand up to anyone that wants me to bend." Alexander smiled. It was enough for now that the man wanted to become better, to be something better. He would need another opportunity to act and not be acted upon. Alexander walked down the hall, and before he walked out the front of the building, he canceled the magic of the invisibility cloak. Then headed to the hospital with the Court order for Henrys other medical files.
Storybrooke. Present. Granny's Bed Breakfast, Emma's room.
Emma was sitting on her bed waiting. She was waiting like a naughty child waited when being sent to their room, waiting for the arrival of their parent to dispel punishment. Thank god that Alexander had come when he did; Emma would have made a colossal mistake that could land her and Dr. Hopper in a lot of trouble. Emma was used to getting into trouble; Emma hadn't been in it in a while. She kept her nose clean since she was Twenty. When Emma got out of jail and upon her feet. Just then, there was a knock on the door. She walked over and tentatively opened it, sighing in relief that it wasn't her brother but Sheriff Graham, who was standing in the hallway. "Hey there... if you're concerned about the Do Not Disturb signs, don't worry; I've left them alone." Graham shook his head and stated in an official factual way that made Emma automatically tense, had someone find out what almost happened? Did he tell someone? She didn't think that he would be that stupid but who knew with people in this town it was one thing right after the other, and she was the only one getting burned. "Actually, I'm here about Dr. Archibald Hopper. It was mentioned by a person who wished to remain nameless that you got into a bit of a row with him earlier?" Emma stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest. Emma wasn't going to go softly into the night this time. She was wide awake and ready to stand up for herself; if Archie thought he could lie about what happened or whoever this anonymous person was, they didn't know what they were dealing with. "No," she said stonily.
Graham walked in. He placed his hand inside his jacket and pulled out the handcuffs he had stashed there; he didn't want to be doing this. This was not going to win him any points with Alexander, Especially when he'd turned down his tempting offer earlier, which had been hard to do, Alexander struck him in such a way no one ever had before, and he had to turn that down. "I'm shocked, too, given your shy, delicate sensibilities." He said, trying to make a joke out of her rough nature; she apparently wasn't finding any amusement. The source says you demanded to see Henry's files, and when he refused, you came back and stole them. Emma scoffed. She was now more than happy that Her brother had saved her bacon; this was just what he said Regina wanted, a way to mess with his case, and she had just about given it to her on a silver platter. She was beginning to Hate Regina more and more. "I did not. They're not even here; whoever it was that said that is lying." Emma said, and she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing where they were. Hed just have to find out for himself.
Graham couldn't let up, He'd been ordered by the Mayor to arrest her. He took a look around and didn't see anything out in the open, and he didn't have probable cause to go searching around her room, but he was hoping she would cooperate. "Alas, he's telling a different tale. May I check your room? Or must I get a search warrant?" Emma pointed to the door and said scathingly at him. "Yeah, you're going to have to go get a search warrant, you're going to have to do your job and prove I'm guilty, Sherriff. Because if you don't, and this hurts Henry. You're going to have to take responsibility for that. I don't think Alexander would like that too much, do you?" Graham shook his head; this was what he hated about his job putting people that didn't belong there in it, but he had been told about the situation by Regina, and she expected him to do his job but, she was dictating what that job was. She was the Mayor. She could do that. "Mr. Charming won't be happy, but I am doing my job. I have a complaint and a reasonable suspicion, and I have to follow up on that. So, I'm afraid, Miss Swan, you're under arrest. Again." He turned her around and began to cuff her, she didn't struggle, but she turned her head to the side and looked up at him in the eyes and asked in her most calm voice, "You know I'm being set up, don't you?"
Graham looked away. Of course, he knew, but he couldn't just come out and say it. He couldn't accuse Regina when he had no proof. He would be sacked as Sherriff if that happened. So instead, he asked, "And whom, may I ask, is setting you up?" Emma huffed and rolled her eyes and said in a matter-of-fact tone. "The one person who's hated my twin and me since we stepped into this town."
Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Elementary, exterior.
Mary Margaret was giving a lesson outside when she saw Mayor Mills approaching. She hoped she wasn't coming over to her class. There were several other classes outside, so Mary Margaret could wish that it was one of the others that had what Regina wanted, so she chose to just keep teaching and hoping. "Water... synthesizes." She sighed internally when she was interrupted by the Mayor clearing her throat; Mary Margaret closed her eyes for a second, counting to three, then opened them again. She stood and approached the Mayor. Before she could ask, the mayor demanded, "May I speak with my Son?" Mary Margaret remembered what Henry had told her about Snow White. She was Brave, Kind, and trustworthy. Mary Margaret wanted to be those things, so the best place to start was now. We Were in the middle of a lesson. "Is it important?" She was so proud of herself for standing her ground and not stepping shyly aside or let the Mayor bully her into doing what she wanted.
Regina was flummoxed for a moment, was this girl, this... this, well she didn't have a word for what this was, but it wouldn't stand. She was The Evil Queen, Dammit. She was not going to let insolence be tolerated. "Do you think Id be here if it wasn't!?" Ha! she thought, that will teach Ms. Mary Margaret Blanchard that she wasn't to be messed with today of all days. She walked away from motioned for Henry to Join her. Henry was reluctant to leave his class, but he didn't want to stoke the already raging fire. So he put down his book and walked over to where his mother was waiting. When henry got to her, she crouched down to talk to him like the ten-year-old he was, instead of the usual, understanding kind of person he is. "Henry, sweetie, I have some bad news. The woman who you brought here... she's been arrested. She broke into Dr. Hopper's office and stole his files. Shes a con woman. She's trying to learn about us to take advantage of us. That's why she's sticking around. And I think her brother is helping her. I'm sorry." Henry crossed his arms over his chest and stood boldly before her; he was not going to let her lie to him about his birth mother or his uncle. His uncle was an FBI liaison; he worked for the British secret service for crying out loud. They were vetted. Like big time. "No, you're not." He said before he could say anymore. Regina huffed, annoyed at his attitude.
"I know you think otherwise, but all I'm doing is trying to protect you. This is going to be good for us, you'll see. Things will be better." The school bell rang in the background; she didn't see any light in his eyes for her anymore. Regina hadn't seen it in two years. The more he pushed her, the fiercer she was being to try and get her little boy back, but it wasn't working; he was shutting her out. Replacing her, and she hated it. Henry looked away from her. He was so angry that his mother was trying to get rid of his Family; he was working on Emma believing him. Henrys uncle Alex already believed him; Alexander had been Harry Potter, after all. His uncle had defeated the Darkest wizard of the time in the Wizarding World. The Evil Queen would be no match for the twins. Emma would beat her; he just knew it she had Uncle Alex to help. with that in his thoughts, he said, "I got to get back to class."
Story brook Hospital-Alexander- after leaving Archies.
Alexander walked into the front doors of Story Brooke General Hospital. He looked around to see where the reception desk would be. When he was approached by a tall blond-haired blue-eyed man. The tag on his white Jacket said Dr whale.
Dr. Whale smile up at the handsome man that stood before him, he had never seen the man in town before, and they rarely got newcomers into town. He walked up and said, "Hello, I'm Dr. Whale. I'm the head attending physician here. Is there something I can do for you?" Alexander plastered a professional smile on his face. This man looked slimy, a lot like Pius thickness, the snake that had become the temporary minster of magic Harry/Alexanders seventh year while they were on the run finding Horcruxes. He was going to mess with this man the same way he messed with Henry when they first met. "Charming, Agent Alexander Leopold Charming, FBI Liaison, MI6 field Agent." It was just as funny that it may be even funnier since it was an adult gaping at him instead of a starry-eyed ten-year-old.
Dr. Wale cleared his throat in obvious embarrassment. He looked down the hallway to see the hustle and bustle of the patient ward. It was a typical day, thank goodness he had the excuse to turn away so he could gather himself together. Alexander tapped on the Drs shoulder to gain his attention again. When Dr. whale turned again, he was normal again, having taken the time to sort out his shock, then again he asked, "What can I do for you, Agent charming?" Alexander handed him the court order and said, "I need you to release all your medical files for Henry Daniel Mills." The doctor was shocked. He didn't know why an FBI agent would be looking into the Mayors sons medical files. As far as he knew, Henry had always been healthy, no signs of abuse if the Mayor brought Henry in it was because the child had caught the typical everyday flue or was injured in the course of doing the activities of any regular child. Clearly, something was going on; the legal document in front of him required that he relinquish the information to Agent Charming.
"Right..., Right this way." He walked towards the patient ward to where his office was located right next to the ICU. Alexander followed at an easy pace, keeping just a step or two behind the doctor; Dr. Whale was trying to keep his thoughts from wandering when he asked, "Are you allowed to tell me why the Mayor's medical files are being requested by The FBI?" He looked over his shoulder, seeing alexander was observing the surroundings. There were banners up, and decorations were starting to appear. The hospital was divvied up by grades, and the school kids were decorating their section of the Hospital. The 5th graders were coming in to decorate the patient ward for a couple of days with Miss. Blanchard. He was planning on asking her out tonight for dinner at the Dine. It was one of his fantasies to ask out a Hot teacher, and she was the only Hot teacher in StoryBrook. He assumed that Alexander ignored the question because he wasn't at liberty to discuss it or hadn't heard him either way; Dr. Whale never got an answer. They walked through the ICU and into his office. Dr. whale walked around his desk and sat in his chair. He clicked a few buttons pulling up his patient screens and then typing in Henrys name and Birthdate. Once the file pulled up, he asked, "Do you want everything, or is there anything in particular that you're looking for?" Alexander moved to sit in the client/patient chair, laid Dr. Hoppers file on the desk, and said. I want all notes, the list of medicines he's been on, notation of surgeries he's had if any, and the notes for the reason why he's had them. "I want his immunization records and any letters of recommendation that have been given to see any specialists, From the first day Regina gained custody to him to the last time he's been seen."
Dr. Whale nodded. That would be a lot, especially when henry had first arrived in Regina's custody, Henry had a hard time, and Regina couldn't figure out why the baby wouldn't stop fussing and crying. Shed brought him in several times and tested for various things, but the child had been healthy as far as he was concerned. He had suggested getting in contact with the biological mother to get her medical history to see if it was something genetic. The Mayor said it was a closed adoption, and the mother's name wasn't mentioned in the boy's information. Dr. Whale had heard that Regina had desired to give him back to the orphanage because the boy was becoming inconsolable, and she figured that she wasn't a fit parent. It hadn't ended up happening though, she had changed her mind and brought him home to try and stick it out, but never the less the notation was in the boy's file. Dr. Whale clicked on all the necessary files making sure that everything was included. Dr. Whale was going to keep his nose out of the whole mess. Of course, he had suspicions since Emma Swan came into town; the Mayor had been in a tizzy everyone saw it. When everything was printed and placed in a manilla file, "All right there you go." He handed it over. Alexander picked up both files and his court order then put them in his satchel for safekeeping.
Both men left the office and walked back through the ICU. When they passed a coma patient, Alexanders magic reached out to the unconscious man; it made him stop. He stared at the man; Alexander could see a lot of himself and Emma in the Man; Emma had his blond hair, but the man was definitely more a dirty blond than his sister was. If He and Emma were Snow White's children like the Book and Henry said that they were, then he might be looking at his father, something in his magic spiked just like it had when Alexander met Henry for the first time as well as when he met his sister Emma. It was the sense of Family Hed hadn't yet met His mother. "Who is that man there?" Dr. Whale looked over to the Comma patient he'd had in his ward for as long as he could remember; it had been the Mayor that had brought him in. She hadn't mentioned knowing him, so they labeled him John Doe. "Were not sure he's been here as long as anyone can remember though, Mayor Mills brought him in, said she found him on the side of the road. His condition hasn't changed, but we haven't been able to find a next of kin, so we've kept him on life support. The Mayor is his emergency contact in case that changes." Alexander nodded. Henry had told him about Emma's story. And Alexander knew about his own, having been informed by the letter from Dumbledore. So he Knew that their father had been injured by The Evil Queens Knights before he could place Emma in the Wardrobe, then wounded and near Death when the Curse hit.
Alexander pulled out his cell phone and took a picture, and said, "I'll send this to the field office, have them run it through the D.M.V and the N.C.I.C to see if we can get an I.D. and find any family he may have. Ill have to obtain a warrant for his DNA to run through C.O.D.I.S., but that can wait. Well have to see if we can put a name to the face first." Dr. whale wasn't going to argue with Agent Charming. After that, Alexander made his way out and back to Granny's inn to meet Emma. Alexander walked into the Inn before he bounded up the stairs to Emma's room; he knew she was probably stewing, anxiously waiting for him to return and give it to her good; but before he could, Alexander was stopped by Ruby first. "Emma was led out of the Inn in handcuffs by Sherriff Graham," Ruby said she didn't know the reason, "Everyone in the Diner and the street saw it, it didn't look good; plus on top of the Newspaper report." Gossip was running rampant. Alexander looked up the sky as if to ask the ancient gods why his sister was a target for trouble, then he remembered. Emma was the savior, and until she fulfilled her destiny, trouble would always follow her fate, and Destiny was testing her just as they had tried him. At least Emma wasn't fighting killer teachers, Giant snakes, and Memories of insane teenagers. She wasn't fighting soul-sucking Demons and tournaments designed to kill the competitors. Not to say that she wouldn't ever face something as dangerous as that because she probably would. These were fairytale characters; after all, all the baddies in stories were monsters of some kind. Emma just hadn't reached that point yet. This was as simple as catching a chocolate frog compared to that "Thanks Ruby, Youre a gem, a precious Gem among common stones, and I owe you a night out for the heads up." Alexander kissed her on the Cheek and made his way to the Sherriff station.
Present-Storybrooke Sheriff Department.
Sheriff Graham was taking mugshots of Emma from behind his old polaroid camera. If that wasn't old-fashioned, she didn't know what was. Obviously, this town was having a hard time moving into the digital age, she thought as she stood up against the backdrop that indicated her height. "You know the shrink is lying, right?" She knew he was; the accusation might have held weight if her brother hadn't come by and stopped anything from happening. Graham had to see that she was being set up to look like a repeat troublemaker and Criminal. First, the road sign now this, The mayor was systematically doing things to try to break her down and lose her cool enough to either leave and forget the whole thing or try to get her to do something that would cause her to end up in jail again. She wasn't going to let Regina's tricks make her leave this town or leave Henry.
Graham clicked a picture and then pulled out the polaroid film. He placed it on his desk then said, "To the right, please. Why would he lie?" Emma turned to the right; she put the number plate on her left shoulder. Looking at her, anybody could tell that she was annoyed and didn't want to be here and that this was a waste of time. Emma wasn't guilty. She couldn't wait until she could have her one phone call and have Alexander come down and explain that she was innocent. Emma gave him a look that clearly showed her contempt of the question that he had just asked, why would Dr. Hopper, the man that's treating Henry, the Mayor's son, lie about their conversation? Really was that question even worth answering? "The Mayor put him up to this she's got to have something on him. Hes terrified of her, like everyone else in this—–town." Emma said in a tone that told him it was the most obvious answer in the world, and if he wasn't under the mayors thumb, then he would see that. Of course, what Emma didn't know was that the Sherriff of StoryBrook didn't have a heart. It was being kept in a vault by the mayor, The Evil Queen, so he was completely under her power; he had to do everything she told him. Which meant that right at this very moment, he was ruining his every chance to be with Alexander.
Graham Sighed at that thought. He was disappointed and a bit angry that he had to arrest Emma for suspicion of theft because the anonymous source said that they'd witnessed the encounter. Graham hadn't had the time to confirm the situation with Dr. Hopper yet because the Mayor had made it clear that she wanted Emma swan arrested. He had no proof that Regina had set it all up though she just required him to do his job. "Regina may be a touch intimidating, but I don't think she'd go as far as a frame job." Emma stiffened. That statement caught her attention. It also worried her people did many crazy things to get what they wanted, especially people in power. Shed had to bring in a lot of high-profile criminals that had money and means to disappear, but shed always caught them. They thought that because they had money, power, and influence, that people of means could do whatever they wanted. Break the rules, or live by their own set of rules. Life didn't work that way. It had to be the same for everyone. "How far would she go? What does she have her hands in?" Graham tilted his head to the side as if to take the tally of everything the Mayor had influence over, and he had to confess there were a lot of things she had her hands in. "Well, she's the Mayor. She has her hands in everything."
Emma nodded that confirmed it for her; she believed that Graham was working under the Mayor's direction and it just furthered pissing her off. "Including the police force?" she said disgustedly. Emma could hardly look at the man; how could he claim to enforce the law when he acted outside of it, under someone else's direction Ignoring what he knew to be correct. Emma was sure that Alexander would be disgusted as well. Graham didn't say anything, but the look he gave her read that he wanted her to try to understand that he genuinely had no choice in the matter. That he was sorry that she was in the situation she was in, but before he could apologize or say anything, Henry came running in, Followed by Mary Margaret. Henry saw what was happening and clearly yelled out "hey!" Graham closed his eyes; Emma had been right. He was now responsible for henry being hurt because he witnessed his Birthmother being booked on suspicion of theft, which he had yet to confirm. He stuttered out in a voice that gave away his horror of having a ten-year-old witness his mother being locked away. "Henry! Henry, what are you doing here? Henry should be at home, not here."
Henry went straight over to Emma, wrapped his arms around her, and placed his face in her stomach. He was worried about her and what his The mayor was capable of. Where was his uncle? Didn't he know what was happening? Had something happened to him too? Emma looked over and gave Mary Margaret a questioning look. Mary Margaret answered and explained, His mother told him what happened. She felt terrible for Henry all this fighting surrounding him. It wasn't good for him; she could see it was tearing at him. Emma closed her eyes and sighed; it made sense that the woman would try to tear them apart and make Emma seem harmful to him and their family. It made her angry that Regina would use and manipulate her/their child like that. "Of course she did! Emma looked down at henry and said. Henry, I don't know what she said—" Before she could go on, they were startled by the bang of the sheriff's office door being slammed open; everyone but Emma whirled around. Mary Margaret let out a yelp, and Henry had jumped a foot in the air. The sheriff, however, stood stiff and wide-eyed. Alexander came striding into the office and slammed down the court order for everyone to see. Graham took a look at it and realized what it was. He closed his eyes in abject terror he could lose his job for this arresting someone with an unverified suspicion of theft. Emma had told him she didn't have the files, and now he was reaping the reward for allowing himself to be influenced by the mayor's insistence. "Why is my sister here, Sherriff?" Emma looked at her brother in awe. Alexander seemed so powerful and authoritative. If it was possible, she would say that he'd grown a couple inches, but that wasn't possible. It was his sheer presence that bore down on everyone. She almost swore that his eyes glinted with some supernatural power, but that wasn't possible, but she was suitably impressed.
Graham said in a tight voice that betrayed his nerves, I'm sorry, I was informed he swallowed again, then cleared his throat. "I was informed by an anonymous source that your sister got into a confrontation with Dr. Hopper; the witness claimed that she threatened him, leaving then coming back and stole his Files on Henry." Alexander's expression hardened further. Alexander knew it was a lie; he had intercepted Emma and Archie before anything could happen. "Did you substantiate the claim with Dr. Hopper? or did you just go on Regina word? If you didn't, I am entering my statement For the record. I, Alexander Leopold Charming, at this moment, state that upon entering the office of Dr. Archibald Hopper, witnessed the attempted transferring of files illegally by Dr. Hopper to one, Emma Swan stopped such action. I then presented Dr. Hopper with the court order and told my sister Emma swan to go back to her room at Granny's inn. After Emma left, I then asked Dr. Hopper if he was a man of moral fiber or a man that made decisions based on emotion and intimidation?" While Alexander was giving his statement, the room was so silent you would have been able to herd a pin drop. Emma looked down in shame. She knew why her twin had to give a witness statement; it just proved that she had screwed up and that he was saving her ass and cleaning up her mess. Sherriff Graham was dutifully recording the information for his records, all the while avoiding eye contact with everyone. Mary Margaret and Henry were looking at him like he was some sort of celebrity or something. That he'd won a Tony award or something, they both looked impressed beyond measure.
"after giving the Dr. a bit of advice, I told him that it took a great deal of bravery to stand up to ones enemies, but that it took just as much to stand up to one's friends. That he needed to choose the kind of man he wanted to be, I left then, but before I got too far down the hall, he received a phone call that piqued my interest, so I walked back and recorded the conversation between him and who I believe to be Madam Mayor." Alexander then promptly played the recording for all to hear. Henry was devastated finding out his adopted mother had gone as far as to frame his birth mother for a crime she was about to commit. He was thankful that Emma ended up being stopped by his uncle; Emma was embarrassed and upset. She had fallen for it. That Emma had been manipulated into doing what she knew was morally and ethically wrong, just as her twin had stated. What kind of person did that make her? She didn't know. All she knew was that she wanted to fight for her son to have his best chance, and he wasn't getting it with Regina, and Mary Margret and Sheriff graham had varying looks of disgust and displeasure etched upon their faces.
Alexander had truly outed a considerable part of what was obviously going on here, between Emma, Henry, and Regina. It was a time bomb that was ticking away, and those closest to the blast radius were going to be the ones most hurt. Alexander was trying to work it so that Henry wasn't the one who suffered the most, but he just might end up being so. That was the sad truth about becoming a hero. People you loved tended to be used as cannon fodder to teach you strength, teach you resilience in making correct choices, and motivating you to grab and accept your destiny. "So now that the record has been set straight. I want Dr. Hopper to come in here to give his statement about what really happened in his office, and then I want the reporter for the Daily mirror brought in for questioning about how he gained access to Emma's sealed and expunged record." He said. Alexander walked over and pulled Henry to the side to explain why he had his therapy records and medical records.
Henry was pulled over to the corner of the office; Alexander pulled out a chair for him and one for himself. They both sat. Alexander looked at the boy for a moment. He was so much like he was at that age, desperate for a change in his living situation, hoping for someone to care about him and think him more than the boy his relatives were stuck with. Alexander stared at Henry right in the eye because what Alexander had to say was serious, but Alexander knew that Henry would be able to handle it. He, like Alexander, was at that age, was far older than he seemed. He and Henry had seen life in such a way that caused them to grow up, take the responsibility of caring for themselves in their own hands because no one was going to do it for them. Until now, for Henry at least. Henry, "I have your records because I'm gathering information not only for breaking the curse but because I want you out of Reginas hold. She's not a good mother, and I don't think she has been since Emma, and I have come to town. I don't know about the past two years or so, but I know it takes a hell of a lot to have a kid your age hop on a bus and go across the state line just to escape a person your living with. I am compiling evidence against Regina, and I have made Deals! That whatever the outcome is, you will end up in the best situation for you, Henry, ok? Because you matter, Henry. You matter more than the curse," Henry was about to contest that last statement, and Alexander knew why so he hurriedly continued what he was saying. "I get it, Henry, I do. Emma's the savior, she has to save everyone, but you might be surprised by how she does it. She might end up breaking the curse simply because she was a good mother. Prophecies are tricky things. They're usually self-fulfilling, so it wont be by you or me making Emma believe it will be because something causes her to have no choice but to believe, just don't push, okay? Let her walk the path well both be there to help when she needs it. We all have a part to play." Henry nodded. He had a lump in his throat that made it impossible for him to speak; Mary Margaret also held her hand over her mouth. She had a few tears in her eyes as well.
Henry had never been told he mattered more than anything before; his mother never put him first. He had felt like he was there as a piece of house decoration, something that wasn't necessarily loved but needed to fill a portion of the puzzle, and Henry hated feeling like that. To be told, Henry would end up being in the best place for him? He didn't have any words. It just made him feel so good. Emma didn't hear all of what her twin was saying to Henry, but she got enough to know that what was happening was hurting him, and she blamed Regina for that. She acknowledged her own culpability for that as well because Emma had laughed and mocked him for his belief in the curse; Alex was the best uncle. Emma didn't believe that he believed in the curse, but he wasn't ridiculing the kid for it. Her twin was using his logic and cunning to assign activities as helping her break the curse. It was sweet that he was supporting him. But she couldn't let Regina keep attacking her. She turned to Sherriff Graham and held her hands out, and said. "Well. If you could uncuff me...I have something to do." Emma, Henry, Alexander, and Mary Margaret walked out of the sheriff's office after that.
Emma asked Alexander if he would take Henry to the Diner. He gave her a knowing look. "Just don't tell me where you're going or what you are doing, so I can honestly say that I have no idea what you're up to, yah?" She nodded and zippered her lips just like he had done to her, which caused him to chuckle. He brought her into his arms for a hug and said quietly. "And here I thought, according to Henry, you were the older twin, aren't you suppose to be getting me out of trouble, sister dear?" Alexander took Henry by the shoulder and led him off to the Diner for a snack then he planned on taking him to the local bank to get a cashiers check for the land and property that he'd boughten from Mr. Gold earlier that day so he could pay him and fulfill his last part of the Deal.
Storybrooke. Present. The Mayors Office.
Regina was sitting, working, at her desk on some paperwork that she had just received. It was regular paperwork requests for funds that she could either reject or approve, just as Regina had been The Evil Queen back in the Enchanted Forest. Her subjects would often come, begging even to request things they needed, and she could reject or approve the requests. Regina was disturbed from signing her name to some by the noise of a chainsaw coming from outside. She looked out the window and down at her apple tree. Regina could see a blond woman, Emma cutting off one of the branches, she watched it fall, and all she saw was Red. Regina leaped out of her chair and practically ran down the stairs. She would have if she wasnt wearing a dress and heels. When the Mayor made it out to her front lawn, she yelled, What the hell are you doing!?
Emma dropped the chainsaw and took a stance that showed she was ready for a fight; if the Mayor wanted to tangle, she would be outmatched. She had fought and beaten bigger and tougher people than Regina; Emma could take her hands down. But she wouldnt, she wouldnt give Regina the satisfaction of having getting arrested again for assault, so she went for a reaction that would piss the Mayor off. oh yah know, just picking apples I needed more the ones you left; with me are all gone. It worked. Emma could see Regina seething; she could tell that the Mayor wanted to lung forward and scratch her eyes.
Regina was seething. She could feel the fire in her belly increase; if she still had her Magic, Regina would have had a fireball in her hands ready to incinerate the bitch, but the Mayor didnt have her magic. The Mayor knew she probably could get a good few hits in Regina wasnt totally Helpless, but Emma had muscles that she didnt, and she worked as a bail bonds person. They had to be tough and strong. So she just settled for harsh words, Youre out of your mind!
Emma leaned forward and said challengingly, she wasnt afraid of this woman. She was angry and determined to see Henry out of her grasp. Emma may have not have intended to look for him, nor did she expected him to find her and come back into her life, but he was now, and she was beginning to care about him. Alexander was helping her see that he was better with her around, even if he believed in his fantasy. No, you are if you think a shoddy frame jobs enough to scare me off. Youre gonna have to do better than that. Dont you remember my twin works for the FBI and MI6? Hes a pro, and hes got proof that you're trying to get to me. If you come after me one more time, then Ill come back for the rest of this tree. Because, sister, you have no idea what I am capable of. With that said, Emma moved off and started walking away, then said over her shoulder, Your move.
The Enchanted Forest. Past. The same forest where the Evil Queens attempt to cast the Dark Curse failed.
The Queen stood over the smoldering embers of the fire where the curse was to have been enacted. Regina was silent and brooding with her father, King Henry, beside her. She didnt understand why it hadnt worked? Regina had done everything according to Rumplestiltskin's instructions. The Queen fairy dust from a dark fairy gathered the hair from people with the Darkest of hearts. And she had gathered Ague weed to make her enemies confused and forgetful of their lives in the enchanted forest. It had been a nightmare to find Hemlock to add so her enemies would have discord and sadness. Finding mustard seed was relatively easy. All she had to do was go to the herb vendor in the village; the seed added strife to her victims. The Evil Queen added the herb, slippery elm, to keep Charming and Snow apart, and finally, Regina had sacrificed the horse she had as a young girl, the one Daniel had taught her to ride on, it was all but the ring she wore on her finger that reminded her of him, and now it was gone too.
Perhaps its for the best. The forces youre were trying to summon are darker than we can conceive. King Henry said, in his heart, he was deeply relieved that it hadnt worked. He knew that it disappointed his daughter that she was being denied her revenge yet again. But if it meant sparing his daughter the fate of having a hole in her heart that she could never fill, then he would be silently happy.
The Evil Queen scoffed and wrapped her cloak around her tighter to protect her against the chill of the night; she was confused and angry. She wanted answers, not half-hearted platitudes of how her father thought Regina was better off living her life the way she was than getting what she needed for revenge. Oh, now youre trying to protect me? she sneered. Regina hated rubbing his failure in his face, but every time she failed, Regina just thought of her mother's words. your weak Regina, love is a weakness.
King Henry sighed and said sadly, Its what I do. It was what he had always tried to do, to give Regina a bit of freedom by suggesting riding lessons. It would elevate her because she would have a skill any other highborn woman didnt or couldnt do. It would set her apart, gather interest from a lord or other noble that appreciated a woman being able to do what others could not, secretly knowing the lessons would give her a few hours away from her mother.
The Evil Queen looked at him in a mock sincere tone. It belied her true thoughts and feelings; she held a great deal of loathing for her mother and resentment for her father, but somehow in her heart, she loved them still, even if she could only show it by acting and speaking in mock disdain. I know. Youre the only one who does.
Helping you.. is my life. He said he would do anything for her King Henry had proved that by going along with her plan of enacting the curse, King Henry had stood by her silently, and she ran her campaign against Snow White, and He was here now beside her when things went wrong.
The Evil Queen Swept her hand upwards, both of them disappeared into a cloud of purple smoke. They reappeared inside of The Queens castle. She walked over to her Vanity and sat down, looking at herself in the mirror for a while. Regina moved her eyes, so she was looking at her father in the reflection and said, Well, then, help me understand why this curse isnt working.
If you want to know that, then you need to go back to the person who gave it to you in the first place. He said; Regina looked away, she hadnt see Rumple since trying to get that Bell wench to break his curse with true loves kiss, but it hadnt worked she had found, he didnt desire her in that way, he was fond of her, yes, but he did not love her as she had thought she loved him. She was taken from her thought by her father, saying, Revenge is a dark and lonely road. Once you go down it... there is no heading back.
The Evil Queen was despondent; there was nothing for her, Regina didnt have Daniel, she didnt have friends, and The queen had lost the ability to have a child because she had drunk a potion that caused her to become infertile. She had nothing but the Curse, which was lost to her unless she saw the imp. What is there for me to head back to?
Later, when she knew the Castle and all its inhabitants would be otherwise occupied, she smoked herself into the Dungeon. But before she got too close, she morphed herself into a mouse and scurried along the ground just outside of Rumples Cell. It was disgusting and dank down here, she thought in her mouse brain; giant Rats were scurrying about, at least they were giant to her mouse-sized perspective.
Rumplestiltskin was just pondering on the Vision hed seen of the second twin, the son of the charmings when he had Touched Snows belly, he got quite the jolt the boy child would be powerful. As snow named him, Alexander would become something called the Master of Death; none of the other dark ones in his head had any idea of what that meant. The name described a lot, or so he thought, but what concerned him more was that he saw himself with the young man in the future. Rumplestiltskin did not know in what capacity that would be in, but Rumple had seen it nonetheless, and the Dark one was surprised to know that it pleased him, in a way Rumple hadnt felt in a very long time. He sensed the Queen; her being here was irritating. She should have known the heart of a horse wasnt enough of a sacrifice to enact the curse. He waved his hand around the cell in a dramatic flourish and said, Its just us, dearie. You can show yourself! He said in a sarcastic tone.
The Queen transformed from her mouse disguise, just two feet in front of his cell, and said in a tone that denoted her anger. That Curse you gave me She pulled out the scroll that he had given her so many years ago and showed it to him, Its not working. He perked up at her sour mood.
They hated each other since she had tried to take his curse away utilizing his maid, Bell. He knew the girl he had taken as Payment from her Kingdom in Avonlea had fallen in love with him. Especially when Rumple had given her a few kindnesses like the use of the Library, letting the Theif Robin hood live even after hed stolen from him, letting go of her fathers debt, and releasing her from his service. It was true. He had been fond of her, but he did not love; Rumple couldnt. Mela had ruined that for him, or so he thought. But Rumplestiltskin would not lose his power over a girl. He had to get back to his son Bealfire, and for that, he needed magic. Oh, so worried! So, so concerned. Like Snow and her lovely new husband! he said, accentuating the D on the end of the word husband as he giggled. It was all very amusing, very darkly funny. He was the puppet master, and all his puppets were dancing just as hed seen they would.
The Evil Queen was stunned; they had caught him, shed heard by using Cinderellas pregnancy, tricking him into believing that she was having twins, the blue fairy had enchanted a quill with magic to bind Rumple, and now they were using him as their... what? There a personal seer? She was confused by the wedded couple. What did they have to be worried about? Well, except for her, of course. What?
Rumplestiltskin giggled again; everything was working the way that it should, the way that he had seen. Rumple had deceived, planned, plotted, and moved his pieces around, so everything was just so. They paid me a visit as well. They were very anxious. About you. And the Curse. He said as he waved around and danced on the tip of his toes; it was all so exciting.
The Evil Queen stepped closer to the cell bars. She had to know if hed warned them or if Rumple had given them a way to keep themselves safe. The queen would kill him if he did. Even if he had his heart protected, she would find a way. Whatd you tell them? she asked menacingly.
Rumplestiltskin moved closer to the Cell and invitingly curled his finger as if he would tell her a secret. Once she was close enough, rumple burst out saying, The truth! That nothing can stop the darkness. Except, of course, their unborn child. You see, no matter how powerful, all curses can be broken. He stated in a way that sounded like he was celling wares at the market. The Dark One paused for dramatic effect then said truthfully, he didnt care if she knew, what was it to him, the child, both children would be safely away. Their child is the key. Of course, the curse has to be enacted first. That last bit was said as an obvious statement kind of way. He wasnt going to mention the boy child. It would be too much of a delicious surprise when she found out. He hoped he was there to witness it.
The Evil Queen got as close as she could to the Cell; she leaned her head up seductively. They had had a special relationship. Though theyd never had sex, seduction worked quite well for them. Tell me what I did wrong.
Rumplestiltskin moved his lips closer to the flesh of her neck. He reached his right hand through the bars of his cell and wrapped his fingers around her scrawny neck; all he had to do was squeeze, he thought, but she would just poof away from him, and this was just the position Rumple liked her in, where Rumplestiltskin was dominant, where he had all the power. For that, theres a price.
The Evil Queen stepped away and rolled her eyes; she should have known this was coming. It always happened with him. Nothing was free. What do you want? she said exasperatedly.
Rumplestiltskin smirked and said in a scathingly teased tone. Simple. In this new land, I want comfort. I want a good life. He knew she would agree; she would agree to anything to have her answer. The Queen was desperate and desperate people always gave up more than what was strictly necessary to have what they wanted.
Evil Queen threw up her hands and huffed out, annoyed at the imp, she would give him anything if only to have what she needed. Fine! Youll have an estate, be rich. She offered what else could he possibly require or desire? She thought.
I wasnt finished! Theres more! he said impatiently. He would get his bargains worth before Rumplestiltskin offered the obvious answer, he would make the Deal, and she would, in the end, honor it even though she could have figured out the solution herself if she had taken the time to even think. There always is with you. She said bitterly; nothing was ever easy. It was always honest and straightforward, but his commands and the things he wanted from her were never easy.
Rumplestiltskin waved her annoyance away; it made no nevermind to him. She couldnt get to him the one and only time she did with Bell well, that was the last. Yeah, yeah... In this new land, Rumple paused again, then said, should I ever come to you for any reason, you must heed my every request. He said, pitching his voice in the higher octaves royally raising his finger, then said, You must do whatever I say. So long as I say Please. He ended his request in a child-like manner that made him sound small and pathetic.
The Evil Queen couldnt believe her luck; it was so simple all she had to do was agree, the deal wouldnt be held in this new land. There would be no magic to bind it with, she laughed at him inside her mind. Oh, she thought what a pathetic man, to believe that hed get anything, it was too good to be true. You do realize that should I succeed, you wont remember any of this? She said she didnt care really if it eased his mind and gave her what she wanted. What was a little lie between friends?
Rumplestiltskin rolled his eyes and waved his hand offhandedly in saying that it didnt really bother him that much so long as she said the words and it was on the record. He knew that she thought shed gotten what she wanted, the magic of The Dark One, even if bound transcended realms and the deals he made held. She didnt know that, but she would, and again it would be glorious to watch her worry. Oh well, then whats the harm? Rumple voiced as a dare, he stepped back into the darkness of his cell and smiled. He was almost there; he couldnt wait.
The Evil Queen surged forward again, feeling elated that she had gotten what she wanted without even having to really give him what he wanted because the curse would make the deal null and void; what did it matter if she agreed. Deal. What must I do to enact this curse?
Rumplestiltskin curled in on himself as if it was the most painful thing to say, in a tone that would be mistaken as sad and forlorn. Of course, he was neither, but he liked Dramatics. He enjoyed lumping and skipping around playing the fool when he was not; his act engendered others to think they could get the best of him, and if they tried? Ooooh, they would never try again. You need to sacrifice Rumple paused his speech and put his hand to his chest and mimed ripping it out, and said, a heart.
Evil Queen furrowed her brow in confusion, she had done that, and nothing had come of it; what other heart did she need? The scroll she needed to sacrifice the heart of the thing you loved the most, that was her heart because she didnt have Daniel that was the only thing that held sway with her, or so she thought. I sacrificed the heart of my prized steed.
Rumplestiltskin jumped against the cell bars, reaches through them, and grabs the Evil Queens throat again, tempted more than the last time to squeeze and end her pathetic life. A horse? This is the curse to end all curses! You think a horse is gonna do? Great power requires great sacrifice. The heart you need must come from something far more precious. She was never this stupid before. What had happened to her? She was her mother's child, and Cora was far from stupid.
The Evil Queen wanted to struggle, but she didnt want to invite injury. He would hurt her just to get his point across; it was always best to be docile when he was like this. Tell me what will suffice.
Rumplestiltskin drew her in towards him again to see the seriousness in his eyes; he wanted her to know that the sacrifice she would make meant that she would never have true love in her life. Regina might find it again, but she would never keep it; when she cast this curse by taking the heart of the one Regina loved the most, she was dooming herself with a hole in her heart that would never be filled. He then said, The heart of the thing you love most.
The Evil Queen Gently removed his hand from her throat, he let her, but he also let his long nails scratch her neck as they skimmed across her skin. In a tone that revealed her despair and sorrow, she said, What I loved most died because of Snow White!
Rumplestiltskin asked her what could be coined as a babyish tone, Is there no one else you truly love? he knew she loved her father, but she also resented him. He stayed with her, though. To think That shy, Kind, weak girl he had met so many years ago had become so dark, hateful, and hardened against the girl, Snow-white. Who, at ten years old, had been tricked into telling a secret. That same woman would kill her own father just to exact her revenge? It was laughable. The Evil Queen stared at Rumplestiltskin, and there it was. He giggled aloud at the thought; although it was thought inside his head, he chuckled again because of it. Finally, he knew she understood what she had to do, so now for the final push. This Curse isnt gonna be easy. Vengeance never is, dearie. You have to ask yourself a simple question. How far are you willing to go.
The Evil Queen brought her face close to Rumplestiltskins and said in a deadly profound way. She was resolved, now that she knew it would take the last remaining shred of her humanity, because yes, her father was the only one now that she had any kind of love and affection for. He was the one that would have to Die. As far as it takes.
Rumplestiltskin sneered at her sentimentality; people didnt last forever. If Daniel hadnt died by Cora's hand, then it might have been something else, and she could have become just as she was now. He then waved her away as if she was wasting his time and said, Then please stop wasting everyones time and just do it! You know what you love... now go kill it! The Evil Queen turned and walked away to finally fulfill her task.
Present. Grannys Bed Breakfast, hallway.
Emma and Alexander were walking up the hallway from the entryway of the Inn. She had met alexander on the sidewalk outside the diner while saying goodbye to henry after having dinner with him and Mary Margaret.
It had been interesting one look at the woman, and his Magic spiked again, as it assigned her the role of his mother. So Emma was his twin, the coma patient was his father, and Henrys teacher was his mother. If he didnt know it was all real, he would have checked himself into St. Mungos for somehow being crazy because of Voldemorts Horcrux. But alas, it was all true, and he didnt know what to make of the woman. She was all about sunshine and rainbows and unicorns that farted fairy dust in the air. He was not that kind of person. He was a realist. He saw good in the world and praised it, hoped for more of it. He didnt expect it all the time, for everything had its opposites, good and evil light, and dark, but there was also a middle ground where you had to do something terrible for a good reason to make things flourish to make an omelet you had to crack a few eggs as the saying went. That was undoubtedly his experience. He had been used as the egg enough times in the wizarding world. But she was friendly and pleasant. He could see how if hed been raised by her, he might have a more optimistic outlook on life, but as they say, the dice have been rolled.
Emma was about to Uses her key to open the door to her room, so She and Alexander could talk and go over the files hed gotten from Dr. Hopper and Dr. Whale. But before she could, Granny cautiously stepped up from behind them, wringing her hands nervously. She didnt want to kick the woman out, especially in front of her brother, who worked for the FBI. This was going to be incredibly awkward, Miss Swan?
Emma and Alexander turned around to look at the elderly woman. Alexander had guessed by her nervous disposition and hand wringing that Emma was being kicked out. It was the same way Nevile acted when he had to do something he didnt want to. But Alexander kept his mouth shut; she hadnt spoken to him, so it was impolite to do so. They both waited for her to say, Oh my, this is terribly awkward. I need to ask you to leave. (Emma looks at her with a stunned look on her face, then at her brother, who plastered on a questioning look on his face as well even though hed guessed the reason. Im afraid we have a No felons-rule. It.. it turns out its a city ordinance.
Alexander chuckled disdainfully. Oh, Emma, he thought, what did you just do? He then turned towards Granny and asked nastily, not that it was necessarily directed at her but just at the situation. who told you Emma was a felon? The times shes been in jail in this town have all been on false charges, madam. If you are referring to her being arrested earlier, that was also a false allegation set up by madam mayor. In order for the simple folk who believe the lies they are told and to discredit my sister, I have the documentation that recuses her, along with the audio recordings that pin all this on Regina mills. Emmas juvenile records are expunged and sealed, so again I ask you, dear madam, to whom are you calling a felon?
Emma placed her hand on her fuming twin's shoulder to silently as him to hold his tongue. She was beyond appreciative of Alexander defending her, rescuing her from jail, and cleaning up her messes. Emma had had just about enough of this town, so Emma wasnt going to fight it. If they wanted her out of the Inn fine, she would find somewhere else. Let me guess: the Mayors office just called to remind you.
Granny was stunned, speechless, from the words Spewed at her from Mr. Charming. He just didnt understand the power and the hold the mayor had on all of them; if she didnt do as the mayor said, then she threatened to close her down, he had to stay open. It was her home and her only means of income. She felt terrible, but she nodded in acknowledgment and said. You can gather your things, but I need to have your room key back. Emma opened her door then handed Granny her key, she looked at her brother, who had moved off to open his own door, and when he had, he gave Granny his key as well. When he saw their questioning looks, he shrugged his shoulders and said,
Well, Im not going to patron a place thats kicking my sister out because of false accusations and fear of the town mayor; they dont deserve my money. Granny cringed again. She didnt get many people that came and stayed in her inn; they hadnt had visitors for a good many years, the only money that she and Ruby made was from the patronage of the diner. This extra money would have gone to buy a new microwave, now Granny wasnt sure how she would afford it. Granny sighed and walked away from the twins back to the diner, Granny hung her head, and her shoulders were drawn in disappointment. Emma went into her room, and Alexander followed her when he took the seat next to the desk located in the corner while Emma took a seat on the bed. Alexander silently looked at her; he could see that she was on the precipice of leaving the town. There wasnt anything Alexander could say that would make her change her mind. Alexander was too close to the situation, and ultimately it was her decision anyway he couldnt make it for her. Emma was the savior; she had to look at all the options for her to choose from. Then pick the best one that would bring her happiness if she stayed; it would mean Emma understood staying with Henry would bring joy into her life because she couldnt go back to who and what she was before he came into her life.
If Emma stayed just to break the curse, it would be a life of emptiness and expectation. Alexander had lived half his life from 11yrs old to 17 with the expectation that he would save everyone, and it didnt work out that way; he lost people because he wasnt embracing his destiny for himself. It had been for those who didnt want to put forth any effort to save themselves; they expected a teenager to do it. It was called bystander apathy people thought they didnt need to do anything because someone else will do it first.
Emma didnt say anything for the moment, and she appreciated that Alexander wasnt talking or asking her questions. She had a lot to think about, she had a lot on her mind, and all she really wanted was silence to sort through her warring and tenuous emotions. Her twin probably knew that. That was a character trait of the orphaned and abandoned. They tended to be introverted, secretive, and they keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves because theyd learned early on that no one really cared what they thought or felt.
Storybrooke. Present. The Mayors house, exterior.
Regina was outside her home, kneeling on the grass next to her apple trees fallen branch. She was putting apples into a basket while cursing Emma in her head. Cursing Alexander Charming and cursing the whole dam! Situation. She used her authority as Mayor to manipulate things that would drive Emma and Alexander out of town, but nothing worked no matter what she did. She saw Sheriff Graham approach from her side view and said, She destroyed city property. I want her arrested.
Graham sighed. He was getting sick of Reginas power-play between Emma and herself. The only person that was really looking out for Henrys interest was Alexander. Again? Graham had already screwed up his chance to get to know Alexander better, and if he arrested Emma again, he would never get the opportunity again. He remembered that Alexander had said that he didnt do relationships that Alexander was only interested Sex. That would have been fine for now; thats all the Sherriff had with Regina. But Graham hoped that he could work out the issues and resume the friendship with Alexander. Graham would have like to have been with the mysterious and stimulating agent, even if it was just one time. God, he could tell it would have been good sex, better than what he had with Regina.
Regina stood up off the ground. The Mayor brushed off her skirt and asked while giving him an expectant expression. Why was Graham just standing there? She gave him an order. What are you waiting for?
Graham stood suddenly straight, just like he had seen Alexander doing as he came storming into his office earlier. He wanted to bow under the weight of the man's presence, Alexander wasnt tall by any means, but he could fill a whole room with his authority. It screamed leadership, and why shouldnt it? He was an FBI liaison and an MI6 field agent; of course, he was a leader. Arresting Emma isnt the right plan. Regina stared at him in incomprehension. Did the Sherriff just say that he wasnt going to comply with the rules of his job? And Im not talking about your tree. We both know she didnt steal those files.
Regina Regina folded her arms over her chest and cocked her hip out; the stance made her look indignant and confrontational, which she was. There was no doubt about it. Oh, do we? her tone begged for him to tell her the reason why he thought that what she had told him about Emma was wrong. She always forgot about alexander. It was like he could become forgettable when he was right next to you; it was an ability that only he had, to be overlooked and unnoticed at the perfect time for her to do or say something Damming. And because she never noticed him while making accusations or scathing remarks, she screwed up a lot in his presence more often than not. It was beyond irritating, and he always got her on audio recording.
Graham nodded, then explained the whole encounter to demonstrate why she was always going to lose. I mean, she looked pretty shocked when I leveled the charges against her, but it wasnt until Alexander stormed into my office with a court order revealing that he had legally obtained the files. And stopped Emma and Dr. Hopper from committing a breach of privacy and releasing confidential medical information. Graham stated he was feeling the confidence start to build. If this was what it was like to be an officer of the law entirely in charge of his job and not answering to simpering bureaucrats, he liked it. Alexandrs bold power was giving him the strength to stand up to Regina. The advice Dr. Hopper had received was good; it did take bravery to stand up to your enemies. He was proving that now and she was buckling under the weight of it, Alexander had made a move she couldnt counter, and now she didnt know what to do.
Mr. Charming even had your voice, Madam Mayor, on his audio recorder, confessing to giving Emma the idea to talk to Dr. Hopper. Wich naturally led to her attempting to get more than just general information and put you in a terrible light. Because it made you look like you had told Dr. Hopper to give her the files. And we both know you were the anonymous tipster to the alleged crime. He is now suing the Daily mirror for defamation of Emmas character and printing information that was sealed and expunged. You are not looking like a reasonable person in the sight of a Federal agent whos putting a custody case together.
Graham put his hand on her shoulder to gain her attention since her head was turned to the side in contemplation of his words; it was true Alexander charming hadnt caught her in the best of light, but she couldnt give up this was Henry this was her son. She pulled her attention back to Graham after a minute, and he said, But she is gonna keep comin at you. And I know you, you are gonna keep comin at her. You will do whatever it takes to get her out of here. And you may succeed. He said Regina cut him off before he could finish his statement. I will succeed! she snarled. Regina backed away from his touch, acting like what he said and how he touched her caused her pain because it almost did. She knew he didnt love her. The Sherriff had no heart to love anyone, but she had grown fond of him over the years, and she diluted herself into thinking that he was willingly on her side and he wasnt; she had to remember that she might end up killing him one day. Hes my Son! Its whats best for him.
Graham shook his head in disappointment she wasnt thinking about what was best for Henry; Regina hated Emma. Regina feared that Emma being here would take Henry away from her. The Mayor wasnt factoring in the whole equation. It wasnt because Emma was here that was only a symptom of a deeper issue between her and Henry. I know thats what you believe. But if this escalates, it seems to be the only one who will get hurt is Henry, and with this custody case being put together, you could lose more than you thought you ever could. Regina sighed. She didnt acknowledge his words or deny them because if she did, that meant she had to concede to either option, and neither one was what she wanted.
Storybrooke. Present. Outside Grannys Bed and Breakfast.
Emma was walking along the sidewalk all by herself. She gathered her meager belongings and stuffed them into the overnight bag she had brought along with her. Alexander stayed with her for about half an hour before a word was spoken between them. And when they did speak, Alexander had said, When I first got to boarding school, I thought it was going to be the best experience in my life. Here, I thought I would be escaping the abuse of my relatives for nine months out of the year; I would be able to be alexander and Just Alexander. I didnt know at the time that my adoptive parents were pretty well-known and respected members of the society there. It was a pretty exclusive boarding school. You had to practically have your name down for enrollment at birth; what I didnt expect was that even though I only had fifteen months with them, Expectations were already placed upon me. I was supposed to be the influential son of a heroic MI6 supervisor and Lord of his house. I was supposed to be the brilliantly clever child that took after my mother in chemistry(potions) and art(charms).
What he was saying speared right through Emma's heart; it felt so familiar with was she was feeling with Henry. He had all these expectations that she couldnt fulfill, or at least Emma believed she couldnt. Emma Swan wasnt the person her son thought she was. Just like Alexander wasnt what the socialites and schoolmates at his Scottish boarding school thought he was. She was glad that she had someone that understood.
I was supposed to be sorted into a particular house because thats what everyone expected because that was the house my adoptive parents went into, and usually its a generational thing, not always but most of the time. You see, the houses were divided up by character traits leading you into career paths that fit your personality and academics, instead of answering the questionnaire honestly and being placed in my propper house. I chose to manipulate my way into the house of my adoption. Yes, I had friends, but If I did something they didnt like or they thought that I did something that I didnt, My peers turned on me pretty fast; even my best mate thought I was using my adopted parent's reputation to get out of things that they couldnt it was pretty back and forth for seven years. My point is that you cant be who Henry wants you to be. Its alright to be Emma, Just Emma, for now, be the best version of yourself, and if people dont like who you are, tell them to sod off. Be the best person you want to be for yourself. That will lead you into being the best mother for Henry, and hell see that. You want to be a hero? And a good person in your sons eyes? Then you have to be one in your own first. After having said the piece, Alexander got up and told her he would go gather his things. Alexander also said that he had to drop off money to Mr. Gold because hed bought a piece of land to build a house on; Alexander said if he wasnt going to stay here at the Inn, supplies needed to be purchased. He needed to buy a tent a sleeping bag before it got too late.
Okay, I didnt know you were a camper? Emma said she was shocked, and her face showed it. She had her mouth gaping open. He laughed at her expression and the high-pitched response as if the only time shed experienced camping, she ran into a bear. Darling, my seventh year was an introductory course to becoming an agent. He said, lying through his teeth; hed been hunting Horcruxes that year. I spent my whole year training in survival and enemy evasion with two other people; it wasnt the typical camping. We couldnt have fires, and we had to forage for our own food, but we did have a tent, and Hermajean learned how to boil some good mushrooms to go along with the rabbit wed caught. He couldnt help but Gaffaw at the gagging sound she was making. Even when Emma lived on the streets, shed eaten better than he had that year. What he must have eaten? The thought of it turned her stomach.
Uhhh, Yuck, I dont want to hear anymore. That being said, she shuffled him out of her room and shut the door on his face. Emma could hear her twin laughing all the way down to his room. Idiot. She said fondly. Alexander was right though, Emma had to be true to herself; Emma didnt believe that she was the hero Henry thought she was. But she could be the person he needed; Henry needed her to be with him, talk to him, help him understand that he wasnt alone anymore. Emma wanted to be in his life; the kid had grown on her. All this stuff between Regina and herself was just making that point clearer.
Storybrook- Mr. Golds Shop-Alexander.
Alexander stood outside of Mr. Golds pawnshop, observing the man from the window under the power of his invisibility cloak; the Man was very good looking for the age he was. If he would have to guess, he thought his Storybrook age was in his mid-thirties.
(I am taking creative liberties here because, in the show, Rumple looked to be in his fifties, at least. And I want someone closer to Alexander's age that can keep up with him even though he doesnt have magic yet.)
He had nut-brown hair the same shade Hermiones had been, but with the start of grey hair showing at the roots, nothing that wasnt typical for a man of his age. He had an impish look on his face which was here he probably received the derogatory moniker that and alexander supposed when Mr. Gold had been Rumplestiltskin or The Dark One. Rumple probably looked like what a Muggle child imagined a magical creature to look like. He was a good-looking man. Alexander had enjoyed having breakfast with him; Mr. Gold reminded him a bit between Lucius Malfoy and Severus snape. Both men were incredibly clever and intelligent. They had to be to survive the first and the second war. Lucius had done whatever it took to keep his family safe, and Severus acted in the shadows to break the power structure of the Dark Lord; Alexander could see that Rumpel had that in common with them. It made him tingle in a way that hed never felt before. He wasnt sure what he would name the feeling as. Appreciation, respect, maybe affection?
That was getting close to the relationship and Nasty entanglement mentality. No, Alexander had had a long day; all he really needed was a good shag; maybe he could get it here. He didnt even know if Mr. Gold was gay or not. It never hurt to offer something for something, right? with that decision made, Alexander canceled the power of the invisibility cloak and opened the shop's door.
The bell above the door alerted Gold to a customer; Mr. Gold had just come from the shop's backroom when the door opened; he looked up and saw that it was Mr. Charming. He smiled in the friendliest way he could. He didnt like many people in this town, and now that he had his memories back, Gold liked them even less. But Alexander Charming was a man that he could see being an ally with. Gold had already made a profitable multifaceted deal with the man; both had come out of it mutually gratified. Alexander was a shrewd man of honor. He played on the gray side of everything, which was stimulating to think about. If he could only witness such an act, he would consider himself immensely gratified.
Gold watched the man walk up to the counter he was behind and then lightly traced his finger on the ridges on the top of his palm. Gold watched fascinatedly how tiny sparks came off of Alexander's finger and danced across his bones. It caused the hair to stand up and goose pimples to form. Gold sucked in a breath; even feeling the muted power of the Wizard was thrilling and utterly decadent; if he could feel that power day in and day out, Oooh, he almost swooned with the thought of it. What can I do for you, Mr. Charming? You're not here to back out of our deal, are you? I hear the Mayors giving your Twin quite the hard time.
Alexander lifted his finger from Golds hand. The action almost made him pout, Gold like the power that filtered from the young man to him through the slight touch, as if Alexander knew what he had been thinking a smirk formed on that deliciously succulent mouth, he wondered what words and sounds he could make come out of that mouth. No, Dark One, I've not come to break our deal. Alexander pulled out the bank certificate for the agreed-upon price for both Mary Margarets apartment and the plot of land that Henrys old play Castle was built upon. Alexander passed it over, and when their fingers touched again, he let his power out just a bit more to give The man just a bit more of a taste. This time Gold moaned out freely and didnt even dare hide it, Oh it was heavenly, the darkness inside this young man, and by darkness, he meant the shadows, the knowledge of death; it was beautiful. Just as feeling life was beautiful and this young man had them both.
I want you, Dark One, for the evening, youll be mine. I will cook you dinner at your place. Well go for a stroll, and Ill let you tease the mayor, and when you are fully satisfied and happy at your play with her, Ill have you in your bed. In return, I will fix the bone of your leg, so you won't need that cane anymore, a simple Vanishing charm and a bone regrowth potion, and all your walking problems will be solved all for a single night of pleasure. What do you say Gold, Do we have another deal? Gold was trying to reign in his heartbeat. The power had been almost overwhelming, he wouldnt miss out on this opportunity, but he had to make sure that the young man knew where he stood. He didnt love; he loved no one except his Bea. But he would take pleasure in the carnal delights that the young man could provide, and he was getting his leg fixed; it was a fair trade.
I can give you sex, Mr. Charming, and that is all I am prepared to offer you, that and nothing else. Alexander grinned and then ran his finger up Gold palm and wrist, offering him more of the tingle hed felt before. Just as hed given enough to have Gold breathing a bit heavier, he said, Good, thats all I want; dinner and the stroll are just to make it feel not so cheap, I wouldnt want to set a precedence and let you think that I am only using you. Its all above board mutually beneficial. Gold smiled at that he could add quite a bit to his collection every time Alexander needed to scratch an itch, and maybe he would make the offer in return some time. Deal,
Mr. Gold said. He and alexander walked to the front door and exited the shop. Gold turned and shut the door behind him and locked it up. They walked over to his 1990 Cadilac brougham, both getting in Gold In the driver's seat and Alexander in the passenger. They drove off to Mr. Golds home.
Story brook-Present- Main street.
Emma had come out of Grannys inn with her bag of clothes and other items; as she was making her way across the road, Emma noticed that a boot was attached to her tire. Emma swore, pulling her car door open; she threw her bag in the back. Just as she slammed the door shut, her phone began to ring. Emma pulled it out of her pocket and answered it snippily. Yeah?
Regina grinned. Enjoyed the fruits of her labor; as soon as she had Emma out of her town and Henrys life, The Mayor would launch her campaign on the twin. Mr. Charming would be admittedly harder to intimidate. He had authority and resources that even she, as the Mayor, didnt. Her town was cut off from the rest of the world. There had only been one other time that outsiders had come through. Even they hadnt been that much trouble. Well, they had been trouble, but Regina had taken care of that. Now to lay a lethal hit. Ms. Swan, Id be happy to continue demonstrating my power. Am I right in guessing that your resolve to stay is only growing?
Emma Ran her hand through her hair; she was frustrated. Emma wanted to cry, but she wasnt a little girl that couldnt deal with her problems; she wasnt alone though she Had Alexander; he understood what it was like for her to fight a seemingly unbeatable enemy. He would help her. You have no idea. Emma ground out in frustration; she hated letting Regina get to her; Emma knew she had a hot temper. Shed always run hot ever since she could remember.
Regina straightened up in her office chair and spoke with a bit more kindness. She let a bit of gentleness bleed into her voice and said, Well then. I think its time we made peace. Why dont you drive over to my office? she couldnt resist the dig, but when she heard Emma slam her car door shut Or walk—whatever suits you. She wondered if she should call Alexander and ask him to come with her? She didnt think long about it because just then she got a text from him that said.
Emma, Good luck. Im out with a man. I know youll keep your cool with Regina if she bates you put your phone on the record function. Let her know, Ill add it to the custody file. Henry will probably be involved. Its her last option to really hurt you, ok? Be Aware.
Thanks, Bro. who are you out with? Giving up on graham?
Emoji: happy face, wink, wink. Thats my secret sister, but its just sex. Emoji: Smily face.
Emma gagged again. Her twin was so uh she didnt know, but he was.
Storybrooke. Present. Reginas office.
Regina and Emma were seated on the couches, talking. Emma had casually informed the mayor that she would be recording the conversation on her brother's advice. She hoped that it would stop Regina from involving Henry if she knew Alexander was still monitoring her.
Regina began to rethink her strategy, but she had set this all up before knowing that Alexander Charming was still interfering; well, shed just have to work around anything that happened. It was too late to change tactics now, Id like to start by apologizing, Miss Swan.
What? that her; never in a million years would she have thought that Regina would apologize to her. She didnt really believe it but could she really just say that to her face? They were being recorded after all by her own admittance. Actually, knowing that they were being recorded helped keep her temper in check.
Regina shrugged. She was very nonchalant in action. The mayor was trying to lead the conversation in a direction so that it had her looking good. She was the patient, tolerating, and kind adoptive mother who was being forced to endure Henrys birth mother's attempt at pushing herself into their lives. I just have to accept the reality that you want to be here...
Emma leaned forward to emphasize her words; she wanted to make Regina understand that she really wanted to be a part of Henrys life, even it was just a tiny part; he had come and found her. Alexander was right. She couldnt go back to the way things were. Knowledge gained was knowledge and experience that never left you. It changed you every day as that knowledge grew and the experiences you earned and were a part of it. Thats right. I do. The old saying was correct ignorance is bliss. She didnt have that luxury anymore; she wasnt ignorant to Henrys situation and couldnt be blind to his suffering anymore.
Regina then said pointedly, ...And that youre here to take my Son from me. That was an excellent leading question; it would cause Emma to bumble and confirm her suspicions that it was her and her brothers intention to take her son away from his loving home.
Emma shook her head and said, Okay, lets be clear: I have no intention of taking him from anyone. That was true. She couldnt be a mother; at least, she didnt think that she could. Emma had already sacrificed a lot being here, her reputation, taking time off of work, leaving her home. Shed never had to think about anyone else but herself, not that she was selfish, but she had been abandoned on the side of the road by her parents; she didnt have any positive family role models. That was why she had given henry up in the first place, hoping he would have it better than she did.
Regina smiled inside her head. This was going well. She could see Emma walking up to the precipice and standing on the mark; all she needed were a few more gentle nudges in the right direction, and she would have her. Well then, what are you doing here? Ask the probative question, and you will get the informative answer, she thought as she mentally rubbed her hands together as any villain would.
Emma looked away, thinking of why she didnt have it in her to be the mother that Henry needed. He would be disappointed, but what child wasnt when you learned they werent the hero you thought they were? Life was full of disappointments; she and Alexander knew that better than anyone. But what he had said back at the Inn had touched her too, be the person you want to be because you want to be. Not because someone is expecting you to. That made more sense to her than anything. She wanted to be a good mother; she wanted Henry to know that someone cared about him, just him, and she wanted to do that. I know Im not a mother—I think thats pretty self-evident—but I did have him, and I cant help it—he got in my head, and I want to make sure hes okay. The more you try to push me out, the more I want to be here, especially after seeing how.. troubled.. Henry is. I mean, somethings wrong here when Your son crosses stateliness to come and find me, right? I want to try and give him what hes looking for, answers, maybe? I never got any, so maybe thats part of the reason he has questions that only I can answer.
Uh oh, Regina thought Emma was stepping away; she had to bring this back on track. Regina couldnt let Emma talk herself into seeming like the good guy in this situation; she needed to be the bad one this time around. You think hes troubled?
Emma rubbed her temples. She was worried about Henry; she didnt believe that he was loony bin troubled. He was just troubled in how an average adopted adolescent was usually troubled, His hormones were kicking in, and he was at the age where boy mood swings would start cropping up. Well, Henry is in therapy, Alexander and I only got through a couple pages of his shrinks notes. But putting all that aside—he thinks everyone in this town is a fairytale character.
And you dont? Regina asked; she was pushing Emma towards the edge again, and she was walking willingly towards it; it was a beautiful sight to see her manipulations working.
Emma started pacing the small aisle space between her seat on the couch and the coffee table; something was wrong. Why was she spilling everything to the woman? who had made her life miserable since she and Alexander had got to this town? How can I? The poor kid cant even tell the difference between fantasy and reality, and its only getting worse. The situation is crazy.
Henry Suddenly spoke from the doorway. His voice was dripping with hurt and accusation; she still didnt believe him. Why was Emma here if? She was acting like Regina. Neither of them took him seriously. He thought bitterly the only one that did believe him was his uncle. Why couldnt he be the savior for the fairytales? This curse would have been broken by now. You think Im crazy?
Emma spun around, horrified that hed heard her; she had never said that she thought he was crazy. The situation was crazy, but he was a kid, and selective hearing was renowned at this age. She had to fix this; she had to explain, Henry... He didnt let her get another word in edgewise before he turned and ran out of the office, he wanted to go to his uncle, but Granny had said that Alexander and Emma had checked out. Granny didnt say why but she sounded guilty, so he assumed shed been forced to kick them out, so he had no idea where Alexander was right now. Emma stood, as if to follow, then thinking about what a coincidence it was that Henry would walk in, right at this moment it was too planned and perfect, Emma closed her eyes. She now saw what Regina had done. She had played right into that. How long was he there? Did you know he would be here?
Regina placed her arms on both of her armrests and sat up regally; shed won, it was a good feeling, she had missed this, playing the game, Emma didnt know what she was doing. She was so easily manipulated by her. Mr. Charming wouldnt be able to use this against her. She wasnt the bad girl this time. Long enough. I know that my Son comes to my office every Thursday at precisely five P.M. so I can take him for dinner before his therapy session? Of course, I did. Im his mother. Oh, she was cackling madly on the inside, she was so happy to have landed that blow, and it was devastating.
You have no soul. How in the hell did you get like this? She seethed out from behind her clenched teeth and stormed out. Emma turned off her recording app on her phone when she made it to the street. Emma thought to call Alexander; he would fix this. She pulled out her phone again and dialed his number; it rang 1,2,3,4,5 times, then went to voice mail. Hello, This is Agent Alexander Charming. Please leave a message and a mobile number, and Ill phone you back as soon as I am available, Ta. Emma sighed. She shouldnt be surprised he was out having sex. Emma wouldnt have answered either; Emma would have to fix this on her own. She could do this. Emma could be the person she wanted to be, which was Henrys mother.
Story Brook- MR. Golds House-
Gold pulled into his driveway and parked. They had made light conversation on the way to his home, the usual niceties. Hed asked about where he lived back in ENGLAND, to which Alexander informed him that he was living in a manner house in Westchester that had belonged to the couple that had adopted him. And since Alexander was the last male heir for two families. The Blacks and the Potiers he was Lord twice over and very busy with his job as a field agent and the running and maintaining those estates. And Mr. Gold was suitably impressed. Knowing, of course, that when the young man spoke of England, he was really saying the Wizarding Realm.
Alexander was just as generous when he asked what kind of items hed had stored in his shop, where Rumple had obtained them, and the Deals he made to acquire them. This was all standard getting to know you, stuff, so when they finally fell into bed together and ravished each other, no one would walk away feeling cheap and used. This is a very Posh-looking home, Mr. Gold. I assume it is next only to Madam mayors? He smirked. Of course, the mayor would give herself the biggest house on the block. I would say shes compensating for something, but somehow It doesnt sound gender appropriate.
Rumple chuckled; Alexander had whit; he liked that. It was refreshing to have someone know how to have excellent verbal foreplay. No, Mr. Charming, I think it very gender-appropriate, especially in this time when women want equality. They believe they can do anything a man can do. So in the metaphor, No, she hasnt got a very big one. And if you would please call me Rum or Rumple when were alone. Mr. Gold is too formal a name to be calling one that your planning on having sex with later. Alexander conceded that it was a mouthful and not in the pleasant way a mouth could be filled. But he agreed to the request any way Alexander should reciprocate the gesture; it was the right thing to do. Agreed, and please call me Alex or Alexander when were alone. Or if you like it when you are screaming out your ecstasy, you may call me the Chosen One. Alexander meandered up the walkway, then up the stairs and waved his hand to unlock the front door, and invited himself in just as he had done that morning. Rumple stayed where he was for a moment; then a grin slowly and ferally made its way on his face; he limped up the front steps and met the minx in the kitchen.
Rumple watched as alexander went through his cupboards, pulling out his Penne noodles pouring them into the boiling water to cook. Rumple watched as Alexander waved his hand over his frozen chicken thighs and defrosted them, cutting them up into cubes and cooking those on the stove as well. Alexander grated some fresh parmesan cheese. He took out another saucepan and tossed in garlic, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream; he added the cheese and the flour to thicken the sauce up, then added the drained and dried off the chicken. The smells were incredible. Rumple went over to the wine rack and selected vintage, and took two glasses down from the cabinet while alexander worked on a salad. After opening the wine and pouring a bit into both glasses, he handed one to alexander. They took a sip watching each other the taste exploded in their mouths; it was sharp but not too acidic. It was light-bodied; when drunk, there would hardly be anyone flavor that would overwhelm their tastebuds from the other food's flavor. Rummplethought it would go well with the dinner, Alexander apparently agreed.
How did you learn to cook? Rumple asked as he laid out the plates and silverware on top of his table. Alexander drained the pasta and placed it into a serving dish, the sauce in another. They both sat at the table and began to serve themselves when Alexander commented, My relatives made me cook for them; this was all before I knew what I was and was living as their slave and sleeping in a boot cupboard. They told me that I got landed with them because my adoptive parents died in a car crash, and since they were generous to take me in and give me room and board, it had to earn my keep. So from the time I could do what I was told, I was given cooking instructions by my aunt, then when I could read, I was required to do so on my own. They were very lavish people, as you could imagine, not titled as I was, but they thought themselves above their station and treated me like dirt, so thats where I learned to cook, clean, and all the domestic activities a servant would do.
It flabbergasted Rumplestiltskin that his dinner partner would speak of such things in such a Blasé fashion; it was almost like he had no feelings on the matter, that it had no effect on his person anymore. Rumple couldnt do that; hed become a coward because his Papa had abandoned him, and Mela had left him for a Pirate, and because of everything hed lived through and become, hed lost his son Bealfire. That still affected his actions even today, so how could Alexander's experience not affect him.
you seem unaffected by the cause of their actions, more than what I would think now knowing the circumstances. He stated carefully he didnt want Alexander to call of their evening together because Rumple had assumed something and upset the young man. Alexander chuckled; he could see Rumple's point. Rumple probably thought Alexander would be a meek and submissive creature, doing what others told him because Charming couldnt operate without orders or direction. He covered up that side of him well. Alexander loved schedules, lists, and knowing what needed to be done. Alexander hated chaos and uncertainty. That was why he had such a hard time in Gryffindor; they were spontaneous and reckless, he liked planning and order. Alexander Charming covered that need by being a field agent/ Auror. Obeying orders, Rules, and those who were his superiors covered that need in a socially accepted manner. He restrained his submissiveness for the activities of the bedroom with his lover, and only then would he submit to them.
It was where he found his release from the pressure of responsibility. Alexander gave his lover possession over him, authority to tell him what to do; they would take the responsibility of making decisions away from him. It was the only way he could feel like he was doing something right, pleasing someone, believing he was of value. Alexander had it beaten into his brain that Alexander Charming/Harry potter was a tool to be used and was nothing more by his relatives, headmaster, and government since Alexander could talk. He was not unaffected by it, but he was a Slytherin that meant he did not show or give away his weaknesses. Alexander would always do what he must for self-preservation.
you would think that. Anyone looking at me would think that I am a well-put-together, upstanding, morally rigid man. And I am all those, but only to a point. I am also very good at hiding whats wrong and broken inside rumple, make no mistake I am a lion in snakes skin, and I have many layers with which I could shed. No more was said on the subject; they enjoyed their meal and the wine. Once the food was consumed, Alexander magicked the dishes into cleaning themselves, and they proceeded to ready themselves for their stroll to let the food settle.
Enchanted Forest. Past. The Dark Palace.
The Evil Queen stalked down the promenade that had been lined with mirrors. The man Mirror appeared in various mirrors along the way. As she passed them, he addressed the Queen quickly and fearfully. He had been in love with her once. And would have done anything to stay with her, he was now as he could travel to any mirror where she was. What happened? Did you get your answer? She gave him no reply; the queen just continued to walk to her desired destination. Whats going on? Your Majesty? Your Majesty! he called after her. He had run out of mirrors. The Man in the mirror could not follow her to the grand hall, that was where she found her father, King Henry, was lighting candles
King Henry looked over at his daughter; she had a pensive expression on her face. As a young queen initially, Regina had often had many times when she was meditative she had a hard time deciding to stick to her convictions to kill Snow White. It seemed she was in such a quandary again. Did Rumplestiltskin tell you what you needed to know?
Yes. The Evil queen said quietly; she was weighing the options; this was a big decision just as Rumplestiltskin had said it would be. Revenge required a great sacrifice; she was at the beginning of understanding what that meant. Could she go through with killing the one person that had stood by and watched as she raised Snow whites kingdom and their world to ashes?
King Henry waited for her to come to an answer. Only Regina could determine her course; he had tried to guide her, steer her away from this path, but she had been determined to see Snow white experience what she had, a minute longer, and he would know, ...And?
Im not sure I should say. Im conflicted. The Queen said as she paced the room; she wasnt afraid to pull out a heart. She had done it plenty of times before, but this was different. She hadnt even killed her own mother; Regina had merely pushed her through a magic portal to another land. This would be Patricide, killing a parent in pursuit of a dream, some people would say. How bad is it? Maybe I can help. King Henry offered. He was always offering her solutions, ways out of the life she was living. He was such a good father; he loved her unconditionally.
The Evil Queen stopped pacing; she had to make a decision. Time was running out. This was the beginning of the rending of her heart. The hole in her was already forming; Regina could feel it. I have to cut out the heart of the thing I love most. King Henry realized what she meant. The heart of her prized horse was not enough of a sacrifice; his Daughter had to sacrifice the thing she loved the most because love was imperishable by nature. The sacrifice of love established a bond between the sacrificer and the sacred power it was summoning. If she did this, he realized she would be bound to darkness forever. So he understood, maybe more than she did what she was causing herself to become. Me. He stated in finality.
The Evil Queen looked at the man she had called Daddy when she was a child, then Papa, when Regina was older, and when she had lost Daniel and become the Queen, he had become Father. It was a cold name said with the slightest hint of affection; she felt now at least a bit. The Hole was getting bigger, and it was knawing on her ability to hold true love in her heart. I dont know what to do.
My dear... please... you dont have to do this. He begged; the king tentatively walked up to his daughter and held his hands out in supplication to her, asking her to make a different choice, one that would not leave her irreparably damaged. He wanted so much more for her, but she couldnt see through her rage. I have to do something. The queen Exclaimed as she resumed her pacing.
King Henry followed her steps. He had to keep trying; all he could see was his little girl playing in the orchards of their home surrounded by the apples they grew. She had taken such joy among the apple trees, climbing them eating their fruit. They had been her refuge from her mother often enough. He asked again; he would always ask again. Then move past this. I know this may sound self-serving, but you dont need to enact the curse.
The Evil Queen turned and Addressed him face-to-face as if he had just asked her to move a mountain; it was impossible to do. But I cant keep living like this! What Snow did to me, what she took from me... Its eating me alive, Daddy. Her very existence mocks me. She must be punished. What was really eating her alive was the lure, the Blackness of the curse was luring her to complete it as it was designed to do.
What... Regina walked towards the middle of the room they were in. She remembered this place so well; this was where she had been married to Leopold, this was where Regina became Snows stepmother, and this was where The Queen watched as Snow white mourned her father's passing. King Henry followed her and asked, If the price is a hole that will never be filled, why do it? She stopped to consider his question; he could see a small opening that he could wedge his words in, Stop worrying about Snow White and start over. We can have a new life.
The Evil Queen wanted to scream. There was no other life but what she was living right now. The queen couldnt take anything other than what Regina was taking right now; she couldnt give it up. But what kind of life? All Ive worked for, all Ive built, will be gone. My power will disappear. They already think Im nothing.
Power is seductive, but so is love, and you can have that again. King Henry held open his arms. After a moment, the Queen, his daughter, stepped into them, he folded her in an embrace. I just want to be happy, Regina said as her head lay against his shoulder, it had been so long since shed been in her fathers arms like this, long before shed grown into a teenager when her mother had started harping on her about propriety and manners. A very long time indeed.
You can be. Of this, Im sure. The Queen felt comforted; it struck her as odd because even though she knew what she was going to do, the Darkness gave her peace about it. Even though Regina didnt understand the magnitude of the choice she was making, The Queen was going to do it anyway. Tears ran down her cheek as she listened to her father speak for the last and final time, I believe, given a chance, we can find happiness together. But the choice is yours.
youre right. Regina stepped back to look at her father; she gave him a smile that lied about her true intentions. I can be happy. King Henry breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that finally, he had talked some sense into her and that they could move to a brighter future. Just not here. The Queen reached into her fathers chest and removed his heart. He was shocked; no words were uttered in goodbye. He just fell to the floor. Im sorry. She spoke as she held his heart in her hands.
Storybrooke. Present. Mary Margarets apartment.
Mary Margaret Blanchard was sitting, working on a needlecraft, when there is a knock at the door. When She opened the door, she found Emma Swan in the hallway, she looked defeated, and her eyes were puffy, and seeing her like that just broke her heart. She idly wondered where her twin was but filed that question away for later.
Hey. Emma sniffed out; she was really trying hard not to cry; Emma hated being weak in front of people, and standing here in from of Mary Margaret was the worst because she would just hug you until all your problems went away. Mary Margaret opened the door fully. Just wanted to say thank you and, um, Emma was having a hard time getting the word to crawl past the lump in her throat. Emma huffed out and gave an exasperated look and sighed.
You look like you need to talk. Mary Margaret said; she stepped aside and waved her hand for Emma to come in. The two of them moved to sit at Mary Margarets table. Mary Margaret quickly put on the kettle, heated up the water, and made two cups of hot chocolate; Emma was sipping on her cup that had been sprinkled with cinnamon.
You offered to bail me out of jail before my twin showed up Mary Margaret nodded at her statement and gave her an encouraging smile to finish her question. Why?
Mary Margaret took a sip of her chocolate so she could take a minute to contemplate the answer she was going to give. Its strange—ever since you and Alexander arrived here, Ive had the oddest feeling, like weve met before. I mean, I know its crazy. Her thought trailed off. Mary Margaret couldnt explain the feeling she had when she watched Alexander talk to Henry, explaining to the boy what his uncle had been up to. Alexander made sure that Henry understood that his uncle's first priority was to make certain the boy was ok and living in the best situation for him. And she couldnt define what she felt as Mary Margaret watched Emmas hardshell start to crack when she was around Henry, all the while dealing with the lies and accusations that were being thrown at her.
Emma sipped her hot chocolate again; she pondered on what Alexander would do in this situation. He wouldnt back down just because someone had gotten the upper hand; he would look at the situation and re-evaluate it and act for the best outcome possible Alexander was a chess player, she could tell. Her twin planned his moves, looking at all contingencies. Hadnt he told her that her only move was to use Henry and the mayor had? Shed used her own son in the battle between them. I am starting to reevaluate my definition of crazy.
For what its worth, Im glad innocent. She said, giving Emma a smile; she was glad that Alexander was looking out for both Emma and Henry. They needed someone who could help them see who they were underneath the surface. He was a good man. She thought to herself. She didnt know that he was willing to walk into the dark to save the ones he cared about. She didnt know that he was a killer; even though the first time was self-defense, Mary Margaret didnt know what hed done to be claimed the Boy Who Conquered.
There were many different types of heroes globally. One kind of hero found solutions through love, understanding, and uncompromising morals. Those heroes usually caused a lot of injury to bystanders because they werent willing to stop the villains by extreme means. Because they couldnt bend their moral code, blood was shed further when the Villain eventually escaped. Anti-heroes understood that some Villans went to extreme measures to get what they wanted, so the Anti-Heros had to make compromising and difficult choices and go to extreme measures to bring them down. It was usually a permanent end for them. The light hero or the Grey(Anti-Hero), what all heroes had in common was they sacrificed a lot, even themselves, for breaking and entering, or just in general? she asked lightly.
Emma was just grateful to have one citizen in this town think the best of her, to see that she wasnt what the mayor or the newspaper thought and printed she was. People were sheep. They believed what they were told to, guided by a wolf in sheep's clothing. Whichever makes you feel better. Mary Margaret Laughed at Emmas question; she had a dry sense of humor that was funny but sad that she tried to make everything in her life seem less horrible.
Emma smiled in gratitude for Mary Margrets kindness; she hadnt had kindness given to her like this in a very long time. It was motherly, a mothering thing to do to provide love and reassurance to someone you barely knew. The last time someone did that was Sarah Fisher, one of Emmas foster mothers. Sarah had wanted to adopt Emma, but her speaking about Magic and how exceptional Emma was that she had a secret power inside her freaked her out, and shed left after that. She didnt let people get close to her afterward. It doesnt really matter what anyone thinks I did or didnt do. Its probably best that I leave. Thank you for everything, but I think its for the best. If I stay here in Storybrook, Henrys only gonna keep getting hurt; Alexander will continue the custody case. Henry will be in good hands.
Mary Margaret bit her lip; it wasnt really her responsibility to talk Emma into staying. Mary Margaret had seen the light come back into Henrys eyes, and she had seen Emma rise to the occasion and start to become the mother that she wanted to be, evolve into the person she wanted to be. It would be a shame if that were reverted. What happens if you go? she asked. Emma didnt say anything; she didnt know what would happen if she left. Too much had happened for her to change back.
Emma had met her twin brother. She couldnt just leave him knowing what she did about his life, and Henry had come bulldozing into her life as well, and Emma couldnt leave knowing what she did about how he saw the world and his living situation. The bell had been rung, and she couldnt un-ring it. I think the very fact that you want to leave is why you have to stay. You care about him. Who will protect Henry if you wont? Alexander may be an excellent guardian, but your Henrys mother, he cant give Henry what you can.
Just then, Emma got a text; when she pulled it out, she Snorted and smiled. Leave it to Alexander to know what she needed even if he didnt know what was going on. If she didnt know any better, she would say he was physic. Alexander had the advantage, knowing what might have happened and what he could say to help her through it. The truth. It is a beautiful and Terrible thing, Emma, and should therefore be treated with caution. Sometimes we have to play into the fantasies of others. Most people just want to be listened to and be believed in, even if everyone around them thinks they're insane. Giving henry that will do more than trying to convince him to live in the real world. Regina is already doing that disservice to him, Dont be her, be you. Xoxoxo Emma showed the text to Mary Margaret to understand the humor in Emmas face; when Mary Margaret read the text, she was filled with the same feeling of pride she felt for him in the sheriff's office. He was just what Emma needed to keep her on the path to becoming the best version of herself.
Emma put the Phone back in her pocket, finished her cocoa, thanked Mary Margaret, and left to find her son and make things right.
Storybrooke. Present. Archie Hopper's office.
Henry was visibly distraught while having his therapy session; Henry had come in and promptly sat on Archies couch and said nothing. He was hurt that Emma didn't believe him. Henry was beyond happy that his uncle Alexander did, but Alexander was not his mother. He wanted Emma to feel worthy of being the savior; he needed her too so the curse could be broken. Henry wanted to have his family back together. So Snow White and Prince Charming could be together again, So his Uncle could have a real family that loved him. And Henry could be a Hero too, just like they were.
He was brought from his thoughts by Archie asking him, "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Henry didn't say anything; he continued to fiddle with Archies umbrella that he let him hold on to. "You know, that umbrella is kind of my good luck charm." Henry's eyes remained on the crackling fire. It was like a physical representation of his ten-year-old emotions; they were raging, burning, and yearning for freedom. But he quailed the thought and remained silent. "Is that why you think I'm Jiminy Cricket?"
Henry sighed and replied with the expected answer if his mother Regina and his Mom Emma didn't believe him, what was the point of voicing his beliefs? He didn't want everyone to think he was nuts, and Henry didn't like feeling like this, so he would just do and say what others wanted him to. "I don't think you're anyone."
Henry set the umbrella down on the table, his hour was up, and he had to get home before his adopted mother worried. Emma was in the hallway of Dr. Hoppers office building; she held the storybook pages Henry had given her. Emma was so intent on fixing things with Henry that she ignored the proper protocols and just opened the office door and walked in on their private conversation. "Miss Swan. Look, I can explain. The Mayor forced me—your Twin he... he helped me. I'm so sor ."
Emma Interrupted, then waved his apology away. That wasn't her concern right now. She wanted to make things right with her son. "I know. Don't worry about it. I get it." She turned her focus on Henry and said, "Henry, I'm sorry."
"I don't want to talk to you." Henry spat out at her and turned away from her; he was angry she had hurt him, and she wanted to hurt her too. Emma understood that need to make her feel just as bad as she had made him. It was like a law for those who were abandoned or orphaned. You only got one chance, and then that was it. "Miss Swan, if she knew you were here—"
Emma turned to him sharply and said in a tone that brokered no argument she wasn't going to worry about Regina anymore; Alexander was right Henry was the most important person here. To hell with her. Archie looked at her, shocked at the attitude change; Emma had been so submissive and confused since she'd gotten to this town it was time to stop. It was time to take her life back into her hands and be who she was. Why was it Alexander was always right? Emma sat on the coffee table in front of henry and spoke to him, even though he was still looking away from her, "Henry, there is a straightforward reason I stayed here—you. I wanted to get to know you."
Henry didn't want to hope, but it began to prick at his heart, mind, and soul again; he tried to stomp it down so he wouldn't get hurt, "You think I'm crazy!"
Emma shook her head. "No, I never said that; I said that the situation was crazy. The problem with eavesdropping into the middle of the conversation is you don't get the whole story or the facts." Emma explained patiently; she could see that her words were getting to him and opening him up again. "you only get what you heard and what you heard was what Regina wanted you to hear. I think the curse is crazy. And it is." She Sighed; here she goes. Emma thought she would take Alexander's advice and play into the fantasy. "But that doesn't mean that it isn't true. It is a lot to ask anyone to believe in, but there are many crazy things in this world. So, what do I know? Maybe it is true." Henry swiftly turned to her to throw another accusation at her, But you told my mom—"
"-What she needed to hear. I know that if the curse is real, the only way to break it is by tricking the Evil Queen into thinking that we are nonbelievers. Cause, that way, she's not on to us. Is that what Operation Cobra was all about? Throwing her off the trail?" Emma interrupted before he could go on; Emma asked. She hated that she was the cause of him doubting himself. This was her chance to make up for her mistake, to make it right. Emma wanted him to see her as she wanted to be seen, as a person he could turn to.
Henry finally cracked; he was happy that she was agreeing with him and working with him. it was what he wanted. Brilliant! Emma took the pages of the book in her hand and held them in front of her, and said, "I read the pages, and Henry, you're right—they are dangerous. There is only one way to make sure that she never sees them. Emma got up off the coffee table and walked over to Archies fireplace. Then she took the pages and placed them into the fireplace; Emma watched as they burned, then stood and turned to her son, Now we have the advantage."
Henry got up and wrapped his arms around her waist and exclaimed in pure adolescent joy. "I knew you were here to help me!"
Emma hugged him back fiercely; she wasn't going to let anyone stop her from being what he needed, being the mom she wanted to be or the sister Emma wanted to be because Alexander was critical in this family too. "That's right, kid. I am; me and your Uncle both are." Emma pulled back from the embrace to look at him, to make sure he understood what she was saying, And nothing, not even a curse, is going to stop that. They hugged again, and Archie was standing back, smiling at the scene. He was glad that she was making an effort to uplift the boy to understand the world as he saw it. If Emma Swan and Alexander Charming kept doing that, Henry would get better; Archie was sure of it.
The Enchanted Forest. Past. The forest.
Regina had returned to the forest after ripping the heart of her father out of his chest. She set the fire again and watched as it blazed to life; the Evil Queen removed the heart from a small chest she had stored it in. taking it out, The Queen gently added it to the fire. Black and green smoke started to billow forth and rises, and into the sky, she had done it. The Queen had successfully cast the Dark Curse, and the hole in her heart was now irrevocably hewn and would never be filled again no matter how hard Regina tried, some mistakes you just couldn't make right. The Evil Queen then vanished in her purple smoke and landed in the graveyard she had laid her father to rest.
She approached the gravestone and, stooped to lay a black rose before it, she felt the loss of him deeply. But she wouldn't understand that loss for what it really was until she traveled to the realm without magic until she lived a few years of doing the same things day in and day out. Regina wouldn't understand that loving someone brought meaning into your life. It gave you something to work on and cultivate everyday Love kept you busy because you were doing something for yourself and that other person to show you loved them. "I love you, Daddy." She looked at the inscription that was on the headstone. Henry, Beloved Father, was not all that he was, but that was all she could bear to inscribe on the stone.
Storybrooke. Present.
While Emma and Henry were exiting Dr. Hoppers office building together and walking down the street. Alexander and Rumple were walking down the sidewalk towards Town Hall. They had talked about things that Alexander had done in the Wizarding World, the creatures that could be found in that world. Rumple was utterly fascinated that wizards had cracked the problem of time travel, even if it was for just a few hours. He was also fascinated by the description of enchantments that Alexander had told him about, the mirror of Erised, being one of them. And Rumple told Alexander about the many ways he had helped his parents find each other, some of the trials they had gone through. Alexander was interested in a degree, but he had lived a life where having parents were a luxury that he just didn't get to have, so Alexander didn't understand the importance of knowing what they went through, but he was polite and listened anyway. They made it to the front of Townhall and saw that Regina is tending to her apple tree.
Alexander turned to his soon-to-be bed partner and grinned mischievously and said. "I promised you that you could have a tease with our dear madam mayor, did I not?" he pointed at the mayor who was dusting off the wood chips leftover by the cut branch. He shook his head at his twin sister's antics and said, "there she is for the taking. And it looks like my sister provided the means for your entertainment, Dark One. Shall we see what you can make of it?"
Rumple chuckled at the dark and Naughty look in Alexander's eyes; the green of them shone brightly in the dark, Eerie emerald green, as green as a poison. Rumple smiled and nodded in agreement, and then Alexander spoke while calling on the power of his invisibility cloak, "I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good." Then he vanished before rumples eyes. Rumple stretched out his hand. It touched where Alexander's stomach should be, and he began to rub his thumb up and down the ridges of the toned covered muscles. Knowing what was hiding underneath set his passions to flame, and Rumple almost wanted to forget the play he was promised with Regina. It was too good an opportunity to pass up, so with a strong will, Rumple pulled his hand away and made his way into the courtyard; when Mr. Gold was close enough, he said in a tone that covered his amusement. "What a mess." He felt Alexander trailing his finger down the center of his back, creating shivers that he had to restrain from showing outwardly, the Naughty lad the thought gleefully in his mind, he couldn't wait to go home and play.
Not for long. "What can I do for you, Mr. Gold?" she replied. Happily, she wiped her hands together and to rid them of sawdust and turned to the towns pawnbroker; she was so proud of herself, she thought that her wounding blow to Emma Swan was a mortal wound and that her desire to be here would die. She wasn't aware of the forces that played against her, her son for one. The truest believer, though no one knew that part. And Emma's Twin for the other the Master of Death. Both of them helping Emma Swan would be the end of her curse, and she didn't even know it. It tickled something inside of the Dark One to understand what she did not.
Mr. Gold smiled and shrugged his shoulders which made Alexander's palm move to his waist, he could feel the minx playing with the edge of his belt, and it almost made him want to say goodbye and leave this place. But he persisted with the play. He was both receiving and giving. "I was just in the neighborhood, thought I'd pop by. Lovely to see you in such high spirits." Pointing his finger at her and said as he and Alexander walked around the apple tree together, one seen and one not.
Regina chuckles, thinking on her Victory over the blond; now, with her gone, she could turn her attention to that very aggravating Agent Charming. "Well, it's been a good day. I just rid the town of one unwanted nuisance." She had to come up with a way to circumvent the very legal means he was using to try and take her son away. It wouldn't be easy; Alexander had documentation and audio recordings. Madam Mayor didn't know where they were kept; Regina could try and get into his rooms at Granny's and look, but the Mayor would have to be careful. He was MI6; he probably had tiny cameras around his room for security reasons. She wasn't going to underestimate him.
Mr. Gold smiled when he felt Alexander cup his ass and squeeze. Oh, he would show the boy what Sex really was; he was 4,000 years old Rumpelstiltskin had many lovers, granted none of them had been male lovers. The Dark One wasn't ignorant to the gay scene and the workings of gay sex, Many of the previous Dark Ones had been, and he had all their knowledge in his head. He could show Alexander things that he'd only dreamed of. Rumple brought himself out of his fantasy and replied, "Emma Swan? Really?"
Regina crossed her arms over her chest and stood straight and tall; her stance gave off the impression of triumph and smugness in getting her way. Alexander chuckled and whispered into rumples ear, saying, "Look at her, look at the queen how smug she is. Look at how tall she stands, Rumple doesn't it make you sick? Don't you want to crush her? Do it rumple chop her down and watch her fall."
Rumple shivered at the darkness in Alexander's voice. It was the voice of Justice giving her what she deserved for trying to harm Alexander's family. It was indulgent and seductive. Rumple wanted to moan out his wanting, but he didn't; he was distracted from it by Regina replying, "Yes. I imagine she's halfway to Boston by now."
Mr. Gold chuckled and bent over, placing himself in the correct position to feel Alexander's need prodding him in just the right place. He almost lost it then, this game they were playing, Alexander teasing him like this it thrilled him, and he wanted more. Rumple Picked an apple from the tree, rubbed it on the arm of his suit jacket, and said, "Oh, I wouldn't bet on that." Regina scowled at him uncomprehendingly; she didn't know what he was talking about. She had done it; Regina had broken Emma Swan; she saw it in her eyes as she watched Henry react to His birthmother's words. Emma was wrecked. Her thoughts were distracted as rumple informed her that Emma hadn't gone that she was very much around still. "I've just seen her strolling down the main street with your boy. Thick as thieves, they looked." He said conspiratorially. Rumple felt Alexander hum against the back of his neck, setting Goosepimples exploding into existence in the autumn air, which chilled him to the bone.
Regina gaped at him, and Alexander chuckled silently to himself, but the vibrations of it were felt by Rumple, and he smiled at the feel of it, though Regina thought she was smiling mockingly at her. "What?" she asked sharply. After the pain, Regina put Henry through, all just to get to Emma and have it not work? This was sure to push Henry past any sort of relationship-building she planned now.
Mr. Gold said offhandedly not that he would help Regina; he'd made a deal not to harm Alexander's family physically, Emotionally, or magically but Rumple could give her an offer that held no weight. He knew she would never deal, she didn't know he had his memories back, and she was persistent in keeping the power to herself. Regina wouldn't want to owe him anything. Alexander knew what he was doing. Rumple was baiting her, playing with her like a kitten that was playing with a string. It was delicious to watch her be batted at with his claws. "Perhaps you should have come to me. If Miss Swan is a problem you can't fix, I'm only too happy to help, for a price, of course." He said, talking as an attorney, of course.
Regina chuckles nervously. Did he remember? Was that why Mr. Gold was offering her a deal? How had he got his memories back? She wondered. No, that couldn't be what it was. He was offering because he was one of the most powerful and influential people in Story Brooke. That was all she was sure of it but just in case "I'm not in the business of making deals with you anymore." Regina turns her back to him, returning her attention to the tree so she could set herself at ease.
Mr. Gold rocked back on his heels and felt the swell of Alexander's groin push against him again. He heard a soft inhale and smiled again, enjoying his play on both sides of the coin. "To which Deal are you referring?"
Regina turned sharply and looked at him, squinting and catching him right in the eye as if challenging him to deny knowing what she was talking about. It amused both himself and Alexander to see her so out of sorts and it a huff. Their sex was going to be breathtaking after this foreplay. "You know what, Deal." She raged; she was sure of it now he had his memories back, but How?
Mr. Gold turned his head a bit as if he was thinking about what she had accused him, then he lifted his finger in the air as if the thought just came back to him. "Oh, right, yeah. The boy I procured for you. Henry. Did I ever tell you what a lovely name that was? However, did you pick it?" He said, knowing his words would remind Regina that she had killed her father and that he knew she had named her son after her victim. Rumple felt Alexander's amusement again as he silently chuckled at Rumple's quip; he rocked on his heels again and hit that sweet spot again and heard a low murmur of pleading for him to do it again. Rumple didn't, he liked his play, and Rumple was in control; he would give when he wanted to.
Regina was shocked; that was not what she was expecting him to say. It also turned her on edge. Had he planned this somehow? Innately knowing that Henry would inevitably bring about her downfall? She stepped menacingly closer to him; Alexander stiffened behind him as if he was going to jump in front of Rumple and protect him from the Woman. His submissive tendencies were rearing their heads, urging him to protect the person he saw as his Dominant sex partner. He would have no idea it would become more than that; Rumple felt the stiffening. It made him purr with delight that Alexander felt that Rumple needed someone to protect him. Still, he couldn't let Alexander just pop out from being invisible, so he reached behind him and began to stroke His soon to be lover's stomach to ease him and let Alexander know that everything would be fine. "Did you want her to come to town? You wanted all this to happen, didn't you? Your finding Henry wasn't an accident, was it?" she accused
Gold continued to stroke Alexander. He could feel the man begin to relax; it was arousing to know that he had that much power over Alexander. Alexander was pliable to his will, and Rumple loved it. It was even more exciting because Emma's twin was letting him have that much control. Mr. Charming was a man that on the outside to everyone else was unbendable unmovable in his convictions. But he knew the boy as the master of Death had to be balanced, so giving Rumple this was beyond anything he had ever experienced. No one had ever trusted him this much to have this kind of power over them. "Whatever do you mean?"
Regina wanted to reach out and strike the man, but some unknown instinct told her to refrain. She didn't know why or what that instinct was, but she was wary of Mr. Gold now, there was no magic here, so she wasn't afraid of what he could do to her that way, but she didn't know that the power of the Elder wand was exuding off its master, warning whoever threatened Alexander would die. "Where did you get him?" Gold didn't say anything. His focus was now trained on taking the last of Alexander's worry away, the raw power he was feeling in the air; Rumple was almost intoxicated by it. "Do you know anything?"
Mr. Gold shrugged. He was sure that Alexander was relaxed enough to go back to their play, so he moved his hand lower and began to stroke Alexander quite impressive bulge with his knuckles. He grinned as he felt it twitch, responding to his movement as if she were leading him in a symphony and Alexanders member was dancing to the music. "I've no idea what you're implying." Alexander leaned in closer to get more tension on his cock and also so he could whisper in Rumple's ear again and inform him of his impending situation. "Hurry, Rumple, I want you, and I'm not going to last much longer," Alexander said in a longing and airy tone, filling rumples mind with the want and needs that his body was wanted to be sated. Rumple gave an imperceptible nod to his bed companion.
"I think you do," Regina said, expecting a rejection from Mr. Gold, denying that he had any part in her current situation. But he remained stubbornly silent on the matter, only smirks a bit to further irritate her already foul mood. "Who is this woman, his mother, this... Emma Swan?" she asked in a darkly suspicious tone.
Gold Chuckled at her disgruntled expression. Oh, it brought him such joy to play like this. "I would say you think you know exactly who she is." Regina just stared at him stunned, She didn't know what to say to that; it couldn't be who she thought it was. It was too Ironic that Snow White's words would come back and slap her in the face after all these years. No, it just couldn't. "I really must be going." He said he turned and made to leave and take Alexander home and ravish the man beyond his capacity and maybe a bit more. Regina wasn't going to let him leave without getting answers. She moved around to his front to blocks his path and said, "Tell me what you know about her."
Mr. Gold gives her a stern menacing look and says, "I'm not going to answer you, dearie, so I suggest you excuse me." Regina did move or say anything; she just stood still as a statue blocking his and the unseen Alexander's way. Rumple wanted to get home and enjoy the pleasures of the carnal nature, so he very serenely said, "Please." He took another bite of the apple he had picked walked away. Regina was stunned; she turned, so her back was to the apple tree, and watched him go. As he threw the apple over his shoulder, it landed with a thump somewhere off to the side. The action was the last dig of disrespect aimed at her. She watched until he disappeared around the Hedges that now blocked him from her sight.
Alexander canceled the Power of the invisibility cloak, looked at Rumple in the eyes with dark amusement, and said breathlessly. "Mischief Managed to your satisfaction Rumple?" when Rumple nodded his agreement looking into Alexander's Dilated eyes, the boy wasn't going to last much longer, and neither was he; they had played a good game. It was the best foreplay he'd had in a long while. Alexander's smile widened, and he grabbed his soon-to-be lover by the elbow and said, "Then I believe we have the rest of the Deal to complete yah? I am going to Apparat us to your bedroom; I need you to hold your breath. It's a bit disconcerting if you've never done this before and don't let go, ok?" Rumple agreed and held his cane tightly. He watched as Alexander spun on the spot, and before he was enveloped in a tube of colors, he heard a loud bang that sounded like a car backfiring when they both disappeared.
They Landed in the Bedroom without a stumble because Alexander had a tight hold on him, and once they had their feet firmly planted on the floor, Alexander stepped away and banished his clothing. They reappeared folded neatly on the chair next to the bureau. Once that was done, he knelt in front of Rumple, placed his hands on his thighs, and bowed his head, saying nothing. He was the submissive now; he was silent until he was ordered to speak. Rumple just looked down at Alexander kneeling in front of him in all his naked glory. Rumple knew what this was; being a submissive was not a new concept. It was ancient, usually kept to the private houses of royalty, most of the time. The royals were the sub-missives because it was the only time they could relinquish control and not have to make any decisions. Sometimes they were the Dominant partner because that was the only time they felt in control of anything in their lives.
It was clear that Alexander preferred the role of a submissive in the Bedroom. He was willingly putting himself in a very vulnerable position. Alexander was secure enough, and his trust in Rumple was enough to feel at ease to release the control of leadership and decision-making that he had. It melted something in Rumple No one, absolutely no one, trusted him like this. Rumple had always been forthright and honest in his dealings with people. They always knew what the consequences would be if they made a deal with him. But trust that was something only Balefire had had, and now Alexander. "Stand and take my can to the rack by the door," Rumple commanded. Yes, Sir, Alexander would not call any Dominate he had, master. No one was a master over him, he chose this lifestyle to appease the nature he'd grown up with, but no one would ever be a master over him again. Rumple watched with pride as alexander stood and took the cane from his outstretched hand; Alexander walked unabashedly and uncaring of his naked status over to complete the task given to him. His shoulders eased, and the tension he'd felt all day just melted. He now had no reason to be concerned, no decisions to make, and no one to lead. It was heaven or as close as someone like him could get.
When the task was completed, he turned and walked back and bowed before the man he chose as his Dominate. Good boy undresses me and place my clothing in the hamper in the bathroom. He showed Alexander where the bathroom was, and Alexander did so. Yes, sir. Again he completed the task that was set before him. He enjoyed this. There was no burden of taking care of himself; there was no one to save and no unwanted expectations. Alexander walked back and saw that Rumple was sitting on the side of the bed. Alexander's Emerald eyes glinted in excitement for what he'd be ordered to do next Rumple curled his finger in a come hither manner, Alexander walked over and stood at the foot of the bed. "Climb on the bed Dearie, and assume the servant pose." Alexander did as ordered; he climbed upon the silk sheets and crawled to the point on the bed where he could easily grip the Iron bars on the headboard "yes, sir." Rumple grabbed a tie from the bedside drawer, tying him to the Iron bars so he could not move. He then held a candle in his hand and lit the wick; moving from a sitting position onto his knees, Rumple moved his hand along Alexander's back. Rumple began Rubbing his hand starting from Alexander's muscled Ass cheeks up to the center of his shoulders as if doing so was preparing the surface for the wax he would be pouring on his Sub-missive.
"I am going to be pouring this wax on your back; when it hardens, I will be peeling it off then soothing the burns with my tongue Alexander. This will happen intermittently for ten minutes; when my tongue is on your skin at any time, I want you to release your power so that I might lap it up. Are you willing to comply, my pet?" Alexander nodded. His head was heavy with the fog of lust, and it took a bit for the question to penetrate his mind. When it finally did, he said in a low wanting tone. "Yes, sir." Rumple nodded. "That pleases me, your such a good boy for accepting this; I am proud of you." Rumple watched as Alexander further relaxed into the bliss of their Scene. It made Rumple feel honored and strengthened that this man was leaving Rumple in control of absolutely everything. This included training him, Testing his limits, and choosing how long their scene lasted. This was why Alexander enjoyed being the Submissive. All he had to do was do what he was ordered and feel the pleasure of having all his needs taken care of and the pride of accomplishing the tasks his Dom had given him.
Rumple started pouring a thin line of wax vertically across alexanders lower back; once the wax hardened, he peeled it off then leaned over, lathering the raw skin with his tongue. Alexander's power Sizzled on the flat of Rumple's tongue; it was like licking Pop Rocks. The sparks traveled from Rumple's tongue all the way down to his groin. It was an experience that almost made him cum each time he repeated pouring the wax, peeling it off, then lathing the wound and lapping up the power that Alexander released. The Power built on itself over the timespan as he continued to test his Submissive. Alexander took the pleasure-pain so well; it was a heady feeling to watch Alexander hold the position that he had set for him.
"You are doing so well, my pet; you look so pretty with your ass in the air." He said as he reached around and stroked his submissive's cock once, twice, three times. It was just enough to start Alexander's cock leaking; he moved on to teasing the nipples, pinching and twisting them roughly, causing them both to moan out in need. If it was anyone else, they would be aching to within twenty minutes, but this was not Alexander's first time receiving guidance and pleasure in this position. He knew that scenes like this could last for an hour to an hour and a half. He had the knowledge and experience to place himself in a relaxed mindset and focus on the sensations his Dom was giving him and the pleasure his Dom was receiving from him.
Rumple teased Alexander's nipples alternating biting and sucking on the skin of his neck and back while rubbing his own cock against any surface of Alexander's skin that came close to him. Rumple played that way for another 15 minutes pausing for 2-3 minutes sporadically so that he wouldn't lose control and end their sex before he was ready. Again the power edged closer to the point where it was close enough to explode. Alexander was sucking in the air like he was running a marathon; it was beautiful to just feel and Experience this have nothing stirring in his mind except listening to his Dom's commands.
Rumple moved behind alexander and placed his hands on his cheeks, spreading them apart to look at the beautiful squirming pucker. He slowly dipped his head in and took a tentative taste causing Alexander to murmur his desire for more; the only movement he made was to arch his ass into the air so Rumple could gain better access. Rumple lapped and teased, entering the first ring of muscle with his tongue like a cat chasing a mouse; every time alexanders hole was relaxed, rumple plunged in and lapped until the sphincter closed again. This went on for another seven minutes. "You like that, my sweet? You taste so good." Alexander moaned and pumped his body back and forth, telling his Dom that he was ready for whatever else Rumple had in mind. Alexander's head was so filled with pleasure and lust that it took all his concentration to not unleash his power and to keep from cumming. "Good boy, we're almost there."
Rumple then held his finger to Alexander's mouth wordlessly, requesting him to lather it with his saliva; Alexander did so. Once the digit was sufficiently moist, Rumple pulled it back and placed it at his Sub-missive's entrance pushing in slowly, pumping in and out until he was loose enough to let him sink in all the way to the hilt. He twisted and pumped, hitting the sweet spot alternatively; Rumple stretched Alexander until he could fit four fingers in, making his partner lose enough to hold his girth in. Rumple then lined himself up and pushed in slowly. Once he was in all the way up to his hilt, he began to back out when the head of his cock was the only part in Alexander's Ass. He pushed in again; it was steady initially. Rumple and Alexander built up a rhythm gaining in speed, synching with each other when Rumple would push in; Alexander would left and meet him with his hips. Rumple was about to achieve release, but before he did, he said, "Cum for me, alexander, do it now." A moment later, he heard a strangled cry of his name as Alexander cummed.
The release of his orgasm cascaded into Alexander, releasing his iron hold on his power as well. When Alexander achieved his release, the explosion of magic fled his body. Some of it went into Rumple, causing his own orgasm, and the rest caused the explosion of every lightbulb in the Room. Rumble moaned out Alexander's name and leaned on the top of his sub-missive's back for a minute, just long enough to recover enough to roll over to lay on the side of his partner. Both of them breathed heavily coming down from the high; Rumple looked over at the young man he'd just bedded and reached up to pull the tie to release Alexander's hands. He then said, "Lie down and sleep for a while, my pet, and when we have recovered, you will complete our deal and heal my leg." Alexander nodded and replied quietly, "Yes, Rumple." Rumple smoothed the young man's hair out of his eyes and smiled at his sleepy bed mate. "Good boy."