"Can I get a vodka cranberry?" Meg asked Thomas as she sat down at the bar at Pridelands. She was meeting Jasmine for a drink after work.

"Oh, so I see we are off the hard cider, then?" Thomas asked.

Meg smiled.

"Well, ya know. I like a variety now and then."

She was also trying new things. Her latest therapy session with Dr. Thatch had taught her that she needed to move away from patterns that, although comfortable and easy, are not always good for personal growth. Of course alcohol wasn't exactly on Dr. Thatch's list of comfortable patterns, but Meg was taking baby steps. Dr. Thatch wasn't pushing her but probing her behaviors and working backward to what triggers them and why. She was only on her third session but she felt as if she was making small breakthroughs with every session.

And it was improving her relationship too. She had Hercules were communicating more. She was breaking down walls she'd been building around herself for years and he was being surprisingly patient with her. As Thomas brought her drink over and placed it on the cocktail napkin in front of her, she realized that she and Hercules needed to break apart to ultimately come back together. Even if there were a few casualties.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw one casualty walk in. One that she was not expecting. One that she felt horrible about.

"Thomas, is my dinner ready yet?" Sinbad asked as he approached the bar, oblivious to Meg's presence.

"Sure thing, Sinbad. Let me go check."

Thomas disappeared back in the kitchen while Sinbad waited at the bar. Meg saw his eyes scan the place to check the atmosphere and that's when their eyes met. He looked at her with anger. She knew that if she was going to follow doctor's orders she needed to move on from her past behaviors and confront Sinbad with an apology, especially after Jasmine had told her what had happened with Aurora.

"Hi," she started.

"You don't have to have small talk with me, Meg."

"I'm just saying 'hi'."

"Hi," he responded dryly.

"I also think I owe you an apology."

"You think you owe me an apology?"

She was calling on everything she had learned in her short amount of therapy to keep her from resorting to her past behaviors. He was definitely triggering her right now.

"No. Actually, I know I do. And I know you don't want to hear it from me but I'm going to tell you anyway because you're a nice guy and that's the right thing to do."

"Spare me, Meg. Please."

"What so now all of the sudden you're just gonna be an ass when I'm trying to be an adult and apologize for what I did? You're not the guy I thought you were, Sinbad"

Thomas returned with a to-go back of food and handed it to Sinbad.

"Yeah, well, Meg," he said as he threw a couple of bills at Thomas, "you're not exactly the girl I thought you were."

And with that, he left, brushing past Jasmine as he did so.

"Jeez, what's with him? So brooding," she said as she sat down next to Meg at the bar.

"Apparently he has trouble accepting apologies."

"Ahh. I see. Well after that fiasco with Aurora, I can see why that would be difficult for him."

"Speaking of, tell me about all that? So you're leaving the DeVille Fashions program?"

Jasmine sighed.

"Yeah. You know, I really thought that would lend me a certain credibility but I just don't think I want to be a part of a program that's led by someone that devious."

"Tell me about it. Try being her daughter."

"I can imagine. She's a brilliant designer but her ethics are..."

"Oh her ethics are for shit. I told her that numerous times. It's one of the reasons I'm such a disappointment to her."

Jasmine frowned.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Meg. It's really her loss because you are a great person."

"Why, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Anyway, enough about the woman who bore me."

Meg dug into her purse and threw a fresh twenty dollar bill on the table.

Jasmine scoffed.

"What's this for? Are you buying tonight?"

"Hardly. I'm making good on that bet of ours. Angelica told me that she is ready to talk to Esmeralda."

"You're kidding! I knew she would come around sooner or later."

"Yeah and I saw her and Aladdin kissing during Esmeralda's dance the other day, too."

"No way! Flynn didn't mention they were getting back together."

Meg raised an eyebrow.

"Flynn? Don't tell me he's coaxed you back. First Clopin, now our dear sweet Flynny boy!"

Jasmine blushed.

"He really helped me out last week with that whole Cruella thing. He came through for me and didn't really expect anything in return. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before. I mean I'm not saying that we're getting back together. But I think we can be friends. We've talked almost every day since then."

"I'm absolutely shocked he hasn't mentioned it. Usually anything to do with you – he's a chatter box."

Jasmine smiled.

"Well, maybe he's growing up a little."

"Flynn Rider? Not a chance."

Just as Meg finished her sentence, Flynn walked in with Aladdin.

"I'm telling you, man. She's going to talk to Esmeralda tonight and get this squared away. We're going to have a late night date after."

"I'm proud of you, Al."

"I know right. Thank Allah, I finally came to my senses and realized what an amazing girl Angelica is."

The two were so lost in conversation they didn't see the table they chose was right next to Meg and Jasmine.

"No not that," Flynn started as he sat down, "I mean you're the only man who beat out Jack Sparrow for a woman."

Aladdin smiled.

"Speaking of women – Jasmine is at the next table."

Flynn's eyes got wide. He blushed.

"She is?"

He turned around and waved.

"You mean you're not going to try and hit on her relentlessly?"

"Nah. I'm over that. Jasmine and I are working on being friends."

"Friends? Is that even possible to be friends with someone you felt that strongly about?"

Before Flynn could answer, Will appeared.

"Well, yes as a matter of fact it is. Look at me and Anya."

"How's it going, buddy? Glad you made it back in one piece," Aladdin greeted as Will took a seat.

"Yeah, especially with that Cruella fiasco," Flynn added.

"But from the looks of things at the arrival celebration, you've kept yourself busy with Jane Porter," Flynn added with a wink.

"There's the woman hungry Flynn, I'm used to. Now tell us about this Jane person."

Will smiled.

"Well there isn't much to tell yet. We enjoyed each others' company on sailing back to Fantasia. She taught me a lot about the African wildlife. And we've been seeing each other now and then since my return. I'm growing quite fond of her actually."

"Quite fond, eh?" Flynn asked. "So does that mean you no longer hold a torch for Anya?"

Will frowned.

"Anya made it pretty clear that she just wanted to be friends."

"That may have been then, but since you left she's been spending a lot of time at your place," Flynn said.

"Really? Why? I thought she was getting used to Beastman Manor."

Flynn and Aladdin looked at each other knowingly, unsure of how to navigate the rest of this conversation.

"What? Did something happen while I was away? I mean she told Jack and I about Adam's late night activities but -"

"I assure you, Will, this goes beyond whatever Adam's personal life consists of," Aladdin said.

"Well, then tell me. What happened."

Flynn took a deep breath and began the sordid tale from Anya being approached by Rogers during the Campaign Kickoff to finally meeting her mother to learning that she had a half brother to discovering that her brother wants to kill her biological father.

"And last I heard from her, she is pretending to be a Beastman while helping Derek ruin Adam," Flynn finished.

Will took in all that he had just heard. He had promised Anya from the day they met that he would always be there for her. And the second he leaves port, her entire world goes upside down and he wasn't there for her. It made total sense to him that she would be sleeping on his couch while he was gone and why she was so eager to see him when he returned. His heart broke thinking that he'd let one of his oldest friends down.

"I wish I had been here."

"It's alright. Al and I were able to help her out and keep her safe."

"I'm glad for that. And now that she's seen me with Jane she probably thinks I'm abandoning her."

"I highly doubt that."

"Yeah, Flynn's right. Anya knows that you're always going to be there for her. If you're really worried about it, give her a call. Talk about it with her."

"Yeah I mean there's only so much Aladdin and I can do. You two were always closer that she was with either of us."

"Maybe you're right."
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Aladdin was receiving a text.

"Ah would that be the fair Angelica?" Will asked.

"Yes, actually. She's telling me to have fun with the guys and that she misses me."

Flynn opened his mouth and stuck his finger in it.

"Gag."

They laughed.

"So does this mean that you have forgiven her for the Jack situation?" Will inquired.

"Yes actually. She has forgiven her sister too."

"It's a curious thing," Will began.

"What is?"

"The whole time we were on the ship, Jack was completely preoccupied. I'd catch him staring off into the distance on several occasions and twice I caught him screaming her name in his sleep."

"Could it be that the tables have turned and it is now Jack who is under someone's spell?" Flynn asked.

Across town at the Gypsy Dance Studio, Esmeralda was walking out of a rehearsal with Phillip.

"Please tell me your date tonight is not with Aurora Rose."

Phillip laughed as they exited the studio doors.

"I think I learned my lesson there. In fact, I think the whole town did. No this time I'm going out with Belle Maurice."

"Lovely. I hope you have a good time."

"Anything fun planned for you tonight?"

"Nothing special. In fact, I've been rehearsing so much I may just go to bed early."

"Good for you. You deserve a nice rest. Can I give you a lift?"

"No thanks. I'll walk. It's a nice night."

"Sounds good. See you tomorrow, Es."

"Good night, Phillip."

Esmeralda began walking her normal route home while Phillip headed in the opposite direction toward the parking lot. She pulled her phone out of her bag. Four missed calls from Jack. She sighed. She had been avoiding him since his return. After the arrival celebration a few days ago he had approached her and complimented her performance. She was flattered but she didn't want to hear it. Especially with Angelica so nearby at the time. Jack didn't deserve either of their attention.

She put her phone back her bag and continued on her way. She didn't see the dark figure lurking in the shadows near the entrance of the Muses Opera House.

"Good evening, Miss...Teach? Is it?" a deep and foreboding voice sounded from behind a statue of the Muses near the entrance to the concert hall.

Esmeralda jumped.

She vaguely recognized this man as Judge Claude Frollo, Charming's nominee for Minister of Justice.

What was he doing here?

Every hair on Esmeralda's body was on edge.

"Excuse me?"

"Esmeralda Teach is it?"

"Yes. Who wants to know?"

"Is that any way to address a man of my stature?"

"Does a man of your stature make a habit of surprising women on dark street corners?"

"Touche, my dear. Touche."

"Is there something I can help you with, Judge Frollo?"

She watched as his pale gray eyes combed her over from head to toe. Bile rose in her throat. Her fists clenched at her sides. Something was off about this man.

"Indeed there were, miss. Indeed there were."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You're quite a talented dancer, Miss Teach. I was charmed by your performance the other day. Do you perform often?"

Esmeralda noticed that he had slithered closer to her.

"I imagine you entertain a thrall of sold out crowds."

Esmeralda took a step back.

"I know what you were imagining!"

His pale, creepy face was right in front of hers.

"And what was that, my dear?"

Just when she thought her fist was about to meet his face, she heard his voice.

"Well this is quite a predicament, is not?"

Esmeralda internally breathed a sigh of relief. She dare not lose face in front of Frollo. Or Jack.

"Jack."

Out from the shadows of God knows where, Jack sauntered toward the two.

"Well, if it isn't the infamous Jack Sparrow."

"Ah, so you have heard of me."

Instinctively, Esmeralda stood behind Jack, feeling protected. But she dare not show her appreciation for his sudden appearance. She had to remain tough.

"Yes, indeed, I have. Nothing good, unfortunately."

"What a coincidence. I've heard nothing good about you either, Master Frollo."

"Charmed. Here to save a damsel in distress?"

"Well that shows how well you know Esmeralda. She is no damsel. Nor is she in distress. But I do find it curious that you are under the distinct impression that she is need of rescuing."

Esmeralda could hardly contain her smile, try as she might.

"What?"

"Might it be that Charles Charming would find this curious as well? That is conservative, buttoned up, tyrant of a nominee of Minister of Justice is in this predicament?"

"Are you threatening me, Mr. Sparrow."

"First of all, mate. It's Captain. Captain Jack Sparrow. And I am merely making an observation that the moral values mayoral candidate may not be too keen on his Minister of Justice nominee lurking about the streets preying on innocent women."

"I see. Very well. Good night, Captain Sparrow. Ms. Teach. I believe I am late for dinner at the Charmings' home."

"Ah, now that you would not want to be late for, mate. Move along."

And with that Frollo disappeared down the street toward City Hall – the opposite direction of Esmeralda.

Esmeralda breathed a sigh of relief. She wanted to wrap her arms around Jack and thank him for saving her from potential danger. She wanted to kiss his rugged mouth. She wanted to pick up where they had left off the morning he'd left. But she couldn't. She had to deny any sort of weakness she had toward Jack. She couldn't show him any sort of appreciation or caring emotion whatsoever. He was the reason she wasn't speaking to her sister. He was the bane of her existence – whether he saved her from Frollo or not.

He turned around to face her.

Her deep emerald eyes were alight in the dark of night. He had never seen a more enchanting creature. The visions of her in his dreams paled in comparison to the living, breathing woman in the flesh. He smiled.

"Are you alright, darling?"

"Yes. Yes. I'm fine. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Seems as if I arrived just in time. I've seen that look on a man before. Not good."

"What are you doing here, Jack?"

"You mean besides saving your pretty hide from the likes of Frollo?"
"I could've handled it myself, Jack. I don't need you."

"Keep telling yourself that, darling."

His smugness annoyed her. Yet she still wanted him.

"When someone doesn't answer your phone calls. It doesn't mean show up at their place of work. That's called stalking, Jack."

"Esmeralda, darling. Please. I merely had a desire to see you."

Esmeralda rolled her eyes and stomped off.

"Oh. So you have something in common with that creep Frollo!"

"No. Not true. Esmeralda, I understand you're upset with me but don't ever make the mistake of putting me in the same category with a man like that."

"You're character may be different. But your desire is the same."

Jack froze. He hadn't come to a clear concise conclusion as to his feelings for Esmeralda. Only that she had haunted his dreams day and night while he was away. But he couldn't find the words to convince her that his intentions weren't purely carnal at the moment.

"Esmeralda, I -"

"I've heard enough. Thank you for coming to my rescue tonight, but I've got to be going."

With that she walked off to her apartment, leaving Jack standing alone in the dark outside an opera house.

By the time she reached her apartment, Esmeralda had worked herself up to a frenzy. She had told him they couldn't see each other anymore. He should just accept it. There was nothing special about there time together. There was only pain and regret. No good could come of it. He knew that. No woman had ever been with Jack longer than a week. It never bothered him before when a woman shoved him off. Except Angelica.

As she unlocked the front door, she thought about what this entire situation had done to her relationship with her sister. They were each others' first best friends. A pang of guild struck her heart as she thought about how she'd betrayed her sister as she shut the door and locked it. She threw her keys on the kitchen counter and sighed.

"Hey, sis."

Esmeralda was shocked to see Angelica sitting at the kitchen table.

"Angelica! You're speaking to me!"

Angelica smiled. This conversation she knew would be difficult but it needed to be had. She missed her big sister. Aladdin had shown her forgiveness and it was only fair that she show her sister the same treatment.

"Yeah. I am. Take a seat. I think we need to talk."

"Yeah. I think we do."

Esmeralda threw her bag on the floor and sat down across from her sister at the table.

"It's good to see you. And to hear from you."

"You too."

"I want to apologize again for what happened."

"No need to apologize again. I've decided to forgive you, Esmeralda."

"Really? Just like that."

"Well after a lot of thinking and talking it over with Aladdin, I've realized it's the best option. I don't want to continue not speaking to my only sister for the rest of my life."

"Oh Ang, it makes me so happy to hear you say that. Really. I feel horrible about everything that happened. If I could take it back, I would. You're my sister and I love you."

"I love you, too. And I'm glad to hear you say that. I don't think Jack would feel the same, though."

"What does Jack matter anymore. He's in the past. For both of us. You're moving on with Aladdin and I'm focusing on myself right now. He doesn't get to come between us."

Angelica smiled.

"No he doesn't. But maybe it's what's supposed to happen."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I had to find out about you and Jack in order to truly admit to myself that he is a no good worthless scum of the earth and that I love where things are going with Aladdin and I don't want to ruin that because I have lingering feelings for Jack."

"That's good. I mean I'm still sorry it happened this way but I'm glad you realize how bad Jack is for you."

"But maybe not for you."

"What? Now you've lost me."

"I was mad as hell at both of you when I first found out. I couldn't understand. But then I saw Jack at the arrival celebration and it all made sense."

"Did he say something to you?"

"No. He didn't even notice me. He noticed you."

Esmeralda blushed.

"Ugh. Ang. I don't want him. You have to believe me."

"Es, relax. I'm at peace with the two of you together. I have Aladdin. And Aladdin only has eyes for me. But I saw the way that Jack looked at you Esmeralda."

"So what? Jack looks at tons of women on the daily."

"Not like this."

Esmeralda rolled her eyes.

"What are you saying? That I have the magic touch?"

Angelica laughed.

"Yes. I think you do. I used to pray he'd look at me like that one day."

"Me and Jack? That's ridiculous."

"Maybe so. But I don't want you to feel guilty about it if that is what you want. I think you may be exactly what he needs."

"That's insane."

"Probably. Just don't think that I hate you because of it."

"I'm glad to hear that, Ang. I've missed you."

Esmeralda got up to give her sister a hug.

"I have a great idea! Why don't we pour some wine, pop some popcorn and binge Netflix tonight? Just the two of us."

"That's a great idea, Es, but I have plans with Aladdin. He wants to introduce me to his dad."

Esmeralda was slightly disappointed but she understood. She was happy her sister had someone that made her so happy.

"That sounds more fun. Enjoy yourself. Say hello to Aladdin. I'm really glad we had this talk, Ang."

"Me too, sis. I'll see you later."

Angelica left and Esmeralda found herself alone with her thoughts again – which was a dangerous and bad idea.

"Well. Just because my sister has other plans doesn't mean I can't drink wine and binge Netflix by myself."

Esmeralda poured herself a healthy glass of red wine, made a bowl of popcorn and turned on the latest season of Cable Girls, trying desperately not to think about Jack Sparrow.