Author's Note: Thank you to my beta, DragonBat. Some lines taken directly from 3x16 It's Not Easy Being Green, credit to ForeverDreaming for transcription.
Chapter Two: Meet The Charmings
Regina sat up in what was not her comfortable feather bed, but a rather uncomfortable patch of grass. Despite the foliage, she had slept remarkably well. Perhaps it was due to the man whose shoulder she had been snuggling against, and whose arms were still wrapped around her. They had quite a bit to drink the other night. They had talked, laughed, and done a fair bit of making out before falling asleep. Because, why not? He was attractive, certainly. And according to Tinker Bell, he was her soul mate. He was destined to love her and, given that Henry couldn't even remember her right now, Regina was rather desperate for someone to love her. Why not this charming, attractive outlaw?
She wiped herself off, extricated herself from Robin's arms, and made her way out of the tent.
"Why were you in my daddy's tent?" a voice asked.
She looked up to see a little boy with the most adorable dimples she'd seen since Henry was that age.
"I … I was just visiting him. I'm leaving."
"I'm Roland," he said, holding out his pudgy little hand.
"I'm Regina."
"Hi. Gina."
Regina smiled. "I really have to go, but it was very nice to meet you, Roland," Regina said. He was adorable, even cuter than his father. But Regina already had an adorable no-longer-so-little boy to worry about, and she had questions for Emma.
She rushed back to the mansion, got cleaned up, and headed to Granny's. Henry was there with Emma and the Charmings. Emma looked up at her entrance, meeting her eyes. Then she whispered something to Henry, who nodded before getting up and heading in a different direction.
Emma motioned Regina to the table. "If you don't want me around Henry— "
"I just wanted us to be able to speak candidly. He'll be back soon, and we have a lot to talk about."
"Indeed."
Neal was hungover. He could usually hold his alcohol pretty well, but that only went so far when dealing with a pirate who was determined to drink you under the table. Ironically, it had been that same pirate who had taught him how to drink in the first place.
He got up and went in search of water and food. There was some noise out in the hallway. Maybe it was Ruby. Room service sounded really good right now.
Opening the door a crack, Neal saw Henry excitedly knocking on the door across from his. A boy who looked to be about Henry's age opened it.
"I'm supposed to get you guys for breakfast," Henry said. They were the first words he'd heard his son speak since the curse was recast. It was the most beautiful sound.
"Cool," the boy said, "By the way, some weirdo is staring at us through the other door."
Henry turned and Neal quickly slammed the door shut. He wanted so badly to introduce himself to Henry, but he wouldn't do it behind Emma's back. This was what she wanted for now, and how could they explain is his presence now and his absence before, anyway? Without knowing about the magic aspects, Neal was just a guy who'd set Emma up to go to prison.
"It's not easy when your child judges you for your humanity."
Neal turned, "I wasn't … what?"
"The boy. What he must think of his father."
"What do you know of it?"
"Emma hasn't told me the details. But I gather that Henry thinks his father is a rat bastard and would run him through with a sword if given half the chance."
Neal shook his head. "I can't blame him. What I did … it wasn't my best moment. I'd like to think, if I knew about Henry … I just don't know how to make it right."
"Well, you're asking advice from the wrong person. The closest thing I ever had to a son did threaten to run me through with a sword."
Neal raised his eyebrow curiously. Then his eyes widened. "Oh. Right," he said with an awkward cough. "Well, people don't like to be lied to much."
"And if I'd told you the full story from the beginning, that I loved your mother, and hated your father … ?"
Neal shook his head. "I don't know. I was really angry back then, about a lot of things. I'm still angry about some stuff, actually."
"Anger I understand. One doesn't embark on a centuries-long revenge quest without anger being a constant friend. At some point, one must learn to put the anger down, though."
"And you have? Because of Emma?"
"Because of Emma. And because of … other things. Let's just say, I'm working on it."
"Enough to help me save my father?"
Killian shook his head. "I don't know if I'd go that far, but I don't like the idea of the Dark One being controlled by a wicked witch. No good can come of that."
There was a knock on the door.
Neal went to get it. This time it was Ruby, followed by Belle. Belle looked like Neal felt, though Ruby was as chipper as ever. "Hello, Bae. Can we talk?"
"So, Emma, why don't you tell us about Aaron?" Snow said.
Regina scoffed. "You had all night to grill her and you choose when I show up. I have no interest in Miss Swan's love life, except when it concerns my son." Her voice softened slightly. "How is he?"
"He's unhappy. He knows I've been lying to him and he doesn't like it. That's why he ran away."
"Sounds familiar," Regina said. "Well, as grateful as I am to your boyfriend for bringing him back, you know strangers in Storybrooke is never a great idea. Do I need to remind you about Greg Mendel? Or Tamara?"
"No. You don't."
"I hate to say it, but Regina's right. This probably isn't the best time for visitors, what with flying monkeys about," David said.
"I know. But if I send Aaron and his kids away, after telling Henry I wouldn't, he's just going to run off again. And next time, he might not make it past the town line safely."
"Aren't there any spells that can keep him in town? Force fields or something?" Snow asked.
"And how would we explain that to him?" Emma asked, "Actually, I had an idea, but you're not going to like it," she said as she ripped a napkin into tiny pieces and avoided eye contact with Regina.
"What?" Regina all but growled.
"Maybe I could send him back with Aaron to New York." She took a sip of hot cocoa, still avoiding Regina's gaze.
"Are you insane?! You want to send him away from us now? How is that better?"
"He'd be away from Zelena. Away from flying monkeys and magic. He'd be safe in New York."
"Safe with some stranger you met yesterday?"
"Hey. You know me. You know I don't let people in easily. I let Aaron in and I trust him, so if you trust me, you have to trust that. He'd never let anything happen to Henry."
"That maybe be true Emma," Snow said, "but can he really protect Henry from the dangers he's going to face? He doesn't have any magic."
"He won't need it. There is no magic outside of Storybrooke, remember?"
"Didn't you say you were attacked by a flying monkey in New York?" David asked.
"I was, but Henry wasn't. He was perfectly safe that whole year, and there's nothing to say he wouldn't be safe if he went back until the dust settled."
"And then what? You take your boyfriend, my son, and go live your life in the city while we're all stuck here?"
"I never said that."
"But you were thinking about it, weren't you? Tell me that isn't your plan, because if it is— "
"This isn't helping," Snow said. "What Emma plans to do after the curse breaks and we defeat Zelena isn't the issue. We need to decide what's safest for Henry and the town right now."
"Yes, and strangers here isn't safe for us, and Henry not being where I can protect him isn't safe for him. Case closed."
"Not case closed. If they leave, he'll run off again, and then we really won't be able to keep him safe. So either they stay, or he goes with them."
Before anyone could answer, the door opened, and Zelena walked in. she looked different from the unassuming midwife Mary Margaret had been dealing with less than a week ago.
She held herself with confidence, showing off the Dark One Dagger like a trophy.
"Not to steal your line, Regina, but I'm actually right on time. Punctuality, and all that."
If her goal was to turn all eyes toward her, it certainly worked. The diner was spellbound.
"Why are you here?" Regina asked.
"Now, that my cover's blown, I can finally pay a visit to my little sister."
Zelena looked around the room and smiled with satisfaction at the shocked expressions that greeted her revelation. But clearly, they hadn't put all the pieces together yet.
"Who the hell are you talking about?" Regina demanded.
Zelena's smile broadened. "Why, you, of course, Regina."
Regina heard Emma's reaction to that, but her face and voice were calm as she serenely informed the witch that she was an only child.
Zelena's expression never wavered. "Cora lied to you, Regina," she said. "I'm your sister. Half, if you want to get technical."
"Why should I believe anything you say?" Regina asked, still calm, even as she saw the pirate enter.
Zelena took no offense at the question. "Oh, you shouldn't," she said with false empathy. "It's a lot to swallow. This is why I brought a gift to help."
Regina scoffed at that. She needed nothing from this alleged sister and told her as much.
"But you shall have it," Zelena replied, still smiling, but there was something dangerous in her voice now. "See, my gift to you is this day. Use it to dig into our past, Regina. You need to learn the truth and you must believe it. And then, meet me on Main Street tonight. Say, sundown.
Regina saw several people approaching the diner, her son and the Davidson's among them. Time to end the conversation before it raised questions she wasn't ready to answer. "And then what?" she demanded, already trying to think of a spell that might be appropriate. Perhaps, she could freeze Henry and the Davidsons in place for a moment, and then erase the last minute or two from their memories.
Zelena laughed. "Then I'll destroy you."
"This isn't the Wild West," Regina said.
"No, dear. It's the Wicked West. And I want everyone to be there. To see the Evil Queen lose.
"I don't lose."
"Neither do I. One of us is about to make history. See you tonight, sis."
Zelena left the diner, not a moment too soon and much to Regina's relief, and Aaron, Henry, Andrea, and Jason made their way over to the table.
"Wow. What was all that about?"
"Uh, local politics. Small towns, you know? They take these things very seriously."
"It was très dramatic," Andrea said, "I love her accent. Is she a thespian?"
"You mean like the new Batwoman?"
Andrea rolled her eyes, "No, like an actress. She had a real presence, you know?"
"Hey, I've got an idea. Why doesn't Henry show you guys where the park is, and I'll meet you there in a little bit?"
"We just got here, and they haven't even had breakfast yet."
Emma glanced from her parents to Regina, then back to Henry, and the Davidsons.
"Why don't you five stay here and eat? We'll go back with Regina to talk about … politics, and— "
"I don't need to talk to anyone. This is my fight, and I can fight it on my own. If you think a little family drama is going to scare me—"
"Regina "
"This doesn't concern you, Ms. Swan. By all means, stay here and eat with your new chosen family. I have my priorities in order, and I plan to defeat that witch on my own."
Regina stormed off.
"Should someone follow her?" Snow asked.
Emma turned to find Hook watching the scene. "Killian. Could you… ?"
"Aye, Swan. But if Her Majesty threatens to barbecue me, I hope you'll consider my time served."
"Just do what you can."
He nodded and made his way after Regina.
"She was dramatic too," Andrea said.
"Everyone is dramatic here," Henry said, eliciting giggles from all three children.
"I guess we're sticking around after all," Mary Margaret said, retaking her seat, "We haven't been introduced. I'm Mary Margaret Blanchard. This is my husband David. We're old friends of Emma's."
Aaron took her hand and shook it. "Aaron Davidson. Nice to meet you. And these little rascals are the light of my life and the pain in my rear."
"Andrea Davidson," Andrea said, shaking Mary Margaret and David's hands.
"I'm Jason."
"You want to know about the Dark One Dagger?"
"More specifically, how to break its control." Belle said, meeting Neal's eyes, "There must be some way."
"I wish I could help, but I don't know if there is one. If there was, Papa would have found it. Man's the king of loopholes."
Belle sighed. "Well, we can't just give up. Maybe … maybe if I break his curse. If he stops being the Dark One, she wouldn't have any use for him, would she?"
"You know how to break his curse?" Neal came forward on his chair, suddenly very interested.
"True love's kiss," Belle said matter-of-factly.
Neal scoffed. "I doubt that would work."
"It almost did, once."
"Wait, really?"
Belle nodded. "In his castle. We kissed, and he started to change back. Once he realized what was happening, he stopped it, pulled the power back to him."
"So he chose power."
"He chose you. He's spent centuries trying to get back to you. He couldn't let his power go, because then he could never find you. I wish he'd told me at the time, but instead, we fought, and … I'm sorry. It's just, we wasted so much time. I'm always losing him."
Ruby put her hand on Belle's and gave it a comforting squeeze. "So, if he chose it, true love's kiss could break his curse?"
"I don't know. Magic is different in Storybrooke. We've kissed here, and he hasn't lost his power, but I don't know if that's a choice on his part, or if it's because we aren't in the Enchanted Forest."
Neal put a hand up. "Hold on a minute. There was a time when I was desperate to get my father back to how he was before. But even if this could work, is it really the best course of action?" Belle and Ruby looked at him, curiously. "Hear me out. I don't remember a lot from when we shared a body, but I remember enough to know that Zelena isn't just using him for his power. She's got a major bone to pick with him. So without his powers, he'd be … helpless. And she could still hurt him. And I get the impression she'd want to."
"We could protect him," Belle started to say.
"Could we though? We don't even know what we're up against yet, not really, but she's pretty badass, and not in a good way."
"So we just do nothing?" Belle put her head in her hands.
Ruby rubbed her shoulder. "He's not saying that, sweetie. We just need a different plan. Neal, did anyone else ever get the dagger from your dad?"
Neal shook his head. "He knew to guard it. It meant his freedom."
"So no one you know ever successfully stole it?"
Neal's eyes widened. "He did. That's how he became the Dark One in the first place. He stole the Dark One dagger! But, the person using it didn't have it on them. Zelena doesn't seem dumb enough to leave it unguarded. Probably sleeps with it under her pillow."
"Well, then, maybe we need a plan to get it when she's asleep."
"Poppies!" Belle said, jumping up. "Or a sleeping potion of some sort. Something temporary that'll knock her out before she can react. We just need to get her unconscious long enough to get the dagger!"
Neal nodded. "Could work. I'd track down one of our resident magic users and see if they can make it happen."
Belle shook her head. "I'd rather not. Regina and I have … history. I'll go to her if I have to, but maybe I can work it out on my own." She stood up, getting ready to go. "Rumple has loads of magic books and ingredients!"
"I'll help," Ruby said, standing too.
"Great," Neal said. "You guys work on that and keep me posted. Let me know if I can help. I don't like him with that psycho bitch either."
"You want to come with us?" Ruby asked.
Neal shook his head, "If you're still working on it later, I might catch up with you, but for now, I've got a date with a certain fairy."
"Of all people, why are you following me?" Regina all but yelled at Killian.
"Out of honor and that sort of thing."
She rolled her eyes. "Emma asked you to, didn't she? Well, I'm perfectly capable of finding answers on my own."
"Would you perhaps like to talk?"
"Why would I want that?"
"You sent me to kill my father." Regina stopped walking and turned around. "You may recall that," he continued. "What you may not recall is, he had another son." Regina's eyes widened as Killian kept talking. "My half-brother. Boy's name was Liam, after my older brother who is long dead now. I nearly spared my father, in spite of everything, because I didn't want Liam to grow up as orphaned as I did. As you know, I did indeed slay my father, and some time later, while you were enjoying your curse in Storybrooke, I met Liam as an adult. He'd been traveling in a ship called the Nautilus, captained by a man named Nemo. It was outside the curse's bounds, so he had aged while I hadn't, and Nemo provided me the opportunity to abandon my vengeance and join his crew."
"Which I'm sure is a chance you leaped at, being so willing to let go."
Killian shook his head. "Liam told me that he once sought vengeance on the villain who'd slain his father, but Nemo had offered him a chance to be part of a family. As much as neither of us has admitted it for the longest time, I think you and I both know, that's all we've each ever truly wanted."
"I have a family. I have Henry. I'm hardly going to open my door to some woman claiming a blood connection who wants to kill me."
"Nor should you. Liam wasn't so forgiving once he discovered who I was, and were I to run into him today, I doubt he would hesitate to run me through. Well, to try and run me through."
"Your point?"
"My point is that I know what it's like, finding family you never knew you had and, what's more, family that hates you. In Liam's case, I deserve it, which is why I'll go easy on the lad should our paths cross again. I'll defend myself, but I'll not kill him."
"You have yet to give me any actual advice."
"I was trying to give you understanding. If it's advice you like, try this. I know why Liam hates me. Why do you suppose your sister hates you?"
"I've no idea, but I plan to find out. Now, if that's all you've got to offer, I'll be on my way."
With a puff of smoke, Regina was gone.
"Well, at least I tried."
"So, Aaron, tell us about yourself," Mary Margaret said. "How did you and Emma meet?"
Aaron looked to Emma, who gave him a nod. "She tackled me, actually."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I was playing a game with Henry and she misread the situation," he said with a chuckle. Emma smiled at him.
"That's a cute story. You know, David tackled me when we first met."
Emma choked on her hot cocoa.
"Really?" Henry asked, suddenly interested, "Why?"
"She was robbing my, um, car. I chased after her."
"And somehow you got from attempted robbery to … together?" Aaron asked.
"Well, eventually," Mary Margaret said.
"Come on, Dad. It's romantic. A total meet-cute."
"Speaking of romantic, Aaron, what are your intentions with Emma?"
"David!" Mary Margaret gasped.
"I just want to know how serious they are, what we should be expecting down the road. We don't even know this guy."
"Please, stop grilling him," Emma said.
"How long have you all known each other again?"
"Um, a while," Emma said, looking away.
"You said you knew Mary Margaret from when you were … when you were pregnant with me, right?" Henry added awkwardly.
"Um, if that's what I said, then that is what I said."
"That makes no sense," Jason said.
"We're sorry for grilling you, Aaron. Aren't we David?" David made a gesture with his head that might have been a nod. "You just have to understand, we're very protective of Emma."
"That's … kind of surprising. But okay."
"Why surprising?" David asked.
"I just … Emma's never struck me as the sort of person who had a lot of people looking out for her. If you've been in her life over ten years … it just doesn't seem like she was overly protected."
"Aaron," Emma said.
"We did our best!" David said. "It was complicated."
"I'm not trying to insult you. Honestly. I'm just confused. She's never mentioned having friends that go back so far, and now you're basically saying you see yourselves as her family. What's next, that guy with the weird name tells me he's actually her brother?"
"Who has a weird name?" Andrea asked. "The guy from the hospital?"
"No, a different guy. Baelfire or something."
"You mean Neal?" Mary Margaret asked, and Emma immediately kicked her under the table.
Aaron's eyes widened and he looked at Emma. "Neal as in … As in, that Neal?"
Emma winced. Then she took a deep breath and stood. "Could you guys watch the kids for a minute? Aaron and I need to …"
"Of course," Mary Margaret said, a guilty look on her face.
She motioned Aaron to follow her to the corner of the diner. He kept the kids and the Charmings in sight.
"I know. I owe you an explanation."
"Actually, a lot just became clearer. What happened to you in New York, this sudden trip, those friends … This is all about Henry's dad. Isn't it?"
"No. Not … not all. I mean, he's here."
"What does he have you involved in?"
"What?"
"Is it something illegal?"
"No, of course not."
"From what you told me, he's a criminal."
"From what I told you, so was I. I grew up. So has he."
"So he, and your friend who met her husband by robbing his car, brought you to this town to… what? Catch up on old times?"
"It's not like that."
"Did he put you in danger? Is that why you got attacked in New York? I mean, how deep does this go?"
"Nowhere. I mean, yes, okay. This town is … there's some stuff going on. Stuff that's … hard to explain. And I want to tell you, but you'll think I'm a lunatic."
"This goes beyond what I think of you, Emma. I brought my kids here!"
"I know! You think it hasn't occurred to me that you could get hurt? Of course, it has! I'm terrified for you and them and Henry, but I didn't ask you to come here. This is exactly why I tried to break things off with you in New York. You don't need this shit!"
"Neither do you. If it's that dangerous, and you're that scared, come back to New York with me. We can still go upstate like we planned."
"I can't just leave!"
"Is he threatening you?"
"No. No, he would never … I just have … responsibilities here. They need me, and I need to help. I can't just leave."
"Well then, can you at least tell me what I've gotten into?"
Emma shook her head. "I don't … I don't know. You'd never believe it, and it's not just my story to tell."
"Then tell me this. Are my kids safer staying here, or going back to New York?"
Emma sighed. "Going back to New York."
Aaron nodded. He headed back to the table. "Guys. We gotta cut brunch short."
"Why?"
"We've gotta pack. Grandma and grandpa are still expecting us, remember?"
"We're not staying?" Jason asked.
"I'm sorry, buddy."
"What?" Henry asked, his voice unusually high. "But you said – "
"Henry, they need to go back."
"You did this!" Henry said, tears in his eyes. "You're lying to me, and now you're sending away my friends and the only people who have been there for me. I hate you!" Still crying, Henry ran out of the diner.
"I have to," Emma said, motioning after her son. "Say goodbye before you leave?" Aaron nodded. Emma put her forehead against his. "I'm so sorry."
"Me, too. Just, do what you have to do and get back to New York in one piece, okay?" He gave her a quick kiss and started rounding up his brood while Emma ran after Henry.
"You just had to ask him about his intentions, didn't you?" Snow asked.
"Hey. Is Mother Superior here?" Neal asked.
"One moment," the nun/fairy said. A moment later, Blue came out.
"Baelfire. What can I do for you?"
"You can tell me why you didn't tell me about True Love's Kiss?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Belle said it almost broke my Papa's curse. And I know how Emma broke the curse here, so I know it doesn't have to be just lovers' kind of love. But when I asked you how to cure him, you gave me a magic bean to take me to this land. Why?"
"I didn't know that True Love's Kiss could work. He was the Dark One. I thought it was a safer bet for you both to go to a Land Without Magic where he'd be powerless."
"But that's not what happened."
"You're father's actions are not my fault."
"If you didn't think True Love's Kiss would work, because… what, you didn't think he loved me? Then it must have occurred to you he wouldn't want to go with me, either. And I ended up alone in a world where I knew no one and nothing! If you had suggested True Love's Kiss and I'd tried it and it didn't work, then we could have used the bean. But it would have worked! We never had to be separated! Why would you let that happen?"
"He fought Belle when she kissed him. He fought it off. He would have fought you too."
"He fought her off because he needed his magic to find me."
"If that's what you need to tell yourself."
"Why not let us try?"
"I had one shot at neutralizing the Dark One. I was going to take it."
"So you weren't even trying to help me?"
"I was trying to help the entire realm and every realm connected to it. Can't you see, Baelfire? This was so much bigger than your desire to get your father back."
"Yeah, well, as a nun, you may not hear this a lot, but fuck you!"
"Henry! Henry, please, slow down!"
"No!"
"Henry!'
"You lied to me! You keep lying to me! You keep taking everything away!"
"Henry, please, just listen to me."
"Why should I? You're just going to lie to me again!"
"I don't want to lie to you. I never wanted to lie to you! If you'd just slow down and talk to me— "
"Let me go back with them?"
"What?"
"Let me go back with the Davidsons. I don't want to be in this town, and I don't want to be around you, but if you'll let me go with them, then I'll hear you out when you come home, and if you don't, I'll just run away again."
"Henry— "
"Say you'll let me go!"
"Okay!" Henry stopped running, "Okay. You can go back to New York with them, while I do what I have to here. Because you're right, this isn't fair to you. And I've just been trying to protect you from some really complicated stuff that's been going on. But you'll be safer away from it all. So yes, you can go with the Davidsons back to New York."
Henry ran up and hugged Emma. "Thank you. Thank you for putting me first."
"Always, kid."
Regina is not going to be happy.
Regina was not happy. She had found a most unfortunate letter among her mother's things, and it confirmed Zelena's identity, as much as anything other than a DNA test could. Rumple thought Zelena was more powerful than she was.
"We have to stop meeting like this."
Regina turned, pocketing the letter. A smile formed on her face. "Robin."
"Though I will say, it is good to see you. You were gone before I woke up this morning. I thought I might have offended you."
"I don't offend easily."
"Well, something's clearly upset you."
"Other than Zelena apparently being my half-sister?"
"I did hear something about that, yes. And a showdown at sundown. That's why I'm patrolling the woods, to see if she's planning to build up her simian army." He took a seat beside Regina, "So, are you going to tell me what's in that letter you've been starring at?
"What letter?"
"This one," he said, taking out what had been in her pocket just moments earlier and showing it to her. "I'm a pickpocket by trade. I spent many years learning how to rob from magicians."
This was actually making her feel better, trading barbs with him. And he'd surprised her. Maybe that was how it was with one's soul mate.
Regina let Robin read the letter and explained why it concerned her.
"There are different kinds of strength, you know," Robin said after he'd heard her out. "And I doubt you can attribute everything you are to one teacher. Perhaps it would be better to focus on what you had that Zelena didn't."
Regina smiled. "You may be right."
"I think I figured it out," Jason said, as his dad loaded up the rental car with his, Andrea's, and Henry's stuff.
"Figured what out?"
"Why your mom's lying to you and why she's acting all weird."
"Okay, why?"
"Isn't it obvious?" He leaned in to whisper to Henry, "She has a secret identity."
"What?"
"She's got a superhero, vigilante situation going on. Or possibly supervillain. But it's like she's Oliver Queen and you're Thea and my dad is Laurel, and she wants to tell you both that she's the Green Arrow, but she can't because it's too dangerous."
"You think my mom is the Green Arrow?"
"Of course not. She'd have her own superhero name. Or supervillain. Again, it could go either way."
"It's a pretty big difference."
"But my point is, what she keeps saying about trying to protect you and not being able to tell you stuff is classic secret-identity comic book stuff. How many times have we seen it?"
"Yeah, but this is real life."
"So? It's always real life in the beginning."
"I don't know of any superheroes going around Storybrooke in spandex."
"Yeah. I don't want to think about your mom in spandex."
"Good! I don't want you to think about my mom in spandex. I don't want to think about my mom in spandex! Jeez!"
"But wouldn't it be cool? And she really would be protecting you."
"She'd still be lying to me."
"Lois Lane forgave Clark Kent. Can't you forgive your mom?"
"If she's secretly a superhero? Maybe. But I wouldn't count on it."
Emma knocked on Neal's door. He motioned for her to come in. "Hey, what's up?"
"I wanted to talk to you about something."
"If it's about using my given name, I kind of figured out why— "
"No, actually, my mom spilled the beans on that one, so you're free to be Neal. Aaron's leaving anyway."
"Really?"
"Yeah. We said our goodbyes. He's taking his kids back to New York. … And Henry. Don't give me that look. He'll be safer away from all this, you know that's true, and I actually have someone I can trust to look after him until we defeat this psycho witch."
"No, you're right. I just … It's weird, I only saw him for a second through a door, but I already miss him."
"Yeah. Regina's going to be pissed as hell but, she ran off somewhere, so I can't exactly tell her, and in a few hours it might not matter."
The two of them were quiet for a minute. "You said you wanted to talk to me."
"Yeah. Can I ask you something? Back when we … were together. Did you ever think about telling me?"
"Telling you what?"
"About all this," Emma said, spreading her arms wide to encompass her surroundings. "All this magic crap."
"Ah, that."
"Yeah. So, did you?"
"Yeah. I thought about it. I knew you'd never believe me, though, so I never said anything. A part of me really wanted to. I loved you and I didn't want to keep things from you. But, I mean, maybe a part of me liked it better that way."
"Why?"
"Because all that crap was stuff I wanted to leave behind and forget. It wasn't my life anymore and I didn't want it to be. You not knowing about it made it less real somehow like it was all a bad dream, and this life I was making with you was reality, you know?" Emma nodded. "But it's different for you. You aren't running from it."
"Oh, I've run from it. Wicked witches and flying monkeys? I want to grab Henry and run as far from here as possible."
"Sure, from that stuff. But there's also the part where your parents are royalty from the Enchanted Forest, or Regina… who I think you're sort of friends with now? Honestly, that still confuses me, but my point is, you don't want to cut and run from all of it, right?"
"You remember what you once told me, about knowing when you have a home?" Neal nodded. "I didn't remember Storybrooke or my parents this past year, but there were moments when something would spark in my brain and just for a moment, I would really miss them. When those moments happened, Aaron was the person who was there. He held me together through all of that. I hated saying goodbye to him when I had to come back here. And as complicated as him coming here is, when I found out he was coming, when I saw him, I was so relieved and so happy. I missed him so much."
"So, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know. What would you do?"
"I mean, with Tamara, I told her. That didn't really work out. The difference is, she didn't actually love me. So, does your guy love you?"
"He does. And I love him too."
"When we were together if I'd told you the truth about me, and you by some miracle believed me, when August showed up, I could have come to you. We could have talked about your destiny and made a decision together. You know how much I regret how things ended with us. Maybe, if I'd been honest, it wouldn't have had to. I don't want you to have the kind of regrets I have, Emma. I don't want you to spend your days wondering what you two could have had if you'd let him in."
"You know, you weren't anywhere near this supportive when you thought I wanted to date Hook."
"Yeah, but I mean, in fairness, he slept with my mom, so…" Neal got up to leave, while Emma just sat there, playing over his words. "Wait, what?"
They were nearing the town line when Aaron's phone rang. It was Emma. He put it on speaker. "Hey."
"Come back."
"What?"
"Come back. I need to talk to you. I want to tell you everything. You and Henry. And then, if you still want to leave … It still isn't safe here. But you should know why. You should know … about me. All about me. I want you to."
"Emma, we're almost at the town line and … What the -?"
There was a screech and the line went dead.
"Aaron? Aaron?"