Chapter Five: What Makes Us Family

Regina was back at her vault when she got Emma's call. "Is Henry okay?"

"Hello to you too," Emma said, then paused. "He's fine. A little restless, but – "

"Your parents filled me in. He knows about magic, but not about me. Do I have that correct?"

She heard Emma sigh. "I wasn't trying to cut you out of his life. I wouldn't do that."

"No, but it is more convenient for you to let him think you raised him."

"I wouldn't say convenient – "

"Did you call for a reason?"

"Yeah. My parents said you put up a protection spell on the loft. I was wondering if you could do the same for Robin Hood's camp."

Her heart clenched. "Is Robin okay?"

"He's fine. But we thought it'd be safer if – "

"If protecting a patch of wood was doable, I'd have done it already. I could maybe do the individual tents, but the woods themselves? That's beyond my power. I can look into it. Of course, then, I won't be looking into how to defeat my sister."

And if she made a special effort to protect the woods, Zelena would sense the magic and know that something or someone in that area mattered to Regina. Both for the sake of her heart, and for Robin, it was best she not be too obvious about the whole thing. She wasn't going to tell Emma that, of course. The fewer people who knew, the better.

"Do you have anything? On how to defeat her?"

"We had a theory, but … That reminds me, I need to talk to Robin about that."

"Well, I can pass the phone along – "

"You're there now?"

"Yeah. Me, Belle, the Davidsons, Henry – "

"For goodness sake, Emma, get him to the loft! I didn't protect it for no reason."

"Okay. Hold on … Um, she wants to talk to you," Regina heard Emma say. "Do you … do you know how to use a phone?"

There was a bit of silence. Then Regina heard Rumple's little girlfriend say, "I can show him."

After a minute or two, she heard Robin ask, "Regina?" and felt warm inside. She liked how her name sounded when he said it.

"Robin." Her smile faded when she remembered what she had to relay. "We've hit a snag. I need you and Belle to stand down from the plan for now."

"You mean the plan to – "

"I wouldn't say it into a phone. They can be bugged."

"Pardon?"

"Um, someone could be listening. Listen, meet up with me later in town, and we can talk, okay?"

"All right."

Once Emma had passed the phone off to Robin, she turned back to the Davidsons, "Sorry, kids. Protection spells, apparently, are a bit trickier when it comes to nature. We're loft-bound. But, I promise, we'll come back."

"But – "

"I can walk back with you, if that helps?" Belle asked, joining them. "It's time I head back to town anyway. And our plan is, apparently, on the backburner, not that the Evil Queen will tell me why."

"I thought she wasn't supposed to be evil anymore," Jason said.

Belle shook her head. "Well, that's a matter of opinion. But we're working together for now."

"Isn't your whole thing seeing the good in people?" Henry asked.

Belle smiled. "If only the world were that simple."

"All right, guys. Let's head back," Emma said, after Robin returned her phone to her.

"You're sure? There are no other wolves in Storybrooke?" Snow asked after Ruby shared what had been bugging her.

"I haven't seen any or heard of any. I haven't felt their presence. I went sniffing around and came up empty. I should be able to find them, but I can't. I'm worried something's happened to them."

"If that's true, of course, I'll help you find them."

"What if they never made it over with the second curse? What if they're still in the Enchanted Forest?"

"It would be easier to know the answer to that if we knew who cast the curse and why."

"Well, I would think it would be that witch. But we still don't remember what happened that year. What if she harmed them in some way?"

"All of them? That seems like a lot. Even at her worst, Regina never took out an entire species."

"But Zelena's more powerful, isn't she?"

Snow sighed, "I don't know. Maybe. Still … can I ask why you were looking for them?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just, back in the Enchanted Forest, you didn't travel with a pack. Ever since … well, what happened with your mother, I thought you preferred - "

"I chose to walk my own path, to have you, and Granny, and David in my life. You are all my family, and I love you. You know I do. But I could still always feel them there. And it was comforting to know I wasn't alone."

Snow reached out and put her hand on Ruby's. "You'll never be alone. You'll always have us."

"I know that. I do. But … it isn't the same. I mean, you have this life here, with a husband, a grown daughter, a grandson… not to mention a baby on the way. Once he's born, you'll be pretty busy, and that doesn't count everything else in your life. And I'll help, but I … we're at different places in our lives. You've found your way, your purpose, your family. I'm still looking for mine. In this town, everyone has a true love. It's just hard when you're one of the few on your own. And now, I don't even have a pack."

Snow nodded. "We will find the other wolves if they're out there, which I'm sure they are. And I know you will find what you're looking for because you are a strong woman who won't quit until she does. As for the baby, I'm sure I'll be busy, but no amount of children or true loves will make me forget the only sister I've ever had."

Snow stood and drew Ruby up with her, hugging her fiercely.

"Well, I can't say it isn't disappointing," Robin said, once Regina had explained the problem with their plan. "However, I agree that we can't risk it. Little John is one of those monkeys, and if defeating that witch means he's stuck in that form eternally … that's not a price I'm willing to pay."

"I'm just … so sick of all these compromises I keep having to make. When I was the Evil Queen, I made countless sacrifices and convinced myself I wasn't … or I simply let others pay the price. Now, I'm trying to do the right thing, and I'm still forced to sacrifice so much."

"Sacrifice and heroics do tend to go hand in hand, I'm afraid. Although I would think this would be more a change of tactics than a sacrifice."

Regina shook her head. "You're right. I'm … I'm not thrilled that this plan won't work, but if I'm honest, that's not what I'm upset about. It's … I told you about my son?"

Robin nodded. "You shared a few stories that first night we spent together. He sounded rather precocious, and it was clear how much you adore him."

"I do. But, this curse he … Well, actually, it was another curse. That's not the point. The point is, he doesn't remember me."

"Ah. Yes, I imagine that would be frustrating. Having someone you love be unable to recognize you would be a rather cruel fate."

"It's a fate I damned much of this town to at one point, and now I'm paying the penance."

"You made others forget?" Robin asked.

"Yes. It wasn't my best moment. I wanted to take away everyone's happy endings because I was unhappy. I soon learned that seeing them miserable was not my happy ending, but at that point, I was caught up in it, and it was hard to change course."

"It seems that you have, though. You've done your best to make amends."

"I've been trying. But the whole reason I tried to change was for my son, and now … I don't have him."

"I wasn't always the sort who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. I changed for Marian, my late wife. When I lost her, I could have gone back to who I was before, but I didn't."

"Because you had a son."

"It wasn't just that. In fact, for Roland's sake, leaving a world of heroics and uncertainty behind might have been prudent. But I've learned that when one changes course, it is very difficult to go back to what one was before. The person we were no longer exists. I'm not the man I was before Marian, and you're not the Evil Queen. You are Regina."

"What if I don't know who that is anymore?"

"Perhaps I can help you find out."

Emma and David headed for Jefferson's mansion after dropping Henry and the Davidsons off at the loft. Emma wasn't thrilled to be traipsing through these woods again, but at least now, she knew what she was up against.

David's eyes were pretty wide as he took in the house. "Wow. This place is …."

Emma shot her dad a smile. "Yeah," she said and rang the doorbell. "Quick tip. He offers you a beverage? Don't drink it."

David nodded.

After a moment, the door opened. "Well, this is a surprise. Do come in from the cold." Reluctantly, Emma and David followed him in, "You'll have to excuse the mess. This place was immaculate once, but that all flies out the window once a child is involved. Not that I'm complaining."

"Where is Grace?" Emma asked.

"Well, as you know, under the curse, she had another family. She remembers me now, but she also remembers them as they do her. A custody agreement was reached."

"And that doesn't bother you?" Emma asked skeptically.

"No more than you sharing custody of Henry with the queen, I'd imagine. How is her majesty? Do send her my regards." His eyes widened. "How rude of me, I didn't offer you a refreshment. Tea?"

"I don't think so," David said, shooting Emma a look. She nodded her approval.

"Yes. Terribly sorry about all that business," Jefferson said, not sounding sorry at all. "Although we were cursed, and I was right. And now, I have Grace and you have Henry, so I believe it all turned right in the end."

"Yeah. No, it didn't."

"My apologies. I've not been keeping abreast of town business since my daughter and I were reunited. Are things not all right with Henry?" For a second, the hatter almost looked concerned.

"They're fine."

"Then, as I said. Bygones. After all, I've forgiven you for throwing me out a window."

"You had a gun. I was well within my rights of self-defense to … You know what, no. That's not why we're here. We want to talk to you about Oz."

"Oz?" Jefferson asked as he began to pace. "Oz. Oz? The land of Oz, you mean?"

"Yes," David said. "What do you know of the Wicked Witch?"

"Well, I know she's in town, and I've been keeping my distance."

"Why?" Emma asked. "Do you have a history?"

"I went to Oz a time or two. Dreadful place. Far too much green."

"And did you meet Dorothy?"

Jefferson shook his head. "Can't say I did."

"Well, what do you know about her? Could she defeat the Wicked Witch?"

Jefferson held up a finger. "Ah. I begin to see the point of your visit. Sadly, I don't think Dorothy could help you."

"Why?"

Sitting down in his chair, Jefferson crossed his legs and arms theatrically. "Well, for one, she's in Oz. You can't get there. Unless you want to try your hand at millinery again."

"At what?"

"Millinery. Hat making?" Jefferson picked a hat off a nearby coat rack and offered it to Emma. "Don't they teach you anything in these Land without Magic schools?"

Emma shook her head, ignoring the proffered hat. "Forget that. If we could get to Dorothy, could she help us defeat –?"

"You're barking up the wrong tree, Emma," Jefferson said, fiddling with the hat. "I'd heard tell of Dorothy in my time there, and she sounded like a lovely girl. Come to think of it; she reminded me of another girl I knew who was whisked away to a magical realm. Last I heard, neither had come to the best end, but I suppose we're all mad here."

"So, she's dead?" Emma asked.

"No, she's alive. And legend says she can defeat the Wicked Witch. But that legend is based on a prophecy, and prophecies can be rather tricky. Glinda the Good would have you believe that Dorothy already fulfilled her mission, which begs the question: why is the witch still kicking? Perhaps, because the girl was never meant to defeat her after all? She was just a girl, and even with all of Oz backing her, that might not enough to defeat a witch."

David stepped forward. "Prophecies are tricky, but not wrong. Maybe she just hasn't defeated Zelena yet."

Jefferson laughed and shook his head. "Unlikely. The girl isn't a witch. She has no magic. And contrary to what Dr. Whale would have you believe, you can't beat magic without magic. I don't know why we're even having this discussion when the answer is obvious."

"What answer?" David asked.

"The Wicked Witch—Zelena, as you called her—can only be defeated by magic. Powerful magic. Powerful and good magic. Last I heard, your daughter had that in spades. Once again, the Savior must believe and defeat the villain."

"I believe just fine."

"Then why not take the fight to her? A magic battle, winner takes all."

"I barely know how to use my magic."

"That can be easily remedied. This town is full of apt teachers: The fairies. The queen. The Dark One. Some of them might kill you first, but having to defend yourself could actually be a good way to learn."

"There has to be someone else. Andrea mentioned someone named Ozma. What about her?"

"She's a fairy princess, emphasis on fairy. She'd be as much use to you as any other fairy, and this town is already teeming with them. Besides, you'd still need to get to Oz."

"Glinda – "

"Is just another witch, and if she could have defeated the witch, she would have. The fact that Zelena ruled Oz so long and left of her own accord proves nobody there could defeat her. Again, if you want to exhaust that option, you're welcome to it, but whether it's creating a hat and a portal or fighting a witch, you're going to have to learn to use your magic."

Emma smacked the hat Jefferson was twirling out of his hands.

"Hey!"

"This is useless. We're wasting our time here." She turned and stormed out.

"Emma!" David called, following after her.

Jefferson picked up his hat. "So lovely to have company."

"So, can I ask you about other werewolves now?" Jason asked.

Ruby shook her head. "I'd prefer you didn't."

"Come on. It's gotta be pretty normal around here, right? I mean, it's not like everybody here is a werewolf, so people probably have questions."

"Jason, you're being rude," Andrea scolded.

Jason scoffed. "Me? You asked Belle like twenty questions!"

"Leave Belle alone," Ruby said. "In fact, I should check on her when I leave."

"Why?" Andrea asked. "Is something wrong with her?"

"You kids sure are curious."

"Well, wouldn't you be?" Jason asked.

Ruby sighed. "I won't tell stories about Belle. If you want to know about werewolves, you can each ask one question. That's it. One," she said, holding up one finger to demonstrate.

"Well, that's a lot of pressure," Jason said. "Give me a minute."

"We could help," Henry said.

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.

"Going to Belle and then this Jefferson guy about the Wicked Witch was Andrea's idea. She knows the source material. You and Snow White were talking about something else when we came over. Maybe if you tell us what it is, we'll have ideas you don't."

Ruby sighed. "Unless you can tell me where a bunch of werewolves would disappear to …."

"Well, we are dealing with the Wicked Witch of the West. She sent a bunch of wolves to attack Dorothy, and then the Tin Woodsman chopped them with his ax."

Ruby winced. "Well, let's hope that's not what happened."

"What about the three little pigs?" Henry asked, "That's about a wolf, right? Maybe there's something there."

Ruby shook her head. "This isn't really helping."

"Okay. I've got a question," Jason said. "Do you get along with vampires, or are you, like, mortal enemies?"

"Or star-crossed lovers," Andrea interjected.

"Neither. None. I've never met a vampire. I don't know if they're real."

"Rip-off," Jason said. "That's okay. Werewolves are cooler anyhow."

"Vampires are totally cooler," Andrea said. "No offense. Plus, vampires are all sexy."

"I think Ruby's plenty … " Jason trailed off, his ears turning red. "What I mean is, werewolves are cool," he mumbled.

In spite of herself, Ruby laughed.

When Belle returned to the shop, she found it unlocked. Well, that was just wonderful. She was sure she had locked it, which meant someone had probably broken in.

She didn't have a weapon. She just had her bag and her shoes. Slowly, she entered, grabbing the nearest antique lamp she could find. The lights were on. Was that a good sign? She wished she had something more … something. She really still was just that same defenseless girl who hid from ogres, wasn't she?

She heard footsteps. Someone was coming out of Rumple's back room. Without stopping to check who was emerging, she raised the lamp and smashed the person over the head.

"Ow! Jesus, Belle!" she heard Rumple's son say.

"Neal?" It was Neal, she saw, and he wasn't alone. "Tink? Killian? What are you all doing here?" she asked, putting the lamp down. "Is that blood?" She asked, noting Neal's forehead.

"I've got it," Tink said, running her palm over Neal's head until the cut disappeared.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

"What were you three doing here?" Belle asked again.

"Getting this," Neal said, holding something up triumphantly.

"I don't know if you talked to Regina— " Tink began.

"Yes. She said the plan's no good. She didn't say why – "

"Zelena's turned people into monkeys. If we put her to sleep, those people stay monkeys," Tink explained.

"But if we use this to immobilize her," Neal said, "then Tink can hit her with poppies, and you or I can get the dagger. Once Papa's free, hopefully, he'll know how to turn the monkeys back, but if not, maybe he can make her do it. At least, he'll be on our side."

"He'll be free," Belle said, nodding. She sighed, relieved, "I hope it works. It will work. It has to."

Neal nodded. "Yeah. It does."

"I'd rather you had waited for me to unlock the door, though?"

"I … couldn't wait. I'm sorry."

Belle shook her head. "I understand. I wouldn't have been able to wait either."

"You know how to pick a lock?" Neal asked, eyebrow quirked.

"No, actually. I don't."

"I could teach you if you want. And … I could teach you how to defend yourself with something better than a lamp."

"I'm sorry, which of us got hurt?"

"Because I wasn't interested in hurting you. If it had been someone dangerous – "

"Yes, I know. I know. I'm all brains and no brawn," Belle said bitterly.

Neal shrugged, "I wouldn't say that. And hey, I was just a scrappy kid, but I survived in Neverland for a couple of centuries. So long as you come away alive, that's what matters."

"If it helps," Killian said, "you did knock me to the floor once."

"Well, who hasn't done that?" Tink said, laughing.

Belle and Neal started laughing too.

"Actually, I was thinking," Killian said. "Well, I … I suppose my recent attempt at an apology to you didn't come off as exactly … genuine."

"You're talking to me?" Belle asked.

"Yes, I'm talking to you. Who else here have I tried to kill?" Neal and Tink both raised their hands. "I meant recently."

"He tried to kill you?" Neal asked, turning to Belle.

"Yes. Twice. And that's not counting the time in the Enchanted Forest when he tried to use me to find the dagger and knocked me unconscious when I told him I didn't know anything about it."

"He tried to use you to get to him? Sounds familiar," Neal said, crossing his arms.

"Hold on. I'm apologizing here," Hook said.

"Why?" Belle asked. "Before, your half-hearted attempt at an apology was clearly meant to impress Emma. She's not here, and from what I've heard, she's moved on. So what possible reason could you have for apologizing to me?"

"Well, you never did anything to me. Going after you to get to the Dark One was … bad form. Perhaps I feel guilty."

"Are you capable of that emotion?" Belle asked.

"Oh, he's capable of guilt," Neal said. "It's why he drinks so much."

"Forget it!" Killian said, standing to leave, "I don't need this. Because you're right, I was trying to impress Emma. Maybe I still am. I'm not the hero of this tale, nor am I the villain. What role do I play?"

"Court jester?" Neal asked, eyebrow quirked.

"I give up!" Killian said, throwing his hands up and storming out.

"Well, that was rather dramatic of him," Tink said. "Though I suppose he always has been a drama queen."

Neal shook his head. "No, he's not. I mean, he is, but that's not what that was about. Emma's moved on, or she's moving on. He doesn't know what that means for him going forward. He doesn't know where he fits in. I can relate."

"Well, I can't speak for Killian," Tink said, "but you have a place. You're Henry's father and Rumpelstiltskin's son. You're my friend, and you're Belle's …."

"Family," Belle said. "It's been a long time since I've had any, but I suppose the son of the man I love qualifies if anything does. And it would be nice, having family again."

She shots Neal a smile, and he returned it.

"Yeah, it would be nice to have family," he said, "It's been a long time for me too."

"Thank you," Aaron said to Snow. "For letting us stay here. Having your friend help look after them."

Snow nodded. "Well, don't think I'm not good in a fight, and the pregnancy doesn't make me an invalid, despite what my husband will tell you. Still, a werewolf is good to have around if things go south."

"When my wife was pregnant with Andrea, she kept lamenting all the things she couldn't do, like go skiing or mountain-climbing. And I'd say, 'But honey, you hate outdoor sports. You love just staying in and watching TV. Now you have an excuse.' She would give me the dirtiest look." He laughed a little. "When she was pregnant with Jason, I just kept my mouth shut. Happy wife, happy life, right?"

"Are you two on good terms?" Snow asked.

"Actually, I'm a widower."

Snow's eyes widened and her hand went to her slightly-open mouth. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have – "

"It's fine. You didn't know."

"Well, I'm still sorry. I can't imagine going through something so awful. When we were in Neverland, David got hit with dreamshade, and he was talking about me moving on without him. I couldn't even comprehend it."

"Well, time, you know? It's been years. And … them," he said, motioning to his kids. "They're the reason I get up in the morning. If I hadn't had them, I might have shut down. But I couldn't. They needed me."

Snow nodded her understanding. "That's beautiful. I… Emma needs me too, I think, but she doesn't like to show it. She's been hurt a lot in the past and … well. I try." She looked down at her stomach. "And then, of course, there's the one on the way to think about. I'm excited to get a chance to have all those firsts, the things I missed with Emma."

Aaron nodded. "Hey, can I ask … Um, what is Dreamshade?"

"Oh, right, sorry. It's a poisonous plant."

"Ah. I guess that's normal for you, talking about Neverland, dealing with injuries from poisonous plants."

Snow shook her head, "I was just a princess. And then I became a bandit and an outlaw on the run. Then I was leading an army against my stepmother. Then I was a cursed lonely schoolteacher. Then I was a mother to a 28-year-old. Everything is a new experience, and I always feel like I don't know what I'm doing. All I can do is try and hope for the best."

"Sounds like parenting."

"It does, doesn't it?"

Snow noticed that Henry had sort of gone off to the side. He had a book out and seemed to be reading it, but now and again, he would glance over at Aaron and Snow.

Excusing herself, Snow made her way over to her grandson.

"You know, Henry, I spend a lot of time with children around your age. I'm a school teacher."

"That's bizarre," Henry said, staring intently at his book.

"Yes, well, it's a far cry from being a princess, but I love it."

"No, I mean, it's bizarre that someone who chooses to be around kids every day and who is expecting a kid of her own and pulling out all the stops, would still give up her firstborn child."

With a wince, Snow said, "Henry, did your mother explain the curse to you?"

"Yes. I know that's why you're around her age and why you aren't off in some fairy tale world."

"And why we had to give her up. We had to give her her best chance."

Henry put his book down, his defiant eyes meeting Snow's own. "There was a time when my mom didn't think she was my best chance. She was only eighteen; my dad had just left her; she was still in prison when she gave birth to me... She wouldn't even be able to raise me until she got out, and then she'd have no money or help, plus a criminal record. She actually considered giving me up for adoption, thinking it might be better for me. But then I was born, and she held me, and she knew she had never loved anyone more. So, despite the odds, she kept me because I was family, and that's what family does!"

"Henry – "

"Do you know how hard it was for her, growing up without you, thinking you didn't love her? Do you have any idea what it's doing to her now, to meet you and see you already moving on and starting a new family, the family she could have had with you?"

"We didn't have a choice!"

"There's always a choice. People find a way. Mothers who love their kids find a way to keep them. You didn't. You don't know my mom, but she's awesome, and she deserves better than to have to try and fit into this picture-perfect family you're making with a kid that should have been her."

"Henry," Aaron said, coming up behind Snow, "that's enough."

"Hey, she came over to talk to me!"

"I don't care. You can't just talk to your grandmother like that."

"Just because she gave birth to my mom, it doesn't make her my grandmother. And just because some guy was with my mom before I was born, it doesn't make him my father. Someone's gotta look out for her and for me."

"And you don't trust me to do that?" Aaron asked, a hurt look on his face.

"How can I? You're freaking out about magic, and for all I know, once the danger passes, you're just going to take off and leave us behind. I'll lose my best friends, and the closest thing to a dad I've ever had, and Mom will lose the guy who is probably the love of her life, because two people who didn't care enough to actually raise her forced her to come to save them from all this magic crap – "

"Language."

"Magic stuff that's going wrong! She waited so long for a family, but it isn't with these strangers. It's with you and Andrea and Jason, and now we're going to lose everything!" Henry threw his book down, ran to the bathroom, and locked the door.

"Emma!" David called, as he caught up with his daughter, "Slow down."

Emma slowed her pace slightly, but she didn't stop walking. David caught up. "What was that?"

"What? I just don't want to waste our time – "

"That's not what I'm talking about. Why did you get so upset?"

"Maybe because I was back in a mansion where I was drugged, and he wasn't even sorry! Or maybe because we need to defeat Zelena, and he just keeps telling me to use magic!"

"So?" David put up his hands in a placating manner. "I'm with you on the first one. Going back there must have been … But as far as magic, he's not wrong. This is good news. It's a plan. If your magic is the key – "

"I'm not convinced it is. There could be another way. A better way. I mean, I haven't even used my magic in a year, and I barely had it under control before that."

"You were learning. Regina could teach you."

"I just don't think it's our best plan."

"Emma's come on. Talk to me. What is this really about?" Emma didn't say anything. "Is it … is it about Aaron?"

Emma sighed. "Yes. And no. Look, it's … it's not just about him. It's about how for my whole life, I didn't have magic. I had to solve my problems on my own. And yeah, it sucked sometimes, but I wasn't waiting around to be told I was a wizard and that all of my problems would magically disappear. I never used magic until I went to the Enchanted Forest. I had to use it to beat Cora and Pan, and I did it, but the villains kept on coming, and then this past year, I didn't have magic. And I didn't have monsters or people trying to take hearts or switch bodies or cast curses. I just had me. And Henry. And this regular guy and his regular family. We have a life together, back in New York, the five of us. It's a good life. It doesn't have monsters or villains or magic. I had friends and my kid, and Aaron and I … I love him. And he stuck around for my baggage, but now there's magic, and I don't know that he wants to stick around for that. I don't want to stick around for it. I just want things to be normal. How can I even blame him for wanting to stay away from monkeys that try to fly off with his kids? I wouldn't want that. I don't want that. I want Henry to be safe. I want Aaron and his kids to be safe. But I felt safe with him, and now … I could lose him. He could go, and I can't stop him or blame him. And it sucks because I want that normal life too, and I had it until Hook showed up in New York."

"Emma … your mom and I, we love you so much. We want you to be happy. And we would never want you to be any different than you are. If this guy doesn't – "

"It's not the same. It's not his world, dad. It's not my world. I didn't grow up in the Enchanted Forest. I grew up in the fucking land without magic, and I … I want the kind of magic I have when Aaron kisses me or when Henry tells me I'm his hero. That magic is enough for me."

"So, we defeat the witch, and then you guys would just pick up and … leave? I mean, you're mother and I – "

"Could come too. You have records in the real world now, at least as much as Henry did. Mom could teach. And you could be a sheriff, or get a job at an animal shelter, or be a stay-at-home dad. We could all be out there, in the real world. No magic. No curses or witches. There's a world outside of Storybrooke, and it's nice. It's normal. What's keeping you here?"

"I just … I've never been out there."

"I can show you. You guys could get a place upstate, a farm maybe, with animals. Or you could get an apartment in the city. It's pretty pricey, so maybe the Bronx, or Queens, or even Washington Heights? Please, Dad. Think about it. There has to be a way where I don't have to be the Savior forever. There has to be a way where I can just have a life. The curse broke and somehow, I still have to be the Savior. That's not … it's not what I want. I remember how it feels to be normal, and I want normal."

David took his daughter in his arms and held her. "Okay. We'll talk about it. After we defeat Zelena, we'll try and figure it out."

He had cried and yelled, and now he was ashamed and humiliated and embarrassed and every other synonym. But he wasn't wrong, was he?

Well, he wasn't wrong about his grandparents, at least. But maybe he should have given Mr. Davidson a little more credit. The guy had stuck around so far. He'd been there when his mom had been attacked. He'd sat with Henry in the hospital. Maybe Henry had overreacted. Now his face was all wet from crying, and he'd made a scene, and he knew he couldn't go back out there.

There was a knock on the door. "Go away!"

"It's me," he heard Andrea say.

Sighing, Henry got up and unlocked the door.

"Wow, this bathroom is, like, Monica Gellar levels of clean."

Henry rubbed his eyes. "What's up?"

Andrea shot him a look. "My dad wanted to come in after you, but I said you'd be more willing to let me in."

Henry nodded. "Yeah. I guess."

"Do you remember that talk we had about our parents a while back?"

Henry nodded again. "What about it?"

"We said we'd protect them. But we also have to protect each other. We've … gotten attached, haven't we?"

Henry shrugged. "I guess. But this isn't about me. It's about mom."

"I know. You're worried about her."

"Things were good. And now everything's …."

"Yeah. The magic stuff is super cool, but I guess this is your life now?"

"It's like, if my life were a TV show, and this was the TV movie, and we went on vacation and had to deal with magic, and it would be awesome, but then after that, we'd go back to New York and our lives. Or, like if my mom was a superhero, but we all knew about it and were okay with it. Or … I don't mind the magic. That part is cool. But I think your dad does. And then there's my grandparents and my dad and I just …."

"He can't make us all stop being friends. And he wouldn't. And we're more, anyway. You're like my little brother, too, kind of. And I think … my dad kind of sees you as his, too. Like, he's not just going to leave you behind if you're not okay. We came here for you. Because you take care of family."

"Family was always just my mom and me. Now it's … I don't know what it is."

"Family's the people who care, the people who stay, and the people who try. It's the people who put you first."

Henry nodded. He smiled at Andrea, got up and went to unlock the bathroom. "I'm coming out!" he called.

He ran to Mr. Davidson, hugging him tight, and feeling Mr. Davidson hug him fiercely back. "I'm sorry, Henry. But it'll be okay. I promise."

"Good, you're here," Neal said, as Killian fumbled to unlock his door at Granny's. "I was going to send out a search party."

"What are you doing here, Baelfire? Get our rooms confused?"

Neal shook his head. "I just wanted to check on you. You seemed pretty upset earlier."

"Nothing a good drink can't cure," Killian said, collapsing into his bed.

"Well, you've had that drink. I'd wager you've had several. So, are you cured?"

Killian shook his head. "I've barely spoken with Emma since she returned. I went to see her just now and she wasn't at the loft, but her new paramour was playing happy family with her mother and her boy. I bet the prince approves as well."

"Shouldn't he be a king, actually?" Neal mused. "Look, I get it, man – "

"Do you? Because for the longest time, all I had was my ship. I traded her to save Emma, and now I don't have either. I'm stuck in this bloody town without a clue as to what I'm doing here."

"Hey, let's not forget who loved Emma first, okay? Look, I've been thinking about it. I mean, you and me, we're not that different, right? Both abandoned as kids. Alone and lonely, hoping Emma Swan could be our new family, our new chance at something real. And now … my family is really weird. It's the son who doesn't remember me—though I have faith he will—and his two mothers, one of whom used to be evil, plus his maybe stepfather and step-siblings, and his grandparents, who are literal royalty, plus the dad who abandoned me, and my maybe step-mother who is younger than I am. Weird. But I guess there are all sorts of ways to have a family. As long as you're there for each other, it doesn't matter about the rest, right?"

"Yes, you have loads of family. Is there a point?"

"Well, a long time ago, you said maybe we could be family. A second chance for both of us. At the time, I was too angry to listen, but maybe we could … give that a try? The being a family thing. Because I think we both need that, and if I can be family with my dad's younger girlfriend, why not be family with my mom's really, really old boyfriend, right?"

"Are you serious, Bae?"

"Just so long as you can stop calling me Bae. I go by Neal, now, you know?"

"I know," Killian said. "But you were Bae when we met. And, it was the name your mother gave you."

"I don't remember her very well, honestly. Maybe … maybe you could tell me about her?"

"I'd be delighted."

When Emma and David returned, they found Henry and the Davidsons gathered on the couch, staring at Henry's laptop. Henry was cuddled into Aaron's side, which brought a smile to Emma's face.

"What are you guys watching?" she asked.

Aaron looked over at her, smiling. "You're okay."

"I … this was just recon," Emma said, not wanting to elaborate. "So, what are you guys watching?"

"BBC's Robin Hood," Henry said. "Jason's pick."

"I didn't know there would be so much mushy stuff," Jason said, making a face.

"There's plenty of mushy stuff in Arrow, too. Oliver and Laurel have their whole thing. Plus, there's Felicity," Henry said.

"Yeah. She gets all mushy about Oliver, too." Jason agreed.

"That's the blond IT girl, right?" Emma asked, sitting down on Aaron's other side. "She and Oliver would be cute together."

Jason and Henry both gasped. "Mom, check the source material. He has to end up with the Black Canary."

"Yeah, but isn't her name also not Laurel in the source material? And she's not even the Black Canary yet. It seems to me that they're changing things."

"Blasphemy!" Henry said.

"Felicity seems pretty smart," said Aaron. "I don't think she'd seriously consider dating someone as damaged as Oliver."

Emma avoided his eyes. Then she felt a hand grabbing her own and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"The heart wants what it wants, Dad," Andrea said. "And I've seen pictures of the actor who plays Oliver. Trust me, dealing with a little damage would be well worth the sacrifice."

"Guys, Arrow isn't even about that! It's about action and justice and stuff like that," Jason said.

"Well, this show is too," Henry said. "Plus, this guy is clearly better with an arrow than Oliver. Those arrows aren't rigged or anything, but look at the shots he gets."

"Yeah, that's cool. I wonder if the Robin we met today can do stuff like that."

"Sorry to interrupt, but where are Snow and Ruby?" David asked. He was standing off to the corner still.

"They went upstairs a while ago," Aaron said.

David nodded and headed upstairs.

"So, catch me up. I've never seen this show," Emma said.

"Don't you have to go talk to your parents about Dorothy?" Andrea asked.

Emma shook her head. "No. I can hang here for a bit."

This was getting annoying. Zelena had planned so well. She wasn't thrilled that Snow White knew who she was now, but she had always been prepared for that eventuality. Her sister's protection spells were a nuisance, but she knew she could get past them, given time.

Regina thwarting her by removing her heart from her chest was … bothersome. She would find it, though. Regina was still alive, which meant the heart wasn't crushed, and there was no way Regina had taken it out of Storybrooke. She would find it. She was brilliant and powerful, and she had the Dark One at her disposal. There was little she couldn't do, really.

And yet …

There was the Savior to consider. She had planned to curse the pirate's lips to rid Emma of her magic, but both Emma and Hook seemed otherwise occupied now. The pirate, she could bring around. He still had his eyes set on Emma; his priorities had simply shifted away from romantic pursuits. That could be remedied.

The problem was that troublesome family. She had thought it a good thing initially. Shouldn't love be reason enough to keep the Savior in New York and away from her plotting? Apparently, love hadn't been powerful enough, and she simply didn't know enough about the family to curse the forgettable mortal's lips. Tricking him would be trickier.

Then, there was the little girl. Zelena had nearly been undone by a little girl once before. She wouldn't be again. This girl was a powerless thing; she shouldn't be a threat at all. But she had suggested the others call on Dorothy, and Zelena could not let that happen!

The real danger was that she didn't know enough about this sweet little family from New York. It was essential to know your enemy. What if this family meant the difference between her success and her failure? What if they, together with the Savior could undo all her plans?

No. No, she wouldn't let it happen. She simply needed information about them. She needed to know how to use them to her advantage.

And while she might not know them, it occurred to her that she might have more information than she realized. She simply needed to call on an old friend.

"He was so upset, David! He's never been that upset with me," Snow said.

"He doesn't know you, Snow. Once he remembers, it'll be different."

"But everything he said is true, isn't it? Isn't that what Emma said to us when the curse broke? Maybe there was another way."

"Snow – "

"For the longest time, I was convinced we did the right thing, no matter how much it hurt. But Emma has been through so much pain in her life, and we weren't there."

"We'll be there for this child."

"That doesn't change the fact that we weren't there for Emma. I've been thinking of this child as a second chance, a way to get it right. But no matter what, Emma will still have had to live with everything she's been through. I barely know how to have a relationship with her and now, I'm just starting over, like I made a bad pancake and I threw it out so I could make a better one."

"We didn't throw Emma out."

"Didn't we?"

"No! Snow, our daughter loves us. Despite everything, she forgave us. Because she knows we love her and want a relationship with her. And having a new child doesn't take away from the fact that she's our daughter. She'll always be our daughter."

"It was so much easier when she was my friend. Now, I don't know what our relationship is supposed to be."

"It isn't supposed to be anything. It'll be whatever it is. What it is now is complicated. It'll take work. But so did our relationship. It doesn't happen overnight, but if you work on it, it'll become whatever it becomes, and that will be enough."

Snow collapsed into David's embrace and let him kiss her forehead. "I hope so."

Ruby decided to stop in and check on Belle on her way home from the Charmings. She was happy she and Snow had talked. She hadn't realized how much she had missed her friend lately. Sure, Snow had been pregnant before, but it was different this time. Still, Snow was family.

And the wolves were family. Ruby would find them. Just not tonight.

She knocked on the door to Belle's apartment and waited for her friend to answer the door.

"Ruby? This is a nice surprise," she said, ushering Ruby in.

"You seem to be in a better mood than when I last saw you," Ruby said.

"Well, we have a plan. It's a good plan. I have faith it will work. And in the meantime, I bonded with Rumple's son, which I know would mean a lot to him. It means a lot to me. For the first time in a really long time, I don't feel completely alone."

Ruby smiled and hugged Belle. "You're not alone, sweetie."

The two pulled apart and headed for a couch Belle had in her sitting area. "Can I ask you a question?"

Ruby nodded. "Of course, though I can't guarantee an answer."

Belle smiled, "You've never judged me for being with Rumple. You've never told me he wasn't good for me."

Ruby cocked her head to one side. "Was that the question?"

Belle shook her head. "It's just … was it hard? I mean, you must have an opinion of him. Everybody does. You must have thought I was in danger or too good for him or … How did you stop yourself from getting involved?"

Ruby shrugged. "I've been the monster that the town feared. I know what that's like. If I find love one day, I wouldn't want people scaring him or her off because of what I am. And frankly, I don't know Mr. Gold that well. It's more by reputation. So, who am I to judge?"

"If you find love one day … So you and Dr. Whale aren't?"

"I don't know. He was such a letch during the curse, you know? Totally not my type, not that I know what my type is. There's only one guy I've ever liked, and he and Victor are nothing alike. But after the curse broke, we connected. I thought it might be something, but there was never any time to find out. Now … I don't know. Maybe. It isn't love right now; it's interest. But maybe it doesn't have to be love in the beginning. Regardless of what they say now, I don't believe Snow and Charming fell in love when they first met. I think it took time."

"For Rumple and me, too. It wasn't until he spared Robin Hood that I thought … and even then, it wasn't love yet. It took time. It takes time to really know someone. Speaking of Robin Hood, he's a friend. And I … Well, I'm concerned about who he's chosen to take up with. But it isn't my business, and people do change. Perhaps I'm judging her too harshly."

"Ah, Regina and Robin. I did catch wind of that."

"Did you?"

"My cursed persona was kind of a gossip. The skill hasn't faded."

"Well. What do you think?"

"I think … that Regina was really evil once. She seems different now. Maybe Robin could be good for her, like you are for Mr. Gold."

"Maybe. He's just been through so much. He doesn't even know who is responsible for killing his first wife. I'd look into it, but right now, defeating the wicked witch takes priority."

"I'd leave it be. It's like you said. It's not your business. Right now, you focus on getting your boyfriend back. Meanwhile, I've got a mission of my own."

"Maybe you should ask Dr. Whale to help you with it?" Belle said with a knowing twinkle in her eye.

Ruby smirked. "Maybe I will."

It was late by the time they were done binging Robin Hood, so Emma said a quick goodnight to her parents with the promise of talking in the morning. Then, Emma, Henry, and the Davidsons returned to their rooms at Granny's.

Henry and Emma had both already gotten into their pajamas when there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it. You get to bed," Emma said.

Henry rolled his eyes, but he was smiling, so Emma knew he didn't really mind. She opened the door to find Aaron smiling somewhat nervously at her, "Hey. Can we talk?"

She nodded, trying not to panic, "I'm just going out into the hall. I'll be right back," she told Henry, who grumbled his acknowledgment. She closed the door behind her and faced Aaron, her arms crossing instinctively. "So, is this the part where you say you're too smart to date someone as damaged as me."

"I wasn't talking about you when I said that, you know." Emma just shrugged. Aaron put a hand on her shoulder, "And you're not damaged. Far from it. You're surprisingly well-functioning considering all you've been through."

"Well, maybe not damaged. But dangerous? Yeah. I am that."

"Emma … I think I handled this all wrong."

"It's a hard thing to handle."

"But I let you think I was going to bolt."

"Are you saying you aren't?"

"I'm saying that I was focused on how this all affects my family, my kids. I forgot that you and Henry are my family too."

"I mean, it's not like we're married or anything. I never even met your parents."

"They were disappointed. They knew I was serious about you. Am serious about you."

"Still?" Emma asked. Before Aaron could answer, Emma held up a hand. "Don't. Don't answer if you're not sure. Don't give me false hope. That's the worst thing you can give someone."

"I know. With my wife, I spent so much time hoping she would get better and come back to me like she was before. I couldn't accept that that wasn't going to happen."

"What we have won't go back to what it was either. I mean, I don't even know how long I'll have to stay in Storybrooke. And you have a life in New York. Your kids … it's all they know."

"I mean, that's not exactly true, but this town is a little outside what we're used to. Still, it has you. It has Henry. I … I've lost people before. We both have. I don't want to lose anyone else, and I don't think you do either. So, maybe we can find a way to make this work."

Emma laughed, "The people in this town, they talk about love like it's this tangible thing that's powerful and capable of overcoming obstacles and breaking curses. I gave Henry true love's kiss once, so I know it's real, but it's still hard for me to … to love like that. To believe in love. But I do love you. Maybe that can be enough? I want it to be enough. I really do. It isn't always, though, is it? I mean, you loved your wife, right? You still lost her."

Aaron nodded, "I did. That's true. Love doesn't conquer everything. But it's a place to start. Emma, I never wanted you to feel like I was going to leave you. I never wanted you to feel like any of this was your fault or like you weren't enough."

"It is my fault."

"You didn't ask to be sent to this world. You didn't ask to be a princess or an orphan. Those things happened to you. They don't define you. It's like you said: 'Emma' is who you are. Not some fairy tale princess, but a real flesh-and-blood person. And you didn't deserve any of this. How can I blame you for something you didn't ask for? How can I leave you when that's all anybody has ever done, and you never deserved it?"

"It wasn't … Henry never left me. And my parents are here now. If you have to go … I'll live. I always do."

"Sure, we'll both live. But we won't be happy. At least I won't. I need you in my life, you and Henry. If this is a fairy tale, you and Henry have to be a part of my happily ever after. The story just doesn't go any other way."

Emma's shoulders relaxed. She closed the distance between herself and Aaron, resting her head against his chest and just letting him hold her, "I'm really glad you said that."

He kissed the top of her head. She nuzzled into him a little, and he rubbed her back and kissed her head again. Then she turned her head up, touching her nose to his. Their mouths met, and a dam burst open. Emma put everything into it, not knowing or caring why. It was need and hunger and gratitude. It was please-don't-leave-me and thank-you-for-loving-me and I-need-you. Emma was attacking his lip, his neck, and his collarbone. She started shrugging out of her jacket and was in the process of undoing the buttons on his shirt when the door opened slightly.

Henry's eyes went from bleary to wide. "Sorry," he mumbled, closing the door and heading back into the room.

Emma stared at the door, then turned back to Aaron. They both laughed, their foreheads meeting. "This isn't the time for this, is it?"

Aaron shook his head, "I don't think so. But, sometime it will be. There won't be any more witches; we'll have a friend or family member we trust watch the kids; I'll buy a bottle of wine and put on some really cheesy music. And then I'll screw you into next week."

Emma laughed again. "Don't make promises you can't keep."

"Am I lying?"

Smiling, Emma shook her head. "You really are an honest guy, aren't you? Just a good, honest, solid guy. I know my parents are literally from a fairy tale, but I think it's easier for me to believe that they exist than it is for me to believe there are guys like you."

Aaron gave her now slightly-bruised lips another quick kiss. "Go talk to Henry. I'll go check on my kids. And I'll see you in the morning?"

"Sounds like a plan. Goodnight. I, um, love you."

"Wow, that was emphatic. I, um, love you too."

"Shut up. Go to bed. Night."

"Night."

Andrea knew it wasn't the safest thing, going off like this. She also knew she couldn't spend one more moment in that hotel room with her brother and father. She loved them both to death, of course, but how much could a young girl take?

She was just getting some air … and texting Chris somewhere that her brother wouldn't notice her blushing and try to get a look at her phone. Of course, cell service apparently sucked in Storybrooke. If she could just get a few more bars …

"Andrea, isn't it?" A voice said.

Andrea turned to see a man in a suit with a top hat.

"Who's asking?"

"The very person you were looking for," he chuckled a little. "Obviously, I'm not Dorothy, but I think you'll find me more useful against that wicked witch of yours."

"I don't like riddles," Andrea said, edging away. "Tell me who you are, or I'll scream for the Savior, and then you'll be in trouble." That sounded threatening and believable, didn't it?

"I thought you'd be smart enough to figure it out. Perhaps I underestimated you," he took his hat off and flipped it a bit. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Oz, the Great and Powerful."

Andrea let out a nervous laugh. "Well, from what I remember, Oz isn't so great or powerful. So you better leave me alone."

"I told you, I'm here to help. I want Zelena defeated as much as you, if not more. We have an unfortunate history, she and I."

"Well, say you do want to help, so what? You're useless. You needed a kid to go defeat the witch. You're nothing but parlor tricks."

"And if I prove I'm more than that, you'll let me help you?"

"I didn't say that. … Maybe."

"Then allow me to demonstrate my power with a show of good faith. I brought a friend." The Wizard placed his top hat in the middle of the ground and stepped back, allowing it to spin a little before it disappeared in a whirl of green smoke. Standing in its place was a woman. She was around 5'4, with auburn hair and blue eyes. Her skin was fair and freckled, and she was slightly overweight. Her eyes met Andrea's, and suddenly the fifteen-year-old was a young child again, shaking like a leaf in the wind.

"Mom?"