When Emma opened her eyes she was standing in the main square of Storybrooke, just in front of the clocktower. The streets were dark and silent.
"You can't change who you are, Emma." Merlin stepped out of a nearby building. "You are the Savior."
"I am a savior. I saved everyone from the first curse. My job is done." Emma said.
"We both know it's not as simple as that."
"Who I am is Emma. I can be what I want now."
Merlin sighed. "We don't get to choose our fates, Emma. I wish that we could, but your destiny is set."
"Penelope Croft is my destiny. I don't need a pep talk, Merlin. I know who I am." A second later Emma found herself back in her bed, covered in sweat. Penelope was gone. "Penny!" She yelled. She scrambled out of the bed and into the bathroom. Penny wasn't inside. She ran downstairs to find the brunette busy making a pot of tea. She was shocked when Emma ran into the kitchen and hugged her.
"Emma, sweetheart, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
"Yeah." Emma sniffed as Penelope sat her down to the table. "Just had a weird dream."
"What was it about?"
Emma sighed and looked up into bright green eyes. "Do you believe in fate?"
"Not really, no." Emma laid her forehead on the table. "But...if I do have a predetermined path in life, or even someone or something choosing my path, then I'm glad they lead me to you." Penny stroked her hair before getting back up to fix them some tea. "Here, drink this, it'll calm you down." Emma sipped the hot tea and sighed.
"Thanks, Pen." Her lover only nodded. Something so simple as making some tea, so maternal, so nice, meant the world to Emma. It was one of the many things about Penny she'd missed. Not only that, but now that she thought about it, Penelope truly was her everything. Once she was almost a mother, then a friend, then a teacher, then a sister, then a lover and finally...everything. Emma took Penelope's hand. The brunette furrowed her brows, looking concerned. "Marry me."
"What?"
"Marry me. Be mine. Be my wife, forever. You're all I've ever wanted, Pen, and all I ever will want. I know this is hardly worthy of you, a proposal like this, but…"
Penelope squeezed her hand and nodded to her tea. "Drink, Emma, and calm down."
Emma obeyed but she looked down, feeling like she'd been rejected. It stung like words couldn't describe. She drank the tea and quickly went upstairs, hoping to make it to the bathroom before Penelope so her girlfriend wouldn't see her cry. She had to fight hard not to burst into tears and hold them back, forcing a smile as she stepped back out, finding Penelope on one knee before her.
"I do want to marry you, Emma. Don't ever think I don't." Penny said. "I just wanted to be the one to ask you is all. Look at me." Emma looked into her eyes. "If it's what you want, then let's get married. I had this whole thing planned out. I was going to take you to London and propose at the top of Big Ben or the Marble Arch. I am serious, I had everything planned."
"Then I go and ruin it."
Penny shook her head. "Never." She held up a little black box and opened it. Emma's jaw dropped at the sight of the giant diamond. Exquisitely and no doubt handcrafted was the band, also inlaid with diamonds and moonstones and other white gems and a single small blue sapphire resting as the pommel of the sword design in the band. Penny pulled out the ring to allow her to read the inscription. To Emma Swan, my heart. "I couldn't think of anything truly romantic to say."
"How much did you spend on this?" Emma asked breathlessly. She knew it was a lot. Penelope had never spared any expense when it came to Emma, for any reason. Frugality was not a word she seemed to know.
"Does it matter? I would sell all of my companies for the money to buy you the perfect engagement ring. Do you say yes?"
"Absolutely." Emma couldn't stop her shaking as her lover slid the ring on her finger. "I have to get you one now."
"Worry about that later, Love. Let's go to bed."
"Bed? We're going to be married. How can you sleep?!" Emma exclaimed as Penny climbed into bed. She leaped onto the sheets next to her and quickly slipped beneath them, wrapping herself tightly around Penelope from behind. "I love you."
"I love you too. Believe me, I'm excited. Just...tired right now. I'll do a cartwheel during breakfast for you."
Emma smiled, but she was a bit worried. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. Go to sleep, Love."
/
The next morning found Emma and Regina sitting to the kitchen table, talking while their girlfriends went on a shopping spree to buy out half the stores. Emma poured them some coffee and sat down.
"You seem happy." The queen commented.
Emma smiled. "I am."
"You know, I don't appreciate you having a bigger house than me." Regina muttered as she sipped her coffee. Emma rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop grinning. "Spill it, Miss Swan, you're about to burst."
"We're getting married." Emma blurted out. "She asked me last night. Well, I asked her first but she had already planned to ask me." The blonde showed off the ring that Penny gave her and Regina examined it with a smile.
"My, it's as big as my rings. Again, not okay with you trying to outdo the queen."
"Do you think Maleficent would make an engagement ring for me to give to Penny?"
"Absolutely. Mal adores Penelope and she loves making jewelry."
Emma smiled as she pulled her hand back. "Where's Henry? I'm surprised he doesn't want to see the house."
Regina sighed nonchalantly. "He's barricaded himself in the idiots' apartment. I'll stop by after our ride and drag him out."
Emma's smile faded. "He's getting out of hand." Her son had already wanted little to do with Regina, and now he was pushing Emma away. It seemed that he didn't want a family that interfered with his perfect vision of a family of heroes. "What are we going to do?" Ever since she quit her job as sheriff and informed her family about her decision to step down as Savior, Henry had been giving her the silent treatment, ignoring her presence and annoying her in any way he could. He had been her strongest supporter when she broke the curse but lately that support had fizzled out. He barely wanted anything to do with either of his mothers anymore
"I don't know, Miss Swan." Regina shrugged. "But I do know that he wants nothing to do with me. I am considering….giving him to you."
Emma immediately frowned. "Regi-"
"It's what he wants."
"If we gave Henry what he wants, he'd been Snow and David's kid. He's just a kid, he doesn't know what he wants."
"A kid that calls his mothers traitors and evil queens." Regina countered. "Yes, he is a child, but he doesn't look like he's going to be changing his mind any time soon and no amount of my disciplining is having any effect. Do you have a better solution?"
"No, but we can't give up on him."
"I know, but my tactics aren't working, Miss Swan." Regina replied. "Perhaps I should let Mal have a go at him…"
"Definitely."
Regina smirked. "I'll talk to her about it."
"Henry can stay with us for the rest of the weekend if she doesn't work. We can come up with a better plan of action then."
Both of them nodded and toasted their coffee. Afterwards, Emma gave Regina the full tour of the place. Regina especially loved the pantry and Penelope's study/library. They took a quick dip in the hot tub and had a quick magic lesson until Mal and Penelope returned, arms laden with shopping bags and plenty more to get out of the car. Not only that, but Maleficent had given Penelope a little kitten. A little leopard kitten. She ended up naming him Harry and had already bought a thousand toys for him. Emma and Regina then got dressed in riding gear and headed down to the stables. Maleficent and Ruby arrived to keep her girlfriend company while she drove down to the stables where Regina, who'd arrived earlier, was already saddling up a brown stallion. Emma chose a white mare and the queen showed her how to saddle it and put on the bridle. They mounted up and took off across the paddock. It was an exhilarating run.
"This is amazing!" Emma exclaimed as they slowed down on the other side of the field. "That was so much fun."
Regina chuckled. "I used to be better, I haven't ridden in so long."
"Snow told me you could ride bareback."
"Could is the opportune word." Regina sighed. "I used to love riding."
"Why'd you stop? I mean, you did put it in the curse. It must've been important to you."
"Your mother." Came the answer. "When she was growing up I often took to riding to escape the castle. Then she learned and tried to follow me on several occasions, so I stopped. She became an excellent rider, trying to win my affection by being good at something I loved. She won over a hundred gold medals and trophies and blue ribbons. By then...I didn't even care anymore."
Emma looked down. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. It had nothing to do with you." Regina smiled. "If anything you make me love riding again."
Emma looked back up and grinned, blushing slightly. "Thanks, Regina."
"You're still an idiot."
"Your idiot." Both of them grinned and enjoyed their afternoon together. As they trotted back to the stables, Regina suddenly took off, yelling "Race ya." over her shoulder and Emma hurried after her. She didn't catch Regina by the time they made it back to the stables but she mentally gave herself a pat on the back just for not falling off. Regina helped unsaddle and wash down their horses and they walked back to the car.
"Regina?"
"Hmm?"
Emma sighed. "I had a dream last night. Merlin was in it." Regina immediately paused and looked at her with interest. "He says being the Savior is my destiny and I can't change that. What do you think?"
"I think that whatever is going to happen, will happen whether you believe yourself the Savior or not. We can't change that, but we can choose how to react to it." Regina said wisely. "When Daniel died and my mother was banished, there were a million other paths I could've taken. I could've finally run away, started a horse farm, joined the army, anything. But I chose to become the Evil Queen. You can still choose to be what you want. Besides, the Savior isn't needed often around here anyway. Not anymore at least."
"Is it bad if I want a monster to show up just so I can show off a little to Pen?"
Regina laughed. "Not at all." They got into Regina's car, since she was so adamant about not riding in Emma's "death trap". They discussed more ways to tend to Henry's new rebellious nature when Regina suddenly slammed on the brakes. Across the street a little boy was laying on the ground in the fetal position, covered in large bruises and dirt. As soon as Emma and Regina stepped out of the car, the boys surrounding him took off running. Regina threw out her hand, freezing them in place before following Emma to the little boy on the ground. He wouldn't come out of the little ball he'd curled himself into, so the former sheriff hoisted him in her arms and teleported to the hospital. Whale was quick to take charge of the situation for her. She returned to Regina and found her simply glaring daggers at the three boys she'd apprehended.
"Lost Boys." The queen said. "Won't tell me their names."
"Doesn't matter, a couple nights behind bars will make them think twice about assaulting a boy half their ages."
"Better yet...in the asylum." Regina hissed.
She went her to escort the boys to the sheriff station. David was surprised at seeing them, but after they explained the situation, he was quick to agree to this punishment, although Emma wasn't sure how much good it would do considering the boys had lived for centuries on a dark island under the reign of Peter Pan. A night or two in a cell would hardly make a difference. She stayed to try and ask them why they attacked the little boy, but received no answer, so she left and went back to the hospital.
"How is he? Do we know anything about him? What's his name?" Emma questioned.
"He was beaten pretty badly. Looks like he was picked on a lot. Don't know anything about him, besides an estimate for his age, 5. And he won't talk so I don't know his name." Whale fired off in reply.
"Emma!" Emma turned as Penelope slammed into her, giving her a quick hug before stepping back to look her up and down. "Are you alright? What happened?"
"I'm fine." Emma said. "Nothing happened to me but we found a boy being picked on. He was in bad shape so I brought him here."
"The poor little thing. Is he alright?"
Emma nodded. "But we don't know anything about him."
"Where is he?" Penelope demanded. "Take me to him." Both Emma and Whale raised their eyebrows, but the doctor escorted them to the room where the little boy lay. He was clearly afraid and kept looking around. He had beautiful bright blue eyes and a full head of curly golden hair. He was terribly cute, but the bruise on the side of his face took away from that. He was pale and much too small for his age.
"He was malnourished as well." Whale said, remaining at the doorway with the blonde.
"We built an orphanage for the Lost Boys." Emma said, crossing her arms. "We keep them fed and clothed. They go to school and participate in sports. Some even found new families. I just don't get it."
"And all those who didn't get adopted?" Whale asked. "Can't imagine they were too happy."
"So they attack a 5 year old kid?"
"The Lost Boys have lived for a long time with harsh rules. Some of them might find it hard to adjust."
Emma scowled. "Adjust my ass." She stepped out of the room and he followed. "Get some doctors and interns and go over there, I'll send Dad later. Check and make sure this isn't happening with any other kids."
"Well, I would love to but I am a busy man and you are no longer the sheriff." He pointed out smugly.
"My best friend is the fucking mayor. Do you really want me to drag Regina into this?" She countered.
He sighed. "Fine. I'll have a report as soon as possible."
"Good." They both turned back to the room where the little boy was laughing at something Penelope said.
"Sure did. They threatened to break me neck when I told them I wasn't pregnant. It was a joke but they didn't think it was funny." Penelope said, her accent thickening unconsciously as it often did when she was speaking to someone from her home country. Emma was even having trouble figuring out what she was saying. She was completely lost when the boy started talking but Penelope seemed to perfectly understand. "This is Emma. She's one of the ladies who saved you this afternoon." The boy looked at her and apparently thanked her but she wasn't sure exactly what he said. "Slow it down, dear, say your T's. Enunciate."
"Thank you." He said slowly, trimming away his accent so she could understand.
"It's no problem."
Penelope smiled. "His name is Rickon and he is lost apparently."
"He's a Lost Boy." Emma explained. "Peter Pan's followers. Or former followers." She looked at Rickon. "Can you tell us the names of the boys who did this to you?"
"Marc and Cam." Rickon answered.
Emma nodded and stepped back out of the room to call Regina. She relayed the news that Rickon was fine and the names of the perpetrators. She left it up to the mayor to decide what to do with them. Rickon however, was another story. He shouldn't go back to the orphanage until they'd gotten everything under control. When she walked back in she couldn't help but smile when she heard the question falling from her fiancée's lips. "How would you like a job?"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma smirked, watching Penelope put a bottle of wine on the kitchen floor. Rickon, having been released from the hospital with only minor injuries, was standing next to her, watching her curiously. Regina and Mal were next to her, looking very confused.
"Now." Penelope said. "For this position, you will have room and board, free meals, we'll go shopping for new clothes and you'll be paid every… what's today?"
"Saturday." Emma smirked.
"Every Saturday." Penelope continued. "Your jobs will be simple and your first one is to pick up this bottle of wine and put it on the table." Rickon picked up the bottle...and put it on the table. Penelope handed him $1000. "Time for more shopping!" She raced out of the room while Rickon stared at the money in his hands like it was a piece of gold.
"Excuse me, Penelope, how do I apply for a position?" Regina called as she and Rickon followed the female mogul.
"Congratulations, Savior." Maleficent said, coming to her side.
"What was that, Maleficent?" Emma asked.
"Please dear, call me Mal, and I only wanted to congratulate you on finding her. True Love is highly sought after. Few find it, and those that do are touched forever, in the most magical way." She looked over her shoulder at Regina, eyes sparkling dreamily.
"When did you know?"
"The moment we met. She was different then." The dragon answered. "Soft, and sad, and angry."
"Penelope hasn't changed at all since we met." Emma frowned slightly.
"That's because you're the one who's changed, my dear." Mal smirked.
"Um, Maleficent...can I ask a favor of you?" The dragon growled at her. "Mal." She stopped and arched an eyebrow expectantly. "Pen and I are engaged now and I want to get her an engagement ring, except I'm kinda broke and I wouldn't know where to begin looking for one. Regina said you're good at making things, jewelry, weapons, those types of things." Emma said, very much aware of how flustered she sounded and how intensely the dragon was looking at her. "I don't have much money, but I'd pay you."
Maleficent scoffed. "Your green paper has no value to me. Tell me what you want and I'll have the ring done in a week. Consider it repayment for returning my Lilith to me."
"Where is Lily?" Emma asked. She hadn't seen her around much lately unless she was flying by in dragon form.
"She made some friends and they've been causing mayhem in town." The older blonde chuckled deeply. "As all dragonlings do."
Emma smiled. She didn't know how long Rickon would be staying but he seemed to have quickly wormed his way into the fold unintentionally. The four took the little boy shopping. Penelope bought more than enough clothes and shoes and toiletries for him and they set it up in one of the guest bedrooms. Afterwards, they started on dinner and decided to have a movie night. Regina even invited Roland and the 6, (7, counting Harry), enjoyed a pleasant evening together that no one wanted to end. Unfortunately Regina had to go collect Henry and Mal went to find Lily. They took Roland to drop off home, leaving the ladies of the Croft Manor and their newest friends to head to bed. Emma couldn't get over how amazing it was to see Penelope so invested in Rickon. She helped him bathe and washed his hair for him, got him to brush his teeth and floss, and tucked him in wearing his new pajamas. The regal woman had never seemed much like the motherly type to Emma, although she often supported many causes that would help them. She and Penelope tiptoed out after saying good night and Penelope paused before closing the door as Harry ran inside and clambered onto the bed to curl up with Rickon. "Awww." They whispered in unison.
"Be honest with me." Emma said as they got back to their bedroom. "You like him because he has a British accent, don't you?"
Penelope smirked. "That's part of the reason." She admitted.
"What kind of accent is that? I had no idea what he was saying when he was talking to you."
"Geordie. It's a lovely accent. A bit difficult to interpret when they're speaking really fast, but I think it's cute."
"You think everything is cute." Emma got ready to take a shower. She was surprised when Penny didn't join her. When she stepped out, naked and dripping, Penelope was holding her red leather jacket.
"You kept it." She smiled.
"It was a gift from you, of course I kept it." Emma scoffed. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Penelope. "I kept all of you. You were the best part of me. I couldn't get rid of you."
Penelope kissed her cheek. "There's so much we need to catch up on."
"We can start now." Emma grinned. She picked up her woman and placed her on the bed, quickly pushing open her legs.
"No, Emma, wait. I'm all sweaty and I've been walking all day, baby. I should shower first, don't you think?"
"Nope." Emma replied, pouting.
"Then come join me, my knight." Penelope raced into the bathroom and Emma grinned, chasing after her. It was so wonderful to have Penelope back.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next morning her girlfriend was the first one up. She walked downstairs to find Penelope and Rickon hard at work in the kitchen making breakfast. They were laughing and dancing to a radio nearby and the air was filled with aroma of waffles, bacon and hashbrowns. Penelope was making scrambled eggs and Rickon was pouring batter into a waffle maker. Emma smiled. She couldn't stop smiling at Penelope's antics. Harry, their little cub was already snacking away on a bowl of filet mignon. She leaned against the doorway and watched Penelope finish the eggs and help the little one finish his part of breakfast. Afterwards they laid everything down in a beautiful spread, almost impeccably perfect.
The breakfast was delicious and Emma took the opportunity to inquire about Rickon and his current life at the orphanage. It was a dreary tale. As the smallest and youngest he was the brunt of bullying and ostracizing. It struck a chord with both Emma and Penelope alike because the both of them knew the feeling all too well. That feeling of being alone and unable to connect with anyone. Emma could see the sadness in her lover's eyes. Rickon didn't seem to understand why it was upsetting her. He'd accepted it as life being what was it, that this was normal and there was no way to change it. It made Emma angry to think of anyone picking on the sweet little boy. When breakfast was over, Emma took him upstairs and showed him the sword Penny had made for her. He was utterly fascinated with it.
"Would you like to learn?" She asked.
"How to use this?"
"How to use any sword. Would you like that?"
He nodded quickly, watching as she conjured two wooden swords. "Why are they wooden?"
Emma smiled as she explained. "You train with a wooden sword that's heavy, and the real sword will eventually be as light as a feather." He grinned as he took one of the swords. It was a bit heavy for him but he managed to pick it up with both hands. "Good job. Let's go into the back and get started, huh?" They walked back downstairs and into the backyard and she instructed him on swordplay. She found it more fun that she thought it would be, teaching the excited little boy about something she loved. No matter how many times he was knocked down or the sword knocked out of his hands, he was always ready for another round. He was resilient, she had to give him that. Then to her surprise, he ended up winning the last round when she tried to duck one of his swings and only ended up with his sword at her throat. "You are a fast learner, aren't you?"
He grinned even harder and dropped his sword, arms shaking with fatigue. Both of them were covered in sweat and instead of taking a shower, Emma had a lazier idea. They jumped into the pool instead. After Penelope cursed at them for tracking water into the house, they really did take a quick shower and helped Penelope clean up where afterwards Rickon fell asleep on the couch with Harry.
"I don't want to send Rickon back to the orphanage." Penny said softly, watching the little boy sleep on the end of the couch with the leopard cub curled around him.
"You've known him for two days, baby."
"So? But he's such a small boy and those other boys were so mean to him."
"You grew up in the foster system too. You know assholes come in all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities." Emma scoffed.
Penelope sighed and crossed her arms. "What if he stays with us for a while? You know, even without the fake job."
Emma turned to look at her. "Pen-"
"I'm not asking to adopt him. Technically I could do that whether you said no or not, I'm asking that he stay here until we find him a suitable place that isn't that orphanage where he'll constantly be picked on. He'll be safe here."
Emma looked up at her, realizing that it was a similar situation to when she found Emma. Penelope saw someone who needed help and offered help in any way she could. She was simply that kind of person, and Rickon obviously shouldn't go back to that orphanage. At least not until Whale gave his report. "How about this? He can stay for now. Later today, I'll go talk to Archie and Regina and see if there is any other way we help Rickon."
Penelope smiled and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Emma. I'll go take him upstairs."
"I'll do it. Sit down, relax." Emma said, going to pick up Rickon. He was lighter than he looked, which reminded her about Penelope's weight loss. She didn't really mind, although she did like the extra meat her girlfriend used to have. With the way she ate she'd have it back in no time. Still, it worried Emma. She wanted both Penelope and Rickon to be as healthy as possible. Maybe they needed a workout regime. Emma carried Rickon up to his bedroom and tucked him in. He wouldn't be out for long but she made sure he was comfortable. Harry once more curled up under the little boy's chin. She smirked and left the room, finding Penelope sitting on the couch on her phone. Her tone was all business. Emma crouched down on her knees in front of her, watching as her girlfriend turned into the complete boss that she was. It would've been better to see her do it in the office, in person. She still remembered the day Penelope had shaken up her office completely because of a horrible quarter.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma tried her best to pull down her skirt, sitting in the soft leather chair of the massive office that belonged to Penelope Croft. Her girlfriend/employer owned a small skyscraper as a second base of operations, the main office being located in London, and her office, a beautifully furnished penthouse-like room, was on the top floor. It was overflowing with elegance and class, just like Penelope did. Penelope herself was seated in her throne-like desk chair, looking through a stack of files. She was dressed immaculately in a little black dress and a white blazer. Not a hair was out of place or a stray mark of make up. She was in all business mode, one of Emma's favorite modes.
The blonde was wearing a white pencil skirt, matching blazer and blue shirt underneath. She hated wearing things like this but she had to dress professionally whenever they visited the office. "Baby, what are you going to do?" She whispered, moving to the seat next to Penelope's.
"Fire some people and hire some new people because apparently the old ones decided to introduce a new strategy of their own design that is costing my company money." Penelope replied without looking up. Oh boy. She was mad. Emma smirked a little to herself, almost hoping she would stay mad until they got home for rough and angry sex.
Emma turned to the door as the first victim walked in. It was a young guy, someone Penelope had appointed to manage her company's day to day business while she was gone. She had a specific way of doing that and he seemed to think that he knew better.
" Look at these reports." Penelope turned them and he warily stepped up to the desk to do as commanded. "My company's profits have decreased by 47%. I already know why but I'd like for you to tell me your side of this lovely little story."
"I'm so sorry, Miss Croft. I just thought that if we expanded, we could take in more money-"
"And you used my money to fund your little project without my permission, didn't you?" The man hung his head, flinching as Penelope stood up and walked around her desk. "You will spend the next 2 years paying back what you owe me. Not here, of course. You're fired. I don't care if you're flipping burgers, make sure you set aside some to pay off your debt. It's either that or I sue you and you go to jail."
Emma shifted uncomfortably, watching her girlfriend go through a list of people deemed responsible for the recent significant profit loss. She had already hired replacements and as soon as the last of them filed out, Emma closed all the blinds and locked the doors. Penelope smirked as she sat in her chair and Emma hopped onto the desk, pulling up her skirt to open her legs.
"My, my, you are soaking wet. Watching people get fired turns you on that much?"
"Watching you does."
"Mmm." Penny moaned, quickly removing her underwear. She lowered her head between Emma's legs and started licking her like a lollipop. Emma laughed as her head fell back and she gave herself to her love willingly. "Having sex in the office. Naughty, naughty girl." Penelope cooed. "You're so sweet." Emma scoffed and pushed her head back against her center.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Love that was passionate and wild and incessant. It was what Emma had always wanted and Penelope more than delivered on that. Emma tilted her head, looking up at Penelope as she ended the call. "Bad news?"
"No, just nonsense." She shrugged.
"How would you feel about Henry coming to stay with us for a little while?" Emma asked.
Penelope shrugged. "It's not my decision. It's yours." She suddenly scowled. "I'm gonna have to wear clothes from now on, aren't I?"
"Yes." Emma laughed. "Unless you're in our bedroom with the door closed I suppose."
Penelope pouted a bit but ultimately shrugged. "Of course he can come live with us, but why isn't he staying with Regina?"
"He won't listen to her, won't listen to anyone for that matter." Emma said with a defeated sigh. "I'm gonna try to bring him back around. He used to be such a good kid. I mean, Regina raised him well. After all the curse stuff, it's just been a downward spiral."
"I'm sure things will work out." Penelope kissed the top of her head and hugged her. "You'll figure out something. You always do."
"Thanks, Pen." She nuzzled the older woman's neck like a kitten, basking in the feeling of being in the arms of her woman. She never ever wanted to leave them. She was so happy. They were going to be married, what had always been a secret dream of hers for a long time. To be married to Penelope Croft. To be her one and only forever. What could be better? How could life get any more perfect?
/
A bliss filled week later Emma went to Regina's house to collect the engagement ring from Maleficent. She had only just knocked on the door when her phone rang. "Hello?"
A familiar chuckled rang in her ears. "Hello Emma. You didn't think it was over, did you?"
"Pan. You're supposed to be dead."
"Aye, but I'm not done. You see, I have your girl and both of your little ones." He chuckled again. "Your girl put up quite a fight. Continues to do so as speak." There was a pause and she could hear Penelope cursing and straining. "Bring Regina to the Snow Queen's cave so she can take the spell off Henry and give me my pure heart."
"I'm going to kill you for this." Emma growled, already seeing red. Her woman had been taken. She needed to brought home.
"Is that a threat?" Pan asked.
"No, it's a promise. It's going to be your fate. You made the biggest mistake of your life, Peter Pan."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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