Storybrooke never seemed so big and small at the same time. Sure, this was probably one of the smallest art shows in history, but the fact that Storybrooke had enough art buffs to fill a room was quite the accomplishment. An even greater accomplishment was that they all seemed to like it. Currently most people in the town were discussing Mary Marget's affair with David. Euegene imagined it was pretty hard for them to think about more than one thing.

Even with the interest, it took most of the night to sell them all. That night was spent with Dawn mingling with the town. Her infectious laugh echoed through the room. Eugene tried to contribute with his witty conversation. Judging by the amount of eye rolls he'd received, it was working. Either way, it kept people there better than the food did. He loved Dawn, but she was an awful chef. Just awful. No wonder she loved it when Gotham made hazelnut soup so much.

The night was beginning to fall, like a thick fog. Nearly every one of the paintings were in the hands of new owners. Smiles were all around Storybrooke, but none as bright as Eugene and Dawn's.

" I'm gonna count the cash Blondie! Those nuns better be happy." He said. As he walked over to the cash register, he noticed a shadow dashing by. Before he knew what was happening, he was swept into the hallway.

His arm exploded with pain as it limply hung from its socket. Just as he wondered if someone had slipped something into his drink, he was met with the face of Regina Mills.

" Oh, hi Regina. Isn't this artist great?"

There was something to be said about Eugene's ability to joke with a knife digging into his throat. This time, his arm was burning with pain, not to mention to numb to move. Regina's eyes glowed like a cat's.

" I warned you Eugene." Just as spots began to appear in his vision, footsteps sounded in the hall.

" Regina." A voice, strong and clear, called out. A woman with a stone cold expression and a faux fur coat stepped out.

" Dawn." Regina's surprise was evident, but she recovered quickly.

" What are you doing?" She grabbed the knife from her, examining it like it was the world's most deadly poison.

" Oh she was threatening me, very violently." Eugene interjected. His heart warmed at the sight of her.

Regina laughed like a hyena. " Oh please, this is the guy who came here with zero history and wormed his way into our lives. Who will you trust, the nobody or the mayor?"

" How about the person not holding the knife?" Dawn deadpanned. Perhaps Regina realized the futility of arguing. She moved straight to threats.

" Let me rephrase that, who do you think the town will trust?"

Dawn pulled out her phone, waving it like a wad of cash. It showed a (admittedly blurry) picture of the scene. Although her face darkened, Regina stood her ground.

" It would be easy to plead self defense. I've developed a reputation." Now she was a building storm, ready to strike down any fool that didn't move. Dawn was that fool.

" Yes, you have developed a reputation, but it won't help your case. All I have to do is bring up a few conversations we've had, and maybe talk with a few other people who have beef with you."

Regina opened her mouth to respond, but her threats had gone dry. Dawn slipped the phone and the knife into her purse.

" Here's what's going to happen. If I find out you hurt a hair on his head, all of this goes public. Stay. away. from. us."

Both sides stood still. Two mountains in the valley rested as rain washed over them. Finally, one triumphed. Regina, not saying another word, slinked off. Her glares could have melted steel, but neither of them acknowledged her further.

Eugene took her by the hand, about to thank her profusely. She spoke first.

" You knew didn't you?" Her words weren't angry, but a note of sadness could be heard. Eugene's heart broke a bit as he nodded. He wrapped her in an embrace.

" There's a lot I haven't told you, but that stops now. Dawn, you are such an amazing woman. I want you by my side. You are my dream."

The two looked in each other's eyes. Love was no longer a concept spoken of in fairy tales. It was a tangible force, pulling them together. All the music and beauty in the world compressed into that moment as they kissed.

All chaos broke loose.