Hello lovely readers! I realized after I posted the last chapter that I forgot to tell you the outcome of the brotp name vote for Killian and Dopey. And the winner is... *drum roll* Dopey Pirate!
Thanks to those who sent messages and left your votes in the comments/reviews! Now, let's rescue Grace, shall we?
Killian looks over his shoulder more than once as they make their way through the dense trees, seemingly nervous that she's still behind him.
"I'm still here," she whispers reassuringly, reaching out to grip his hook this time so that he doesn't have to keep wrenching his neck around to check on her.
He glances down to her hand and quickly looks away. "You must walk on air, Princess," he whispers back, "I haven't heard a single footfall from you. A lesson you learned from your mother, no doubt."
She smiles but doesn't have time to respond when Killian suddenly jerks his arm to pull her down behind a bush.
Following his gaze, she immediately spots the reason for his abrupt halt. Maybe twenty yards ahead are two black knights, one sitting on a boulder, sharpening his sword with a rock and the other bending over a bucket on the ground, using the ladle to get a drink.
They wait silently, both looking back to the path they have been moving parallel to for the past half-hour, watching for Ruby to approach. Emma squints her eyes as she looks for any sign of the red cloak, knowing that Ruby will appear any moment and begin the ruse all over again.
They've already taken out six of the twelve knights guarding Grace. It seems Killian's plan is going very well.
'Regina's legions are nothing if not predictable, love.'
She hears Ruby humming before she sees her, swinging the basket back and forth in her left hand as she meanders down the path, looking for all the world like a woman who is minding her own business while enjoying her stroll through the woods.
The men hear her, too, and, just like their predecessors, they jump to their feet, raising their weapons as they wait for her to round the bend into their vision. Emma smirks at the way Ruby jumps in fright when she sees them, once again doing an excellent job of looking surprised.
The one closest to Ruby, a tall lanky man, lowers his sword. "Well, what have we here?" he asks.
Ruby doesn't respond, bringing the basket up and clutching it to her chest in apparent fear, taking a hasty step back.
The man chuckles at her, "No need to fear us, milady," he says in a low voice. "We're just here to keep the roads safe for lovely travelers such as yourself. Please, feel free to pass."
Ruby starts walking again, still gripping at the basket with a mumbled, "Thank you, sir."
As she passes the first, she nods to him with a small smile but the second, who never lowered his sword, moves it in front of her to stop her while the other moves in behind her to block her retreat.
"A few questions before we let you pass," the shorter one says, keeping his sword raised. "What, may I ask, is a beautiful woman like you doing walking through the woods alone?"
"I'm… on my way to see my grandmother. She lives in a small cottage a few miles from here," Ruby replies in a shaky voice.
"Your grandmother lives in the woods?" the tall one asks suspiciously.
Ruby wrenches her head around to look up to the man. "Yes, well, she can be a stubborn old lady and she doesn't want to move to town, so I bring her a basket of food once a week because she doesn't get around as well as she used to."
As she speaks, she lifts the red cloth off the top of the basket and shows the knights the pot of venison stew and a warm loaf of bread.
"Hmm," the tall one replies, eyeing the stew. "That smells mighty tasty."
"It's her favorite," Ruby replies.
The small knight takes a step closer. "Well, I'm sorry to tell you that your grandmother is going to have to do without today, little lady," he says, raising his arm to take the basket.
"What?! It took me all day to make this. You can't just take it!"
"Yes, we can," the tall one replies, raising his sword.
Ruby looks from one to the other for a moment before she reluctantly holds out the basket. "Fine! Take it."
The tall knight grins as he grabs the basket, opening it and taking a long whiff.
"Now, may I pass?" Ruby asks with irritation.
"Oh, don't be that way," the short one says, "Why don't you join us? My partner and I would love a dining companion. Venison has never agreed with me, so there will be plenty for you to share."
Ruby's eyes go wide with actual fright this time and Killian curses under his breath.
"Thank you, but no," Ruby stammers, "I should still make my visit, even if it's empty handed. My grandmother is expecting me."
Killian is already moving, silently inching closer as the short one protests, "Nonsense. We will only delay you for a few moments. Please, have a seat."
Ruby has no choice but to comply while the tall one rips the red cloth off the basket and settles next to her. "Here," he says, tossing the bread to his comrade, "you can have the bread."
Emma's heart is pounding as she and Killian continue to move closer, making their way as quickly as they can through the bushes, never taking her eyes off the knight holding the stew.
Eat it. Just take one bite, she thinks, holding her breath.
But he doesn't, instead he turns to Ruby and offers her a spoon and Emma's already frantically beating heart picks even more.
"Ladies first," he says.
No!
Emma can see Ruby's calm nearly crack at the offer, shaking her head, "That's okay. I had some while I was cooking it. You go ahead."
Emma is thankful that the tall one doesn't seem to catch the waver in Ruby's voice, shrugging his shoulders and diving the spoon in for a bite. But just before the spoon reaches his lips, the second knocks it away.
"Hey!" the tall one says in irritation even as the other raises his sword to Ruby's throat.
"Ladies first," he says with a growl.
His tone has the tall one catching on and he stands quickly to face Ruby, raising his sword as well.
Ruby's eyes are now wide in what Emma knows is fear but she tries to play it like indignation, saying haughtily, "While I appreciate the gentlemanly offer, it's difficult to be flattered when the gentleman in question is holding a sword to your throat!"
The short one takes a menacing step forward, bending his elbow to lean in closer to her while keeping the sword at her neck. "Eat it!" he demands.
Ruby stalls as best she can, taking the spoon with a huff of exasperation and slowly dipping it into the stew. As she deliberately raises the spoon to her mouth, several things happen all at once.
Jefferson dives out from the other side of the path, his sword knocking away the one being held to Ruby's throat. Dopey emerges as well, running at full speed to tackle the taller knight by ramming his shoulder into the man's stomach, pushing him back even as Killian rushes forward to catch him on his blade. Emma jumps on the path to assist Jefferson with the smaller one, slashing out and catching his arm, causing him to drop his sword so that Jefferson can finish him off.
The whole confrontation lasted less than thirty seconds but Emma feels like her lungs are going to explode from the adrenaline rocketing through her system. Turning quickly on her heel, she crosses to Ruby and throws her arms around her, relief flooding her.
The brunette hugs her back, "I'm fine," she says in a shaky voice but Emma just grips her tighter, rocking back and forth.
"How anyone can resist the smell of that stew is beyond me," Jefferson says from behind her.
"I know," Killian replies, "a bloody waste, if ever I saw one. I was really looking forward to a bowl."
The statement makes Ruby huff out a laugh, and she releases Emma. "Don't worry, Captain. I didn't poison it all. You can have some when we get back to the ship."
Emma turns just in time to see Killian wink at Ruby. "Thank you, lass, I still remember the first time I tasted your grandmother's. It was always my favorite of her dishes."
"Which is why I added the ingredients to the list," Ruby replies with a grin.
Killian grins broadly back at her and Emma swears he looks just like the lieutenant she fell in love with for a second, regardless of his pirate attire and the kohl lining his eyes. An arm around her waist has her turning to see Dopey giving her a beaming smile and she can't help but chuckle, the light banter a welcome relief after such a tense moment.
Looking around to everyone else, she can see the same relief on their faces, all of them wearing identical smiles until the adrenaline fades.
Once it's gone, Jefferson speaks up, getting them back to the matter at hand, "Four to go," he says grimly.
Killian nods, looking ruefully to the overturned basket, the stew covering the ground, "Yes, and without the benefit of deception, we'll have to face them head-on. We should split up again. You three approach from the east, the Princess and I will approach from the west. The rest of them will, more than likely, either be in the cave or stationed just around it. Try to take them out quietly but, if it comes down to it, use the pistols this time. It might draw out anyone who is in the cave."
Once everyone has nodded their agreement, they quickly move the dead knights off the path and hide the bodies under the brush. Then they all disappear into the trees again, making their way toward the cave.
Emma doesn't hesitate to take Killian's hook this time, walking silently behind him. Several minutes later, the cave comes into view and they move as one, sinking behind a large rock, both surveying the scene.
The cave entrance is on the far side of a small clearing, the path to their right the only clear way in or out. There are two black knights stationed outside, their backs to the stone wall of the entrance, the other two nowhere in sight. The knights look bored. One leaning against the wall with his eyes closed and the other resting his shoulder on it and carving something with his dagger.
"Give me your hand," she whispers to Killian.
"It's not a last resort, yet, love," he replies, studying the position of the knights, "just give me a moment think."
"There's no way to sneak up on them," she points out. "They're backs are too close to the cave wall."
"I see that, darling. We need to figure out a way to draw them out."
"But – " she starts and is immediately cut off when he turns on her.
"It's only a last resort when Grace is in sight. Save your magic until we're sure we won't need it again."
The way he's pinning her with his eyes makes it clear just how badly he wants to save the little girl. And he's right, if she uses her magic now, she may not have the strength when it comes down to the end.
A sudden swell of pride courses through her as she realizes what an incredible strategist he's become. It's no wonder he's managed to defeat Regina's knights again and again. He's patient and smart and she knows in that moment that he'll make sure they get Grace back with as little risk as necessary. That's why Captain Hook is a legend… That's why his crew has been reputed to be the most loyal of all pirates… because, even though he took risks, he always put the lives of those around him over the revenge he was seeking.
"Okay," she agrees, "I'll only use it once we see Grace."
He looks surprised that she has agreed so easily, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"I trust you," she says simply, smiling to reassure him.
His eyes widen further at that, raising a brow, right before his features soften into a smile.
He's still smiling at her when a commotion attracts their attention, a grunt and a scuffle sounding near the mouth of the cave.
When Emma looks back, it's to see Jefferson being lead forward with a sword to his spine, his arms up in surrender.
"Look who I found skulking around the woods," the one with the sword to his back says.
"Ah, the Hatter himself. Excellent job, Wilson," the one who'd been carving replies, stepping away from the cave wall.
"Give me my daughter!" Jefferson growls, "I did what you asked. I helped your troops board the Jolly Roger."
The carver, who is also, apparently, the spokesperson, looks around to the empty path behind Jefferson. "And just where are those troops now?"
"They're dead," Jefferson replies, coldly.
"Dead?" the man says in disbelief, "We sent fifty men with you! How can they all be dead? We had it on good authority that the pirate didn't have his crew with him. How did they end up dead?"
"Captain Hook doesn't need a crew to protect him. All he needs is his ship. Now, I've done what you asked. Give me my daughter!"
The knight completely ignores Jefferson's demand, instead asking, "And where is the good captain now?"
"He sailed away."
The knight scoffs. "Oh, he left you here and sailed away, did he?"
"Captain Hook doesn't suffer turncoats. He only let me live because of our long and profitable relationship. I am, however, banned from his ship now, so I'm of no further use to you. Just give me my daughter. I'm no threat any more. He'll never do business with me again after this."
"You don't think so?" the knight asks, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"Of course he won't. Why would he after I betrayed him?"
The man starts to circle Jefferson, tapping one finger to his lips as though considering something. "Because I don't think the two of you are just business partners," he says thoughtfully, "According to your sweet little girl, Hook – isn't it precious that she calls him 'Hook' – is her friend. She has sworn to me over and over again that 'Hook' and her papa are going to make us all pay for taking her."
Jefferson's eyes widen, but he doesn't reply.
"According to her, the pirate brings her trinkets and tells her stories. He comes to her house for visits and has supper with her family."
Killian curses under his breath.
"Sounds to me like the two of you are a little more than business associates. It sounds to me like he's a friend of yours. And, as his friend, you must know more about him than you're letting on… His name, for example?"
Jefferson doesn't speak.
"Oh, come now. If the Captain has truly cut ties with you, why would you continue to protect him?" The knight starts circling again. "But he hasn't cut ties with you, has he? He's here, lurking in the trees somewhere, isn't he?" he asks, waving his hand toward the surrounding forest.
The knight stops circling right in front of Jefferson and lifts the pistol from his belt, aiming it directly at Jefferson's head.
"Now, tell me. Where is he?" the knight asks.
"I don't know," Jefferson says through his teeth, "He took his ship and sailed away."
The knight shakes his head as though amused that Jefferson is trying to keep up the act. "I don't think so, Hatter. I think he's close by," he says, then raises his voice, "Why don't you come out, Captain! I know you're here. Little Grace will be thrilled to see you!"
Killian curses again, drawing a deep breath in through his nose, his eyes darting to all of the visible knights and scanning the trees on the other side of the clearing. She can feel the tension in his stance, can see all of the possible outcomes churning through his head. Then he looks back to her, their eyes locking, and she realizes he considering it. He's thinking about walking out there.
Her stomach rails at the thought, her heart jumping into her throat. No! she wants to scream, there has to be a better way!
"Come now, Hook. Show yourself! You know I can give the order any time for that sweet child to die."
That makes the decision for him and he starts to rise.
"No," she whispers, yanking him back down, "You can't go out there. They'll kill you!"
"I have to," he whispers back. "They have Grace. I'll not risk her life for mine."
"Then I'll go with you, stay by your side so that I can use my magic."
He's shaking his head as she speaks, making dread tighten in her stomach.
Gripping at his collar, she brings his face right in front of hers, their noses almost touching, desperation clogging her voice, "I can't lose you again. I can't! Please, let me go out there with you."
"No," he responds, "Listen to me. This is our best chance to get Grace out into the open. Take this." He presses his pistol into her hand. "Wait for my signal. If they bring Grace out, shoot the one holding her. If they don't, shoot the man at the mouth of the cave."
Her eyes fill with tears, "But – "
"Promise me, Princess. Promise me you'll stay here. Promise that you'll protect Grace. Make sure she gets back to her mother if Jeff and I…" He trails off, his eyes pleading with her.
She wants to object. She wants to wrap her arms around him and never let go. But his mind is made up. She can see the determination in his posture.
His image blurs in front of her, but she nods her head.
"I'm waiting, pirate!"
Emma glances over to the knight but Killian cups her cheek and pulls her gaze back to his, his eyes blazing blue just before he covers her mouth with quick but desperate kiss that she returns with fervor. She clings to his collar when they break apart, keeping their foreheads together, trying to hold on to this moment for a little longer.
He flashes a tremulous smile when he pulls back, running his fingers through her hair. Then his face slides back into a mask of determination and he raises his hook between them.
"Remember," he whispers, "Captain Hook is never completely unarmed."
She nods to him in understanding, then watches as he picks up his sword and makes his way out of the trees.
"I'm here!" he shouts, stepping onto the path.
The knight's eyes light up with glee, immediately taking a step to the left so that he can level the pistol in his hand on Killian rather than Jefferson.
"So nice of you to join us, Captain. Your friend and I have been waiting for you."
Killian shifts on his feet and raises his chin. "Why don't you bring the girl out and let her go with her father? Once they're gone, I'll surrender myself to you."
"I could do that…" the knight says conversationally. Then his eyes darken and his voice hardens. "Or I could just shoot you right now."
"Shoot me now and you won't be able to deliver the most important news of all to your Queen."
"And that is?" the man asks with derision.
"Who I really am. My real name. I know it's something she's wanted to know for a long time. If you let the girl go, I'll tell you. And once I'm dead, the Queen will shower you with riches."
The man mulls that over for a moment.
"She has wanted to know for a long time," the one called Wilson says out of the corner of his mouth, still keeping his sword pointed at Jefferson.
Killian smiles wickedly at that. "You see? Why just bring her my head when you can finally solve the mystery of my identity for her? If you kill me now, the secret dies with me."
There's a tense moment as the knight stares Killian down, obviously weighing the pros and cons of the deal.
"Drop your sword. Then I'll bring the girl out."
Killian shakes his head in feigned amusement. "And how do I know you're not lying? That you won't kill us all as soon as I drop it?"
He's not lying Emma knows it.
"I suppose you'll just have to wait and see," the knight replies.
Killian pretends to think it over, shuffling on his feet in a casual way and flicking his eyes to hers – just as she knew he would. She immediately nods, telling him what he needs to know.
Turning back, he gives the knight one more glare before tossing his sword out in front of him.
"Waters, get his sword," the knight directs.
The knight positioned by the cave entrance immediately runs forward, grabbing the sword and raising his own, moving to Killian's right to guard him.
As soon as Waters is in position, the spokesman calls over his shoulder, "Rupert! Bring the girl out."
Emma's eyes swing to the cave entrance, watching intently for the few strained moments it takes for Grace to appear, held securely by the last knight.
"PAPA!" she screams as soon as she sees Jefferson, trying to run to him, but the knight holds her back, increasing his grip even as the little girl struggles furiously.
"Everything is going to be alright, Grace. I'm here now," Jeff tells her in a soothing voice.
Emma raises the pistol and trains it on the one they call Rupert's head, every muscle tense, waiting for Killian's signal. Just as she does, she sees a shift in the trees on the opposite side of the clearing and Dopey pops up for an instant, getting himself into position to run for Grace.
The spokesman smiles at Killian while Grace continues to wriggle around in the knight's grip but he doesn't give the order to release her.
"Let her go," Killian says in a strangled voice.
"Not just yet," the knight hisses. "First, you're going to tell me who you are."
"That wasn't the deal! I'll tell you after you've released her!"
"I think you're going to tell me right now," the knight says wickedly, slowly turning to move the pistol from where it had still been aimed at Killian… shifting it to Grace instead.
"NO!" Jefferson screams. "PLEASE! Don't!"
"MY NAME IS KILLIAN JONES!" Killian yells in the same moment.
That's it. That's the signal.
Emma pulls the trigger without hesitation, Rupert immediately slumping to the ground even as Grace screams in fright.
It's a blur of movement after that. Killian pivoting and knocking away his guard's sword with his right arm and swinging around with his left to bury his hook in the man's neck. Jefferson turning on his guard just as Ruby jumps from the trees and slashes him with her sword. Dopey running across the clearing, heading directly for Grace.
But Emma doesn't see any of that. All she sees is the leader swinging the pistol away from Grace, the maniacal elation in his eyes as he trains it on Killian's back.
"NO!" she screams, jumping up from behind the rock and rushing forward.
She knows she won't make it but she throws herself into the path anyway, her only thought to get to Killian. In her rush, she trips over a downed branch, falling face first into the dirt right between Killian the knight at the same moment the pistol fires, the sound echoing through the trees with ominous finality.
A scream bubbles to her throat and she wrenches her neck around to where Killian had been, certain that he'll be lying dead on the ground. But when her eyes land on him, he's hunched over the knight he'd been fighting, yanking his hook out of the man's neck. As soon as the hook is free, he whips around to meet her eyes.
Emma knows a moment of relief because he seems to be unharmed but then his gaze focuses on something behind her, his eyes widening, a fury laced, "NO!" exploding from his lips that makes her heart stop.
She doesn't want to look. She knows whatever he sees is terrible. But she can't stop herself. So she turns her head, her heart pounding into her ribs in fear... only to be met with a sight that she knows she'll never forget. The shocked pain and disbelief on his face is an image that will haunt her forever. The air freezes in her chest to the point where she can't breathe just as Ruby's scream pierces the air.
"DOPEY!"
The little dwarf looks straight at her as he falls, his eyes wide and blood oozing out of the hole in his chest, staining the black and white striped shirt he's wearing. His eyes flutter shut a moment before he hits the ground, the dull thud an understated sound given the enormity of the moment.
Dopey.
Rage rockets through Emma, the image of the last black knight coming into focus, standing just behind where Dopey had been, his pistol still raised and smoke still billowing from the barrel.
The man's gaze darts around to the rest of them, apparently realizing that he's the only one left. His eyes widen and he takes a step back, dropping the now empty pistol and drawing his sword. He stumbles over a rock as he retreats and, when he does, he glances behind him.
His eyes land on Grace who is still in the exact same place she had been, completely unprotected and, as soon as the knight realizes it, he heads toward her.
He only makes it one step before Emma feels the magical release, the heat rising so fast that she doesn't even register it until it's already gone. The knight flies through the air and lands in a heap about ten feet behind Grace. He's not dead though, grunting in pain and trying to rise.
"Grace, RUN!" Jefferson yells, rushing toward her.
The little girl doesn't waste any time, sprinting forward and vaulting into her father's awaiting arms.
The next moment, Emma feels a hand on her cheek, turning her to see Killian's concerned features.
"I'm alright," she tells him, "A little dizzy, but I'm okay."
He hugs her tight to his chest and plants a quick kiss to her forehead. Then he releases her and heads directly toward the last knight who is still struggling to stand.
Emma's heart pounds in her ears as she watches him away, bracing her hands on her knees to catch her breath.
He gives the knight no ceremony, no chance for last words or pithy comments. He simply plunges his sword in the man's chest, twists it and pulls it back. A grim satisfaction flows through her when she hears the bastard's final grunt of pain.
The next thing she hears is Ruby's wracking sobs and, even though she doesn't want to, her gaze is drawn back to Dopey, lying at the mouth of the dirt path. He must have diverted from Grace when the knight swung the pistol toward Killian.
Ruby is kneeling next to him, rolling him onto his back and pressing her hands into his chest, doing her best to stop the flow of blood. Leaning over, she puts her ear to his mouth, listening for any signs of life.
Emma watches with her heart in her throat, holding her breath while Ruby examines him.
An instant later Ruby's head snaps back up and she meets Emma's eyes.
"He's breathing!" she exclaims.
Emma's legs move before she realizes it, rushing forward and falling to the ground beside her friend.
"Hang on, Dopey," Ruby is murmuring, still pressing her hands over the wound, "You're going to be fine. We've just got to get this bleeding stopped."
His eyes pop open with a stunted gasp when Emma adds pressure on top of Ruby's hands and Emma nearly cries with relief. She presses down harder, Ruby removing her hands to tear a piece of cloth from the bottom of her skirt and balling it up to hold over the wound. But even with the bleeding contained, Dopey's breathing gets worse, filling Emma with terror at the way he struggles with every inhale, an ominous wheezing sound passing through his lips.
"We're losing him," Ruby says frantically in between sobs, "Dopey! Hang on. You've got to keep breathing. I know it hurts but you've got to try!"
Emma's stomach vaults and she smacks Ruby's hands away from the wound, holding her own hands over it and concentrating with all her might.
She can do this. She healed herself once and she can damn well heal one of her oldest friends, a friend who had just saved Killian's life. Closing her eyes, she calls to every fiber of her being, pulling out every ounce of strength she has and pushing it into her palms. The spark is there, it's prickling in her stomach but it's not enough. She can feel the heat try to rise but it doesn't go anywhere.
So she tries again.
And still nothing.
Dammit! This has to work! It's so close. It's right there, whirling in the pit of her stomach, but she can't get it to move up her chest and into her hands. Her heart pounds in her ears, the sound drowning out everything else, beating so hard that her head aches from the rushing of blood. Spots start to form in her vision that she has to struggle to see past. She just needs a little more strength, a little more… something…
Killian. She needs Killian.
Groping behind her, where she somehow knows he is, she grabs his hand and pulls him down next to her, wrapping his arm around her waist. The added spark of his touch ignites the warmth and it immediately fills her chest, his heartbeat joining hers in her ears, the combination of the their equally furious beats turning into a hum rather than distinguishable sounds. Then the magic is flowing again, moving down her arms and into her palms.
She pants for breath, watching her palms for the tell-tale glow but nothing happens. It's not until she hears Killian's voice in her ear - You can do this, darling - that the light starts to release, the wound closing.
She wants to sigh with relief but she can't breathe, the effort she's putting forth stealing her breath. She doesn't stop, though, redoubling her efforts until the blood dissipates and even the hole in his shirt mends.
Dopey suddenly bolts upright on a sharp inhale and she falls back into Killian's chest where his arms are waiting to catch her.
She did it! He's alive! He's sitting up and looking around at everyone in complete amazement, his signature smile making her heart light. Laughter rings out in the clearing, Dopey hopping to his feet and spinning with joy. She feels Killian's deep chuckle more than hears it as he pulls her completely onto his lap, snuggling her into his chest.
Closing her eyes, she burrows her face into his neck, her breathing evening out and her heart slowing down. She feels drained and weak, but Killian's arms around her are strong and comforting, and she melts into them with a quiet sigh.
After squeezing her tight for several moments, Killian's hand tangles in her hair and he tilts her head to examine her. When he does, she notices there's gold flickering in his eyes, and it's only after he's studied every inch of her face that they return to their deep blue.
"You're incredible, love," he whispers, happiness and concern mixed together on his features, his fingers rubbing in soothing circles against the back of her neck.
She gives him a tired smile to reassure him, lifting her hand to brush the hair out of his eyes. "We're incredible," she replies, "I couldn't have done it without you."
He plants a long kiss on her forehead that makes her hum in contentment, then they both turn at the sound of Grace's laughter only to see a very healthy Dopey pick the little girl up and spin her around.
*peeks out from behind her computer screen* Sorry? I know I said there would be a major character death but it never even crossed my mind that it would be Dopey. (Although, originally, I was gonna kill someone in this scene and then changed my mind.) Now, I know some of you are probably ready to give me a piece of your mind... and that's okay. Bring it on. I can take it. Let all of your frustrations out on me. It's fine. I know I deserve it.