Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time.
AN: See chapter 1 for the long version of the notes. Here's the abbreviated version.
This is based on Snow's comment in season 5 when she asked Emma if it would have made a difference had Emma been able to hear their voices. So what if she had been able to in her dreams? What if she had been able to see them in her dreams every night and they told her everything. What if when Henry came to find her, she already knew everything? How different would things be? This is that story.
I am also going to be weaving in a subplot involving characters from Greek Mythology with what I think is an exciting twist on the past. These flashbacks will also eventually reveal just exactly how and why the dreamscape is possible.
Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)
Thanks for the reviews. Here are some individual responses:
Barratta Jennifer: Thanks! Glad you liked it.
BooksInMyDreams: Thanks! So glad you liked it!
Beth1980: I'm sorry you were having a rough couple days. I'm glad an update on this story helped a bit though. Yes, Emma remembers everything. When awake, David remembers everything. When asleep, David only remembers their lives in the Enchanted Forest and things that happen in the Dreamscape. He has no knowledge that he has all his memories when awake too. When awake, Snow only remembers Storybrooke. When asleep, she remembers their lives in the Enchanted Forest and the dreamscape. I know, not confusing or anything. :) Glad you liked Emma giving her parents advice. Yes, Henry will be meeting David soon. Not this chapter, but it's coming. As for the Greek Mythology back story, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. I think it fits nicely with Once and I hope to have some fun with it connecting to our characters.
Austenphile: Glad you like Emma's matchmaking. Yes, Snow is an abuse victim and I'm really delving into that with this story. She's going to be treated like a victim and allowed to go through those emotions without ridicule. Her road to becoming Snow again won't just be a one off like we had in season 5. Regina will feel the full weight of the things she has done in this as well. There will also be some more Charming vs technology to come too, so that should be fun. ;)
Sara K M: Thanks, glad you liked it. Yes, Emma remembers everything, because she's the savior. And even though David has his real memories, he still has a bit of a block in terms of the dreamscape, because of the curse. And unfortunately, MM only remembers Storybrooke for now. There will definitely be more Charming vs technology references sprinkled throughout other chapters. :) And yep, Damon is Deimos and the the flashbacks will show how he came to be and eventually why he's obsessed with Snow/MM. Glad you like MM shy and insecure attitude. It will be even more pronounced in this story than it was in the canon, because Regina has taken extra delight in slowly chipping away at Snow over the years. Plus the addition of Damon does not help. This story will very much deal with her pain and journey to become Snow again. It will also treat her as the victim of child abuse, because she is as much as Regina is. Hope you continue to enjoy. :)
Dreaming Out Loud:
Chapter 6: The Road to True Love
The next afternoon
"I still think this is a bad idea, Mr. Nolan. You just woke up from a coma," Regina said sternly.
"And Dr. Whale says there's no real reason to keep me here. Whatever injuries I sustained before my coma have long since healed," David responded. His back was turned to her, as he packed the few meager belongings he had.
"I just think Granny's Inn might be a more suitable place for you to stay," Regina tried to reason. David smirked. Yes, he supposed Granny's would make it easier for the Queen to keep tabs on him; something she wouldn't be able to do so easily if he stayed with Jefferson. And that was exactly the point.
"With all due respect, Madam Mayor, Jefferson has graciously offered his spare room and I accepted. I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine," he said, as neutrally as possible.
"Jefferson is unstable," Regina snapped.
"He's my friend. Now, if you'll excuse me, he's waiting down in the lobby for me," David added, as he brushed past her.
"Fine...but I'll give you another piece of wise advice. You should stay away from Mary Margaret Blanchard," Regina advised. David clenched his teeth and tried to quell the rage that burned in him.
"Really?" he challenged.
"Yes...she's trouble," Regina warned. He scoffed.
"Mary Margaret? The sweet, beautiful schoolteacher?" he questioned. Regina pursed her lips.
"Yes...well I'm starting to think it's a profession she's ill-suited for," Regina answered.
"She'll destroy your life," Regina claimed. David rolled his eyes.
"Good day, Madam Mayor," he said, as he walked away, leaving Regina boiling in her own skin.
The Enchanted Forest
Approximately 29 Years Before the Dark Curse
Deimos found the castle of the Dark One easily enough. The simpering village folk managed to give him the general direction. He hated this...he hated being like them. He missed invoking terror into the hearts of these lesser beings and watching the life leave their eyes when he sent them to Hades. Zeus would pay for this and this Dark One would help him.
As he burst into the castle, he heard a high pitched, maniacal giggle.
"Who is there? Show yourself!" Deimos bellowed.
"Careful about giving orders, dearie. Even if you were still a God, your power was never a match for mine," Rumpelstiltskin warned in a sing-song voice. The dark haired former God turned to find an imp with glittery, leather-like skin looking back at him through golden eyes.
"So...you're this fierce Dark One I've been told about?" Deimos said, unimpressed.
"And you're the terrifying God of Terror, son of Ares, that I've barely heard about," Rumple mocked.
"Hades has sent me. You will help me," Deimos demanded. Rumple let out a high-pitched giggle.
"Yes, I know. I'm the Dark One, dearie. I saw you coming...long before now," Rumple continued to mock. Deimos' temper flared and he clenched his fist. The Dark One chuckled again.
"Temper, temper," he chided.
"Then Hades told you I would be coming," he stated. Rumple laughed again.
"Not the brightest star in the sky, are you?" he teased.
"How dare you? I am a God! Son of Ares...you should tremble in my presence!" Deimos shouted. Rumple laughed again and then turned serious in a flash, raising his hand. Deimos was now clutching his throat, as the Dark One slithered toward him.
"Even when you were a God, you were no match for my power, son of Ares," he hissed.
"I saw you coming long ago...because I am a seer and I make it my business to know these things," he growled, as he released the idiotic life form before him and batted him away in disgust.
"Then...it's true. You are not a God, but an immortal," Deimos rasped, as he gasped for air.
"Yes and I'm very busy so let's get this over with," Rumple stated.
"I need my immortality back," Deimos pleaded.
"Well, now that is the problem, isn't it? The only way to be an immortal is to be a God...or be the Dark One. So let's play a game," Rumple offered, as he presented his dagger.
"If you can steal the dagger from me and kill me with it...then you'll become the Dark One," he challenged. Deimos smirked arrogantly.
"I've killed many a greater than you, imp," he growled, making Rumple laugh again.
"You're quite an amusing speck," Rumple said, as Deimos lunged at him. He sidestepped the charging imbecile and wasn't surprised when he grabbed a knife from the table. Rumple caught the blade with his bare hand and yawned in boredom.
"I really hope this isn't your best, dearie," he said. Deimos roared angrily, as he pounded his fist into the Dark One's face. But the imp was unfazed and grabbed the former God by the throat.
"You lose, dearie. You can't even scratch me...let alone kill me. Now get out, before I send you back to your beloved Hades as a permanent resident," he hissed.
"No...Hades demanded that you help me! He said you owe him a favor!" Deimos choked out. That made Rumple pause. He remembered the exact favor that he owed Hades. His second child, though Rumple doubted he'd ever have another. But...to not be indebted to Hades was an extremely tempting offer. He released the pompous former deity and marched to his potions cabinet.
"There is only one other form of immortality possible," Rumple stated.
"Then you will give it to me," Deimos demanded.
"I will do this to absolve me of my favor to Hades, but should you ever cross me again, Deimos, I will grind you into an unrecognizable bloody pulp," Rumple threatened, but Deimos only smirked.
"Believe me, after this, I have no desire to ever see your impish face again," he retorted.
"My threat carries if you ever interfere with any of my carefully orchestrated plans as well," he warned, as he retrieved an ornate box. He hated parting with this, but it would be worth it to no longer be indebted to Hades.
"What is this?" Deimos asked.
"The only other way for you to become an immortal other than being a God or the Dark One is to become a vampire," Rumple stated.
"But Zeus eradicated them, centuries ago. He has forbade the creation of more," Deimos countered.
"Thank you for the history lesson and this will not make you a vampire of old like in past. This is the very last ambrosia leaves in existence. Once you consume them, they will grant you immortality...for a time," Rumple stated.
"For a time? I need a permanent solution!" he cried.
"And that is where the vampire-like quality comes into play. Once a month, every full moon, you must ingest the blood of a mortal to maintain the effects of the ambrosia. Do this and you will be immortal forever," Rumple instructed. Deimos smirked.
"Drink some worthless mortal dry...sounds like fun," he said darkly, as he reached for the leaves. But Rumple pulled back momentarily.
"What are you doing?" he demanded to know.
"I must also warn you that the effects of ambrosia are unpredictable. There is a reason the Gods didn't let just anyone consume it. The effects on your mind could be devastating," Rumple warned. Deimos snorted derisively.
"Just give me the leaves," he growled.
"People that have consumed ambrosia have gone insane or become psychotic, depraved individuals that usually end up causing their own doom," he warned. But the former God ignored him and chewed the leaves, before swallowing them. He smirked victoriously, as he felt power surging in his veins again and his immortal glow return.
"Yes...it worked," he growled. But then, he was suddenly holding his head in agony and screamed, as he doubled over. Rumple watched, unfazed, as the former God's eyes glowed and then went completely black. His incisors grew slightly into fangs, which he would need to pierce mortal flesh, and his mind was twisted even more so than it already was.
Rumple was instantly concerned. He cared not for any, but a crazed, bloodthirsty vampire-like being running a muck in the Kingdom would eventually come to interfere with his plans. Fortunately, he would be ready to provide ways to end this creature he was forced to create.
"Our deal is done. Now get out," Rumple spat. Deimos smirked, his eyes had returned to normal, but were filled with a startling amount of malice.
"Gladly. I have villages to terrorize," he hissed, as he disappeared in a streak, utilizing his new speed.
"Oops...I forgot to mention that one day a year, on the eve of the blood moon, your immortality is nullified and you can be killed. Hmm...I hope that won't be a problem," Rumple mused, as he let out a high pitched giggle.
Emma sighed, as she finished the last report and set it on the file.
"Are you aware that your filing system is from 1983?" she joked, as Graham returned from patrol.
"Digital hasn't quite made its way to Storybrooke yet," he mentioned, as he eyed her with a smirk.
"What?" she asked.
"It's all over town, you know. You cutting down the Mayor's prized apple tree," he replied.
"Oh that," Emma shrugged nonchalantly.
"You've got guts. I'm surprised she didn't order me to fire you on the spot," he mentioned.
"And if she does?" Emma asked. He shrugged.
"It's tricky since there's nary a witness. It falls into the gray area of she said, she said," he replied. She smirked and put her jacket on.
"Guess that means I'm on night patrol," she said.
"You are, but things are pretty quiet. Regina's in a meeting and I have it on good authority that Henry will be heading for his castle when he gets off the bus," Graham replied. Emma smiled.
"Thanks," she said, as she hurried out.
To say that Regina was having a bad day would have been an understatement. She was still seething from the blonde miscreant that had chopped down her beloved tree yesterday. Then David Nolan, who had more backbone than she liked, defied her. Henry was pulling away more too, but the worst part was she found out at the hospital that a certain patient was missing from her cell. And worst of all, someone knew enough to cut the security cameras, as everything in that hallway that wing went dark after midnight. So as she marched into Gold's shop, she wasn't surprised to see him smile smugly at her from behind the counter.
"Mayor Mills, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit to my humble shop?" Gold asked.
"There's nothing humble about you, Gold. Cut the crap. Where is she?" Regina demanded to know.
"Her? I'm afraid I don't follow," he replied, playing dumb.
"Yes you do. There is a certain patient missing from the psych ward at the hospital," Regina snapped.
"Yet you're here instead of the police station. You should ask Miss Swan, you know. I hear she is quite good at finding people," Gold informed.
Regina slammed her fist on the counter.
"Stop playing games with me!" she hissed. He gave her a scrutinizing gaze.
"You're the one playing games, Madam Mayor and a dangerous one at that. This town is yours now...but we both know that I'm the reason why. I gave you all this," he said, gesturing grandly with his hand.
"And I can take it all away," he growled.
"You did help Charming, didn't you?" she growled back.
"You mean did I free him from the trappings of a loveless marriage to the simpering Kathryn Nolan?" he asked shrugging.
"It seemed like the right thing to do," he added.
"Why...you never do anything without reason," she said suspiciously.
"Let's just say...I'm a fan of true love or rather what it creates. Besides, I knew how much it would infuriate you, dearie," he mused.
"This isn't over...crossing me is unwise too. This is still my town, Mr. Gold," she retorted.
"For now," he said, as she turned and stormed toward the door.
"One more thing, Your Majesty," he called, as she glowered at him. Any doubt she had about whether he was awake was gone now.
"If you or anyone else touch her again, I will make you pay," Gold promised. Regina clenched her teeth and stormed out without another word.
"That was her, wasn't it?" a female voice called, as she peered in from the back room.
"The woman that locked me up?" Belle asked.
"Yes, but you need not fear her or hide from her. I won't let her hurt you again," he promised, as she came out.
"I wish I could remember," Belle fretted.
"You will...I promise," he said, as he took her hand and she smiled gently at him.
"It's almost evening. How would you like to accompany me to Granny's for supper?" he asked gently. She cocked her head to the side.
"I...I think that would be nice," Belle answered.
The drive to Jefferson's was short and the other man showed him to the guest room upstairs.
"Thanks again...for letting me stay here," David said.
"It'll be nice to not have an empty house for once," Jefferson replied. And David realized that Regina had cursed him to be alone, much like she had with Snow.
"Gold had some clothes and essentials sent over for you too," Jefferson mentioned.
"I'll stop by and thank him. Did he say how Belle was doing?" David asked curiously.
"He didn't divulge anything, but that's not unusual for him. She's helping around the shop though and there's a sparkle in his eye that I didn't know was possible for him," Jefferson replied.
"Good. Regina will hate that. Just like she'll hate it when I have dinner with Mary Margaret," he said. Jefferson smirked.
"Not wasting any time, I see?" he commented.
"It's been twenty-eight years. Why wait?" he countered, as he looked through the clothes. He liked the leather jacket instantly and picked out of a red button down shirt to go with the pants he was told were called jeans. He found the shower to be a fascinating thing when the nurse showed it to him at the hospital. Not only was it easier and quicker to get clean than how they used to bathe back home, but it was also therapeutic. After a shower, he dressed and started out for the evening.
"Be careful. Regina will eventually retaliate," Jefferson warned.
"Probably. But she's not keeping me from Snow any longer," he responded.
"Okay...well, good luck tonight. Not that you need it," Jefferson called, as he left the house and followed the directions Jefferson had given him to Mary's apartment building.
"Hey kid," Emma called. Henry smiled and closed his book, before hopping down and hugging her.
"So...how goes Operation Cobra?" Henry asked. She smirked coyly.
"Can you keep a secret?" she asked. He cocked his head, giving her a deadpanned look.
"Seriously?" he asked. She chuckled.
"My Dad isn't just awake as in no more coma. He's awake," she stressed. Henry looked confused for a minute and then his brown eyes widened.
"You mean…" he gasped. She nodded.
"He knows exactly who he is," she assured.
"Then...I was right! I mean, I knew you believed me, but this is the first real evidence! It's all true!" Henry exclaimed.
"It is, kid. And I may be the Savior, but when this curse is broken, it will be because of you, just as much as me," she told him.
"You think?" he asked.
"I know. I may have been clued in on everything before you, but I was no closer to finding my parents until you found me," she reminded.
"Wow...yeah, I guess you're right," he realized, as she patted him on the shoulder and hugged him close. Little did they know, Sidney Glass spied them in the distance and used his high resolution camera to snap photos of them together…
David found Mary's building easily enough and saw her outside by the tree where a birdhouse hung from it. His wife had always loved birds and animals alike. And the feeling was mutual for the birds and animals as well. So it didn't surprise him that she was filling the feeder with food while waiting for him. She looked beautiful as always in a dark purple dress that was knee length and buttoned up the front, complete with a pink cardigan. Unfortunately, he saw her wobble on the ladder and hurried over, hopping over the fence in one leap.
She cried out in alarm, as she felt herself start to fall and tumbled right into his arms. He caught her and held her bridal style for several moments, as they simply stared into each other's eyes.
"I'm so clumsy," she muttered in embarrassment.
"Good thing I was here, I guess," he replied with a smile. She hummed in agreement, as he gently set her on her feet.
"Are you ready?" he asked. She nodded and their hands touched. She looked up at him in surprise. She wasn't sure why she had done that. For a split second, her unconscious reaction had been to reach to had his hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. He seemed to feel the same, as he gently took her hand in his own. She smiled, as she laced her fingers with his and they set off on foot for the diner. What they both missed though was Regina watching them with daggers in her eyes from her car from across the street.
"Order up!" Granny called, as the cook put two plates in the window. But Ruby made no motion from her spot, which was currently bent over the counter, flirting with Dr. Whale. She glowered at her granddaughter. Honestly, she loved the girl, but she swore she'd be the death of her.
"Order up," she snapped again. Ruby huffed and finally pulled herself away from the sleazy doctor to deliver the orders to Marco and Archie. The bell chimed and the chatter in the diner quieted momentarily. The patrons gawked at David and Mary Margaret with equal surprise. At him, because he was currently splashed all over the Storybrooke Mirror as the patient that miraculously woke up after years in a coma. And at Mary Margaret, because it was not a normal occurrence to see the sweet, but meek teacher in the company of anyone. He saw how uncomfortable Mary Margaret was at their scrutiny and all the doubts Regina had planted in her these last twenty-eight years bubble to the surface, as she looked down. The haunted shadows in her eyes broke his heart and he felt his protectiveness for her flare inside him fiercely. In a clear statement, he gently put an arm around her shoulders. She blinked and looked up at him in surprise. He gave her a half smile in reassurance and she returned it, as he led her to a table. The patrons mostly went back to minding their own business, as Ruby came over. She sat on the edge of the table facing him with her back to Mary.
"Hi...I'm Ruby," she purred. He was taken aback by Red's behavior. He knew they had all been cursed to be this way. But Red and Snow had been best friends; almost sisters. And he developed a brother-sister like relationship with her, but he supposed he should have expected it. Regina had taken everything from her. She took him, their daughter, and all their dear friends away. None of them paid Mary any mind and almost looked at her like she had something they might catch. He attributed that to Regina's frequent horrific public tirade's against her that he had heard about.
"I think Mary and I will just start with water," he said, reaching across the table for her hand.
"Sure," Ruby said, as she looked between them. She looked confused and he figured she wasn't used to someone not reciprocating her advances. Red would be horrified at what the curse had turned her into. He smiled gently at Mary and squeezed her hand.
"I don't think she's ever had anyone turn down her advances before," Mary mentioned, a little surprised that he wasn't enamored by the waitress. It seemed that everyone she eyed ended up hooking up with her.
"She's not my type. I have a very specific type," he mentioned, smiling at her. She bit her bottom lip.
"Really? And what type is that?" she asked, a note of hopefulness in her voice. His grin widened.
"If you don't that yet, then I have work to do," he replied. She blushed and looked down shyly for a second, before meeting his eyes again.
"So...what's good?" he asked, as they started to peruse the menu.
"Uh...well, Granny makes a really good burger. The lasagna's not bad and Emma seems to have a fondness for the grilled cheese and onion rings," Mary mentioned.
"Emma seem to know what's good," he mentioned back. So in the end, they settled on grilled cheeses with fries and onion rings to share.
Emma sighed, as she checked the clock. It was almost time for night patrol and she grabbed her keys and gun, as she got ready to leave. Graham had begged her take the night shift this evening and she had agreed. She drove through the neighborhoods and saved Mifflin street for last. Usually when she drove by, she was able to get a glimpse of Henry. He usually waited for her on the nights she was on patrol so he could wave at her. But she frowned, as she noticed his bedroom window was already dark as she got closer. Had Regina put him to bed early for some reason? She wondered this, as she got closer and then gasped at what she saw. It was Graham. He wasn't volunteering at the animal shelter at all. She frowned deeply, as she watched Regina gave him a flirty smile and invite him in, before closing the door. He had lied to her and she felt really stupid now. He had lied to her, made her work the night shift, and was sleeping with Regina of all people...with her son in the house. She drove off, feeling humiliated and drove off toward the loft
After a wonderful dinner together, David suggested they go for a moonlit walk. They paid the check and got two hot chocolates to go, before setting out hand in hand, ignoring the continued looks they were getting. Emma had given him the general direction of the Toll bridge and they walked leisurely along the sidewalk. Mary had never quite felt anything like this. What few dates she had previously had were awkward and ended with her sad and feeling more alone than ever. But with David, she had never laughed so much or blushed so much either. He was so charming and sincere. He wanted to hear everything about her life, to the point that she felt like she was monopolizing the conversation. Any other man that she had dated had only ever wanted one thing from her and dumped her the moment they didn't get it. Not David though. He was interested in her as a person and that was something very new to her.
"He was just so hopeless...and I couldn't stand that. Life doesn't always have a happy ending, but no one should be hopeless, especially not a little boy. So I gave him the book and seeing him happy and hopeful again is worth any of the grief that Regina gives me," she explained.
"You're amazing...instilling hope in someone isn't an easy task, but you seem to do that wherever you go," he replied.
"I don't know about that," she said shyly.
"Really? You take time out of your day to deliver flowers to the sick and ailing at the hospital. You don't think you give them a sliver hope in an otherwise hopeless situation?" he asked. She shrugged.
"I don't know, I guess I never really thought about it," she replied.
"Well, you do. You read to me and just your voice brought me out of a coma," he reminded. She hummed.
"I'm not sure that's what did it," she replied and then inhaled sharply, as he caressed her cheek.
"I am. That and you are the only things I've been sure of since I woke up. You are the only thing that feels right in this whole place," he said passionately. Tears filled her eyes.
"I feel like I'm going to wake up and find that none of this is real. This...you have to be too good to be true," she lamented.
"I promise you it's not a dream and I think I can prove it," he said. Her breath hitched, as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Mary felt her entire body practically go limp against him, as he kissed her passionately. No...she had never felt like this before. This was something incredible, something that didn't happen to wallflowers like her. But it was happening and she felt his kiss wash away her fears and insecurities. When their lips finally parted, they smiled gently at each other.
"You're a man of your word, David Nolan," she said. He grinned.
"Then allow me the pleasure of walking you home, Mary Margaret Blanchard," he replied. She nodded and hooked her hand on his elbow this time, leaning her head gently against his arm.
They seemed to get to her door on the third floor far too quickly and shared another kiss.
"Will you have dinner with me again tomorrow night?" he asked. She nodded
"Yes...but I'd really like to cook for you instead of going out. Here at seven?" she asked. He grinned.
"Away from the prying eyes of Storybrooke? It's a date," he replied, as he leaned in and kissed her again.
"Goodnight Mare," he called, using the nickname Emma had coined for her.
"Goodnight David," she called back, as she went inside.
Emma angrily fumbled with her keys and slammed to door once she was in, before throwing her stuff down. She huffed and dug in the fridge for a beer, as she heard humming coming from the bathroom. Mary was home from her date and from the sounds of her humming, it at least seemed like she had a good night. She recognized the tune from something her mother had hummed to her as a child in the dreamscape and had always found it comforting. It didn't have any words that Snow knew of, but she had secretly always thought of it as her parent's theme song of sorts. That made her smile and realize that her mother was starting to shine through little by little.
"Oh Emma...I didn't hear you come in," Mary said, as she came out of the bathroom in a robe.
"Clearly...you seem like you had a good night," she teased. Mary blushed and bit her bottom lip.
"It was wonderful...I'm still wondering if I'm going to wake up and find out it was all a dream," she gushed. Emma smiled.
"I'm happy for you," the blonde replied.
"Thanks...but your night obviously didn't go well at all," Mary said, as she fished a carton of ice cream out of the freezer.
"Rocky road?" she asked.
"You said it was your favorite so I picked some up," she replied. Mary handed her the carton and got a couple of spoons out.
"So...what happened?" she asked, as they started eating.
"Graham asked me to work tonight so he could volunteer at the animal shelter tonight. But then I was on patrol and saw him going into Regina's house. And believe me, he wasn't there on police business," Emma grumbled.
"Oh...oh Emma, I'm so sorry," Mary replied.
"Yeah...and it's not just that I thought there might be something there, but that he lied to me. Oh, and the fact that he's screwing the Mayor with my son in the house. Pretty sure that's what pisses me off the most," Emma growled. Mary reached over and squeezed her hand.
"Is there anything I can do?" she asked. Emma smiled at her.
"You are. I don't usually have anyone to talk to, so thanks," she replied. Mary nodded with a smile.
"So...your date with David was good?" Emma asked, enjoying her blush.
"Yeah...it was perfect. We had dinner and talked and laughed. Then we went on a walk and I've...just never had anyone make me feel special like he did. He wanted to listen to me talk. It doesn't sound like much...but when you feel invisible like I have all my life, it meant everything," Mary confessed and Emma squeezed her hand.
"And of course, I'm guessing there was a kiss or two," Emma added and Mary blushed.
"How did you know?" she asked. Emma grinned.
"You're a very interesting shade of red," the blonde teased.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" the teacher asked.
"I am...but I'm thrilled for you. You deserve to be happy," Emma said.
"So do you, Emma," Mary replied. She smiled thinly and nodded. Maybe when the curse was broken, she'd find true happiness when her parents had their memories and she got her son back from Regina. Until then, she would enjoy being a friend to Mary, as she found her way back to being Snow White.