AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summary.

See Chapter 1 for the long version of the notes and summaries.

Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)

Also, there is a love scene in this chapter. If that's not your thing, there is this _Snowing_ connotation around it so it can be skipped.

Thanks for the reviews.

Barratta Jennifer: Thanks! So glad you liked it!

BooksinmyDreams: Thanks! So glad you enjoyed!

Guest 2: Yep, I can't help it with the Snowing sexy times. They just write themselves most of the time. There is an entertaining scene between Emma and her parents in this chapter, not exactly the way you think, but I think it's funny. As for the reveal of her real parents, yes that will be very emotional once we get to that point.

Ragsweas: Thanks! I'm so glad you like it! Actually, calling her Mare is intentional. It's a nickname Emma coined for her a couple times in season 1 or maybe in fanfiction. But Mare is meant to be a nickname. So glad you like Emma's dynamic in this story. Hope you continue to enjoy!

Beth1980: You're very welcome. Yeah, the mine scene is a little later and a bit different, but I knew it was an important experience that needed to happen. I love having them kiss and watching Regina get angry. There's going to be a lot of that in this one. Yes, Regina is not coming off well in this one at all, but that's my intention. It is a little creepy that his name is Henry, I agree. Enjoy this latest chapter!

Sara K M: Yep, Snow is bubbling to the surface more and more. It would make sense to keep them at a slower pace if they both were still cursed, but since David has little reason to hold back when romancing her, they will progress faster in this.

I like Gremma too...I hope I don't disappoint too much with what eventually comes of that. Poor Graham.

I really need to do a season 1 rewatch. I don't remember about the alarm, but you're probably right. However, for the sake of this story, we're pretending she didn't, because I felt that scene for Emma and Henry was so important. As for the glass, yep I remember that now. For some reason I kept thinking it was from her coffin, even though I know her coffin is beneath the library. However, I do have a scene later on that fixes that seamlessly. Let's just say at first glance, David mistook the glass for Snow's coffin and realizes when he looks closer that it's from their castle. That scene is a couple chapters from now. Thanks for keeping me on my toes though. Glad you're enjoying!

Dreaming Out Loud

Chapter 12: Captivated

When she awoke the next morning and found herself spooned against him, she was still in awe that it was all real. Mary couldn't recall a morning like this; one where she awakened in the arms of a man. How odd was that? I mean, there had to be other times and other partners, or at least one, for Mary was for sure she wasn't a virgin. But nothing but fuzzy images came to mind. It didn't really matter, for she wanted David to be her only now and forever.

She wondered what was wrong with her that she couldn't remember any previous partners though. Just a fuzzy image and a name. James, she recalled. Yes, that was it. James...tall and blonde, handsome too. She spared another glance at David beside her. Hmm...she supposed she perhaps had a type.

She was sure it was different with David though. They hadn't just slept together. They were in love. They had made love and promised themselves only to each other. And she knew this was real. She, hopelessly single and lonely teacher Mary Margaret Blanchard, had found true love. It was surreal to her.

Last night left her breathless and unhinged in a way she wouldn't have thought possible. The physical part had left her feeling just as incredible as the emotional part. The memory of his hands on her, his lips kissing her all over, him inside her making them both feel like they were finally home made her giddy. Still, she was aware that adversity could come their way. Regina wouldn't let them be happy without at least trying to tear them apart. It worried her, not because she didn't believe in David's love, but Regina seemed to have everyone else under her thumb. But she let her worry slowly ebb away, as she felt his lips moving down her neck. She hummed and turned her head, meeting his captivating blue eyes with her own gaze.

"Good morning beautiful," he purred, as he pressed his lips against hers in a tender kiss.

"Good morning yourself, handsome," she purred back, as he pulled her against him and kissed her deeply. That's when they heard Wilby whine at the door and he smiled, as their lips parted.

"I better take Wilby out," he said. She nodded and watched him get up and pull his clothes on.

"Come on boy," he called, as he took him out. Mary sighed and fell back into the soft down with a dreamy stare on her face. She was grateful that today was Saturday and neither of them had anywhere else to be, except for with each other. She got up and put her robe on, before going to the kitchen, intent on making them breakfast.

David picked up the Saturday paper, as Wilby did his business and skimmed the story about their valiant rescue of the Mayor's son.

"Oh...good morning, Mr. Nolan," Archie greeted, as he was walking by with Pongo. The two dogs sniffed at each other when he stopped.

"Good morning Dr. Hopper," he said coolly. He normally wasn't one to hold a grudge and he knew it wasn't really Archie's fault, but it was his words that led his (secret) grandson to go running into the mines.

"I'm glad I ran into you, though I am surprised that it's here," he said awkwardly. David smirked.

"Well, Mary Margaret is my girlfriend," he reminded. The ginger haired man reddened a bit, which David probably enjoyed entirely too much and he cleared his throat.

"Of course. I wanted to thank you for saving Henry. I would have never forgiven myself if something happened to him," Archie lamented.

"Henry is very special to us. There is nothing I wouldn't do for him or Mary and Emma for that matter," David replied. Archie nodded.

"It was still incredibly brave and you're right, Henry is a very special boy. I...I only wish Regina could see that," he mentioned.

"If the Mayor can't recognize what is right in front of her, then there is nothing you or I can do to change that. But we can stand up for Henry by standing up to her," David said.

"I...wish I was as brave as you are," he lamented.

"It's not about being brave," David countered and Archie looked at him curiously.

"It's about doing the right thing. About listening to your conscience and speaking for those who can't speak for themselves. And as much as Mary, Emma, and I will do anything for Henry, we're not the ones he needs in his corner here. He needs you. You're the doctor and he needs you to do what is best for him. Not what's best for Regina," David said passionately. Archie's eyes watered, as David's words struck him in the heart and then he sobered.

"You're absolutely right, Mr. Nolan. I hope you have a good day and please give Emma and Mary Margaret my regards," he said, as he gently tugged on Pongo's leash.

"Come on boy," he called. David started back up the steps and Wilby followed him inside.

Dr. Hopper continued down the street and wasn't surprised to run into Regina, even on a Saturday.

"Madam Mayor," he greeted coolly.

Dr. Hopper...good, I'm glad I ran into you. I wanted to discuss my son with you," she replied.

"I'm afraid I must afford Henry the same privilege that my other patients have, which means I'm not at liberty to discuss our sessions with anyone," he said boldly.

"Excuse me?" Regina barked. But the bespectacled man stood his ground.

"Dr. Hopper...I am his mother and need I remind you how unpleasant I can make your life! I can take your house, your livelihood, even your stupid dog," she growled.

"Madam Mayor...your threats are not going to change my mind. Henry deserves someone that will put him first and I'm going to do that," Archie said.

"Excuse me...are you saying that I don't put my son first?!" she bellowed.

"You said it, Madam Mayor. Not me," he responded. Regina was horrified by the usually malleable Doctor's refusal to take orders.

"You're making a very big mistake, Dr. Hopper," she warned.

"Henry is my patient and I will treat him as I see fit," Archie snapped, as he stalked away. She growled and wished she had her magic at that point. This town was quickly slipping from her control and she had to do something. It all could be traced back to Emma Swan. She needed her records from social services unsealed and Sidney wasn't making any progress. She needed to work a different angle, so she took out her phone and dialed a number.

"Mr. Tromera...it's Mayor Mills. Do you still have employ that hacker friend you mentioned?" she asked, though she knew the answer to that. Damon's hacker friend or rather subordinate was responsible for allowing Damon to counterfeit money, among other misdeeds, all of which Regina overlooked thanks to his sizable donations to many of her interests.

"Yes...Mr. Bertels still in my employ. What can we do for you, Madam Mayor?" he asked.

"I need your friend to hack into some sealed records in a Boston social services office," she replied.

"That sounds almost too easy. Let me guess...would these be the records of a Miss Emma Swan?" he asked. She smirked.

"Yes...and I appreciate discretion," she replied.

"Of course...but this kind of work isn't cheap," he reminded.

"Of course...you know money is no object," she stated.

"Money I have, Madam Mayor. What I do not have is a certain schoolteacher in my bed and now there's that pretty blonde idiot in my way," he growled. Regina rolled her eyes.

"And when I see a situation that allows you to make a move, I will let you know. But dealing with them is on you," Regina offered.

"That seems reasonable enough, Madam Mayor. I'll put Mr. Bertels on this task at once," he replied. She smirked.

"Excellent," she said, as she hung up.

Deep inside her, there was a slight twinge when she thought of exactly what Damon had in store for her stepdaughter. She should have been repulsed. Even as an enemy, she shouldn't wish such on another woman. She knew what Damon planned to do to her, but she was losing control too fast. Snow was bubbling to the surface. Letting Damon dispatch David and do as he pleased to Mary Margaret was the only way to destroy what was left of Snow inside her. It was evil...even for her. But she saw no other choice. Snow had gotten Daniel killed, so she deserved everything she got. Pushing that slight twinge away, she continued on with her day.

As David returned to the apartment, he smelled breakfast cooking. Wilby went to eat the dog food Mary had put down, while he went to the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Mary's waist, as she stood at the stove cooking eggs. She giggled, as he kissed his way down her neck.

"You're making it very hard to concentrate on making breakfast," she chided.

"Mmm...it does smell good, but so do you," he purred.

"Yes, but you can't eat me for breakfast," she teased.

"Oh I think you seriously underestimate my skills then, Miss Blanchard," he countered, as he captured her lips in his own. She sighed and melted into his kiss, just as they heard a loud sigh.

"Guys...I love you both and I'm really happy for you, but seriously? Can you tone it down till I've at least had coffee," she complained. Their lips parted and Mary turned the burner off, before putting the eggs on three plates.

"Sorry Em...we, uh got carried away," he said, as they smiled at each other.

"Yeah, that's one way of putting it," she grumbled, as she poured some coffee.

"Will bacon make up for it?" Mary tempted, as she waved the plate in front of her face. The blonde smirked.

"You know the way to my heart," she said, as she took her plate and they sat down to breakfast together.

"So...do you need to go into the station today?" Mary asked curiously.

"Yeah unfortunately. I told Graham I'd come in and help with the paperwork from that debacle we had yesterday. Then I'm going to check on Henry, whether Regina likes it or not," Emma mentioned.

"Regina should be grateful to you both. You saved Henry's life," Mary said.

"Pretty sure that's the only reason she'll tolerate my presence," Emma replied.

"What about you two?" Emma asked, diverting the attention back to them.

"Oh...I don't know. I guess I hadn't thought that far ahead," she mentioned, stealing a glance at David.

"Maybe we can take Wilby for a walk down by our favorite spot," he suggested.

"Oh and I think Belle will be opening the library soon. We could stop by and see how she's doing," Mary suggested. He smiled.

"That sounds perfect," he agreed, as they continued eating breakfast. Once they were finished, David helped Mary with the dishes, while Emma got ready for work.

"I'll see you guys later. Have fun on your walk," Emma called, as she grabbed her keys and hurried out the door. Once the door closed, Mary and David looked at each other longingly, before their lips crashed together.

Mary mewled into his kiss and gasped, as the robe she was wearing became a puddle on the floor.

_Snowing_

"Oh David…" she cried out, as his hands cupped her breasts. She bit her bottom lip to keep a moan at bay and clumsily tried to get his pants off. He kicked the offending garment away and she yelped, as he quite literally lifted her onto the island. Mary was stunned, for never in her wildest dreams had she imagined sex like this. But when he slid his hard, thick length into her again, she became lost in pure, unbridled pleasure and wrapped her small body around him, as he took her. She was sure she was blushing all the way down to her toes, as she screamed for him wantonly.

"Oh David...oh David...harder…" she pleaded, surprising herself, as she clawed at his back.

Sweat glistened on their bodies and she yelped again, as he slid into her again, this time holding her there, as he picked her up and moved her to the bed so he could do just as she begged him to. Mary's writhing form hit the bed and she gazed up at him with wide green eyes, panting and moaning eagerly, as he began moving again.

"Ohhh…" she cried, as he took her arms and pinned them above her head. He then proceeded to give her exactly what she pleaded for. Sharp, deep thrusts slowly built a rhythm and soon, he was pounding into her, mesmerized by her bobbing breasts.

"Mmm...David…" she cried, as she trembled beneath him. Her eyes flew open, as he found her sweet spot and drove his cock into it, taking great pleasure in watching her come in his arms. She cried out for him and quaked around his surging cock, as he finally came to, spilling inside her, before collapsing beside her.

_Snowing_

He took her in his arms and tucked her close to him, as they kissed tenderly in the afterglow of their powerful and very energetic lovemaking. Mary smiled at him, as he caressed her face

"I love you…" he told her and her eyes glistened with tears.

"I love you too," she answered, still hardly believing that this...that he was real. She remembered all the times she felt like nothing, all the times Regina had made her feel so small. All the times the townspeople had looked at her like she had a disease they were afraid to catch. All the scary encounters with Damon Tromera and the way he looked at her like she was something to eat. All the times she wondered if anyone would actually miss her if she was gone. And now...she had a best friend in Emma and a man that loved her in David. Their love and faith in her had started to fill the empty void inside her that she thought would never be filled. What had started out as a flicker inside her when she met Emma was slowly growing into a fire that David had stoked in her. She was empowered in a way she never thought possible for her and he made her feel free…

Graham swallowed the aspirin and chased it with some water. He couldn't believe he had done it again. After he had promised Emma to say no to Regina, somehow, the Mayor had convinced him to come to her house last night anyway. He was pretty sure Emma was going to hate him. When she took one look at him when she walked in, she could see right through him. He had given in again. She wanted to be angry, but after seeing that vault full of beating hearts, she couldn't place the blame on him. He was being forced to do what Regina asked and wasn't even aware of it.

"You look like hell," she commented, as she sat down at her desk.

"I feel it too," he added.

"I ran patrol. Everything's pretty quiet, so we should be able to catch up on the paperwork," she mentioned casually.

"Emma…" he started to say, but she put her hand up.

"Graham...I don't want to hear it. I'm not mad at you, but I don't want to know any details," she replied. He sighed and turned back to the paperwork on his desk.

"If you're okay here...I think I'll take a drive and get some air. I need to clear my head," he said. She nodded.

"I'll be fine," she replied, as she watched him go. She knew his heart was either with Regina or somewhere close to her at all times. She drummed her fingers on the desk, lost in thought. The night they were in the vault had been really dark and she wasn't able to properly look around with the kid. She didn't have a lot of information, but knew someone who might. Grabbing her keys, she headed out to the bug.

Mary Margaret couldn't remember the last time she had spent half the day in bed. And she was pretty sure she had never done so with someone. After another bout of after breakfast lovemaking, they had fallen asleep again and woke up to find that it was after lunchtime already. There was sandwiches eaten first, a shower taken together after, and then they were finally off to the library, her hand hooked on his arm and Wilby trotted beside them down Main Street. They arrived at the library and David poked his head in.

"Belle?" he called.

"Oh David...Mary, I'm so glad to see you," the brunette called, as they stepped in.

"Wow...it looks like this place is coming right along," he mentioned, noticing the crew working to renovate the space.

"I know...I told Mr. Gold that I didn't mind doing the work, but he wouldn't have it and hired this whole crew out of his own pocket," Belle said. Mary smiled at her.

"That was very nice of him," she mentioned, just as Wilby decided to do some investigating of his own.

"Wilby!" David called with a sigh.

"I'll be back," he said, as he hurried off after his wayward canine, leaving Belle and Mary to talk.

"So..Mr. Gold hired a crew for you," Mary teased, nudging her.

"Yes...and I heard from Jefferson when he was in the shop this morning that David didn't come home last night," Belle teased, nudging her back. Mary blushed and Belle chuckled.

"Don't worry, I'm not the type to gossip. I think it's wonderful and I'm so happy for you," Belle said. Mary looked down shyly.

"Thank you. It is wonderful...he's wonderful. I've...never felt like this before," she said. Belle smiled.

"I'm so glad for you," she said.

"Thanks. We came by to see if you need any help, but it looks like this crew has everything under control," she said.

"They do. I should be able to open soon. Then we can plan a trip for your students," Belle mentioned.

"I can't wait. This week, my class actually have another activity they're excited about. We're helping the new high school botany teacher plant a garden on campus," Mary mentioned in return.

"That sounds wonderful," she said.

"You know, Ms. Rose and I could use some help if you're not too busy…" Mary said. She didn't want to get her hopes up. She didn't usually have much luck in making friends, but she was hopeful that might change with Belle.

"I would love to!" Belle exclaimed. Mary smiled.

"Great...I think we're going to be working in the gardens most of the afternoon on Tuesday," the teacher said.

"I'll be there after lunch," she brunette replied. Mary smiled, as David returned, having managed to coral Wilby.

"Sorry, he's been itching for a walk all day, so he's a little wound up," he apologized.

"No apology needed," Belle replied, as she pet the dog.

"Maybe we should get that walk underway?" he asked Mary. She smiled and nodded, before hooking her hand on his elbow again.

"Have a good day," Mary called.

"You too. Have fun on your walk," Belle called back, as the couple continued on.

Emma had parked the bug a couple blocks away and walked to Jefferson's house from there. She knew there was a possibility that Sidney was tailing her car, so unless he was on foot and dashing into bushes, she was pretty sure no one was seeing her now.

She impatiently waited on the porch for the Hatter to answer.

"Deputy Swan...please come in," he offered.

"The official word on my visit is a follow up on the night you found my...David Nolan wandering in the woods near your house," she said, as she walked passed him and he shut the door.

"Of course...but you can trust me, you know. I have no love for the Queen and your father has actually grown on me. Does he have that effect on everyone?" Jefferson asked. Emma smirked.

"Well, he is the personification of his name. But he's always just been Dad to me," she replied.

"Yeah...the whole dreamscape thing was a surprise to say the least. And here I thought it would take practically an act of the Gods to make you a believer after growing up in this land," he mentioned.

"Yeah...I love modern technology and all, but other than that, it was a sucky way to grow up," she said.

"Anyway, I'm here to ask you about Graham," Emma stated.

"You're looking for his heart," Jefferson deduced.

"Uh...yeah, how did you know?" she asked.

"When you have nothing to do other than watch people for twenty-eight years, you learn stuff," she replied vaguely.

"Yeah...so the kid and I found her creepy vault the other night," she mentioned. Jefferson's eyes were in his hair.

"You found her vault?" he asked. She smirked.

"Actually, Henry did. He followed her there one day after telling her he was going to the arcade. My Mom used to tell me stories about Cora's room of hearts and how she could never shake the way that room made her feel. Until last night, I couldn't quite understand, but now...I don't think I'll ever get the sound of that room out of my head," she mentioned. Jefferson nodded.

"But you're here, because you don't think Graham's heart is in the vault," he said.

"No...she's controlling him. I know it," she replied.

"And you want me to tell you where it is?" he asked.

"A little insight would be nice. I mean, I doubt she's bold enough to walk around town with it in her pocket," Emma replied.

"Before you arrived, yes she was that bold. She knew no one would notice. But now...she suspects something is up. It wouldn't surprise me if she figures out who you are very soon," he warned. Emma bit her bottom lip.

"Well, I guess we'll deal with that when it happens. But I need to find Graham's heart," she pleaded. Jefferson sighed.

"If I had to guess, she probably keeps it locked up somewhere close. I don't think she'd risk the house, so I'd put money on her office," he replied. Her heart sank. Sneaking around Regina's house would have been difficult, but not impossible like her office. The security cameras alone would blow everything.

"I'm sorry...I wish I could be of more help. I'd like to save the Sheriff, but you need to keep an eye on your parents too," Jefferson said. She looked at him.

"You think Regina is planning something to get back at them?" Emma asked.

"It's what she does. They're walking around on air...she won't let it stand. I'm happy for them and I know they can't help but be like that around each other. But the question isn't what does she have planned for them. It's what doesn't she have planned for them," he replied. Emma's eyes widened.

"Damon...you really think she'd send him after my parents?" he asked.

"The question is why don't you? I know it's harder for you see her as the Queen and that you didn't see the things she's done to them personally, but she wants your mother to suffer," he replied.

"They've told me about some things she's done and Dad told me to story about Damon. But Mom always holds back. I keep telling her I can handle it…" Emma confessed.

"But she's your mother. It's her natural instinct to protect you. She needs to tell you everything though. You're the Savior and if you're going to save us, then you need to know exactly what you're up against," he said. Emma nodded. She knew her mother didn't like to tell her the more harrowing stories of her days as a bandit, but she was going to have to.

"I don't know everything, but Regina would hire the most vile men imaginable to hunt your mother. Your Mother is eternally lucky that no one like that ever got their hands on her, because there wouldn't have been much left of her when they turned her over the Queen," he warned. Emma nodded. She knew vaguely about those days and that didn't count the experiences her mother had in her younger years after her mother died. Every time the name Cora was mentioned, her mother visibly shuddered. Thinking there was someone worse than Regina was hard to imagine sometimes.

"I'll tell her I need to know...that's imperative to breaking the curse," Emma said. He nodded.

"I'm sorry I can't do more for Graham. But I believe breaking the curse and capturing Regina will be the only way to get his heart back," he said. She nodded.

"Then that's what I'm going to do," Emma said, as she left his house and set off back to her car. She would ease her Mother into the conversation gently, but she would urge her to tell her everything, even if she needed to do so slowly, for it was imperative that she knew her enemy and exactly what she was up against.