AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summaries.
Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)
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Thanks for awesomethe reviews. Here are individual responses:
Naomi Blue: I know, August is in for a surprise when the time comes! I can promise you that it will be much more emotional in this, vastly so. Glad you're enjoying!
Barratta Jennifer: Thanks, glad you enjoyed them!
Tammy henson: Glad you're enjoying!
Ragsweas: I know, Mary Margaret was feeling the pressure and almost caved. Fortunately Stephanie stepped in. Glad you're enjoying the story!
BooksinmyDreams: Thanks! Hope you had a good Christmas and New Year's too!
OUATlover2000: Thanks! So glad you're enjoying it!
Cassie: Wow...thanks! Believe me, I take it as a compliment. I always like to try and write stories I haven't seen done before or at least put my own spin on things so I'm really glad to hear that. So glad you like my writing. Ah, breaking the curse. Buckle up, it's going to be a good ride. :)
Beth1980: Yeah, David and Gold going to a bar together is pretty funny. I'm sure Jefferson will find a joke in there somewhere, lol. Their backgrounds are very simliar and that's why I wish they wouldn't have dropped the budding friendship they had in season 2. Yep, Emma knows and yes, they'll have a one on one eventually. As for Mitchell, yes, he's cursed to be a jerk and will regret his actions. George is just a jerk always, of course. Glad you're enjoying!
Sara K M: Thanks! Glad you liked the parallels with "giving the best chance". I thought it was important to make those comparisons. Yeah, MM doesn't know yet, but she wouldn't be able to understand right now. Glad you liked the panic about being related to Hades, I thought it was appropriate. Yeah, MM almost gave in there thinking she might be protecting David if she did so. Fortunately Stephanie stepped in. Glad you're enjoying!
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 25: New Year, New Hope
David walked into the bar with Gold behind him and observed his surroundings. It was a bit different than the taverns back in the Enchanted Forest, but seemed to have some of the same elements. Men drinking their lives away. It reminded him a bit too much of what his father had become and he had never spent much time in the taverns. But this was for a purpose and they quickly spotted Lacey. She was definitely dressed in something Belle would never wear and he knew this was going to be an uphill battle.
They moved up to the bar and ordered two beers, while Lacey continued to play billiards opposite another man, whose eyes wandered over her.
"This was a bad idea," Rumple hissed.
"No it isn't...buy her a drink and send it over," David suggested.
"That's your advice? Buy her a drink?" Gold asked. The Prince shrugged.
"It's an icebreaker. Then maybe you can go over and play opposite of her," David replied.
"Do I look like I know how to play billiards?" Rumple hissed. David rolled his eyes.
"No...but that doesn't matter. I didn't know how to be a prince either, but I learned. I know you're used to planning out everything down to the very last letter, but that's not how relationships work," he advised. Rumple gave him a curious look.
"You and...Mary Margaret. How does that work?" Rumple asked.
"Well...for Snow and me, our relationship was built on trust. One of the first things I told her after I awoke her from the sleeping curse was that I wasn't a real prince. I wanted her to know everything about who she wanted to be with," he said.
"Was she angry?" he asked.
"No...she was grateful that I was honest with her and she put my insecurities to rest, you know about not actually being a royal. She told me she loved me for who I was," he replied.
"How does that help me?" he asked. David smirked.
"I'm getting to that. See...Mary isn't Snow, but somehow I fell for her anyway. I fell for the parts of her that were still Snow and the parts that were Mary and exactly who she is," he explained.
"So you think I can develop a relationship with Lacey?" he asked. David shrugged.
"It's worth a shot. She's not Belle, just like Mary isn't Snow. But that didn't matter, because now I love both," he said. Gold signaled for the bartender and ordered her another of whatever she was drinking. It was sent over and their eyes met across the bar. She cocked her head slightly, as he limped over to the pool table.
"What are you doing here?" she asked curiously.
"Can't a man buy a beautiful woman a drink?" he replied.
"I'm not Belle," she reminded.
"I know...I believe it is Lacey whom I bought the drink for," he replied. She was silent for a moment, giving him a scrutinizing gaze.
"You play?" she asked, as she racked the billiards.
"Not really, but I'm a fast learner. Why don't you show me how to play," he suggested. She smirked and handed him a pool stick.
"I'll break," she said, as she shot the cue ball and the balls scattered, pocketing two solid balls.
"I'm solids...you're stripes," she stated, as she took another shot, until she finally missed. He copied her actions and aimed the pool stick at the cue ball, before hitting it. It smacked into a striped ball, which rolled into the corner pocket. She smirked.
"Not bad for a beginner," she complimented, as she noticed David at the bar.
"So...you and chisel chin over there are friends?" she asked curiously.
"Does that surprise you?" Gold answered back.
"A bit...isn't he the Sheriff's deputy?" she asked.
"He is...but somehow our friendship works. Sometimes the things that are the most unlikely work better than you can imagine," he replied, giving her the sense he was not talking about his friendship with Deputy Nolan.
"Hmm...I guess we'll see," she leered, as they continued to play the game.
Mary and Stephanie walked to the diner, after spending a couple hours selling candles in one of the neighborhoods.
"Thanks for helping me sell candles," Mary said.
"You're welcome...I just wish we had a little more success. That was a tough neighborhood," Stephanie replied.
"Yeah...I hate disappointing sister Astrid, but I think I bit off more than I can chew. No one seems to wants to buy them from me or help the nuns at all," Mary said dejectedly.
"Hey...we have still have some time. We'll find a way to help Astrid, but right now, we're going to celebrate," she said, as they entered the diner.
"I hope you're right...but Regina has really been working overtime spreading all kinds of lies about me. I mean...the way some of those people were looking at me. I felt like I had tramp stamped on my forehead," she muttered.
"Hey...no, you are not a tramp and very far from it. You and David have a wonderful relationship. David divorced Kathryn years ago and if those people are dumb enough to buy Regina's lies that you're somehow keeping them from a second chance, then they are not very bright. Because anyone that sees you and David together can see how much you two belong together," Stephanie implored. Mary smiled.
"Thanks," she replied, as they found a table.
Once David decided Gold didn't need him anymore, he headed out and off to Granny's. As he rounded the corner and came up to the diner, he found two men waiting for him. One of them he recognized as Thomas' father and he'd been told he was known as Mitchell Herman here. And the other made his blood boil with rage, as he was someone who had tried to destroy their happiness more than once.
"Deputy Nolan...we figured we might find you showing up here sooner or later," Albert stated.
"I have nothing to say to either of you," David replied sternly, as he walked past them.
"I think you'll want to hear what we have to say. Your girlfriend was quite uncooperative," Spencer retorted. David froze and turned around.
"What the hell are you talking about?" he asked.
"We made a visit to Miss. Blanchard at her classroom today and encouraged her to drop the charges against Mr. Tromera. If her friend hadn't interfered, I think she would have made the right decision," Mitchell stated.
"If you threatened her…" David growled.
"Come now, Mr. Nolan, we are respected members of the community. We would never think of doing such a thing," Spencer lied.
"We simply tried to convey that it would be in everyone's best interest to avoid a trial. Should you and Miss Blanchard drop the charges, Mr. Spencer is prepared to grant you the restraining order," Mitchell said.
"Damon Tromera is a monster. A restraining order won't stop him and he belongs behind bars," David replied firmly.
"It's like we told Miss Blanchard...I can promise you that going through with a trial will ruin you both," Albert promised.
"We'll take our chances," David answered, as he went into the diner. His frustration and anger melted immediately, as his eyes rested on Mary and Emma, who were both with Stephanie and talking to Archie and Marco.
Mary's face lit up when she saw him.
"There you are," she cooed, as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. Mary felt her heart flutter and she wrapped her arms around his neck, as he kissed her deeply.
"Guys...it's not even close to midnight yet," Emma teased, as their lips parted.
"Like that's going to stop us," he retorted, as he wriggled his eyebrows playfully, making Mary giggle, as she cuddled close to him. The faster song that was playing ended and changed to a slower, romantic tune.
"Dance with me?" he asked. She smiled and nodded, as he led her to the dance floor. Mary never remembered a time where she had been happier.
Unfortunately, Ashley was far from happy.
As she refilled a few drinks, she was surprised when she looked up to find Sean there.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, as she tried to push past him.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing," he stammered.
"I'm not sure why you care," she replied, as she tried to push past him again.
"Of course I care. Please...just talk to me," he pleaded.
"There's nothing to talk about. Soon this baby will be born and then we'll figure this out together," she said, as she put a hand on her stomach.
"Wait...I thought you were putting the baby up for adoption. My father said…"
But she cut him off.
"Your father encouraged that deal, so his son wouldn't have to burdened with the responsibility of a child. But I've changed my mind...I'm keeping the baby," she replied.
"But…" he started to say.
"Don't worry Sean, the baby and I won't be a burden to you. I want nothing from you or your father," she snapped.
"Ashley...wait," he called. But she stormed away and went outside for some air. However, that would prove to be no better, as she ran into Albert Spencer and Mitchell Herman.
"Ms. Boyd, I'm glad we ran into you this evening," Mitchell greeted. She sniffed and wrapped her arms around herself to keep warm.
"Somehow I doubt that," she replied.
"We heard that Mr. Gold is letting you out of your contract. That you've changed your mind," Mitchell stated.
"I have...but don't worry, I won't be asking you for a dime," she retorted. The attorney sighed.
"Ms. Boyd, you are unfit to raise this child. If you do not fulfill your part of the contract, you'll force me to file suit against you. Child Protective Services will investigate and things will not go your way," Mitchell warned.
"You can't take my baby from me," she cried.
"He can and he will if you are found to be unfit by the courts, Ms. Boyd. Do you really think you can support this child?" Albert asked.
"It's my right to try," she said, as she stormed away. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks, as she realized what she had to do in order to keep her baby.
"You weren't kidding. You are a fast learner, but your poker skills were even more impressive," Lacey mentioned.
"Just a little magic with the cards," he replied, as Keith stalked up to them.
"Gold...we need to talk," the drunk growled.
"We have nothing to discuss, Mr. Anderson, least of all your lamentations concerning your abysmal poker skills," Gold stated.
"You cheated…" he accused.
"Hardly. I just happen to have...magic with cards, as I was telling Lacey. However, I did see you switch the deck after we dealt out. Perhaps you'd like to me share that with your distinguished colleagues at the table over there. I bet they'd be most interested to hear that," Gold threatened.
"Or maybe I just flatten you...and take what's owed to me," he growled. But Gold remained unfazed, impressing Lacey.
"You could do that. Physically, I am no match for you. But I caution you to remember who owns the building you live in...and who is really in control in this town," Gold hissed. Keith pulled back at that.
"Good decision. Now get away from us and concentrate on recouping what you lost tonight. Your rent is due in five days," he growled. Keith stumbled away and tripped over Gold's cane, as he returned to the table.
"Wow...you are as bad as they say," she said, in awe.
"You like that?" he asked in surprise. Belle would have been appalled by what he had just done, but Lacey seemed to be the opposite.
"I like power...and I'm drawn to those who have it," she purred.
"Power is everything," he agreed, as he almost jumped when she stroked his arm.
"My place is a bit small," she mentioned.
"Mine's not," he replied.
"Maybe we could go there then," she leered. Gold tossed down some cash on the bar and she hooked her hand on his elbow, as he led her out to his car.
Mary and David swayed slowly together, as another slow song played again and she rested her head on his shoulder, just relishing the feeling of being close to him and his strong arms around her. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and rested his hands on the small of her back.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"About how wonderful this year turned out to be. Last year, I was alone and this year, I have everything. I...I don't ever want to go back to a place where you're not in my life," she confessed.
"And you won't. What we have is forever," he promised, as they shared another kiss, just as the music cut and the countdown began. But instead of waiting for midnight to kiss, they continued to kiss each other right up to midnight. As everyone cheered around them, their lips finally parted and they exchanged hugs with Emma and their other friends. But the celebration halted when Ruby came running in.
"Emma!" she cried.
"Ruby...what's wrong?" Emma asked.
"It's Ashley. She texted me and told me she's leaving Storybrooke. She says it's the only way she can keep her baby!" Ruby exclaimed.
"But Gold agreed to let her out of that contract," David replied.
"Yes...but someone else told her they were going to promise she would be declared an unfit mother," Ruby explained, as she glared at Mitchell Herman.
"What the hell did you do?" Emma demanded to know.
"I simply told her the truth. She is unfit to raise a child. The courts will agree," he responded.
"Or maybe they won't," Emma growled.
"Dad...how could you? I did everything you asked! I left her, even though I love her!" Sean cried angrily.
"Sean...I'm doing what's best for you. That girl is no good for you," he admonished.
"No...you're doing what's best for you!" And it's time I do what I want for me!" Sean retorted, as he approached Emma.
"Please help me find her. I need to make this right," he pleaded. Emma nodded.
"We'll come too," David added, as he took Mary's hand and they piled into the bug. If everything Henry said about the town line was true, then Ashley was probably in serious trouble.
Emma was not surprised to see Ashley's car in the ditch, just inside the town line. Henry was pretty insistent that bad things happened when anyone cursed tried to leave town.
"Oh my God...Ashley!" Sean cried, as he flew out of the car. She had managed to get out of the front seat and into the backseat, despite a gash on her forehead.
"Sean...what are you doing here?" she asked.
"I came to find you. I'm sorry...I should have never listened to my father. I love you," he confessed. She sniffed.
"I love you," she replied, as she cried out in pain, as a contraction hit.
"We need to get you to the hospital," he said.
"It's too late...my water broke. The baby is coming," she cried.
"The ambulance is on its way," Emma said, as she pocketed her phone.
"It's too late to move her," David said. Emma looked at him and could tell he was recalling her birth and how he could not move her mother to the wardrobe once Snow's water broke.
"I've got a blanket in the bug," Emma said, as she went to grab it.
"Okay Sean...get to her head and hold her to support her," David said, as the younger man climbed into the backseat from the other side and did so.
"Do you know what you're doing?" he asked skeptically. David knew he had to think of a plausible answer quickly, as he obviously couldn't say he'd been there for Emma's birth. But he had helped his mother birth plenty of lambs on the farm.
"Well...in my short time at the animal clinic, I assisted the vet in a couple birthings with the animals. I know the mechanics of what's happening," he explained.
"I've volunteered some in the maternity ward. We can do this," Mary added, as she put her hand on his arm.
"Okay Ashley...on the next contraction you need to push as hard as you can," David instructed, as Emma knelt beside him. Ashley cried out in pain, as she pushed as hard as she could on the next contraction. She fell back in exhaustion against Sean.
"Okay...the head is crowning. This is a really big push," Mary said, as she squeezed the girl's hand. Ashley screamed in agony, as she pushed again. She fell back against Sean again, as she cried.
"You're almost there. One more big push," Emma encouraged.
"I don't think I can," she sobbed.
"You can. They told you that you can't keep the baby, but you are. They told you that you can't raise this baby, but you can, so you can do this too," Emma insisted. Ashley cried out and pushed again. David cradled the newborn baby. He was instantly taken back to that night twenty-eight years ago when he cradled Emma the same way.
"It's a girl," he said, as Emma wrapped her in the blanket. The baby began crying, as he placed her in Ashley's arms and the new parents stared down the tiny bundle in awe.
"Congratulations," Mary told them, as she looked longingly at the baby and David put his arms around her. They shared a look and he hoped to convey to her with that look that this would happen for them. He hadn't really had time to sort his feelings out about it, but he and Snow had always wanted more than one child. He knew that if it didn't happen, Emma would be enough for them, despite the fact that she was grown now. They hadn't raised her while awake, but they had in their dreams. It was better than it could have been without the dreamscape. At least Emma knew how loved she was and he did hope that if this happened for them in the future, that their daughter wouldn't think they were trying to replace her.
For Mary, she didn't remember that she had ever given birth, but sbe loved children. Until David came into her life though, she hadn't dared to entertain the possibility of having a baby. But now...she found herself yearning to have one with him. She knew she was probably getting ahead of herself, but the look he gave her was more than enough in that moment. For she knew that this could very well be in their future, a future she had never imagined possible for her.
The ambulance arrived and took Sean and Ashley to the hospital to have them checked out. Emma shared a smile with Mary and David, as they got back into the bug and followed it back to town.
It was a new year and one more happy ending had been restored. It gave Emma that elusive hope that this year would mean more returned happy endings. She knew they had a lot ahead of them and it would be one hell of a fight. They still had to face Damon Tromera in court and there were sure to be many more obstacles in their path. But hope had returned to Storybrooke and with it, Emma believed they could weather the storm ahead as long as they were, as her father would say, together...