AN: See chapter 1 for story notes and summaries.
Ships: Snowing, Rumbelle, Swan Believer, eventual Swanfire, and a delightful Golden Mad Charming BroT3. :)
Please consider leaving a review. Feedback is much appreciated.
Thanks for awesomethe reviews. Here are individual responses:
tammy henson: Updates are once a week, on Wednesday nights. Glad you like the story.
Barratta Jennifer: Glad you enjoyed it!
Naomi Blue: I know, I'm so glad Mary punched him too! Yes, they are getting married so no one can ruin it.
Ragsweas: Yep, David has something planned and it's going to be good! Glad you liked Stephanie and David's conversation.
Number Ten: Yep, it's appropriate for V-day. As for roses, it's in an earlier chapter. Damon always sends Mary roses and she always pricks herself on the thorns. Roses are basically a symbol of Damon in this story.
Guest: I agree! It is time she punched him!
Paulaa90: Yep, they set a trap and he took the bait. The confrontation is coming soon. Ruby was a bit careless, but she didn't mean to. As for Regina trying to stop the wedding...you'll see that she was sure she had in this chapter and why she ends up being wrong. Yeah, it was a great moment for Mary, but you are right to be worried. Glad you're enjoying!
BooksinmyDreams: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Sara K M: Glad you enjoyed the V-Day theme and yes, way better than the show. I truly loved writing the scene where Emma is explaining Valentine's Day to her father. Honestly, I think they missed an opportunity by giving David false memories. Charming learning to navigate the Land Without Magic would have been way more fun.
I agree, I don't normally think they should fudge with the laws either. Especially since Mary would have a clear self defense as the motive for punching him. But in this case, Damon is just one of those people that you want to bend any rule to make sure he loses. And you're right, Storybrooke operates a bit differently, even more so when magic comes into play. Yep, August has the dagger and it's not this chapter they find out, but very soon. :)
Guest: Well, then I guess if you don't like it, then don't read? It's not squicky or did you miss the part where David confessed that he had fallen in love with Mary too? He loves Snow, but he has also fallen for Mary. In a certain way, Mary sees him as her Prince Charming. But if you cannot see this story for the love and family story that it is, then please move on and stop reading. You can't bring me or this story down. You can't even leave a signed review. Want to actually have a real discussion about this? Grow some courage and leave a signed review. So many lies? Nah, nothing that isn't clear when the curse breaks. The real lie? That you think your reviews are valid.
Beth1980: haha, yeah he would do more than just kill them if they lost the dagger for good. And yes, David has to buy chocolate for them both. I loved him having to learn what V-day is all about. It's too fun to write. I know, you have a very good point about Damon getting into the school. No security at a school in a town that's been frozen for twenty-eight years though, I'm afraid. Yes, I took that line from the Snowing wedding in the pilot. Snow is peaking through every now and then. The August confrontation is coming punch was awesome and yeah, no one would choose that creep over Charming. I really like that Gold was amused too. Yep, surprise wedding. You know, it's funny you say that, because I was so tempted to have her get her memories back at the wedding. But I have a very specific moment/situation in my head where she gets them back. I'm going to stick with that scenario, even though this was tempting. It will be worth it though. So yes, schoolteacher Mary Margaret is getting a wedding night with her Prince Charming. Glad you're enjoying!
Izzypirelli: Lol! Yes, go Mary Margaret! Yep, Snow is peaking through every now and then. Glad you like that David is building her up. That is one thing I wanted to highlight in this story. Yes, Charming is husband goals, definitely. Yep, romance ahead! Tacos in the next chapter! Time for something a bit softer, before we get super heavy again. Secret wedding time!
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 32: Perfect, Pt 2
David stood on the stoop of the large house, 102 Mifflin Street to be exact. The street of mansions where Storybrooke's elite resided. Regina's house was just a few down from this one. George's a little further beyond that. Mitchell Herman occupied the one across the way and Damon Tromera's lavish mansion was just around the corner. The corruption and injustice of it all made David sick to his stomach. But that was why he was here tonight. He was determined to have one victory and it would take Judge Abernathy's help to accomplish it.
"Are you sure this is going to work?" Jefferson asked, as he stood beside the Prince.
"No...but I have to try. He screwed us over, so I'm going to convince him to grant this one simple request. He owes us," David replied.
"He's probably not going to see it that way," Jefferson warned.
"He will...because I'm not leaving here until he does," David retorted, as the door opened and the judge looked confused.
"Deputy Nolan...is there a problem?" the Judge asked.
"Yes...but one that's easily fixed. May we come in?" David asked in return. The Judge didn't look happy, but nodded curtly, allowing them inside.
"What is this about?" he asked.
"This...sign it and we'll be out of your hair," David said, as he handed him a document.
"This is a marriage license," he stated.
"Yep...I want to marry my fiance tonight instead of the date we set. Now sign it," David replied. The Judge sighed.
"Mr. Nolan...in the state of Maine and most states for that matter, both parties must be present when being issued a marriage license," he informed.
"I'm aware, but since you set a monster free with your decision, he'll be around to ruin the wedding we planned next month. So, this is a bit of a pre-emptive strike. We're getting married tonight, before he can do anything," David replied.
"So...you barge into my home and demand this of me, because you believe I owe you," he Judge stated in a condescending manner.
"You do owe us!" David snapped.
"I know they threatened you or bought you. I may not be able to prove it, but you didn't just decide on your own to overturn that verdict," he continued.
"You put my soon to be wife in incredible danger by letting that man walk and now she's afraid he's going to ruin our wedding. At least do her this favor and grant this marriage license so he can't," David implored passionately.
"Antagonizing him by doing this will not bode well for either of you," the Judge warned, as he signed the document.
"If the Mayor asks, I'm going to tell her you threatened me. I hope you are ready for the storm you're about to unleash, Mr. Nolan," he warned. David knew it was as close to a confirmation that the Judge had set aside the verdict for the exact reasons he suspected.
"I'll fight them with everything I have," David assured, as he snatched the document out of his hand and Jefferson wordlessly followed him out of the house.
"I'm impressed...though if he says you threatened him later, that could be a problem," the Hatter warned.
"I know...but I'm marrying the woman I love tonight. Nothing is going to stop me and once we break the curse, maybe the tide will finally turn," David replied, as they got back into the cruiser and headed back toward Granny's.
Damon Tromera stormed into his club, which his employees were running as usual that evening. He went straight for his office and slammed the door shut. His rage exploded, as he yelled in anger and everything on his desk went flying to the floor. His head was killing him and the alcohol burned his throat, as he gulped down straight vodka.
"You have humiliated me for the last time, Mary…" he growled. He was so livid that he could practically feel his blood boiling in his veins and the pain in his head was excruciating.
"Enjoy this evening, Mary…" he growled, as he poured himself another drink.
Mary followed her friends, as they walked along the streets of Storybrooke in the direction of the diner.
"Mary, I'm so sorry that I was careless with that invitation. I should have known better than to set it down on the counter," Ruby apologized.
"It's not your fault, Ruby. I know you didn't mean to," Mary replied.
"Well...I think we've devised a plan to make sure Damon Tromera can't interrupt the wedding," Stephanie said, as they rounded the corner to Granny's.
"How?" Mary asked and then she looked ahead of her friends and saw what awaited her. A portion of the street was blocked off, thanks to Emma's authority as Sheriff. The ground was littered with hundreds of snow bell petals and clear colored Christmas lights twinkled above, having been strung all over Granny's, the surrounding trees, and light poles. At the other end of the partitioned area, there was a gorgeous white archway that had been set up. It was decorated with orchids, snow bells, and twinkling lights as well. There, waiting for her was David, dressed in a tux, which made her knees week. He stood next to Archie, who smiled brightly, overjoyed to officiate this occasion.
White chairs lines either side of the petal filled aisle where their guests would sit. Among those guests were Leroy, Astrid, Tom Clark, Walter, a few teachers from school, Granny, Sean Herman, who held his daughter and had a vacant seat for Ashley, and Marco. Mary looked at David, as he approached and she felt weak all over, but in a good way, for his eyes were shining with love.
"I decided I couldn't wait any longer...that I need you to be my wife. I know this isn't the day we planned, but if you're willing, I'd love nothing more than to marry you tonight," he said passionately. She smiled and wiped a tear away.
"But if you want to wait until the day we planned, I understand completely," he added. But she shook her head.
"No...I don't want to wait either. I want to marry you now...I just don't have my dress. It's at the loft," she replied.
"Actually...your dress and our dresses are all inside my old room at the Inn," Emma interjected, as she gestured toward Granny's. Mary smiled brightly and giggled.
"I can't believe you all did this for me," she said, truly humbled, as tears started falling down her cheeks.
"Because we all love you...so much," Stephanie said, as she and Emma hugged her from either side. Ruby cheered.
"Let's get you two hitched!" she shouted and they laughed. Mary was ushered inside by Emma and Stephanie, with Ruby and Ashley following to help.
Regina finished her cider and checked the clock. It was a little past nine and she went upstairs for the night. Quietly, she peeked into Henry's room, smiling, as she saw a lump in the bed, burrowed under the covers. All that she could see was the top of his brown haired head illuminated by the rotation of his swan nightlight. Satisfied that he was tucked in for the night, she retired to her own room.
Mary opened her eyes, as Stephanie finished applying a very light, neutral colored shimmer to her eyelids and turned to gaze at herself in the mirror. Her pixie cut was combed neatly, with her bangs sweeping to the side over her forehead and her eyes were practically sparkling like emeralds with the enhancement of some careful, yet subtle eye makeup. Her cheeks had a very light pink tint against her fair skin and Ashley swept a makeup brush over her face one more time as a final touch. Ruby put a tissue to her lips and she blotted, after the former applied a light lip gloss, bringing out the natural red in her lips.
"Time for the dress," Stephanie said, as they helped her into it. The dress had a sweetheart neckline with slim straps. The bosom and bodice of the dress was dazzled with shimmering rhinestones and a sheer iridescent layer that glittered. The skirt of the dress was pure satin, also with the same glittering iridescent layer. Emma smiled at her and fitted a crown they had the boutique fashion from snow bells on her head. Ashley pinned the veil in her hair and Ruby draped it over her face. They stepped back to admire.
"You have got to be the most beautiful bride ever," Stephanie said fondly.
"Yep...David's going to faint," Emma joked. Mary looked down shyly.
"Thank you...all of you for doing all this," she said gratefully.
"You're very welcome," Ruby said.
"We love you," Ashley added. Since Mary was ready, Ruby and Ashley slipped out to take their seats, while Emma and Stephanie quickly changed into their dresses. Both donned beautiful lavender dresses made of satin and just as they finished, there was a knock at the door. Emma opened it and was surprised to see Henry standing there.
"Kid...what are you doing here?" Emma asked in surprise.
"I'm the ring bearer, so I sneaked out when you told me Miss Blanchard was having a surprise wedding tonight," he replied.
"You know I can't condone you sneaking out," she chided sternly, but then dissolved into a smile.
"But I'm glad you're here. Let's get you into your tux," she said, as she ushered him in.
"Wow Miss Blanchard...you look really pretty," Henry said in awe, thinking that she looked much like she did in the book. She smiled.
"Thank you Henry. I'm glad you're here to share this with us," she replied. He smiled.
"Me too," he agreed, as Emma helped him get into his tux. There was another knock and they knew that was probably Granny, signaling that it was time.
As David waited at the altar, he chatted with Archie.
"Are you nervous?" the ginger-haired man asked. David smiled and looked at him.
"Not even a little. I've been ready to marry her since the moment I saw her," David answered.
"It's not very often that there is such an example of true love right before us like this. I am so honored to be here to witness this," Archie stated. David smiled.
"I'm just glad everyone was able to come on short notice. Thank you for getting ordained so quickly, by the way," the blonde replied. Archie smiled.
"Thank the Internet and I think I speak for everyone present in saying that we wouldn't miss this for anything," he said, as they saw Emma prod Henry along. He grinned at his grandson, as he carried a pillow with the things down the aisle.
"Looking sharp, kid," David said, as he gave him a hug.
"I'm so glad you're here, Henry," he whispered to the boy.
"Me too Gramps," Henry whispered back, as Stephanie walked down the aisle, next with a bouquet of snowdrops and wildflowers. She gave David a secret smile and took her place. Emma was next, carrying a bouquet similar to Stephanie's and shared an excited, bright smile with her father. Getting to attend this ceremony and share this with them meant more to Emma than she had initially realized. She may have been the savior, but her parents were helping her return hope to their people.
Just mere months ago, all those present here tonight barely spoke to each other and carried out lonely, mundane lives. But now...they had become something of a family. They still had a ways to go, but nights like this one made Emma realize that they could win.
She hugged her father once she reached the altar.
"I love you Daddy," she whispered.
"I love you too Princess," he whispered back, before she took her place. He smiled at her and Henry again, before his attention was captivated by the woman that owned his heart. He was always amazed by her ability to stun him. She floated to him, her eyes already misty from the realization that this was actually happening. She reached the altar and handed her bouquet off to Emma, as she joined hands with him. Archie smiled brightly at them both.
"It is with great honor and joy that we come together on this evening to celebrate the love between David and Mary Margaret and join them in Holy Matrimony," Archie began.
"I think it goes without saying that we have all been touched and inspired, as we watched the two of you fall in love so completely. I know it's hard to put into words the hope you've brought to us and how we've come to be like a family. You two are what brought us together and the glue that holds this little group together. So it is only fitting that we hear you speak your vows to each other and express your love in words for all to hear," Archie said, as David smiled at her.
"When I woke up from the coma, there wasn't a lot that that made sense. Except you. When I first looked into your eyes that night when you found me in the woods, I knew that if I followed you, then everything would be right," he began.
"You were like a light to guide me. Not back to someone I supposedly was before my injuries, but to the person I wanted to be. I knew from the moment I looked at you that I wanted to marry you, so I strive to be a man worthy of your love. What we have is true love, without a doubt and eternal. It goes beyond just this life and I know that whatever life we find ourselves in that I will always find you, just as you found me. And I know that no matter what we face, we shall do so together. I love you, Mary Margaret Blanchard and I'm going to spend eternity showing you how much," he promised. She sniffed and swiped a tear away.
"I'm not sure I know how to follow a speech like that," she croaked, as her eyes glistened.
"Before you awoke from your coma...my life was so empty. I might as well have been in a coma myself some days, for I felt invisible most of the time; like I didn't fit anywhere. Then I found you and realized that where I fit; in your arms. Being with you has been like dreaming while I'm awake and the thought that I get to spend the rest of my life and beyond with you is overwhelming, because I never thought I could have something as incredible as the love we have," she confessed, pausing for a beat.
"I was incomplete before you, because you're the other half of my soul and when you awoke, I felt like I was waking up too in a way," she said, gazing at him with love glowing in her eyes.
"Henry was right...you are my Prince Charming. I thought a love like ours only happened in fairy tales...but this is real, so real that you leave me breathless and unhinged and whole every moment we are together. I may have found you that night in the woods...but you found me too," she said. He smiled.
"And you thought you couldn't follow my vows," he replied, as everyone chuckled and she smiled shyly.
"It is without a doubt that we are in the presence of true love this evening," Archie said, as they looked up, noticing that snow was falling softly upon them.
"A ring symbolizes eternity and never ending, which makes it very appropriate for this union especially," Archie stated, before looking to David.
"David...do you take Mary Margaret to be your wife?" Archie asked. He smiled.
"I do," he answered and slipped the wedding band onto her finger.
"And do you, Mary Margaret, take David to be your husband?" he asked.
"I do," she answered, as she slipped the wedding band on his finger.
"What we have joined here today, let no one tear asunder. I now pronounce you husband and wife," he announced.
"You may kiss your bride," Archie prompted. David closed the short distance between them and kissed her passionately. All present cheered and unbeknown to them, Sidney Glass was taking photos from his car, which was parked nearby. He easily sent the photos from his camera to his phone and then sent a text to the Mayor.
David kissed Mary deeply, as they lost themselves in each other for a few moments, until they heard someone clear their throat.
"Come on lovebirds, we're all going inside your reception before we freeze," Granny said. They shared a smile and then Mary yelped in surprise, as he swept her into his arms, before carrying her inside to celebrate with their friends.
Regina's phone beeped, as she came out of the bathroom in her pajamas. She checked her phone and her blood boiled at the photo on her screen. David and Mary Margaret getting married in front of Granny's with her son in the mix. She stormed down to her son's room and yanked back the covers, finding a pillows rolled to make it look like a person. She angrily threw the pillows off the bed and stormed back to her bedroom to quickly get dressed.
The reception was small, but perfect and with the jukebox playing the perfect love song, David and Mary shared their first dance, as husband and wife, surprising everyone that he even knew how to slow dance and well at that.
"Where did a guy in a coma learn to dance like that?" Ruby commented.
"I have to say I'm curious about that myself," Mary whispered to him, as he twirled her.
"Guess I'm just full of surprises," he answered coyly. She smiled, as he twirled her back to him, this time pressing her back against his front, as he held her like that and they swayed.
"You are...and I can't wait to discover all those surprises in our life together," she mentioned. He kissed her hair.
"Me too, my darling," he whispered back.
"All right lovebirds...time for the toast and cake," Granny announced, as she brought out the small wedding cake she had baked. And to their surprise, Leroy stood up and cleared his throat.
"Yeah...so I hate weddings and people," Leroy began.
"But this one was all right and you two are okay too, even though I can't usually stomach all this gooey shi…" Leroy said, but stopped, as Granny gave him a glare.
"Shtuff," he corrected himself and held up his glass.
"To David and Mary Margaret," he toasted, as they proceeded to cut the cake.
"Kid...you need to finish your cake so we can get you back home," Emma urged, trying not to smile at him, as his face had frosting all over it.
"Okay…" he relented, as they glanced over to the happy couple. They were also enjoying cake, with Mary in David's lap and feeding it to each other. Emma rolled her eyes playfully. Only her parents. But she was glad they were so happy.
"Uh oh…" she heard Ruby utter and joined her at the window. It was Regina's car and the Mayor got out, as she stormed toward the diner, clearly livid.
"Crap…" Emma said, as she went to head her off. Stephanie followed, ready to go toe to toe with Mayor Mills and keep her from spoiling this night for her daughter.
"Miss Swan...you bring my son out here right now," Regina growled.
"Easy Mayorzilla…I agree that he probably shouldn't have sneaked out, but he just wanted to come to David and Mary's wedding," Emma retorted.
"Which you would have forbade him to do," Stephanie added.
"This doesn't concern you," Regina snapped.
"Oh it does and you know why," Stephanie snapped back.
"This wedding should have never happened. I explicitly instructed Judge Abernathy to deny that marriage license," Regina said. Emma shrugged.
"Guess David persuaded him to sign it, after all," the blonde replied. Regina smirked.
"If I find out that he threatened the judge, I'll force you to arrest him and make sure he ends up in a jail cell with no possibility of escape," the Mayor warned.
"You leave my parents alone…" Emma growled, finally slipping and revealing that she knew their true identities, even though Regina suspected that she knew. She laughed.
"So you do know...I have to admit that I'm curious as to how. I've read your file, after all. You grew up alone...found like trash on the side of the road. The authorities even looked for the so called deadbeat parents that dumped you there. That's about right, considering your father threw you in a tree," Regina hissed. Emma growled and started to advance, but Stephanie held her back.
"Temper, temper, Miss Swan...you wouldn't want me to start telling people that you think your parents are Snow White and Prince Charming, would you? I read that part of your file too. The medical community thought you were quote, a very disturbed little girl," Regina continued to goad.
"Shut up…" Emma growled.
"I wonder what the Judge will have to say about his little visit from David tonight?" Regina asked, as she pulled out her phone.
"Don't you dare…" Stephanie warned.
"Or what?" Regina challenged and Stephanie smirked.
"Or David won't be the only one being investigated," Stephanie replied, as she handed her a file. Regina opened it and her eyes widened.
"How the hell did you get this?" she demanded to know.
"I think you know how," Stephanie replied.
"Gold doesn't do anything without demanding something in return," Regina said. Stephanie smirked.
"And I think we both know that he was more than willing to divulge, given he will get a favor from the Queen of the Underworld," Stephanie revealed.
"You bitch," Regina spat.
"That's what you get for hunting my daughter and trying to murder her! Trying to murder the man she loves! And ripping her daughter away from her! Well no more...your days or tormenting her are at an end," Stephanie raged, but Emma pulled her back and nodded to the folder.
"What is that?" Emma asked.
"Henry's adoption paperwork. The adoption agency you went through was shut down and many on the staff were indicted for circumventing the legal adoption channels a few years ago," Stephanie answered.
"Selling kids?" Emma asked. The Queen of the Underworld nodded.
"To people desperate to be parents. Gold paid their sum for Henry and then made sure he was erased from their database. Not even Judge Abernathy can refute this," she threatened.
"You do that and I will make life for your precious little daughter a living hell. I'll make sure David is locked up and I'll deliver her to Damon myself on a silver platter," Regina countered.
"You do that and Emma will sue you for custody...and win. And then...the second magic comes to this town, and we know it will, I will send you to the Underworld. You do anything to my daughter and son-in-law or my granddaughter, I promise I'll send you straight to Hades," Persephone promised. Regina glowered at her.
"Like I care if those two idiots are married," she growled, as Henry came out of the diner.
"Henry...let's go now. You are grounded," she snapped. His shoulders slumped and he followed her to his car, casting a glance at Emma over his shoulder.
"Oh...and don't think that this little meeting was a victory, because this is still my town. It will always be my town and no one, least of all you two, are going to change that. And if you try to take my son from me, Miss Swan, I will not only destroy you, I will destroy your parents...and yes, even you, Your Majesty," Regina snapped, as she stalked back to her car. The war had just intensified...