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.
Also, feel free to follow me on Tumblr lilacmoon83. In an effort to grow my Snowing fanfiction blog on Tumblr and get more visibility for my writing, I invite anyone following my stories here on to follow me on Tumblr. I have a sizable following here on , but that hasn't really transferred over to Tumblr. I've been considering doing face claims for all original characters in this story too. So if you're interested, give me a follow on Tumblr and help my stories get a bit more visibility through reblogs and shares!
For one face claim reveal, I will tell that I chose Gal Gadot as the face claim for Persephone...cause she's perfect as Persephone!
Thanks for awesome the reviews. Here are individual responses:
Saberius Prime: Lol, no Snow and Charming's tacos got interrupted. They definitely need that door. Yeah, I feel bad for August too. He's kind of a product of the bad situation he was put in. Neal's arrival is coming. Yeah, go with that feeling, because my season 2 is probably going to be a lot different than canon and there are some twists ahead. :)
Barratta Jennifer: Yep, things just got interesting!
XxThe-Crest-of-AnubisxX: Well, I stopped there, because the last chapter was about 5000 words, as is this one. That's a lot for updating weekly. The winner will come in due time.
AshGreg: No worries! Glad you're still enjoying! I know, so many villains coming! It's going to get dicey!
Paulaa90: Yeah, they expect Hades and Cora, but you're right, it's going to sooner than they expect. Yep, Zelena is there too. Yeah, Regina is going to have those moments where she makes progress and then has setbacks. You'd be right about Moe. Yep, the villains keep popping up and I wouldn't count on Zeus too much. I know some people don't think Snow should lead, but I really disagree. In season 1 when they took back the Kingdom, the people chose her to be Queen. And if it's not her, then you have George or Midas in charge. And no one wants that. It's going to be a journey for Snow and part of her growth. Plus Persephone will be there to lead with her. Yeah, August better hide when Emma finds out he knew Neal is Baelfire. Yikes. :)
Number Ten: Yes, it was just the apple and not a turnover. I'll be going back to fix that, but it seems everyone knew what I meant. Stuff like that happens from time to time. As for David, at one point, they must have found out, because he was later known as Prince David and not Prince James. I just decided to actually address it here and make a bit more drama.
Guest: Thanks, what you wrote for a review is great! So please keep commenting. I love hearing from my readers. I'm so glad you are enjoying both this story and Finding You Always. Yes, the big 3 evils weren't around too much in the last chapter. But we're building to it. It might get dicey for a while, but not to worry, Snowing's love always prevails, even if they have to fight for it. :)
Sara K M: Glad you liked the Snowing moment at the beginning. Yes, they need a door and it will have to be addressed for sure. Yeah, they should have probably addressed it on the show. I headcanon that Emma's probably not the only one that walked in on Snowing, lol. You're right, Snow and Charming are accepted as leaders and for the most part, they are here too. The election is mostly a formality, the blend part of the laws between both lands. With an election though, it shows the people that Snow and Charming aren't going to just let people take power like they did back in the Enchanted Forest. An election shows order and a system that truly belongs to the people. And I'm also doing it, because it's different, feels more fleshed out, and less muddying of the leadership roles. It also puts Snow on a journey to learn to lead and realize that she can blend the best of herself as Snow and the best of Mary into the Mayor and Queen her people deserve. And also because simply it's different from what happened in the show. There are going to be quite a few things I do a bit differently.
Glad you like Snow's inner conflict! I loved that part too. I really like finding ways to show things that were hard to see or for them explore in a forty minute episode. Yes, Persephone is going to always support her. She is going to have moments like a couple chapters though where she is scared and wants to shield her family from all the evil. Snowing may try the same thing with Emma, but considering she has magic and more willing to accept it, not to mention the fact that she is very close to her parents in this version, Emma will flat out refuse in effort to protect her parents most likely. Yeah, I decided to address the reveal that David is actually James' twin and create a bit of drama. But yeah, most people will probably see through it. :)
Izzypirelli: Wow, thanks for such an awesome, detailed review! Glad you enjoyed Snow's inner monologue. I really enjoy writing those kinds of moments where we see what the character is thinking and feeling. There will definitely be more of that. Snow does have a lot of memories jumbling around in her head. Her family does help though, you're right. Yes, we will get David's perspective on babies too. Ha, as for the door, I do have a funny little thing planned for that later. However, I will say that if Snow wins and if a baby comes along, they might be moving to a bigger place eventually. Oh I know, Charming's one liners make me swoon. I love his utter devotion to her too. It's one of the many reasons I ship them so hard. Henry is cute. I do have to remind myself how young he is here too when I'm writing him. Yes, Persephone is learning some things herself and growing as well. You caught it...Persephone's sharp breath was about both Cora and Johanna. I have a headcanon about Johanna and I'm going to incorporate it. Glad you liked the town hall scene. I figured it was the perfect way for George to try and get revenge, which obviously backfired, because most of the people voting are peasants. To see one of their own now a Prince and truly fighting for them makes a huge difference. The election is probably mostly a formality at this point. Glad you're enjoying so much!
Beth1980: Glad you liked the Snow's inner monologue on men, babies, etc, I really enjoy those and there will definitely be more of them. Breastfeeding, you know, I actually hadn't thought about it, but I love the idea. I actually have a big dreamscape scene in chapter 47 that includes flashbacks and now I'm thinking there is one I have to add. Yep, still need a door and cold showers. I love the nickname snowdrop too. The things that Persephone wants to tell them actually get tabled in this chapter and you'll see why. She is going to drop a couple of bombs on Snow so to speak, but it will be a few chapters from now. You know, because I like my drama and it's going to come out in huge dramatic fashion, cause that's how I roll. Yeah, I see Midas caring, simply cause he loves gold and that makes me think he probably looks down on his subjects. And you're right, had they been forced to marry, at least David is a good man, unlike his twin. As for Persephone divorcing Hades, I agree that needs to happen and we'll broach that subject and the subject of her true love later on. I know, most of the relationships around me growing up were bad and ended in divorce only to be replaced with new bad marriages. I think that's one reason I love Snowing so much, because they are just so wonderful and not toxic. We get to see a bit of Emma and Persephone starting to bond in this chapter actually. Thanks for the wonderfully detailed review! So happy to hear you did a re-read too! :)
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 46: Turning Tables
As Snow stepped off the stage, she was greeted with a hug from Belle.
"You were wonderful," the brunette said. Snow smiled shyly.
"Thanks...I still am not sure I'm the right choice though," she replied.
"But that's why you are. Your husband is right. You care and that alone means you'll do your best for the people," she assured.
"I just wish they hadn't used this to try and attack my husband," she lamented.
"I'm okay," David assured, as he slid an arm around her waist.
"It's probably best they know anyway. I've never been completely comfortable being called James anyhow," he replied.
"You stepped seamlessly into his shoes. You were and are a better Prince than he ever was," she assured.
"My brother was a victim of his upbringing and never had the chance to grow beyond that," David said.
"So...you're not James," Leroy mentioned.
"No," David confirmed.
"Then what is your name?" Happy asked.
"David," he replied.
"Your curse name?" Leroy asked. The Prince rolled his eyes.
"No...my real name," David replied.
"So...Charming?" Leroy questioned.
"No...that's the name I gave him," Snow chimed in. He smiled at her.
"My favorite name," he said fondly.
"You know what? I'm just gonna call you whatever the hell I want, got it?" the dwarf grumbled.
"Sure Leroy," David replied in exasperation.
"It doesn't matter what his name is," George interjected, as he approached and Persephone's hand twitched, more than ready to blast this man as far away from her family as she could.
"He is and will always be a fraud...a poor replacement for my real son. And if you think I will allow you to defame his good name, then I assure you that you'll regret not killing me back in our land when you had the chance," George threatened.
"My husband is twice the man the real James was. Like you, he wasn't well liked at all and you better stay the hell away from him," Snow growled, as she stood in front of him.
"You know, I knew your father well, Snow White. Or your adopted father, I suppose he was. He would be mortified that his lovely little Princess has degraded her station by marrying this low born peasant," the former King hissed.
"Pity...he's probably rolling in his grave at the thought of his little Princess being fucked by this low class scum," he spat crudely and Snow gasped in horror.
"Back off old man," Emma growled, as she got between him and her parents.
"I see your daughter will be fighting your battles now," he challenged, but David stepped forward.
"There is no battle to fight. We already did that and you lost," he snapped. George smirked deviously at them both.
"I lost then, but it's a new day here in Storybrooke. And I assure you I will not rest until I make you both pay," he hissed. But Persephone stepped in.
"If you come near my family or send any of your paid lap dogs, then it is me that you shall deal with this time," she threatened.
"Oh, so I suppose you're going to threaten to send me to the Underworld?" he challenged. But she smirked.
"Oh no, that's too good for you. There are many ways I can bring hell to you right here, Your Majesty. If you so much as touch them or make a move to harm them, you will know the true wrath of this Goddess," she warned, as her eyes flashed lavender with power. George backed away, but wasn't going to give up. There were other ways to hurt them without going after them directly and he would find a way to make them both pay. He wouldn't rest until David lost everything and was pleading for his mercy.
"You weren't kidding about him being the worst," Emma commented, as they watched him go.
"He's as dangerous as Regina, if not more so. Because unlike Regina, he was never good. He has always been this," Persephone stated.
"You should have just ended him. Showing him mercy will just come back to haunt you," Rumple commented.
"Rumple…" Belle chided.
"He's got a point," Jefferson muttered.
"No...for too long, the Mayor's office has been feared and it's time to change that. I will not rule with fear," Snow agreed. Persephone smiled at her and squeezed her hands.
"And that is why you will truly be the leader this town needs," she agreed, as they started to disperse.
"And David…" she called, as he turned back.
"There is no one else that is good enough for my daughter. But you are and where you were born has absolutely no bearing on your union with her," Persephone said simply. Snow smiled and put her arms around his waist, as she rested her head on his chest. And he was bolstered by Persephone's approval of him.
"Perhaps now that this is concluded, we can return to my shop and resume our search for a way out of town and my son," Rumple interjected. The Goddess nodded.
"Of course...I have some new ideas on that. I'll see all of you at home later," she agreed, as she left with Rumple and Belle. Emma sighed and turned to her parents.
"Well, the kid will be sorry he missed all this. I'm going to go check in at the station," she said, as she hugged them.
"I'll run patrol and then I'll see you later?" he asked. Snow nodded and he kissed her tenderly. She parted ways from her family and walked to the diner, leaving her with her thoughts.
Snow took heart though, for it seemed like her friends were ready to support her. It didn't escape her notice though or Charming's at how quick Blue, Geppetto, and Jiminy had left after her speech though. They had yet to face Snow and Charming about the wardrobe and the lies that were told. And she wasn't sure how to feel about that. Obviously she had a lot of anger about it. To think that if they had told the truth and she and Charming had escaped to this land before she went into labor. They would have been a real family much sooner.
She knew why Geppetto had done it, as incredibly careless as it was. But she understood. She just wished he could own what he had done instead of avoiding them. But if he wasn't ready, then she wouldn't push for a confrontation at this time. Emotionally, she wasn't sure she was in the right place for that confrontation right now since all she wanted to do was slap him for risking her daughter's future as he had. Then there was the trauma to his own son. Charming had told her about August's lies, but she was almost certain the way he turned out was a direct result of growing up as a runaway in this land. August had disappeared though and Geppetto had no idea what had become of his son. And he didn't seem to be looking, other than posting some flyers. She didn't understand that at all. If it were Emma missing, she knew she'd move the heavens and earth to find her. She knew Charming would too.
No, perhaps this was not the time to have this confrontation, because their emotions were too raw. She knew it would probably lead to an emotionally charged war or words. Which wouldn't do anyone any good right now. The time to confront them would come, even though they all avoided it now. But that time was not now. Now was the time to finally lead her people and as she arrived at the diner, she saw that Red and Granny were already excitedly planning to make flyers for her campaign. She was eager to get to work too and since it was between lunch and dinner, she and Red were able to spend most of the afternoon making campaign posters.
"Which one do you like best?" Red asked.
"I don't know...they're all great," Snow replied, as she looked them over. The first one was simple with a flattering picture of her that simply stated:
"Vote Snow White for Mayor. The People's Princess,"
Another had her with her family and said:
"Snow White For Mayor Means Prosperity for families"
"Oh...the nurses at the hospital dropped this one off," Red remembered, as she pulled out another. This one said:
"For the Fresh Start We Deserve: Princess Snow White is the only choice,"
"They're all really good...maybe the one about families?" Snow wondered.
"I personally like this one," Granny interjected, as she put another one down on the counter. It had a particularly gorgeous photo of Snow. Above it was a photo of Regina with an X through it.
"Out with the Queen and In with the Goddess? Really Granny?" she asked skeptically. The elder woman shrugged.
"I like it...blunt and unapologetic," she said.
"Maybe...but probably not appropriate," Snow chided. Granny shrugged.
"Okay, but I'm keeping this one and pinning it to the front desk over at the Inn," she replied. Red and Snow shared an amused smile, as the bus pulled up outside the diner and Henry hurried into the diner.
"Grandma! Is it true? Are you really running for Mayor?" he asked excitedly. She smiled and hugged him.
"I am sweetie...I know you're probably disappointed I'm not coming back to school though," she mentioned. He nodded.
"A little...I like you being my teacher. But Mom said that next year you wouldn't be my teacher anyway and this is better, cause you're going to be a great Mayor," Henry said.
"Listen to the kid," Granny agreed, as she sat a mug of hot cocoa with cinnamon down for him.
"Refill?" she asked. Snow nodded.
"Thanks Granny," she answered, as a redheaded woman approached them.
"You know, I couldn't help but overhear and I think your grandson is absolutely right, Your Highness. Your gracious leadership is exactly what this town needs after the Queen Regina's stifling regime," the woman said kindly.
"Oh...well thank you…" Snow said, realizing she didn't know this woman's name.
"Oh, it's Kelly," she offered.
"It's nice to meet you Kelly and thank you for your support," Snow responded.
"Oh...the pleasure is mine, Princess," she said, eyeing the refilled cocoa on the counter.
"Grams...can we go hang these up around town?" Henry asked, as Snow turned her head to him. The woman smirked and poured a small vial of clear liquid into Snow's mug. She then slipped away unnoticed.
"Sure...but I think we should probably choose which one we like best and then head to the print shop to make copies," she replied, as they looked at them. Kelly smirked, as she left the diner with mission accomplished. Whatever birth control precautions Snow White might be taking would now be null and with the way the two idiots looked at each other, a baby would be a reality sooner rather than later. Then she would have what she needed to change everything.
After deciding on a poster, Snow and Henry ventured to the Storybrooke print shop and put the order in to have the posters made and then stopped back at Granny's to get dinner for Regina. Henry expressed his interest in giving his Mother another chance after Snow expressed to him how hard it was for her to accept that she had lost. But that she still loved him very much. When he asked her why she couldn't love his whole family, Snow didn't have an answer for him. But she had seen determination on his young face, that same determination she had often seen on her husband and daughter's faces. And it was then that Snow knew that if anyone could save Regina's soul, then it would be Henry.
They soon arrived at the station and Snow let him take the bag of takeout to his Mother, while she greeted her husband with a kiss.
"If you two would mind not sucking face while I'm trying to eat, that would be great," Regina called snidely from her cell. Their lips parted and David looked very annoyed.
"Mom...can't you even try to be nice?" Henry complained.
"It's complicated Henry...now tell me about your day," she requested.
"School was okay, but our substitute, Miss Sterling is mean. And she has a gross wart on her face," he chimed back, as David couldn't hide a chuckle. This earned him a nudge from Snow.
"Henry, that's not nice. Miss Sterling was once a well respected noble, who was a very loyal member of my court," Regina chided. But the boy shrugged. He wasn't a fan.
"Then after school, I...spent time with Grams," he said, carefully omitting what exactly it was that they did.
"Henry...Snow is hardly old enough to be your grandmother," Regina protested the title.
"It's okay...it is what I am," Snow countered, as a cool gaze passed between the two women. Regina broke the gaze and went back to chatting with her son.
Snow watched Henry hug Regina from a far, as she and Charming had sequestered themselves in Emma's office to give them some time, though the blinds remained open.
"Am I stupid to hope?" Snow asked aloud.
"Hope is never stupid," Charming replied, as she turned to him.
"Some would say that I am responsible for the curse though. Some would say that every person Regina hurt or killed after I spared her from execution is blood on my hands. And I'm not sure they are wrong," she lamented. He shook his head.
"I'm not going to let you do this to yourself. You're a good person, Snow. I know how hard it would have been for you to live with Regina's execution on your conscience," he argued. But she shook her head. She wasn't letting herself off the hook on this one.
"But those are the decisions a Queen must make. I couldn't do it then. What makes me think I can lead now?" she asked.
"Because you have compassion for others and believe me, that was a severally lacking quality in many royals back in our land," he replied.
"But my compassion got people killed. My compassion got us cursed…" she said, as a tear slipped down her cheek.
"My compassion tore me away from my husband and daughter for twenty-eight years," she cried, as he pulled her into his arms and gently rubbed her back in a soothing manner.
"I know...but we can move forward now, Snow. We have our entire future still ahead of us. We have our baby girl back...while we're awake!" he reminded and she smiled softly.
"And we have a grandson," he added. She nodded.
"What if I have to make that decision this time...how can I do that to Henry?" she asked.
"I don't know...I want to have hope for his sake. But if we have to make the hard decision this time, then we will do it together as we do everything," he promised, as he held her against his chest and she breathed in his scent, drawing comfort from his presence.
What they couldn't know was that things were about to get even more dangerous and complicated, even as peace seemed to settle over the town that afternoon
They remained unaware of the impending danger upon their coastline shore. From the Harbor vantage point, a large vessel appeared seemingly out of nowhere and sailed toward the quaint, ordinary looking town. Aboard were three occupants, one of which was not a willing occupant. The giant remained confined in a cage on the deck and covered with a tarp. The other two gazed out over the horizon at their intended destination with definite malice in their intentions.
"This is it?" Hook asked. Cora smiled with a pleased expression.
"Yes...Storybrooke," she confirmed.
"This should be easier to find the Crocodile than I thought," Hook stated.
"Patience Captain...you must tread lightly. There is magic here," she said. A look of betrayal flashed in his eyes.
"You said this was the Land Without Magic," he snapped and she held up her hand.
"It is...for the most part, except Rumpelstiltskin has brought magic to this one place now that the curse is broken. He intends to use it to find his son," she informed.
"Baelfire," Hook muttered.
"Explain to me how I am to enact my revenge if I can't skin the bloody reptile?" he questioned hotly. She chuckled.
"Patience...we will deal with the Dark One. Once I have what I want, then he'll be at your mercy, Captain," she assured. Hook didn't look convinced though. He knew that if Cora's agenda didn't line up with him, then she would do as she pleased, regardless of what he wanted. Still, going against her wasn't smart either. So for now, he would bide his time as requested. He had a feeling this ordinary looking place was anything but and he was interested to see what it had in store. One thing was sure though. If the opportunity to take the Crocodile out presented itself, he would take it, whether Cora liked it or not…
The man in the dirty red stocking cap peered into the darkened flower shop, as dusk fell in Storybrooke that evening.
"Hello?" he called.
"Back here," a man called. By the accent of his voice, he was easily recognized as Moe French, owner of the Game of Thorns flower shop.
"You advertised that you need a job done," the portly man stated.
"Yes...I need you to abduct my daughter, preferably tomorrow," Moe stated.
"The Dark One's lady love?" the scruffy man asked in shock.
"She is not his...he is a monster! And I must get my Belle away from him!" Moe insisted. Before he had been swept into the curse, he had been known simply as Mr. Smee, first mate to Captain Hook. As a pirate, Smee had been involved in plenty of shady things. But he had also seen what happened to a person who crossed the Dark One. His Captain was the perfect example. He had crossed Rumpelstiltskin and lost his love and his hand for his trouble. He felt it warranted to warn this man that crossing Gold could spell his end.
"Crossing Rumpelstiltskin is risky at best. He's destroyed many for far less than what you propose to do," Smee warned.
"Do you want the job or not? Belle is not to be harmed. I just need her brought down to the mines," Moe responded.
"Why the mines?" Smee asked.
"The rumor is that those who cross the town line forget who they are. At least as Lacey, she was going to leave this place and that man. I may never see her again if she does, but at least he won't ruin her," Moe spat. Smee looked at the other man with surprise. He had met some heartless people in his days, but never one quite so callous about his own child. He was actually suggesting his daughter was better off dead than with the Dark One. It was chilling and unexpected, coming from the seemingly harmless flower shop owner. Unfortunately, his cash flow was rather low as usual, so Smee didn't really have room to be picky about the jobs he took. How he missed the days aboard the Jolly Roger. Working for Hook had always been quite lucrative.
"You got the cash?" he asked. Moe handed him an envelope.
"Half now...half when the job is complete," he replied. Smee checked the envelope and then slipped out of the shop through the back. The money would be enough to allow him to lay low for a while after the job was done.
Emma wrinkled her nose in disgust, as Persephone add a final herb to the foul smelling potion that boiled in the beaker. Who knew magic was so similar to chemistry. But then she supposed what some people called magic could also be called science. The people in this land didn't believe in magic, but science was their greatest triumph and in many ways had made life very easy through technology. And Storybrooke was now a mixture of both. Modern science and magic coexisting together, even if no one outside could ever know about it or believe it for that matter.
"Does all magic smell this awful?" she questioned. Persephone smirked.
"Dark magic does," she replied.
"Is that what this is? Dark magic?" Emma asked in concern.
"No...this is more organic magic, which also stinks usually since my ingredients often come from the earth. Light magic usually isn't such an assault on the olfactory sense," the Goddess answered.
"Dark magic would be quicker than you experimenting with your weeds and cooking herbs," Rumple complained impatiently.
"Rumple...you of all people should appreciate all kinds of magic. What does it matter if we get the same results? And without the use of dark magic?" Belle chided. He was quiet then, neither confirming or denying her point.
Persephone shook the beaker and smiled at the results.
"Now...there is one thing we need more and I think we'll have what we need to allow anyone that ingests the potion to cross the town line without consequence and without having to have any kind of talisman," Persephone explained.
"Talisman?" Belle asked.
"My original plan was to use a potion on Bae's scarf...it's the only thing I have left of him. I wouldn't be able to be without it though or I'd lose my memories," Rumple replied.
"This sounds better...especially if we have to get on a plane. You have to remove all that crap to get through security," Emma offered.
"Precisely...now for the final ingredient," the Goddess said, as she glanced at the blonde.
"I need the blood from someone that's not cursed and the product of true love. You fit that description to a T," she said.
"You need my blood?" Emma asked skeptically.
"Just a few drops if you're willing," Persephone replied. Emma shrugged and offered her finger, allowing her grandmother to prick it and squeeze a few drops of blood into the potion. There was a puff of white smoke, as the potion turned from it's dark brown color to a light, iridescent pink and Persephone smiled.
"There...it's done," she said.
"Yes...unfortunately, that is only half the problem solved," Rumple said with a sigh. He was so close to Bae yet still so far, but Belle put her hand on his shoulder.
"We will find him...this is the first step," she assured. Persephone poured the potion into four vials and she handed two of them to Rumple.
"Two for you and Belle. And two for Snow and David," she said.
"Do we need any for Mom and Dad now? I mean...you won't get them to leave, no matter how dangerous it gets," Emma reminded.
"No...but this will protect them from losing their memories should anyone try to compromise them in revenge," she countered.
"You mean George," Emma realized.
"Yes, plus if things remain quiet, I know that your parents wouldn't mind joining you on a short trip to the land outside here," she added. Emma couldn't disagree with that. They were both curious about the land that she had grown up in after spending her lifetime hearing about it from her in the dreamscape. She actually felt a bit excited at that as well. To think they might be able to take an actual family trip someday. It was kind of exciting to think about. She checked her phone and realized how late it had gotten.
"Oh wow...I should get home. Mom and Dad put the kid to bed for me," she said. Persephone realized they had worked all the way through dinner and into the later evening hours. They had planned to sit down as a family and have a conversation about things she felt Snow needed to know. But that discussion would have to be tabled for another day. It didn't worry her though, for she hoped that finding a way to this land proved as difficult for Cora as it once had for Rumpelstiltskin. With those thoughts, she and Emma said their goodbyes for the evening. Tomorrow, more work would begin as they tackled the conundrum of locating Baelfire in this vast world.
After reading no less than three stories from the book to his grandson, Charming found Snow in Emma's room next door and as usual, took a moment to simply watch her, admiring her beauty and every nuance about her. He watched her clutch Emma's baby blanket and bring it to her nose, as she inhaled the scent and he didn't miss the tear the slipped down her cheek. She still struggled with everything they had, but didn't have. Their relationship with their daughter now was wonderful, but he remembered a time when it wasn't. He remembered when Emma had blamed them for everything wrong with her life and they had accepted the blame. Despite the fact that others forced their decision to put in her in the wardrobe, Snow had still made that decision and she still felt the guilt until this day. But if Emma had been cursed as a baby or worse, Regina or her Black Knights succeeded in killing their daughter, then the curse would have never been broken. Ultimately, giving her up had been the only choice and they would be forever grateful for Persephone making the dreamscape a reality for them, for it has truly made all the difference.
"Am I that interesting?" she teased playfully, noticing his stare and the obvious love on his face.
"Very much so," he answered, as he closed the distance between them and slid his arms around her waist.
"Is Henry asleep?" she asked. He hummed affirmatively.
"Out like a light. It took no less than three stories from the book, but he finally stopped fighting it," he replied.
"Do you think the necklace will protect him from the fire room?" she asked worriedly.
"It seemed to last night. He didn't wake up screaming in the middle of the night and maybe tonight will be the night we find a way past that barrier," he replied. She nodded hopefully, as she put Emma's blanket down and then turned to him, as he folded her against his strong chest. They left her room and turned out the light, before venturing downstairs where they pulled the curtain closed around their bed. Snow watched her husband remove his belt and noticed he hadn't removed his holster yet. He had already locked up his gun long before he had tucked Henry in, but had forgotten to remove the holster. She bit her bottom lip, she couldn't help but think how sexy he looked wearing it.
"See something you like, my darling?" he asked, tossing her playful look over his shoulder.
"I like the holster," she mentioned with a flirty smile. He smirked back.
"Really? I think I miss carrying a sword...but if you like the holster, than all the more reason to wear it," he said, as he removed it and started unbuttoning his shirt, thrilling her more.
"Mmm...so if I asked you to take off your shirt and then put the holster back on, you'd do it?" she inquired. His smile widened, as he looked at her with an indulgent smile. Her face was a mix of Snow's bold playfulness and Mary Margaret's shy embarrassment at the thought of such bedroom antics.
"Snow White...are you suggesting that we play bandit and Sheriff?" he teased, as he towered over her with the most sultry look on his face she had ever seen. She bit her bottom lip again and snatched something from his discarded belt.
"Does Sheriff Charming have a problem with arresting a wanted bandit?" she challenged. He snatched the cuffs from her.
"You realize if I arrest you, it means I have to conduct an investigation and a full body search, right?" he asked, playing along. She grinned excitedly.
"Oh...I'm counting on it," she replied with a sexy smile, as she tugged him toward the bed…