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 and vital.
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.
Please consider leaving a review if you're reading. It is very much appreciated!
I was asked to give a rough estimate of exactly what month/year it is, like I do with Finding You Always. So since it's estimated that the curse was broken in late February 2012 and it's been a few weeks since, it is now early April 2012
Special note:
I am also now on Ko-Fi. So feel free to follow me there too and any support anyone can spare will be greatly appreciated. Just look up Lilacmoon83 there too.
I finally have the face claim poster done for the Gods and it will be posted on Tumblr tonight. Here are the face claims I have chosen:
Gal Gadot as Persephone, of course.
Robert Downey Jr as Hades
Natalie Portman as Artemis
Michelle Pfeiffer as Demeter
George Clooney as Zeus
Diane Lane as Hera
Idris Elba as Hephaestus
Amber Heard as Aphrodite
Stephen Amell as Ares
Cillian Murphy as Hermes
Rami Malek as Apollo
Ernie Hudson as Poseidon
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Phobos
Vincent Irizarry as Deimos
Aisha Tyler as Athena
Sean Bean as Cronus
Maggie Smith as Hecate
Ben Affleck as Prince Eli
Thanks for awesome the reviews. Here are individual responses:
Baratta Jennifer: Oh yes, trouble is here. Things are definitely going to get even more interesting.
TheInferno1536: Yep, there are so many problems. It's definitely going to be tough to face all of this at once.
Grace5231973: Yes, Hades now wants to modify it, because he finds himself caring about Persephone's family. But you bring up an important point. Cronus is time, so there may be things he's not counting on. It's definitely going to be interesting for sure. And yeah, a zillion things could go wrong. So it will definitely be interesting. :)
Naomi Blue: I know, I had to get a punch in there from Snow and another one from David. Oh and it probably will happen more. :)
sweetreader: So glad you look forward to my updates. :)
Number Ten: Yep, things are about to go sideways and upside down. Welcome to crazy town. Yep, I needed Snow to go off on her so they can begin anew now. Yeah, Regina was a little mature, but knew she had it coming. Plus when she started to feel sorry for herself, David called her on it and didn't let her play the victim. The talismans are mostly the same as in the show. Rumple's brain, Regina's heart, the hilt of Charming's sword, and a product of true love. The only difference here is Hades thinks he can circumvent the last one and use Emma since she's also a product of true love and thinks she could survive the spell. If the spell had worked in the show, baby Neal wouldn't have survived, because if Zelena went back, Regina and Snow wouldn't have been born. Hades is doing things differently here. He knows about the ramifications of time travel, but he thinks it's worth the risk. We shall see. As for the relationship between Ursula, Cruella, and the Charmings, that will probably be an original story line since there is no egg-napping here. And no necessarily no Henry, even if there was no curse if Neal somehow ended up back in the Enchanted Forest instead of the Land Without Magic after Neverland. Let's just say, we may see the spell take effect and then it might be possible to change everything back the way it's supposed to be. We shall see.
Beth1980: Yeah, I always wanted Snow to go off on her, but I guess I'll have to settle for doing it in fanfiction. Yeah, Neal was in that scene for that very reason, so I could get some good quips out of him about Cruella and Ursula. Yeah, Cruella loves chaos and even more when she has gin. I would say that Hades is probably not thinking clearly. He is scared of Cronus and what he might do and he's realized how wrong he was and how much he still loves Persephone. And he's afraid of losing her, especially after the reappearance of someone in this chapter. I'm having fun with his redemption though. I enjoyed Snow and David punching Jessica and Kevin too. Yes, there are five generations of the family in Storybrooke right now so that's fun. Oh yeah, I'm sure there's a joke somewhere. Yep, Cronus is going to be a pain and a wild card. Yeah, I would worry about who he brought too. :)
izzypirelli: I know, poor Snow and David doesn't care, he just wants to comfort her. I know, those simple Snowing gestures never fail to make me swoon. I have to write them in as much as possible just for that reason. Yes, you have no idea how much I wanted Snow to go off on Regina in the show. But I guess we have to settle for fanfiction. Snow is just dropping truth bombs and she's definitely in a mood. She's definitely had enough. Yes, it was well deserved. Regina had every bit of it coming. Yes, Charming understands exactly what she is feeling, as always. Ha, yep, Snow is a mood and went for an insult with Cruella. Yeah, Cruella has no brain if she thinks Snow is plain. But we know Charming thinks the opposite and knows how beautiful and sexy his wife is. Yes, Hades is really going through a transformation, but I do promise a bit of back story on their early relationship. Hades wasn't always evil. He started changing probably a few years before Persephone met Eli when he became dissatisfied with the stresses of ruling the Underworld. He got the short end of the stick. For Hades, I'm writing an actual redemption story and I know it didn't seem that way in the beginning, but it was intentional. And his true emotions become more apparent in this chapter when he experiences some negative emotions. Love is fairly new to him, you're right, and he is still discovering what it is. Has Persephone ever loved Hades? That's a complicated question too and one that she will be trying to answer herself.
Yep, Cronus has his thing, but like Hades, Cronus is going to have layers. That's all I'll say. Yep, Snow and Charming are on a level above the rest. The ultimate OTP. Yep, it's no spell, that's just Snow. Even Hades has warmed to her once meeting her. Yep, the Swans deserved that and more. Glad you liked the setting of the scene. It's going to be very interesting for sure. You would be right on more awkward family reunions. :)
Dreaming Out Loud
Chapter 78: Somebody That I Used to Know
Snow swallowed thickly and felt Charming's arms tighten around her. She shuddered and welcomed his hold, as she huddled against him. He looked at her and lifted her chin so their eyes met.
"No matter what happens, my love...I will keep you and our baby safe," he promised, as he kissed her passionately. Their lips parted and he pressed his forehead against hers, keeping their eyes locked.
The boat docked and the hooded figures stood before them, all once dead and now alive again, thanks to the glowing crystal that was mounted on the sickle in the hand of the central figure, who was emanating a great deal of dark magic.
"Well...isn't this quite the welcoming committee," the man said, as his hood fell, revealing himself at last.
"All my children have come to greet me," Cronus said, as his hawk-like yellow eyes swept over all the people present.
"And grandchildren and then some, it would seem. I have brought family too," he announced, gesturing grandly with his arms.
"Oh my God…" David uttered.
"Your brother," Snow said, seeing James standing there. He may have looked identical to her husband, but his eyes were much colder.
"And my father…" David added. She looked surprised too and then saw the man behind James. He was a bit haggard looking, but she could definitely see the resemblance.
"I have brought with me those that were taken from life too soon...that were murdered! I have given them a second chance in exchange for their loyalty to me," Cronus announced.
"I see...much fear among you all and I'm sure my sons would have you believe that I am here to destroy. But nothing could be further from the truth!" he claimed.
"Lies…" Hades hissed.
"I am here to return peace to the mortal realm. The Golden age when I ruled before was peaceful and prosperous and I only seek to return us to a time like this. There is no need for warring or bloodshed," he claimed.
"If we swear loyalty to you, right?" Persephone countered. He smirked.
"Only if you are willing, dear Persephone. I will prove I am a fair and just ruler. I revived only those who were murdered. In time...you will see," he said.
"You revived a monster! A monster that hunted my daughter!" Persephone shouted, glaring at Deimos.
"And I did that on the orders of Hades. Cronus is my Lord now," the God of Terror countered with a smug smirk.
"I have given Deimos a second chance to be better. After all, Hades has been given this chance, has he not?" Cronus questioned her.
"I would be foolish to displease the great Cronus. You have nothing to fear anymore from me, dear Snow," Deimos said smugly.
"They just took a page from your playbook. They know we won't fight unless they start it," Gold muttered.
"Persephone…" a voice called, as Eli stepped from the fog. Snow watched a myriad of emotions fill her mother's features.
"Eli…" she uttered tearfully and Hades felt a stab of jealousy rear its head. It hurt this time as much as it had then...but he wouldn't lash out this time. He knew that is exactly what they wanted and so he stepped back to allow them a proper reunion, even though it was making his insides twist in agony.
"Ah...a love torn apart that has been reunited," Cronus said, as he looked at Hades and the latter knew his father was enjoying his pain.
"Your loyalty has been rewarded at last, my charge," he added.
"Loyalty?" Persephone questioned.
"I did what I had to in order to get back to you. Lord Cronus...he doesn't mean us harm. Only those that betray him will suffer his wrath," Eli said, glaring at Hades, before turning his gaze back to her.
"You...you still take my breath away," he said, as he cupped her face gently and then saw Snow beside her.
"And Snow...daughter, you are beautiful," he marveled, as he smiled at Persephone.
"She really is the fairest in all the lands," he said, as he stepped toward her.
"We finally meet at last, my daughter," he added, as he reached for her hand.
"Are you really with him?" Snow asked fearfully. Eli looked back at Cronus and then back at her.
"My dear Snow...whatever Hades has filled your head with about him are lies," Eli said, as he looked at Hades.
"He is the real monster," he added.
"Takes a monster to know a monster," Hades countered. Eli seethed and made his way toward the former God of the dead.
"If I am the way I am...it is because of you," he spat, as he looked back at Snow and Persephone. The look on his face was one of frustration, as Snow still seemed wary on him.
"It's all right, Snow...there is no need for you to fear him," Leopold said, as he emerged from the fog as well.
"Father...not you too. Why would you ally yourself with him?" Snow asked, referring to Cronus.
"My dear...you have been misled. Cronus means you no harm, nor my grandchild," Leopold said. That made David uneasy and he could tell it made Snow uneasy as well. He didn't like the way these men were suddenly circling Snow, father and adopted father or not. Leopold took her hands in his own and when she was a girl and a young woman, he had done the same. It had never alarmed her then, but things were very different now. She pulled her hands away and reached for David's hands. He took her hands in his own and put his arm around her waist. Leopold clearly did not like her pulling away by the look on his face.
"You have turned her against me," he stated, as he looked to Regina.
"Oh, I've done many things to her and we've said many things to each other over the years, but you were never a topic. If you want to blame someone...then blame my mother, also known as your former lover," Regina spat at him. He looked perturbed by the fact that Regina knew about that, let alone Snow.
"Snow, please...we must talk," he said, as he looked at the man holding her.
"Perhaps alone?" he questioned.
"Anything you have to say to me can be said to David and that goes for both of you," Snow refuted, as she looked at them both.
"He is my husband and we have no secrets, nor do I have any desire to be alone with either one of you at this point," she said.
"I agree...you are both honing in on her and it's very overwhelming. I won't have it...she's pregnant," Persephone added.
"Me either," David stated firmly.
"Well...it seems there are many family matters to be sorted out, indeed," Cronus commented.
"David…" Robert said, as he stepped forward.
"Why are you here?" David asked sharply.
"You weren't murdered...you were drunk and died in an accident," he continued.
"That's just what they told you, David. But that was a lie," Robert tried to explain.
"What do you mean?" Snow asked curiously for him. She knew that her husband had a fair amount of anger and bitterness toward his father and she had thought before that it was well deserved. Perhaps it still was...but if he was murdered, then it definitely could change things for him.
"He's right…" James replied, as he approached his twin.
"You know...when I was first killed and then found out that father...George replaced me with a twin I didn't know I had, I was really angry. I hated you. How could he replace me with an imitation?" he asked. David clenched his teeth.
"It is not my fault that you were an arrogant jerk and got yourself killed," David growled
"I know...but I still blamed you, especially when I learned how good you were at being me. The people's Prince...I think that's what they called you," he said, looking at them both.
"You stole my glory...and I swore if I ever got the chance, I'd make you pay," James threatened. It was Snow's turn to tighten her hold on him protectively.
"But then I guess...he finally got through to me," James added, as he pointed at Robert.
"What do you mean?" David asked.
"It's a bit of a story...maybe we can all go somewhere and I'll tell you everything," Robert offered. David looked less than enthused, so Snow stepped in.
"Maybe Granny's is a better place for this...all of this. I am eating for two, after all...and it's been a while since any of us ate anything," she suggested.
"I'll leave these family matters to you and I promise I will show the people of Storybrooke...and even my own children that doubt me that I mean no harm," he announced.
"Please permit me to find a place for you to stay, My Lord," Deimos offered.
"There will be no need for that," Cronus said, as the Olympian crystal glowed and a massive castle appeared where there had once been woods on the outskirts of town.
"It is large enough for everyone...even you my children if you so wish," Cronus offered.
"Yeah...that's a hard pass," Demeter refuted and her siblings seemed to share that sentiment.
"We do need a place to stay," Athena reasoned.
"The mansion I've been staying at is large enough and can be magically extended if needed," Hades offered, as he prepared to part ways with Persephone and her family. He didn't want to, but wasn't sure he was still welcome...until she took his hand.
"You should come...you're a part of this now," she said. Eli looked horrified by that.
"Persephone...how can you say that? How can you even stomach the sight of him...let alone touch him?" Eli growled, as she turned to him.
"Because he has changed! I have seen it and I cannot ignore it," she reasoned.
"He killed me!" Eli shouted, as his anger bubbled to the surface, making Snow shift uncomfortably.
"Yes, he did...and I mourned you for a very long time. But he also has saved Snow and David's lives...more than once now. He helped save the town from Circe," she said, as she looked at Leopold, Regina, Robert, and James as well. She also glanced at Belle, Rumple, Neal, and Henry.
"The only innocents sitting at this dinner will be Snow, David, Emma, Neal, Belle, and Henry," she stated, offering a sobering reality.
"The rest of us have all done questionable things. Some of us did them out of anger and betrayal," she said, looking at Hades.
"Some of us did them for reasons that aren't discernible," she continued, as she looked at Leopold and Robert.
"Some of us arguably never had a chance and for those, I hope they are seeking a second chance," she said, looking at Regina and James.
"Some of us have gone to incredible lengths for our children, despite the suffering of others," she said, looking at Rumple.
"Even I am guilty of that one and I will be guilty of it again if it means protecting my Snow and her family. Make no mistake about that," she said, looking at them all.
"Just about everyone here has at one time in the past or perhaps even now seek revenge for wrongs against us…" she said, looking at everyone and then Eli.
"But this will not be a place for revenge...I will not allow it. This family…" she said, indicating Snow, David, and Emma.
"Has already suffered because of revenge and I will not allow it happen again," she said, as she looked at Eli.
"You want a chance to know our daughter...then you must set aside your revenge. It is the only way I will ever let you near her," she said, as she gave Leopold an even harder look.
"And that goes double for you, Your Majesty. I will always be appreciative that you took care of my precious Snow and loved her when I could not. But there are things you did that I don't like, so consider yourself on notice that I'm watching you," she warned.
Demeter smirked, as her daughter silenced them all once again and she looked on proudly, as she followed them all back into town, while the rest of her siblings went to settle in at Hades' mansion.
Cronus observed the small, quaint little town from the tower of his new castle.
"My Lord...may I inquire why you did not destroy them upon our arrival?" Deimos inquired.
"Simply killing all my enemies would not give me the gratification I desire, nor would they suffer enough. It will be much more entertaining to watch them quarrel with one another and do the dirty work for me," Cronus stated.
"Allow them to destroy themselves...that is a satisfying revenge, My Lord," Phobos complimented.
"With all due respect, My Lord...I seek more than just revenge. I would like to know when I can have my prize," Deimos said respectfully. Phobos scoffed.
"Still a slave to your basest urges then, brother? Still haven't given up on having Snow White," he hissed.
"Save your judgement, brother," Deimos hissed back.
"You lack the same vision your brother has, Deimos. You see his patience as a detriment when in fact it is of great value to me," Cronus stated.
"Forgive me, My Lord…" Deimos stammered.
"Persephone's daughter...she is quite an obsession for you. One I'm not sure I quite understand. Beautiful...alluring...yes, quite so. Goddess-like beauty for a mere mortal. But why is it so important that you have her?" he questioned.
"I cannot explain it, my Lord...I have wanted her since the moment I lay eyes on her," Deimos confessed.
"Never mind that she despises you and is frightened by you," Phobos commented.
"Stay out of this…" Deimos hissed.
"I understand that there is a desire there you feel the need to fulfill and there is a definite allure there. But I believe Snow White will be far more useful to me as she is now," Cronus stated.
"I don't think I understand, My Lord," Deimos responded.
"She birthed the Savior and the power I sensed emanating from her womb was unmistakeable. It's truly extraordinary," Cronus stated.
"My Lord...if you were to permit me, I know that if Snow White gave birth to my child...it would be a powerful one," Deimos said. Phobos snorted derisively.
"Please tell me you are not that deluded," he commented. Deimos glowered at him.
"One more insult and I send you back to the Underworld, brother," he threatened.
"But Phobos is right," Cronus corrected. Deimos' brow furrowed in confusion and his brother rolled his eyes.
"I'll break it down for you, simpleton. Snow White's children are only born with such powerful magic, because she conceives them with her true love. You have scoffed at it and tried to discount its significance, but to no avail. Like it or not...she belongs with him and if I am to be so bold, My Lord...it wouldn't surprise me if Lady Rhea herself had a hand in their meeting," Phobos surmised. Cronus smirked.
"A curious theory indeed...especially since she can no longer rely on her once golden child Zeus to make sure I never rise to power again," he said, chuckling.
"Your wisdom and brains will be of great use to me, Phobos. Your might and strength is as well, Deimos, but you would be wise to take pointers from your brother," he said, as he observed the town.
"Magical children born from a pair of mortals...it's quite poetic and exactly my estranged wife's style. If she etched this mortal love into the stars and sparked their meeting...then they are far from ordinary. Very intriguing," he mused.
"My Lord...if this is true, then we must destroy them," Deimos stated.
"You mean destroy any products of that true love and the Prince, thus allowing you to possess Snow White like a trophy," Phobos countered.
"Shut up," Deimos growled.
"We will not be destroying them...quite the opposite," Cronus stated. Phobos smirked and Deimos looked lost.
"Perhaps you can explain our play, Phobos?" Cronus requested.
"Instead of destroying this extraordinary, albeit mortal family, we are going to use them to our advantage or rather their children," Phobos responded.
"Phobos is correct. What better way to get retribution than by convincing the Savior that I am not the true danger to her family?" Cronus questioned.
"And who will we accomplish a feat like that?" Deimos asked. Cronus smirked.
"We won't," he stated, as he turned back to look out at Storybrooke.
"They will do it for us. They as in my ungrateful children, who will war and quarrel with each other with them in the cross hairs. They as in these mortal outsiders with these
troublesome weapons and desire to expose this little family. They as in those fools that are members of their own families, which we have just brought back. Leopold, the shepherd Robert, Prince Eli...all foolish enough to believe they will become family. But Emma Swan will never see any of them as anything other than a threat to her precious parents, her sibling, and her son," Cronus said.
"We will not have to destroy anyone if they do it themselves or the Savior does it for us," Phobos realized.
"That's a long shot at best," Deimos retorted to his brother.
"Perhaps...but we won't be doing nothing. Our mere presence will exacerbate the situation greatly. It is a risky plan, but we have the ultimate power on our side," Cronus stated, as the Olympian crystal glowed brightly.
Emma looked around uncomfortably, as seats were claimed. Persephone had paid Granny handsomely to close the diner for the rest of the day and provide food and beverage for this occasion.
"You okay, Princess?" David asked quietly, as he sided up to her.
"Uh yeah...just a little weirded out. And is it just me...or does this feel like a family Thanksgiving that would really suck?" she asked. He chuckled.
"I was pretty much thinking the same thing," he agreed.
"At least there are onion rings," Emma said. He chuckled.
"But seriously though...I'm worried about Mom. Those two look like they're wanting to pounce on her or something. And this is going to sound insane...but I think I trust Hades more than I trust those two," Emma said, indicating Eli and Leopold.
"You're not alone...there's definitely something off about Leopold that I just can't put my finger on. And Eli...he's just so angry. I don't want that kind of energy around your mother," David confessed.
"Me either...but I think I can pinpoint why Leopold is bothering you," she mentioned. He looked at her with a furrowed brow.
"You can?" he asked.
"Dad...he doesn't look at Mom the way a father should be looking at a daughter. Believe me...I know what that looks like and it's not that," she replied, speaking from experience. He smiled gently and squeezed her shoulder.
"Don't worry...I don't intend to let your mother out of my sight or let her face any of this alone," he promised. She smiled.
"I know...but what about you?" she asked. He shrugged, like he didn't know what she was talking about.
"Dad...your father and twin brother, both of which you have issues with, just came back from the dead," she stated. He sighed.
"Yeah...I think I'd just rather focus on your Mom…" he said.
"And bury your feelings, pretending like they don't exist. I know...I have the same moves. I'm your kid and have your wonderful inability to deal with my own emotions," she said. He looked at her and then chuckled.
"Okay...you got me. I guess I'm scared and I hate that. I know what your mother felt like now. She thought she knew everything about her life and then she found out that none of it was true," he said and then sighed.
"Yes...and I'll tell you what you told her. No matter what...it doesn't change you are," she reminded.
"I know...but it's different. I mean, before she found out she was Persephone's daughter, she was still a Princess. I mean, what am I? I was just a shepherd...the son of a shepherd, pretending to be a Prince. What could he have to tell me that will change things?" David wondered.
"I don't know...but even it does change things, it won't change you or who you are," she insisted.
"And who is that?" he asked. She smiled and put her head on his shoulder.
"My dad," she said simply.
"And Mom's true love...her husband. You're our hero, Daddy. That's who you are," she told him, bringing a smile to his face. He saw his wife meet his eyes from across the room and smile at them. With that little boost of confidence, he and Emma joined Snow at a table. It didn't matter what was about to be discussed, for nothing could destroy the love of this family.
"There...two how cocoas with cinnamon. And I've got burgers and fries on the way for all of you," Ruby said, as she put the drinks in front of Henry and Snow.
"Does Granny have any chocolate cake?" Henry asked.
"Ohh...that sounds really good," Snow agreed. Ruby smirked in amusement at the two. Honestly, she had no idea how no one had put together how much Snow and Henry looked alike, especially sitting side by side like this.
"She just baked one. I'll snag a couple pieces for you both," Ruby said, as she passed Regina.
"I'm not sure you need that much sugar on top of cocoa, Henry," she chided.
"But I'm hungry…" he whined.
"He is a growing boy," Neal commented, earning a side glare from the former Queen and he shrugged.
"Just saying...I couldn't keep full at his age and taking into account where I came from, that sucked, because there wasn't enough food," Neal reasoned. Regina sighed. This co-parenting thing was very new and she would be lying if she said she didn't hate it right now. On the other hand, with all these people around him, her son had never been happier.
"All right...I suppose it's okay, just this once," she relented.
"It's hard to believe that my daughter has a grandson," Leopold mentioned. Snow met his eyes and shifted slightly. But she smiled at Henry, as she brushed a hand through his hair.
"I often tell my students that happy endings aren't always what we think they will be. That's why they're always better than we imagined," she replied.
"Then you are happy," he stated.
"If you know anything about my life from your observance or what you've been told...you know I am," she replied, as she met her husband's eyes across the diner. She smiled, as she saw her daughter lay her head against his shoulder. Charming and Emma had such a special relationship and this was not the first time she realized that she did not have that with Leopold. For all the doting he had done upon her when she was a girl and a young woman...it was a far cry from what Emma had with her husband.
His praise had showered upon her, because at that time, she was what he believed she should be. A dainty, pampered little princess and completely reliant on him and with no knowledge of life beyond the castle walls.
Eva had been the one to humble her and teach her that she was no better than anyone else. She learned to survive and fight on her own in the woods and with Red's help later. By the time she met David, she was skilled in surviving on her own and very skilled in archery and combat. But Charming had taught her a whole new set of lessons when it came to the heart. When she first met him, she no longer believed in love. She was convinced it was a lie and marriage was just a business transaction. But David had educated her in love and oh, it was an education she had relished. Never had she imagined that her heart could belong to another the way it belonged to him.
She wouldn't change anything, despite the heartache and loss they had both suffered. That Princess she had been so long ago seemed like a completely different person and she actually shuddered to think what kind of life she would have been expected to live had Leopold lived. Sure, she could have done without being hunted in the woods and fighting for her life. But would the life that Leopold envisioned for her included love? She really wanted to think so, but she had already seen flashes of disapproval in his eyes and she didn't like it. She was fiercely protective of her family and if he was going to look down on what she had as somehow not good enough...well, then she was afraid he was going to meet bandit Snow. And she doubted he would enjoy that meeting. She couldn't believe how differently she saw him now and if he wanted to be critical of her life, then she had a few critiques of her own for him.
"Is it just me...or do you seem surprised that I'm happy?" she questioned.
"Hey buddy...let's go check on that cake," Neal said, as he ushered Henry out of the booth and to the counter.
"So much has happened to you," he mentioned, as David slid into the booth beside her.
"Yes...a lot has happened to me, to us, and it's all brought us here to this moment, so I wouldn't change anything," Snow confessed. He smiled at her and kissed her hair.
"I just envisioned a much safer life for you," he mentioned, earning him a sharp gaze from her.
"And I would never choose a safe life, pampered life over love," she countered, as she looked at her husband.
"Our love is worth everything we've endured and more. I think if there is something you want to say, you should say it and stop beating around the bush," Snow said.
"Or perhaps it is not your place to say anything," Persephone countered. Personally, she wasn't in the mood to hear anyone dare to judge her daughter and didn't trust herself not to blast anyone that did right now.
"Yes...perhaps this is a time for reuniting and for me to get to know the daughter that I loved the moment I knew about her," Eli interjected, as he sat down in a chair near their table. Snow really wasn't sure what to feel for this man. Her mother had once loved him deeply, but she had confessed that she didn't know him all that well, simply because their time had been so short.
"Is there anything you want to ask me?" Eli questioned. Snow looked a little lost at that and so Persephone stepped in once again.
"Perhaps there will be time for that later. I believe Robert may have a more pressing issue. Because if what Cronus said is true...then he only returned with those that had their lives taken by others," she interjected, as David looked at his father and felt those warring emotions creep up inside him again.
"Yes...I'm here, because I was murdered," he stated. Snow reached over and squeezed David's hand, as they prepared to hear his story…