A/N: Sorry again for the delay...hurricane sandy took out my power this whole week. No internet, no computer, no tv, no heat and nothing to do. I was on the brink of insanity, but luckily, the guys at PECO came through and restored electricity and thus my sanity. Thank you, PECO. Anyway, hope you enjoy the new chapter. :)
David pinched the bridge of his nose as he sat at Emma's desk, sighing heavily in frustration. He had temporarily stepped in as Sherriff to keep the peace, but he really just needed a quiet place to go to get his head together. He was no closer to finding a way for Emma and Snow to come home, or to get himself there. The mail was piling up and he didn't want to mess up any kind of system that Emma might have. Instead he tried to separate everything into piles so that she could at least come home to an organized mess. It was all he could do to keep from going stark raving mad.
He grew increasingly concerned at the lack of personal items he saw on her desk, the only photo she had was a portrait of Henry. As he cleared some space, he found a pair of dried out roses sitting on her desk; a yellow and white rose tied together with yellow ribbon. It was a curious thing to have – dried flowers and not to have them in a vase. He assumed they were a gift from Gold, tempted to throw them away for that reason alone. David brought them to his nose; the scent had faded but was still there none the less.
He decided to leave them; they obviously had meaning for Emma if they were kept on her otherwise empty desk. His daughter was a mystery and that fact alone was eating him alive. He wanted desperately to get to know her and form the same bond he was forming with his grandson. Of course, in order for that to happen she needed to have survived the trip in the first place. Then they needed to find a way back to this world and survive that trip as well. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he answered quickly, hoping it was Leroy from the mines with good news.
"Hello?" There was a moment of silence before he heard her voice.
"Charming, it's Regina." She said hesitantly. His eyes widened in surprise, shocked that she would call him for anything.
"What can I do for you? Need help vacating your office?" he asked sharply, relieved that in all of this, Regina was losing her power here.
"No, um, Henry invited me to lunch at Granny's, but he never showed. I'm in my office now and my skeleton keys are missing..." her voice trembled as she spoke and fear gripped his heart.
"Henry's at school…" David said suspiciously, wondering if this was just another one of her ploy's.
"Welcome to my life, Charming; just because Henry gets on the bus to school doesn't mean he stays there. I have a feeling I know where he went, but I'm afraid if I show up he won't leave with me."
"Where is he?" David demanded, already on his way out of the station.
"Get in your truck and drive toward the cemetery; I'll give you more precise direction's on the way." David wasted no time and climbed into his pick-up truck. Why his grandson would go to a cemetery was beyond him, but he knew it couldn't be good.
Everyone walked in tense silence, the four of them sticking close together now. Emma had been woken before the dawn, leaving her cranky as well as exhausted as they continued their endless journey. The sun was high above them, indicating it was now somewhere near noon and they had yet to eat. More than food, Emma craved water, her mouth feeling dry as a desert. She wondered how these people actually survived so long out here with such limited resources.
Emma was growing increasingly paranoid at the bizarre chorus that surrounded them, trying to envision what creatures could make such chilling sounds. There was rustling in the bushes behind her, and Emma feared it could be Cora following them to hitch a ride to Storybrooke. If it was a person, she wanted to scare them into showing themselves. If it was an animal, they could have it for lunch. She reacted instinctively, shoot first and apologize later. Emma pulled her gun and shot high in the air towards the sound.
"Emma, what are you doing?" Mary whispered as the three of them stared at her in horrified disbelief.
"There's something in the bushes…"
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Mary chided harshly in hushed tones. A loud wailing echoed around them and Emma looked over her shoulder, instantly realizing her mistake.
"Ogres?"
"Run!" The group broke into a sprint, running blindly for the nearest hiding spot. Emma's heart raced as she followed Mary, remembering Gold's words about the ogre wars and why he refused to allow his son to fight. She had a hard time picturing a creature that could tear people apart and as the ground quaked beneath her, she had no desire to find out.
"Split up!" Mary commanded as they reached a clearing. Mulan and Philip went one way and Emma followed Mary in the other. Her heart hammered in her chest as the ground trembled beneath her feet, throwing her off balance. Emma tripped over a large tree branch, dropping her gun a few feet in front of her.
With each step the ogre took, the earth quaked more violently. Emma rolled onto her back watching petrified as the gargantuan creature tore through the trees. For a moment, she froze as the monster knelt down in front of her, reaching for her gun as it was her only defense. Taking her aim, the ogre ripped it from her hand in one swift motion, easily crushing it in its massive hand.
"Seriously?" Emma whispered incredulously. The ogre roared with ferocious intensity, blowing her hair back from her face. 14, Gold had said. Bae was only 14 years old when he was about to be dragged away to fight these things with no military training; fighting with others equally inexperienced. She was an adult and more than capable of defending herself under normal circumstances. But against one ogre she was defenseless and beyond terrified. What chance did a fourteen year old have against an army of these things? And finally she understood why Gold was so desperate to keep his son from the war; why he sold his soul in order to protect him. She heard Mary whistle, drawing the ogres attention away from her.
"Back away from my daughter!" she yelled fearlessly. The ogre stomped towards Mary and Emma watched in mute horror as it crouched before her mother. With awe-inspiring calm, Mary reached into her pack for an arrow releasing it with deadly precision. She hit the beast directly in the eye and with a shrill cry; the ogre stumbled backwards before collapsing dead at Mary's feet. Emma panted for breath as she grabbed her disfigured gun, trembling as she approached her mother. Her stomach writhed and knotted when Mary retrieved the arrow from the ogre's eye.
"You have to shoot them in the eye…" Mary explained casually as if they were discussing baking cookies.
"When is the last time you fired an arrow?" Emma asked in disbelief at what she just witnessed.
"28 years ago. I guess it's like riding a bike…" came the cool reply.
"Yeah, but, how did you know you could hit that?"
"I didn't…" Emma stared in amazement at the crushed gun in her hands, looking between the dead ogre and her mother. "Come on, let's get home."
"Yeah…" she whispered, walking numbly behind Mary. Emma couldn't help but marvel at the contrast, given that Mary was still dressed like a schoolteacher and she just dropped an ogre in a single shot. She's used to Mary being meek and soft spoken only to find out her mother is some badass version of Snow White. They met back up with Mulan and Philip who shot her stern, disapproving glances. Their journey continued in oppressive silence, and Emma couldn't wait to get home.
In all her life she never thought she would long for the world that had caused her so much pain. But it was the world she knew; it was where she was comfortable. The only family she ever had was there, Henry and Gold and now suddenly her father. While she was grateful to have this time with her mother, there was a strong and growing desire in Emma to let David be the father she never had. Every time he looked at her she wanted to come to pieces in his arms, allowing him to comfort her and mend the wounds that marred her soul. They only spent a few precious moments together before she was ripped away again and if they could just get home, she was looking forward to experiencing countless more. But she was hesitant to let him in, the last thing she wanted was for him to feel guilty for what happened to her.
David entered the crypt cautiously, ready for anything to jump out at him. He saw the staircase that led beneath the coffin; impressed that not only did Henry find this place, but that he moved a stone coffin all by himself. Regina wasn't kidding when she said he was a handful; he was far too smart for his age and he was giving David a run for his money. The sound of heartbeats surrounded him as he descended the stairs, staring horrified at the wall of gold boxes - Regina's collection of human hearts.
It wasn't lost on him that Regina sent him into her 'secret lair' where the last of her power remained. It was only a testament to how much she cared for the boy that she would lead him of all people directly to this place. He heard Henry gasp from somewhere inside the vault, racing into the room to find his grandson staring down a set of vipers. David rushed to his side, slamming the lid shut to the wooden box.
"Maybe we should have gone with operation viper…" David said sarcastically, helping Henry to his feet as he dusted him off. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah…" Henry replied breathlessly. "How did you know where to find me?"
"Your mom said you asked her to lunch and when you stood her up she went back to her office and saw her keys missing. She figured out the rest and called me; she would've come herself but she was afraid you wouldn't go with her…" David knelt down, gripping Henry's arms gently.
"Henry what were you thinking?" he asked emphatically.
"I just want them back…it wasn't supposed to be this way. I should be over there with them; riding horses and learning how to sword fight –"
"I know, I know; it's ok, because we are gonna do this together. Come on now…" David said as he stood, putting the box of vipers back where they belonged. "I've got to get you to school and I've got to make sure no one else ever finds this place. And do me a favor Henry; from now on stay at school. I have enough on my plate as it is without having to worry about you getting yourself into messes like these."
"Sure thing, Gramps…" Henry said with a smirk. David led him up the stairs to his pick-up truck. It was obvious that Henry needed to feel like he was doing something to help. David knew he would need to figure out a way to keep Henry occupied that would also make him feel like he was contributing to finding a way for Emma and Snow to come home.
The sun had started its descent by the time they finally reached their destination. They walked along a shore line, the water aglow with the setting sun. Emma's breath caught in her throat as her eyes focused on the castle in the distance. She stared at the disheveled ruins of what looked to be a once glorious castle that was now little more than a pile of rubble and dust.
"Is that it?" Emma asked breathlessly, standing beside her mother.
"Yea, that's our home…or at least it was." Mary said mournfully, staring at the remains of their home. They started down the embankment, heading toward the remote castle. With each step closer, Emma's stomach twisted a bit more; this was all too painfully real. To see what she was supposed to have had in comparison with what she got was a cruel realization. That was supposed to be her home; where she was supposed to have spent her childhood. She wasn't sure if she wanted to scream or cry at the injustice of it all.
Philip and Mulan moved debris that blocked the doorway, pulling it open with difficulty. The walk through the hallways was eerie and silent as they all took in the destruction around them. The fading daylight couldn't penetrate the cold and darkened corridor. Mary kept her face as stone, remembering the happier memories in this home. All that they had fought for, all that they had built was disheveled around her.
Mary finally stopped before a large door and with a deep breath she pushed it open, stepping inside. Mary froze as she beheld the sight of Emma's nursery, fighting the tears that had been threatening to flood her. It felt like yesterday the last time she set foot in here, when it was full of life and color in preparation for the coming princess. And in a sense it had been, the last 28 years seemed little more than surreal dream. But now the nursery was dark, cold and lifeless; Mary would forever mourn the memories that should have happened here, but never did – and now never would.
Emma's breathing intensified as she stepped into the room, her eyes immediately focusing on the tree that Henry had told her so much about. She also remembered it from her vision when David placed her inside and kissed her goodbye – it was the portal they were looking for.
"Oh my god, I remember this from Henry's book." Emma said as she touched the tree in wonder. Hearing about this place; hearing about her life and the creatures here was one thing; to be here touching the wardrobe solidified everything in her mind. She walked to nearby window, staring out at the mountain range and lake that surrounded them. Emma found herself envisioning what it should've been like here; being raised by parents that loved her in a home where she was wanted.
"We'll guard the door…" Mulan said awkwardly, pulling Philip with her to give them some privacy. Mary said nothing as she knelt down, picking up a dusty and worn teddy bear.
"I never thought I'd see this place again…this room." Mary lamented, cleaning off the stuffed animal. Emma left the window, walking to the crib where Mary stood. Despite the wistful look in her eyes, Emma could see that being here was ripping her mother's heart to pieces. "It was your nursery…"
"I lived here?" Emma whispered hoarsely.
"You never even got to spend a night." Mary studied everything, touching the crib, and other destroyed stuffed animals as she clutched the teddy bear against her. "This is the life I wanted you to have. I was going to teach you how to walk in here, how to talk; how to dress for your first ball. You never got to do any of it. We never got to be a family."
Emma swallowed her tears as she listened, the reality becoming too much. The nursery, though destroyed was a clear indication of just how much she was wanted, and how much she would have been loved. Mary's words were those of a mother who loved her daughter, who would have guided and protected her. Everything she ever wanted in a parent she had all along, only neither of them knew it; they were ripped apart too soon. And despite that her parents wanted her; all of those emotions came rushing back.
"I was angry at you for so long..." Emma stated bluntly. The hurt and shocked look on Mary's face made her pause, planning out her words before she said anything else. "...wondering how you could choose to let me grow up without you. But then just seeing all this…" Her chest convulsed under the weight of her suppressed tears, "…you gave up everything for me and you're still doing that. I'm sorry, I'm not good at this; I…I guess I'm just – I'm not used to people putting me first." her chest heaved, tears streaming from her eyes as Emma was overcome.
With a heavy sigh, Mary gathered her daughter into her arms, hugging Emma against her. Her heart constricted, wondering once again where her daughter had been, and why no one ever seemed to take care of her. The guilt she felt from the moment the curse was broken seemed never-ending. Mary wanted nothing more than make up for lost time and to prove to Emma that she was loved.
"Well get used to it." Mary whispered, tangling her fingers in Emma's hair. Emma chuckled softly as she clung to her mother, experiencing for the first time the true love of a mother. She didn't want to let go, she wanted to bask in this moment for all it was worth. But there would be a time for that, and right now they had to get home. Emma pulled away first, a broken smile on her lips as Mary wiped the tear from her cheek.
"So, how do we get this to work?" Emma asked, wiping her eyes as they approached the wardrobe. They opened the doors inspecting the small interior; it was going to be a tight fit.
"We have to get it to the island; hopefully someone there has enough magic to start it up." Emma's eyes widened as she stared at Mary in disbelief.
"We can't lug this thing all the way back to that island. Where's the on switch?"
"It's more complicated than that –" Mary mumbled to herself, wondering how they would get this thing back to the island. Gepetto built the wardrobe in Emma's nursery; they never had to move it.
Emma wanted to try out her theory that she had magic. If she truly opened the portal that brought them here, perhaps she could open the portal to send them back. "Well, I say before we try moving it, we sit in it and see if it works. Maybe now that it's had twenty-eight years to recharge it'll work."
Mary nodded in agreement, swallowing hard as she looked over the disheveled nursery one last time. For the briefest of moments, she could see it as it once was, full of color and warmth, hearing the echoes of her daughter's laughter. Making herself as small as possible, she curled into a ball to fit inside the wardrobe as Emma closed the doors. She pressed her hands against it, unsure of what she was doing. She didn't feel any kind of surge; the tree didn't light up or give any indication that it worked.
"How does it feel in there?" she asked teasingly, knowing how tight a space it is. When she heard nothing Emma instantly opened the doors, finding it empty. "Mulan, Philip…" she called excitedly. The two warriors entered the room ready for battle, looking around for Mary.
"Did it work?" Philip asked breathlessly with a hopeful smile.
"I think so…but I need one of you to close the doors for me." Emma said hurriedly, eager to get inside and get out of here before it was too late.
"Well Your Highness, good luck. Perhaps we'll meet again." Mulan said with a bow; cracking the first smile Emma had seen since they met. Emma nodded uncomfortably with the title, but said nothing.
"Thank you again, Emma, for breaking the curse…" Philip said with a slight bow.
"You're welcome and thank you both for all your help getting us here. Good luck to both of you as well." With that, Emma tucked herself into the tiny opening, taking a deep breath as Mulan closed the doors. It must've worked instantly as Emma opened her eyes to see trees and fading daylight.
"It worked!" Mary said, laughing beside her as she helped her from the tree. They hugged excitedly, laughing in relief to be home.
"Oh I never thought I'd be so happy to be back here."
"I just wish I knew where we were…" Mary said, looking around at the forest that surrounded them. The last thing Emma wanted to do was run through more wilderness, but she didn't want to be stuck in the woods at night either.
"I know where we are…August showed this tree to me once a while ago. Come on, we won't have daylight much longer and I don't want to be lost in the woods at night."
They began running at a steady pace, Emma hoped to at least reach the road that leads to Storybrooke before the sun had set. At least the road would lead directly to into town and it was easier to maneuver on concrete than in the forest. Her mind became a whirlwind of thoughts as she pondered what to do first. She wanted to find Henry and hug him until her arms were numb. She wanted a good meal and a few drinks, a hot shower, clean clothes and a warm bed. She wanted to find Gold and at least tell him she was back and unharmed; well, mostly.
David laughed as he and Henry finished his sword fighting lesson, jumping down from the bench. This was the best way he could think of to keep Henry occupied until Emma and Snow made it home. On the one hand he felt guilty for enjoying this time with his grandson when he never spent it with his own daughter. At the same time, he couldn't help but cherish this time with Henry. While he wanted nothing more than to have Emma and Snow back, he secretly treasured bonding with his grandson.
"In a few days we'll begin your horseback riding lessons. From there, I can teach you how to sword fight on horseback and all the way to how to slay a dragon…" David said as they walked, squeezing Henry's shoulder.
"Really? You're gonna teach me how to ride a horse?"
"Of course, it'll come in handy for when we make it home."
"Do you really think we'll go back there?"
"It's possible; if our land is still there I don't see why we should think it impossible to go back. It might just take a little longer." Henry pressed his lips in a tight line as he nodded. "I'm starving…how about a burger at Granny's?"
"Can we have pie for dessert?"
"I don't see why not…" David replied with a wide grin. Henry cheered, waving his sword around as they walked down the sidewalk, practicing all that he had just learned. The lack of sleep was beginning to catch up with David, wondering what had become of his wife and daughter. He hoped that not just for his sake, but Henry's as well that Gold was telling the truth about Emma. He was out of ideas on how to get them back and was hoping that they would somehow find their own way home.
They made it to the road just in the nick of time as the full moon took its place amongst the stars. Emma panted heavily trying to catch her breath, placing her hand over her bruised hip. She had been trying to think of what to say to Gold; should she lecture him yet again and make him feel guilty for what he did? Or should she just throw her arms around in him in relief, forgiving all that he had done wrong? Part of her felt that she should wait until tomorrow to see him; until after she's rested and had time to sort her emotions. In truth, she just wanted to see him for her own peace of mind; she'd be lying if she said she didn't miss him.
"So, August is Pinocchio?" Mary asked abruptly, picking up the conversation where they left off.
"Yes." Mary nodded then shook her head in disbelief. "I still can't believe the Blue Fairy lied to us…fairies can't lie." Emma mentally scoffed, though she's never met the infamous blue fairy, she already knew she would never trust her.
"Well, apparently, they can and they did. But what's done is done, there's no changing it now." Emma said bitterly.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course,"
"You said you're not used to people putting you first…" Emma nodded when Mary paused. "…doesn't Gold put you first?"
"Most of the time; it's different with Gold. I was talking more about parents..." She answered cryptically. She couldn't explain anything of Bae to Mary; Emma would always come second to Gold's son just as Gold would always come second to Henry. It was the way it should be.
"Will you tell me about your childhood, Emma?" Mary asked hesitantly. Emma rolled her eyes as she tried not to snap at her mother.
"I don't want you to feel guilty –" Emma replied, trying to dodge the subject all together.
"I already feel guilty –" Mary said sharply, cutting her off.
"Exactly; so why make it worse by giving you details?" Mary stopped walking, turning to face her daughter.
"Emma, I need to know about your life –"
"No, you don't need to know, you want to know; there's a difference. And I'm sorry, but I really don't want to tell you." Emma snapped, grateful for the darkness that now hid her eyes. "The two of you made the best decision you could given the circumstances and there are consequences on both sides of that. If I do decide to tell you, it will be when I'm ready and when you and David are together; I'll only say it once."
"Is that a promise?" Mary asked hopefully.
"No, I'm just saying if I do tell you I want you guys together, that's all." A long silence ensued as they walked. There was no changing the past, what was done was done; they didn't deserve the pain that the knowledge of her rape would inevitably cause them. Maybe if her parents turned out to be rotten people who abandoned her, she might have told them out of spite. But Mary and David loved her and she couldn't justify causing them that kind of pain.
"So, do you want to come back to the apartment?" Mary asked shattering the silence.
"Can we stop at Granny's first? I could use a drink or two to calm my nerves and I really need to use the bathroom." Emma admitted sheepishly. Mary couldn't help but laugh, nodding in agreement.
"Granny's it is…"
"Can I have another slice?" Henry asked as he swallowed the last of his pumpkin pie.
"You've already had a cheeseburger, fries, and two cookies; I'll be lucky if you fall asleep before midnight." David said laughing as Ruby cleared the plates.
"Please?" Henry pleaded.
"No. Why don't you go to the bathroom and clean yourself up, then we'll head home." David suggested, watching as Henry slid from the seat beside him. Belle came through wiping down the counters; David smiled graciously as he lifted his coffee mug from her path.
"You're Belle?" he asked softly.
"Yes and you're Prince Charming…" Belle said with a bright smile.
"I am…how did you know?"
"Ruby's told me all about you."
"Ah…and how are you adjusting to everything?" he asked curiously, trying to make conversation. This was the woman Rumplestiltskin once claimed to be in love with, a conversation he remembers well in the Infinite Forest. Since breakfast yesterday morning, he's wondered more about what had happened between them and why Rumplestiltskin thought she was dead. He wanted to find out as much as he could; hoping she would be open to his questions.
"It's been a challenge. I was living with your wife for a month, almost two before the curse was broken."
"Really? Why is that?"
"Well, Regina had me locked away in the asylum; she wanted to ensure Rumplestiltskin thought I was dead. Somehow, he found out I was down there and he arranged for my release. My father didn't know who I was and I couldn't leave without a place a stay. To my understanding, Archie and Mr. Gold spoke with Emma and Mary and Emma moved in with Mr. Gold so I could move in with Mary."
David nodded as he listened, that was after Mary had left him and stopped talking to him completely. He had no idea that any of this had happened. All this time he'd assumed that Emma moved in with Gold because she wanted to, not so that his ex…whatever could take her place in Mary's apartment. It gave him hope that maybe Emma wasn't as in love with Gold as he thought.
"Were you in love with him?" David asked softly. Belle gave him a puzzled look. "Rumplestiltskin…"
"Oh…I thought I was. But we recently had a discussion about that fact and we agreed that while we will always care deeply for each other, that's as far as it goes." Belle held his gaze as he stared far off, sensing he was fishing for something. "He can be very kind and gentle and he loves your daughter. Don't be so quick to judge him…"
Before David could utter a word, the bell over the door jingled. His eyes widened as they focused on the exhausted forms of his wife and daughter. For a moment all he could do was stare; hoping that this wasn't some kind of exhaustion induced hallucination. The smile that formed on Snow's face was all the proof he needed as he jumped to his feet, running to his wife.
"Charming!" she cried happily as her husband lifting her clean off the floor, his arms fastened securely around her small frame. "Oh, Snow…I was so worried. Are you ok?" Emma watched awkwardly as her parents kissed repeatedly, wondering where her son was as she scanned the diner. He appeared around the counter, his face lighting up as their eyes locked.
"Mom!" Henry ran full speed and Emma dropped to her knees with arms wide open; bracing herself as Henry threw himself into her waiting arms. He almost knocked her over with the force with which they collided and she couldn't have cared less.
"I'm so glad you're ok…" she said, fighting her tears as she ran her fingers through his hair. She clutched him against her as if her life depended on it, vowing to never again be so far away from him.
"You were worried about me? You guys were the ones who fell through the portal…" Henry said matter-of-factly, not releasing his grip around her neck. Emma laughed lightly, running her hand over his back.
"I just didn't like being away from you. I was afraid Regina might have run off with you and I'd never see you again."
"Well, you have nothing to worry about there…" David chimed in. Emma was so caught up in her son she had forgotten they were here. Their eyes met and Emma smiled; the look of awe and wonder was still present in his eyes as he smiled down at her. She stood slowly, letting go of Henry long enough to allow David to hug her. All at once the emotions flooded her, and she wanted to come to pieces in his arms. She pulled away quickly, not because she didn't want to stay in his arms, but because she couldn't let herself be that vulnerable in front of him.
"What do you mean?" she asked, holding Henry against her side.
"We can't leave Storybrooke without losing our memories of our old lives…" David replied, looking slighted at Emma's abrupt departure from his arms.
"What? How do you know?" Mary asked, staring at him incredulously. Before he could reply, Emma could no longer wait.
"I'll be right back…" She said, rushing to the back of the diner. Ruby took the opportunity and approached Mary, welcoming her home with a tight hug.
"I'm so glad you're home…I wasn't worried at all." Ruby teased as they pulled away, still holding hands.
"Obviously…" Mary replied smiling brightly, looking to her husband. "So how was he in my absence?" She asked Ruby in hushed tones.
"He was lost without you." Ruby replied. David narrowed his eyes teasingly as Ruby and Mary laughed. "He gave a very inspiring speech and did an amazing job at keeping everything under control in rampant chaos."
"Come on, let's sit down." David said, ushering them to a nearby booth. Mary sat beside her husband, resting her head against his shoulder. For a moment there, she feared that she would never see him again, that they would be doomed to live in separate worlds forever trying to reunite their family. Regina's ultimate revenge would have happened by sheer accident.
"Hey Ruby," Emma called, approaching the table. "Can I get a grilled cheese and anything you have that's stronger than hot chocolate?"
"Make that two…" Mary chimed in. "Coming right up…" Emma sat beside her son, hugging him tightly to her side.
"So, what about not being able to leave…?" Mary asked her husband again, now that everyone was settled.
"Right, so after you guys fell through the portal chaos erupted. People were panicking, looking for lost loved ones and everyone was looking to me for answers. That's when the dwarves came running in shouting, apparently they were out at the town border and when Sneezy crossed the border he lost his memory. All he remembered was his Storybrooke identity."
"So we really are trapped here…" Mary said dreadfully.
"Yea…but tell me; what happened? What did you think of our home?" David asked Emma intrigued.
"Uh, well, we came through a concrete floor right after Prince Philip awakened Princess Aurora with true love's kiss. They tied us up and dragged us behind their horses to their camp where we met Lancelot and Regina's mother." Emma replied glibly.
"Seriously? They tied you up and dragged you?" David asked angrily looking to Snow.
"Well, there are a lot of new dangers that threaten them and we had a pretty incredible story. They were just being cautious." Mary said in their defense.
"Did you say you met Regina's mother; like my grandma?" Henry asked beside her.
"Yea, kinda freaky actually."
"And I have a bad feeling that meeting us has inspired Cora to make it to Storybrooke and reconcile with her daughter." Mary said ominously.
"You think she'll come here?" David asked.
"I think she's definitely going to try." A momentary silence fell over them as they contemplated what would happen if Cora were to make it to Storybrooke.
"And what about you?" Emma asked, turning to Henry. "What have you been up to while we were away?"
"Well, I tried to help Gramps keep everything under control and to help find a way to get you back. He kept sending me back to school. Then I asked Jefferson for help and he said he couldn't help, but he told me about Regina's vault where her father is buried…"
"Regina has a vault where…?" Emma's voice trailed off. For a moment she forgot how to breathe as images of her last night with Graham flooded her mind. They were there, he knew; he was right…Regina had his heart there all along. All eyes settled on her and Emma quickly shook herself from her thoughts. "What else?" she asked.
"Well, I got my first sword fighting lesson today..."
"Oh did you?" Emma asked, glaring at David accusingly. All he could do was smile in return. Emma didn't even pretend to be mad, they had obviously already formed a tight bond in her absence. If anything, she almost envied Henry for the time he got to spend with her father. But Henry finally had the one thing he's always wanted – a family. She couldn't be upset that they had gotten so close.
"Yea, and next he's gonna teach me how to ride a horse." Henry informed her excitedly.
"Well, maybe we can learn together." Emma suggested with a smirk toward her father.
"Really?" David asked hopefully.
"Really. I have a feeling it might come in handy."
"I'd love to." Ruby returned with their food and shots and Emma downed the two shots first. David and Henry watched amused as Mary and Emma ate ravenously, having barely eaten the past two and a half days.
"So how was Lancelot?" David asked, getting a playfully stern glare from his wife.
"He was fine…well, mostly." Mary began, swallowing her food. "Apparently the curse left that entire region alone…other than time freezing of course. He let us leave to go home to try to use the portal in Emma's nursery."
"You were home?" David asked solemnly. Mary nodded, already fighting her tears.
"It was destroyed, Charming…but the wardrobe still stood. It's how we got home." Her voice was a hoarse whisper as David nodded sadly.
"Mr. Gold was right…you have magic!" Henry said excitedly. David quickly hushed him.
"What about Mr. Gold?" Emma asked intrigued, looking suspiciously to her father.
"He said that as the Savior and being the product of true love that you had your own magic. And that if Snow was as smart as he thought she'd get you to the wardrobe and you could get home." Henry explained excitedly.
"Well, I don't know about magic, but the wardrobe did get us home."
"Speaking of getting home, it is getting passed your bedtime, Henry." David said, looking to Henry.
"But they just got back." He whined, tightening his grip on Emma's arm.
"And we are exhausted, Henry." Mary said pleadingly. Emma looked at the clock, realizing that it was barely 9pm.
"Tell ya what, you go to school tomorrow and I'll pick you up and we'll all have dinner together. Sound good?"
"Sounds good." Henry agreed. At that she stood, allowing Henry to slide from the booth. Emma hugged him again, whispering I love you as she pressed her lips to his temple.
"I love you too…" he whispered in return as David and Mary stood beside them.
"Why don't you come back with us?" David offered hopefully.
"Because I have a room attached to this building and you guys only have two bedrooms at the apartment."
"So you're staying here tonight?" Emma knew he only wanted to know she wasn't staying at Gold's.
"Yes, I am staying here." Emma said pointedly.
"Tomorrow night then?" Mary asked, hugging Emma tightly.
"Tomorrow night…" Emma repeated with a smile as David wrapped his arms around her. Before she could pull away, two more sets of arms circled around her. She rested her head against her father's chest, swallowing the surge of emotions. At long last, their family was reunited – complete. Reluctantly, she pulled back, not wanting them to see her cry.
"Welcome home, Emma." David said, unclipping the Sherriff's badge from his belt.
"Thank you…" Emma smiled, stuffing the badge in her jacket pocket. With that, she watched as her parents lead her son from the diner.
"See you tomorrow, Emma." Henry called, waving as they walked through the door.
"See ya kid." She waved goodbye, wishing more than ever she had her own house. Henry should be coming home with her, not her parents.
"Ruby, do you have another key to my room? I lost mine."
"Of course, it's in the inn." Ruby said, walking from behind the counter. Emma looked at the clock once more as she followed Ruby; Gold would likely still be awake and she had a feeling her late intrusion would be a welcomed one. She could just as easily pick up the phone and call him to let him know she was alive, sparing herself the trip all that emotion. But as much as she hated to admit it, she missed him, and the idea of actually seeing him was much more appealing than calling him. Emma decided to take a quick shower and change, and at least let him know she was alright. Where they went from here could be decided another day.
Gold sat at his kitchen table, a half melted carton of rocky road in front of him. He didn't bother going to work today knowing he needed to sleep more than anything. All he accomplished was lying wide awake in bed, hoping Emma was alright. He was beyond exhaustion, yet he couldn't sleep. With the help of his magic, the old spinning wheel was now in his basement and he had already tried to break this new curse. Thus far nothing had worked, and he was quickly losing hope. Mostly, he realized, due to his inability to rest. Practicing magic with a sharp and ready mind was challenge enough, trying to do it while exhausted and unable to focus was impossible.
His heart tightened at a soft knocking on his door, wondering who would be here so late at night. He limped to the front door, hoping whoever it was had good news. Gold froze in place, his mouth hanging open as he barely registered that Emma was standing on his porch. He blinked several times, trying to ensure that she was actually here and that his desperate mind wasn't playing tricks on him. She looked gorgeous as always, even in the most casual clothing, though a little worse for wear. A small smile formed on her lips as she stared at him expectantly. He clenched his cane tighter for support, fighting the urge to pull her into his arms.
"Emma…you; you're –"
"Yes I'm here and no I'm not dead…" she said softly, a teasing edge to her voice. He stretched his arm out to her, quickly pulling it back as realization dawned in his eyes. He leaned heavily on his cane, looking as though he hadn't eaten or slept at all in the days she'd been gone. His eyes were worn and sunken in, his face pale and ashen with dark, heavy bags that sagged beneath his eyes. His guilt was tangible, coming off him in waves, but a relieved smile remained plastered on his lips.
"I was so worried…" he breathed heavily, stepping aside. "Please come in."
"I can see that…you look terrible. When was the last time you slept?" Emma asked as he locked the door behind her.
"The last night we were together." He admitted softly. Emma's eyes widened, a blend of disbelief and sadness staring back at him.
"But that was four nights ago…" Gold nodded knowingly, having counted every moment of each day she was gone.
"I've slept since then, just not much…not enough." He clarified. His arms trembled with the aching need to hold her, but he kept them pinned firmly at his sides. Just because she was here didn't mean he was forgiven, and though their bodies were only inches apart, it felt as though a canyon stood between them. But at this moment he didn't even care; she was alive and she was here. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm the racing of his heart.
"I can't stay long. I just wanted to let you know I was ok." Emma said in the ensuing silence.
"Well, thank you for the thought." It was more than he had hoped for, certainly more than he deserved. More than anything he just wanted her to stay, but if all he had were these few moments, he'd make them count. "I was just having some ice cream; care to join me?"
Emma felt a surge of sympathy at the hopeful, pleading desperation in his eyes. Her mind urged her to punish him, to leave him alone in his misery. But her heart swelled – he's obviously suffered in her absence and she couldn't see the harm in spending a few minutes with him. After all, she did come here to see him, not just to say hi and run off.
"Not much has changed…" She said in jest.
"Old habits die hard, love." He whispered in response.
"I suppose one bowl couldn't hurt." His face lit up and a broad smile formed at her words, looking almost childlike in his excitement. Emma followed him to the kitchen, watching as he pulled a bowl and spoon from the cabinet.
"So tell me; what was it like?" he asked hesitantly, serving her a generous portion of chocolate peanut butter. There was a moment of silence as he set the bowl in front of her.
"Awful." She admitted softly. Her gaze was far off, pushing the ice cream around her bowl more than eating it.
"What happened?" he prodded gently. Emma closed her eyes, swallowing the first mouthful. She missed the comfort of ice cream; even more, she missed the comfort of his presence. It was all so familiar, chatting idly over ice cream, sharing the events of the day or of their past. She could tell him anything, be honest in a way that she couldn't be with anyone else. She was still mad, and she'd be lying if she said that she hadn't missed him these last few days. But she didn't realize just how much until this moment.
"It was like I couldn't do anything right. I felt completely out of place and Snow could obviously take care of herself…I just felt so useless." Gold scoffed as he shook his head. She was far too independent for her own good, but he loved her for it.
"Emma you were in another world that's the polar opposite of your own. Did you honestly expect that you would just know exactly what to do and how to act?" he asked incredulously, an amused smile on his lips.
"Actually, yes; I always land on my feet." Emma replied with a quirked eyebrow and a playful smirk. Gold merely shook his head chuckling to himself and Emma took advantage of his silence.
"You never told me I had magic."
"You had enough to deal with. I figured we could cross that bridge when we came to it." Gold paused, his eyes lifting to meet hers. "Is that how you got home?"
"I think so…I'm not sure actually. I just know that when we sat in the wardrobe, it worked. Lancelot had us escorted back home so we could try to use it to get back. On the way there I got spooked and shot my gun which drew the attention of a nearby ogre." Emma said matter-of-factly. Gold raised his head sharply at the mere mention of the horrid creatures, his wide eyes full of fear.
"An ogre…? You saw an ogre? They're back?"
"Yea…you failed to mention that they were gargantuan beasts that hunted by sound. My mother of all people saved me…"
"I'm sorry; I didn't think you'd ever need to know that." Emma shrugged dismissively, holding the spoon against her lips as she swallowed.
"Yea well, I get it now. I understand in a way I never thought I would. I know now why you couldn't let your son fight in that war...why you felt your only option was to become the dark one." Gold only lowered his gaze in shame at the memory and Emma continued in his silence. "It was one thing to hear you talking about people being ripped apart, but it was quite another to actually be face to face with that thing. And I don't blame you for running, any sane person would have."
"No one else ever saw it that way." Gold whispered bitterly. Emma knew he was talking about his wife, and the night she told him she wished he had died. It made her blood boil that a woman could be so cruel to her own husband. But even now, despite her lingering anger and fear, it still hurt her heart to see so much pain reflected in his eyes. Without a thought, she touched her hand to his face, her thumb stroking his cheek softly. He froze as he held her gaze, looking ready to cry at the contact.
With as much gentleness as possible, she said, "Who cares how anyone else sees it? They're all dead now anyway...forget them. I am glad you're alive and I'm sure your son was glad to have his father, that should be all that matters. You've been beating yourself up for three hundred years and all you did was try to protect your family. You're the only one who remembers now, at least try to cut yourself some slack…." the slightest ghost of a smile formed as he held her gaze; that all familiar look of wonder and adoration reflected in his eyes.
She made forgetting sound so easy, like somehow after all this time it just didn't matter. And perhaps she was right, he was the only one left who remembered now and no one had ever accepted or condoned his actions...until now. It was the only logical choice to make - he needed to live in order provide for his family, and he couldn't do that if he died in the war. His only thoughts in those dark days were getting home to his wife and son, and he accomplished that. He just never expected the treatment he received from Milah toward the end. He knew their life together wasn't what she wanted, but they were happy once. Surely that hadn't been his imagination. True, deserting the war and everything else that happened strained their relationship, but he'll never understand what caused that radical transformation in the end.
Gold shook his mind from the memories, focusing on the here and now. Emma's eyes were calm, still, not the slightest trace of judgment to found as they searched his soul. She was truly here while he couldn't read her thoughts, she wasn't telling him that she hated him and wished him dead after all he had done. And of all people she had every right to say it. She's been through more trauma in one week than most will suffer in a lifetime, yet she took the time to let him know in person that she was alright. And she was still beside him, relentlessly offering her compassion and understanding to mend the wounds of his soul. It still shocked him that she didn't despise his cowardice. After tonight it was anyone's guess when he'd see her again, and before she left he had to know.
"Emma…" his voice trembled as he reached up, gently pulling her hand from his face. To his relief she didn't flinch, didn't pull away as he stared intently at her hand in his, unable to meet her eyes, "Now that you know everything - about the curse; about my past…do you regret it? Regret us?"
Emma was silent as she contemplated the question, her eyes never leaving his. At the pitying smile on her lips and the sad look in her eyes, he prepared himself for the words that would crush him – that would ultimately break his heart. He shouldn't have even asked. Of course she regretted it…he was a monster and a murderer. He could dress himself up all he likes, but that doesn't change who and what he is – evil. He inadvertently proved it by almost killing her and her son. No matter how much she loved him before that, she could never love him again.
"Honestly…no." Emma could see the surprise and relief that washed over his face at her answer. She swallowed hard, squeezing his hand gently. She still had no idea what she intended to do: forgive him and move on, or simply move on. But she had no intention of lying.
"Gold, you have given me more than I could ever tell you, than I could ever hope to explain. I have felt things with you – for you – that I never thought I would experience…and I honestly can't imagine experiencing them with anyone else. I love you…and if only for that fact alone…" her voice caught in her throat, breathing deeply to control her tears.
"No matter what happens between us after tonight, I will never regret the time we shared together." Gold brought the back of her hand to his lips, barely kissing her skin. At least she didn't regret it. Even if this was their end, he could cherish the fact that he had meant as much to her as she had to him. Though he hoped, gods he hoped, that she would somehow be able to forgive him and that they could spend the rest of their lives together.
No words escaped his lips as he released her hand. Emma wanted to stay here more than anything; she wanted to walk upstairs and curl up in that massive bed and fall asleep in his arms. She had to force herself to say, "I should go...thank you for the ice cream…" Gold nodded sadly in resignation.
"Of course…I'll walk you out." he whispered, rising from the table. They walked in heavy silence, and he wanted to hug her against him, if only to know she was real. He unlocked the door and held it open, "Thank you again for stopping by."
"You're welcome…" she said softly, stepping over the threshold. "…and get some sleep tonight." Gold smiled with a slight nod of his head.
"I'll do my best. Should be much easier now that I know you're safe." Emma smiled and dropped her gaze, forcing herself not to kiss him. Instead, she cradled his face in her hand pressing a tender kiss to his cheek, letting her lips linger. She wanted to at least leave him with this...she could figure the rest out starting tomorrow.
His eyes drifted closed, leaning into her kiss. It took all his will not to cry, to not sigh in relief at her touch. She was real, and if this was the last night they would spend together, than it would be enough. He inhaled deeply the scent of her hair and the lingering scent of cinnamon, careful not to touch her. He wanted to memorize every perfect detail, the softness of her lips, the gentle caress of her fingertips. A sad smile tugged at his lips as she pulled back.
"Good night, Gold." She whispered, doing her best to smile.
"Good night, love." It was killing him to let her go, but he promised that he would let her decide what to do without pressuring her. Gold closed the door and watched Emma from the window as she got in her car and drove off. He wanted to chase after her, to tell her he loved her; to kiss her and hold her and never let go. With a heavy sigh, he limped back to the kitchen, the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders that she was alive and unharmed. He put the ice cream back in the freezer and the dishes in the sink - they could wait until tomorrow.
Gold limped up the staircase, hopeful for the first time in days that he would find rest tonight. Emma's return came in the nick of time; he would've certainly gone insane if he had to endure one more night without sleep. He closed his bedroom door limping to his bed; he could start again tomorrow in his attempt to win Emma back. But for tonight as he turned off his lamp and his head hit the pillow, sleep claimed him instantly.
Emma was ready to collapse by the time she made it back to Granny's. She hadn't been prepared for how hard her absence had hit him. In a strange way it was almost comforting, knowing he felt that guilty, that he loved her that much that he was a wreck without her. Served him right, she thought idly, wondering how else she could punish him for what he had done. But there was no need - the idea of never seeing her again was probably all the punishment he needed to make him see the error of his ways.
As Emma approached her door, she saw August's room across the hall, reminding herself that come morning she would check on him. Locking the door behind her, she kicked off her shoes and changed into a fresh pair of pajamas. With an exasperated sigh she collapsed onto the bed, vowing to never again take luxuries such as plumbing, hot running water and mattresses for granted. Between fighting a dragon, Henry almost dying, breaking the curse and traveling to another world, she was physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed. Pulling the covers over her, Emma buried her face in her pillow, finally releasing the torrent of tears that had been threatening to overtake her since seeing her nursery.
She wept tears of joy for finding her parents, for making it home and being reunited with her son. Tears of pain at seeing what her life should have been, knowing that they could never go back and undo the damage that had been done. Tears of fear at what would happen with Henry, Gold; her parents, the curse, and the final battle with Regina. Having seen the Enchanted Forest was enough, she had no desire to return there. Emma drew her knees to her chest and cried herself to sleep.
"Alright, he's asleep…" David whispered, joining his wife in their bed. Mary cuddled closer, burying her face in his chest as she cried uncontrollably. He clutched her closer, focusing more on comforting her as his hands moved gently over her back. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he said nothing, allowing her to cry her fill. Only hours ago he was at the end of his rope, the closest to hopelessness he's ever been. Then all of sudden there she was before his eyes, and their daughter with her. Though he had desperately wanted Emma to come home with them, at least this prayer had been answered – to have his wife safe in his arms.
"What's wrong, Snow?" he asked softly, his fingers tangled in her short, damp hair.
"Our home is destroyed. Emma…we talked; well almost…it's not good. Her past…she won't tell me." She choked out, struggling to breathe.
"I know, Gold said it was really bad." At that Mary lifted her gaze to meet his eyes.
"Does he know? Did he tell you?" she asked hopefully through her tears.
"No, I asked him…but he said it was Emma's choice if and when to tell us." He hated that Gold of all people knew more about his daughter than he did, even going as far as to claim that he loves her.
"And sadly enough, he's right." She whispered hoarsely, brushing the tears from her cheeks. His head snapped sharply in her direction, unable to believe he just heard those words from his own wife.
"Even so, what right does he have to keep us in the dark about our own daughter?" he asked incredulously.
"She isn't a child anymore, Charming, she's an adult. And if we keep pushing her about this, I have a feeling it will push her away from us rather than draw her closer." Her words were tight with emotion as they escaped her lips, the tears still streaming from her eyes. David shook his head, swallowing hard as he looked tearfully to his wife.
"I want to know what happened to our daughter, Snow. Every time I try to hug her she pulls away like she's afraid I'll hurt her." The hurt he felt edged his voice; his own daughter being afraid of him was not something he had planned for. And without knowing what had happened he had no idea how to help her, or even where to start in how to approach her.
"I know; we just have to give it time. We have to be patient and let her come to us. In the meantime, we have to show her that we love her and support her."
"We will…" David promised. Mary nodded, resting her tear soaked cheek to his chest. It didn't take long at all for his wife to fall into a sound sleep. Traveling between worlds and walking and running for days on end had taken their toll.
He lay awake a while longer, listening to the sound of her steady breathing. He found himself unable to just accept that he may never know his daughter's history. The last thing he saw before he lost consciousness in Emma's nursery, when he thought he was dying was that Emma had escaped. He prayed in those final seconds that whoever found his daughter would love her as if she was their own. He can see now that it didn't happen, that his worst fears would eventually be confirmed. Someone had hurt his child, and he was powerless to help her.
I hope you enjoyed the little Gold/Emma teaser at the end. My plan was always to have Emma make the wardrobe work, so this is where my story will go AU from the show. I don't know if I will introduce the whole Hook/Cora dynamic in at all...but if I do it will be in later chapters. I was more concerned with getting Emma home. So, please review, and unless I lose power again chapter five should be uploaded Sunday before the new episode!