A/N: All I can say is I am so sorry this has taken so long. Again, there are things you might read that refer to things I haven't posted yet, (I just don't want you to have to wait until the whole rewrite is done, and I want to get the next few chapters out as soon as possible.) Ouat, characters - nothing belongs to me. I

When the sun rose that morning, Gold hadn't even wanted to get out of bed. It had been the first real sleep he'd gotten in a week. He was encouraged when Emma demanded he teach her magic and prepare her rather than try to protect her; he wasn't surprised when he woke to find her already gone. It had taken a while but she finally seemed to be accepting her role as the Savior and walking in it. Emma could only help so much – she could only do so much – and against Cora that wouldn't be enough. They needed allies, powerful – preferably magical – allies.

His options, like his allies, were limited and Regina wasn't yet set on either side of that line. While she hated her mother enough to banish her once, now he knows that she is far more vulnerable and alone and would take comfort in her mother's return. He feared Regina would enlist Cora's power in a desperate attempt to keep Henry all to herself. Dealing with Cora would be bad enough, battling the two of them and all their power would have devastating consequences.

"Sorry, the shops closed…" he called at the sound of the bell, stepping through the curtain. He stopped, surprised to see Mary Margaret standing in his shop. "Ah, well, well, what brings you here my dear Snow White?" He forced a smile and kept his voice cheerful as possible.

"A few things really…I haven't seen Emma much this week and she hasn't told me anything. Henry hasn't seen Aurora since that night…" her voice trailed off and Gold knew then that they were dead – they were all dead and now he had no way of tracking Cora's movements.

"…and I was just curious how everything went in stopping Cora and Hook coming here?" she asked hesitantly. There was a pleading, borderline hopeful look in her eyes. He'd give anything to be able to ease her fears – to promise that Cora would never be able to threaten her or her family in this world.

"I'm sorry dearie, I just don't know." Mary dropped her gaze with a heavy sigh, nodding sadly in understanding.

"Is there a chance even…?" came her quiet voice.

"That your friends are alive or that Cora is dead?"

"Both?"

He released an exasperated sigh, leaning heavily on his cane. "I wish I could say yes on both counts and while anything is possible, it's not very probable…" Or the more likely scenario being that Cora ripped out their hearts and was now enlisting their help in trying to find a new way to get here… But he kept that morbid thought to himself.

"Well, let's hope…" her voice died on her lips as her eyes caught sight of the unicorn mobile hanging from his ceiling. "You have this?" she choked, her eyes welling with tears as her fingertips traced the glass figurines. "I thought everything was destroyed when the curse struck."

"Not everything." He said softly, managing a weak smile, "I could get it down for you…"

All at once the nostalgic look in her eyes was gone, and she snapped back to reality.

"No, there's no point now. It's not like she needs it." Mary said, distancing herself from it as if she could escape the memories it evoked.

"But it's a keepsake…please, I won't even charge you for it…" he pressed gently, though not even giving this treasure back would ease his guilt. "Or you could use it for…a new child?"

The words were out before he could stop them and Mary blushed a bright shade of crimson.

"Oh, we haven't even begun thinking about that; our focus is on Emma and Henry right now. If anything, I was thinking I could pass it along to Emma for when you two need it..." she stopped speaking and froze like a deer caught in headlights.

Children had come up between them, but it was always of their existing sons and the blending of their families. They'd scarcely discussed marriage much less having a baby. The idea terrified him as much as it thrilled him. The love he had for Emma was deeper than anything he'd ever felt and he would be elated if it happened for them. But the fear that his power would ruin it like before, or that one of his past enemies would exact their revenge through his family was more than enough reason to give him pause.

There was a heavy and awkward silence as they stared at one another and he allowed himself to laugh. Mary followed, visibly relaxing as she laughed.

"For now let's leave it where it is, shall we? But my offer will remain open to you." She didn't reply, but a small smile of thanks graced her lips. "May I ask why you have a bow and arrow?"

Mary looked over her shoulder as if she'd forgotten it was there. "Oh, I'm on my way to a picnic with Emma, David, and Henry…"

"Yes, Emma mentioned it. Planning on killing your meal when you get there?" he teased. Mary laughed at that.

"No, actually, Henry is waiting at Granny's while they prepare our lunch, but it's also kind of horseback riding/weapons training. Which is the other reason why I'm here…I came to see if you wanted to join us." A genuine smile formed on his lips, taken aback by her offer.

"While I genuinely appreciate the invite, dearie; I must decline. I have a prior meeting that I'm already running late to." It wasn't a total lie, there was someone he was about to go meet, they just didn't know it yet.

"Don't worry about Charming…" she said defiantly.

"Oh, I'm not, but Emma has been searching for you two for her entire life. I have no intention of getting in the way of her spending quality time with all of you alone."

"Mr. Gold…" he raised his hand, stopping her before she could continue.

"We both know if I'm there it will create tension. I'm sure we will have plenty of dinners chock full of it. Emma should spend time with you apart from me."

"Well, you're just full of surprises. Thank you for your consideration, but if you change your mind, you are welcome to join us near the Toll Bridge…"

"I thank you."

"And lastly, Emma's birthday is coming up in about a month. Do you have anything planned?" he inhaled deeply, straightening his back at the mention of her birthday. He hadn't forgotten, it was the first birthday she'd celebrate since being in Storybrooke, and the first one they'd celebrate as a couple; not to mention the first birthday with her parents.

"Not as of yet, I was going to pay you and David a visit to ask if you had anything planned."

"Well how about you bring it up with Emma and see if there's anything she wants or doesn't want, then we'll all meet and discuss the options." Mary suggested and Gold nodded in agreement.

"Sounds like a plan."

With that she smiled and he followed her to the door. With her hand on the doorknob, she paused and turned to face him.

"Mr. Gold, I um, I won't ask what happened to Emma because I know you won't tell me, but um," she pursed her lips, fidgeting with the bowstring as she met his gaze, "She's ok, right? She's happy? You helped her overcome…um, whatever happened?"

"Your daughter is every bit as resilient and tenacious as you are. We may have helped each other, but she had already overcome most of it on her own. But whatever help she may still need should come from you. You and your husband are who she needs right now, even if she pretends otherwise…"

"Well, thank you for all you've done for her…" he could only smile and nod in reply, still wishing there was more he could've done.

"Now go on, go spend some time with your family." She beamed at him as she nodded, rushing back to Granny's. His compassion surged for Mary and David, knowing the awful truth that Emma would eventually have to tell them, confirming every parent's worst fears. It made him nauseas to think of their reactions, knowing how fiercely they love their daughter and the guilt they already feel.

"I'm not too sure about this," Emma said, looking skeptically to her father. He raised a challenging eyebrow, an amused smirk spread across his lips. The mare she'd been spending her afternoons with for the past few weeks with Henry was truly a magnificent creature, her body all white with a thick, jet black mane. But that didn't change the fact that Emma had never ridden a horse before and was beyond nervous to start now.

"It'll be ok, just relax Emma…"

"I'm relaxed, I'm very relaxed…" she argued anxiously as he joined her side, "But is she?"

"Only if you're not…horses can sense the emotions of their riders. If you're nervous so will she will be." David ran his hand down the mare's neck soothingly as he spoke, "Just breathe…" Emma breathed deeply, regretting it instantly as she coughed and gagged, remembering they were in a barn.

"You've created the bond with the horse, now it's time to take the next step…"

Emma nodded as David held the reigns of her horse with one hand, the other lingering gently on her back. She could do this – she broke a curse, fought a fire breathing dragon, and faced an ogre – she could ride a horse. Releasing a heavy sigh, she gripped the reigns in one hand and the saddle in the other.

"Alright, slip your foot in here, step up; heel down and…" Emma hoisted her leg over the mare's back, quickly hooking her foot in the other stirrup. The horse whinnied taking several steps and Emma held herself absolutely still, afraid that if she moved it would take off with her on it.

David's hand remained on her back a moment if only to calm her. Remembering her father's words, Emma quickly released her held breath, forcing herself to relax. She could feel the weight of the animal beneath her as she waited, feeling a healthy and reverent fear for its power. She gently stroked its neck following the same path her father's had, in an attempt to calm both their nerves.

"Wait here…" David said, moving quickly to his own horse beside her.

"Where am I gonna go?" She challenged sarcastically, smirking at her father as he settled onto the saddle. He flashed a bright smile as he grabbed the reigns to Henry's pony, lightly kicking the steed until he stood next to her.

"Ready?"

Emma nodded tentatively, gripping the reigns until her knuckles were white. She followed David's lead as they strode slowly from the stables into the warm September sun. Once they were clear of the barn, she took several deep breaths for good measure, releasing the reigns momentarily to shake the rigid tension from her arms. She pressed her heels down, making sure they were in the right position. As she gripped the reigns once more, Emma straightened her back, mirroring her father's poise and posture.

"I figure since it's your first time we won't do more than a walking pace. I just want you to get used to being on the horse and learning how it feels."

"And I was so looking forward to doing some sprints…" Emma said sarcastically, grinning playfully at her father.

"We'll work our way up to that…" he replied with a wink. "Have you named her yet?"

Emma shook her head, still not sure what she wanted to name such a beautiful creature.

"I was thinking of Snow White since she's all white with jet black hair, but I figured that might be redundant."

David laughed, "Yea, I'm not sure Mary would appreciate having a horse named after her."

"I just don't want her to be stuck with some name that I just chose on a whim for lack of ideas."

"I'm sure you'll think of something." Emma smiled, nodding in reply. A comfortable silence settled over them, a nice change from their past few interactions together.

Closing her eyes, Emma breathed deeply the cool, fresh air. The weather was perfect for a picnic. Warm, sunny, with a cool breeze; this was likely one of the last warm days they'll have this season. Once October hits and the leaves change, it's a fast descent into winter.

She adjusted her position on the saddle, the muscles in her calves and inner thighs being stretched and pulled, muscles she wasn't even aware she had. It wasn't painful, but it was just uncomfortable enough to be noticed. As they walked in silence her body gradually relaxed; her shoulders dropped, her legs released their tight hold to the mare's body.

In all that's happened since the curse breaking, Emma still struggled in finding that balance. She didn't know how to be herself, be the Savior, and be a daughter and a mother without letting the threats to their family ruin their precious time together.

David had made everyone promise not to discuss Cora, Regina, King George or anything generally unpleasant. 'This was to be a day of fun and bonding', he said. She didn't tell him her morning had been spent trying to float objects on her desk, or make items in her office appear in the cells. Without distraction she was about a 60/40 success rate – odds that could result in the death of someone she loves.

"How does it feel…being on the horse?" he asked, interrupting the silence. Emma smiled, glancing at her father.

"Not nearly as bad as I thought it would…"

"Just wait until you learn how to gallop and run…it's exhilarating." A broad smile lit up his face and it was obvious to her how much he missed riding.

"You may be working longer hours at the station then," Emma said playfully, "You'll have to drag me away…"

"Anytime…just say the word." he offered.

"Thanks." She smiled, quickly looking away. Silence extended between them as Emma desperately tried to think of something to talk about. Something that didn't involve their pasts, their present, or the impending doom of the future, but she was at a loss.

"Is everything alright, Emma?"

"I'm fine. Besides, you said you don't want us talking about anything unpleasant so..." she said, defensively. He sighed, guiding his horse to walk right beside her.

"That's not what I meant, Emma. We can talk about anything you want; I just didn't want this afternoon turning into a war council where we discuss our battle strategy."

"I know, I'm sorry if I snapped at you."

"It's ok…"

She shook her head, not quite able to look him in the eye. "No, it's not."

They reached the clearing where they would be meeting Mary and Henry, and David dismounted his horse with a sigh. She followed his lead, guiding her horse to the river's edge. She stroked the horse's neck as it dipped its head, drinking the water.

As much as she didn't want to do this on today of all days, she needed to tell him something. She wouldn't allow the distance between them to grow any further. She searched her mind, wondering how she could explain this, or where she should even begin. Even if she didn't tell him everything, it would at least be a step in the right direction.

"I feel like I'm ruining everything…" she blurted out.

"What?" his head snapped toward her, a pained and incredulous look on his face. She shrugged, trying to find the words.

"I get so excited to spend time with you all and then when we're together I just ruin it and I don't know how to stop that…" their eyes locked briefly before Emma looked away, focusing intensely on the sand beneath them, "I'm not good at emotional stuff – not experiencing it and definitely not expressing it. I always ran when things became too emotionally overwhelming. …" he approached her with determined steps, and Emma instinctively stepped back, keeping distance between them.

The tight line of his shoulders sagged with the release of a soft sigh, and his expression softened.

"You are not ruining anything. None of us know what we're doing. We're all flying blind here." He said, speaking as though she were a wounded animal.

"I've always been alone and guarded and Henry is just like you and Mary – so open and unafraid and…" she stopped herself, preparing to say what she hadn't wanted to admit since she returned from the enchanted forest, "Henry is closer to both of you than I am and I'm not…I'm not supposed to envy my son for the relationship he has with my parents."

The sorrowful look that came over his face was like a punch to her stomach, "Oh, Emma…" he shook his head, clearly wanting to reach out to her but holding his arms at his sides, "You are spending time with us – you're with me, right here and now."

She huffed, "Yea, well you know what they say; the only way to beat your fears is to…" she stopped speaking the moment she heard her own words, looking regretfully to her father. His expression was clouded, unreadable and Emma wished she could take them back.

"Say it, Emma. Just say it out loud, its ok." He prodded softly.

"I'm not afraid of you, David. I didn't mean it like that." She stated adamantly.

"But you do fear letting me in; letting me love you." Hearing him say it out loud somehow made the truth of it that much worse. She'd known that, but she had been working so hard to make sure David didn't.

She swallowed hard, shifting her attention back to her horse, "I learned a long time ago it was better never getting attached to people than to get attached and end up hurt when they abandon you."

The sorrow in his eyes was quickly replaced with anger, "I should've been there for you…"

"Even if you did come with me, you would've aged with me. Mary would be my age and you'd be like sixty-something." She interjected quickly, trying to make light of their abnormal circumstances.

"Even still, I would've gone with Snow while she was in labor." His voice was rising with his anger, and he rubbed his eyes as he reigned his emotions under control. "I guess everything happens for a reason…" Emma scoffed, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes.

"I envy your faith. Your ability to just believe that come hell or high water everything will be fine is astounding." Though envy wasn't the right word, the relentless and undying faith of her parents was awe-inspiring – it was also exhausting and aggravating.

"I think you have just as much faith as I do, but it manifests differently. While I don't know exactly what you've been through, I know you've suffered and I know that you've never given up. You kept living for some reason, even if you didn't quite understand it at the time. And maybe…maybe that stubborn refusal to give up is your faith. You bring change and hope, Emma, and you're the strongest person I know."

"I don't feel strong…" she admitted quietly.

"You're not the only one…" she looked at him then, surprised that he would make such an admission. And he was looking at her, a host of emotions playing on his face that she couldn't even hope to understand. But it broke her heart to see her father look so sad.

"You know, when the Blue Fairy told us about the wardrobe, I didn't even think. I just trusted that everything would be ok – more than that – I knew. We'd be apart for 28 years, but in the end that wouldn't matter because we'd eventually find each other. The idea that anything could go wrong, that you wouldn't be taken care of – didn't even cross my mind." He paused, swallowing hard as his eyes clouded with tears.

"It wasn't until I placed you in the wardrobe and locked the doors that I had my first moment of doubt. And when Regina's guards stabbed me and opened them – I saw you were gone. It was too late. I wondered where you were, if it was night or day, warm or cold, were there people nearby or were you alone; I prayed, as I thought I was dying, that whoever found you took care of you, that they would treat you like a princess and give you everything your heart desired…just as we would have done. All in the span of a few seconds, and I couldn't help you."

He dropped his gaze, shaking his head as he crossed his arms over his chest, casting his gaze out over the water.

"So to find out that Blue lied, that you were bounced around from home to home never finding your own family – anger doesn't even scratch the surface, Emma. I see that you're in pain around me despite how happy you act and that I can't fix it, that I can't take that pain away breaks my heart. Regina robbed me, robbed all of us of your childhood – your whole life. We can never get those years back or undo all your pain and that to me is just unforgiveable."

A silence settled over them, and Emma watched her father nearly trembling with all the rage he felt. It was a new experience to have a father who was angry, and not have it be directed at her. He was angry on her behalf, and he didn't blame her for her anger or the way she struggled connecting with them. He accepted it, and she knew his anger was not born out of malicious intent or greed, but from a place of deep anguish and regret. She knew that already, remembering the story she'd read in Henry's book, and the memory she had of her father fighting through soldiers while she was nestled in the crook of his arm.

"You almost died for me…" it wasn't a question, but a true experience of realization. She was never unloved. Her father nearly lost his life to ensure she had the slightest chance at happiness. It was all he could do, or else Emma would have been cursed, and she'd still be an infant without her parents.

"I did. I'd give anything for your happiness – to keep you safe." He approached her again, and this time she didn't retreat.

"I hoped this would be easier after finding out you guys were my parents, but it seems to be getting harder. I don't know what to do, how I'm supposed to act – I was just angry at you both for so long, I thought I was alone and that no one loved me. Only to find out that you almost died for me, to save me from the curse…" she was rambling through her rising emotions, "I just don't want you to think that I hate you or that I'm angry at you. I want to let you be my father, but I honestly have no idea what that's supposed to look like and whenever I'm around you I feel completely overwhelmed." She paused for a breath, her voice trembling as she hid her face again.

"Emma, please look at me." She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves to meet his eyes, "I know how hard it is, trying to be the strong one and never letting anyone think that anything is wrong or to show your true fear. And I appreciate that you are so concerned for mine and Mary's feelings, but Emma, stop trying to protect us. We are your parents; it was and is our job to protect you. We love you, no matter what, no matter how much anger and resentment you may feel toward us, we will work through all of it together – as a family. You aren't alone anymore, and there is no "supposed to…" regarding our circumstances. Just be honest, that's all I ask."

"I'll try…" she promised; her voice barely above a whisper.

"And Emma, one day, you will be as close to me and your mother as Henry if not closer. It will take time, we will do this at your pace…but we're not going anywhere, and we are not giving up."

"I, uh, I really wish you could've been my father." He cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand with a sad smile.

"I am your father, Emma…and you will always be safe with me." He kissed her forehead, lingering until she absorbed those words into her bones. She rested her head to his shoulder and relaxed into his embrace as he hugged her. It didn't undo all the pain of her past, nor did it erase the long road that was still ahead of them. But it did give her the solid foundation of trust and acceptance that she needed to move forward, but more than that, she wanted to move forward and put her past to rest at last.

"Hey you two!" called Mary, waving from the trail. Emma waved along with her father, reluctantly pulling away.

Henry took off running toward Emma and David, but Mary hung back. They had obviously interrupted a serious moment and Mary felt slightly guilty when Emma pulled away from David's embrace. He's been so concerned that Emma feared him, that they would never be close and to see them in such a tight embrace gave her hope. Once Henry collided with Emma in a hug, Mary made her way to David. Despite the fact they lived together, Henry still acted as if he hadn't seen his mother in a week.

"Hey you…" her husband said, pulling her in for a kiss. Mary relinquished her hold of the picnic basket, wrapping her arm around his waist as he guided her to the clearing.

"I take it things went well?" she asked.

David shrugged, "I guess so. We had a long talk."

"But not a happy one?"

"I was happy just because she was opening up to me, but I don't know, I guess it was both." What David meant by that she'd have to ask later, smiling brightly as Emma and Henry approached the blanket.

"Hello Emma…" Mary instantly pulled Emma into her arms.

"Hey Mare…" she said quietly, clutching her more tightly than ever before. Her eyes drifted to David in question, uncertain of what had Emma holding on so tight. Mary pulled back, tucking a strand of hair behind Emma's ear.

"I hope you're hungry."

"Starved…" Emma smiled, dropping to her knees on the blanket beside her as Mary retrieved her lunch. "Grilled cheese…you're the best…"

True to form Emma wasted no time in taking a large bite of her meal. Mary could only smile as she handed everyone their lunch.

"So how was your first day riding a horse?" Mary asked, trying to make light some conversation.

"I really enjoyed it. I can't wait for David to teach me more." She replied with a mouth full of food.

"I've been waiting weeks for this; I can't wait just to try it." Henry chimed in. Emma smiled brightly to Henry.

Silence settled over them again, something that was becoming more of a trend than Mary would like. David and Emma obviously spoke of something serious as they both stared off into space. If Emma was finally opening up to them then she wasn't about to complain, but she had assumed when she did, Emma would've confided in her.

She cleared her mind, determined not to be jealous if Emma was bonding with her father. They were all together again and it was a beautiful day. She had no intention of wasting it.

"Emma, I have a theoretical question for you…" Mary said, ending the silence, "I know you moved into your apartment because there was a lack of space for everyone in ours. But if we had a bigger house, would you consider maybe spending a night or two with us every week?" David sent her a sharp glare. Emma looked excitedly between them.

"Yea, yes of course…" "It's everything I've wanted to be under the same roof with you guys." Mary grinned triumphantly at David as if she'd just won some bet.

"Are you buying a new house together?" Emma asked.

"Yes," she replied as David said, "No," Mary could feel Emma's anxiety as she watched them both.

"We've been discussing it; nothing's been decided yet…" David said hesitantly.

"But we could have sleepovers all the time, that'd be so cool…" Henry said, obviously excited at the prospect as well. Dropping his wrapper in the plastic bag he turned to his grandfather. "Can you teach me to ride now?"

David got to his feet, leading Henry to his pony, leaving Mary and Emma alone on the blanket.

"I saw Mr. Gold today…" Mary said quietly now that David was out of earshot.

"Did you?" she replied, trying and failing to sound uninterested.

"Yea, I think Cora and Hook are still coming."

"Me too." "I asked Gold to start teaching me to control my magic so I can help fight them."

"While that idea frightens me, I think it's wise. Cora will stop at nothing to get what she wants, and she's just as powerful as Rumpelstiltskin without being the dark one."

"Well, than I guess David better start teaching me sword-fighting, too." And with that, Mary and Emma got up and joined David and Henry.

The afternoon hours wiled away between sword-fighting, horseback riding and archery. Henry was a natural with her bow, and with Christmas not too far off, she had an idea for the perfect gift.

Mary watched from beside Henry's horse as Emma and Charming fought, or rather, tried to fight. Emma's control of the sword itself seemed effortless, but she kept getting lost in the footwork. David remained as patient as ever, showing Emma as many times as she needed – going as slow as she needed – until she got it right.

It didn't bother her that Emma wasn't into girly things like dressing up and shopping. She had almost a full year with Emma, living as best friends and roommates. It was such a relief to see that Emma and David had found something to bond over.

"Looking pretty good up there, kid…" Emma said with a bright smile, panting for breath as their fight continued.

"Thanks! Hey, when do we get to run?" he asked.

"When you've mastered walking…" David called, his eyes widening as Emma swept his feet from under him. He hit the ground with a loud oomph and Mary quickly covered her mouth, stifling her laughter at the look of surprise on her husband's face. She was relieved when she heard David's deep and resounding laughter, turning to see Emma beat red, nervously offering a hand to her father.

"I think we have a winner," he declared, his laugh still echoing around them. His arm wrapped tight around Emma's shoulder, kissing the crown of her head briefly as he hugged her to his side.

All the laughter stopped when Emma's phone rang, and judging by the shocked and disturbed look on her face when she answered, it wasn't good news.

"Hey we're gonna have to cut this short, that was the hospital. Apparently Dr. Whale had his arm ripped off and is now missing."

"He's missing or the arm is missing?" Mary asked horrified.

"Uh, both…"

"I'll come with you." David said. And just like that, their time together was over.

Gold stood on the porch, his fingers tapping repeatedly against the handle of his cane. He wasn't welcome here; he knew it even as he knocked hesitantly on the door.

"Rumpelstiltskin…" Jefferson greeted with faux enthusiasm, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Jefferson…" The younger man looked him up and down, shaking his head as their eyes locked.

"You look awful…" he quipped, leaning against the door frame as he crossed his arms, "Dare I ask what's wrong or are you just here to kill me?"

"You always were so over-dramatic…" Gold mumbled, shifting anxiously on his feet. "I already told you I don't mind that you're dating Belle…"

"Well given that you only come see me when you're angry with me or need my help, you can understand my suspicion. And if you're here for my help, you can save your breath and go. I'm about to have tea with Grace."

"And if I told you Belle was in danger?" Gold interjected sharply. As he'd hoped, that got him the hatter's attention.

"From who?"

"May I come in?" Gold asked ignoring his question. Jefferson's eyes narrowed suspiciously, before stepping aside.

"Make it quick…" Gold limped passed him, and focused on the telescope pointing out the window. So much for no longer spying…

"Who's after her?" Jefferson asked, following him into the sitting room.

"You remember the Queen of Hearts, don't you?"

The man went still as a statue, unable to mask the fear that came over his face. "Is that a joke?"

"No."

His arms uncrossed, his eyes frantic as panic and confusion set in. "The woman who had me beheaded is coming here…to Storybrooke?"

"It would appear so."

"After all this time…why? And what does she want with Belle?"

"It's Regina she's after…the Queen of Hearts is Regina's mother. With my help, Regina banished Cora to Wonderland in order to escape her…" Jefferson scoffed and Gold quickly made his point, "Belle isn't in danger from Cora, but she is bringing a pirate with her who wants to exact his revenge on me and has apparently tried to kill Belle once before. We stopped them coming through once already but we've lost our ability to track their movements…"

"So what do you need me for? My hat is destroyed; I can't jump between realms anymore."

"And I can't protect both Belle and Emma and fight Cora all on my own. I'm not even sure how they'll get here; I only know they are coming. If you could just –"

The sound of excited footsteps racing down the stairs interrupted them as Grace entered the sitting room.

"Papa, tea is ready! I called Belle and she said –" The bright smile fell from her face as her eyes locked on him, stopping dead in her tracks.

"I'll be up in a minute, sweetheart." Jefferson said, going to his daughter. Gold did his best to appear non-threatening with a kind smile, and Grace looked fearfully to her father.

"You're not going away again, are you?" she asked, her eyes wide with terror.

"Of course not," he assured her, leading her back to the stairs.

To give them some privacy, Gold moved to the telescope to see where it was aimed. Regina's house was the focus, and Gold wondered if Jefferson was still plotting revenge, or if he was just tracking her movements. Out of curiosity he moved the telescope around town to see who else could be spied on from this window. He was relieved to see the Sheriff's station, and a clear view of the library.

"What exactly are you asking me to do?" came Jefferson's voice behind him.

"Use your telescopes; just keep an eye out for anything or anyone suspicious. Be available at a moment's notice, we may need help or a place to hide Henry and ourselves and you're the last place anyone would think of. Any help you could give me in keeping them safe would be richly rewarded."

"I'm already rich…"

"I simply meant that I would owe you a favor…" Jefferson held his gaze for a long moment, considering the value of that promise.

With a deep breath, Jefferson nodded in agreement. "How will I know them?"

"They'll be the only faces you've never seen before. Hook is tall, dark hair, a beard; he has a hook for a hand and wears black leather…" Gold explained, releasing a heavy sigh of relief.

"So he shouldn't be too hard to spot then…"

"They'll both look out of place, but Cora is a shape shifter, she can disguise herself as anyone, so be on your guard."

"Should I look anywhere in particular?"

"They've never been here before so places won't mean anything to them; it's people they're after. Keep a close eye on Belle and the library, um, keep an eye on Regina and her house, that'll likely be the first place Cora will go. I'll keep an eye on Emma, but watch the station as well just to be safe…" Gold fixed Jefferson with his most threatening glare, "I better not find out you're watching my house…"

"I wouldn't watch your house if you paid me…" Jefferson snapped incredulously, "You think I want to know what's going on behind closed doors?" Gold shrugged in reply.

"Does Belle know she's in danger?" Jefferson asked.

"Not yet. I'll talk to her."

"She's already on her way over here for tea time – let me tell her."

"Very well. I'll let Emma know that you'll be helping us."

"She'll likely arrest me before she allows that." Jefferson said, following him to the door.

"She might, but things are different now." "Go enjoy tea with your daughter, I'll let myself out."

He left the mansion feeling a slight measure of relief.

On his way to the shop he stopped by the toll bridge and caught sight of the Charming's. He had no intention of intruding, but he was curious to see how they were getting along. Mary walked alongside Henry on his pony as Emma and Charming dueled. She was impressive, further demonstrated when Charming went down hard on his back. Emma blushed and looked nervous, rushing to help her father to his feet. David only laughed as did they all.

In this he was jealous of Emma, and even of Jefferson, that they had this time with their children – with their family – time he desperately wanted with Bae. He reminded himself that it was just a matter of time; the potion was nearly ready and then he'd be off to find his son.

He didn't linger long for risk of being spotted. It was enough to see her happy and carefree for just a few moments before it all went to hell. As he emerged from the trail and approached the shop, he was surprised to see Dr. Whale outside his door, missing an arm.

Night had fallen by the time Emma made her way up the stairs that led to Gold's front door, weary and still slightly in shock. She locked the door quietly behind her, hanging up her leather jacket and kicking off her boots. She wasn't trying to sneak in, it wasn't even that late, but she wouldn't be surprised to find him sleeping after the week they've had.

"Emma? Are you alright?" he called anxiously, limping down the hallway.

"I'm fine," she said numbly.

"I've been calling and only getting your voicemail…" he stopped talking when she hugged him, securing her arms tight around his shoulders. His arms pulled her close, and she could feel his body relax as she melted into him.

"Was it that bad with your parents?"

"No, not at all; we had a blast." She mumbled against his chest, "While we were there I got a call that Whale had his arm ripped off and was missing. So we headed back to the stables, but when we got there we saw Regina being attacked by her dead true love…like, an actual zombie. Then we were searching for Whale and I lost track of time then my battery died…It's been a weird afternoon."

"I'm sorry you had to see that…" he whispered, hugging her tighter, "Is everyone alright?"

"Mostly, we were all just really shaken by it; David and I got tossed around a bit." Emma pulled out of his arms, tucking her hair behind her ears, "Henry is staying with Regina tonight. She had to kill Daniel again and Henry thought she could use some family time."

He held her hand, leading her into the kitchen. Her dinner was on plate covered in plastic, and her stomach coiled at the sight of it.

"That looks really good, but after seeing a zombie and people having limbs torn off I'm not much in the mood for steak."

"What are you in the mood for?" he asked, his hand rubbing the small of her back.

"A hot shower, followed by a long hot bubble bath. I'm sorry…"

"Its fine, love, you can have it tomorrow." He said, setting the plate in the refrigerator. "But I can tell you that Whale is fine, well, relatively speaking."

"How do you know?"

"He showed up at my shop and asked I reattach his arm, so I did."

"You did – you, you can do that?" she asked, her voice caught somewhere between shocked and impressed.

"Indeed. But there is a very small window before the limb starts to become permanently damaged."

"Oh…" somehow, she was still surprised that he could talk so calmly about horrible things, "That must've cost him, well, I was gonna say an arm and a leg, but…"

Gold laughed, "There was no price, you can ask him yourself." She shook her head, waving her hand dismissively. "Afterward I decided to call it an early day and came home." He poured her a glass of wine, handing it to her as he lifted his own from the counter.

"What's the occasion?"

"We're celebrating."

"Besides reattaching a guy's arm, I'm at a loss."

"I did it. The potion works."

"You mean we can leave Storybrooke?" she asked excitedly. He nodded.

"That's awes –" she glared him as his words set in, setting her wine glass back on the counter, "Wait, you tested it already?"

"I crossed the town line, came back and I still know exactly who I am." He announced, smug and triumphant as ever. It was the best news she'd received all week, but 'congratulations' wasn't what came out of her mouth.

"You dumbass! I was supposed to go with you! What if it didn't work and you just erased all your memories and –" he silenced her with a kiss. "That doesn't get you off the hook."

"I love how you worry about me. I told you I wouldn't test it if I wasn't sure it would work." He was teasing her, as relaxed and mischievous as she'd seen him in weeks. She trailed her fingers along his jaw, studying his handsome face.

"It was still a stupid risk. You should have called me."

"I did, and I left several messages." She sighed, not bothering to suppress her impish smile. "We can go anywhere you'd like, Miss Swan, at any time; so long as I don't remove this."

She looked at the old tattered cloak that belonged to Bae, and was left speechless. Perhaps they wouldn't need to fight Cora after all. Gold could make enough of the potion for everyone and they could all leave with their memories intact. But she kept that thought to herself, not wanting Gold to think she was ready to run so soon.

"How about you go take that shower," he said, pulling her from her thoughts, "I'll clean up down here and then I'll meet you in the bubble bath – give you a massage, maybe even a foot rub." There was nothing flirtatious or suggestive in his voice or eyes, nothing but a desire to take care of her.

"Sounds perfect…" She didn't need to be told twice, kissing him briefly before rushing up the stairs to the shower. If he wanted to spoil her for the evening, she had no intention of stopping him. Tomorrow, it would be her turn to spoil him.

Again, I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to review. Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed/followed/faved/messaged me regarding this fic. Just to have it said, I will never abandon this story, I've been working on it so long and it will be finished. Though I will be ignoring just about all of Season 4 and 5, and 3B. I will touch on the Neverland arc, as I always intended to, and Neal, Cora, Hook will be coming up in the next chapters. I apologize again for this long delay, and I truly hope it won't happen again. Happy holidays if I don't post before then (whichever one you celebrate, if any) :)))