A/N: Again, apologies for lack of updates. College takes some adjusting, but I think I'm settled into my schedule now. Updates should be coming regularly now. :) Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed, followed, and favorited! Please continue to do so!
"There's something you're not telling me." Anastasia turned to face him, as perfect as a portrait, with the beautiful backdrop of Wonderland behind her.
"Wot?" Will asked innocently turning from the hypnotizing scene of the sunset. He leaned heavily on the marble balcony, acting casual.
"I know you, Will." She smiled. "You can't hide from me."
"Why would I want to?" He took a step closer to her, but her eyes remained stern.
"Don't change the subject. You can tell me." Her expression softened. "Don't you trust me?"
"'Course I do, Ana. Just…don't like having a bloody conscience, that's all. Telling you would make it real, and make me want to do something about it. But I don't want to. I want to stay here safe, with you…" He trailed off. It wasn't often that he rambled, but it had been happening more frequently with his heart intact and his marriage to Anastasia.
She raised her eyebrows, waiting.
Will hung his head, then looked back up at her. "I found Jafar. In Storybrooke."
Her eyes were as big as saucers. She immediately grabbed Will's hand. "Was he still a genie?"
"Yeah, but a not very nice woman got a hold of him. With Jafar's reputation for trouble, I just keep thinking that they're not safe, that something's gonna happen."
The panic slowly drained from her face, replaced by a calm warmth. "Will." She pulled him a little closer. "I'm haunted by my years as Queen. I turned a blind eye to Wonderland, and because of that I almost let Jafar take it. I almost lost you, I almost died." She lifted a hand to caress his cheek, and he closed his eyes for just a moment. "So do what you always told me to do: the right thing."
He opened up his eyes and saw her face; shining, hopeful, smiling. She already knew what he was going to do. She could read his heart better than he could.
Will sighed. "I'm going to have to get the Rabbit, then. He won't be happy."
Ana beamed. "Can I come with you?"
"Not this time. It's dangerous, and besides, everyone would miss your lovely face." That made her smile. "You have to take care of Wonderland. I won't be gone long. Nothing's probably even happened."
She looked at him, conveying all seriousness. "Just promise me that you'll send the Rabbit to get me if things get bad. I know Jafar and his weaknesses; I could help."
It's not going to get bad, he told himself, but this nagging in the back of his head told him otherwise. He would never let her get anywhere near Jafar. "Promise." With that, he slid his arms around Ana's waist and kissed her. "I'll miss you, Ana," he said as he pulled away.
"I'll miss you too, Will." She ran her fingers over the hair on the back of his head. A smile twitched at her lips. "Don't be long."
"Wouldn't dream of it." He pressed his lips to hers only briefly this time, gently squeezed her hands in his, and then turned away from the balcony.
Every part of his body screamed at him, begging him not to leave. But his heart relaxed, giving him some sort of comfort that at least he was doing the right thing.