They had convened to talk strategy at the round table. As though words and ideas shared with one another would be able to ward off Regina's curse, Snow thought bitterly, and then immediately regretted it. She had to have hope; if nothing else, it would make everything bearable. Even still, tensions mounted and hope was stretched thin as the curse crept closer and closer. Every new sunrise was greeted as though it was the last they'd all see in the Enchanted Forest because every morning there was a good chance that it might be.

The curse—even its lack of any real name was ominous. They had no solid information on what it did besides Rumple's word; they only knew that Regina would make sure that the happy endings that they had fought for didn't exist. Snow glanced at Charming and then down at the tangible symbol of their love, the baby growing inside of her, and cupped her stomach protectively. She had fought for her happy ending once and she would do it again if she had to.

-0-0-0-

Belle and Mary Margaret chatted quietly as they walked through town and toward the library. Mary Margaret glanced up at the library's clock as they got closer to make sure it was still ticking, that time was still moving forward, a habit she'd developed and couldn't yet seem to kick.

"So, why did you really want to walk with me?" Belle asked, a knowing smile on her face.

Mary Margaret blinked, heat pooling in her cheeks. She smiled sheepishly. "That obvious?"

Belle giggled. "A little."

Mary Margaret sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Sometimes Rumple can be…difficult. I overheard the end of your conversation; I figured you'd want to talk without him around for a bit. Oh, and congratulations."

"Thank you," Mary Margaret said sincerely, grateful for the chance to speak alone just as much as for the well wishes. "Do you…know anything? Has Gold told you anything since he brought magic back?"

Belle was thoughtfully quiet for a bit before shaking her head. His main priority and his reason for bringing magic back was to find his son; if Regina had anymore curses up her sleeve they weren't on his radar and she certainly hadn't gotten them from him. "I'm sorry, no." She apologized.

Mary Margaret nodded. It had been worth a shot and perhaps the saying "no news is good news" was right. At least, she hoped so. The two women stopped in front of the library doors just as the noon bell chimed. "Thank you."

"Of course. I'll let you know if I learn anything," Belle assured her before giving a wave and heading into the building.


A/N: Short again, I know, but I'm swamped with essays and other school work to make up for the snow days we've had. College snow days aren't as fun as high school snow days. :/ Anyway, follow and review and favorite and the like!