"What's up, dad?" Emma asks her father as she steps out onto the outdoor balcony. She watches as her father stands, his back to her, leaning over the railing of the balcony, his shoulder slumped in apprehension. She doesn't have to see his face to tell that his eyes are probably closed, and though she doesn't see his chest, she can easily tell that he's taking simultaneous deep breaths to calm his, obviously, racing heart. The sight of her father looking like this, a nervous wreck, puts Emma on edge. She doesn't think she wants to hear what he has to tell her. "Look, dad, I don't what it is you possibly have to tell me, but if it's something that will wreck whatever progress Regina and I have made over the last month, then I would rather not know." Emma tells him shakily. That seems to shake him out of his nervous daze.
Charming pushes off of the railing and turns around to eye his daughter with a small, nervous, smile. He runs his hand through his short, but growing, hair and gestures to the empty chairs on the far side of the balcony. Emma takes the hint and finds a seat in one of the chairs, Charming taking the seat closest to her. Once the two are seated, they sit in silence, both unsure of where to start. After a few more moments of this tense silence, Charming, takes a deep breath and begins speaking, his eyes downcast.
"Before I begin. I would just like to tell you that your mother and I love you more than anything in this world. We've always wanted what was best for you. We may not always show our love and care for you in the most conventional of ways and often end up making you upset, but just know, making you upset was never our intention. As for Regina's parents, despite what you two may believe, they love their daughter. They may not always know how to show it, and maybe they don't love their daughter as much as Snow and I love you, but they still love her, nonetheless. Just like Snow and I, Henry and Cora just don't show their love and care in the most conventional of ways…"
"Dad, can you just get to the point? You're really starting to scare me." Emma says shakily. Her heart started palpitating the moment he began to speak. What could he possibly have to tell her? Charming takes another deep breath and looks into the eyes of his daughter. He stares at the green orbs, so full of confusion and wonder, they remind him of a much simpler time when Emma was younger and wanted to go explore the forest with Archibald but didn't understand why he and Snow were so cautious about letting her explore without them or when she wanted to try on her mother's ball gowns but couldn't understand why they didn't fit her. As he stares into her eyes, all he sees is his baby girl. His baby girl who may or may not hate him even more after he tells her this news. He takes another deep breath, this one shaky compared to the rest, and nods.
"Do you remember the ball we attended here at the Mills Kingdom, 4 years ago?" He starts off. Emma looks at him in confusion, not understand where he's going with this, but nods, nonetheless, wanting him to continue. And he does. "What do you remember about that night?" He asks her slowly. Knowing very well that she wouldn't remember the key event that happened that day, but you could never be too sure.
"I remember coming here with you and mom, dancing with a bunch of royals and non-royals, arguing with Regina about something petty, and then more dancing…and that's it. Am I missing something?" Emma asks, her brows furrowed in puzzlement, that puzzlement growing even more when her father nods.
"There was a bit of a commotion that occurred that night… The Dark One was in attendance, though not invited. He had an issue with Cora and came to the ball, seeking revenge upon her. 'Til this day, I still have no clue what it is that she did to anger him, but what I do know, is that she and him used to be both romantically and magically, involved, so maybe his problem with her was of the jealous ex variety." Charming says with his lips curled in disgust, Emma wearing a similar look of disgust on her face. She can't imagine anyone getting involved with that imp.
"Where are you getting at, exactly?" She asks.
"Well, Cora and The Dark One, spent about an hour of the ball, standing on the indoor balcony where she and Henry are currently standing, arguing. No one, besides Henry, was close enough to hear their argument. Everyone just stayed their distance, too scared to approach the arguing pair and too scared to leave the ball altogether. You and Regina were completely unaware of what was occurring because you two were too busy doing what you did best with each other, and that is arguing. You were both standing by the refreshment table, both red in the face, arguing about god knows what. While you two were distracted, I'm assuming one of The Dark One's minions, or maybe even the imp, himself, placed a poisoned piece of apple tart onto Regina's plate. By the time he and Cora finished arguing and he magically departed from the room, a shriek could be heard from the refreshment table. Several shrieks, actually. But the first shriek was undeniably yours and panic automatically set in. There was a huge commotion and by the time Snow, Cora, Henry, and I were able to get through to you girls, Regina was already on the floor, passed out.
That imp had poisoned Regina with the sleeping curse. After that, Cora and Henry sent everyone, but you, Snow, and me, home. Despite the feud between our kingdoms, Snow and I couldn't let Henry and Cora face what was happening to Regina, alone. We couldn't imagine what state we'd be in, had it been you that was poisoned, so we offered to stay and help in any way we could. And they let us. We took Regina up to her bed chamber and laid her down in bed. Cora attempted to kiss her daughter on the cheek, but nothing came of it. Henry did the same, but once again, nothing came of it. It—"Emma cuts him off, her eyes going wide once she realizes where he's going, or possibly going, with this.
"Are you about to say, what I think you're about to say?" Emma asks with an audible gulp. Charming places his hand over her clasped hands resting on her lap. He offers her a small smile and decides to continue on.
"When Cora and Henry's kisses didn't wake her, we had all given up hope. Cora went searching through her spell books and tried whatever spell she thought could work…but nothing ever did. Regina was in a comatose state for about 5 days, and each day you stayed with her. For someone you supposedly hated, you sure cared a great deal for her; you never left her side. Snow and I would sometimes catch you talking to her…or well, playfully insulting her, as if your insults would magically wake her up. They didn't, of course, but that didn't stop you from trying. It wasn't until one bitterly cold, winter day, that everything changed. Henry, Cora, Snow, and I, walked into Regina's room, just as you leaned forward in your bedside chair, your face growing nearer to Regina's. We all watched as you placed your lips onto hers and with baited breaths, we waited. A few seconds after your lips made contact, there was a shift in the air, a flashing light and suddenly, all of the color returned to Regina's pale form."
"True loves kiss…" Emma mutters quietly, her eyes wide as she soaks in this newfound information. Charming nods his confirmation.
"To say that it was unexpected would be an understatement… But you two were only 14 when it happened, you were both still so young… We gave you two a few days to spend together and it was both beautiful and terrifying to witness. Beautiful, because the love you two had was so innocent and pure, but terrifying because we, Henry, Cora, Snow, and I, thought you both were too young to be so attached to another person. A person who you both had claimed to hate for so long. So we made a deal. After you both turned 18, our plan was to arrange a marriage between you two. And that's where we are now."
"Wait, if all of this happened…then why don't I have any memory of it? I think I would remember discovering my true love…"
"Cora cast a memory erasing spell on you two… Basically, every event that had happened that week, was gone from your memories. We thought it would be best for you two to discover your true love at a later time, preferably when you were old enough to really know what it meant to be soul mates." Charming explained, studying his daughter's unreadable expression.
"Now that explains the flashing white light I saw when Regina and I kissed…and that probably explains why our hands zapped each other the first few times we held hands." Emma wonders out loud, completely missing Charming's shocked expression.
"You two kissed?! And held hands? When? What led to that?" Charming spews out, his eyes bugging out of his head as he stares at his daughter in disbelief. It's a truly comical sight, and Emma can't help but chuckle at her father's expression.
"I don't kiss and tell, dad. Sorry." She says unapologetically. He looks unimpressed.
"You just told me that you two kissed. You basically just broke your own rule."
"Whatever. So….is there any other bombshells you plan to drop on me? Or is that it? And I know that you don't know why The Dark One was arguing with Cora, but do you at least know why he went after Regina?"
"To get back at Cora for whatever it is she did. His way of revenge is attacking those closest to you, so he went after Regina."
"Do you think he'd come after her again?" Emma asks quietly, suddenly feeling extremely apprehensive. Charming offers her a sympathetic smile and shakes his head in the negative.
"I don't know sweetheart, but I don't think so. Let's just not think about that right now. We should go back in and enjoy the rest of the ball. You should go and spend the rest of your night with your soul mate." He says with a bright smile. Emma blushes at that, an involuntary smile spreading across her face. If she didn't think she had a chance with Regina before, then all of that doubt is gone now. They're meant to be. There is no going around that fact. It is their destiny. A thought suddenly pops up into Emma's mind.
"Should I keep this news to myself or tell Regina?"
"If I were you, I'd let her figure it out for herself, but if you feel the need to tell her, then that's your choice." Emma thinks it over for a few seconds and comes to the conclusion that she'll let Regina figure it out for herself. It will be more special that way, she reasons. "Let's go back in, she's probably looking for you. Your mom is probably wondering where I ran off to, as well." Emma nods at him and they both stand up. Before they can make it to the doors leading into the ballroom, Charming stops, halting Emma with him. "Are you angry with me still?" He asks quietly. Emma shrugs in response.
"Well, you completely lied to me about the reason you married me to Regina, and you had Cora erase both mine and Regina's memories. I should be full of rage, but for some reason, I'm not. I've been developing these strong feelings for Regina for quite some time now and you know what? I'm actually relieved to know that she and I actually belong together. Regina, on the other hand, may try coming after her parents, and you and mom. She would be so full of anger and resentment towards you both…I wouldn't be surprised if she tried killing you all in your sleep. So, to answer your question, no, I'm not mad at you, though I still don't trust you or fully forgive you yet. But as for the anger, I think Regina carries enough for the both of us. Speaking of, Regina, I'm going to find her now. Thanks for telling me the truth, dad." Emma says to her father softly before walking through the doors leading back into the ballroom.
As she enters the crowded room, she peers through the large mass of people, looking for a certain brunette. And after a few moments, she finally spots the girl…dancing with Chris Aarons. Well, this should be good.
"You should dump Emma and become my betrothed. I'm sure that I'd make a more suitable partner for you, than she ever would. I'd protect you, cook for you, and fornicate with you, all you want." Chris says with a suggestive eyebrow wiggle. Regina's face scrunches up in disgust. What a vile and arrogant man. No wonder Emma had smashed her heel into his foot. That bastard deserved it. If her mother hadn't practically shoved her into this man's arms, begging her to dance with him, then Regina would have already stormed off. Regina sighs to herself, getting lost in her thoughts as Chris continues talking himself up. She wants to be with Emma right now, not this poor excuse for a human being. It's been almost 20 minutes since Regina had seen Emma and her father walk through the doors leading to the outdoor balcony. Maybe she should excuse herself and go out there to check up on her blonde companion. She hopes whatever it is that she and Charming talk about, isn't too taxing on the blonde's emotional state.
Before Regina can come up with a legitimate excuse to get away from this tool, a familiar voice sounds behind her.
"Weren't you just chatting me up not too long ago? You should seriously go for women who aren't already taken…especially women who are taken by each other." Emma says with her hands on her hips. Regina whirls around and smiles brightly at the blonde, Emma looks at her and returns the smile. Chris scoffs from behind her and stays in place.
"She seems to be interested. I mean, just look at me, why wouldn't she be? Looks like you aren't as exciting as you thought, Princess Emma." Chris says with a cocky smile. Regina takes a deep breath and turns back to the man, a saccharine smile on her face.
"I'm done conversing with you." With that being said, Regina knees him right in the baby maker. As the man doubles over, cupping his crotch in his hands, Regina leans down with him. "If I ever hear you badmouthing Emma, myself or any other woman in attendance tonight, I will make sure to rip your balls off. And do you know what that would mean for you? It means no fornicating whenever you want, because fornication would be an extremely unpleasant experience for you. Now be gone from my sight you sleaze." Regina says dangerously, causing an involuntary shot of arousal to go through Emma's body. Damn, my wife is hot, Emma thinks to herself.
Chris Aarons immediately departs without looking back, muttering under his breath about crazy women. Regina and Emma watch the man go in amusement before turning towards each other, immediately assuming their dance positions. Emma places one hand on Regina's hip, her other hand held upright waiting for Regina's palm to slide in. Regina places one hand on Emma's shoulder before sliding her palm into Emma's hand. The two immediately find a rhythm and begin gliding across the dance floor.
"Earlier tonight, that Aarons guy began badmouthing you…so I stabbed my heel through his foot." Emma says with a smirk causing Regina to giggle.
"I know, I saw. Well, I didn't know he was badmouthing me, but I did see you in action…I also saw you fly into the arms of your father and then disappear onto the balcony for over 20 minutes. Are you okay? Did you guys get the opportunity to talk?" Regina asks in concern. The corners of Emma's mouth curl up and she nods sheepishly.
"I'm okay, more than okay actually. And we did."
"What did you guys talk about?"
You. "Just some stuff. It's not that important right now, what's important is that you and I enjoy the rest of the evening together."
"I think we can do that." Regina says with a soft smile. Emma feels the butterflies flapping wildly in her stomach and this time, she doesn't try to ignore the feeling. She embraces it. She's supposed to get this feeling around Regina, because she's meant to be with Regina. That piece of information is more than she could have hoped for, though the circumstances in which they found out about their true love connection, was less than ideal. Suddenly, a sinking feeling fills her gut at the thought of The Dark One…or anyone at all, coming after either she or Regina. Sure, knowing how to wield a sword, use your body, and always find your target, is important….but what if it's not enough? What if a magical being comes after them? Then all of their physical training would be useless… Emma would do everything and anything to protect Regina and considering the fact that they are soul mates, just adds onto that fact.
Regina notices the conflicted expression on Emma's face and frowns. "Hey, Emma, what's wrong?" Regina asks Emma, a look of concern etched on her face. Emma lets out a shaky breath and forces out a smile.
"Nothing, Regina, just dance with me."
"You know you're an awful liar."
"Actually, I'm a really good liar, but you know me well enough to catch me in my lies."
"Well, since you just admitted to lying, care to tell me what's got you looking so conflicted?" Emma thinks it over for a moment and realizes that she can't tell Regina of what her father told her, at least not yet. She wants Regina to figure out their connection for herself…but she feels as if she should warn her of The Dark One, even though there's a good chance he may never strike again… I mean, he hasn't attacked her in four years so it looks like he's found himself a new target. Still, Emma wants to be able to protect Regina, and she wants Regina to be able to protect herself… She knows what she has to do…but it can wait until the morning.
"How about we just dance and we can discuss what's bothering me tomorrow, deal?" Emma asks with a hopeful smile. Regina nods in agreement. "Great." Regina rests her head onto Emma's shoulder as they continue to dance, their gliding now turned into dancing in place at a snail-like speed. But neither of the girls care too much. It just feels good to be with one another for the moment, without anyone coming by to pop their little bubble.
And that's how the rest of the ball is spent, with both girls dancing closely and having quiet conversations with each other. Neither girl worried about anything going on around them except for each other. And that's all that mattered to them. At least, that's all that mattered to them in that moment.
The next day will be an entirely different story.