A new life

The sunrise watered her face with pale colors. She had been gazing up at the stars all night, the beautiful sounds of the ocean as company, and sometimes the bottle of rum that Killian brought her when he could leave the helm. He was really likable, kind and fascinating. A gentleman pirate.

And it was obvious he liked women. One in particular. The one he had talked about all night. Especially after that bottle of rum, the second one that they shared. Well, shared... he had actually drank it all, but a little sip she had managed to steal. And then he had begun to talk about Emma, and he didn't stop until he had fallen asleep upon the helm. He was still there, covered by a blanket she had taken from his cabin. She hadn't moved him. She'd never loose the occasion to make the group laugh so hard. His position was at least exhilarating. Plus, he held the ship straight, so that now the land was right in front of the vessel, far and fogged, but visible.

" It seems that our Captain is sunk in the deep dream's sea..."

The well-known voice made her smile. Rapunzel turned and looked at her old friend.

" There's bad blood between you two, isn't it? "

Rumplestiltskin showed his surprise. " How do you know that?"

She gave him a knowing smile. " I know you. And he glares at you everytime he has the occasion to."

The Dark One softly laughed. " You've always been a good observer after all, dearie..."

" Mh. For this you wanted me? Because I can see."

They stared at each other for several minutes, the little morning waves the only sound around them. He finally smirked.

" I suppose."

She narrowed her eyes, but nodded after glancing down.

" Do you hate me for this? For... what I put you through?"

Rapunzel stared at him in total surprise. He seemed really worried. And, perhaps, a little sorry. She thought about it. Did she hate him? No, absolutely, she realized with an inner laugh, that soon became external.

" No, Rumple, why should I? I... I think you had your reasons to do it. Everyone has their own demons."

That, that one on the Dark One's face, that was real surprise. Then it became relief, and... gratitude?

" You truly remember me of Belle, dearie."

" I can't wait to meet her." she commented with a smirk. " Is she human?"

" Yes, yes..." he answered laughing.

" Why? It was a legit question!"

" I know, I know, it's just that I'm no more used to such questions. There are, well, there were only humans in this world."

" What do you mean? No animals? Or no ogres, werewolves, fairies, dwarves, dragons..."

" The second you said. "

" Oh." she simply said, still thinking about it. " Boring." she commented after a while, making him laugh again.

" Not as you may think."

" You two make a damn loud noise when you're tog... is he alive?"

Snow had just finished the short stair to the deck, and was now worriedly looking at Hook.

" Aye. He's just drunk. Thought you should see this." the warrior sneered.

Snow alternated her gaze between her and the pirate, then fixed it on the last one, and finally laughed so hard that she had to crouch down. Killian didn't give signs of life but a little grunt.

Snow almost died asphyxiated.

Prince Charming came and, as he saw Hook, he looked down at his wife and tried to stifle his laughter.

" Why is he in such conditions?"

" He...ahahaha! He's..." Snow White tried to answer, but she was laughing too hard to succeed. Rapunzel explained it for her. David, inevitably, began laughing. Her devilish plan was working, she thought smiling wickedly. Rumplestiltskin laughed as if he could read her mind. Probably he did. However, she didn't bother: he already knew everything about her. Not that she had any secret, but one for Regina.

Emma reached her parents with her son at her side, both awakened by the noise, and she almost immediately joined their laughters, as Henry did.

Regina was the last one to reach the deck. When she did, she barely looked at Hook, smiled tightly at Henry and went on the bow. She didn't even looked at her. Rapunzel felt a burning wound scratch her heart. She looked back at the rest of the group, and noticed that Snow had stopped laughing and was now watching Regina with a worried face. Their eyes met, but the green ones quickly looked away, back on the still sleeping pirate. Something else hurt inside her.

What had happened between the two women? She was about to ask her but Emma forestalled her.

" Mom, can we have a talk?"

The unusual calling temporarily distracted her, enough to make the two woman disappear. It was weird to hear Snow White, that same young bandit woman that she met in the forest, to be called "mom". She was still that girl to her. The girl who accidentally crushed her love's heart. Just the victim of another victim.

Regina was shattered. Snow was right. But she had to be wrong!

She had thought about it all night long. Rapunzel's behavior actually was unusual. It had always been. But she had always thought that she was simply made so. It was just logical to her. But now it wasn't anymore. That look in her eyes... she noticed it everytime the warrior looked at her, but she had always refused it. Now she finally realized it. That look made her feel that way. As if... No, she didn't know. She thought that she would never find the words to describe that feeling: she only understood that it was deep and, somehow, painful. She thought it was guilt, because she unconsciously knew that Rapunzel loved her, but she always treated her as any servant. And when she put that ring on... yes, Regina remembered that gaze. It was a goodbye, the one that the warrior gives to the lover before the last battle. She was a warrior, she remembered to herself with an inner smile. She knew such things. She probably thought she would have died. Or maybe she hoped it. No. Rapunzel wasn't that kind of person, or she wouldn't be there, still breathing. There, with all the others...

Regina hadn't had the strength to look at her. She had felt her eyes on her, as always, but now... Before, she had always felt safe under that look. She thought that that was the look every guard gives to the person they have to protect. A checking look, like "okay, she's fine, mission accomplished, now let's kick some threatening ass". Damn, she was beginning to talk, worse, think as Emma. As a Savior. She laughed innerly at herself. The world was upside down: a damn good-hearted warrior loved her, Snow White was right and she thought as a Boston True Love's product. And Rapunzel loved her. Those three words had kept her awake all night. She had sent her to Neverland! If Daniel did it to her... she couldn't think about it. Even the thought was unbearable, imagine... She'd probably have killed herself. Perhaps not. But if she didn't, and... Damn it, Shaya had forgiven her! She smiled at her when she saw her on the beach! Smiled! She would have killed her if she was Rapunzel. And she smiled. And looked at her that way. Again.

But, no! It wasn't possible. That was just suggestion. It had to be.

" Mary Margaret, what happened?"

" We were finally at "mom"! Don't regress, please!"

She was smiling. Emma wasn't.

" Yes, later. Have you seen Rapunzel's face when Regina didn't greet her? What happened?"

" What? Why? How was her face?"

" Let's say it was better when she was almost dead. Now answer."

Snow smiled widely. " I told her that she loves her. Regina was so confused, probab..."

" You did what?!" the Savior almost screamed. That was a disaster! Regina's reactions to emotions were... well, violent. Everybody knew. Particularly her mother. How could she have... " I told her. She had to know. Rapunzel deserves better than..."

" Are you crazy?"

" Emma, where's the problem?"

Mary Margaret was truly confused, it was evident. Their matching eyes were widened for different reasons.

" Where's the problem? Where's the problem, mom? The problem is that Rapunzel didn't want her to know!"

Her mother smiled again. She was uselessly trying to reassure her. " She was just afraid..."

" Yes! And she was right! Shit! Have you seen Regina's face? "

" Yes! She realized that Rapunzel loves her. It's normal if she's a little shocked. I was too when I realized it."

" No!"

" No?"

" I mean, yes, but... shit! She'll avoid her forever!"

Mary Margaret paralyzed. She clearly didn't think about it. " Shit..." she murmured.

" Yeah..."

" M-maybe she won't. Maybe they'll talk and..."

" Mom?" " Uh?"

" It's Regina you're talking about." Emma's skeptic gaze totally convinced the other woman. " Right. Well, I..." She sighed loudly." I'm a mess. I made..." her own bitter laughter interrupted her. " Damn it! I've made the same mistake twice!"

There was a little crowd on the quay. Henry could see Archie with Pongo, Ruby, Granny, Ashley and Sean, Marco and August... that meant Jiminy, Red, Ella, Thomas, Geppetto and Pinocchio, he remembered to himself.

Captain Hook anchored the ship. Henry ran down on the quay. First he hugged Pongo, that was happily barking and wagging his tail, under the happy laughter of Arch... Jiminy. He was the second to get the hug.

" How are you, Henry?" he asked smiling. His glasses couldn't hide his tears.

" Fine! They saved me! It was an adventure, it was great! I mean, I was scared, but I felt like a hero! Well, not exactly, but..."

The man ruffled his hair laughing. " Okay, I got it, brave boy! You'll tell me everything later.

Now let me greet the rest of your family!"

" Can I take Pongo?"

" Sure! He'll like it! He missed you, as we all did!" Archie smiled at him, handed him the leash and walked behind him. Henry turned a little to see that he was now talking with his mom. Both of them, now. Emma had joined Regina in the conversation. Archie, mh, Jiminy hugged them both, together. Their faces were hilariously the same: surprised, a little irritated, but innerly pleased. Regina was the first to break the hug. Her face was still stained by irritation, but when she saw Henry laugh, she visibly stifled a laugh. Jiminy turned, saw him and laughed in turn, again.

Emma was widely smiling at him. And he felt... happy. There wasn't another way to describe it. But still... the thought of his father never left him. His face darkened at that thought, and he turned to hide it.

Ruby, waiting for his attention crouched in front of him, smiled. " Hey, it's all right?"

" Uh, yup, sure." he said without enthusiasm.

She opened her arms. " Then let me hug you, I need some comfort!"

She smirked, and he got her game. It was a little tricking, but he understood she had good intentions. Henry hugged her, and the tension he accumulated flew a little away. Not a bad trick,

after all.

" You know, I was very afraid for you all!" she continued, making him smile between her hair. She was warm, and her hug was reassuring as almost none else's. Emma's and his mom's were the only exceptions.

" For my mom, even?"

" Well, yes!" She distanced enough to look him in the eyes. " She's by our side now. And she's your mom."

" And my step-great-grandma. You know, I didn't really realize it till yesterday evening. Dunno why. But I'm a little confused now... "

She chuckled. " I see."

" I mean, Emma is my mother, and mom is her step-grandma. It's weird."

" Yeah, I know, I know. Guess you just have to get used with the idea. "

" Yeah, maybe." he murmured, and Granny, now standing beside him, caressed his head. " Have patience, Henry. Just think that you're safe now. Enjoy your return home." the older woman said smiling. She was holding her crossbow in her hand, as always.

He smiled at her, but he couldn't agree with her. He couldn't enjoy that place anymore.

Everywhere there were his father's memories hiding, waiting for him to drop his guard and attack him with that infinite sadness. It was...

" Henry!" August's voice called him. His friend hugged him. " How are you?"

" Fine." Henry forced himself to smile. " You?"

" Fine! Let's go play?"

Henry thought about it. He wasn't sure he could play anymore. Not after all that happened. " I brought our swords!" August added. Well, maybe, after all...

Regina watched her son run away with August with his wooden sword in the hand. They stopped in the parking and began to pretend to fight. He was pretty skilled, she thought with inevitable pride. Charming taught him well, after all.

A scream made her jump. Miss Lucas was running towards her. No, fortunately she deviated. A thump evidenced the impact. Rapunzel was laughing in her arms.

"And then her wolf attacked me"... obviously, there she was. And, obviously, she didn't attacked her at all. Regina was watching the scene with an arched eyebrow as an evidence of her disapproval, and Rapunzel noticed. She smiled with embarrass.

" Hey, Regina, you know, that wolf..."

" I supposed it." she coldly interrupted her. Rapunzel's smile disappeared.

" Thought you didn't bother anymore 'bout it. " she murmured. Worrying filled her eyes. And regret. And... pain. As always, Regina realized.

Silence had fell on the quay. Everyone was waiting. The former Evil Queen looked at Snow White. She was worried too. Very more than the warrior. And Red Riding Hood... she was waiting. As only a wolf can wait, seeming totally calm and ready to eat you at the same time.

" I got your reasons." she said, diplomatically. She was trying, really.

But Rapunzel blushed. Her cheeks were redder than Ruby's outfit. " R-really?"

And that was the confirmation. The absolute panic in her eyes. Regina paled. Crap. Snow was right.

" Y-yes. I know you... had good intentions."

Pure relief relaxed Rapunzel's face. Another proof: Shaya really didn't want her to know.

" I forgave you, really."

The smile that the warrior gave her was the most beautiful she'd ever seen on her face. What, wait, did she just thought "beautiful"?

" Thank you." she said. Absurd.

Regina softly laughed, startling everyone. " Don't. Thank y o u." she said, and that left Rapunzel speechless.

Regina glanced at Snow. She was almost shining with that huge smile on her annoying face. Not even Regina's glare could dampen it.

That was absolutely great! Regina wasn't avoiding Rapunzel. Emma couldn't help but smile like an idiot. She realized it when her cheeks began to ache. Se stopped smiling and massaged them, just in time for Regina's gaze, who looked at her as if she was suspicious. So she knew that she knew. Great.

" Sorry, but... who is she?" Archie asked, adjusting the glasses on his nose.

" My name is Rapunzel." the warrior answered, chilling the crowd. Everyone knew that name.

Everyone feared her other one.

" The Golden Death..." Leroy whispered, stepping back. Actually, everyone did.

" Yes but she's good!" Ruby hurried to explain, putting herself between the friend and the people.

" A monster defending another monster!" an unknown and untraceable voice in the crowd said.

Whale's face reddened with rage.

" Hey! How do you dare?"

Voices filled the air, overlapping one to another in crescent anger. This wasn't good at all. " Hey!" Emma's father cried out, but none listened. " Hey, Storybrooke!" he tried again, loudening his voice, and this time it worked. " She's not a monster! She's probably a better person than we all will ever be! Thi saved Henry's life, and I dare to say that she saved all of us, too. She sacrificed for us, she almost died. She gave us her home, her food and water, and she took back the magic beans for us. Do you really think we would ever bring here someone we don't trust? But if you judge her as a monster, then kill me and Snow too. "

" And me!" Emma added instinctively. She blushed a little, but forced herself to keep her eyes on the crowd. David put a hand on her shoulder, and she gazed at him. He was proudly smiling to her. Her eyes filled with tears, so she had to look away.

She saw Regina looking at Gold (who was hugging Belle and crying from the moment they docked) and Killian. They all smiled at each other. Incredible!

" I don't think you need me to say it." Regina smirked. Someone laughed. The tension decreased a

little.

Emma looked at Rapunzel. She was astonished. Paralyzed. Her mother had joined her and now she, Ruby and the blonde were hugging all together. But Rapunzel's eyes were on her father. Emma saw him smile and wink at her. Her eyes were full of gratitude. Then something passed through them, and she glanced down, hiding her face in Ruby's hair. What was that? Emma couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't for Regina, this time. So? Maybe she just moved, the Savior tried to convince herself. But her Sixth Sense said it wasn't so.

Still thinking about it, but trying not to, Emma turned, and met the Mayor's eyes. There was something in hers, too...

" Okay, everyone, go home. Or to work. The show is over!" David said. Emma distracted for a moment. Just for a moment. David went on talking to the crowd while she talked to the brunette.

" Regina, what's up?"

" What do you mean, Miss Swan?"

She put her cold mask on, but Emma had never cared about it.

" Rapunzel. What's wrong with her? She looked strange when dad finished the speech. "

The former Evil Queen sighed. She gave again that weird gaze.

When she spoke, she looked tired. " She knows that those were lies. She knows who she is. What she is." Regina looked at the warrior melancholically. " What we'll always be."

She glanced down. Emma put a hand on her shoulder, surprising her.

" You changed. She did. You're not monsters. Maybe you were, but..."

" We can't change, Emma. Once your heart is dark, it stays..." Her voice lowered while she was talking, as if she was thinking about something else. " Or so I thought." she whispered, looking again at the warrior. She was talking with Ruby, so she didn't noticed.

" What do you mean?" Emma asked in confusion.

" When I took her heart, you know that I ripped her heart out to save her? Anyway, it was bright. And not as any heart does. It was shining as a... little star! And I don't really know why, seen what she did in her life. And even recently, as you well know." Regina looked in her eyes. " If I'd rip my heart out right now, I know that it would be almost completely black. Hers should be, too!

Maybe yours, or Henry could be that bright. Can you understand?"

Emma nodded, her mind working hard to find an answer. But she knew nothing about magic and shiny hearts. " Uh-uh. But don't prove that theory now. " she tried to smile, but Regina plowed on.

" Even your mother's is stained! But hers..."

" But... maybe... dunno..." Emma looked at the warrior, as in search of inspiration. " Maybe you're wrong. Perhaps hearts can get brighter if one makes good things. I mean, she almost died helping us..."

Regina looked for a long moment in her eyes, but she wasn't really watching her. Emma could almost hear her brain work.

" Perhaps." she finally murmured.

Her gaze was still far away when she eyed their son.

Belle was there, in his arms. He couldn't believe it. He thought that they would never meet again. But, obviously, Belle was right. And, from the moment that their bodies touched, he couldn't stop kissing her. And she shared his emotional condition, it seemed.

" I love you." she whispered in a moment of pause.

Rumplestiltskin felt new tears roll, warm and beautiful, down his cheeks.

He took her gorgeous face between his palms, and looked in those wonderful blue eyes. " I love you too." he said, and she kissed him again. Her scent... he had missed it so much. And her hair, so silky and soft and... hers.

They stayed hugged, simply enjoying each other presence, for several minutes. Then the crowd began screaming and insulting Rapunzel. And claiming her head. David intervened, calming the folks, as usual. He was good in this, he thought. A good future king.

Rumple looked at his friend, squeezed between Snow White and Red Riding Hood. His friend, the only one he had ever had.

He looked at Regina, wondering if she knew now what Rapunzel felt for her. What was the real cause of Snow White's survival. Why did he send her to her. Maybe she did, but, for now, she was calming the people down. He supported her with a smirk. A smirk that faded away as he followed Regina's gaze to Hook. The pirate too stopped smiling as the brunette turned. The two men looked with hate at each other for a while, then Rumplestilskin grinned at him, deciding that there were more pleasant and important things to do in that moment.

He smiled at Belle, and she smiled back at him, making his heart skip a couple of beats.

" Come with me, dearie. "

They joined the trio. Rapunzel's smile didn't reach her eyes. Something was wrong.

" Belle, let me introduce you to my dear friend Rapunzel. Rapunzel, she is..."

" The famous young lady who conquered your heart, I suppose." she interrupted him, widely smiling at Belle.

Rumple laughed briefly. " Yes, exactly."

Rapunzel curtseyed to Belle, making her laugh with the other two women.

" Very pleased to meet you, Lady Belle."

His Love bowed in turn. " The pleasure is mine."

" Although I don't know how you can stand him." Rapunzel added, and, after that he did, everyone laughed.

" It's been a century and a half, dearie, I think you know well how." he smirked, but she arched her eyebrows.

" True, but we met maybe five times in all of these years! She wakes up with you at her side!

She's a heroine!"

Again, everyone laughed. Belle was doubling up with laughter. Rumplestiltskin faked a glare at her, with the the only result to make her laugh harder, if possible.

" How very funny, Rapunzel, really." he said, stifling a laughter.

" I know." she sneered.

Snow leaned on her, hiding her face behind her shoulder while laughing.

" I should have let you in that tower."

" Aye, perhaps it would have been wise, but I wouldn't have saved your ass in Neverland, Dark

One." That devilish smile of hers, that'll be damned, made him almost laugh.

" I would have handled the situation even without you, dearie, trust me."

He held Belle closer, and she gave him a slight squeeze with her arm around his waist.

Rapunzel grimaced at him as a child, making everyone burst into laughter again.

" I've read a lot about you, but they never wrote that you were this funny, Rapunzel!" Belle exclaimed, smiling. Her cheeks were still reddened for the recent laughter. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Her sight was the only thing that could make him forget Bae's death, even if just for a moment. It was like if she had the magical capability to make the pain disappear. She made disappear even the revenge's will. But, as he said, just for a moment. Tamara was still alive, somewhere in Neverland. He had never forgot it. He was still burning with rage for what she did. But, for the moment, he had to wait.

He blinked and met Rapunzel's eyes. She looked at him as if she could read his thoughts. She narrowed her eyes, then her expression completely changed, mutating in a kind, calm, smiling face. " Read, right! Belle, Rumple said you love to read..."

She glanced at him before looking at Belle again. He understood now: she was diverting the attention from him. He thanked her mentally.

" Yes, it's my passion! I work at the library here. There, under the clock tower." she pointed at the place. Rapunzel nodded.

" I can't wait to visit your library. I love books, too. "

Rumplestiltskin stopped listening to them. He could only look at Belle, at every, single inch of her.

He couldn't wait anymore.

" Belle." he murmured. She gazed at him.

" Mh?"

" Let's go home."

At first she was a little surprised by the question, but then she smiled and nodded. " I'm sorry ladies, but I'm really tired. " he justified himself, even though he knew that none of them would have believed him.

They all smiled.

" Sure. See you tomorrow." Snow said, mostly to Belle, but Ruby hurried to say: " Tonight! We organized... Well, we're still organizing, but everything will be ready, a Welcome Back Party. At

Granny's, obviously. Everyone's invited." She smiled at both Rapunzel and Rumple.

" Thank you very much." Rapunzel smiled. " Even though for me it's just a "welcome"." " We'll be pleased to join the party." Rumple grinned, then nodded to Belle, and they finally walked away. He felt the urge to be just with her. Forever.

Rapunzel watched the couple walk away. She could still barely believe that the Dark One had found his True Love. It was almost an oxymoron. However, she was happy for him. The girl seemed a nice person, and her gaze was so intelligent that she felt almost in awe when she directly looked at her.

A movement caught her attention. Regina, Emma and David joined them, and Emma was immediately buried under Red's hug. She saw her smile, finally. A true, relaxed smile. Rapunzel glanced at Regina, but the woman was looking at Snow so intensely that she thought that the younger woman would have caught fire in a moment.

" Rapunzel?"

" Uh? " Red had called her. " Tell me."

" I was thinking... you don't have a house here, so you can stay at Granny's bed and breakfast. "

" Bed and... is it like... a rest house?"

" Oh, yeah, right. Sorry."

Rapunzel gave a smirk. " Don't worry, my fault. Aye, however, thank you, it would be great, but I can't pay you by now. "

Red smiled. " Ah, on the house! You're the only client, by the way. The whole b&b is yours." " Why don't you..." Regina hesitantly began, but she then stopped and glanced down. It was like if the whole harbor was holding breath. The former Queen took a deep breath and gazed at Rapunzel. " My manor is big. Why discommode widow Lucas when I have a spare room. " She tried to smile. She looked afraid, somehow. On the other hand, Rapunzel was trying to not explode for the joy.

" W-well... I'd never... I mean, if it's not too much trouble..."

" It isn't." Regina quickly said.

Rapunzel couldn't help but smile as if she had just said the most beautiful thing in the world.

" Thank you!"

They didn't notice, but everyone was smiling at each other around them.