Dreamscape

by B of Ericaland

AU Every night when Queen Emma falls asleep she becomes Emma Swan, or is it the other way around? When she meets beautiful Regina in both worlds simultaneously, she begins to question all she's ever believed.

2. Welcome to Storybrooke

DISCLAIMER:: do not own. just borrowing for creative expression. no profit obtained.

A/N:: sorry it took a long time to update. had it written all the way to chapter 5 and two days ago decided to throw all the chapters out and start fresh. i'm so happy i did, because this is sooooo much better than what i originally had. i now have a better idea of where i want to take this. this chapter might seem a little confusing considering where the prologue ended, I AM AWARE. but fear not, for it all will come together soon. right now, be blissfully ignorant, and enjoy. oh, and bonus points if anyone can guess the movie and/or show. no one has guessed correctly yet. enjoy and review.

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-Chapter One: Welcome to Storybrooke-

Emma Swan sighed and sat up. Her apartment stretched out around her, plainly welcoming her back to Boston once more. She tossed the blankets aside and ran a hand across her face. She moved over to the window and looked out at the morning sky winking brightly back at her, almost as if it were mocking her. She was coming up on twenty eight; she'd need to leave Boston soon. She'd been here too long as it was. She turned away from the window with a disgusted sigh. Time to go to work… time to hunt.

An hour later, her mood had improved considerably, just as it always did after she'd had time to adjust from waking up. She stepped out of the brick apartment building and she wrapped her red leather jacket closer around herself. It was time to retire the well worn article of clothing but she couldn't bring herself to part with it. Not for sentimental value of course, with the exception of her necklace and baby blanket she cherished nothing material, but because it had become a calling card of sorts. Hawaiians saw a blonde mullet and a dark SUV and they instantly knew Dog Chapman had found them. In the same way, Bostonian's only had to see a red leather jacket and a yellow Volkswagen Beetle to know she was on their tail. Her father had always told her she had quite a gift for the hunt… well, in a way he had.

There were benefits to living downtown. She could always find a suitable bar within walking distance of her apartment, a dive joint at which she could sit back and forget this particular life. And the sounds were somehow comforting. Here, she needed the noise. The sounds that were so distinctly Boston. She needed the constant reminder that this was the real world. Silence…peace… they didn't happen here. She had to remember that. But the downside to living downtown was having to park a mile away everyday.

Half a block ahead she saw her run down little bug. She pulled out her keys and unlocked the driver's side door. She pulled on the handle but the door didn't budge. "Ah, come on, not today. I'm already late as it is." She threw her weight against the door and the whole car shook with the impact. She tried again and it still refused to give even an inch. "Please, please don't stick me with public transit." She slammed into it again and this time when she tried it, the door popped open as if it had heard her desperate plea, but not without a loud groan of protestation. She slid into the black leather seat and started the car. With another sigh she pulled out into the morning traffic of downtown Boston.

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"What took ya so long Swan?" Tony raised a dark eyebrow as she strolled through the front door of McKinley-Dizonti Bail Bonds.

"Counting the minutes until you saw me again, eh Diz?" It had become a common pastime, this playful teasing between them. One half of the founding party of her current place of employment, Anthony Dizonti was tall, tan, and rather handsome. He was only a few years older than her and he'd set his sights on her the moment she'd walked in looking for work. The other bounty hunters, including fellow co-founder Bobby McKinley, all said she and Tony were a perfect match, but she had no interest in pursuing him romantically. She didn't let herself have any interest in anyone who might cause her to establish any sort of roots.

"Louie came in early, snagged Darren Graybill."

"No!" Emma silently cursed her car. "I've been waiting for that case! You were supposed to slide it aside for me."

"Hey." Tony held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I tried, but Bobby was in when he asked for it and you know how he feels about me doin' you any favors. He already thinks I give you too much special treatment. He only puts up with it because you get results."

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Please tell me that he left me something?"

Tony tossed a file across the desk. "It ain't much, but it's something. Jumper out of Brookline. Wanted for fraud."

"Is it too much to ask for a little variety? Let me guess, the girlfriend put up his bail?" They always stuck her with the ones where she had to seduce the guy to get her mark. It was a legitimate hunting technique and she'd never claimed to be above it, but it just got old after a while.

Tony grinned. "Actually, his boyfriend put up the bail. That enough variety for ya?"

Emma's eyebrows shot up. She chuckled to herself. "Be careful what you wish for, right?" She held up the file as she backed towards the door. " Bet you one hundred bucks I take him down in less than three hours."

Tony grinned again. "You're on Swan. Family hasn't seen him in months. He's off grid. You just paid my gas for the month."

Emma smirked. "We'll see." She pulled her sunglasses down off her head and onto her face before pushing open the door. As she stepped out into the mid-morning sunshine, she glanced at the warrant in the file. "You may not need to see your family Mr. Limon, but I bet there is something it isn't so easy for you to hide from."

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Emma walked into McKinley-Dizonti two hours and fifty-six minutes later, tossing the file onto Tony's desk with a flourish, a triumphant grin on her face. "I believe you owe me one hundred bucks."

"In three hours? I think that's a new record." Tony stared at her, torn between amusement and wonder.

"Actually, two hours and fifteen minutes. I stopped at Luso's to have a bear claw and burn the extra time; winning is always much more enjoyable when I push the clock and let you get a false sense of security."

"You're a cold bitch sometimes Swan, you know that?" He reached for his wallet and counted out the bills, handing them over.

"Aw, I like you too Tony." She put a hand over her heart and batted her eyelashes. She caught sight of two fresh files on his desk. "Those just come in?"

"Yea. You want one?"

Emma picked them both up and browsed the warrants. They were both fairly simple marks. "I want both."

Tony frowned. "You know Bobby don't like when you pull double duty Swan."

"Come on Diz! Louie is gonna be gone all day on Graybill. I need the money!"

"Why you so hard pressed for cash all of a sudden?"

"I'm saving up."

"For what?" He looked at her with genuine curiosity.

Emma wanted to tell him the truth. She always opted for honesty when she could manage it, but Diz was the closest thing she'd had to a friend in a long time and she couldn't bear to hurt him by telling him she was leaving Boston. It was better to save the goodbyes until last minute, where feelings couldn't change minds that had already been made up. So instead she adopted her usual teasing smirk. "I'm going to get you one of those mail order brides. I want to invest in your future Diz!"

"Ha! You're so funny Swan. Now get out of here before Bobby gets back."

Emma tucked both files under her arm and set out, a smile on her face. It faded the second she was out the doors. Boston had been good to her. She was going to miss it. But, as always, with a little time, she'd get over it. She'd move on. She always managed to.

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She stared up at the brick building fondly. It had been her residence for the last six months now; it was one of the best places she'd ever had. She opened the door and headed straight for the stairs, taking them slowly. Her third and last catch of the day had been a runner. She'd had to wear heels to get his attention, leaving her boots behind in the car. It had been hell on her calves and once again she cursed the old apartment building for its lack of an elevator. By the time she reached the fifth floor, she was dead on her feet. This would be one night of sleep she'd welcome. She trudged around the corner and found her way blocked by something or, more accurately, someone. There was a small boy sitting in her doorway. He had brown hair and green eyes. He had a backpack slung across his shoulders and a huge brown book in his lap that looked rather dated. He was wearing some sort of school uniform. He must be from one of those Catholic private schools over in Beacon Hill. What was he doing downtown? And in her doorway of all places? "Hey kid."

The boy looked up and her breath caught for a brief moment. It seemed as if he were staring back at her with her own eyes, but that was impossible. She shook the feeling off.

"What…um, what are you doing in front of my door?"

The boy quickly got up. He looked eager and excited though Emma couldn't possibly fathom why. "You're Emma Swan?"

Emma raised an eyebrow and a frown crept onto her face. "Depends on who's asking." She stepped past him and unlocked the door.

"I'm Henry Mills."

Emma turned around, her hand on the doorknob. "Listen kid, does your mom even know where you are?"

Henry nodded. "Considering you are my mom, I'd say it's a safe bet."

Emma's jaw dropped. She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I'm sorry. I could have sworn you just called me… you said… mother?"

Henry nodded once more. "You gave me up ten years ago."

Emma looked around the hallway. She could care less if people gossiped about her but she didn't really want to advertise her past mistakes to her neighbours. "Come on inside kid." She opened the door and let him go in ahead of her. He strolled straight into her kitchen and took a seat on one of the stools by the island.

"Do you have any juice? They wouldn't let me have any on the bus."

"Bus? From where?"

"Maine."

For the second time since this kid showed up on her doorstep, Emma's jaw dropped. "You rode a bus, by yourself, all the way from Maine? Are you crazy kid? You could have been killed!"

"Ugh. You sound just like her." He spat out the pronoun in disgust.

"Who?"

"The Ev…." He seemed to search for the right words before glumly admitting, "my mom."

"So you do have a mom?" Relief washed through her.

"Actually she's my adoptive mom."

"Kid, she's your only mom."

Henry didn't seem the least bit deterred. "You're my mom too."

Emma opened her fridge and got out the apple juice she always kept on hand and poured Henry a glass. "Listen kid, I'm not mom material. I lead a… complicated life."

Henry opened the book and flipped it around on the counter so it was facing her. "You're the White Knight. You're supposed to save Storybrooke!"

"What's a Storybrooke?"

"It's where everyone is trapped by the Evil Queen!" He tapped his finger on the open book for emphasis. "All the fairytale characters."

Emma chuckled. "I know a thing or two about fairytales, and I can assure you, there is no such thing as the Evil Queen."

Henry shook his head. "There is! And she's trapped Snow White and everyone else here with a curse! A curse you're destined to stop!"

The smile dropped from Emma's face. "Did you just say Snow White?"

Henry nodded. He pulled the book back to him and flipped through the pages until he found the one he was looking for and pushed it back towards her. "The Evil Queen cursed her!"

Emma stared down at the illustration. She'd read every version of Snow White, seen every movie and none had gotten her quite right. There were many that had come close, but it was never all there. Something was always mixed up or missing. But this…. She let her finger trace the woman's outline. It was almost as if it were a photograph. "This… Snow White, she's in Storybrooke?"

Henry blinked and stared at her in wonder. "You believe me?"

Emma shrugged. "I'm not all the way there, but let's just say I'm open to the possibility."

Henry leapt off the stool. "So you'll come home with me?"

Emma stared down at the book. She had to know for sure. "Sure kid, let's take you home."

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She spent most of the drive in quiet contemplation while Henry told her all about the curse. She only listened with half an ear, giving input when he asked her for it directly. Otherwise her mind went adrift in the ocean of her memories. It wasn't often she took the time to just… remember.

"We're almost there." Henry pointed to a sign on the right up ahead.

Welcome to Storybrooke.

"Now remember… my mom might seem nice. She always is around people she's still trying to get a feel for. But don't be fooled Emma! She's the Evil Queen! You have to be careful."

Emma rolled her eyes. "I got this kid. Don't worry. How do I get to your house?" They had pulled onto Main Street and were passing several shops and other establishments. It seemed a quaint enough place to grow up. Too quiet for her tastes but she also felt an odd draw that she couldn't quite peg. Almost as if something inside her recognized this place. She shook it off and followed the kid's directions towards his house.

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"Just take a left up here. It's the white one." He gave a casual flick of his wrist towards her final turn.

With the nonchalance that Henry's tone had contained while indicating his house, it surprised her when she pulled onto the quiet residential street and saw his place. It was like pulling onto Pennsylvania Avenue and the President saying 'it's the white one'. The place was a mini mansion, with an enclosed but sprawling yard. A black Mercedes was parked on the winding driveway so Emma pulled to a stop on the street and parked in front of the small gate that opened to a brick walkway that led up to the front door. "Is your mother a hot shot attorney or something kid?"

Henry looked uneasy for the first time since they'd met. "She's the mayor."

Emma stared at him. "You're the mayor's kid?"

He nodded. "I would have told you but I was afraid you wouldn't come if I did."

Emma grimaced. "And you would've been right." She got out of the car and Henry followed suit.

As they approached the front door, it burst open and three people filtered out, two women and a man. One of the women, beautiful with dark brown, almost black hair and piercing dark eyes rushed forward. Her face was caught somewhere between relief and anger. "Henry?"

"What's Miss Blanchard doing here?" He deflected his attention from the woman who was obviously his mom to the other.

The second woman, obviously Miss Blanchard, stepped forward.

Emma's heart seemed to stop in her chest. Snow White. The kid hadn't been lying. She really was here. She was different though. Her hair was cropped short. It wasn't her usual wild curls, but it still suited her almost as well. She was dressed in a knee length dress and cardigan that gave her an air of innocence that, under normal circumstances, Snow White would never wear. But it was her.

"I noticed something missing today." She frowned down at him, though even her frown was not unkind. "When your mother called to ask if you had showed up at school today, I put two and two together easily enough."

"Henry, did you steal Miss Blanchard's credit card?"

Henry downcast his eyes and pulled the card in question from his pocket, handing it to the schoolteacher. "I'm sorry Miss Blanchard."

"I'd be glad to reimburse you for any charges he accumulated Miss Blanchard. Just send a list along to my office tomorrow."

Miss Blanchard nodded. "I'm glad you're okay Henry." She ruffled the boy's hair and then took her leave with a quick glance in Emma's direction.

"Where have you been young man?" The mayor turned her full attention to Henry the second the front gate closed behind the other brunette.

"I went to find my real mom." Henry pushed past her and ran into the house.

The man, who until this point had remained stoic and silent, held up a hand. "I got him." He turned and followed Henry inside.

Finally, as if realizing for the first time that there was another present, the mayor turned to Emma. "You're Henry's birth mother?"

Emma took a deep breath, or more accurately, a sharp intake of breath. This woman's eyes…. Emma's own eyes fell closed as a flash of memory overtook her. This woman, staring down at her with eyes that held so much, a brilliant smile crossing her face. "I never believed I'd find you." Her eyes shot open and she nodded.

"I'm Regina Mills, Mayor of Storybrooke." She extended a hand.

Emma took it and instantly felt fire dance across her skin. She could tell by the look of wonder that crossed Regina's face that she'd felt it too. "Emma. Emma Swan."

Regina was the first to pull her hand away. "May I offer you a cup of cider Miss Swan? I make it myself."

Emma nodded.

Regina led the way inside where the man was just coming down the stairs.

"Mr. Mills?" Emma raised a questioning eyebrow.

The man visibly paled and shook his head. "Sheriff Graham Hunter." He glanced at Regina. "Henry's tucked in. I should get back to patrol."

"Thank you Sheriff."

With a nod to them both, he disappeared into the night, shutting the door behind him.

"Shall we?" Regina led the way into a small parlour off to the right.

"You have a beautiful home." Emma took a seat in one of the chairs. "Is your husband around?"

Regina got out two tumblers and poured cider from a decanter into each. She handed one to Emma and then sat on the couch opposite the blonde. "My husband passed away many years ago, long before I adopted Henry. I'm a single mother."

Emma frowned. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Regina nodded. "And I'm sorry about Henry's actions; I'm sure they caught you rather off guard."

Emma chuckled. "A little."

Regina smiled, taking a sip of cider, and Emma could tell that the brunette didn't allow herself to genuinely smile that often.

"He caught me out of sorts with all his fairytale talk, but he seems like a wonderful kid. You've obviously done a fine job raising him."

Regina stared at her, the smile vanished. "I'm sorry… what fairytale talk?"

Emma shrugged. "You know, how he thinks everyone in this town is a character from his book?"

"I'm quite sure I have no idea what you're referring to."

Emma shook her head. "It's not that important, just a kid's imagination run away with him."

Regina nodded but she was no longer meeting Emma's eyes. She was too deep in thought.

Emma stood. "I don't think I should drive back tonight. It's already pretty late. Are there any hotels in town?"

Regina nodded, her gaze finally returning to Emma, sending another rush of fire through the blonde. "Yes, of course." She stood, leading the way to the front door. "Just off Main Street. Granny's Bed and Breakfast."

Emma smiled. "Thank you for the cider, Madam Mayor. As well as for raising Henry. He turned out… better than I could have hoped." Better than he would have been with me.

Regina opened the door. "Have a safe trip home Miss Swan. Thank you for returning my son safely."

Emma nodded and went to her car. It wasn't difficult to find the bed and breakfast and procure a room. By the dusty look of the keys, it appeared that no one had stayed at the establishment in quite some time.

Henry had left the book on her passenger seat, whether on purpose or by accident, she wasn't sure. But she was grateful. She took the book upstairs with her and once she had relaxed onto the comfortable bed, she opened it to the first page and began to read.

Nearly an hour later, Emma Swan fell asleep on the book, ironically opened to a page where the Evil Queen stared out regally, daring the reader to challenge her.