Chapter 30

Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time. Also, this is a sequel to La Lisboa's original "Thicker than Water."

I'd like to thank Lisboa for betaing this and letting me use her story as a starting point.

Emma came home for dinner that night, just as she promised she would. "I told Chief Winslow what happened today with George," she began as they all sat down to dinner. Snow had made chicken with stuffing and cranberries. "Chief Winslow was…a little concerned why I had to fire my weapon to stop him. I tried to explain George was strangling the victim when I arrived." David made a face at that. He didn't like being referred to as "the victim." Okay so George's hands around his neck had hurt, but it wasn't like he'd been defenseless! But, Emma was still talking, so he let her finish.

"I also told him George said several times that he was going to kill both of us. And I did give George a chance to surrender before I shot him in the leg," Emma continued.

"Wait a minute," Henry interrupted, as he was about to take a bite of stuffing. "What happened today? Was this George, as in King George from – "

"Our world, yes," David replied, grimly.

"Who did he attack?" Henry continued nervously, looking right at David. They had obviously forgotten Henry hadn't been with them today. He'd spent the whole afternoon and early evening at the library for a school project. But Henry knew enough about their family history, thanks to his book, to have a good idea who George would've attacked.

David sighed. He wished he didn't have to worry Henry. (Actually, he wished he didn't have to worry Snow and Emma either, but apparently that was unavoidable.) For the first time, he wondered if Henry knowing so much about their past was really a good idea. But they couldn't change the facts. Henry had already read the book. He knew about George's vendetta on David. "It was me, Henry," David told him, as gently as possible.

Henry jumped out of his seat and rushed into David's arms. "I'm glad you're okay, Grandpa! Did you help Mom defeat George, like you guys used to do in Storybrooke?"

David smiled. It appeared Henry wasn't worried at all. He was confident that David could defeat his enemy, instead of being a "victim." "Yes, I did help, Henry. We worked together."

Emma smiled as well. "Yeah, we did." She shrugged. "I guess we have similar fighting styles, so we performed well together." Well, at least Emma acknowledged that. Maybe she didn't think he was a "victim" after all.

Henry nodded and returned to his seat.

Snow smiled as well. "I'm glad you were able to defeat George together, too." She had been staring at him throughout the whole dinner, come to think of it. Was she still worried?

Emma nodded. "Yeah, anyway, Chief Winslow still wasn't sure I couldn't have simply cuffed George instead of shooting him, even if it was only the leg. Especially when he realized I was related to David. He's suspending me for the rest of the week to give me time to think about 'the proper use of weaponry,'" she finished as she sighed. She took a bite of chicken.

Henry shook his head violently. "That's so unfair, Mom! I know you wouldn't have shot George unless you had to! You're a hero!"

Emma shot David a guilty look, without looking at Henry at all. It seemed she thought she could have done things without shooting George as well. Were Emma and her boss right? He thought back to that afternoon. The only thing he remembered about Emma shooting that despot was that George wasn't able to attack Emma anymore. "I'm just glad you took care of him, so he won't come after us or anyone else anymore," David told Emma.

Emma nodded and took another bite of chicken.

OOOOOOOOOO

Snow spent the rest of the night watching David like a hawk. She monitored his movements and she kept checking him every time he went to the bathroom. She also constantly asked him if he remembered everything that happened today. She was driving him crazy. When they went to bed, he finally turned to her and asked, "Okay Snow what's the problem? Yes, George attacked me today but the doctor's already told me I'm fine. So what is it?"

Snow sighed. "Yes, the doctor told you that you were fine. But he also told me to keep an eye on some symptoms that may appear later. They include: vision changes, amnesia, pain and tenderness at the neck, and a bunch of other things. That's why I've been watching you so closely. I know you; you try not to tell people when you're hurting or otherwise impaired. You don't want to worry people, especially me, and you don't want to seem weak. But I am worried, Charming. And I want to make sure you stay okay."

David sighed. "I know," he told her. And he did know. But he still didn't like being told he couldn't do things because he was sick or injured. Or have Snow constantly checking him for aliments. Snow took this time to run her fingers up and down his neck. "Does that hurt?" she asked, checking his face closely as well, obviously to make sure he wasn't lying.

David sighed. "No," he told her firmly. It really didn't.

"Good," she replied. "I needed to make sure there was no pain there, especially when your neck was touched." Oh, so that was the only reason why she was touching him. He was hoping for something more fun. But the look in Snow's eyes showed that definitely was not happening tonight. (Yet another negative for Snow worrying so much about his physical condition.)

Then she smiled at him. "So Emma fights like you, apparently, huh?" she asked as she undressed and crawled into bed.

David nodded happily, as he undressed and got into bed, too. "I guess. Don't get me wrong, Snow, you're a great fighter. But you fight with precision. You know how to track and where to aim to hurt the enemy the most. That's why you were always so great with the arrow. Emma…it seems she's like me. We fight with strength, speed, and flexibility." David couldn't help feeling proud that he'd seen some of himself in Emma, although he loved that she was so much like Snow as well.

"I'm glad you have something you can share with Emma, Charming. And it doesn't really surprise me. I remember how similar your dancing styles were. That's based on a lot of the same abilities."

David nodded again, still smiling. "She also called me Dad," he added in awe. "Granted, it terrified me at the time, because as soon as George knew she was my daughter, he tried to attack Emma, and that scared me to death. But still, to hear her say the word Dad to me…I'll never forget that."

Snow nodded. "I had a 'moment' with Emma today, too. She was pretty upset about what happened to you today, especially after losing Neal when he was attacked." David's mouth dropped open in shock. It had never even occurred to him that was why Emma was so worried about him. Of course that was Emma's problem. David remembered how scared he was about Snow being hit by arrows after his mother's death, after all. And the fact that Snow was a much better warrior than his mother was didn't help ease his mind much.

"Anyway, she let me comfort her and support her, Charming!" Snow smile went all across her face as she said that. In fact, she was almost in tears.

David leaned over and gave her a hug. "That's wonderful, Snow." It really was. David knew how much it bothered Snow that Emma didn't need Snow's comfort and support all the time, and she would often go to Ruby instead of Snow, even though she tried to make her peace with it.

"I know Emma's an adult, not a child. But…I still love being her mother, Charming."

"I know," he told her. "And I love being her father."

OOOOOOOOOO

Snow tried to tell him he should stay home from work the next day, just in case he had any delayed problems with his strangling. But David was going to work. Period. "I understand you're worried about me, Snow," he told her firmly. "And I appreciate that. But I feel fine, I promise."

Snow sighed and ran her fingers on his neck again. (She did that constantly since his injury.) "Okay, but what if you suddenly can't see while you're working? Or you start vomiting?"

David shrugged. "Then I'll deal with it if it happens. But I'm not going to stay home doing nothing just because something might happen. We both know that's no way to live." He knew there would be no way she would argue against that.

He was right. Snow sighed, pouting a little. "Why did you have to use that argument?"

David smiled smugly. "Because I knew you wouldn't be able to dispute it."

"Okay, but I'm going to call your boss and tell him to keep an eye on you, too. If something does happen, you're going to try to hide it from everyone. I know you."

David sighed and walked to the bus stop with Snow (while she continued to monitor him). When he did get to the farm, Bill watched him feed the cows for a few minutes before asking, "So, are you alright? Your wife called me a while ago. She seemed concerned you might try to push yourself too much today."

David nodded. "She and I had this conversation before I left. I know she's worried about me, and it's because she cares. But she's driving me crazy with her hovering and questioning my health! I'm fine. I don't need you doing it, too."

Bill nodded. "I understand. Women can be overbearing when they're worried. I won't hover. I will have to watch you a little closer than normal, though." David opened his mouth to protest, but Bill continued, "Your wife threatened me within an inch of my life unless I made sure you're okay, and she made it clear you saying 'I'm fine,' wasn't good enough." David smiled despite his annoyance. That sounded like his Snow. "Besides, I want to make sure you fully recover, as well. You're the best farmhand I've had in a long time. I'd hate it if you didn't take care of yourself, so you couldn't work for me anymore."

David sighed and nodded. "Alright." Bill was true to his word. He didn't watch David's every move the way Snow did, or ask him questions about his health every five or ten minutes. (It really was nice to get a break from that.) But Bill did "check up" on him about every hour and also asked if David had any problems with his memory or anything. David supposed Bill had done well, over all.

"By the way," Bill added after one such "check up" while David collected the milk. "Does your wife always call you 'Charming'?"

David smiled a little. "Basically. She started calling that soon after we met…and it just sort of stuck."

Bill shook his head. "I don't know what to make of that woman. She calls you a romantic name, so she seems so…soft, but then she turns around and threatens to beat the life out of me unless I make certain you're okay."

David chuckled. "Yeah, most people don't. She's a wonderful combination of fierceness and softness."

He smiled. "Well, here's the milk."

Bill nodded.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Friday was about the same way as the day before had, with Snow trying to tell him to stay home, and David convincing her he should go to work. Then Bill "checked up" on him during the day, partly because he wanted his best farmhand to completely recover, and partly because Bill was scared of what Snow would do if he didn't. When he arrived home, Snow watched his every move and constantly pestered him again.

OOOOOOOOO

Saturday afternoon, David decided to stay home while Snow went grocery shopping with Henry. He was totally in love with Snow and would be forever, but he simply couldn't take her hovering and pestering anymore! Besides, Emma had decided to stay home as well. It would be a good chance to talk about what happened, just the two of them. Snow was fine with it as well, considering she'd been trying to get David to "stay home and relax" for two days now. She also commented that she liked the idea of spending the afternoon with her grandson. (David had a feeling Snow talked to Emma about "keeping an eye on him" before she and Henry left, too, but he didn't like to think about it. Hopefully, Emma wouldn't be as bad as Snow.)

"So," Emma commented as she drank a glass of juice after Snow and Henry had left. "Are you sure you're okay? No…other problems?"

David sighed, putting his face in his hands. "Yes. Look, I know you and your mother are worried about me because you care, but enough is enough! I'm fine."

Emma sighed. "Yeah, I was pretty worried. Look, I know you've defeated George before, but the image of him with his hands around your neck…that's going to stay with me for a long time. I was just afraid…you wouldn't be that lucky this time." She took a drink of her juice. "Especially after what happened with Neal. I just…didn't want to lose you, too."

David rubbed Emma's shoulder. "I understand. After my mother died from George's poison arrow, I'd panic every time Snow even came close to an arrow. It's hard to shake."

Emma nodded. "Yeah. A lot harder than I thought it would be. You know, I've been thinking…about what my boss told me the other day. About how I should think a little more when I need to fire my weapon. At the time, I thought it was justified. I mean George had attacked you, and tried to attack me twice. He repeatedly said he was going to kill us. I offered him the chance to surrender, and I didn't even shoot him in a lethal place. But Chief Winslow…he was pretty convinced I could have cuffed him without shooting him. Thinking back, he was probably right. But I wanted to shoot him…kill him actually because he almost made me lose you again." Emma blinked her eyes several times. "Especially since I wasn't able to do anything to save Neal. If I'd shot Tamara…maybe…"

David nodded and hugged Emma from the side. "Making decisions about when to use a weapon and when not to can be really difficult. Especially when someone tries to kill someone you care about. I may have been…especially hard on some knights a few times after they attacked Snow. Don't be so hard on yourself, Emma. Everything happened really fast that day. You had to make spilt – second decisions."

"Love," Emma said softly.

"Huh?" David asked, not sure what she meant.

"You said 'someone you care about.' I mean it should be "someone you…someone I love."

"Thank you," David responded, as his eye got wet. Emma had never told him she loved him before. He thought she probably did, but he couldn't be sure. That's why he had said "care about." But now she admitted she loved him and told him to his face. Few things could be more special. He leaned over and gave her a full hug.

Emma smiled at him as they sat down. She took another drink. "Do you want some?" she asked, holding up her juice glass.

"No, I'm all set," David replied, still feeling warm and fuzzy because his daughter told him she loved him.

"Well, anyway, back to what we were talking about before," Emma continued. "I know I had to make a split – second decision, but as a cop, that's something I'm supposed to be able to do. Something I have to be able to do. But…I don't think I made the right one anymore. What if I can't do the job anymore?"

"Emma," he sighed. "You did the best you could. You can't expect to be superhuman, even you are a 'cop.' And hopefully, all the Enchanted Forest villains are out of commission now, so we won't have to worry about anyone else attacking me, and your judgment won't be so clouded."

"They better be," Emma agreed. From the expression on her face, David assumed she was picturing George's hands around his neck again.

David chose this time to remember the terror he'd felt as George charged at Emma and tried to punch her stomach. "Emma,…ah, I even though I was proud that you were able to fight well, and that you fought just like me, I was pretty worried about you,too. I know being a police officer is a job that means a lot to you…but are you sure it's the best for you? It doesn't seem very safe." He'd been meaning to talk to Emma about this for a few days now, but he didn't know how to bring it up. "What if George had been able to punch you in the stomach or knock you out in some way? Or strangle you?"

"I figured we were going to get into this eventually," Emma replied, taking another drink of juice. She sighed. "First of all, the Hampden Police Department doesn't get a lot of situations like that. Most of my job consists of riding around town and giving people parking and speeding tickets." David nodded. That was good to know. "Occasionally, I get underage drinking or possession of narcotics, too. But a direct attack? George's attack on you was the first call of that kind that I've received since I got the job. Second of all, I do know how to defend myself if I need to."

"Yeah, I know that," David agreed, pride showing in his voice as he remembered Emma maneuvering hersself the same way he would have done. "It doesn't make me anymore comfortable with the possibility, however small, of you getting hurt or worse."

Emma nodded. "I understand. But as long as I'm able to do this job, I'm going to do it, David. It makes me feel…good about myself. And hey, didn't you have to get used to the same thing with Snow? From what I understand, she attacked just as many enemies as you did."

David smiled at that. "Yeah, she did. I love the strength in your mother, Emma. And I love to see it in you, too. But, I never stopped worrying about your mother either. Besides, I was able to watch her back, because we did most of the fighting together. Snow's job here isn't dangerous. But now I'm finding out yours is. And I can't even fight with you. It's…hard for me, Emma. But if the job is that important to you, I won't stand in your way, I guess." He sighed and looked at his hands. "I couldn't stand in your mother's way, either." You're both too stubborn."

Emma smiled. "Well, this might sound corny, but in way, you can fight with me. You said we fight the same way, after all."

David nodded, liking the idea. "That does make me feel better." Then he thought for a minute. "I think I'm rubbing off on you, Emma. That 'corniness' sounds like something I'd say." He chuckled.

Emma smirked. "Maybe. But as for being stubborn, I think you are, too. I seem to remember a time when you insisted you could go outside when you had the flu."

David smiled sheepishly. "Maybe."

"Speaking of that, are you sure you're okay? Obviously your memory is fine, because we were just talking about the incident, but what about other things? Is your vision cloudy or anything?"

David sighed and put his head in his hands in frustration again. "No! I'm Fine! "

OOOOOOOOOOO

Sunday, Snow seemed to be calming down. She still watched him occasionally and felt his neck sometimes. But he didn't feel her eyes on him constantly, and she wasn't following him to the bathroom anymore. It made it so much easier to be around her.

Monday evening, when he came home from work, Snow told him, "I think you're okay, now Charming. The doctor told me if you didn't have any of those symptoms in a few days, you would be fine."

David sighed with relief and gave her a hug. "Thank you!"

Snow smiled at him. "I'm just glad I don't have to worry anymore."

That night when Emma came home for dinner, she told them her boss had apologized for being so hard on her before. "He said it seemed everything did happen quickly, and he thinks I was justified in shooting, George after all. Especially considering George tried to attack me after I offered him a chance to surrender, and I shot him in a nonlethal place, anyway.

"That's good to hear," Snow commented as she served dinner. "I'm just glad George can't hurt our family anymore."

"Me, too." David agreed.

"I'm just glad your boss realized you'd never shoot someone on purpose, Mom," Henry commented.

Emma nodded, a little uncertainly. Apparently she wasn't so sure she hadn't shot George on purpose, but at least she'd made her peace with it. "His trial will be in a few months, and I'll have to testify at that. So will you and your boss, David."

David nodded. "Okay. Is it like the custody hearing?"

"Yeah, except the case will be whether George is guilty of trying to kill us, instead of whom Henry should live with."

David shook his head. This world had strange rules. Shouldn't it be obvious George had tried to kill him and Emma?

XXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOO

Snow called Red on Monday night. "Charming is okay, Red!" she exclaimed as soon as Red answered her communication device.

"That's great, Snow," Red replied, happy and relieved for her friend. And for David himself, as she liked him, too

"I watched him really closely the past few days, no matter how much he protested," Snow explained proudly. "And when I asked him if he was having any trouble, I always looked at him close enough to know if he was lying."

Red smiled, proud of her friend. "I told you you'd find a way, no matter how stubborn he was."

"And even though he insisted on going to work, I made sure his boss watched over him, too," Snow added. "Actually, I told Bill I'd beat him up if he didn't."

Red chuckled at that. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

"But the good news is, he didn't have any delayed symptoms! My Charming is cured!" Snow repeated again, obviously overjoyed by that news.

"I'm glad to hear it, Snow," Red told her sincerely. "I'm glad you don't have to worry about him anymore, and I'm glad he's fine, too."

"Thanks," Snow sang.

Red hung up the communication device and returned to her book. At least there was one less thing to worry about.

OOOOOOOOO

Red tried to walk the dogs outside whenever possible, since the snow had melted. However, it was still raining quite a bit, so it wasn't always possible. Sometimes, she would take advantage of a short break in the rain, and walk one of the dogs, even if it was still wet. But that meant she had to walk them at many different times of day. It was a little disappointing, because Red hadn't seen man with the white lab in a while. She would've liked to watch them again, considering what an unusual pair they were.

But Red had plenty of other things on her mind besides a strange man and a strange dog. The district attorney had called her today, to talk to her about Mr. Jenison's trial. It would begin May 5, and Red was expected to testify on May 9. Apparently, this court case would last a lot longer than Henry's custody case had. Still, she wasn't expected to be there for the whole trial, just on the day she had to testify. It was good to know. As much as Red wanted her scum of an ex – boss to be punished severely for what he did to her, she was nervous about facing him again. She hadn't seen him since that horrible night. The district attorney also warned her that Jenison's lawyer might insult her or try to imply she wanted to have sex with him.

"They'll say that since you worked for him, and you knew…the way he acted, that you were okay with sexual intercourse , for example," said Ms. Adams.

"But I wasn't! I never agreed to sex! Looks…even touches are way different than sex! I never wanted sex from him, ever!" Red exclaimed, defensively. She hated that argument, especially considering she felt horribly guilty for letting Mr. Jenison do what he did for so long.

Ms. Adams smiled. "Hey, for what it's worth, I agree with you. They are completely different, and that's why we're trying to convict him. I'm just trying to prepare you for what you'll hear at the trial."

Red sighed and nodded, remembering how Emma had tried to prepare her parents for some of the things the other lawyer would say about her at Henry's custody hearing. She supposed it was the same kind of thing. Somehow, it didn't make her feel any better. Still, she supposed she'd have to put up with it, if she wanted to give Jenison what he deserved. "Okay," she told Ms. Adams. "Thank you for the warning."

With all this stuff hanging over her head, Red really loved spending time with the dogs. They always made her feel more confident, because they got her in touch with her wolf side. Around them, she felt like she really could defeat Mr. Jenison. They also made her feel happy, the way they would bark at her in greeting and lick her hands and face.

OOOOOOOOOO

Two days later, they finally had a nice day. Red made sure all the dogs were fed, watered, and cleaned. Then she asked her boss, "Can I take one of the dogs to the park instead of just for a walk today? It's a really good day for it, after all."

Her boss nodded. "Sounds great. You can take Kage," she told Red, pointing to the Great Dane in the cage to the right.

Kage barked excitedly upon hearing his name.

"Hi Kage," Red said to the dog as she picked up a leash and unlocked his cage. "Do you want to go to the park today?"

Kage began dancing in circles, wagging his tail, and barking excitedly at the word "park."

Red nodded. "I figured you'd agree," she told him as she attacked the leash to his collar. Kage licked her hand and she smiled.

When they got to the park, she let Kage run all over the place, figuring this was the perfect opportunity to do so without worrying about cars, considering he had so much space. After a few minutes, Red decided to run right along with him. It had been a long time since she'd had a really good run, after all. And running with a dog was even better. If she used her imagination, she could pretend she and Kage were both wolves, running with the pack.

Red and Kage ran around the park for a long time, barking and laughing as they went; but eventually even they got tired. Kage wasn't ready to return to the kennel, yet though. It seemed he had to discover all the new scents the park had to offer. Red looked at the time on her communication device and shrugged. It looked like they had enough time.

She sat down on a nearby bench and watched him explore. Red sighed. Even though she was much happier now that she was taking care of dogs, she couldn't help but think how much better her life would be if she was still a werewolf. She probably would have never gotten that waitress job in the first place. Instead she could be sniffing around, like Kage, discovering new scents in the forest.

"Hi," said a man to her left.

Red turned around. To her surprise, she was sitting next to strange man she had been so curious about before. She chuckled to herself softly. How out of it was she if she couldn't even tell when someone was sitting next to, much less someone she'd wanted to see again?

"What's so funny?" the man asked, confused.

"Sorry. I didn't think you'd be able to hear that." Actually, she was shocked he could hear her chuckle. She knew they were sitting next to each other, but Red had learned to be especially quiet when she wanted to. (It was handy when you were trying to escape hunters.) If she didn't know that there weren't werewolves in this world, she would have thought he was one as well. "I was just thinking I must be pretty deep in thought if I didn't notice you were sitting next to me," Red replied, explaining what she'd been thinking earlier.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you," the man replied, sounding a little guilty.

"No, it's okay. They weren't really happy thoughts," Red smiled. "I'm glad to be thinking about something else."

"I see" the man replied. "Well, I just noticed you were running with your dog for a long time. I can't remember the last time I saw someone run like that. Most people can't keep up their stamina that long to run with a dog. Are you a distance runner or something?"

"Sort of," Red replied vaguely. She'd been a distance runner when she was a werewolf anyway, running the whole night when the moon was full. As a human, she didn't have the same stamina as wolf, but she was still able to run longer than other humans.

"Well, anyway, I think it's great for your dog, that you're willing to run like that with him," he commented.

Red shrugged. "Thanks," she said, deciding not to mention Kage wasn't really her dog. "I've been meaning to tell you," she began, deciding to ask him the questions she was curious about. "Your dog," Red glanced around until she found the white lab, also sniffing around nearby. "Is incredibly well – behaved. Did you train him yourself?"

The man chuckled himself this time. "No. He was given to me, specially trained."

Red was hoping he'd explain a little more about that, but apparently he didn't want to. "And why does he sometimes have a collar around his waist instead of his neck?" she continued, noticing for the first time he didn't have it on today.

The man sighed. "Oh. I didn't realize you'd seen me before."

"Yeah, I've been walking with dogs, when the weather is nice for a few weeks now, and sometimes we see you. That's how I knew your dog was well – trained."

The man nodded. "That makes sense, I guess. Well, Champion, or "Champ" as I tend to call him uses a harness, which is what you saw around his waist, when he's working."

"Working?" Red didn't think they had any sentient animals in this world. How was that possible? "So he works with you?"she asked trying to understand.

"Yes," the man replied.

"What does he do?"

The man paused for a second, apparently trying to decide whether to answer her question.

"Sorry," Red told him. "Maybe I shouldn't be asking so many questions. It's just that you seemed so different…"

"Yeah," the man replied. "Champ helps me see things I can't," he finally replied. "Like cars, when I'm crossing the street, or people on bicycles, or even certain things at my job."

"So…" Red thought for a minute, trying to understand. "You can't see?"

He sighed. "No. Not really. I can see really bright lights, although they're not very good for my eyes. That's why I wear these." He pointed to a pair of sunglasses that Red noticed he was wearing for the first time. "Champ is called a seeing – eye dog. With him, I can do almost anything you could."

Red nodded, finally understanding why he hadn't noticed the beautiful rainbow that was out when they'd been walking a few weeks ago. What must his life be like, to not see at all? "Thank you for telling me," she replied, finally not knowing what else to say. "I'm Ruby, by the way, in case we run into each other again."

The man shrugged. "The name's Justin."

XXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOO

Saturday afternoon, Miss Jordan, Henry's social worker, came to visit them again. Henry talked about the friends he had, making sure to add that these friends did not use drugs. He also told her about the things he'd done with his family in the last couple of months. "My…Aunt and Uncle gave us all ballroom dancing lessons," he told her. "And I got a new bed!" Henry added, running into his bedroom to show her his new twin bed, complete with a new comforter.

Miss Jordan nodded, looking very pleased. "Well, it looks like you're doing very well here, Henry." She made some notes as she got up. "Are your jobs going well, too?" she asked, turning to address the adults.

"Absolutely," Snow replied.

"Sure," Charming replied. "I love my job."

Emma nodded as well. "Things are going pretty well for me, too." Snow was happy Emma sounded sincere with that comment. Emma had said there had been a little conflict between her and her boss after she'd shot George. She was glad they'd worked it out. (Snow was even gladder that Emma had taken care of George.)

Miss Jordan nodded again and wrote something down again. "Great," she replied cheerfully. "So far I see no reason for Henry not to have permanent custody here. Keep it up."

Everyone nodded.

"Don't worry, we will," Emma added firmly. Snow was happy to see Emma seemed certain Henry's permanent custody would work out.

"Okay, I'll see you again in a couple of months," Miss Jordan finished as she walked out the door.

Henry sighed in relief when she left. "I'm glad that she's gone," he told them. "I know I'm going to be staying with you guys now; I mean I really believe that."

Snow smiled at that.

Charming ruffled his grandson's hair. "That's great to hear, Henry."

"But?" Emma asked looking at her son expectantly. "I know there's a 'but' in there somewhere, Henry. What is it?"

Henry looked at the floor. "It's just that even though we had a good visit with her, and she said I'm doing well, I hate that she still has to come! Why couldn't the judge give you "permanent custody" from the beginning?"

Emma sighed. "Sometimes I wonder that, too Henry. But we have to follow rules, remember. And the judge makes the rules in this case." Some of the rules in this world sounded stupid to Snow. The idea that Emma couldn't have "permanent custody" of her son was one of them. Still, she was proud of Emma for explaining the necessity of rules to her son. She tried to show that to Emma by the look on her face.

"You know what?" Emma said brightly. "Why don't we think about something we can do after this whole 'custody' thing is taken care of?"

"Like what?" Henry asked, sounding interested.

"Like a family vacation for a couple of days. We've finally paid off the lawyer, so we should have enough money to go somewhere, as long as it's not somewhere far away. And we'll only stay about two or three days."

Henry nodded eagerly. "Yes!"

Snow nodded as well. "I think that's a great idea, Emma. I recently got a raise at the hospital, so it should be possible."

Charming nodded, his eyes lighting up. "I can't think of anything I'd like better. And Bill says I'm in for a raise as well."

"Okay, then we need to decide where we want to go. Remember, we can't go too far, so let's stick with places in Maine," Emma warned.

"How about climbing Mount Katahdin?" Henry suggested. "That's something I've read about doing. It sounds like fun."

Snow and Charming shrugged. It didn't sound like a bad idea.

Emma, however, shook her head. "Uh,…I don't think so. I know I'm more used to walking then I used to be, because I have to walk home from work, but climbing a mountain is a bit much."

Henry nodded.

"How about spending a couple of days in Portland? You never really got to see the city when you were living there, did you Henry?"

Henry shook his head. "But I don't know if I could enjoy a trip there, even if it was with you guys," he tried to explain. "It has too many bad memories for me."

The rest of them nodded.

Then Emma's eyes lit up. "What about Old Orchard Beach?" she suggested. "It isn't too far from here, so it shouldn't be too expensive to get bus tickets. And they have a lot of music available, from what I remember."

Snow nodded. "Sounds good. I like music."

"Me too," Henry added.

"Plus, they have a nice sandy beach, too. I know Storybrooke had one, too, but it's been a while since we've gone."

"I love it," Snow agreed eagerly. "One of the things I liked best about King George's kingdom was the beautiful beaches we where we could walk around the shoreline," she commented, smiling at Charming and remembering his proposal at one such beach.

Charming looked straight at her, obviously understanding her happy memories. "Me, too. I'd love to do that again."

Henry nodded. "I didn't spend too much time at the beach in Storybrooke, but the few times I was able to go, I liked it. Will you build a sandcastle with me, Mom?"

"Of course," Emma agreed.

"We all will," Charming promised Henry.

Emma smiled. "Okay. But don't forget we have to start saving our money again. No fancy dinner dishes," she warned Snow.

Snow nodded. "I can manage for such a good cause," she promised, smiling at Emma.

OOOOOOOOOO

Later that night, Red called Snow. "I just thought I'm mention Mr. Jenison's trial is coming up," she began. "It starts May 5."

"Great!" Snow replied. "I can't wait for that creep to get exactly what he deserves, Red."

"Me neither," Red agreed. "But, of course, I'll have to testify, too, in order to convict him. That means I'll have to face him again, Snow," she continued, sounding nervous. "Plus, the lawyer told me his lawyer might insult me or imply things that aren't true. You know, like what happened to Emma."

Snow nodded, remembering what that other horrible lawyer had said about Emma.

"Do you want me to come with you?" she asked, trying to help. It would be the least Snow could do, especially after all the help Red had given her back in the Enchanted Forest.

"Yeah, actually, I do," Red replied, sounding relieved she didn't have to ask. "And Emma, too, if it's okay with her."

"I'll ask her, but I'm sure she'll be fine with it. Especially after all the help you've given her."

"Thanks."

"You know, you should have something to look forward to after the trial is over," Snow suggested. "We we were all just talking about taking a trip this summer, after Henry's custody is decided permanently. We going to this place called 'Old Orchard Beach.' Emma says it has music, and sandy beach, too. You could come with us, if you wanted to."

"I might," Red replied. "It does sound like fun.

It might be a little unclear why Snow seems to be more worried about David in this chapter, where as in the waiting room, Emma was more worried about David. But I think that makes sense for several reasons. 1. Emma watched George try to strangle David, so that's what she's focused on, especially considering what happened with Neal. (She lost him almost as soon as he was shot.) As soon as the doctor told them David was okay, she stopped worrying so much. She's still concerned about the possible delayed symptoms, but they're not haunting her like they are Snow.

2. Snow has seen David with a lot of injuries, and as she told Emma in the waiting room, she knows he always recovers. However, she was the one who the doctor talked about the delayed symptoms, so that's what she's focused on. Furthermore, Snow has had more time to know what happens when David gets injured. She knows, like I said, he always recovers, but she also knows he doesn't like to "take the time to let himself heal" or tell anyone when an injury is causing him pain. The idea that he may be hiding some of these delayed symptoms is really worrying her.

I also needed David to be more annoyed with Snow's hovering than with Emma's, because I needed to make sure he wanted to stay with Emma on Saturday afternoon, so they could have that conversation.

I'd also like to let those of you who are reading this story because you are interested in Red/Ruby (there are a couple of you, I know from the follows list) know that Red/Ruby's story will take center stage for the next few chapters. I hope you enjoy it. But for those who prefer the "nuclear" Charming family, don't worry, they'll be plenty of that, too.

So, once again, thank you for reading, especially to those who have followed and favorited the story. And an extra special thank you to those who have reviewed! They really make me feel good, and they help me understand what's working and what's not in this story. So please review! Don't forget, you'll get a response in the next chapter!

Here's some responses from the last reviewers.

MISSCAM: Yeah, I don't think anyone on this fandom likes King George. But that's what makes him a good "throw away villain" for a scene like that. And like you said, that was the purpose of it. To create Charming family feels. And yeah, I think it's kind of a Snowing trademark to start making out (in public or not), after they've been separated, or one or both of them has been threatened or injured.

BANDITCHARMING: I'm glad you like the way I'm doing the parent/daughter relationship. There will be more about that in chapters 31 and 33. And yeah, Emma calling David "Dad" was supposed to get at your heart strings, so I'm glad it did. Hoped you liked the "Daddy Charming" in this chapter as well.