Thanks again for the reviews on the previous chapter! Hope you enjoy this one! Special thanks to Sara K M for your encouragement!
The meeting ended fairly quickly as there wasn't much to discuss and update. A few changes in the watch here, another book for Belle to study there, and all was left was an empty feeling in all of their hearts. They were on edge, as if waiting for the proverbial pin to drop, but n othing was happening and, because nothing was happening, they didn't know what to prepare for. It was quite maddening. David dismissed the meeting and began shaking everyone's hand as they filed out of the diner. Grumpy and the rest of the dwarves quickly bade goodnight and headed out to start the night watch. Hook never showed, which concerned Snow. She made a mental note to seek him out in the morning. She could sense Charming's unease and looked up at his face, seeing his brow furrowed slightly. She fought the urge to smooth his forehead with her fingertips, opting to kiss his shoulder instead as she left his side to retrieve the stroller.
Henry caught her halfway, giving her and Neal a quick hug goodbye. He then made his way to David, reaching to shake his grandfather's hand. David wasn't having it and pulled Henry into a tight hug. Snow laughed inwardly, always aware of her husband's ability to know what his loved ones truly need. David released Henry and squeezed the young man's shoulder reassuringly. Henry nodded and turned to join Regina in line to leave. As Snow was returning a sleeping Neal to his stroller, she couldn't help but notice her stepmother's weariness. Her brow was furrowed, her posture tense, and she looked exhausted. Regina glanced at her, making eye contact, and then her expression changed to one of concern as she looked pointedly at Snow. Snow managed a small smile and a nod, acknowledging Regina's silent inquiry into her well being, fighting the tears that were threatening to betray her. Regina looked unconvinced but returned the nod and left the diner. Snow blinked her eyes quickly, trying not to let her emotions overwhelm her, and focused on her task of buckling Neal in.
"There, my sweet prince, all snug," she whispered, kissing her sleeping son on his forehead. She wrapped him tightly in his blankets to ward off the cold night air and began to maneuver the stroller around the tables to Charming's side. She waited for him to finish thanking Granny for letting them use the diner again before moving towards the door. Charming stepped in front, opening the door for them so she could get the stroller through. Once outside, he took over the stroller, offering her his right arm with his most chivalrous expression, amusement in his eyes once again. She narrowed her eyes at him, remembering his antics before the meeting started. She relented though, wanting to be close to him, and threaded her left arm through his, closing her hold on him with her right, and leaned her head against his shoulder. After a few moments Charming spoke.
"I'm surprised you gave in to my charming ways to quickly, Snow. Are my powers becoming that great?"
"Nope. You're just lucky it's cold out here," she replied shortly, trying hard to keep the humor out of her voice. She must have been unsuccessful as she didn't even have to look to know he was smiling. She met his gaze.
"Don't get cheeky Charming. I'm not above throwing you in a river again."
She heard his low, rhythmic chuckle. He shifted his arm to circle around her waist as they continued towards the loft.
"Careful Snow, I might just pull you in with me."
She was rather enjoying this lighthearted banter and, from the glint in his eyes as he looked at her, so was he. She knew he was trying to distract her and lighten her mood. Two could play at that game.
"You'd have to catch me first, Charming," she teased.
"Oh, we both know I am well adept at that. I'll find you."
He had stopped to look at her directly as he spoke the last three words to her. While his expression still carried his feigned nonchalant attitude, his eyes held so much passion behind those words and what they meant to them that it made her breath catch. The corners of David's mouth lifted slightly at her physical response to him, and he ran both hands slowly up and down her arms, never breaking his gaze from hers. She instinctively raised her left hand to his face, caressing the scar on his chin with her thumb. He responded, leaning into her touch, eyes closing. He trailed his fingers from her shoulder down her arm, silently cursing the winter coat she was wearing as it inhibited him from feeling her smooth skin. He continued until he reached the hand that cupped his face. He kissed her knuckles and then the wedding ring on her finger.
Snow could feel her breathing quicken at his touches and her body pressing itself closer to him. She watched him as he opened his eyes with a look that made her pulse quicken. She raised herself on her tip toes, moving her hand from his to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. He placed his forehead on hers and she could feel his unsteady breath on her face, the smell of hot chocolate invitingly warm in the cold night air. Charming ran his hand through her short hair and to her neck, the coldness in his hands causing her to shiver.
Snow had so hoped he didn't notice. The heat was pooling in her, wanting his hands on her skin. Unfortunately, hardly anything ever escapes her husband's notice. Charming sighed and moved his hand back down to her arm instead. She silently cursed this weather to the deepest parts of the underworld. Charming swallowed thickly and kissed her forehead. He reluctantly released her and turned slightly, placing a hand back on the stroller.
"Let's get you two home, ok? The last thing any of us need is a trip to the hospital for pneumonia."
The disappointed glare she gave him was so great it made him chuckle. He kissed her nose, taking note of how cold it was.
"Come on, do you want Doc to chase me down with his pick axe?"
"Don't worry, I'd protect you," she quipped. He laughed at that, winding his arm around her waist again. They both could feel the familiar electric tension between them, and achingly began to walk towards their loft again. Luckily, it wasn't much farther.