And all along I believed, I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me,

I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

("A Thousand Years," Christina Perri)

Chapter 12: The Town Line

"I want to come with you and get our new dog," Roland whined as I put on his coat. "Please, Mama? Please, Papa?"

"You need to go to school. If we adopt the dog, you'll meet him or her when you get home. Okay?" Robin asked, holding out his backpack.

Roland sighed, sliding his arms through the straps. "Okay. But I don't think I'll be able to pay attention."

"Do your best," I said as the bus pulled up. Kissing him, I sent him off to the bus with a wave and a reminder to have a good day.

The bus pulled away and I sighed. "One down, two more to go."

"Karen is okay with watching the girls?" Robin asked, heading back toward the kitchen.

"Yeah," I said. "But we're watching Michael and Donna this weekend so she can Steve can go out for a nice dinner alone."

He nodded, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Fair enough. Roland will be thrilled to have them over."

"Especially if we have a dog to play with as well," I said, leaning against the table as I smirked at him.

Laughing, Robin nodded. "Aye, especially then."

"You think you'll like the dog Charming wants to show us?" I asked.

"I hope so," he replied, pulling out a chair. "Though if not, I guess we can try the shelter here."

I nodded. "Of course. We will find our perfect dog. I promise you that."

Robin smiled, kissing my forehead. "Thank you for being so supportive of this, my dear."

"You've always been so supportive of me, no matter what. It's only natural I would do the same for you." I leaned forward, kissing him. "Unless what you want to do is completely stupid and then I reserve the right to call you out on it."

He laughed. "Do I have the right to ignore you? Like someone ignored me when I told her a certain mission was dangerous?"

"That mission turned out to be quite successful if I remember correctly," I pointed out. "I got the book we needed…"

I almost hit my head, feeling like an idiot. "My book! How could I forget about it?"

"What?' he asked, confused. Robin followed me as I raced upstairs to our bedroom, standing in our doorway as I searched through our bookshelf.

Finding the giant tome, I pulled it out. "Maybe this has something that can help us figure out the whole deal with the town line."

"It hasn't provided a lot of information regarding the Dark Curse," Robin replied, sitting down next to me on the bed. "Do you think it'll be helpful now?"

"I hope so. I'd rather get my answers from this than having to go to the Dark One. Who knows what he'll want from me in exchange for the information." I scowled.

He nodded. "You never want to be caught in a deal with the Dark One. They can be treacherous."

"I can tell." I took a calming breath and cleared my thoughts about the Dark One, instead focusing on getting Charming out of Storybrooke. "Is anything happening?"

"No," Robin said, dejectedly.

I sighed, opening my eyes to find the book still opened to the title page. Scowling, I closed it again. "We may need to speak to the Dark One after all."

He groaned, pinching his nose. "You won't go alone. I'll be right there with you, in case we need to have more than a conversation with him."

"You're not going to hurt the Dark One."

"If he tries to hurt you, yes, I will," he said, fire in his voice and his eyes.

I nodded. "Okay. But I may not be able to save your ass from landing in jail under the Sheriff's watchful eye. Remember that."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take as long as you're safe," he replied, rubbing my arm. "Get dressed and we'll drop the girls off at Karen's."

We drove into Storybrooke and found parking near the animal shelter. Charming perked up as we entered, smiling at us. "There you two are!"

"We want to see this dog before someone else snatches him up," Robin replied, taking my hand as we approached our friend.

Charming came around from behind the counter, holding a set of keys. "Follow me. He's still in his kennel, waiting to meet you."

"I can't wait to meet him," Robin replied, swinging my arm as we walked.

We followed Charming into a special pen and he smiled at us. "Wait here. I'll go get the little guy and we'll see what happens."

He stepped away and Robin was practically vibrating next to me. I laughed. "You remind me of Roland on Christmas."

"I think I feel like Roland on Christmas," he replied, eyes lighting up as Charming returned.

A beautiful collie trotted next to him on a leash, reminding me of Lassie. The dog sat at Charming's feet as he closed the gate and removed the leash. He patted the collie as he turned to Robin. "We just call him Collie but he doesn't seem to answer to anything except 'boy.' If you name him, you can train him to answer to that."

"Well, let's see if he likes me first," Robin said, crouching down. He held out his hand and waited to see how Collie reacted.

The dog inched forward, sniffing Robin's hand. He then walked around him and Robin stayed still, not wanting to spook the animal. When he got back to the outstretched hand, the collie bumped his head with it and Robin scratched him behind his ear.

"So far so good," Charming said, smiling. "Regina, why don't you see how he responds to you?"

"Okay." I held out my hand as well as I knelt beside Robin. The dog sniffed it and then sniffed around me before licking my hand. I gave him a good pat as well. "He's so friendly."

Charming nodded. "We noticed that too. However, he didn't react this way to the past few people who came in. I think he's meant for you two."

I glanced down at the collie, who was lying on his back as Robin rubbed his stomach. His head rested on my lap and I swore he was smiling at me. "We'll have to see how he is around the children," I said.

"Of course," Robin replied, though I could tell he was in love. "We'll have to bring them around this weekend."

Charming's eyes lit up. "All of them?"

"Yes. We need to make sure Collie likes all of them." I gave him a pointed look before smiling.

"I just…I just want to spend as much time as I can with Emma," he admitted softly.

Robin nodded, clapping him on the shoulder. "I know."

"We should go out to eat afterwards too," I said, taking Charming's hand. "Maybe invite Snow."

"I think she'd like that." He patted Collie's belly as well. The dog had his eyes closed and I wondered if he had fallen asleep on me.

Robin pressed his lips together. "How are you doing?"

"I swear I'm slowly going mad," he replied. "I called so many people in this town my friend and now they don't recognize me. My own wife doesn't recognize me. And she won't for another two decades. Almost three."

The despair in his voice broke my heart. I did my best to hug him with a dog lying across my lap and he accepted it, awkward as it was.

He sat back on his haunches, sighing. "I know how Robin escaped the curse. But I wonder—why didn't I get new memories? Why was I spared?"

"I think because you were injured when the curse was cast," I said, swallowing past a lump. "I…I thought you had died on the nursery floor."

"You know, for a moment, I thought I had died as well. There was even a bright light. But then something seemed to pull me back," he replied.

"The curse?" I asked.

He shrugged. "That's my best guess."

Robin, though, shook his head. "I think it was Regina."

"Me?" My voice came out as a squeak. "How?"

"Remember? You tried to heal Charming. Maybe you staunched the blood flow enough that let him live as the curse hit," he reasoned.

"And then the hospital did the rest to save him." I mulled it over before nodding. "I guess that's plausible."

Charming squeezed my hand. "Thank you. Looks like you were my savior."

"I didn't think so. I tried my best but I thought I still failed." I swallowed past the lump again, once again recalling him on the floor.

Robin rubbed my back. "As much as it hurts, I think we need to say goodbye to Collie for now and head on out."

Charming nodded, taking Collie from us. "You'll come back this weekend?"

"We will," I said. "Promise."

As Robin and I left, I didn't know who looked more forlorn—the prince or the dog.

I took Robin's hand as we approached Gold's Pawnshop. Squeezing it, I looked up at him. "You ready?"

"I think s…Is that Belle?" He squinted, looking across the street as Belle stepped out of the florist shop in a tiny skirt, a form-fitting top and a skimpy jean jacket. She wore very high heels and managed to stay upright as she walked away from the shop.

"Yep," I replied, giving his hand a tug. "Which means the Dark One is watching her from the window, so he knows we're here."

Robin shuddered. "That's kinda creepy if you ask me."

"Fits him to a tee." I tugged on Robin's hand again, leading him to the door. Taking a deep breath, I opened it and stepped inside.

The Dark One scowled when he saw us. "You brought the thief this time?"

"For some strange reason, I don't trust you alone with my wife," Robin said, glaring at him.

He huffed. "I didn't hurt her the last time and I don't intend to do so in the future. I need her to break the curse."

"Can we not talk about me like I'm not here," I replied, crossing my arms. Robin looked chastened. The Dark One just didn't care.

Once I had their attention again, I leaned against the counter. "Let's say you want to leave Storybrooke. Can you?"

"No," he said, sounding annoyed. "No one but the Mayor can leave Storybrooke. We're all trapped."

"How? What happens if you try to leave?" Robin asked, stepping closer to me.

The Dark One scowled more. "Something bad. Accidents, getting sick, you name it. Whatever it takes to keep someone from approaching that town line."

"Why can only the mayor go over the town line?" I asked, leaning against his countertop.

"Because she cast the curse," he replied. "You two can come and go because the curse didn't apply to you."

"Let's say a person has their real memories. Does that mean the curse didn't affect them?"

He grew quiet, genuinely intrigued by my question. "You mean the prince? I know he doesn't have his memories. Her Honor was in here looking for a way to give him new ones."

"Did you find one?"

"Perhaps," he said, eyes boring into her. "But that information will cost you."

I sighed as Robin tensed beside me. "You're a snake," he hissed.

"I like to make deals," the Dark One replied, still looking at me. "Do we have one?"

"I'm not sure. Because the way I see it, if I figure out how to get Charming out of town, I can then get you out of town. Sounds like you need me more than I need you." I crossed my arms.

He looked me over, frowning. "What if you can't do anything without the information I possess? Hmm?"

"Then I'll just get it some other way," I replied, maintaining eye contact. "I found out plenty on my own back in the Enchanted Forest."

That seemed to get him. He straightened up and nodded. "Fine. I'll share this information as long as you share what you discover with me. Got it?"

"Got it," I replied, resisting the urge to say "deal." I didn't want to chance what he might've done if I said it.

He nodded, instructing us to wait where we were before he disappeared into his backroom. Robin leaned closer to me. "Do you think we can trust him?"

"Probably not. But we don't have much of a choice, do we?"

"No, I guess not," Robin replied, turning to lean his back against the counter. "Doesn't mean I like it."

"I'm not saying you have to. I don't like it either."

He nodded and tensed up as the Dark One returned. Turning around, he asked: "Well, what do you have for us?"

"I am not talking with you," Rumpelstiltskin said, narrowing his eyes. "I'm talking with your wife."

"Fine, whatever. What is it?" I asked, crossing my arm.

He set down an index card face down in front of me. "This is a potion she brewed to coat something that Prince Charming could hold. It would trigger the memories locked in his mind."

"But they aren't real," I pointed out.

"Yes," he replied. "But the curse put them there anyway."

Robin frowned, staring at the index card. "Are you sure?"

The Dark One studied him. "Do you have any idea what your cursed persona would've been?"

"I think something to do with money," he replied. "I guess a banker or something. And I probably would've been stuck with my godawful father."

"What do you think happened to those memories?"

Robin shrugged. "I figured the pixie dust wiped them away."

"Pixie dust?" The Dark One glanced at me and I shrugged, smiling sweetly. He then looked back at Robin. "Or maybe they're still trapped in that pretty towhead of yours."

"But Robin's gone back and forth over the town line many times," I pointed out. "Nothing has ever happened to him."

He hummed, drumming his fingers against the countertop. "I guess if it was pixie dust, that would be powerful enough to wipe them away completely."

"So we need pixie dust to get Charming over the town line? Wonderful," I said with a sigh.

"Well, maybe not." The Dark One tapped on the card. "But I'll leave that up to you to figure out."

I took the card, scowling. "Thank you, I guess."

"I hope you can work it out," he said, straightening up. "I have a son to find."

"Where's the dog? Did you not like him?" Roland asked once we got home. He looked in the backseat, frowning when he saw it empty.

Robin crouched down. "We loved the dog. However, we wanted you children to meet him before we make any decisions. So we're going back on Saturday."

"And if we like him, then can we keep him?" Roland asked, eyes wide.

Laughing, Robin nodded. "Yes. We can then keep him."

Our son cheered and I smiled, bouncing Rachel. "What do you say, baby girl? You want a dog?"

Dog? She tilted her head before holding out her Teddy bear. Like Bear?

I shook my head. "We'll show you what a dog is in a few days."

"Dog!" Emma chirped, clapping her hand more at her new word than the fact we were getting one. "Dog!"

Robin scooped her up, rubbing his nose with hers. "Yes, Princess. Dog."

Dog nice? Rachel asked me.

I smiled. "The dog is very nice. I think you, Emma and Roland are going to love him a lot."

She didn't look convinced and I kissed her nose. "Now, how does pasta sound for dinner?"

"Messy," Robin replied as Roland cheered. "But good."

"Wonderful. You take Rachel and I'll go get it started." I placed our other daughter in his arms, kissing his cheek before heading into the kitchen.

Roland followed me, dragging his little stepstool over to the counter. "I'm going to help you!" he announced with a smile.

"It's just spaghetti, sweetheart. That means a lot of staring and waiting for the water to boil," I told him.

"That's okay," he replied. "I just want to be with you."

My heart skipped a beat and I ruffled his hair. "Okay. Then why don't you get me the salt?"

"Okay, Mama." He hopped off the stool and retrieved the salt shaker off the table as I filled a pot of water. Once he was back on his stool, he looked at me. "Can I put the salt in?"

"Sure. I'll tell you when, how's that?" I watched as he shook the salt around the water, stopping him when I felt it was enough. Turning on the burner, I helped Roland down from the stool.

I held his hand as I looked down at him. "What do you want to do while we wait for the water to boil?"

"Can you help me with my homework?" Roland asked, eyes wide. "The math is a bit hard."

"Okay. Go get your books and we'll sit at the table," I said, giving him a gentle push. I pulled out a chair and sat down, waiting for him.

He bounded back into the room, putting his backpack on the table. Roland climbed into the chair next to me, looking very happy for a boy about to do homework. "Are you sure you don't want to play with your father and sisters?" I asked.

"I'm sure," he replied, pulling out his books. "I want to spend time with you. You and Papa have been so busy…"

Guilt hit me hard and I ran my hand through his hair. "I know, sweetie. And I'm sorry. You know you can always tell us if you're feeling like we haven't spent enough time with you, right?"

He nodded. "I know. So can we spend time together now? Even if it's doing my math homework?"

"Of course, sweetheart," I told him, scooting my chair closer. "Let's see what you're dealing with, okay?"

"Thank you, Mama." He pushed the book toward me as he picked up his pencil. "The numbers are bigger and there are a lot of zeroes."

I nodded, looking it over. "There are. But if we work through them one at a time, you'll be able to get it."

That night, I sat cross-legged on our bed. The magic book lay in front of me with the index card the Dark One gave me on top of it. Hopefully I could find the answers I needed.

Robin climbed onto the bed next to me, kissing the back of my neck. "You ready to figure this out?"

"I am," I said, trying to sound as confident as I wished I felt. "However, I'm not sure I will."

"Come now, Regina. Think positively. It's gotten us pretty far." He kissed my shoulder, pressing himself closer to offer silent support.

I took a deep breath and flipped over the card. The Dark One had spidery handwriting but I was able to make it out, discovering it was a spell to alter memories. "Memory spells. That's what I need to look up," I mused.

"I'm sure that book has plenty of those. Most of them are probably dangerous."

"This one is dangerous," I said, tapping it. "Changing someone's memories…that just seems wrong."

He nodded. "Well, there must be a way to preserve or restore a person's memories. Maybe that's what you need."

"I knew there was a reason I kept you around," I teased him, kissing his cheek. He kissed my nose in return.

I opened the book and took a deep breath. "Wish me luck."

He turned my head, kissing me. "Good luck," he whispered.

Closing my eyes, I focused on memory spells and felt the familiar breeze of the pages blowing open. Once it died down, I opened them again and smiled. "Memory protection spell," I read.

"Sounds promising," Robin replied, moving even closer. I could feel his hot breath on my neck and had to ignore the shiver that ran down my spine. "What does it say?"

Reading it over, I grinned. "It might be a bit difficult, but it's a potion I can brew and then use to enchant something that David can carry with him. It'll keep him from having these fake memories unlocked."

"How soon do you think you can make it?"

I shrugged. "Probably a couple weeks. I'll need to gather the ingredients and it'll take time to brew."

"So we won't be able to get Charming out this weekend," Robin said, sounding disappointed.

"No," I confirmed. "But we can discuss it with him. And I can start gathering some of the ingredients while we're in Storybrooke. I have a feeling that apothecary I saw holds a lot more than the usual one."

He nodded. "At least we have a plan. That's a start, right?"

"Right," I agreed, kissing him. "Come on, let's get some sleep."

The children loved the collie and he was excellent around them. As Charming processed the paperwork for us to adopt him, we bandied about names until we agreed on Bandit. It seemed fitting, given Robin's past. Once Bandit was officially ours, we returned to Charming's apartment to celebrate.

"Is it okay for us to bring Bandit into your apartment?" I asked, holding a now sleeping Rachel close while Roland clung to my waist. Robin held Bandit's leash as the dog sat beside him, waiting for Charming to let us in.

Charming shifted a still sleeping Emma in his arms as he managed to open the door with one hand. "Yeah. The landlord does allow pets. I've considered adopting myself, but I'm not sure I want to adopt a dog until I know what's going on."

"That makes sense," Robin agreed, holding Bandit back until I got inside with the children.

"We can put the girls on my bed," Charming said, leading toward where he had curtained off his bedroom from the kitchen, much like Snow had done upstairs. "You can put up something that will prevent them from falling off, right?"

I nodded. "There's a charm I use at Snow's to keep them safe. I can put it on your bed as well."

"That would be great," he replied, kissing Emma's forehead. "Though I don't really want to put her down."

"I can see." I pulled off Rachel's coat, lying her down on Charming's bed before conjuring up her purple blanket to cover her with.

He sighed, slowly peeling off Emma's little pink jacket so as not to disturb her. "I can't believe I've missed so much of her life…that Snow continues to miss it."

"I know," I replied, running my hand over her back. "When I first got back and once I got Emma, myself and Rachel to safety, I wondered how Robin would feel to know he missed so much of our daughter's life when the curse was broken. Then it wasn't an issue because Robin was there at the hospital. Now I think I have an idea looking in your eyes."

"What was her first word?" he asked me.

I hesitated before responding: "Mama."

He paused, nodding. "She was talking about you, of course."

"Yes," I replied. "Robin and I have been raising her since she was about four months old and she was almost a year when she first spoke."

"And her first steps?"

"A month or so before that, before Robin and I got married. We have video of that if you want to see that." He gave me a confused look and I sighed. "I'll explain it to you later."

He nodded, laying Emma down on the bed. "Did she walk to you?"

"No, I filmed it. She let go of the table and walked right to her Papa…I mean, Robin," I corrected quickly.

Charming ran his hand through his hair. "No, I get it. You're as much her parents as Snow and me. Maybe even more so."

I laid a hand on his arm. "This situation is very complicated. But you and Snow are still Emma's parents."

But not the same way you are, a traitorous voice whispered inside my head.

I ignored it.

"Come on. Let's let the girls sleep," I said, guiding him toward the curtain. "We can talk outside."

We stepped outside, finding Roland playing with Bandit on the floor. He looked up and smiled at us. "Bandit is my best friend, Mama."

"What about Pinocchio?" I asked, smiling back at him.

Charming started. "Pinocchio is here?"

I nodded. "It's a long story, but Pinocchio came through the wardrobe with Emma. I didn't see him but he got adopted by my cousin and her husband."

"How amazing," he replied before frowning. "Wait, he came through the wardrobe? I thought it could only fit one person?"

"I told you, it's a long story. Why don't I fix us something to eat and then we can discuss it?" I moved toward the kitchen.

Charming stopped me. "You and Robin are my guests. What type of host would I be if I let you cook?"

I crossed my arms. "And what can you make?"

"You'd be surprised at how talented I am," he replied, heading toward the counter. "I'll have you know that I'm an expert now at ordering from Granny's. Did you know she sends someone to bring the food to you?"

"It's called delivery, yes," I replied, laughing. Robin came to stand next to me, rubbing my back as our eyes met. He winked at me—at least he could cook.

Charming began dialing Granny's. "These phones are amazing. What would you three like?"

"Hamburger!" Roland said, popping up between me and his father. "And a milkshake, please!"

We chuckled and I nodded. "I think I can go for that as well."

"Me too," Robin agreed.

"Then I guess it's unanimous." Charming turned away as he placed the order at Granny's, though something caught my attention. "Yes, five orders"

Five? I frowned counting. Robin, Roland, Charming and me…that was four. Who was this extra meal for?

Charming gave his address and then thanked the person before hanging up. He smiled at us. "So, what do you want to do while we wait for the food?"

"Maybe explain who the fifth hamburger is for?" Robin suggested, raising his eyebrow as he studied our friend.

"Oh." Charming grew sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. That one is for Snow."

My eyebrow raised. "Is she joining us?"

"Maybe? I was planning on running down and inviting her for dinner. Otherwise, I'll just pretend Granny's sent an extra order. Again."

"So you do that often?" Robin asked.

Charming shrugged. "Every once in a while. It gives me an excuse to talk to her and to make sure she's okay. Because even though I know she can take care of herself, even in this realm, I still want to make sure. You know?"

Robin nodded. "I know. I believe I would do the same if I had my memories and Regina didn't have hers."

"I guess I also hope that if I get closer to her, she might…I dunno…remember," he said. "Maybe True Love's Kiss will work then."

I frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"There was a time that Snow took a potion to forget her love for me," he explained. "King George threatened to kill me if she tried to prevent me from marrying Abigail but Abigail and I worked to free her true love, leaving me free to pursue Snow. But she didn't recognize me and the potion also changed her, took away her love and therefore her kindness."

"I can't imagine Snow without her kindness. It seems impossible," I said.

He nodded. "It was possible and it was terrifying. She was dead set on killing her stepmother. Even asked the Dark One for help."

"I had heard rumors about Snow trying to kill the Queen. I thought they were false because Snow has such good aim, I couldn't imagine her missing," Robin said.

"I stopped her," Charming said. "I thought if she killed the Queen, there would be no coming back for her. I couldn't chance that."

I nodded. "I understand."

"Me too," Robin replied. "How did you get Snow back?"

Charming smiled. "I jumped in front of the arrow. Because I was so willing to die to keep her from blackening her heart, that I cared for her, it started to make her feel love for me again. True Love's Kiss did the rest."

"That sounds pretty romantic," I said, smiling. "And maybe you'll get another chance for True Love's Kiss to save the day."

The doorbell rang and Charming grabbed his wallet. "That would be nice. But for now, I have food."

He answered the door and I saw Red on the other side. She focused in on Robin and smiled. "I didn't know handsome was here. Lucky me."

"I'm here too, Ruby," I said, leaning over so she could see me. I gave her my biggest, fakest smile.

She gave one back to me. "Regina, I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you would be upstairs with that quiet schoolteacher."

"I'd like to think I can have more than one friend in this town," I replied. "And maybe if you got to know the quiet schoolteacher, you might be surprised."

Red scowled at me. "I highly doubt that. She'd never fit in with Lacey and me. You're definitely more her speed."

"Here's the money," Charming said, taking the food from her. "Thank you and drive safely. The streets are starting to ice over."

"I will. Enjoy your meal," Red said, glaring at me before heading back out into the cold winter night.

Charming closed the door, frowning. "I can't believe I'm living in a reality where Red isn't friends with you and Snow."

"I know. It also irritates and pains me that she keeps trying to hit on Robin," I added as my husband rubbed my back.

Charming frowned. "Red wasn't hitting Robin. She wasn't even near him."

"She means Red was flirting with me," Robin clarified.

"Oh." Charming paused for a moment before nodding. "Yes, that is strange as well. What type of world did the Queen curse us into?"

I grew a bit defensive of my world as I took the bags from him, starting to unpack our meals. "This world isn't bad. It's just the Queen has manipulated everyone's personalities."

He sighed, nodding. "Yeah, I know. It's just still so strange. And that's on top of learning what all these…doohickeys…do."

Robin laughed. "I know the feeling. Regina has had the patience of a saint helping me with adjusting to this world."

"You helped me adjust to yours," I reminded him, covering his hand with mine as I gave him a smile. I then turned to Charming. "Of course, I still can't convince him the microwave is harmless."

"No, it's not," Robin and Charming said in unison. I bit back my laugh as I shook my head.

Charming picked up the fifth meal. "Let me run this down to Snow. I'll be right back…maybe with her."

I nodded. "We'll be here."

"With Bandit!" Roland said, petting our new dog again.

Charming was gone only a few minutes before returning, looking disappointed. I sighed. "She can't come?"

"She said she had grading to do," he said, crossing his arms. "Something felt off. Like she was really nervous and kept looking around. I think someone threatened her."

I frowned, crossing my arms as well. "Do you think it was Abigail? She is supposed to be married to you here."

"With all my interactions with Kathryn, her name here, she seemed to be happier with me in the coma than awake. She's not interested in this marriage and is okay with me living apart from her," he replied.

"So who would threaten Snow?" Robin said.

I sighed. "We're forgetting the obvious."

"The Queen," Charming realized, rubbing his face. "If she threatens Snow away from me, she can't fall in love with me again and True Love's Kiss will never work."

Robin sighed. "Great. So now we have to counteract her meddling as well."

"Let's focus on one thing at a time," I advised, turning to Charming. "We might have a way to get you out of Storybrooke."

His arms fell limply at his side as he studied me with wide eyes. "What?"

"I've been going through my big book of spells and I think the biggest issue is just going to be preserving your memories. I found a way to do that so if you want to leave and come stay with us, be close to Emma, you can," I explained.

Charming glanced toward his bedroom, no doubt thinking of the sweet blonde baby girl asleep next to her sister. His eyes misted over. "I would love to spend more time getting to know her."

"It'll take some time for me to brew the necessary potion," I told him. "But I can start tomorrow so we can get you out as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Regina," Charming said, hugging me. "For everything."

I hugged him back before stepping away. "Let's eat before our dinner gets cold."

Robin and I did a quick run to Storybrooke's apothecary where I was able to get the ingredients I needed to make the memory potion. I spent the next two weeks brewing it in our kitchen, which freaked out both Barb and Karen.

"It's not going to blow up, right?" Karen asked, eyeing it as we enjoyed some tea.

I chuckled, stirring some sugar into my tea. "No, it's not going to blow up. It's simmering right now."

"And then what? You have to add eye of newt?"

"Adder's tongue, actually," I said, sipping my tea.

Karen shook her head. "I can't believe you are brewing an honest to god potion in your kitchen."

"It feels like I'm working on a new medicine or the like," I replied.

She chuckled. "Do you miss chemistry?"

"Not really," I admitted. "I've become so entrenched with magic that science seems…strange to me now."

Karen nodded, taking my hand. "Your time in the Enchanted Forest really changed you."

"Of course it did. I'd like to think it was for the better…"

"It was," she assured me, taking my hand. "Definitely. I mean, you were a great person before but…I don't know. You're just stronger now. Wiser."

I chuckled. "Thank you."

"So what's going to happen when Emma's father comes here?" Karen asked, sipping her tea. "Especially with Robin?"

That was the million-dollar question. I sighed as I stood, stirring the potion. "I don't know. We're going to have to play that by ear."

"Do you think that's the best decision? It could be absolute chaos for Emma. I know none of you want that."

"Of course not," I replied, sitting down again with a sigh. "It's just a very complicated situation."

Karen nodded, taking my hand. "Which is why I think you and Robin need to discuss it ahead of time. And then set boundaries with Charming…Is that really his name?"

"Actually, I just learned it's really David, but I've always called him Charming. So that's what Robin and I use for him," I replied. "And I guess you have a point."

"You know I do. I just don't want anyone to get hurt. Especially you and Robin. This is a complicated situation and I want to make sure you're usual overplanning self." She gave me a knowing look.

"Overplanning isn't a word," I told her.

She snorted. "Maybe it should be."

"Maybe. I promise you that we'll be careful and try to do what's best for everyone," I assured her.

"I'm sure you will, but if you need to talk, just pick up the phone," she told me, taking my hands.

I squeezed hers. "Thank you. I appreciate that. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

When the potion was ready, Robin and I drove back to Storybrooke to get Charming. I wasn't sure what he had told everyone, if he was going to say he was leaving or just disappear with us. Or perhaps he was expecting he could still come back to Storybrooke with us often. He probably could, if the potion worked the way I thought it did.

Robin parked outside the apartment building both Charming and Snow called home. He looked at me with a tight smile. "You ready?"

"I am. Are you?"

He nodded, turning the car off. "Let's go see if he's ready."

We headed up to his apartment, knocking on the door. He opened immediately, looking as nervous as we were. "I've been waiting."

"The car is outside. Do you have anything you want to bring with you?" Robin asked him, looking around the loft.

Charming nodded. "I packed a few bags. Mostly clothes and a few items Snow gave me. I'll go get them."

"We'll be right here," I told him, watching him disappear behind the sheet. I took a deep breath. "This is getting more real by the moment."

Robin nodded. "But we need to do this. We need to keep Charming safe while we figure out what to do next."

"I know. There's just so much uncertainty over this. I hope we don't do something we can't undo."

"I trust you." He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear. "And I trust your magic. You will succeed."

I melted into his arms. "Your trust and faith in me is everything to me."

"The same is true for your trust and faith in me," he whispered.

"Do you two need a moment alone?" Charming asked teasingly. I glanced over to find him smiling at us. "I can go for a long walk and you can use the bed."

Robin shook his head, reaching for one of Charming's bags. "That's okay. The sooner we get you out of here, the better. Let's go load up the car."

"I'll be right behind you," I said. "Anything else you need me to do before we leave, Charming?"

"No. I've got everything. Just lock up when you leave," he replied.

I hesitated. "What about the keys?"

"I'm going to keep them. I'm sure we'll come back, right? So we're going to need a place to regroup."

Robin nodded. "Good call. Looks like we're all set, Regina. Are you?"

I took a deep breath and smiled. "Lead the way."

We were all silent as Robin drove us to the town line. He stopped the car just before it, putting it in park. "Alright, let's prepare Charming to go over it."

"Right," I said, pulling the bottle with the memory potion out of my bag. "I need to enchant something you can wear."

Charming nodded, pulling off his jacket. "How about this? Will it work?"

"It should. Let's step outside so I don't spill any of this," I suggested.

We climbed out of the car and Charming held out his jacket to me. "Go ahead. Douse me."

I sprinkled the potion all over his jacket, making sure it was completely covered before handing it back to him. "Put this back on and let's get back in the car."

He held the jacket and a distant look came into his eyes. Instead of putting it on, he stared off into the distance. "So I can cross the town line?"

"Hopefully," I said, placing my hand on his shoulder. "Let's get in the car and test this out."

Still, he didn't move. He still stared into the distance before slowly turning to face the town we had just left. By this point, Robin had also gotten out of the car and approached us, concerned. "Charming? Is something wrong?"

"I don't think I should leave," he said, voice sounding strangled as he clutched the jacket close.

Robin frowned. "You can come back. Just like Regina and I do. All you have to do is wear the jacket."

Charming glanced down at the garment, frowning. "I know. And I want to go with you, to be with Emma."

"But," I said, sensing it was coming.

He sighed. "But I can't leave Snow."

I frowned. "She's doing fine. And she's under the curse. You're not. That makes it more dangerous for you to stay."

"Someone is threatening her," he reminded me. "And it might be Zelena. I can't leave her alone when she doesn't have her memories and Zelena does. I can fight her better."

"That will put you in danger. She can douse you and give you false memories. You will be stuck in the curse," I told him.

He nodded, holding out his jacket to me. "That's a risk I need to take. I have to keep Snow safe. I love her, Regina, and I can't just leave her."

I glanced over at Robin, pleading with him to help me with my eyes. Certainly he could talk some sense into our friend. After all, Charming respected him and often sought his advice. I believed he would listen to Robin.

Robin squeezed Charming's shoulder. "Do you really believe she needs you?" he asked.

"I do," Charming replied.

"Then go home and protect her." Robin released Charming and stepped back. "I'll drive you back."

I gaped at my husband, wanting to smack some sense into him. "You're just going to let him go back? When he's in so much danger?"

"I can take care of myself, Regina," Charming said, sounding like the prince who once interrogated me in a small cabin in the middle of a rebel camp. "I will be alright."

As I opened my mouth to protest, Robin guided me off to the side. "Don't argue, lovely. Just let him do this."

"How can you take his side?" I asked, almost hissing. "We all agreed he needed to leave Storybrooke."

"I know, but things have changed. And I understand where he is coming from. If given the choice to flee and leave you behind or stay and protect you, I would stay and protect you. You know that," Robin told me.

"What about Emma?" I asked, directing the question at Charming.

He didn't answer right away and I could see the war raging inside him reflected in his eyes. "She's safe with you and Robin. She's happy and loved. And I'll still see her. You won't stop bringing her, right?"

"Of course not," I said. "I may think you're insane for doing this but I wouldn't punish you for it."

"Thank you, Regina." He held out the jacket again. "Do you want this?"

I shook my head. "You keep it. Just in case you need to make a quick break out of town."

"There's a small town not far from here," Robin added. "I figure it's about an hour on foot. Head there and call us. We'll come get you."

Charming nodded and I walked over, hugging him. "Take care of yourself. We'll check on you as regularly as we can."

He hugged me back. "Thank you, Regina. I know I can always rely on you and Robin. Give Emma a kiss for me."

"We will but first we need to drive you home," Robin reminded him. "Let's get back in the car."

We all climbed into the car and headed back to Storybrooke. I prayed Charming was doing the right thing and we weren't letting him walk back into a trap.

A/N: So, Charming is choosing to stay with Snow. Is he right? Is she in trouble? Or is he in more danger now?

I had originally written an author's note before the episode, when I was bitter and anticipating the worse. I didn't know if I would be okay with commenting on the episode just yet and was going to wait to process it, however, I think I'm okay. I'm not sure if I would call what I feel "closure," but I'm not bitter, salty or ragey. I loved that Regina finally accepted herself and learned to love Queenie and gave that to her other half. And that Queenie chose to go someplace where she could start over and be happy.

Sorry if you've seen me say this elsewhere, but I'm going to repeat myself. I am glad that there is a version of Outlaw Queen out there getting to have their happy ending together. And I think in many ways, Regina finally does have her happy ending. She has Henry, a family, friends, and a place she calls home. While she doesn't need romantic love, I'd say she deserves it. So a part of me still hopes there's a way for OG!Robin to come back and give it to her. Sean doesn't have to even come back for long. Just pop in for a few scenes to wrap Regina up and send the show into the sunset.

Either way, this ship is ours now. Let's take care of it the way the writers neglected to since they couldn't recognize the beautiful love story they were telling.

Long live Outlaw Queen.

-Mac