David and Dorothy finally discover what may have happened to their wives two weeks earlier, to make them act the way they did. In Miami, Regina and Emma also try to make sense of everything. A nasty surprise awaits Henry.

The Gold Mansion

Having explained the process, Rumple cast his magic over the little tray of hair, blood and serum, starting from the last frozen image staring back at them, and rewinding back over the last twelve days, until he got to the particular day and time he sought.

"So this is the morning of Monday, the 7th of July, nearly two weeks ago. The morning some of you headed off on a wild goose-chase, because of a false sighting of The Black Fairy." David and Dorothy, watching closely, nodded. "You, Charming, took the decision to split your search time into pairs. Your respective wives paired up, to search together."

"I remember. They took the west side of the lake."

"Indeed. But they appeared to stray further into the central area, for reasons unknown. This serum and hair I'm using with the dreamcatcher only allows us to see all of the times they were together, not alone. I'm starting from the moment they left the Sheriff's Office to begin the search."

Twisting his fingers and casting his magic, the dream catcher suddenly burst into life:

Monday 7th July – thirteen days ago

Ruby and Snow appeared to be climbing out of the she-wolf's station wagon. "We should start here, Rubes. I seem to remember there's a little trail down, heading around the edge of that copse, rather than straight down to the lake. You go around the top ridge, and I'll go nearer the lake side? It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure I remember the paths converge in about a mile or so."

"No can do Snow. David specifically asked us to stay together? And he's right. This Fiona bitch has seriously strong magic, so I promised I'd stick by you. Or at least within smelling distance."

Snow rolled her eyes. "He's just being overprotective. I'll be fine."

"I promised him! Come on, we can do it together, and chat while we're at it. Besides, if we see the bitch, we'll phone the others. Only magic's going to bring her down, anyway."

~oOo~

Rumple raised his hand, about to move the dreamcatcher images faster forward, when Dorothy spoke up.

"No, hang on, don't rush it? I want to hear what they were talking about."

"Very well…"

He stayed his hand, and it carried on playing:-

~oOo~

For a few minutes, the two women carried on walking apart, always in sight of each other, until they came closer to talk again.

"So what are you doing for Neal's eighth?"

"Granny never told you? We're throwing him a lunchtime party in the diner, with some of his friends. Emma's got a barbeque planned for the afternoon, on the Jolly. Killian's said he's going to let him try his hand at taking command of the ship, with his crew obeying Neal's commands! Hopefully, he won't sink the thing!"

"Sounds like fun. What should I buy him for a present from Dot and me?"

"Oh, I shouldn't worry, he's going to get plenty coming as it is. But if you do, I know he's really keen on Spiderman right now. There's a new DVD he was asking about,"

"I've seen it! I'll pick it up tomorrow. So…"

The dreamcatcher carried on in the same vein for another few minutes, and the two women said nothing of any particular relevance, just talking generally about family things and the next girls' night they were planning at Guido's. So Rumple fast forwarded to a point where Ruby stopped, sniffing the air:

"No one's been walking around here the last two days, I'm sure of it! I'm picking up foxes and rabbits, but not much else. I think if I wanted to stay hidden, I'd find somewhere more shielded? Like down there?" She pointed to a darker copse on the opposite bank. "I know Regina and Emma are covering the other side, but that's a much bigger area than ours, and a lot more dense. They'll never cover theirs in one day, magic or not. Perhaps we should help?"

"Makes sense. Okay, best stay close though, just in case? I'll lead."

~oOo~

Rumple stopped the dreamcatcher again.

"So, I think that at this point the relationship between the princess and the she-wolf is as per usual. Talking about all the usual boring, achingly dull, day-to-day things you heroes like to talk about?" Henry tried not to laugh, knowing his grandpa loved winding people up. "So let's fast forward to half an hour later, shall we?"

He restarted the moving images, fast forwarding until the pair were seen to find a very well-hidden derelict ruined cottage, beneath a low hanging canopy of leaves and branches.

"Now this is where it starts to get interesting."

~oOo~

"Rubes, you're not going to believe this?" Snow called her from inside the door, as Ruby stood guard out the front. "It may be a ruin out there, but this is…well, come inside and see for yourself?"

The taller woman entered, to discover a perfectly neat and tidy little farm cottage, completely at odds with the hovel outside.

"My god! Snow, there's a fire on, and lights? Someone's living here? We'd better get out."

"No, wait! There may be lights, but don't you find it odd that there's no light switches? Why would anyone light a wood fire, in the middle of a forest, in July? And there's no heat coming from it! No, I've seen this sort of thing before. It's how Regina used to leave her summer house. There's magic here, definitely."

"All the more reason to get the hell out? Seriously Snow, if that Bitch catches us here, we're screwed!"

"It may look tidy, but look at all the dust on that table? And the worktop? Hell it looks like the floor hasn't been swept in years! I can even see my footprints in it. No, I don't think there's been anyone in here for quite a while."

"So how did it stay hidden for so long?"

"Beats me. I'm pretty sure Fiona wouldn't be seen dead here; it's way too rustic for the likes of her. But I still don't like the thought of a hidden magic cottage like this on our doorstep? We need to go tell the others."

Ruby had already walked over to the sink, wiping a hand over the drainer. "I think you're right, no one's been here for quite a while." She reached up to open a small wooden cupboard door above the sink. But the moment it opened, something that had been leaning against the door, fell.

"What the hell?"

A small glass jug fell from the cupboard, crashing onto the hardwood sink top below, spraying part of its contents around, including some on Ruby's jacket, before falling into the sink. Looking down, Ruby saw that the flying object was a jar, now cracked along its side.

"What was that?" Snow jumped. "What happened?"

"Something fell out of this cupboard? It smells kinda…familiar?" Careful not to touch the broken edge, Ruby lifted the cracked glass jar up to her nose. "Phooeey! I reckon whoever was in here, was trying to grow their own pot, or something? Smells like weed."

"Really?" Snow joined her. "You know, I must be one of the only teachers in Maine who's never so much as smoked a spliff? Considering all my time in the forest and with the dwarves, who smoked all sorts of weird stuff, I always felt a bit nervous about trying anything like that? What's it smell like?" She moved closer as Ruby held it up, letting her take a deep sniff. "Mmm, sort of...piney? Herby? But a bit rancid, too."

"Probably because it's stale. I tried a few things when I was in Oz, with Dot and Mulan. This must be seriously old. Never seen that green colour before, though? If it was abandoned, I guess some of the youngsters were using this place to hang out."

"Possible, but unlikely. But the fire, and the lights? In July? Whoever did this could come back, and if it's The Black Fairy, you're right, we can't take her on alone. Let's take a quick look around and get out; then I'll call Emma."

~oOo~

Rumple chose that point to freeze the dreamcatcher again, turning to his audience.

"When they smelt the contents of that jar, which is currently secured in the box in the corner, they thought it was hallucinogenic. It was a lot more than that."

"So it's a potion? Henry said me you thought it was Ingrid, the Ice Queen?"

He nodded. "I visited her in that very cottage over five years ago. I only recognised the inside as she'd magically transformed its outside appearance to be invisible to all without the gift. She died shortly after. Not at my hand, I hasten to add! And although some ingredients originally came from the Enchanted Forest, magic played no part. I examined it last night, along with a book she appeared to have been working from. Charming. I believe she was originally trying to develop a potion to ensnare your daughter and the Arendelle queen, when she was here. You may recall she was driven mad by that stage? However, I think she made a fundamental error with the ingredients, and left the result in that jar, to dispose of later. She never had an opportunity to continue."

"So the potion? It makes someone fall in love with them?"

"No potion, nor any magic can do that. You recall the first curse, and how you believed you were married to the former Princess Abigail? Yet you felt no love for her, did you?"

"None. So, what does it do?"

"Had it been made correctly, its victim would trust you implicitly, almost to the point of adoration, as you would a beloved parent or loved one. Or a sister, in Ingrid's case. But in the form she created, accidentally or by design, it exaggerates existing feelings significantly. Very significantly! For example, if you were to already dislike Mrs. Lucas here," he pointed at Dorothy. "And she disliked you, after inhaling that, you'd probably wish to kill or seriously wound one another."

"Exaggerates feelings?" Dorothy frowned. "So, you're saying Ruby and Snow must have had feelings towards each other already? Before they even smelt the potion?"

"That would be a logical conclusion, yes. It could also explain why our former sheriff and mayor changed so dramatically, from being merely close friends, to something more. The stronger the feelings before, the more exaggerated, after. That in turn would cause them to do things out of the ordinary. Bearing in mind your respective partners were in a relationship long before they met you both? Well...the results can be significant."

"Like breaking up with their wife?" Dorothy looked back at the frozen image on the screen. "Can we see what happens next, please Mr. Gold?"

"You're quite sure? Because having already seen this part this morning, I can tell you they go on to become physically intimate, within a matter of minutes."

"Please! I need to know who made the first move? And what they said just before, and after. I also need to know whether this was the first time Ruby cheated on me. She may reveal something."

At that point, Henry thought he'd heard enough, turning to leave.

"O-kay then, if it's all the same, I'll wait outside for this bit? Last time, even though grandpa fast-forwarded some of it, I couldn't help seeing my mums making out? That was bad enough, so I turned away before they went any further. The last thing I wanted to see, was them…well, you get the idea?"

"Fair enough." David nodded. "You go. But Dot's right unfortunately, there may be something relevant. So I'll come out when it's over."

Miami

Yesterday had been a day for tears and grieving, but not much talking.

They'd barely spoken since Emma discovered Regina had also had a similar 'epiphany' a day after her own. As a result, they kept their distance from one another. After breakfast, Emma decided to go for a long run along the beach front and promenade. Anything to clear her head of so many dark thoughts. But the sheer exhaustion of two nearly sleepless nights had left her body drained. So much so, she almost fainted towards the end, and limped back to the hotel to discover, fortunately, Regina wasn't in the room.

The former mayor had abandoned the suite, and headed to the hotel's private beach, to rest under a parasol on a sun bed, praying sleep would eventually consume her. But it didn't. Eventually she retired to their room, only to find Emma already there, lying on the bed.

"You look like I feel!" Regina dropped her book, glasses and sunhat on the dresser. "Did your run help?"

"Not in the least. I nearly collapsed! It was a stupid idea in the first place but I just needed to get away to clear my head. How are you feeling?"

"Need you ask?" She stared down at the woman who'd been her lover for the past two weeks. Who only yesterday, mattered more to her than life itself. And who she'd been planning to start a new life with. Now, their relationship was…awkward, to put it mildly.

She sat down on the bed exasperated, before rolling onto her back beside the brunette, closing her eyes.

"So. What are we going to do?"

"I've no idea; but I'm worried sick about Hope. After what she saw me do to her dad, she must hate me nearly as much as he does. And Henry? And what I did to Roland keeps going round and round in my head. I still can't believe that was me. What the hell possessed me?"

Regina opened her eyes, rubbing her brow, then the pattern around her wrist. "I can't believe I told Robin I'd kill him. Henry heard everything."

"I don't remember that bit?"

"That's hardly surprising, he virtually punched you unconscious for hitting Roland! I told him if I ever saw him there again, I'd kill him." Regina shook her head in self-loathing. "Imagine? Me, vowing to kill the very man who saved me by sacrificing his life to save my worthless one? I know him too well. He'll never forgive me for that."

"I only remember the punch. He all but broke my fucking jaw! Still, I can't say I blame him. If someone did to my kid what I did to his, I'd kill 'em on the spot!"

"Probably the reason Henry insisted on the cuffs," Regina studied the offending insignia on her wrist. "I'm assuming the moment we go back over the town line, Gold's arranged that they transform back into cuffs. Though I hate his guts, I have to hand it to him; The Dark one learns about weaknesses, and fixes them."

"So you're thinking about going back?"

"Like we have a choice? Emma, if we don't, we may never see Henry or your daughter ever again! I'll just have to apologise, beg for forgiveness, and take whatever they throw at me. Then maybe, in time, either Henry will take these cuffs off, or we find a way to do it ourselves."

"You do know we'll get arrested the moment we cross the line, don't you? Without magic, we can't stop it. We'll be charged, and as there were loads of witnesses, convicted. There's no chance of me ever becoming sheriff again, that's for sure! I'm looking at anything from six months to ten years, because I assaulted four people, including a minor. You? You'll probably be let off on a technicality."

"Are you kidding me? I got the same letter from Morgan that you did. Not only did I threaten to kill Robin in front of everyone, but what I did to Sidney's finally coming back to bite me! One thing's for certain, I'll never be mayor again. I've managed to unite the whole town against me, including Robin."

"So why go back there? Hell if you're serious, I don't think I'll be going with you. I'm sorry."

"So what about Hope? Henry? Your parents?"

"What use am I sitting in a jail cell? No, I'll just have to write and try to tell them I was overcome with some sort of...temporary madness, that made me act like that. Shit, I wasn't this destructive when I was The Dark One!"

"But your parents? Surely they'd fight for your freedom?"

"Possibly," Emma sighed loudly, closing her eyes again. "I haven't seen dad for weeks. And we saw mum the day we left, when she told me…" Emma's mind drifted. She hadn't really been paying attention at the time. "Shit, I forgot! She said she'd just split up with him! And I, I, just ignored her? I just wanted to get away. Away from all of them!"

"As did I, and I remember that, too. Snow said they were getting a divorce. Kathryn already told me the day before that she'd lost her job at the school. Something about hitting one of the children? At that 'kangeroo court' of a committee meeting, they said she and Lucas was caught doing something in the park. Indecent exposure, apparently? Her grandmother kicked her out of the diner. Poor Dorothy. Must have come as quite a blow?"

"Never mind poor fucking Dorothy, what about my dad? And there's me, not even listening? What kind of a daughter am I, when my own mother tells me her marriage is over, and I just fuck off and leave her there, on the doorstep?"

"Well, at least she has Ruby to console her now?" Emma's scowl told her that was inappropriate. "Sorry."

"It's not funny Regina! My parents have just split up! They're supposed to have, like, the best marriage out of any of us? They share a goddam heart and are supposed to be true love, for god's sake! It's only because of them I had magic in the first place. And what about my kid brother? How the hell's all this going to affect Neal? I even forgot his birthday! Shit! Killian was going to-"

But something Emma blurted out, made Regina sit up.

"Say that again?"

"About Neal? He was eight last w-"

"NO, NOT THAT! The thing about true love?"

"Well...stands to reason. Gold, and even Merlin, said it's the strongest magic of all. Yet it hasn't saved my parents' perfect marriage now, has it?"

"That's just it! It never should have happened! True love defies all other magic! Snow and Charming definitely had it, as they proved when they woke each other up from sleeping curses, and gave you your magic. Lucas woke Dorothy much the same way, didn't she? Yet that same magic still didn't stop Snow and Ruby cheating? And not just cheating, but ditching them completely, for each other."

"Just like we did? Is that what you're saying?"

"I'm not quite sure what I'm saying. Though the change in four apparently happy true-love marriages, to committing adultery within days of each other, does seem coincidental, don't you think? Even though unlike us, they had history."

"Mum and Ruby?" Emma sat up. "You're kidding?"

"No. When I became queen, Snow rightly fled Misthaven in fear for her life. My spies regularly reported sightings of her. She teamed up with Lucas, or Red as she was known, and before they hid in the forest, they often stayed in the homes of some of my enemies. One of them, a count, hid them for quite some time in his lodge. I finally got a spy inside, acting undercover as a chambermaid. Snow left before my guards got there. But my spy reported that the relationship between them was more than mere friendship. Someone else, who I had tortured, also confirmed it. This was before she even knew Charming, of course. I assume they'd ended the relationship before that. But they've always remained close."

"I'd no idea!" Emma shook her head in disbelief. "I wonder if she ever told dad.""

"That word wasn't even invented there, and 'gay' just meant happy and care free. Same sex relationships existed of course, but were severely frowned upon, and would've met with strong disapproval by the royal court. If the King were alive and I'd known at the time, no doubt as the Evil Queen I would've used the information to ruin things between him and his daughter. He would've had no choice but to banish her. Or disown and disinherit her, at the very least."

"So Ruby and Snow must've still had some residual feelings for each other, despite mum getting married? Why are you telling me this now? If you're trying to make me feel better Regina, it's not working!"

"Because again, the similarities between their situation and ours are too coincidental."

"Hardly! They'd been in a relationship. Whereas the two of us-"

"Had romantic feelings towards one another, but never acted on them?" She couldn't fail to notice Emma's embarrassed look as she faced away. "What? Oh, come on Swan, we both know it's true! There's no point being embarrassed now! After all, we both admitted it to each other enough times recently, haven't we? But we just happened to be more in love with people we've chosen to marry. But for some bizarre reason, in a moment of madness, everything changed. Temporarily, it seems? But not before we managed to wreck everything we held dear. Just as Lucas and your mother wrecked their own lives. I wonder if, like us, they're now having their own regrets? As I said, it all seems far too coincidental."

"So four women, all in positions of power or influence; all in good marriages; all-" Emma realised where she was going with this. "You're thinking this was caused by someone else, deliberately? Like we've somehow been...cursed?"

"It seems more than plausible."

"So what do we do about it? Where do we start? Before you even think about going back there, we need a plan!"

"We first need to figure out how, and when, it happened."

"Good point. What's the connection between the four of us? Apart from the obvious fact we're all women."

"Maybe that's where we should start? You told me last week you'd started having stronger feelings for me in Camelot? And that you'd already had relationships with a couple of girls in earlier years? Was that before Henry's father, or after? Apart from me, have you ever told anyone in Storybrooke you were bisexual?"

"Hardly! You know I hate talking about this sort of thing. Archie Hopper's the only person I've ever told. And Neal, Henry's father knew. I had a few experiences when I was younger, but I wouldn't have called them relationships, exactly? Itwas just sex. For comfort, I guess? I admit I enjoyed it at the time and I may be bi, but I've always been more into men than women, if I'm honest."

"Any in Storybrooke? Other women?"

"A couple of one-night stands when I first arrived, but none since I got together with Killian. Apart from you, obviously? What about you?"

"Similar to you. I did have one brief relationship in the old realm, if you can call it that, with a woman, many years ago. My first time. But my experience with men weren't exactly extensive, either. After I created Storybrooke, I had a couple of dalliances, or to use your term, 'one-night stands', but my reputation as the Evil Queen rather limited my options? But men mostly, though only a few. Hopper knows about me, too. But I told Robin when we were discussing marriage. I felt it was only right."

"Your first? Maleficent, right?" Emma sported a small grin, her first in days.

"How did you know?"

"The way she looks at you whenever she sees you? Like she wanted you on your back, there and then? The way she keeps calling you kitten?" Emma snorted, trying not to snigger. "Robin told me."

"He told you about Mal and I?" Damn it, she should never have told him in the first place.

"No, not about that! I just asked why she kept calling you kitten. He said it's probably because you purr in your sleep? He's right. You do." She broke out into a little snigger, and even Regina started to smile, reluctantly. "So, out of the four of us, you, me, mum and Ruby are secretly bi? No, It may be true but I don't think that's the connection somehow. But I agree, it does like like somebody caused this."

"It does, doesn't it? And I have a pretty good idea who's behind it."

"Gold? Stands to reason, I guess. He's the only one with the motive, and the magic."

"And he benefits directly. He gains even more control over Storybrooke, without our interference. And he also now has total influence over Henry."

"So how do we stop him?"

Storybrooke. The Gold Mansion

It had been the most uncomfortable hour of David's life. And Dorothy's.

After restarting the moving images and sound on the dreamcatcher, they'd watched events unfold after their wives on screen inhaled the green liquid Rumple claimed was a potion:-

Once Ruby placed the broken glass in the sink, being careful not to cut herself, she turned to find Snow now less than a foot away, looking up at her with a heated gaze she hadn't seen on her for a very long time:

"Snow? What are you-"

Within moments the princess's hands were in her hair, gently pulling her head down and to one side, to seal her lips firmly on Ruby's. It was a kiss they hadn't shared in decades. A kiss that, from the moment it started, made Ruby realise just how much she'd missed those perfect lips on her own. A kiss from the woman who, underneath it all, she'd never stopped loving. She pulled her head back slightly to look again, only to find Snow's mouth still open, her head tilted and eyes closed, waiting for more. She didn't disappoint, and this time it was Ruby who took the lead, swiping her tongue over the other's mouth, before sliding it inside as their jaws widened and the kiss quickly became more heated.

And all this was being watched on a cloth screen by the women's married partners, as Rumple moved to put his finger in the tray, to fast forward the images on.

"NO!" Dorothy called out, seeing what he was just about to do. "WAIT? PLEASE?"

"Very well..." Rumple left it alone and sat back down again, watching the discomfort clearly showing on their faces as they watched their respective spouses betrayal continue.

As the pair finally unsealed their glistening mouths, two hearts racing and heavily panting, neither said a word as Snow, still staring up the taller woman, reached down for the two buttons on the band of Ruby's green trek shorts with both hands, pulling them apart before deft fingers reached for the zip just below. As she started to slide it down, she felt Ruby's hand on her own midriff, herself working on the clip on the top of Snow's khaki slacks, to mirror her actions. And, with Ruby stooping slightly but never taking her eyes off the other woman, within a matter of moments both had their right hand inside the other's knickers, making each other groan loudly as they found their respective, now very wet, targets.

Finally, Ruby spoke as they started to stroke each other. "God! It's been far too long, hasn't it?"

Watching the dreamcatcher, David briefly glanced to one side, to see the cuckqueaned woman sitting next to him reaching her hand out to him, which he took, giving her a sympathetic smile as he squeezed it in a silent attempt at comfort. Thank god Henry had already left the room!

~oOo~

They carried on watching for the best part of an hour, rarely taking their eyes from the screen, despite the discomfort of watching their marriages being dishonoured so blatantly.

In their urgent frenzy, clothes were quickly discarded, as they set about having having passionate, very urgent, sex. All being watched by their respective spouses.

For David, his initial shock had long turned to discomfort, as Snow began to gasp words of love and need for the she-wolf. Discomfort turned to annoyance, as she allowed Ruby to perform the type of intimacy on her lower body which only he had (or so he thought) in their past. Then from annoyance to sadness, after she finally screamed Ruby's name to the rooftops as she peaked, before finally resting, to lie beside her, now sweaty and naked, on top of the sheets. Then it was Snow's turn to return the compliment.

Dorothy's eyes still never left the dreamcatcher, though he noticed several tears now sliding down her cheek, unchecked. But despite all the pain they'd just endured, there was an even bigger shock for both of them, at the end:

~oOo~

The dreamcatcher continued playing:

Snow fell off of her, getting her breath back, before curling into her lover, to resting her head on her bare chest as she pulled the silk sheets up over them.

"That was wonderful! I'd forgotten how good it could be with another woman! It took me right back to the good old days."

"Yeah..." Ruby puffed. "I remember you always were the best kisser, ever! And way more imaginative than anyone I've ever met since our last time. You still haven't lost the touch, lady!" She kissed the top of her head. "You sure you haven't been with any other girls since we last did that?"

"No. You were my first and only. Apart from once during the the curse, when I thought I was Mary Margaret, but that doesn't count. I wish I'd never left it so long, quite frankly. You?"

"I kinda stuck with girls from then, but not exclusively. There were others, even after I got married. Nothing serious mind. You know what I'm like."

"And after that?" Snow looked up at her with a smirk, before kissing her breast. "Apart from Dorothy, and now me. Anyone else? I know what you're like, Red! You always did have a massive sex drive, not that I'm complaining. You told me you were like that right from the start. But anyone else in Storybrooke since?"

Ruby looked down at her, tempted to lie, but knew Snow could probably tell if she did. She was her closest friend, after all. "Why do you ask?"

"That's a deflection, if ever I heard one! We never lie to each other, remember?"

"Well..." She sighed. "There may have been a few dalliances from time to time. Only sex, mind! As you said, you know what I'm like."

"Well I do, but have you ever told Dorothy what you're like?" The way she looked away, feeling awkward now, told Snow all she needed to know and her face turned more serious. "You haven't, have you? Well, if one of them's who I think it is, you need to be really careful, Rubes! Her husband's a dangerous guy to cross."

It was Ruby's turn to look worried. "What makes you think you know who it is?"

"I notice things. And I notice the looks you give people when you're interested in them. It's different. But with her, you're definitely playing with fire!"

"Do you think anyone's noticed?"

"I doubt it, but I know you too well. Still, we all know you flirt with everyone, be they men or women, so you'd probably get away with it, unlike most of us. But still, you need to watch yourself!"

"Well perhaps I won't need to scratch that particular itch…" Ruby wrapped and arm around her, before pushing her back and rolling herself on top, settling between her thighs. "If I had my own permanent scratching post? If I know you're still interested in me? Because if I had you, I'd give everyone else up tomorrow!"

"You would? Dorothy? And your…other friends?"

"Without any hesitation. If I knew I had you all to myself."

Snow lifted her head, seizing her lips yet again.

~oOo~

And at that point, Rumple stopped the dreamcatcher once again, with the suspended image of Ruby lying on top of Snow on the bedsheets, as all three viewers remained silent. David finally broke it.

"Well I've certainly learned something. I thought I knew everything there was to know about Snow. Until a week ago, I had no idea those two had even been lovers before I came on the scene. But from what I just saw, I guess you're right Gold? It does seem to exaggerate their feelings, markedly."

But Rumple wasn't listening, his mind elsewhere. Dorothy spoke up, instead.

"I knew it'd be tough to watch, but at least it told me what I'd already suspected. That my wife, my supposed true love, is a lying bitch who's been cheating on me long before she even went into that damn cottage!" She looked up at David, her eyes no longer betraying tears of sadness, only anger.

"I'm so sorry, Dot." He stood, stepping nearer to try and offer her some comfort. As he opened his arms to hug her, not knowing what to say, she pulled herself tight against his chest, accepting his comfort. "I know how much it hurts."

But Rumple still hadn't spoken, his mind going back over what the wolf had said. Again and again.

"Mr. Rumple?"

His train of thought was broken by Dorothy now stepping back from Charming. "You said that serum you made out of their hair, only lets us see images of when the two of them were together?" The Dark One finally looked up, nodding. "Is there any way you could change it somehow, so that it could show us when Ruby was alone, or better still, with someone other than Snow?"

He remembered he still had half the wolf's blood vial left. "You know, I think there may be a way!"

~oOo~

Meanwhile…

After leaving his grandfather's study, Henry had gone into the living room half an hour ago, where he now sat, his MacBook on the antique desk, reading up on further requirements for forthcoming Harvard entrants. At least it helped take his mind off his family problems.

But he was interrupted when his phone rang, the display showing an unrecognisable local number.

"Hello, Henry Mills speaking."

"Henry? Thank god it's you!"

"I'm sorry, who is this? Do I know you?"

"It's Chrissy. Chrissy Long? We went to school together. I'm a nurse at the hospital now."

"Chrissy! Sorry, I should've recognised your voice. How's things? What can I do for you?"

"I got given your number by Ruby Lucas. She says she's not allowed to call you. I was trying to reach your grandad, David Nolan, but I didn't have his number? Henry, you need to get over here, fast!"

"Why? What is it? What's wrong?"

~oOo~

Back in his other grandfather's study, David and Dorothy stood, getting ready to leave.

"Charming, I think I should speak to Mrs. Nolan here, or perhaps I should be saying Miss Gale, for a few moments alone? There's several issues we need to discuss. In private."

"Like your price? I know you Gold; your services always come at a price."

"Not this time," Rumple gave him a look of distain. "This is all part of a request by Henry, and I'd never dream of charging my grandson, as I said previously." He looked back at Dorothy, showing a slightly more sympathetic smile. "Besides, I do believe Miss Gale's quest for more information, and my own, may be aligned."

David was about to give him a usual acerbic response when Henry burst through the door.

"Grandpa?" Both grandparents turned to look at him. "Grandpa David?"

"Henry? What is it? What's-"

But David's words were cut off the moment he felt a fierce stabbing pain in his chest! A searing pain followed by a violent spasm that threw him backwards, taking his legs clean from under him completely!

He collapsed into a nearby chair, clutching his chest.

"AAAARGH!" He gasped, now doubled up in pain.

"DAVID?" Dorothy yelled, dropping to her knees beside him. "WHAT IS IT?"

But he was in no state to answer, his hands clutching his chest, apparently in agony. Dorothy had no idea what to do. It appeared he was having some sort of heart attack?

Rumple was now also on his feet, moving over to the stricken man.

"Henry, what's happened?"

"I just spoke to the hospital. It's Grandma Snow. They took her in, over an hour ago!" Henry looked down at his other grandfather, who lay still, waiting for the piercing pain in his chest to stop. He stepped back from David, whispering to Rumple so the other man couldn't hear. But he could.

"They found Snow unconscious, in the the loft."

David, despite his pain, looked up, hearing what he'd just said.

"They found pills beside her. Someone I know said it looks like she tried to take an overdose?"

~oOo~