#greg can be regina george i just know he can be i feel it in my heart

[saipng]

that mean girl x succession post you shared, i was so ready to accept as cannon that Greg said "not my fault you're in love with me" as cannon, kinda telling myself how rude he was to talk to Tom like that?? your blog has been doing things to my brain

this is an official letter of apology from me to you. also i wish greg would be ruder. he deserves it.

[hyzenthlayroseart]

Some antagonists to Eileen and her family, a homophobic conservative family consisting of Lynn Gorman, her husband Greg Gorman and their two sons Carl (the overweight one) and Buck (the skinny one) and a daughter named Crystal.

Lynn and Greg were a couple in high school and got married right after and had kids and became miserable and bitter ever since. Greg works as a construction worker and when he's not working he's at home sitting on the couch all day watching either sports or conservative "news" stations like Fox News while drinking beer. He's generally lazy and apathetic but can get heated when talking about political topics. When he was younger he had an immature "class clown" type of attitude and end up becoming more and more miserable and cynical as he settled into domestic life. He and Lynn resent each other now and should divorce but for whatever reason they haven't.  

Lynn was a gossipy mean girl in high school and ended up never really growing out of it. She has a friend group of other stuck-up, gossiping moms who were also former high school mean girls. Lynn is very vain and has had plastic surgery to try and stay youthful (I tried making it look like she had Botox, don't know if I succeeded). Whenever she's out in town and runs into Eileen and her family, she rants to them about how they're disgusting sinners and are going to Hell (Eileen doesn't deal well with conflict due to being shy and on the Autism spectrum so Cleo's the one who defends them both and rants back at Lynn), and she despises how Eileen and Cleo are raising children in such a "sinful environment" (ironically Eileen and Cleo have a happy, loving marriage and are wonderful and loving mothers, basically the opposite of Lynn) and despises how Eileen and Cleo are eternally youthful and wealthy. 

Carl is a 22 year old lazy shut-in who stays in his room all day on his computer either gaming or using 4chan or some other edgy shit. He's basically the type of guy who posts racist/sexist/homophobic crap then when he gets called out for it he just tells everyone they're being sensitive and starts ranting about cancel culture and wokeness or whatever. Outside of the internet he considers his life miserable since he grew up with parents who hated each other and still hate each other so he decides to take it out on random people on the internet so he can feel superior. He's also an incel and a misogynist. 

Crystal is a Instagram influencer who is vain and self-centered like her mom (she also has had plastic surgery by getting lip fillers), and went on to become a mean girl in school as well. She's just as bigoted as the rest of her family and has internalized misogyny and is always bullying and putting down other girls at her school (basically she's Regina George but worse). She has a clique of other wannabe influencer mean girls and they all pretend they're friends but in reality they're too bitter and unpleasant to properly form friendships, they just stick together to be in the "popular crowd".

Finally, Buck is the oldest and is obsessed with guns and spends his free time doing target practice with them. Just like his brother he's also a racist/sexist/homophobic troll on the internet and also loves picking fights with people physically (unlike his brother who is too lazy to physically fight anyone due to sitting at his computer all day eating Cheetos). Buck has always been a loner and has a genuinely unhinged personality and serial killer vibes (he hasn't killed anyone but has been arrested for being in fights). When he was in high school (he's in his 20s now) everyone stayed away from him because he scared everyone and had an unpredictable temper. Whenever he got in trouble his mom instead put the blame on whoever his victim was for "getting her poor innocent boy in trouble". Yeah Lynn basically enables him and refuses to believe he's capable of violence. 

So yeah, not great people. Obviously Eileen and her family avoid them whenever possible.

[keanureevesisbae]

sugar sugar - the planning 4.0

Summary: The two of them are coming back from their bachelor/bachelorette parties

Sugar Daddy!Henry Cavill x Becky Kim (asian OFC)

Warnings: Sex, blowjob, squirting

Wordcount: 2.3k

A/N: Their wedding is coming closer!

Masterlist // Sugar Sugar Masterlist // Sugar Sugar the wedding Masterlist // Previous chapter //

April 3rd 1 a.m.

This night seemed never ending, but it was kinda funny nonetheless. Seeing Genevieve live out her Magic Mike fantasy, made me turn into the Regina George’s mom of Mean Girls and film her as two attractive oiled up men were grinding up against her, while Viola kept screeching out of sheer awkwardness.

With a smile on my face, I walk into the apartment, only to discover an absolutely parched Henry on the couch. He takes a sip out of a water bottle, which is a rare sight. When he is drained like this, he usually needs a whiskey to feel better. ‘What happened to you?’ I ask, causing him to look up.

‘They pulled me into a strip club,’ Henry answers, his eyes tired and followed by a deep sigh.

They as in Greg, Noah, Gino and Peter. This must’ve been Genevieve planning the entire thing. ‘Me too,’ I chuckle. ‘Just so you know, your bare ass has my preference.’ I kick off my heels and straddle his thick thighs, before wrapping my arms around his neck. ‘You look like you’ve seen multiple ghosts over the course of the night. It couldn’t possibly be that terrible.’

Henry starts to laugh. ‘It was. I don’t think I have ever been this uncomfortable. I absolutely despised that place.’

‘Why?’ I ask him, undoing his tie a bit.

‘I had no idea they would take me there,’ he says. ‘And don’t get me wrong, those women were beautiful and good at their job, but I couldn’t stop thinking of you. It felt like borderline cheating to me.’

I don’t think I ever have to worry about Henry being unfaithful to me. Such a sweetheart. He continues to talk about the perverted types sitting there and how one guy even started to help himself a little, but because he is so busy talking, he barely notices I’m unbuttoning the top of his shirt, before taking off my thin cardigan, revealing only a light blue crop top.

Only when he finally manages to tear his gaze from the ceiling, he stops talking. ‘Oh,’ he says, leaning forward to press a kiss on my cheek. ‘This I like.’

‘I knew it,’ I say. ‘I’m the only one you want.’

‘Of course,’ he scoffs. ‘Why on earth would I want someone else?’

I shrug. ‘I don’t know. Just be honest with me. Didn’t it turn you on even a little? I mean, you told me yourself they were beautiful.’

‘Yeah, they were, but they didn’t turn me on,’ he says. ‘I mean, years ago it maybe would’ve, but now, you are the only one that can turn me on. Nobody and nothing beats your body, your kisses and your whimpers.’ He kisses my lips. ‘I love you and only you.’

‘Hm,’ I say with a smile. ‘I am probably the luckiest woman on the planet. I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you were turned on a little.’

‘Were you?’

I shake my head. ‘Oh no, I barely had time for that. I mean, besides filming Genevieve having the time of her life, I just admired certain dance moves. Damn, do those men know how to move those hips.’ I run my fingers through his hair. ‘And I know I said it before, but I’ll say it again: your ass is my absolute favorite and I prefer your hairy chest over those smooth oiled up ones I saw there.’

He starts to laugh. ‘Good thing your body is my favorite as well. No one can meet up to the standards you set.’

‘You’re so cute,’ I say to him with a chuckle. ‘Especially because you’ve spend an entire night at a strip club and now is the time where you grow a little excited.’

‘Teasing me, baby girl?’ he chuckles darkly, giving me a long kiss.

‘Maybe a little, it’s just that it’s the best way for you to give me a compliment.’ I step off his lap, before I unzip his fly. ‘Just relax, okay?’

‘Oh, sweetheart, I’m already relaxed,’ he says.

I sit on my knees in front of the couch, before I pull down his pants. He leans back, after he holds my hairs in his hand. I let my tongue run over his tip and he groans softly. The grip on my hair tightens and I look up, meeting his eyes, his teeth sunk in his bottom lip.

Deciding I’m not gonna tease him too long (he has had a long night), I slowly take more and more of him in my mouth. The tip of his cock hits the back of my throat, but thanks to the many secret blowjobs underneath his desk, my gag reflex is becoming less of a reflex now. He softly forces me down a little further and I let out a moan. The vibrations cause him to buck up his hips, leaving me to slightly gag on him.

‘Oh, shit baby, I’m sorry,’ he says.

I look up, drool dripping down my chin. ‘It’s okay, honey.’

‘Oh, it’s honey now?’ he asks cocking his eyebrow. ‘We’re not in public, so you better call me something else.’

I smile. ‘I’m sorry, daddy.’ My thighs are pushed against each other, as the heat gathers in my thong. Hearing him like this, feeling him bucking up his hips and the slight pulling on my hair. It does things to me.

When I release him with a pop, he softly pulls me up by my hair, before he presses a sloppy kiss on my lips. ‘Take off your clothes, baby girl,’ he says.

I quickly shred myself from the blue crop top that didn’t need a bra and the matching short. When my thong hits the floor, Henry grabs me by my waist, squeezing the soft flesh. ‘I love you,’ he whispers. ‘In around three weeks we’re married and you’re officially my wife.’

I can’t stop my faint blush. ‘We’re gonna get married,’ I say. ‘I can’t wait.’

He hoists me up and says: ‘Me neither.’ I expect him to take this to the bedroom, but he is too damn impatient, because he bends me over the back of the couch. Without a lot of preparation, he slides deep inside of me.

I try to gain some sort of stance, but my toes are barely touching the floor. He tightly grabs onto my hips. I push the palms of my hands in the cushions of the couch to hold myself up, as Henry rams himself roughly back inside of me. I bite my lip to stop myself from moaning out loud, but it earns me a harsh slap on my butt.

‘I need to hear you, baby girl,’ he grunts.

A strangled moan leaves my lips, before it’s followed by many loud moans that fill the living room. ‘Daddy, I’m close,’ I whine and I really wished I hadn’t said that, because he pulls out, leaving me nearly begging for more.

‘I know you’re gonna make a mess,’ he says, ‘since you always do so.’ He pulls me up and smiles. ‘We don’t want to ruin the couch, right?’

I shake my head. ‘No, we don’t.’

He carries me to the kitchen counter, placing me on the cold granite. He buries his member into my throbbing center, holding my chin in between his fingers. ‘So fucking beautiful,’ he mumbles. His thumb runs over my bottom lip, before he pulls me in a deep kiss. I open my mouth, our tongues so familiar with one another.

As his tip kisses my cervix every single time he thrusts in, it nearly forces a whiney moan out of me. He always goes deep, but it’s different this time. It feels so so different. ‘Daddy, you’re so deep.’

He smiles. ‘I know that, baby girl. You like that, don’t you?’

I nod, feeling myself flutter around him. ‘Can I cum?’ I ask, digging my nails in his shoulders.

‘Of course, baby.’

I throw my head back, as I squirt around him, indeed making such a mess. He knows me too well. As I ride out my high, Henry buries his face in my neck, sucking on the delicate skin there. I cry out, sensitivity taking over and my nails marking his back. He grunts as he paints my velvet walls from the inside, his fingers tips digging deep in my legs.

‘I’m sorry,’ I whimper, as insecurity takes over. ‘Daddy, I’m so sorry.’

‘What’s wrong, baby?’ he asks. ‘Tell me what’s wrong.’

‘I made such a mess.’ My legs are sticky, I know his legs are too and let’s just not say anything about the walls of the kitchen island.

‘Have I ever complained about that before?’ Henry asks with a cocked eyebrow.

I shake my head. ‘No.’

He cradles my face in his hands and whispers: ‘Then don’t you worry about it, okay?’

‘I’m sorry,’ I chuckle nervously. ‘I’ll try.’

Henry cocks his head, taking in every feature of my face. ‘Something’s bothering you?’ he asks me.

Maybe a little. ‘Not necessarily,’ I whisper.

‘You want to talk about it?’

I bite my lip. ‘It’s stupid.’

‘You could never say something stupid,’ he says. ‘How about a bath?’

‘Sounds good.’

✤ ✤ ✤

With my back against Henry’s chest, I stare at the ceiling in the bathroom. We’re engulfed in warm water and he finally asks: ‘So, what’s going inside your head, baby girl?’

‘Well,’ I say, ‘the other day it kinda hit me that… When you and I get married, there is a possibility for a divorce. You can exchange me for anyone you want.’

He wraps his arms around my upper body, pulling me closer to him. ‘And why would I do that?’

‘I don’t know. An opportunity?’

He gives me a kiss on top of my head. ‘I love you and only you, mrs Becky Cavill. I am not spending a lot of money on a wedding I know will fail. Heck, I wouldn’t even proposed to you if I wasn’t this serious about you.’

I sigh deeply, realizing worrying about this was absolutely nonsense. ‘I don’t even know what I was worried about.’

‘Just tell me these things, okay?’ Henry says. ‘I wanna be there for you.’

‘I promise,’ I say with a smile. ‘I promise.’

April 24th 9 p.m.

Tomorrow we’re getting married and these last few weeks have been kinda hectic. My dad is officially divorced, lives in a lovely house downtown and has yet to decorate his place, but with the wedding coming up and him actively wanting to help out, that just has to wait.

Genevieve and Viola never met my parents, but they are sure as hell absolutely mad about my dad. They continue to call him: ‘cute as a button’ and I almost feel like he is our dad, instead of just mine. Without the wedding band and my mom next to him, I realize that my dad is actually such a nice guy. We get along really well and he is dead set on improving our relationship, just like I am.

While I did suggest he’d walk me down the aisle, he found himself not worthy of it and though I told him he was, I still respect that decision.

We’re at our destination for our wedding. We chose Maui, Hawaii for a few reasons. One, the weather is great and two, my friends, Henry’s friends and my dad are gonna stay for a little vacation there, while Henry and I go to our private island to start our honeymoon.

I honestly couldn’t be more excited. Henry and I took all sorts of measurements, checking the venue, seeing if everything is alright and then, tomorrow: we’re gonna be husband and wife.

Henry has been reading his vows for at least fifteen minutes now, when he finally folds the paper and places it on the book that we’re taking with us tomorrow.

Leave it to Henry to book the most expensive room in the entire hotel, with a view to die for. My dad had his eyes on a little place, one he had been eyeing for so long. Henry arranged it for him, even making sure he had access to the pool and a taxi.

‘Baby,’ he whispers, when he wraps his arms around my waist. ‘How about a little love making? Last time before we’re husband and wife.’

‘Henry, we had sex today,’ I chuckle. ‘Aren’t you ever tired of me?’

‘No, never.’

I turn around in his arms and say: ‘I’d like to be able to walk down the aisle tomorrow.’

‘That’s why I said a little love making.’

‘How about you and I enjoy the jacuzzi?’ I suggest. ‘I’ll be naked.’

Within ten minutes we’re all set and done in the jacuzzi and I straddle his lap, before taking a sip of my wine. ‘So, when you and I are back from our honeymoon, what do you want to do?’ I ask.

‘I want to travel to some places with you,’ he says. ‘Go look for a new place for the two of us to live in. Get you pregnant.’

I snort. ‘Oh, how romantic.’

‘What?’ He starts to laugh. ‘I mean, it’s the goal eventually right?’

‘We could adopt a dog from the shelter,’ I say, ‘get a little practice in. I mean, a dog and a baby are not comparable, but still.’

‘I’d love that.’ He pulls me closer to him and gives me a kiss. ‘I’m just gonna say it now, but expect to hear this many many times. I can’t wait for you to be pregnant.’

I smile. ‘And why is that?’ I ask him. ‘So I’m even more helpless and you have to do more for me?’

He shakes his head. ‘No, because we made a baby together and are gonna have a family of our own. I mean, how amazing is it that we’re gonna be the Cavills, right?’

I squeal. ‘Oh my, that is so amazing. I cannot wait for that to happen either. I’m tempted to quit my birth control right now.’

‘What is stopping you?’

‘Well, I want to have a little bit more childless time with you,’ I say. ‘Just you and me, traveling the world.’

‘Sounds good, baby girl.’

[swanqueeneverafter]

What Dreams May Come, Pt.11

Enchanted Forest. Past. (On a dark and stormy night, a farmer returns home to his family.) Ruth: "Well? Well? What happened?" Robert: (Lowering his hood:) "I couldn't get any money for the medicine. I'm sorry, Ruth. I've failed my sons. I failed David and James." (Thunder crashes outside.) Rumplestiltskin: (Stepping out from the shadows:) "David and James. Such strong names, but yet such weak lungs. And good medicine is so expensive nowadays. Perhaps, (Tossing a pouch onto the table:) I can help." Robert: "We have nothing to give you for that." Rumplestiltskin: "Do your boys like bedtime stories? All right, here's one. Once upon a time, there was a king named George. He had great riches, but no son. And then there was a farmer named Robert. Poor as dirt yet he had two sons. Can you guess how this story ends?" Ruth: (Grabbing a knife and pointing it at the imp:) "Get out! Our sons are not for sale." Rumplestiltskin: "Then, they won't survive the winter, dearie. Look, you can either have one healthy son, (Thunder crashes again:) or two dead ones.” Robert: (Placing his hand on top of Ruth’s and lowering the knife:) “There's no other way. We have to do this, Ruth.” Rumplestiltskin: “Wise choice. All we have to do now is decide which son goes to the king. An impossible decision, I know, so let's make it simple. (Holds out a coin:) Heads, I take David. Tails, I'll take James. (Robert takes the coin and tosses it onto the table:) Tails! Prince James it is!” (Rumplestiltskin giggles and lifts the baby from the manger.) Robert: (To James:) “Your father loves you so much.” Ruth: “Oh, my son.” Rumplestiltskin: “Careful with your words. This deal must stay a secret, which means this boy is no longer your son.” (Taking baby James into his arms, Rumplestiltskin disappears in a cloud of purple smoke, while Ruth collapses on the floor in tears.)

Storybrooke. Present. (Broken down at the side of the road, Regina admires the view as Emma attempts to find out what's wrong with the car.) Regina: "So, what's the verdict?" Emma: (Under the hood:) "I think the battery's dead. I don't have any jumper cables but I can give you a ride home if you want?" Regina: "Oh no, I'm in no hurry. It's just the groceries and, (Waves her hand:) They've already been put away." Emma: "Neat trick. (Just when Emma is about to stand, she feels a hand on her backside:) Regina, what are you doing?" Regina: (Smiling, running her hand over the jean-clad derriere:) "Have I ever mentioned that you have an incredibly cute butt?" Emma: (Scoffs, straightens up and closes the hood of the car before turning to face her:) "Yeah well my 'cute butt' and I are on duty so-" Regina: (Flirtatiously:) "That's never stopped you before." Emma: "Come on, seriously, I'm already late and I forgot to charge my phone last night." Regina: "And what if I don't want you to go? What if I want to stand right here and flirt with my wife." Emma: (Smiles:) "I think that could be considered obstruction of justice." Regina: “I don’t think so.” Emma: (Thinks:) “Detaining a police officer?” Regina: “Hm. What would I get for that?” Emma: “I don’t know, a warning?” Regina: (Raising her eyebrow:) “A reprimand, perhaps?” Emma: “Maybe.” Regina: “And if I were to physically detain you?” Emma: (Shrugs, now curious:) “Depends how you were planning on doing that.” Regina: “Well I was thinking, maybe something like this.” (Regina grabs Emma by the lapels and kisses her wife passionately, Regina’s hands travelling down to squeeze the ‘cute’ backside.) Emma: (Pulling away, smiling:) “What has gotten into you?” Regina: (Pouting:) “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already?” Emma: (Sighs:) “‘Gina... (Thinks:) Hey, here’s an idea. (Thinks again:) No, it’s stupid.” Regina: (Intrigued:) “What is it?” Emma: “Do you wanna, maybe, come shadow me at work? See what I do all day? It could be fun.” Regina: (Smiles:) “Well there is something to that. I mean, as Mayor of Storybrooke, it is vital to know that I can put my full faith behind its Sheriff.” Emma: (Smirks:) “I won’t let you down, Madam Mayor.” (With another wave of her hand, Regina envelops her car in a cloud of smoke and it disappears.) Regina: “We’ll fix the battery later.��� Emma: (Nods, extending her hand:) “Shall we?” (Together, they walk hand in hand towards Emma’s car.)

Storybrooke General Hospital. (Rumplestiltskin lies unconscious in a hospital bed. Outside his room, Lily tries calling Emma with little success.) Lily: (Frustratedly:) "Pick up your damn phone, Emma!" David: (Arriving:) "Lily, what happened?" Lily: "Well, details are a little sketchy but it appears Rumplestiltskin and Alice here went all 'good cop, bad cop' and things got out of hand." Alice: (Sitting, shaking her head:) "I can't believe I shot him." David: "Is he gonna be all right?" Lily: "Bullet tore right through him. No lasting damage done. He'll still be out for a few hours before we can question him. Corroborate her story." David: "Alice, what were you doing?" Alice: "Rumplestiltskin and I, we needed answers from Mr Mendell. So, we went for a little drive." David: "Wait, you kidnapped him?" Alice: "We were only supposed to ask him some questions but then I saw the gun in Rumple's car and I thought he wanted me to bring it with us and... it went off." David: "Okay, so far it sounds like an accident, was anyone else hurt?" Alice: "No, just Rumplestiltskin." David: (Nods:) "And where is Greg Mendell now?" Alice: (Shaking her head again:) "I don't know, soon as the gun went off he ran." David: "Well, did you see which direction he went?" Lily: "David..." David: (Snapping:) "Damnit, this is important!" Lily: "Calm. Down." David: "No, I won't calm down. I came here for some answers too. (Holds up the coin:) Greg Mendell had this among his belongings and I wanna know why." Lily: (Frowns:) "A coin? What's the big deal about-" David: "A coin I gave to my father years ago back in the Enchanted Forest. (At Lily’s look:) Yeah. That man may have the answer to what really happened, but now because of these two, I may never find out the truth!" (With a roar of anger, David pushes past Lily along the hallway. Deciding to let him cool off, Lily turns back just in time to see Alice running down the opposite end of the hall and out of sight.) Lily: "Alice! Damnit. (Picking up her phone and dialing again:) Where are you, Emma?"

Storybrooke Sheriff's Station. (Emma pulls out a stack of papers from the filing cabinet and brings them over to the table where Regina is standing.) Regina: "I can't believe none of this was ever digitised." Emma: "Well, most of these files were created with Dark Curse technology, so..." Regina: "Now is the time to fix it? Seems like busywork to me." Emma: "It is not busywork. It is necessary, and it beats standing around waiting for Greg Mendell to finally leave town." Regina: "Debatable. (Rolling up her sleeve:) Well at least it shouldn't take long." Emma: (Before Regina can use her magic:) "Actually, we're gonna do this without magic. Lily and me, I mean." Regina: "But that'll take you... months." Emma: "Well, Lily wanted to know everything that happened in Storybrooke during the curse. She thinks it'll make her feel closer to the people here somehow and I thought it was a good idea. I'm only gonna put the files in date order then the rest will be down to her." Regina: (Nods:) "Very well. (Looks down at the files for a moment, then gets an evil idea:) You know, we still haven't paid your deputy back for the whole 'Traditional Arendelle Dress' trick she pulled on us." Emma: (Folding her arms:) "I thought you said we looked adorable?" Regina: "That's beside the point." Emma: (Watching her wife closely:) "Uh huh, so what are you thinking?" Regina: "Well, by the looks of her desk, Ms. Page seems to be quite the neat freak." Emma: (Scoffs:) "And you're not?" Regina: (Ignoring this:) "What would you say to making the place a little messy?" (Raising an eyebrow, Emma looks down at Lily's desk then back to Regina, smiling.) Sheriff's Station. Exterior. (Starting with the outside doors, the clunking sound of doors locking can be heard all along the building. As the last door is secured, the blinds on the windows are all rolled down.) Sheriff's Station. Bull Pen. (Returning to the office, we focus on Lily's untouched desk a moment before things go flying. Pens, notebooks and various other stationary are all knocked onto the floor by the bodies of two very naked women.) Emma: (Pausing a moment to check:) "Comfy?" Regina: (Pulling her back down:) "Extremely." Emma: (Kissing Regina's neck:) "We are so bad." Regina: (Chuckles:) "Payback's a b-" (Regina's words are lost as Emma covers her mouth with her own.)

Enchanted Forest. Past. Tavern. (Robert sits alone in a busy tavern, clearly intoxicated. He tosses a coin onto a server's tray.) Server: "You should be spending that on your family. How old is your boy now?" Robert: "David? Six. He's a good lad. He deserves better than me. Give me a drink." (The Server places a tankard in front of him and walks away. Just then, two royal guards enter the tavern.) Guard 1: "All of you cretins on your feet. (Conversations stop:) Show respect for King George!" King George: (Enters as Robert staggers to his feet:) "I know what you're thinking 'What is a neighboring king doing here in this filthy tavern?' You see, my only son, Prince James, has been abducted. Anyone who provides me with information will be rewarded. Anyone who withholds such information will pay dearly." The Farmhouse. (Robert packs for a long journey.) Ruth: "Are you mad?" Robert: "James is our son, He's in trouble and I need to rescue him." Ruth: “Do you think that he's going to want to come back here? To a dying farm and a drunken father?” Robert: (Lifting his bag onto his shoulder:) “I don't know. But I have to try. I have to be better for the boy. (David is now listening upstairs:) I have to stop. (Putting the bag down:) I swear to you, Ruth, fixing this broken family... (Voice breaking:) this is how I finally fix myself. (Hears David coming downstairs:) Hey, there, little man.” David: “Where are you going, Father?” Robert: “Uh I'm going on another supply run.” David: “And when you get back, are you really going to be better?” Robert: (Approaching:) “Yes. I will be better. I'll never touch another drop. And in two weeks, I'll be home, myself again.” David: “Will you take my lucky coin, to keep you safe?” Robert: (Extends his arm:) “Thank you, David. I think I could use a little luck.” (David secures the coin to his father’s wrist with a length of string, and they hug.)

Storybrooke Sheriff's Station. Present. (Standing partially dressed, Emma and Regina stare down at their stained clothing.) Regina: "Who keeps an ink well on their desk in this day and age?" Emma: "Well apparently, Lily did." Regina: "What is she, from the twelfth century or something?" David: (Calling from within the station:) "Emma?!" Regina: "Oh, for the love of..." (Using their magic, both Emma and Regina conjure themselves new outfits just before David enters the bull pen.) David: "Ah, there you are. (Notices the mess:) What happened in here? (Looking around, David misses the anxious glance between Regina and Emma:) It doesn't matter, I don't want to know. Has there been any sighting of Greg Mendell?" Emma: (Confused:) "Greg Mendell?" Regina: "Why would there be, isn't he still in hospital?" David: "Where have you guys been? Lily's been trying to call you." Emma: "Oh, my phone died and I've been here... doing stuff." Regina: (Scoffs:) "I've been called worse." David: (Not really listening:) "Rumplestiltskin's been shot and Mendell's gone into hiding." Emma: "What?" Regina: "Why didn't you lead with that?!" David: "Well, I guess back when I was sheriff, I liked to keep myself better informed." Emma: "Hey." David: (Storms off:) "I'll track him down myself." Emma: "Dad!" Enchanted Forest. Past. The Dark Castle. (Robert, with his bag over his shoulder, enters the Dark One's domain.) Robert: "Six years ago, you took my son. And now I need your help." Rumplestiltskin: (Sitting as his wheel:) "Well, I'm sorry a deal's a deal. Can't give you back the boy." Robert: "I'm not asking for that. But James... he's missing. I want you to help me find him." Rumplestiltskin: "Ah. And what would you offer me for this little feat of magic?" Robert: "I have nothing to offer." Rumplestiltskin: "Not much of a negotiator, are you?" Robert: (Dropping his bag on the floor:) "You owe me." Rumplestiltskin: "So. (Turns from his wheel, darkly:) You finally grew a spine." Robert: (As the Dark One stands and approaches:) "I think I finally became a father. I'd do anything to see my boy and tell him I'm... I'm sorry." Rumplestiltskin: “You know, I don't have time for maudlin stories. And everything has a price. Although I-I could be persuaded to help you in exchange for, uh one hair off your head. Small things can have great power.” Robert: “Fine. It's yours.” Rumplestiltskin: (Giggles and conjures his crystal ball, peering into it:) “Curious. The boy wasn't abducted at all. He ran away. But where he went to you don't want to follow.” Robert: (As the Dark One places the crystal ball onto the table:) “Why? Where is he?” Rumplestiltskin: “In a land built from temptation. And I have an extra ticket in. (The ticket appears in his hand. When Robert goes to grab it:) Unh, hair first. (Robert leans in and snatches the ticket at the same time as the hair is plucked from his head. Giggles:) Our second deal is now complete.” Robert: “Thank you.” Rumplestiltskin: “Mm. (Robert picks up his bag, slings it over his shoulder and leaves, very quickly. Holding up the hair:) ‘Small things can hold great power.’ (Giggles again, tossing the hair away. Sadly:) Someday, may we all be reunited with our sons.”

Storybrooke. Present. Main Street. (Taking refuge in a quiet spot on a rooftop, Alice peers out to see if anyone is around. Seeing only Keith, the former Sheriff of Nottingham walk along the street sipping his coffee, Alice is about to move on when she sees another man across the street aiming a bow. Just as he's about to throw his coffee in the trash, Keith's jacket cuff is pinned to a power line post.) Robin Hood: (Walking angrily towards him:) "Well, fancy that. The Sheriff of Nottingham." Keith: "Oh. Now wait. Look, I'm not that man here. Nobody calls me that in Storybrooke." Robin Hood: "I'm not from Storybrooke. (Punches him to the ground, draws a knife:) You know, I could've killed you with that arrow. (Holding the knife to Keith's throat:) But after all you did to me, I wanted this to be more personal." Regina: (Rounding the corner, walking back from the Sheriff’s office:) "Stop!"

[theonceoverthinker]

OUAT 2X20 - The Evil Queen

Regina! What a pleasure to feature an old a-QUEEN-tance over here!!!

Once you’re done laughing from this exceptional pun, why not stay for the rest of the review below the cut?

Press Release With the aid of Hook, Regina attempts to put a plan in motion that will help transport herself and Henry back to Fairytale land. But her plan revolves around a fail-safe that was planted within the curse, which if triggered could wipe Storybrooke off the map - and kill all of its inhabitants; and Emma’s suspicions about Tamara grow. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, the Evil Queen asks Rumplestiltskin to transform her into an unrecognizable peasant in order to kill an unsuspecting Snow White, with the twisted aim of earning the love and respect of her subjects. General Thoughts - Characters/Stories/Themes and Their Effectiveness Past I think this segment was incredibly well handled in its framing. The segment is able to clearly show how Regina’s reactions to her life and her impressions about her circumstances are dead wrong while still telling a tragic story for her. Like, it is very clear that the audience is supposed to laugh alongside Rumple (A framed mentor figure with a touch more moral ambiguity at this time) as she’s decrying claims that she’s an Evil Queen and be with Snow in abject horror when we see the destroyed village. That said, we’re also meant to also see the tragedy of Regina being on the cusp of real change, only to have her own remorseless history come back at the very worst moment.

Besides just the framing, the idea of neutralizing Regina and making her spend time with Snow in an alternate form was inspired. The resulting characterization of Snow and the effects of her kindness (Namely that all it takes is some one-on-one time with Snow in order to remember the potential goodness in your heart because she is honestly just that soothing and kind of a presence) is something that’s honestly much smarter than it has any right to be. But what’s better is that for all of Snow’s goodness, it DOES have a limit, and that is abruptly reached and more when she discovers the burnt village. Also, great job Ginny for a small bit at the end of her screen time where she goes through multiple expressions of anguish after letting Regina go, both as a show of her building frustration with the consequences of goodness and her frustrations with Regina. I’m honestly willing to bet that right after this episode is when the grouchier Snow from “Snow Falls” shows up. Finally, I’ve just got to say that this is such a better handling of the possibility of Regina’s goodness than the flashback in  “The Cricket Game.” Here, Regina doesn’t just fail a test she was all but bound to, but she crosses over a tangible line of decency and hurts countless others. Present The present does a lot more in terms of plot progression than story progression, but it comes with more than a few solid character interactions and moments.

I enjoyed seeing Regina and Killian working together. They have a good rapport and the betrayals and speeches between these two villains are just great. I love the little ways they screw each other over, but also this light bit of compassion they share too (Ex. Killian giving his condolences for Cora’s passing).

The Emma, Henry, Neal, and Tamara subplot was equally interesting! The search through the apartment makes for an engaging mystery, even though I know the outcome of it. There’s always this worry in my heart that they’re going to be caught and when they do, it makes for a fun moment of realized tension. Everyone’s characterization (Or somewhat fake characterization concerning Tamara in her scene with Emma) is fully in-line and the conflict is an understandable one with little nuances that make for compelling bits of dramatic irony.

The plot progression itself is fine. What we learn about the trigger and Greg and Tamara’s plans is well spread out and interspersed between good character moments. Insights - Stream of Consciousness -”Actually, I prefer with the lights on.” I bet you do, Captain! XD -”She is his mother, despite all the horrors!” Very good, Snow! Look, as far as the current circumstances of this show and season have been thus far, I’m of the mind that the Charming family is currently right: Regina does deserve to be able to see Henry, but given her history and especially her recent behavior, limiting her visitation while she continues to better herself is a completely fair thing to do. No one’s denying that Regina is Henry’s mom and the one time it was done, it was appropriately framed as a wrong outburst. -”Rumple’s cell.” David...while still a supporter of the sentiment I just presented, that’s...too far. -THE PANDA BLOOPER!!! -”But I am not evil.” Regina, you just burned down a village! That’s pretty evil! -Damn, Rumple. Cutting off trade with King George’s kingdom. That’s coooooold. ...but kind of awesome. -I love that when characters, it’s explained how they’ll look different to the world while still being played by the same actor! THat’s clever as hell! -”They still see me as The Evil Queen which they made me.” Regina, no. -Regina, this is Henry. What did you expect when you were leading up to everyone dying? -Awww! Good job giving condolences, Killian! -I wonder what it would’ve been like had Cora and Regina (And presumably Henry) went back to the Enchanted Forest and started fresh? -Snow’s actually giving Emma really good advice here! She knows no one wants Henry to get an incorrect impression about the circumstances of his parents. -I LOVE the music that plays as Snow saves Regina! It reminds me of a superhero’s theme! CAN WE GET SNOW IN THE NEXT AVENGERS MOVIE?! -Killian, how can you tell that that’s Maleficent? I can hardly tell that that’s Maleficent! It looks more like what happens when the Mummy fucks Loki! -OH SHIT! I FORGOT THE GLASS COFFIN COMES BACK!!! -”Someone from another forest taught me. Long story.” HOLY SHIT! DID THEY HAVE HERCULES PLANNED FROM THE END OF SEASON 2?! I LOVE THIS SHOW! -”Not usually [Referring to how fun stakeouts are]. But this one? Yeah, kinda.” Awwww!!! Some cute Swan Believer! -I like how there is a direct consequence of Emma not heeding Snow’s words. -So I like how Regina has moments of surprise as Snow talks about how there’s still good inside of Regina. It feels like it’s just as much of a surprise to her for her own sake as it is for Snow’s sake. -I wish past Snow remembered this destroyed village in “The Cricket Game’s” flashback. Like this episode just makes that flashback even dumber. -Snow is perceptive as FUCK with the reflexes of a GOD! -I LOVE that look of frustration on Snow’s face as she lets Regina get away. It contributes nicely to her growth of disdain for the consequences of her goodness! -”Startling. Some people would say striking.” Is this a taco commercial, because why not both? -”The one thing I excel at is surviving.” I guess this is the first aspect of that line (Other than maybe his second voyage to Neverland?)! Neat! Arcs - How are These Storylines Progressing? Regina’s Redemption - Regina’s regressing a lot in this episode and I kind of struggled with how I felt about it. On one hand, it does work on a character level. Regina’s pretty dramatic and I can believe that would be her reaction to the idea of being stranded in Storybrooke would be a big one. However, watching this regression and seeing her say how she believes that the only reason she’s The Evil Queen is because Snow and Charming made her that way is just annoying to watch and makes me feel barely sympathetic at all to her plight. Like, if Regina hadn’t shown such strength in the first half of the season, I’d have felt differently, and while get that Cora’s death and this bean incident changed things, this is such a dramatic change that I don’t know if I can enjoy it (Especially when one considers how she was able to stop herself from forcing Henry’s love in “Welcome to Storybrooke,” an even more recent example of her strength). Jeez, she even ignores Henry’s pleas and memory wipes him! And I know she improves in the very next episode (I’m having serious Dark Hook flashbacks or flashforwards, whichever they would be called), but in the confines of this episode, it goes a little overboard. Killian’s Revenge/Redemption - So I know that I’m going off of a few lines here, but I love the setup for Killian’s realization that revenge isn’t what it seems. The entire opening to the downstairs elevator scene speaks to the fact that while Killian values his revenge, its conquest essentially means that his life is over and the fact that he shows even the tiniest bit of doubt there shows that there could be more in store for him. That said, until he reaches that point, he still does want revenge and will fight to ensure it, no matter how unscrupulous and awful he has to be in the process. Greg and Tamara - Gotta say. While not super impressive nor memorable as characters, Greg and Tamara are pretty clever with the knowledge they’ve been given. Their plan to recruit Killian and neutralize Regina is pretty well thought out, and their covert nature was only partially exposed due to a complete accident! Favorite Dynamic Swan Believer. Look, this one is just fun. Seeing Emma and Henry bonding on a stakeout, sharing ice cream, and breaking-and-entering together is fantastic and cute. I love seeing the little bond that’s grown between Emma and Henry, especially after the whole lying arc from a few episodes back. This is great payoff and plays into what one would naturally expect from an eleven year old when he’s helping his mom foil his dad’s fiance: could his parents get back together. I like how Emma explains to him very clearly that that’s not the case (And I swear, that’s not a shipping thing. That’s just a matter of being careful of his expectations) but also gets the added bonus of his speculations being a consequence of not listening to Snow’s advice. Writer Jane Espenson and Christine Boylan are our writers today! And I liked what they came up with. Snow’s character progression in the past segment is as smooth as peanut butter, and she’s just the tip of the iceberg. All throughout the story are well-written character moments with mostly good dialogue. It’s only failing is, as I said before, is some of Regina’s present dialogue, specifically during her conversation with Henry. Rating 9/10. This was a good one! The story in the past is, as I said before, better than it had any right to be and draws far better lines for the characters of Snow and Regina. The present storyline is equally interesting, albeit with a touch of exhaustion from some of the more repetitive dialogue. But most of the character interactions and story progression worked very well, making it a quiet wonder. Flip My Ship - Home of All Things “Shippy Goodness” Hooked Queen - Damn, Killian and Regina exchange some really nice and trusting looks in Regina’s office! Hell, Killian even being here and offering his services is pretty great for them! Captain Swan - I don’t think this has ever been pointed out before, but Killian kept the beanstalk cuff! While it didn’t work for me, Killian certainly gave a touch of value to his time with Emma on the beanstalk! Swan Fire - At risk of entering anti-shipping territory, I want to point out how the whole projection of feelings that other characters have been putting on Emma about Neal works SO much better here than it did for Graham because (1) they have a past, (2) they actually spend time together, (3) there’s a level of ambiguity to it which makes this time feel more interesting, and (4) those feelings are later believed to be true. Also, I just love Neal’s reaction to the door trick! XD ()()()()()()()()() We’re almost done!!!! Thanks for reading and to the fine folks at @watchingfairytales.

Next time...though I sincerely doubt I will, I hope I won’t have to PAN this two-part finale! XD

See you then!

Season 2 Tally (166/220) Writer Tally for Season 2: Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis: (50/60) Jane Espenson (44/50)* Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg (31/50) David Goodman (24/30)* Robert Hull (24/30)* Christine Boylan (26/30)* Kalinda Vazquez (28/30)* Daniel Thomsen (18/20)* * Indicates that their work for the season is complete

Operation Rewatch Archives

[lilacmoon83]

Clarity

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Greg made it back to his room at the Inn that night and pulled out the file he had managed to snag.

"Okay…let's see what secrets you'll reveal to me about this evil town," he muttered, as he flipped through the pages. He was immediately confused though. The first few pages detailed cases. One was an arrest for a drunken disorderly for a man named Leroy. Another was for petty theft, a breaking and entering case, and a domestic dispute. That wasn't what confused him though, because he found the same identical cases repeated over and over again. It was bizarre to say the least.

"It's like Groundhog's Day," he muttered, as he found nothing about his father. It made no sense, unless that woman had made sure whatever report the Sheriff might have written never found its way into the records. He tossed the file away in frustration. He was still at square one…which meant that the only to find anything was from Mayor Mills herself. He dialed his employer.

"The file has nothing…she must have hidden the information about my father," Greg said.

"Or she made sure nothing was recorded at all. I warned you that this was a possibility," Narcissa said.

"Then I need to interrogate her!" Greg hissed.

"I have something better. The debate is coming up and I will make arrangements so that you can be the moderator and ask the questions. Then you can start interrogating her in front of the entire town," Narcissa offered. He smirked.

"And expose her to everyone for what she did. I'll make her tell us and if she refuses, they'll still think she's a murderer," he said.

"Yes…and then I will win and once we're in power, then you can do whatever you want to her, while I take care of my enemies," Narcissa replied, as he hung up the phone.

"Enjoy your time in power, Mayor Mills…because your time is coming to an end. You will tell me what you did to my father and then I'll kill you,"

~*~

Regina finished writing out her statement on the paper and signed the official document. She put the pen down and slid the paper over to David and he scanned the page.

"Is everything in order?" she asked.

"Looks like it…you're implicating Narcissa in the murder and Emma's innocence. I'll deliver this to George first thing in the morning," David replied. Snow smiled.

"Which means he should drop the charges by breakfast, right?" she asked. David smiled and kissed her cheek.

"He better," he said.

"You know we can have the court officer deliver those to him, right?" Emma asked. David smirked.

"I know, but I want to deliver them myself and watch George's wrinkled old face when he realizes he has to drop the charges," he said.

"So…he's not your real father or my grandfather?" she asked curiously.

"Gods no…" David replied.

"I'm not excusing the ass my brother was and all the evil things he probably did, but George is one hundred percent the reason he was like that," he said, as he scanned the page.

"Even if my father was only marginally better, at least what I remember," David added.

"Yeah…there were a lot of drunk foster dads in some of the homes I was in. I get it," she offered, as he looked up and he sighed, as Snow looked heartbroken by that.

"Oh, I'm not saying it so you guys feel bad…it just is what it is," she said, as Snow gently squeezed her hand.

"Emma…I'm so sorry," Snow offered.

"I know…and if anyone should be apologizing, it should be Queenie here," Emma said. Regina smirked.

"Yeah…it will be a cold day in Hades before that happens," she retorted and Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever…guess we're done," she said.

"We are…but remember our truce. Narcissa won't take this lightly," Regina replied.

"We know…we'll be ready for her," David assured her.

~*~

Malachi dried the glassware and put it away, as only a few stragglers remained in the bar.

"You know, I have twice the customers in my old bar, even at this time of night. Remind me why we moved to sleepy town USA?" he growled. Lucian smirked in amusement.

"Easy…money will not be a problem soon once we break ground on the new casino," he said.

"That's years away…I just don't understand what we're after in this stupid town. I'm more restless than I have been since I left the Enchanted Forest. Being here…isn't good for me," he said.

"You want to hunt again…Snow White has stirred the need in your loins," he said knowingly.

"And me hunting beloved princesses would be bad for business," he replied.

"But it will be worth the revenge and once the curse breaks, we will have it," Lucian said.

"How? Your tribe, which banished you, is still in Neverland," Malachi reminded him. He smirked.

"Are they?" Lucian asked.

"What are you talking about?" Malachi asked.

"Come with me," Lucian replied, as they left the secondary bartender they had hired to look after the place, while Lucian led him further into the east end of town. The quality of living clearly declined the further east you went in town. It was filled with small trinket shops and some necessities like a run down grocery store, a dingy laundromat, and everything the west side of town had, only clearly more diminished and poor.

"Didn't know Storybrooke had a poor part of town," Malachi said.

"Every town has a poor part," Lucian said, as they spotted a few people out and about. One was clearly a drug dealer and they saw a couple women outside what was clearly a brothel.

"Do you think the heroes know this is here?" he questioned. Lucian smirked.

"No…because when time was not moving, everyone was unaware of anything other than their routine. Now that time is moving again, that is changing and the Sheriff has already had trouble at the Cannery, though most on this side of town don't call the Police when they have trouble. They don't trust royals or law enforcement in this part of town. But where we are going is beyond that," Lucian said, as they arrived in an alcove of town that had some modular homes and its own amenities that looked just as poor.

"This reminds me of some of the reservations out west," Malachi mentioned.

"That's exactly what it is," Lucian said.

"I...I still don't get it. Are…are you saying your tribe was cursed too?" Malachi asked.

"Exactly. My brother, the proud chief, lives in that one with his beloved niece. My other brother lives just next door and then you have many of the other members of the tribe and others of the Tribal council, a few of which are still allies to me," Lucian replied.

"That's why we're here…why didn't you tell me that you cursed your tribe and how the hell did you even pull that off? The curse didn't extend to Neverland," Malachi replied. He smirked.

"No…but Tigerlily was foolish enough to be in the Enchanted Forest at the time. She disobeyed her father in favor of her duties as a fairy and went to help an ailing soul that called for her help. But that was all a ruse to lure him and most of the tribe to bring her back when she got into trouble. They did not make it back," he said.

"You made sure of that I see…but now what?" Malachi asked.

"Tomorrow, I will be visiting the Tribal Council meeting and present my case to bring prosperity to the tribe. A beautiful Casino full of good paying jobs and a new apartment development. Without their memories, enough of the Trial leaders will name me the new Chief and when they all remember, I will have power and there will be nothing my golden brothers can do about it," he explained.

"A Casino would completely change the economy here and with Narcissa as Mayor…you'll control almost everything," Malachi realized.

"Exactly. Albert Spencer will be easily bought and we'll control the courts too," he said.

"What about law enforcement? Prince Charming and his precious daughter can't be bought," Malachi said.

"It won't matter. They will have no jurisdiction on the reservation and Albert Spencer won't prosecute us once we make our generous offer and with Narcissa as Mayor, we can do as we please," Lucian replied.

"And if your brother joins forces with the Charmings?" Malachi asked.

"He can join the heroes if he wants…it will keep things interesting," Lucian replied in amusement.

"You know, you could have told me that you cursed your tribe," Malachi said, as they headed back to the bar.

"Oh now…what's the fun in that? I thought it would be a nice surprise," he mused. Malachi shook his head, but said no more.

~*~

Their breathing came in heavy gasps, as they came down and she pressed her forehead against his. She was straddled across his lap and he was propped up on the pillows against the headboard. He kissed her lips tenderly and she mewled into his kiss, as his hands slid up her naked back. She breathed, as their lips parted and she pulled off him, before settling down in his arms against his chest.

"Wow…" he said, still in a daze from their passionate, frantic romp.

"Mmm…I guess I just had to have you now," she mused playfully.

"You can always have me…especially like that," he said, as they shared a smile.

"I guess I just needed to put all that nervous, anxious energy to good use," she mentioned.

"You don't have to worry…the charges against Emma will have to be dropped," he said.

"I know…but she killed another human being just so she could frame our daughter for murder to hurt me," she said and he sighed.

"I know…it's sociopathic for sure. I thought Regina was bad, but I have a feeling she can't hold a candle when it comes right down to it," he replied.

"Maybe at her worst she could…in her darkest days, but she's changed in some ways. She's learned to love again…even if she still hates us," Snow pointed out.

"Henry," he said.

"Then she has to know that hurting Emma and us will hurt him," he added.

"And I think in time…maybe she will or maybe I'm being naïve again," she said, as he kissed her forehead.

"Wanting her to heal is not naïve. You still care about her…that's understandable," he said. She gave him a look.

"No Charming…normal people don't care about people that have tried to kill them and have cursed them," she admonished. He smirked.

"You're not normal…but in the best way," he replied.

"Or…I'm crazy," she said.

"You are not crazy. Just the fact that you are willing to forgive everything she's done, even if it ends up just being for Henry's sake is amazing, Snow. You're so good…I wish you could see that," he replied.

"I try to be good…I'm not sure I always am," she said thoughtfully.

"No one is perfect…even you," he replied.

"We all make mistakes and have bad thoughts. For instance, when we were finally together after the sleeping curse, I thought about sealing the dwarves up in the mines so we could be alone," he said, making her giggle.

"Charming…" she admonished.

"What? They wouldn't go away…and I know you were frustrated too," he said.

"I was. If I remember correctly, that's why we frequently started ditching them. They thought we got lost…but I knew exactly where we were each time. We just got lost in each other," she said, as they shared another smile.

"We did…if Granny and Red knew that we didn't even wait for our first wedding night, they would have killed me," he replied.

"Mmm…no they wouldn't. No one would have dared to touch you and face my wrath," she said.

"And…Red knew. She smelled it on me, you know wolf thing, I guess. I told her I was not some dainty, virtuous princess that needed her honor protected and if she kept thinking that about me that I was going to get very cranky with everyone," she added, as she caressed his face.

"I told her that I knew exactly what I wanted and you never made a move that I didn't want you to," she said. He smiled.

"Lucky me," he replied. She smiled back.

"Yes…lucky you," she said, as her hands wandered and she watched his eyes glaze.

"I think you can guess what I want now, Charming…" she said, as he kissed her passionately and their love consumed them once more…

[swanqueeneverafter]

22. Tallahassee, Pt.5

The Land Without Magic. Past. Vancouver, Canada. (Two months after abandoning Emma, Neal drives up to meet August.) August: “Been a while. Where'd you go?” Neal: “Tried to lose myself. It didn't work. I want to talk to you about Emma.” August: “I hope you're not trying to reach out.” Neal: “I just... I feel like... if... if I knew that she was okay, then I could move on. Is she?” August: “She will be. She got eleven months.” Neal: (Exhales:) “That should be me! I should be doing that time.” August: “No. We went over this. It's good.” Neal: “How's it good?” August: “It's a minimum security place in Phoenix, and no, I am not going to tell you which one. She'll get out of there and she'll be fine. You keep your promise and steer clear, and she can have a good life. She can do what she's supposed to do.” Neal: “And if I can't be there for her, man, you got to promise me that you will be.” August: “I promise.” Neal: “Then you should do something for me. I was able to fence the watches. Don't judge me. I'm giving it all to her. And the car – I got a clean V.I.N number for it, so it's legit. I just... it'll feel like I'm there with her, you know?” August: “Money is not what she needs... not for what's ahead.” Neal: “Can you just see that she gets it?” August: (Hesitant:) “Sure.” Neal: “And one more thing – if anything changes, and she does her job, this insanity ends, and she's free...” August: “I'll send you a postcard.”

Storybrooke. Present. Mary Margaret's Apartment. (After a long day, Mary Margaret and David are changing to go out for a date. He helps Mary Margaret put on her coat.) Mary Margaret: “You know, we never did find Cora. I mean how hard can it be to find a powerful sorceress in a small town?” David: (He opens the door, and Regina is standing outside it; nearly about to knock:) “Apparently not very hard.” Mary Margaret: “Regina. Wait... Regina?” Regina: (Nods:) “It’s me. I convinced my mother to release me from my captivity. I came straight here.” Mary Margaret: “We know you were framed. (Glances at David:) We were wrong, and we're so sorry.” Regina: “I know. But if my mother's here, then we're all in danger. Please, you have to let me see my son. I can protect him.” Mary Margaret: “He's not here.” Regina: “What?” David: “Mr. Gold asked Emma to help him find his son. They left town with Henry.” Regina: “And no one told me?” Mary Margaret: “We didn't know where you were. And to be honest, Regina, I don't think Emma has to run anything by you.” Regina: “Excuse me?” David: “They had to escape your mother somehow. Besides, it’ll be good for them to spend some time alone.” Regina: “And what does that mean?” David: “Just that...” Regina: “No. I know what it means. I told Henry to stay by Emma’s side. For your information, Emma and I resolved our issues on Henry a long time ago. (As the Charmings exchange looks:) Did you think Emma would want to take him from me? Even if that were the case, may I remind you that she gave Henry away? Legally, she has no rights to him.”

Mary Margaret: “That’s because she was alone, now she has her family to support her.” Regina: (Trying to reign in her anger:) “I see. So you think you can just swoop in and take everything from me all over again? Good triumphs over evil?” David: “You know, maybe some time away from you will help Emma’s judgement. Away from your... manipulations.” Regina: (Laughs:) “Oh, now we’re getting to it. You think I seduced your daughter, don’t you? That I put her under some sort of spell? Have either of you ever considered that she wanted to be with me because I’m not constantly pushing her to be something she’s not? Or the fact that I am the only person in this room that can actually say that I have never abandoned my child.” Mary Margaret: “Get out.” Regina: “Gladly.” (Regina leaves the apartment.)

Storybrooke General Hospital. Present. (Belle is in her bed reading Ruby's copy of Jules Verne's ‘The Mysterious Island.’ She sets it down on her nightstand just as Albert enters.) Albert: “Hey. (He startles Belle:) It's okay.” Belle: “Who, uh... who are you?” Greg: “My name's Albert. I sometimes volunteer here in my free time. Make sure patients are well looked after.” Belle: “Oh. Are you a doctor?” Albert: “No, no. I’m the district attorney in these parts. (He takes a seat beside her bed:) Look, I—I overheard you talking about how you saw a man with a ball of fire.” Belle: (Chuckles:) “And you think I'm crazy, too. Well, I did see it. I did see it actually—” Albert: “I know that you're not crazy.” Belle: “You do?” Albert: “Absolutely. The man you saw was just the tip of the iceberg. Would you like me to tell you about this town?” (Belle sits up and nods eagerly. Albert, determined to traumatize the poor woman further, gives an evil smile.) The Land Without Magic. Past, 11 Years Ago. Phoenix, Arizona, Minimum Security Prison. (A female prison guard enters with a brown envelope.) Guard: “Swan, you got mail. Know anyone in Phuket? I've got to open this in front of you. Those are the rules. Hey. (Guard holds up a set of car keys:) Look. Car keys. Hope you got the car it goes with. Nothing else. No letter. Sorry. But good news. You get a car when you get out. And a baby. Congratulations.” (The guard leaves. A positive pregnancy test is shown in Emma's hands.)

Storybrooke. Present Day. (Regina is driving. Cora sits in the passenger seat.) Cora: “So, how did it go?” Regina: “I can’t believe Emma is related to those two imbeciles.” Cora: “Well, let's be honest. As long as her parents are here, they’ll never let you be together. You've been too bad for too long and now they see you as a... a snake. You didn't really want their love at all. What do you want?” Regina (Remains silent for a moment:) “I want them gone.” (Regina parks the car.) Cora: “And I want my daughter back. I meant everything I said earlier. I am so sorry. I can do better. I won't push you away again. Let me into your heart. Together we can get rid of Snow & Charming once and for all.” Regina: “How?” (Regina leans in to rest her head on Cora's shoulder.) Cora: “Oh, I have a few thoughts.” Outside Granny's Dinner. Present. Night. (Mary Margaret is waiting for David. He exits Granny's with two cups of coffee. He hands one to Mary Margaret.) Mary Margaret: “Mmm.” David: (Toasts:) “Here's to not getting squashed by a giant.” Mary Margaret: "I'll drink to that.” (Mary Margaret and David begin to walk.) David: “You know, sometimes I wonder how things would've turned out if I had been the one raised by King George instead of my brother, you know, would I have been... corrupt like him?” Mary Margaret: “Never.” David: (Toasts:) “Same blood ran through our veins.” Mary Margaret: “Mm-hmm, but your hearts are different. (David looks unconvinced:) You may not believe it, but trust me. I know you, Charming. I had a lot of fun today.” David: “Fun?” Mary Margaret: “Uh-huh.” David: “Almost getting killed is fun?” Mary Margaret: (Guiltily:) “Yeah. I missed our adventures.” David: “Me too. (Chuckles:) It was kinda fun. You know, we could do this all the time. When the beans grow, we could go back. Everyone could go home.” Mary Margaret: “I don't know.” David: “What don't you know?” Mary Margaret: “Home is where our family is. And that's here. I don't know if Emma would come with us, and I am not going to be separated from her again.” David: “You're worried about her.” Mary Margaret: “Aren't you?” David: “Of course, but... (Sighs:) Emma—Emma can take care of herself, and I'm sure wherever she and Henry are, they're safe.” Ajira Airlines Regional Flight 53. Present. (Mr. Gold, Emma, and Henry are sitting in their seats waiting for take off. Henry is eating baked goods from Cinnabon's.) Emma: “You good, kid?” Henry: “You kidding? A trip with you, first plane ride, and we're going on a quest like in the book. The only thing that could make this day better... is more frosting.” Emma: (Emma notices that Mr. Gold seems jumpy:) “It's going to be all right. We're gonna find your son.” Mr. Gold: “I know.” Woman over P.A.: “Welcome, folks, to Ajira Airlines regional flight 53, with nonstop service to New York City. Our flight time tonight is 42 minutes. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.” (Mr. Gold is more nervous than ever.)

The End.