No Place Like Home [Jefferson Hatter || OUAT || Mad Red #3]

Chapter 24

At the Charming's loft, David was about to drink his tea with the night root inside.

"Now," David glanced at Zelena halting his movement, "You've already gone through labour once, so at least you know what to expect," Zelena said.

"Oh, yes. We both do," She turned to David and placed her hand in his, "I don't think that your hand has recovered from my squeezing it," Mary Margaret said.

"Well, it's been almost 30 years. I'm sure it'll heal," David said as he went to drink his tea again.

"Well, keep in mind that second birth can progress much faster than the first," Zelena said.

"Well, that's putting it mildly. I seem to have gone from zero to due date in the blink of an eye," Mary Margaret said.

"How's our father doing?" Zelena asked.

"Oh, me?" He lowered his cup, "I'm... I'm fine. I'm great," David said.

"Well, Mary Margaret was telling me earlier about what happened in the first curse, and losing your daughter, it's tragic... Look, I...I don't mean to pry, but she did express some anxiety about all of this," Zelena said.

"You did?" David asked as he looked at Mary Margaret.

"David, we're missing a year of memories in the Enchanted Forest. We suddenly find ourselves in Storybrooke about to have a baby? It's a bit disconcerting," Mary Margaret said as she looked at him.

"I think it's best," The charming couple turned to her, "To just get these anxieties out in the open. Feelings, especially those we keep bottled up, can affect a pregnancy just as much as diet and exercise. Look, I suppose what I'm trying to say is that if you've got any fears at all about any of this, it's best to just get it out into the open," Zelena said.

"I don't... Whatever's coming, we'll get through it," David said.

"Cheers to that then," They clinked their mugs and drink, "You are so lucky to have such a brave husband. So fearless... Speaking of which, Mary Margaret alluded that we pulled you away from some important town business. You know, I think we've done enough for today. We should just let you get back to it," David glanced at Mary Margaret who nodded and he stood up and shook Zelena's hand, "It was wonderful to meet you, Mr Nolan," Zelena said.

"Uh, David. Nice to meet you, too, Zelena," David said.

"Pleasure's all mine," Zelena said as David kissed Mary Margaret then he walked out.

David left the apartment building, he got into his truck and drove towards the forest to meet Rose Red, Emma and Captain Hook. Once he arrived at the woods, he pulled out his sword as he got out of his truck. Unknown to him, behind him, a person was stood in a dark cloak appeared and started to follow him into the woods.

Elsewhere, Regina and Henry walked by the pond together, Henry was eating ice cream as they walked.

"The ice cream good?" Regina asked.

"Delicious. My mom and aunt used to take me for gelato in Little Italy. But this is just as good," Henry said.

"Well, Storybrooke's got its own charms, though I know it must seem quaint compared to the big city," Regina said.

"It's nice, actually. New York's great, but there are no many people, it can make you feel..." Henry said.

"Alone," Regina said.

"Yeah," Henry said with a nod.

"Mm. Yeah. That's the best part of a small town. Everybody knows everybody. It's like a big family," Regina said.