We Can Love Again

Familiar Faces

The seven of them pushed the empty wooden cart across the green field. A whole day of walking, delivering, and passing smiles left them all exhausted.

"Do you think we'll be ready for the next raid soon?" Robin proposed, though even he wasn't at all prepared for it.

Everyone gave him shrugs in return. "Why don't we just raid your girlfriend's old castle, she probably wouldn't mind." One suggested, gathering a few nods of approval among the men.

"Absolutely not," Robin said back, "there's probably nothing there anyways- just am empty castle."

"Who knows, there might be something good..." Little John pressed him, hoping there was a chance of him breaking. "And if we told people we were storming the queen's castle, they'd be ecstatic!"

Frowning, Robin turned around to face him. "And then what, the secret comes out about her and I? What would the people do then?"

Nobody had an answer ready for him.

"They'd probably try to kill me, that's what. And then they'll go after her, and it'll be a big mess."

Little John let out an irritated groan as he processed his words- he was right, it would be an awful mess, not to mention the ignorance of the people when it came to the former queen.

"Just... Think about it, okay?"

With that, they parted ways, Robin heading towards the house while the rest continued towards the home they shared.

He three the thought out of his mind as soon as he was left alone.

--

Everything was just as they had left it. Every street, every shop, it was exactly the same. She was glad for this, yes, but the blonde immediately knew something was missing- or, more specifically, someone.

Being back was oddly calm; of course everyone was grateful and relieved to see them all back, Ruby threw them all a party at Granny's (in Emma's mind, another party). They all had fun in all, but the weighted feeling down in the pit of her stomach wouldn't leave her alone.

Hook was actually doing fairly well with the change. Not that she was comparing him to Neal, but Emma had to give him credit for finding his own place. He had gotten a job as a mechanic and was working six hours a day. Emma went over to his apartment every once in a while and taught him more about the odds and ends of Storybrooke (it took him three days to understand the concept of a cell phone) She always appreciated the fact that Killian never made any direct moves on her. Things between them could stay fun and lighthearted and not be awkward. She always had a good time with him- it was nice to have an actual friend to talk to.

Eventually, everything died down, and things were almost normal again. Much to everyone's surprise, it was Belle who had taken Regina's place as mayor- she seemed to be happy with the job. When asked about Rumple, she simply stated that she had no idea. He had came to visit her once, but he left back the Enchanted Forest a short time later. Emma regained her position of sheriff, it wasn't the most entertaining job, but at least it passed the time.

"Morning," Neal said, giving Emma a friendly nod as he made his way down the metal staircase of Snow and Charming's apartment.

"Morning." She replied, not nearly as enthusiastically. It had been a week and a half since they had returned, and Neal was still living in the crowded living space. Mary Margret insisted on Emma breaking the news to Neal- he had to move out. They were all sick of being herded together in a four walked confinement like cattle.

"Coffee?"

Emma blinked out of her trance. "Huh?"

"Do you want coffee," he repeated, slower this time.