A Lieutenant Duckling Story

Best Laid Plans

Emma sighed from her place at the dining room table. Her parents had invited Regina, Cora and Robin Hood over for breakfast to try to formulate a way to get the potion back from Rumplestiltskin. However, it wasn't going well.

"Regina, do you really think that you, Emma, and your mother can sneak past the Dark One?" Robin asked as he cradled Amelia in one arm and ruffled Roland's hair with the other one.

"It's risky, and it's not going to be easy, but we should be able to," Cora answered for her daughter.

"I still think it's far too dangerous," Snow quipped.

"I have to agree with the queen," Robin began before turning his attention solely to Regina and saying, "I don't like the idea of you putting your life on the line."

Regina gave him an understanding look before she said, "I know. But this is something I have to do."

After a few moments of silence, Charming piped up, "I'm not thrilled at the idea of putting anyone in danger – especially my daughter – but magic is the best defense against him. It's the ... only option that we have."

Snow only looked down into her empty cup as Regina muttered, "It's not the only option." Snow and Charming both gave her an exasperated expression to which Regina shrugged and said, "What? I'm only pointing out that I don't see the point in having this conversation when Emma has fallen for Lieutenant Jones."

At the sound of her name, Emma looked up and asked, "What?" She had stopped listening a while ago.

"It's nothing," Snow quickly replied. But Emma knew better, so she said, "I know something is up. Just tell me what it is."

"Well," Charming began, considering his words before he continued, "Regina was just pointing out that there is an obvious alternative to facing Rumplestiltskin."

Emma crossed her arms as she said, "I've already explained that to you."

Regina remarked, "I really don't see what's so complicated. You fell for him, and he probably feels the same way. It seems pretty simple to me."

Snow cast another exasperated look at her friend before she said, "We're not trying to pressure you, honey, but what Regina is trying to say is that a whole lot of trouble could be saved."

Clearly, Emma's patience was wearing thin as she snapped, "Don't you think I've thought of that? Do you honestly think I would even consider facing Rumplestiltskin if I hadn't thought through all the other options? I know you all think this is so easy, but it just isn't." With that, Emma got up from her chair and stormed out of the room.

Emma sighed from her place on her bed just as her mother walked through her door.

The princess said, "I'm sorry that I lost it earlier – I should probably apologize to everyone."

"It's alright, sweetheart. They understand," Snow told her. She then thought over her words before she observed, "Emma, why do I get the feeling that putting pressure on Killian is only part of the reason you're hesitating with you two breaking this curse?"

Emma let out a breath before she admitted, "Pushing him is the majority of it, but it isn't all of it."

"Emma, while you are not very subtle about your feelings, I still know you wouldn't say anything unless you were absolutely sure. And you did tell me that you believe he could break your curse – that would only work if he was your true love," Snow said.

"I am sure – that's the problem," Emma said – eliciting a confused expression from her mother.

So, the queen commented, "I'm not sure I follow, sweetheart."