Cursed Hearts

Liar Liar

Things had eventually quieted down in the Hood household. It took a good manner of hours for Regina to persuade Robin and Snow to call off their feud; everyone was exhausted, the main cause of their snowball fight becoming blurred. They all called it a night, happy for their bit of fun, going back to their respective houses and immediately drifting off to sleep. It took Robin a good half hour to persuade his daughter to stay in bed, assuring her that her brother would certainly be there when she woke up in the morning. He would be, yes, but Grace wouldn't.

Sometimes it slipped her mind that she wasn't officially a part of their family- though she was treated like one, the college student knew she had a father waiting for her at home.

"Today was the most fun I've had in a long time," Grace smiled, standing in the doorway and retrieving her keys from one of her coat pockets.

Henry grinned. "Yeah, me too. It's great being back home- nothing's changed."

"Guess that means I'll have to come over a lot more often," she teased, "though spending quality time with Regina and your sister is pretty entertaining."

Watching the playfulness shining in her eyes, Henry didn't hesitate to lean forward and capture her lips with his, the sweet taste instantly transporting him back to their high school days, where they would sit in his car after class and simply make out. He loved her just as much as he did back then.

Pulling back for a breath, he took a second to admire her features under the dim porch light. "Can I see you again tomorrow? Maybe... Bring you lunch at work or something?"

He had learned a thing or two about charming a woman from the pirate who dated his mother.

"Yeah, I think so," Grace confirmed, "I'll text you."

As much as she wanted to stay, she knew her papa would start to worry if she didn't return home. Henry sent her a kind smile. "Alright. Have a good night, Grace."

"You too. But you try having some fun with your family tomorrow, especially your brother."

Rolling his eyes, he watched as the lights to her car flickered. "Of course. Now you drive home safe, okay?"

She chuckled softly. "Okay. Bye, Henry."

"Bye, Gracie."

He didn't realize how cold it actually was outside until after his girlfriend had driven away. Shutting the door gently, Henry made his way up the stairs and towards the room he and Roland still shared, delighted to see his mother had made his bed exactly how she used to.

Roland was already passed out, snoring loudly on his side of the room. But Henry didn't care. A minute later he was snoring peacefully on his bed too.

--

It was a Sunday morning. As rambunctious as the family was the precious night, the tradition of last Sunday mornings was still something upheld every week. It was the only day that both Regina and Robin had off work. Nobody, not even Regina was up until after nine.

When she did awake, however, she was surprised to hear the voices of her two sons carry up the stairs and into their bedroom. They were having a conversation about something she couldn't quite pick up, but Regina knew exactly what they were doing- playing a video game.

Everything felt so peaceful, as if nothing had changed. Hearing Roland and Henry share an occasional laugh with each other made her smile.

As much as Regina wanted to stay in bed and enjoy the rare simplicity it was to stay in bed with her husband right beside her, she knew life as a mother went on. Letting Robin continue to sleep, she slipped out of bed and traveled downstairs, where she began a simple breakfast of eggs and toast.