After Mr. Gold's house is robbed, Emma and David keep a close eye on him when it looks like he wants to track down the criminal and dole out some vigilante justice as payback, and Mary Margaret, Queenie, Ruby and Ashley have a girls' night out.

***

"You're serious?" Ruby asked in disbelief as she and Queenie walked down the streets of Storybrooke. "You really want to open a bakery here?"

"Well, why not?" Queenie smiled, humming to herself as she looked around the storefronts. "Emma is the sheriff, and we can't exactly advertise Newt's profession. The bakery in New York is often run by the managers. I would just need to pop in occasionally to see how it's going. Besides, you've been selling my goods at the diner, haven't you?"

"We have," Ruby nodded. "I keep having to explain to people why we run out so quickly."

"Well, there you have it," Queenie shrugged. "I open a bakery here, and your gran and I can have a discussion about forming some sort of partnership. Simple."

"Yeah, except for one thing," Ruby huffed. "The mayor might try to get her hands on you before you even open."

Queenie snorted. "Ruby, hon, I was a temporary confidante of one of the greatest Dark Wizards in history. The mayor doesn't frighten me."

Ruby shook her head incredulously. "You are a brave woman."

"Thank you!" Queenie grinned. Brakes screeching nearby made the women stop, and Queenie frowned when she saw a man shouting at someone in the driver's seat of a truck emblazoned with the logo "Game of Thorns." "Who's that?" she asked.

"Moe French," Ruby answered. "He's the best florist in town." She sighed when she saw the man with a cane standing on the sidewalk and watching with a smug look. "I heard he was working to get the money so he could pay back Mr. Gold's loan. I guess he didn't meet the deadline."

"So Mr. Gold is just taking his truck?" Queenie frowned. "How cruel."

"That's business to him, unfortunately," Ruby shrugged with a sigh. She checked her watch and clicked her tongue. "I need to get ready for my shift. I'll tell Granny you're thinking of setting up shop here in Storybrooke. See you later?"

"Absolutely," Queenie nodded. "Thanks, Ruby."

Ruby waved and hurried down the street towards the inn. Queenie, meanwhile, watched Mr. Gold continue on his way and head for a dark-haired woman wrapped in a white coat. Queenie tilted her head curiously and ducked into a shadowed alley, using her wand to cast a Disillusionment Charm. When she was satisfied with the results, she crept towards where Mr. Gold and Regina were speaking.

" . . . quite a show back there," Regina was saying.

"Well, Mr. French is just having a bad day," Mr. Gold shrugged nonchalantly. "It happens to the best of us."

Regina nodded. "I've been meaning to talk to you about something - "

"Yeah," Mr. Gold scoffed. "And the moment you have something I want to discuss, we'll have that little chat."

"No," Regina scowled, moving into Mr. Gold's path when he attempted to pass her. "We're gonna do this now. It'll only take a moment."

Mr. Gold huffed. "Is there something eating you, dear? Something you need to get out in the open? 'Cause it's gonna have to wait." Regina opened her mouth, but Mr. Gold narrowed his eyes. "Please."

Regina's mouth hung open, but no words passed her lips. Mr. Gold smiled pleasantly and walked past her, leaving Regina frozen in place. Queenie leaned against the building, quietly humming as she thought. Interesting.

***

Harry peered at the title of the book David read in the diner, and he frowned petulantly. "That's a hard name to say."

David laughed and checked the title. "Karenina? Yeah, it can get you a little tongue-tied, I guess."

"Makes me glad I never went to Durmstrang," Remus chuckled. "Hogwarts has interesting names for sure, but at least we didn't have many international students."

Harry tilted his head. "Do I count as international?" he wondered.

"You're a dual citizen," Remus patted his shoulder.

"Durmstrang?" Mary Margaret asked curiously.

"Hogwarts' very northern counterpart," Remus explained. "They accept students from as far away as Bulgaria."

David whistled, impressed. "Now I really want to see where you come from."

"One day," Emma smiled wistfully as she joined them, giving Harry a mug of hot cocoa that matched hers. "What were we talking about?"

"Durmstrang," Remus answered.

Emma wrinkled her nose. "That's the one that has more of a . . . dubious reputation, isn't it?"

Remus snorted. "Grindelwald attended Durmstrang."

"Ugh," Emma shuddered. "Yeah. No, thank you. I would visit, maybe, but that leaves a bad taste in my mouth."

"So there are other schools like Harry's in Europe?" Mary Margaret asked curiously, putting aside her lesson plans to pay attention.

David, too, lowered his book, and Emma glanced at Remus, waiting for his cue. "Yes," the werewolf nodded, clearing his throat and resting his forearms on the table. "There are two other schools of Hogwarts' size in Europe. The Durmstrang Institute is one. Beauxbatons Academy, located in southern France, is the other. Ilvermorny is located here in the United States, and it's similar to Hogwarts."

"Queenie mentioned that school," David nodded. "Is that where she went?"

"Yes," Emma nodded. "Harry could've gone there if he wanted."

"But my parents went to Hogwarts," Harry smiled. "So that's where I wanted to go."

Mary Margaret smiled. "That's awfully brave of you, Harry, to attend school so far away."

"It's scary," Harry admitted. "But I made some good friends while I was there. I'm in good hands when I'm in Britain."

"As long as Dumbledore's hands stay by his side," Emma grumbled as she sipped her cocoa.

Mary Margaret made a face. "What kind of name is 'Dumbledore?'" she wondered.

David snorted into his coffee. "Believe me," Remus laughed, reaching over to clap his friend on the back. "We have lots of fun making fun of that name."

The bell above the diner door jingled, and Harry gasped. "It's Ashley!"

"Really?" Emma twisted in her seat, and she grinned when she saw the young blonde enter the diner, her baby in the carrier on her chest. "Oh, Ashley!" she smiled, standing up to grab an extra chair. "Hi there!"

"Hi, Emma," Ashley smiled, giving Granny a thankful look when the woman took Alexandra from her. "Oh, thank you. I need a moment to sit."

"Absolutely," Mary Margaret nodded, patting the chair they pulled up. "You look great!"

"Thanks," Ashley blushed, looking over the nice clothes she wore, no longer in a housekeeping uniform. "I feel better with the clothes."

"I know all about that," Emma chuckled, gesturing to the silk button-down and dress pants she wore, her colors of choice that day Peverell violet and black. "Oh, Remus Lupin, this is Ashley Boyd. Ashley, Remus is Harry's tutor for the summer."

"Nice to meet you," Remus smiled politely.

"You, too," Ashley shook his hand.

"How have you been?" Emma asked.

"It's, uh," Ashley tilted her head side to side. "Baby's great. But, we really haven't had time to do the whole getting married thing, so . . . that's been rough. And Sean's been working double shifts at the cannery."

"Well, he has to work," Mary Margaret shrugged.

"This is our anniversary weekend," Ashley said glumly, and everyone at the table grimaced, even Harry. "Yeah. He couldn't get out of it."

"I'm sorry," Emma sighed. "That sucks."

"It doesn't have to," Ruby said as she walked up to them, bringing Ashley a cup of coffee. "Come out with me. Victor has the night shift, so I'm free. Why not have a girls' night? We can all go, Mary Margaret. Emma, too." She eyed the sheriff badge on her belt. "If you promise to leave the badge at home."

"It'll depend on work," Emma smiled. "But maybe. You should ask Queenie, though."

"Oh, she's on my call list," Ruby grinned. "Sorry, Remus. I need my girl time."

Remus laughed and held up his hand. "I'm well aware of girl time being needed. Enjoy your night."

Ruby beamed, bent over to kiss his cheek, and headed to the next table, just as Emma's and David's phones beeped. "What's that?" Mary Margaret asked.

"It's the station," Emma frowned. "Something's up."

***

David sighed and stared up at the house in front of them. "Count on Rumplestiltskin to have a place like this."

"We still need to check it out," Emma said, drawing her sidearm and jogging up the steps to the open front door. "Come on."

David drew his gun as well and followed Emma into the house. "Police!" he called.

Emma pointed off to the right, and David nodded and followed where she pointed. Emma continued through her side of the house, frowning at the sight of drawers in disarray. The creak of floorboards back towards the front of the house and a rhythmic tap made her retrace her steps. When she stepped back into the foyer and entered the main room, she raised her gun threateningly.

Mr. Gold whirled around and aimed his own hand pistol towards her, and he sighed. "Sheriff Swan."

"Your neighbors saw your front door open and called it in," Emma explained tightly. "They called it in."

Mr. Gold sighed and nodded, looking around in annoyance. "It appears I've been robbed."

"Yep," David confirmed, walking into the room behind Mr. Gold. "Funny how that seems to keep happening to you."

Mr. Gold gave David a dirty look. "Yeah, well . . . I'm a difficult man to love."

David snorted softly under his breath. "You don't say."

***

"Emma?" a faint voice came from outside the house not long after. "David?"

"Yeah, Queenie?" Emma shouted in return, looking up from typing into her phone.

Queenie poked her head through the door, a look of concern on her face. "I saw your squad car," she explained. "May I come in?"

"Finally, someone asks politely," Mr. Gold muttered.

He beckoned for Queenie to enter, and Queenie gladly stepped into the house. "I was told if I was interested in purchasing a property for a bakery, Mr. Gold is the one to ask."

"Oh?" Mr. Gold tilted his head, appearing interested. "Putting down your own roots, I take it, Miss Goldstein?"

"Nothing wrong with expanding business," Queenie shrugged. She looked around and pursed her lips. "What happened?"

"It's no matter, dearie," Mr. Gold shook his head. "I know exactly what was taken and who did it. Sheriff, Deputy, you can go now. I've got it from here."

"No, you don't," Emma shook her head. "This was a robbery, a public menace. And if you don't tell me what you know, I will have to arrest you for obstruction of justice." Mr. Gold grimaced at the thought, and Emma smirked. "I have a feeling you don't wanna be behind bars."

"Indeed not," Mr. Gold grumbled with a sigh. "Alright. His name's Moe French."

"That florist from this morning?" Queenie blinked.

"Yes," Mr. Gold nodded. "He recently defaulted on a loan. What you saw was us having a little . . . disagreement over collateral."

Queenie's eyebrows rose. "You had someone take his truck."

Mr. Gold shrugged. "Everything comes with a price."

David winced at the words, and Emma hummed. "OK," she said. "We'll go get him, check him out."

"I'm sure you will," Mr. Gold nodded. "Assuming I don't find him." Emma frowned, and Mr. Gold chuckled. "Let's just say, bad things tend to happen to bad people."

"Is that a threat?" David narrowed his eyes.

Mr. Gold smiled thinly. "Observation." Emma bit her tongue at that and walked back to the door, ready to leave. "Good luck," Mr. Gold added. Emma nodded and walked out of the house, David following behind her. Queenie remained, however, and Mr. Gold raised an eyebrow. "So . . . a bakery, you say?"

***

David tilted his head, surveying the items covering one of the empty desks in the bullpen. "We don't have to pay whatever creature Newt used to find all this, right?" he asked.

Emma burst out laughing. "No," she giggled, shaking her head. "No, Newt just knows which creatures will like which job. You should see the chaos that happened one time Queenie dropped one of her jewelry boxes. We spent days combing through the niffler nest to find one of her earrings. Teenie really liked that one."

David grinned at the image as the door to the station opened. "I'd like to see that."

"One day," Emma promised, looking up as Mr. Gold stepped into the bullpen. "Mr. Gold. Here we are." She gestured to the display of items on the desk. "You're right. Your man Moe ripped you off. It was all still at his place."

Mr. Gold's eyes narrowed as he checked the desk. "And the man himself?"

"Closing in on him," David answered.

"So," Mr. Gold scowled. "Job well half-done, then."

"In less than a day, we got it all back!" Emma huffed. "Is something wrong?"

"You've recovered nothing," Mr. Gold spat. "There's something missing."

"Then we'll likely find it when we find him."

Mr. Gold sneered and shook his head as he left the station. "Not if I find him first."

***

"Oh, take it easy, honey!" Queenie laughed, watching Ashley down shots with Ruby. "Pace yourself!"

"I am!" Ashley giggled. "This is my first night out since I've had the baby. I am making up for lost time."

She drank another shot in one go, and Queenie shook her head with a giggle. "Mind the hangover in the morning, then."

"And how much could you drink without a hangover?" Ruby challenged with a smirk.

Queenie chuckled, but there was a bitter note to it, one that made Mary Margaret look over the rim of her drink with concern. "Oh, Ruby, believe me . . . I have quite the tolerance for alcohol. Newt made sure I didn't go insane once I was widowed."

Mary Margaret gasped, her eyes widening. "Oh!" Ruby balked, hastily swallowing the drink she had taken. "Oh, my God, I'm so sorry, I had no idea - "

"It's not something I've advertised, Ruby," Queenie shook her head with a sad smile. "The bakery I now run was Jacob's. He left it all to me upon his death."

"Oh," Mary Margaret whispered sadly. "Queenie . . . "

"And here I was, bringing up all of my love problems," Ashley shook her head, staring into her drink.

"That's love sometimes, sweetie," Queenie told her, putting a hand on top of the young mother's. "Jacob and I . . . we were two very different people. We had our fights, we had our moments of difference. We had our moments when we were apart from each other. But in moments like those, I still knew he loved me, just as I loved him."

Ashley gave a small smile at her words. "I wish I had that kind of love."

Queenie hummed thoughtfully, tracing the rim of her glass. "Oh, I think you do, Ashley. Sean was willing to go against his father to come back for you. To go against your family is a very big deal."

Ashley bit her lip, glancing at the lamp on the table. "When you say you and . . . Jacob, was it?" Queenie nodded. "When you and Jacob were apart . . . how long?"

Queenie sighed heavily. "You would need to get me very drunk for that," she admitted. "The reason we were apart . . . it's not something I would wish upon anyone. Someone I don't want to talk about was very intent on finding me and Newt, and Jacob knew someone would end up knocking on his door and asking questions about me."

Ruby blinked. "Are you saying you were a fugitive?"

Queenie snorted. "Oh, honey . . . that's Newt." Ruby guffawed into her drink, and Queenie turned to Ashley. "Love is a wonderful and terrible thing, Ashley, because it can hurt someone as much as it can heal them," she said. "But since Alexandra was born, I can see Sean has been doing what he can to be with you."

"But he's never around," Ashley whispered. "I'm having a girls' night, but I need a 'be with my guy night.' I'm at home with the baby all day, and he's always working. I mean . . . what's the point of being together if we're not together?"

Movement towards the bar caught Ruby's eye, and she grinned. "You sure about that, Ash?"

Ashley blinked, confused, then the very man they were discussing approached the table. "Ashley?"

Ashley did a double take and looked around. "Sean?" she asked in disbelief, standing from her chair. "I thought you were working tonight!"

"I am," Sean nodded, anxiously fiddling with the bouquet he held. "It's my break, and . . . I had to see you." Ashley took the bouquet of roses with a starstruck look, and Sean cleared his throat. "And ask you something." Queenie's eyes lit up as Sean knelt on one knee, opening a velvet box and showing a gorgeous ring to Ashley. "Will you marry me?" Ashley looked at him, shocked, as gasps rang out around the Rabbit Hole, Ruby clinging to Mary Margaret's arm and looking seconds from jumping up and down. Tears welled in Ashley's eyes, and she took a step closer. "I only have a twenty-minute break so, um . . . anytime now," Sean muttered, a nervous laugh escaping him.

Ashley shook herself out of her stupor and jumped into his arms with a laugh of glee. "Yes!" she cheered.

Sean laughed in relief, putting the ring on her finger as loud applause rang out from the rest of the patrons at the Rabbit Hole. "My truck's outside if you want to take a ride, before I head back to work," he told Ashley with a blush. "It's, uh . . . not much of a date, but - "

Ashley shook her head and quieted him with a kiss. "It's the best date," she assured him, tears in her eyes.

Sean grinned in relief, and he playfully bowed and held his arm out for her to take. "Then your carriage awaits."

Ashley's laugh echoed as she left with her fiancé, leaving three smiling women behind her. Queenie clapped happily, and Ruby grinned. "Finally," the lone blonde remaining sighed. "That's just the reassurance she needed!"

Queenie winked at Ruby, who winked back. Both women laughed, and Mary Magaret stood, smiling as she gathered her bag and coat. "Well, that's my cue to leave," she decided, finishing what little remained in her glass. "I've got class in the morning! Bye ladies!"

She walked off, leaving Ruby and Queenie sitting at the table, sipping on their drinks. Queenie shuffled her chair closer to Ruby, eyeing those remaining in the bar. From all she had heard, just a few weeks ago when they first arrived, Ruby would be flirting nonstop with the men that were appraising her at the bar. Now, the waitress didn't even bat an eye in their direction. "So," she held out, causing Ruby to look at her with wide eyes over her drink. "Remus and Whale huh?" Queenie asked with a giggle.

Ruby's cheeks flushed, and Queenie hastily drank from her glass to avoid laughing when she heard Ruby's thoughts turn to the two men. "I don't know," the waitress fidgeted in her seat. "I just . . . " She sighed happily, and Queenie nodded in understanding. "They're both amazing. I feel so comfortable around both of them."

Queenie smiled. "You're much more 'you' when you're with them."

Ruby blushed, which was all Queenie needed to know. She didn't even need to hear the young woman's thoughts. "Shut up!" she groaned. Queenie merely shook her head and giggled as she finished her drink. Ruby gave up with a sigh, finishing her own drink and standing with a laugh. "I think Mary Margaret had the right idea. it's time to go home and get some rest."

Queenie agreed with a grin, and after the two left tips on the table, they left the Rabbit Hole arm in arm with grins.

***

Emma had tracked Mr. Gold down with David and Newt, walking into the abandoned cabin only to see Mr. Gold continually hitting Moe with his cane and talking about "her" and how he "hurt her." David had immediately lunged forward to stop Mr. Gold and confiscate his cane, and Emma called for an ambulance as Newt checked the wounded florist.

As the paramedics loaded Moe into the back of the ambulance, Emma walked up to Mr. Gold with a scowl. "So, I hear you managed not to break anything he needs," she said. "You're lucky, Mr. Gold."

Mr. Gold sneered. "You have a funny definition of 'lucky.'"

"You didn't kill him," Newt pointed out. "That would be far worse."

Mr. Gold grimaced, and Emma folded her arms. "What did he really do?" she asked.

"He stole," Mr. Gold answered simply.

"No," David shook his head. "No, what you did to him . . . that reaction was about more than taking a few trinkets. You said something about how he hurt 'her.' What happened to this 'her?' Who was that? What did he do?"

Mr. Gold's lips pressed tightly together, and Emma frowned worriedly. "If someone needs help, maybe we can help."

"No," Mr. Gold shook his head. "I'm sorry, Deputy. I think you heard that wrong."

Emma narrowed her eyes. "You really don't want to cooperate?"

Mr. Gold rolled his eyes. "Look, we're done here."

He started to walk past the trio, but Emma reached out and wrapped her arm around his arm. "Actually, no, we're not," she shook her head, pulling out her handcuffs. "You're under arrest."

***

"Did Queenie ever figure out what storefront she wanted?" David asked, sneaking a hand into Emma's chip bag.

"If she did, she didn't mention it," Newt shrugged. "Besides . . . the landlord wasn't available to get in contact with."

Emma smirked around her sandwich, watching the glowering man who sat in the cell. "Pastrami," she told him, holding up her meal. "You want half?" Her mouth is full of the sandwich, and Newt wrinkled his nose in disgust, shoving her arm away from him with a look of distaste. She rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair, her eyes still on Mr. Gold. "You know, I still owe you that favor. Nice, fatty pastrami. Delicious way to clear the books."

Mr. Gold turned to look at her, eyes full of anger. "Well, I don't need a reminder that you owe me a favor. And when the day comes that I make my request, it'll be for more than half a sandwich."

David snorted his opinion of that, and Newt rolled his eyes again and looked at Emma as she shrugged uncaringly. "Emma, do you think maybe, just maybe, you should use your manners?" he asked.

Emma emphasized her swallow. "No," she smiled sweetly. "Not with him."

David snickered at the look on Mr. Gold's face. The door to the station abruptly opened, and as Regina walked into the room, he sat up straight. "Madam Mayor?"

Emma hastily dropped her sandwich, and Regina stiffly nodded at David before turning to Emma. "Sheriff Swan?" she said, beckoning behind her; Henry bounded into view, an excited look on his face. "I'm letting you have thirty minutes with Henry. Take him out, buy him ice cream."

Newt's eyebrows rose as David did a double take. "You want me to leave you alone with a prisoner?" Emma asked suspiciously, glancing between Regina and Mr. Gold.

Regina, eyes set on Mr. Gold, responded coldly. "Twenty-nine and a half minutes."

Henry smiled at Emma. "Hi, Emma! Hi, David! Hey, Newt!"

All three returned his enthusiastic greeting, and after a nod from Emma, David stood to join his grandson. He glanced behind him as Regina walked past him, and he caught Emma give Newt an iron look. Newt nodded in return, and Emma placed her hand on Henry's shoulder. "Ice cream, it is. How about I call Queenie, and we'll see if Harry can join us?"

Henry's cheer of delight made Regina grit her teeth, and Mr. Gold smirked and waved. "Bring me back a cone," he requested.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Just this once," she agreed, guiding Henry towards the door.

As soon as they were down the hallway and out of Regina's sight, Newt slid his wand down his sleeve and put a Disillusionment Charm on himself. He let Emma, David, and Henry walk out of the station, and once the door fully shut, he returned to the room, keeping his footsteps light. When Regina didn't seem to notice him, he carefully followed her, keeping both Regina and Mr. Gold in sight.

Mr. Gold didn't appear intimidated despite his current circumstance. "Well . . . you really wanted that little chat, didn't you?"

Regina shrugged with a smirk. "Apparently, this is the only way I could do it."

Mr. Gold raised an eyebrow as he gestured to a chair across the cell. "Please, sit." Regina did, Mr. Gold's eyes tracking every movement. "Now . . . when two people want something the other has, a deal can always be struck. Do you have what I want?"

Regina smiled. "Yes."

Mr. Gold crossed his arms. "So . . . you did put him up to it, then."

Regina shrugged. "I merely suggested that . . . strong men take what they need."

Newt titled his head with a frown. What did that mean? he wondered. It evidently meant something to Mr. Gold, who snarled at Regina. "Oh yeah. And you told him just what to take, didn't you?"

"We used to know each other so well, Mr. Gold," Regina purred, smiling coldly at him. "Has it really come down to this?"

"It seems it has, yeah," Mr. Gold nodded with a frown. "But you know what I want. What is it you want?"

Regina raised an eyebrow. "I want you to answer one question," she answered. "And answer it simply. What's your name?"

Newt did a double take, turning to look at Mr. Gold in surprise. "It's Mr. Gold," the pawnbroker replied, titling his head as his eyes scanned her face.

Regina gave him a stern look. "Your real name."

Newt raised a curious eyebrow, willing himself to stay quiet. "Every moment I've spent on this earth, that's been my name," Mr. Gold scoffed, his expression remaining neutral.

Regina's blood red lips pull up in a sinister smirk. "But what about moments spent elsewhere?"

Mr. Gold narrowed his eyes. "What are you asking me?"

Regina clicked her tongue. "I think you know. If you want me to return what's yours, tell me your name."

Mr. Gold chuckled, the sound dark and grating. It was a sound that reminded Newt of a fateful day under a beloved friend's family's mausoleum, and it felt like a chill ran down his spine. "Rumplestiltskin," Mr. Gold answered in a sneer, and Newt's jaw dropped as the man stood to grip the cell bars. "Now give me what I want."

Regina shook her head, reaching into her bag. "Such hostility."

"Oh, yeah," Mr. Gold snarled, appearing ready to reach out and wrap his hands around the mayor's throat.

Regina tilted her head innocently, her well-manicured nails running over the rim of a teacup with a chip missing. "Over this?" she asked. Mr. Gold reached for the cup through the bars, but Regina playfully shifted it from side to side, her grin now cruel. "Such a - " Mr. Gold finally latched onto the cup, and Regina stilled, letting Mr. Gold win. "Sentimental little keepsake, no?"

She loosened her grip, and Mr. Gold yanked the cup out of her hand. "Thank you . . . Your Majesty." Regina smiled triumphantly, and Newt took several steps back so he now leaned against the wall for support. "So," Mr. Gold cleared his throat, clutching the cup to him as he sat back on the cot. "Now that we're being honest with each other, let's remember how things used to be, shall we? And don't let these bars fool you, dear. I'm the one with the power around here. I'm gonna be out of here in no time, and nothing between us will change."

Regina laughed and gripped the cell bars, her eyes menacing. "We shall see."

She swept out of the room with the confidence of a woman who had won a major victory, and after a quick glance at Mr. Gold, who cradled the cup to his chest as if it was the most precious thing in the world to him, Newt hastily followed the mayor. He stopped the station door from closing when Regina left, and he waited a few seconds for Regina to disappear before he left. When the mayor was out of sight, he canceled the Disillusionment Charm and immediately dialed Emma on his phone.

Thankfully, the sheriff answered on the first ring. "Hello?"

"Emma, we've got a problem," Newt let out in a rush, leaning against a tree and rubbing his forehead. "Regina and Mr. Gold know who they are. We knew they each had their memories, but the conversation they just had confirmed they both know who they are."

"What?!"

Her shrill screech made him cringe, and he sighed tiredly. "I'll show you guys the memory when I get back."

"Probably a good idea," Emma agreed reluctantly. "See you soon, Newt."

She was the one who ended the call, and Newt pulled out his wand again. He double checked to make sure no one was watching him, and he turned on his heel and Apparated away.

***

Queenie maintained awareness of her surroundings as she followed Regina through the hospital, Disillusionment Charm firmly in place, but her mind was a whirlwind. They had known Regina remembered the Enchanted Forest, and she had pieced together that Mr. Gold remembered he was Rumplestiltskin. What could it possibly mean for them that both villains now knew the other remembered? Mr. Gold, after all, kept offering himself as an ally to Emma against Regina . . . but what were his intentions for that?

The buzzing of a passcode-locked door opening snapped Queenie out of her thoughts, and she quickly followed Regina through the door before it closed. This was a part of the hospital she hadn't seen before, and she winced when she felt the tumultuous thoughts that filled the area. No wonder she hadn't been in this part of the hospital: this was the psychiatric ward.

Regina approached the nurse at the main desk, handing her a vibrant red rose. The woman sniffed, eyeing the rose as she took it. "Pretty," she remarked.

"Well, I know how hard you work," Regina smiled. "Has anyone been to see her?"

"No, ma'am," the nurse shook her head. "Not today. Not ever."

The satisfaction that rolled off Regina made nausea bubble in Queenie's stomach. She swallowed hard and followed the mayor down the hall towards an unmarked door. Regina opened the slot in the door, peering inside, and the smirk on her face made Queenie close her eyes. The sickening glee in Regina was matched only by an overwhelming sense of victory, a combination that reminded Queenie why the woman had gotten the reputation she had in the Enchanted Forest.

Perhaps the Dark One really was the lesser of two evils when it came down to him and the Evil Queen.

Regina turned on her heel and walked back down the hall, her eyes glittering with malice. Queenie remained by the door, and once Regina was out of sight, she removed the Disillusionment Charm and carefully opened the slot and peered inside. A shocked gasp came from the room, and Queenie found herself looking into two of the purest blue eyes she had ever seen. The young woman's beautiful face was framed by tangled brown hair, and while she appeared scared, there was an air of defiance in her as she stared at Queenie.

And as Queenie shut the slot and leaned against the wall, her eyes wide and her hand over her mouth, she realized she knew exactly who Mr. Gold had been referring to when he shouted at Moe about a woman.

***

It turns out when an episode is very flashback-heavy, it's really easy to pump out the chapter. Surprise!

It was a lot of fun writing this chapter, especially since Queenie had a heavier role in this one. It's been a while since she's been more of a focus, since her last "big" one was helping David regain his memories, but there was a reason she got more of the spotlight here.

Also, when rewatching this episode, I just now realized Ashley Boyd shares an actress with one of my current favorite characters on Chicago Med. I can't believe I didn't catch that earlier.

So, since the whole love triangle subplot isn't a thing in our book, the Storybrooke events of "What Happened to Frederick" are basically not happening. That means it's interlude time!

P.S., Miss Singer says hello and hopes you enjoyed this chapter, but she is extremely busy at the moment, and she will respond to comments as soon as she can!