I know you probably have like a thousand shorts and things to do so don’t worry about getting to this one until it’s convenient. Could you do a short about Margot realizing she’s gay? It’s a storyline we’ll never get to see on the show but I’m curious :P
This can either be seen as an AU where their cursed personas are real in a land without magic, or that these are some more fake memories that Robin has from the curse. Your choice ;)
It was a hot day in the Heights. They didn’t get many so, naturally, everyone was taking advantage of this one and piling down to the parks and the fields for picnics, and summer games. A few people even going out on boats and finding shallow areas in the sea water to dip their feet in order to help themselves cool off. And of course, Kelly insisted on dragging her daughter out to join her in the nice weather as well.
“Can you please stop sulking and just enjoy the day out?” Kelly sighed, sitting back on the blanket by the edge of the park ledge, feet dangling over the sharp drop that led to the open sea bellow.
“I didn’t even want to come today.” Margot grumbled, glaring down at the water angrily.
“It’s a beautiful day!” Kelly argued. “Come on, you didn’t really want to spend the whole day locked inside, did you?”
“Would have rather gone to the bar and seen Roni.” Margot glanced up hopefully. “Or we could have invited her to come with us.”
“Roni’s working today.” Kelly sighed. “Come on, Margot. Just have fun. You’re too young to be this boring.”
A small part of Margot wanted to laugh, to tease her mother back and to enjoy the day, after all. But a bigger part of her was still bitter about getting told off just because she spent a few hours at the bar instead of going to her stupid Maths class. Roni had been cool about it. She had understood. Kelly, however, not so much.
So instead of laughing along with her, Margot kept glaring down at the water angrily. It was a nice day but how was she supposed to enjoy it? Lately it felt like she couldn’t enjoy anything she was so irritable. Even at school, all her friends just kept going on about the cute guys in their classes, then giving Margot funny looks when she said she wasn’t interested. She just didn’t see the fascination. Yeah, sure, some of the guys were not bad looking but so were some of the girls. Hell, Margot could appreciate how cute puppies were but she still didn’t get drawing hearts around their faces or giggling whenever they passed by in the hallways... Her mum said everyone developed at different times but what did development have to do with any of it?
Margot was still glaring down at the water as her mother applied a fresh layer of sunscreen to her arms when something caught her eyes. She frowned and squinted as a figure in the water made its way towards them. Nudging closer to the edge, Robin swung her legs over and peered down at the figure.
“Be careful, Margot. Don’t fall in.” Her mother warned but Margot ignored her.
She could see, the figure was a girl. A lone girl swimming all the way in the middle of the ocean. Margot frowned. She couldn’t make out her face but she had long blonde hair and was dressed in white underwear and a white shirt that was easily made see-through by the water soaking into it. When she got close enough to the edge of land where Margot was secretly watching from above her, the girl swung around onto her back and began back peddling out to sea again.
Suddenly Margot had an almost clear view of her - she still couldn’t make her face and therefore couldn’t figure out if she knew the girl from school or around town - and suddenly, Margot felt herself growing even more warm than she had been before. Her heart began to speed up and she leaned over even further, not wanting to let the girl out of her sight...
“WHOA!” Margot yelped as she leaned too far and began to lose her balance and began falling forward. Luckily her mother reacted in time and grabbed her arm, pulling her back to safety.
“I told you to be careful!” Kelly snapped, standing and dragging Margot up to her feet. “Come on. We’re moving back to a safer spot.”
“Wait, mum, I-” But when Margot looked back down, the girl had gone...
“What?” Kelly asked, frowning.
“... Nothing.” Margot mumbled, her heart still racing and her face feeling very hot.
“Well come on then. And you better put some more sunscreen on. Looks like you’ve already caught the sun a bit.” Kelly said, gathering their things into her arms.
“Yeah, okay...” Margot mumbled, numbly following after her, still picturing the girl swimming in the water bellow.
Elsewhere...
“You know that’s not very safe.” Weaver snorted, standing with his arms crossed and his head cocked to the side. The hot weather had gotten to him, forcing even the tight fisted detective to roll up his shirt sleeves to his elbows. “People fish in that water. You could get caught in a net or on a line.”
Tilly grinned, standing up and throwing her hair back, spraying water behind her. “But it’s so nice!”
Weaver rolled his eyes, then grabbed her plaid shirt from the pile by the side and tossed it to her. “Your tops become see-through.” He shook his head. “You know you’re getting a bit old to keep running away from your foster home, Tilly. And to be swimming without a proper suit.”
“I can’t afford one.” Tilly shrugged.
“And if some old pervert starts gawping at you?” Weaver asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Aw, Detective. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you cared.” Tilly grinned, walking passed, still dripping ocean water behind her. “Beside’s. No one ever notices me. I’m invisible. Remember.”
“One of these days someone will see you.” Weaver argued.
“And when they do, I’m sure I’ll make a lasting impression,” Tilly snorted, clearly not believing that for a second.
Prompt: Both are awake (for some reason), but they know they can't kiss yet because it would break the curse, and Henry would die. And it's a torture for them to be together and not kiss their true love. (Both know the other is awake.)
Romantic Restraint
Summary: Aliceand Robin are woken by a familiar flower and have been reunited at last… Exceptthey can’t kiss. At least not until Robin’s aunt figures out how to save Henryfrom his poisoning. Which, turns out, is quite frustrating for them both.
“So here’s my question,” Tilly offered casually. “Are candy apples ourthing now?”
“Well, we do seem to have them a lot.” Margot noted, staring down at thesugar covered fruit on a stick in her hand.
The two girls were making their way down the street in between the localshops, having come from the food truck where Margot had picked Tilly up at theend of her shift. It was a nice day, warmer than usual even if there were a fewdark clouds hovering overhead and threatening a storm that probably wouldn’tactually come until into the night. But for now, it was a nice day to be outand about, especially when you enjoyed the company you kept like Tilly andMargot most certainly did.
“That’s good enough for me!” Tilly grinned, taking another bite from heralready half finished treat.
Margot grinned at her. There really was just something about Tilly thatshe really liked. She liked how happyand open Tilly was, how she was honest about what she thought and what shewanted. It was refreshing considering how closed off her mother had been beforeshe left to go back to Chicago with her fiancé, Chad. And yet she still hadn’ttold Margot what it was she had been keeping from her. She trusted her mother,of course, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t still damn curious as to what it wasthat had been giving her a constant, almost sad look in her eyes.
“Hey? You still with me?” Tilly asked, nudging Margot’s elbow lightlywith a small smile that didn’t quite hide the concern in her soft blue eyes.
“Yeah, just lost in thought.” Margot grinned. “So. What do you want todo today?”
“Hmm, we could go down to the park.” Tilly said, shrugging hershoulders. “Or we could just sit by the troll bridge for a bit.”
“What is it with you and the troll bridge?” Margot asked. “There’s gotto be a story there.”
Tilly hesitated, thinking it over. “You’d think so but… Not really…” Shemumbled.
“Fair enough,” Margot nodded then shrugged. “Why don’t we go sit therefor a while? I’ll beat you at another game of chess!”
Tilly’s grin widened as she looked at her. So far they’d played only acouple games together and Margot had yet to beat her in any of them. But shewasn’t a sore loser. If anything she was an enthusiastic one, always lightheartedly insisting on a rematch to pass the time and acting like she meant tolose all along because she was so kind that she was ‘letting Tilly win’.
After a moment, Tilly held out her hand, smiling up at her when Margotcheerfully took it. They started down the street again, but this time passingthrough the shops and heading for what was quickly turning into their usualmeeting place when they both had days off from work. For the last few weeks thegirls had been spending no less than a few hours together at a time, and doingsomething new each time as well. However one thing was the same each time andthat was that they met up and shared something sweet. More often than not, itwas a candy apple, but otherwise they picked out things like a packet of gummysweets to share, a bar of chocolate each or even some beignets that Sabine hadallowed Tilly to take home with her after she was done for the day.
As they made their way to the troll, Tilly finished off the last of herapple while Margot was only just over halfway through hers. She had a feeling she’dend up giving the last of it to Tilly like she had done several times before.Not that she minded. In fact it was amazing how Tilly could eat twice as muchas her and never put on a single pound extra. She would have been jealous ifshe wasn’t so amused by it.
Margot immediately walked over and pulled herself up onto her usual seaton one of the troll’s thick knuckles that was holding, what looked like, afamiliar type of car. She crossed her legs and ate a few more bites of herapple as Tilly moved to join her. However the other girl paused short andlooked down at something on the ground, growing out of a crack between thetroll’s finger and the pavement.
“What is it?” Margot asked, looking down at her and jumping onto herfeet when Tilly didn’t answer. Instead she bent over to grab something from thefloor.
“A flower,” Tilly mumbled, plucking a beautiful looking pink flower fromthe crack. It was in near perfect condition and the only thing growing out ofthe dull grey crack in the concrete, making it stand out twice as much as itwould have in an open field.
“Oh, it’s beautiful.” Margot smiled.
Tilly lifted her head up and smiled at Margot. She had a sudden idea, reachingup and carefully threading the flower into Margot’s hair. When she let herhands drop, the flower was perched gracefully between Margot’s ear and herglasses, woven so the stem was hidden in amongst her dark blonde strands.
“Beautiful,” Tilly beamed.
Margot giggled slightly, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks as Tillyreached over and gently took her free hand in her own. The girls were so busylooking in one another’s eyes that neither of them noticed the flower restingon Margot’s ear pulse a bright shade of pink as flakes of dust began to fallfrom its petals, catching on an imaginary breeze and falling down to rest ontop of where their hands were still joined. There was a faint pink glow alongtheir skin and then a rush that spread around them and though out their minds.
Their hands tightened, clinging to one another as a warm feeling spreadup their arms. After that feeling began to settle, they both saw a flash ofimagines in their minds. A flash of memories being returned.
Margot saw a small town by the ocean. She saw herself running around afield with her mother sipping tea with her aunt on the porch. She saw herself asa young teenager, practicing with magic for the first time in class, wowing allher friends and impressing them with her minor tricks. She saw herself as ateenager, trying to do more spells and failing, accidentally creating somethingthat transported her to the side of Gothel before her mother saved her,discovering her love for the bow and then… Then she saw herself meeting abeautiful blonde while on the hunt for a troll. The blonde who was currentlystanding in front of her with the same dazed expression on her cute features.
While Tilly saw things too. She saw herself growing up in an isolatedtower with only her father for company. She saw herself escape with the help ofher troll friend and go on a series of adventures in other realms with the helpof her own hidden magic. She saw herself travel to Wonderland, attempt toreunite with her father and then run away again when it backfired. And then shesaw herself return and meet the gorgeous woman holding her hand, which startedoff with said woman pointing an arrow at her face before ending up pointing itat the face of those who threatened her instead. She saw a thousand morememories, all leading up to when the curse was cast and a dark cloud of magicsurrounded her and all the people she loved.
When the images stopped flashing through their minds the two of themgasped loudly like they had been winded. They clung to each other’s hands sotightly that Robin’s long nails were pinching Alice’s skin, not that either ofthem noticed. In fact Robin didn’t even notice when the candy apple slippedfrom her fingers and fell to the floor at her feet. They were stunned into a longstretch of silence, staring at one another and practically gasping for breatheven though they didn’t really need it.
“Alice…” Robin whispered.
“Robin.” Alice laughed, tears of joy rising in her eyes before she threwherself against the other girl, wrapping her arms tightly around her andclinging to her like she was never going to let go. “Oh my God, it’s reallyyou!”
“I don’t understand.” Robin croaked, wrapping her own arms aroundAlice’s back and squeezing her closely. “What happened? How… How are we…? Didthey… What happened?” She repeated.
“The curse,” Alice whispered, pulling away and squeezing Robin’sshoulders. “It must have been broken!”
The two girls looked at each other, as if memorising how the otherlooked in this cursed world now that they had their memories back. A burst of ecstaticgiggles escaping as they once again hugged each other, clinging on andsqueezing as if to assure one another that this really was happening. In thismoment, life was perfect. They were finally reunited and ready to meet up withthe rest of their friends and family.
“My papa,” Alice said finally, pulling away again but still reaching downto hold onto Robin’s hands instead. “We have to find him.”
“Aunt Regina will know where he is,” Robin nodded. “Let’s go!”
Still holding onto her hand, Robin turned and led the way back into town.This time they ran down the streets, clinging to one another the whole time andsmiling like a pair of idiots the entire way.
It didn’t take them very long to get to Ron’s bar. Their excitement andjoy fuelling them to run without stop or pause, pushing anyone who happened towander into their path out of the way and refusing to release their hold on oneanother even when it probably would have been safer to do so. They annoyed manypeople but never lingered long enough to have any problems from them. In factthey didn’t even linger long enough to wonder why no one else in the city hadexperienced any changes from the curse being broken.
At Roni’s, Robin threw herself inside, not caring when the door crashedagainst the wall loudly and pulled Alice along behind her before it even had achance to bounce back. They stumbled slightly over the threshold, but afterthey caught themselves a burst of giggles escaped as they ran straight up tothe main counter, looking around for Robin’s aunt, but the bar was near emptywith only a few people who gave them odd looks. Robin ignored them, givingAlice’s hand a firm squeeze and looking around for the owner. It was possibleshe wasn’t here. With the curse broken she might have run off to find Henry andthe others…
And then she caught sight of her, coming back from the bathroom andshaking off the last few flakes of water clinging to her fingers. She didn’tlook very excited to be awake; in fact she looked a little irritated. But then,Robin told herself, she was probably in the middle of washing her hands whenthe curse was broken and was now thinking about how desperate she was to wrapher fingers around Drizella’s throat for everything she put them through. Robinknew she most certainly was.
“Aunt Regina!” Robin cried, finally releasing her hold on Alice anddashing across the room. She closed the distance between them and threw herarms around Regina tightly, catching the older woman off guard and nearlyknocking her off her feet.
“Mar-” Regina began then stopped short, baffled before putting her handson Robin’s arms and pushing her back to look at her face. “Wait, what did youjust call me?”
“Aunt Regina,” Robin beamed. “We’re awake!”
“What?” Regina gasped then stopped as she realised how they had drawn alot of attention from the few customers hanging around. “Margot I think you’vestarted a little early, don’t you?” Regina laughed, pushing her towards thebackroom. “Let’s get you some water. Tilly, come help me out, would ya?”
Alice seemed to have sensed that something wasn’t quite right. Shesilently followed Regina and Robin into the back, glancing around the rest ofthe room at the other customers with a slight frown on her forehead, trying to figureout if there was anyone she recognised but they all still looked like new facesto her. Even away from the prying eyes behind her, she remained quiet as Reginarounded on her niece, still gripping her arms the whole time.
“How are you awake?” Regina demanded, then glanced over her at Alice. “Imean, are you both awake?”
“Yeah,” Alice nodded softly.
“We’re both awake.” Robin said proudly. “The curse was broken!”
“Robin!” Regina snapped, stopping her from getting worked up. “The cursewasn’t broken!”
Robin finally paused, her smile dipping slightly. “What do you mean? Ithas to be broken. How else are we awake?”
“Robin, Henry was poisoned right before the curse was cast and he’ll bepoisoned again when it’s over. Don’t you think if it was broken I would be oneof the first people to know?” Regina explained sharply.
“But… How…” Robin turned back to Alice who looked just as baffled as shedid, shrugging her shoulders helplessly.
Suddenly something caught Regina’s eye. She reached up and plucked theflower that was still clinging on in Robin’s hair despite their messy runearlier. It was drooping and looked weaker than when Alice picked it but Reginastill recognised it quickly enough. “Robin… What is this?” Regina asked softly,cradling the flower carefully in her hands so as not to damage it any further.
“Oh, uh, it’s just a flower Alice found by the troll bridge.” Robinshrugged. “No big deal.”
“You’re wrong,” Regina whispered. “This is a big deal. This is a pixieflower!”
“A what?” Alice frowned, moving to stand beside Robin.
“It’s a magical flower.” Regina explained. “Back in Storybrooke itappeared for Snow and David when they were under my original curse. It wokethem up then led them to Emma when she was still a child. Then when we foughtthe Black Fairy they showed up again and we used it to reunite Emma with Hook,um, Original Hook, not your dad, Alice.” She paused, looking down at the flowerin wonder. “But I don’t understand. I mean, it appears when there is a greatevil which is no doubt Gothel but… It works based on true love…” She trailedoff, looking up at her niece and Alice.
Robin felt her cheeks colour and glanced over at Alice who was stillfrowning for a second longer before she realised what Regina was saying. Thenshe glanced at Robin and felt her own face pull into a small smile. The twogirls moved slightly closer and their hands found each other once more, for amoment forgetting Regina was even in the room with them as they realised whatthis meant.
They had always known their feelings for each other were deep, andthey’d both always accepted they were in love with the other. But this flowerwas like a confirmation that, not only did they love the other, but they wereloved back as well with a love true enough to wake them from the curse.
Regina looked up at them again and realisation dawned on her. “Oh…”
“So wait, if that flower worked on us then can’t we break the curseourselves?” Alice asked.
“Don’t see why not!” Robin grinned, looking almost excited.
“I do!” Regina said quickly. “Did you miss the part where I said Henrywas poisoned?!”
“Oh… Right…” Robin said, her smile dropping. She had no idea Henry waseven in trouble before. But it made sense. How else would Drizella have keptJacinda and Henry from breaking the curse before now?
“So, what now?” Alice asked. “Robin and I can’t be together?”
“Of course you can.” Regina said immediately, reaching over and gentlyrubbing Alice’s shoulder. “It’s just… Don’t kiss or anything.”
“And then what?” Robin demanded. “What now? I mean. We need to help saveHenry, but how are we supposed to do that in a land without magic?”
“Actually, I think you’ve given me just the answer to that, Robin.”Regina smiled, lifting the flower still carefully balanced in between herhands. “There is still some magic left in this flower. I can’t say for sure,but I can try and drain some of it to create a cure for Henry. Then we canfinally wake everyone else up.” She paused, quirking an eyebrow at the girls.“You two think you can show some restraint until then?”
“Aunt Regina, we’re not a couple of horny teenagers. We can keep fromsharing one little kiss until you do what you do best and save Henry.” Robinsmiled.
O*U*A*T
“Three times.” Robin said, staring at the wall in front of hermiserably. “Three damn times.”
Robin was referring to the amount of times they had already almostshared a kiss. They had only left Regina a few hours ago and in those few hoursthe two girls had put Henry’s life on the line three stupid times beforecatching themselves at the last possible minute.
“We’re really bad at this,” Alice agreed, sitting by her side andresting her chin on her hand.
“Were we this bad before the curse?” Robin asked, turning to look atAlice. “I mean… We were passionate but where we this bad?”
“Well, I mean, we never were told we couldn’t kiss before.” Alice noted,sitting up and sighing. “I hate this.”
“Oh, I know, love.” Robin said, taking Alice’s hand and lifting ittowards her lips.
She was almost close when Alice jerked her to a sudden stop. They bothpaused and Alice pulled a face, shrugging her shoulders and lowering theirhands back onto the counter top. “Four times.” Alice said softly.
Robin groaned loudly, dropping her head onto the side and resting herforehead on top of Alice’s hand. She never knew how hard it was to not do something before. How hard was itreally, to simple resist doing something.All she had to do was not do it, for goodness sake! Yet it had become such acasual thing between them now, that they never thought about the kisses theyshared before and at this point, it was as easy to do as breathing.
“What are we going to do?” Alice asked quietly. “I mean… Should we… Havesome space until your aunt can cure Henry Mills?” There was so much pain in hervoice just from saying those words aloud, like it was hurting her to evensuggest they part so soon after being reunited.
Shaking her head, Robin lifting Alice’s hands towards her face, barelyresisting the urge to kiss her knuckles and instead rubbing them softly againsther cheek. It was the closest they could get to their usual levels of affectionateright now and it would satisfy her, even if only a little bit.
“Never.” Robin said firmly. “We’ve finally woken up together and I amnot letting you go again.”
“But what about… Well… To put it lightly… Our urges to jump each other.”Alice finished.
Robin burst out laughing and wrapped her arms around Alice’s waist. Theyhad taken a seat on the stools by the bars far end and had scooted as close asthey could get, but it still wasn’t close enough. Dragging Alice out of herseat, Robin pulled her love onto her lap and nuzzled her face against her neck.She wished she could kiss her body if not her lips, but she also knew theycouldn’t risk trying. Instead she settled for simply pressing her face closeagainst Alice’s and breathing deeply that sweet smelling perfume Tilly had puton before Margot collected her for their date that afternoon.
“I can’t wait for this curse to break once and for all.” Robinwhispered, purposely blowing a soft breath against Alice’s ear and feeling hersquirm on her lap. “It feels like years since we’ve been together.”
Alice giggled, wrapping her arm around Robin’s shoulders. “Two longyears to be exact.”
“Exactly, too long.” Robingrinned, still nuzzling against her neck and jaw. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“You didn’t even remember I was gone.” Alice teased.
“But it’s like you said,” Robin said, looking up at her. “We’ll alwaysknow each other. Even when we don’t.”
Alice smiled and leaned towards her. It had been far too long. Even whenthey were Tilly and Margot, it wasn’t the same because they were just startingover. In fact it was like someone had actually pressed reset on their relationshipand despite everything they had been through, they were forced to start fromthe beginning again. Now they could finally pick up where they had been forcedto leave off.
They were inches away from sharing their kiss when Robin realised whatthey were doing and pulled away, so sharply that she fell right off of her seatand onto the floor, dragging Alice down with her. They landed in a heap with aloud squeal that echoed around the room and drew the attention of anyone whohadn’t been watching the two women flirting before. Their stool turned overonto its side had brought Alice’s stool with it despite her no longer using itand Alice had landed awkwardly on top of Robin with her arm pinned beneath hershoulders, keeping her from pushing herself back up and climbing off.
“Ow…” Robin groaned.
“So… Six times?” Alice mumbled, fighting the urge to giggle whilecringing at the bruising pain spreading along her elbow where it had hit thefloor first.
“Only five, I think.” Robin noted.
“Six now,” Alice mumbled close to Robin’s cheek, forcing herself to rollaway, allowing Robin to sit up and freeing Alice’s arm.
“You okay?” Robin asked as they clambered back onto their feet, rightingtheir stools and sitting down with red faces that were more from frustrationthan embarrassment.
“Fine,” Alice sighed leaning against the counter. “How long do you thinkit’ll be before your aunt makes up a cure?”
Robin reached over, running her fingers through Alice’s hair. “Toolong.”
Alice turned her head, resting her cheek on her arms on top of thecounter and smiling at Robin sadly. They complained, but the truth of thematter was, they had it pretty good. They had found each other, been reunitedwith their memories back and the knowledge that they really did have true love.As bad as they made it seem like it was, they were better off than a lot of theother people who were still trapped under the curse, including their own familymembers, like Robin’s cousin Henry, his wife and his daughter and… Alice’sfather!
“Papa!” Alice sat up sharply, looking at Robin. “How am I meant to goback to papa knowing he doesn’t even remember me?”
“Oh, Alice… Do you want to stay with me tonight?” Robin asked softly,wrapping her arm around Alice’s shoulder.
Alice let out a little snort and looked at Robin with a slight smile.“We’ve barely managed to keep from being intimate in public. You think we’llmanage when we’re alone?”
“Good point.” Robin chuckled without humour, dropping her headmiserably.
“I’ll be okay. We both will.” Alice said after a moment, reaching togently squeeze Robin’s knee.
“I know, it’s just… Annoying, having to hold back like this.” Robinsighed, lifting her head and looking back towards the wall again.
“We’ll get through it.” Alice said, standing and wrapping her armsaround Robin from behind. “And when we do…”
She trailed off and Robin glanced back at her. “And when we do…?”
Alice blushed and shrugged, turning to lean her cheek against her shoulderso Robin couldn’t quite see her face. “I was thinking. Maybe after all this isdone. Maybe… You’d want to… Move in… With me. I mean.”
“Really?” Robin asked, sounding a little breathless.
“No, this is just the world’s worst prank.” Alice said, rolling her eyesand still not looking at her.
Robin stood, spinning around and grabbing Alice only to stop short andglare at her. “Did you seriously just ask me to move in with you, at the onemoment in time where I can’t kiss you? Cause that’s just cruel.”
Alice laughed. “I’m sorry.”
“Liar.” Robin grumbled and settled for pulling Alice into another hug.“I love you, Alice.” She whispered.
“And of course, I love you too.” Alice sighed dreamily, gripping theback of Robin’s jacket tightly in her fists.
When they pulled away, Alice retook her seat on Robin’s lap, wrappingher arm around her shoulder and pressing their foreheads together. With a soft sigh,Robin began to gently run her hand over Alice’s leg. Yeah, as much as theycomplained about being unable to kiss, it was more because of how hard it wasto remember than anything else. If Robin were to pick one moment to spend therest of her life in; then Alice sitting on her lap with their faces restingagainst one another… It was a pretty good moment to pick.
“You know, we can still pick up where we left off earlier.” Robin noted.“How about we go in the back and make up some meals and have a proper date herein Roni’s. I think I even know where aunt Regina keeps some candles and no oneis uses those booths in the back corner.”
With a wide grin, Alice jumped off her lap and pulled Robin up onto herfeet, dragging her excitedly into the back room where a small kitchen area wasset up. Roni’s wasn’t really a restaurant, even though they did occasionallymake things for some the regulars. Even then, the back kitchen was mostly forthe staff which meant there wasn’t a wide selection for them to chose from, butAlice was used to scavenging what she could and, before long, they foundthemselves in a dark corner booth out of the way of everyone else with a mealprepared between them. Robin had held true to her promise, finding a candlethat she placed in the centre of the table between them, both for atmosphere asa subtle reminder that they couldn’t get too affectionate, no matter howfrustrating it was to keep holding back.
“So… Out of curiosity, is there anything in this world that you preferto before the curse?” Alice asked suddenly, dreamily pushing the last few bitsof food around her plate.
“You mean like, Margot’s life?” Robin shook her head. “Not really.Margot’s relationship with her mum was crap. She had no aunt to spoil her. Nolove of her life. Hardly any friends and even then they were distant. She waslonely and miserable and it sucked. At least, it sucked until she met Tilly.”
Alice grinned and looked down shyly for a moment before looking back upat her. “There’s something I prefer.”
Robin nodded, knowingly. “Being with your dad.”
Alice hesitated then added. “Make that twothings I prefer.”
“Okay, I’ll bite. What’s the other thing you prefer?” Robin asked,setting her own fork aside and leaning her elbows onto the table.
Alice grinned. “You in glasses.”
Immediately Robin blushed and turned away, shaking her head. “I freakinghate glasses. I wore contacts all inthe Enchanted Forest because I hated glasses so much. They just get in the waymost of the time. And now I’m stuck with them again until I can get some morecontacts, hopefully like the ones Aunt Regina and mum made for me with magic soI didn’t need to take them out as much as normal ones.”
“Well, you know you’re not allowed to take the glasses off now that I’veseen them.” Alice stated. “I won’t let you.”
“Oh come on,” Robin groaned.
“Nope. I’ve decided. You look too sexy.” Alice grinned, shuffling closerto her. “And if you take them off you’ll make me sad. Is that what you want?”
“That is not fair,” Robingrumbled.
“Sorry. I don’t make the rules.” Alice shrugged.
“Liar.” Robin said, reaching out a hand and leaning towards her.
This time it was Alice who jerked back with a sad smile. “Seven times inless than a day. We’re really bad at this.” She repeated.
Robin groaned again, even more loudly, falling back in her seat andrubbing her hands over her face. This really wasn’t going to work. However shewasn’t going to let this ruin their date either and she reached over, takingAlice’s hand between her hand and holding against the bridge of her nose andforehead before looking up at her. “It’s okay. Aunt Regina will cure Henrysoon. And then nothing will ever get between us again.”
“Ever?” Alice meant to ask in a teasing way, but instead it came outmore as a plea.
“Never, ever.” Robin swore and blew a soft breath on her knuckles forthe kiss she would make up for later. “I promise you that.”
Fic prompt - tilly coming into the station to see Weaver or Rogers and she’s unaware Margot is there and Weaver takes her to Margot to keep her company because he Is Curious Archer trash.
The Station
Summary: WhenTilly drops by the station to see Detective Rogers for their weekly game, shedoesn’t expect to find Margot hanging around. And when Weaver quickly swoops inand asks her to keep Margot company while he deals with her mother, well, Tilly’sonly too happy to give him a hand.
When Tilly reached the station that morning, she already had a feelingthat Rogers would be unable to find a few minutes for their weekly game. Itleft her with a slight knot in her stomach because the last time he had beentoo busy for her, something bad had happened involving that awful EloiseGardener. However, on that morning, Tilly had woken with a feeling in her likesomething bad was going to happen and as worried as she was, she didn’tactually have that same feeling today… In fact she had a very different kind offeeling inside her instead. One, like maybe today wouldn’t be such a bad day afterall.
Entering the station only confirmed Tilly’s earlier worries thatsomething wasn’t right today, despite the good feeling she had still lying ontop of that worry. The station was alive with busy activity and Rogers wasnowhere to be seen. Tilly hesitated in the doorway, knowing he didn’t like itwhen she just walked straight through into his office anymore but unsure ofwhat else to do. She wandered shyly up to the front desk, already preparing tobe turned away by the familiar front officer who had never seemed to like her,not even from the moment when they first met.
Sure enough, the older man looked up at her and his eyes narrowedslightly. It wasn’t necessarily that he disliked her or anything – he didn’teven know her – but he found her as odd as everyone else and her oddness oftenmade people uncomfortable and uncomfortable people often lashed out. He heldhis tongue when Rogers was around, but when it was just the two of them, healways did his best to get rid of her as soon as possible while being none toosubtle about it.
Finally she reached his desk and he opened his mouth before she had achance. Tilly could already hear the sharp reply he had at the ready to dismissher as quickly as possible. But before he could say it, a different voice cutin and called out to her.
“Tilly!”
She looked up in surprise. “Oh, hey, Weaver!”
The older detective walked over to her, something bright in hisexpression like when he gets an idea to catch someone out with a sneaky – andmore often than not, unethical – plan. Tilly always enjoyed that look becauseit normally ended in quite a bit of fun whenever she was involved but now, forwhatever reason, the look was directed straight at her for once and she wasn’tsure how to feel about it.
“Glad you’re here.” Weaver said, placing a hand on her back and leadingher passed the main desk and away from the grumpy officer who had alreadyturned away, no longer interested in her now that she had Weaver by her side.
“I was actually coming by to see Rogers,” Tilly explained but didn’tresist Weaver’s guidance.
“He’s busy on a case at the moment.” Weaver explained briskly. “But Icould do with a hand if you’re feeling up to it.”
“Uh, sure.” Tilly said, feeling more than a little puzzled. After all,it had been a while since Weaver had asked her for any favours.
“Good. This way.” Weaver pulled her down a corridor into a room usually reservedfor interviewing victims. It was much nicer than the interrogation room but itstill left Tilly’s nerves on edge like something big was waiting for her on theother side of the door.
“What’s this about?” Tilly began but stopped short as the door waspushed open and she saw there was someone waiting for them inside the room. Andit turned out to be quite a familiar face. “Margot…”
“Tilly.” Margot said, instantly standing up to greet her, though at thesame time, she didn’t look very in the mood for greeting people right now. Infact she looked very pale and almost like she was going to be sick.
“Oh good, you two know each other. That saves us some time.” Weaver saidquickly.
“Why? What’s going on?” Tilly blinked, looking back at him.
“I need you to do me a favour and stay with Margot for a few hours,”Weaver explained, placing a gentle hand on her elbow as he did. “Her mother isin trouble and I’m going to help her but while I do that, I need you to keepher daughter company. She’s a bit worried for her and she could use a friend.”
“Yeah, sure.” Tilly said quickly then felt herself blush at her ownenthusiasm and shrugged casually. “You know, as a favour for you.”
“Of course.” Weaver said, the slightest smile pulling at the corner ofhis lips and a knowing look in his eye. He turned back to the door. “I’ll beback soon with some drinks. For now, sit tight.”
After Weaver had shut the door behind him, Tilly awkwardly turned backto Margot. She smiled shyly and giving her a little wave. “Hi again.”
“Hey,” Margot said, smiling back but it still didn’t quite reach hereyes.
Tilly hesitated at the sight of her sad expression before she stifflywandered over to her side, nervous about overstepping. Weaver may have askedfor her help, but it was entirely possible that Margot just wanted to be alone.However, when Margot didn’t say anything or try moving away from her, Tillyslowly sat down on the sofa blue sofa the other girl had previously beenwaiting on before their arrival. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Margot nodded, still smiling the same smile as she sat back downbeside her.
Tilly paused and glanced around the room. It was an attempt at a niceroom at least. There were pale blue shades on the floor and walls (the colourwas probably chosen in order to be calming) with white blinds over the window,and a soft chair for them to sit on just behind a small brown coffee table.There was even a bookshelf on the wall opposite but it was half empty withfaded, decades-old magazines, a few out of date newspapers and books withspines and covers that were both broken and faded. Tilly was beginning to feellike she’d rather the interrogation room to this one. This room was just so damnsad. No wonder Margot was looking so miserable in it, though Tilly have afeeling there was more to it than that.
Knowing she had to do something, Tilly reached over and placed her handcarefully over the top of Margot’s where she had it clenched together with theother on her lap. “I’m still here if you want to talk.” She said gently. “Youknow. Like before.”
Margot finally looked up at her again and smiled, this time making itmuch more genuine. “The truth is… I’m worried. There’s someone after my mum.”
“Who?” Tilly blinked.
“I don’t know. Apparently there’s this serial killer hunting people downwith a calling card of candy boxes or something.” Margot mumbled.
“The Candy Killer…” Tilly whispered, eyes widening with shock.
“You know him?” Margot asked, looking at her sharply.
“I know about him…” Tilly said, glancing away from her before pulling aface down at her feet. “And he uh… Kind of tried to frame me for it.”
“Wait really?” Margot said, doing a double take to stare at her openlynow.
“I think so. I’m not really sure.” Tilly admitted, looking down at herfeet, suddenly wondering why Weaver had asked her to do this of all things. Shefelt like she was admitting to something dark and awful and even though sheknew it wasn’t her fault, she still worried what Margot was going to say nowthat she knew. Tilly chose what she said next carefully, afraid the whole truthmight scare Margot off. “I lost my bag and when I found it, some evidence wasin there that the killer took. I nearly got in trouble but Detective Rogers laterproved I was innocent.”
Margot looked shocked, shaking her head at her. “This is crazy!”
“Welcome to the Heights,” Tilly said jokingly, trying to make light ofthe situation but when Margot looked at her, her eyes were glazed over withalmost tears and Tilly felt a pang of guilt. “I’m sorry…”
“What if something happens to my mum?” Margot croaked.
“Hey, it’ll be okay.” Tilly said, taking both her hands now. “DetectiveWeaver is a really good cop. He’ll find whoever is doing this and stop thembefore anything bad happens to her. I know he will.”
Margot gave her a weak smile, clearly not believing her. “Thanks.” Shemumbled.
Tilly hesitated. She wanted to help her somehow, but she didn’t know whatto do. She’d never had to deal with someone who was worried about the serial killercurrently hunting down their parent. How did you comfort someone when that wastheir baggage?
Something caught Tilly’s eye from across the room and after a slightpause, she found herself standing up sharply. It was mostly just for somethingto do but once she started walking over towards the bookshelf, she felt more confidentabout it and picked up speed slight, leaving Margot to stare after her.
Silently, she reached out and pulled a small blue book from the middleshelf into her hands, turning it over slowly and examining it with a slightfrown. It certainly had one of the worst covers of the entire shelf, a bluehardback that was peeling off at the edges with almost all of the writing onthe blurb having faded away. Along with that, it had a torn spine that was sobadly broken, it was barely holding itself together anymore. The pages inside wereyellow and brittle like they had been wet and left in the sun to dry. Finally,the picture on the front – that hadn’t faded along with the writing – had beenscribbled on with a thick black maker, making it almost unreadable. In fact, ifit weren’t for the barely still visible title on the spine, she probablywouldn’t have known what it was at all.
Carrying it back to her seat beside Margot, Tilly dropped down by herside and lay the book down clearly on her lap, smiling at it. She waited,purposely stroking the cover gently and not saying anything until Margot’scuriosity got the better of her and she finally looked up at her.
“What’s that?” Margot asked finally.
“Alice In Wonderland.” Tilly said proudly, then noted. “It’s yourfavourite. Right?”
“Yeah…” Margot mumbled, the slightest smile pulling at the corner of herlips. “Yeah, it is.”
“How come?” Tilly asked, opening the book and turning the pages slowlyto the first chapter.
“I dunno.” Margot admitted. “I just always liked it… I liked the maincharacter.”
“Really?” Tilly grinned. “I always thought she was kind of whiny. Imean, I like the story but none of the character portrayals ever seemed to sitright with me.”
“Oh come on, she’s cute.” Margot said lightly.
“I guess,” Tilly mumbled, turning the pages. “Is it just Alice or areyou a big reader in general?”
Margot knew what Tilly was doing. She was trying to distract her, togive her a few minutes of not thinking about the danger that her mother was inand to focus on something else more simple and light hearted. And Margot was sograteful for it. Because it really was what she needed.
As much as she would have loved to go charging out into the street andhelp save her mother, she also knew that there was no way she could. She wouldjust get in the way if she tried and that would cause problems for thedetectives trying to do their job and it would put her mother in even moredanger. So despite how frustrating it was, she knew she had to stay out of it. Andthe only way she was going to manage that was if she was distracted withsomething else.
“Mostly Alice…” Margot admitted. “There wasn’t much time to read when Iwas travelling and I could only carry so much at a time… So that was the only bookI always took with me everywhere I went.”
“It really is your favourite.” Tilly grinned.
“Yeah… What’s yours?” Margot asked.
“Don’t really have a favourite, to be honest.” Tilly shrugged. “I mostlyread lots of different stuff.” She paused. “But there had been one I wanted totry that I still haven’t got around to…”
“What’s that?” Margot asked.
“Robin Hood.” Tilly shrugged. “I saw it on the day we met and I figuredI’d give it a try. Only every time I give it a go, something comes up.”
The two fell quiet, unconsciously leaning towards one another beforeTilly finally shifted the book so it was sat between the two of them. In silentagreement, they began reading the book together, each taking a turn to read onepage out loud at a time. They began giggling as they took turn to put on voicesfor the characters and Margot couldn’t fight the laughter whenever Tillyphysically cringed at some of the corny moments she had forgotten about.
It was a good distraction and for a short time, Margot actually allowedherself to forget about her earlier worries. She began leaning completelyagainst Tilly, curled up on the sofa, as they read her favourite story togetherso naturally, it was like they had done it a thousand times before.
They became so lost in the story that didn’t realise how much time hadpassed until the door opened unexpectedly and Weaver appeared. He walked incarrying a bag in one hand and pair of drinks balanced in the other.
“Thought you might be hungry,” He noted, walking over and setting thebags down on the table in front of them.
“Thanks, Weaver,” Tilly grinned eagerly, reaching over and snatching upthe bag up to the space on the seat beside her, happy to see a familiarmarmalade sandwich waiting inside.
“Yeah, thanks.” Margot smiled tightly. “Uh, any news on my mum?”
“She’s safe.” Weaver confirmed. “She’s gotten some help from an outsidesource but she needs you to stay here, out of the way, just for a few hours.”
Margot glanced towards the window. “It’s already getting dark…” Shenoted quietly.
“It’ll be okay,” Weaver said, giving her a friendly smile. “Your motheris in good hands. I promise.”
Margot hesitated, looking like she wanted to say something else beforeshe changed her mind and just nodded her head in silence. She sat back in herseat, jostling the book slightly and slouching down. Tilly glanced at hernervously before she thanked Weaver once more, leaning back and passing Margota sandwich from the bag.
“If you need anything else, stick your head out the door and give me acall. I’m not far away.” Weaver said finally before turning and leaving the twogirls alone again.
“Everything will work out.” Tilly said after a moment. “Weaver won’t letyou down.”
“You trust him?” Margot asked suddenly.
“Yes.” Tilly said without hesitation.
“Why?” Margot frowned. “I mean… What’s the story with you two?” Shehesitated then added. “I’ll be honest, he always seems like a bit of a brute.”
Tilly glanced at the door then back again, shaking her head. “Weaver? Noway! He’s a softie deep down. He just needs to act tough to get the job donebut when he’s free… Well, he’s a good guy.”
“Really?” Margot raised an eyebrow at her. “A softie? Never thought I’dhear anyone describe him like that.”
Tilly grinned, holding up the sandwich. “I used to run away a lot when Iwas a kid and Weaver was the guy they originally assigned to track me down whenI did. He was always pretty decent about it. He didn’t lie to me or trick melike some of the other people. I actually liked the rides home with him and aftera while, I guess he saw something in me because we started this thing where Ido favours for him and then he buys me lunch. He hasn’t really ask for much of anythinglately, but if we run into each other, he always asks if I’ve eaten anything,then gets me lunch if I haven’t. And he’s constantly checking up on people,though he tries to hide it.” She dropped the second sandwich onto Margot’s lap.“And he brought you food too.”
Margot wet her lips then accepted the sandwich with a small smile. “Okay.”She shrugged. “I guess he’s okay. I mean, he’s watching out for me now, isn’the?”
“Yeah… He’s not the only one, you know.” Tilly said gently.
“Thank you.” Margot said sincerely. “For wasting your day with me.”
Tilly shook her head. “It wasn’t a waste.”
They shared a smile and for a second it seemed like they were going tolean towards each other when the book suddenly slid off their lap and hit thefloor. It wasn’t loud but it still made them jump before they giggled, reachingdown and picking it back up. After finding where they left off, the two girlsate their late lunch/early dinner and finished off the story. It turned out tobe even more amusing doing it when their mouths were half full of bread.
Not long after they had finished both the book and their food, did thedoor was swing open. The girls, who had been leaning against each other at thattime in an almost sleepy fashion, pulled back and looked up sharply as Weaver walkedover to them. Maybe it was their imagination, but he seemed to smile when hesaw the two of them sitting so close to one another.
“Good news,” Weaver said happily. “You can head back. We’ve caught thekiller.”
“You did?” Margot gasped.
“Yup. He’s safely locked up so you can go home. Come on,” He nodded hishead, holding the door open for them. “I’ll drop you both off.”
“Thank you,” Margot said earnestly. “For everything.”
“Don’t mention it,” Weaver said, waving his hand at her to go on ahead.The two girls started out the station which was much more quiet than when Tillyhad arrived that afternoon and she couldn’t resist peeking into the familiaroffice on her left but Detective Rogers wasn’t there. Probably still handlingthe case Weaver mentioned earlier.
The older detective led them from the building and towards his car wherehe climbed in the front and watched as the two of them settled in the back,side by side. He pretended to take the time to adjust the rear-view mirror and hadto fight the smile pulling at his face. Even when he was with them, they onlyhad eyes for each other and he might as well have just been a hired taxi driverfor all the attention they gave him.
Not that he minded in the slightest. In fact he was enjoying his frontrow seat. The girls deserved this quiet time together with just the two of them.They had so little of it before the curse was cast.
“You must be relieved.” Tilly said casually as they started off.
“I really am. You have no idea.” Margot sighed, stretching her legs asfar as she could under Weaver’s seat.
“Hey, do you mind if I ask… About your dad?” Tilly said slowly.
“He’s not around.” Margot said immediately, shrugging. “I never reallyknew him. He and my mum weren’t even official and then he died in this carcrash when I was still a baby.” She paused. “They say it was his fault…” Sheshook her head like she was changing her mind about telling that story afterall. “What about your parents?”
Tilly looked away, smiling sadly. “Who knows. My dad died too and my mumran off right after. I grew up in a home. That’s why I was always running away.”
Weaver resisted the automatically pull that wanted to roll his eyes andsnort at the ridiculous memories these girls had been given about theirfathers. Robin’s father was a hero who sacrificed himself for the woman heloved – not a dithering idiot who died texting and driving. And of course Alicehad no idea, but she was currently living with her loving father.
Unfortunately Weaver was forced to keep his mouth shut and watch them inamused silence. He once again looked forward to the curse being broken for morereason than one.
“That sucks. I’m sorry.” Margot said softly.
“It’s okay.” Tilly shrugged. “Everyone’s got their own story, afterall.”
“That’s true,” Margot agreed. “Some more sucky than others.”
Weaver slowed the car down, pulling up outside Roni’s where Margot was currentlystaying in the upstairs apartments with her mother. He parked just outside thefront door and glanced back at her. “There ya go, Margot. Have a nice night.”
“Thanks again,” Margot said, climbing and walking around the car beforepausing and turning back to Tilly’s window, tapping it lightly until Weaverrolled it down for her. “Oh and by the way, Tilly… I’d really like to know therest of your story some day.”
Tilly felt herself grinning widely. “Me too… Your story, I mean.” Shesaid happily.
With one last shared smile, Margot waved at her as she turned away and joggedinside. Tilly watched her go for a moment until she had completely turned awaybefore she quickly climbed into the front seat. The two of them waited forMargot to get through the door before Weaver put the car in drive and pulledaway, heading to Rogers apartment next.
“I appreciate you doing that for me, Tilly.” Weaver said after they had turnedthe corner and bar was no longer within sight.
“No problem, it was fun.” Tilly smiled.
“Oh yeah?” Weaver smirked. “You like her then?”
“Yeah,” Tilly said immediately then blushed and shrugged. “I mean,what’s not to like? She’s nice.”
“She is,” Weaver agreed, nodding his head.
Tilly hesitated, watching him as he drove. “Why’d you ask me to do it?”
“What do you mean?” Weaver asked.
“Why’d you ask me to keep her company?” Tilly said. “You’ve never askedme to do anything like that before…”
Weaver took a deep breath, considering his answers. He didn’t want tolie to her. Not if he could help it. “Times are changing, Tilly. Not justpeople, but the whole of the Heights. Things are going to get even more crazythan they’ve ever been before.”
“I don’t understand…” Tilly frowned. “You caught the killer, didn’tyou?”
“I’m not talking about the Candy Killer.” Weaver said. “I can’t explainjust yet but… Just trust me that it’s good for you to make the right kind offriends. And I want you to be careful with who else you talk to, okay?” Hepaused, then rolled a shoulder uncomfortable. He wished he could just tell hereverything. It would make life so much easier. “What I’m trying to say is… Stayaway from anyone associated with Eloise, okay? And make sure Margot does thesame.”
Tilly was already nodding her head before he’d even finished talking.“Don’t have to tell me twice.” She mumbled. “She’s… Distorted.”
“What do you mean?” Now it was Weaver’s turn to frown.
“Well, it’s hard to explain but it’s like when I saw her back at thestation that time. You know when you look in a broken mirror or through brokenglass and it’s all foggy and distorted and it just looks wrong? Well that waswhat it was like when I saw her on the cameras. Her everything was alldistorted like she was a monster or something…” Tilly explained.
“I understand.” Weaver said, nodding his head. “So you’ll stay away fromher? And keep Margot away from her as well?”
Tilly’s went quiet again. “Well. I can’t really do much about Margot. Imean, we’ve only had like, three conversations since she got to town.”
“Yeah well… Just in case those three conversations turn into anything else,”Weaver said with another smirk, pulling up outside Rogers apartment. “Have agood night, Tilly. And thanks again for the help. I owe you.”
Tilly climbed out and leaned in through the doorway, grinning at him. “Onemarmalade sandwich ought to do it!”
