page six

[fantasies]

[September hasn't been kind to Henry. First Snow, sent back home just to be cursed, and now he wakes up to find their (his, now) room is completely, terribly empty.

Alone. Again.

It's a long while later, but when he speaks into the journal, his voice is composed (if very, very small).]

The castle sent my mom home. Emma Swan. [a pause] I just, I dunno. I thought you guys should know.

[He knows he should be happy, that this means Emma can go back and break the curse like everyone at home needs her to. But he started out in Paradisa with his family whole and intact, and now....

And now he's just right back where he started.

He drags his sleeve at the corners of his eyes, and writes in a filter.]

[ Prince Charming ]

Do you wanna.... [He hesitates.] Can we get dinner?

----

Comments

[fantasies]

[No.]

She needed to go home. She has something really important she has to do.

[amiable]

A lot of people here have something like that, huh? [ Her voice is soft, empathetic. ]

Hey, we haven't been able to meet in person yet, right?

[fantasies]

[Yeah, a whole ton. Which was part of what made Paradisa so great when he first got here. Now, he's not so sure.]

I guess not. [He's trying to decide if leaving the room would make him feel better or not.] Do you want to?

[amiable]

Sure! I was thinking of getting something sweet to eat. Maybe like donuts?

[fantasies]

Is there a good donut place around here?

[NEWS TO HIM.... But he's also been super focused on the ice cream places.]

[amiable]

I know of one place~

It's not really a donut shop and they don't have a lot of flavors, but there's chocolate! [ Kids can't resist sweets. ]

[fantasies]

That's okay. The chocolate ones are the best ones anyway.

[amiable]

Is that your favorite?

[fantasies]

Yeah. The ones that have the glazed part on top.

[amiable]

Okay, it'll be my treat then!

[fantasies]

Really? You don't mind?

[amiable]

Nope! Especially if it's something tasty and will help.

[fantasies]

[A pause.

Then, sheepishly.]

It might help a little....

[amiable]

[ That's good enough for her. ]

Where can we meet?

[fantasies]

Are you at the castle?

[amiable]

I live in the town but it's a very short walk.

[fantasies]

I can meet you halfway, if you want.

[amiable]

Sure! How about at the fountain?

[fantasies]

Yeah, okay. I'm pretty sure I still know how to get there.

I'll see you soon, okay?

aaaction

[amiable]

Alright!

[ And she will be waiting in about fifteen minutes by the fountain. :) ]

forever and ever!

[fantasies]

[It takes him a bit longer, just because he took a few extra minutes to splash his face (over and over and over) and wait for the redness in his eyes to fade a little.

When he does show up, though, it's with his very best effort at a smile. It's only partially convincing.]

Hey!

[amiable]

[ She can sort of tell, but she's not going to press at the time being. It's not easy when people you love leave the castle. She can remember a certain little boy losing both parents a long time ago at once.

So Uru grins and waves, hoping the smile will just be contagious. ]

Hi! It's been a while since we spoke the first time, huh? [ Especially for her... ]

[fantasies]

Yeah, I guess so. I promise I'll try not to be as confusing this time.

[amiable]

[ Laughter. ]

I can forget how different everyone's worlds are...

[fantasies]

Do you not have magic in your world?