strangetrip | [GP/EP] You're not clear of story out here

Even before she knew for certain that it was the first of a month, Snow’s body had started bracing for it. She was wary and tense, preparing to cope with yet more people in the space of the hotel. It seemed that no sooner had she adjusted to whoever had showed up the last time, there was someone new again.

She didn’t want anything to do with the lot of it. That was what those busy women on the welcome committee were for. She didn’t think the committee was a stupid thing, not at all. Focusing on settling new people in kept the lot of them busy and away from her, and that was where she wanted them. They terrified her.

Snow White had only come into the main building to forage for food. The original plan was of course to turn right back around and escape before the expected rush (small or large) of new people to flood in.

But that was of course not what happened. When a universe was a pocket, it had less to focus on and fewer people to fuck with, and so Snow was entirely certain it was fucking with her when she was the one in the lobby when a new face came through the door.

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Snow said nothing for a long time, and even as tears squeezed from her eyes she made no sound of any kind, only tucked as close to Regina as was humanly possible.

After what seemed even to her like an eternity she said, "I'm sorry."

Although embraces had become common in the months after defeating Mrs. H., Snow hadn't tended to cling, nor had Regina, so Snow's need to hold on might have caused consternation, except that Regina had even less interest in letting go. She held Snow, stroked her hair, kissed her face and hair, until Snow spoke.

And then Regina immediately pushed her out--not far, just far enough to see her eyes. "There's nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry that it took me so long to come to you. I tried."

Snow's black eyes were huge in her face, and she lowered them in shame. "I said I'd help you," she whispered. "And I left."

"Oh, Snow." Regina let out a soft, incredulous sigh, and if Snow weren't so ashamed, she might have laughed. Another Snow, another promise "broken," another love gone (though admittedly, probably not because of it)....but she'd learned. "Did you choose to leave?" The tilt of her head, the warmth of her voice, the gentleness of her fingers on Snow's shoulders all said she knew the answer.

Even with those reassurances, Snow took a moment to respond as though she didn't entirely understand. Wordlessly, she shook her head slowly.

"You didn't leave. You were taken." Regina brushed her fingers against Snow's cheek, and the moment called to mind one of their very first, when Regina had recognized the signs of abuse in the strange, feral Snow White who'd found her. "It's not your fault."

Snow closed her eyes and drew a deep breath before she nodded. "Okay," she said in a tiny voice.

Awareness of the world rushed in as Snow acquiesced. It didn't seem like the best place to stand around, considering she'd just attacked Yasmeen's chew toy. She should apologize, but he'd disappeared from her immediate line of sight and Snow was more important.

"Where can we talk?" she asked quietly, gaze scanning eagerly for the rest of her family.

"We can go to my room, I guess," Snow mumbled, though she didn't seem to be particularly enthused by the idea.

Something Snow clearly didn't want to do. Well, if she'd been transported here, she'd need a room, since her daughter didn't seem inclined to share. "Why don't we get me a room, and go there?"

Snow nodded. It was practical, and she hated her room. "All right."

With one last motherly kiss for Snow, Regina urged her off toward the lobby.

[GP/EP] You're not clear of story out here

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