Mad Hatter [Jefferson Hatter || OUAT || Mad Red #2]

Chapter 27

Flashback

Milah was weaving in her home as her seven-year-old daughter was cleaning up their cottage when they heard a human Rumpelstiltskin's voice through the door.

"Milah? Rosie?" He walked into the house, "Milah, Rosie," Rumpelstiltskin said.

"I'm nearly finished," Milah said.

"I can't reach the shelf, Mama," Young Rosie said.

"It's okay, sweetheart I'll get to it," Milah said.

"Oh, you learn quickly," Rumpelstiltskin said as he walked to her.

"I have a good teacher," She smiled and they kissed, "What is it? What brings you home so early?" Milah asked and Young Rosie walked over.

"Milah, Rosie... My weaving days are behind us. I've been called to the front," Rumpelstiltskin said and he shows them a paper reading Rumpelstiltskin, you have been drafted into the king's army.

Milah looked shocked, "The Ogres War," Milah said.

"Papa..." Young Rosie said.

"I report for training in the morning," Rumpelstiltskin said.

"No, Rumpel, I've heard the stories. The front, it's a brutal place," Milah said.

"Oh, Milah... I...I know, I know. I...I can't say that I...I won't be frightened. But... But this is the chance I've been waiting for... All my life. You know, I've lived under the shadow of my father's actions for too long now," Rumpelstiltskin said.

"Just because your father was a coward, it doesn't mean you are," Milah said.

"Papa, don't go," Young Rosie begged.

"Oh, I know that. As you do. But to the world? Fighting in this war finally gives me the chance to prove that to everyone else," Rumpelstiltskin said.

She had tears in her eyes and nodded, "Go. Be brave. Fight honourably," Milah said.

"Oh, God, I love you, both of you," Rumpelstiltskin said.

"We love you, too. When you return, we can start living the life we've always dreamed of," Milah said.

"Yeah," Rumpelstiltskin said.

"We can be a family," Milah said.

"A family," Rumpelstiltskin said with a smile.

End of Flashback

New York...

Rose Red, Henry, Emma and Mr Gold arrived at an apartment building in New York via taxi and they got out, looking at the building in front of them.

Emma looked at Mr Gold, "What's wrong? This the right place?" Emma asked.

"Yes, it is," Mr Gold said.

"Let us guess. He's not expecting you," Rose Red glanced at Mr Gold, "Well, who doesn't love a surprise?" Emma said and they walked into the building.