A/N : Alright, there it is. Journey to freedom's penultimate chapter. There's only the epilogue left. I have to admit that the idea of posting it next saturday after OUAT's series finale crossed my mind, but I won't be this cruel XD

This chapter is long, 'concludes' as much of the story as possible. Don't hesitate to tell me what you thought about it!

Also, don't forget that you can still send prompts for this story through reviews, DM, twitter, curiouscat, Whatsapp... I'm collecting them and will write them once the story is over, in between chapters of Chase and WIRM.

Good news for those of you who are reading it too, but Chase is going to be updated in a few days, so be ready guys! The hiatus is over!

Again, thank you for your kindness and support, for your beautiful reviews, and a huge thank you to my betas who took on their personal time to help me with this story. Damn, it's not even the final chapter and I'm already emotional...

An hour after Dawn's birth

Since Dawn was born late in the day, her parents decided to give their little girl a few hours to rest in the privacy of their tent, surrounded only by her parents and brother, before introducing her to their friends. And, even though Zelena respects and understands their choice completely, she reminds them that the Merry Men are excitedly awaiting the news about their baby, and suggests they should hear it from one of them and not from her.

"Stay here, warm with our children," Robin tells Regina softly as he gets up from the bed, pressing a kiss to his wife's temple and Matthew's forehead. He then bends down to Dawn, the back of his finger caressing her little cheek tenderly. "I'll tell them about our little treasure."

When he exits the tent, he faces a partially ravaged camp from the storm, filled with joyous men and women eagerly awaiting to hear about the newest addition to the camp.

They cheer and hail happily when Robin announces that he's the proud father of a little girl, patting him on the back and congratulating him warmly.

Yet, Arthur can't help but comment, "Now, let's hope she doesn't have your wife's temper, or we're all doomed."

That earns him a poke on the shoulder by Little John, but Arthur shrugs in reply, adding, "Who here, doesn't dread Regina's thunder? Imagine having two versions of her who get pissed off at the same time? None of us would survive that."

Robin laughs, finding a bit of truth in his friend's joke. "I'll deal with my girls, Arthur. I'll make sure to protect this camp from them."

Little John looks up at Robin, touched, he grabs his shoulder, and speaks with a quiet but strangled voice that betrays his happiness. "Your girls. I love how that sounds."

Robin nods at his friend. "Me too, John. Me too."

Matthew stays up late that night, just as mesmerized by the little girl as his parents are. The evening is filled with cuddles and sweet words, with kisses on foreheads and welcomed privacy, something they all need and enjoy immensely.

Now, it's morning, they're all cleaned up, and they have dressed Dawn in an absolutely adorable white little dress. As per Regina's request, they will introduce Dawn to Little John and Connor first, face to face, in the privacy of their tent, beforeheading outside and allowing everyone else to see her. She wants to take her time with Connor, because he still needs a lot of reassurance and explanations, and she wants his relationship with Dawn to be free of any kind of jealousy. Plus, she and Robin have a special request for Little John, something they want to discuss with him privately.

"I'm going to school, mom."

Matthew says from behind Regina as she's bent over Dawn's crib, finishing getting the little girl dressed. Coming around, the boy lets the baby's tiny fingers close over his larger one, and rubs his thumb over the back of her hand.

"Have a good day, baby sis'! I hope you aren't too tired, you're gonna meet a lot of people today."

When he turns to Regina, she's staring at him with shining eyes, looking him up and down, admiring the handsome young man he's becoming. She cups both his cheeks and presses a warm kiss to his forehead.

"Have a good morning at school, honey. I'll see you for lunch." Before he exits the tent with his father, she calls out his name, and adds, "I love you."

Matthew responds with a smile that could light up the darkest nights. "I love you too, mom."

After a last kiss to his forehead, he's off, disappearing outside with his books in his hands.

Regina spends the next few minutes watching Dawn in awe, barely able to believe that Dawn is the product of her love with Robin. That she was able to help create such a perfect human being. Her daughter is slowly dozing off, the gentle caresses of her mother's thumb against her cheek lulling the newborn to a peaceful sleep, and just seconds after the baby closes her eyes, Regina hears a noise behind her. Robin enters the tent, immediately followed by Little John and Connor. When the little boy catches sight of her, Connor releases his father's hand so quickly the man doesn't have time to stop his son from running to Regina and calling out her name in an excited shriek.

"Connor!" He scolds, keeping his voice down, still firm and authoritative. "What did I tell you? No yelling!"

Connor is already in Regina's arms, and when he's startled by Dawn's sudden cries he looks up sheepishly, and the young woman can't suppress a chuckle at his guilty expression.

"Sorry, Gina."

She brushes his cheek gently and shakes her head. "It's okay, sweetheart. You surprised her, that's all."

"Didn't want to."

"Shh, Connor," she coos softly when she notices what looks like tears in the boy's blue eyes. "Don't worry. But that's why your daddy told you to be quiet. Babies don't appreciate it when there's too much noise." She turns towards Robin, who's now cradling Dawn, rocking her slowly. The sight of her husband cuddling their child brings a broad smile to Regina's lips, one he catches and answers equally. "See?" She tells Connor, inviting him to walk closer. "She's calming down."

And indeed, it doesn't take long for the new father to appease his child's wriggles with sweet words, and tender brushes of her cheek and forehead.

Regina tilts her head towards the bed to motion for Robin to sit down, and she takes place next to him, places Connor on her lap so that he's facing her daughter.

"Connor, sweetheart, Robin and I want you to meet someone. This is Dawn, she's our daughter."

Robin slightly pulls down the blanket, letting the little girl's fists point towards the sky as she yawns and stretches, before her half-open eyes fall upon Connor's curious face as he gazes at her.

"Hi, Dawn," The boy says shyly at first.

When she doesn't cry, he speaks proudly, his lips turning into a toothy grin. "My name is Connor!"

He begins to move his hand forward, but stops himself, looks up at Regina, who smiles and nods, a hand brushing his hair tenderly.

Hesitantly, he leans forward, until his little hand closes over Dawn's tiny one, the baby wrapping her fingers around Connor's thumb. The boy glances up in awe, meeting Robin, Regina and his father's affectionate gazes.

"She like me," he whispers, looking back at the little girl.

"She does," Regina confirms. "I'm sure the two of you are going to be really good friends." She rubs his back, kisses his hair, the scene bringing tears to her eyes, and she doesn't need to look up to know that both John and Robin are feeling the same. It moves her, to see her daughter and this child she loves as much as if he were her own, connect for the first time.

This is a fresh start, the first meeting of two children she loves with her heart and soul, and it truly is an incredible feeling.

"She's a baby, which means that I'm going to have to take care of her a lot," Regina explains carefully, punctuating her words with tender gestures. "So I may not be able to spend as much time with you as I have lately. But only for a while, until she's a bit older."

She expects a protest, she knows John does too, there's a reason why they planned a private meeting with Connor, but instead his answer leaves her speechless.

Connor beams at her. "Can I help?"

"Help with what, sweetie?"

"With the baby. Can I help you, Gina? I'm a big boy now, you say that."

She exchanges an astonished, but touched look with Little John, who's as taken aback by his son's request as she is.

Regina's hand runs through Connor's hair, gentle and soft. "I did, sweetheart! Because you are an amazing growing boy. Are you sure that you feel up to helping me with Dawn, Connor?"

He nods eagerly, his enthusiasm unwavering. Regina turns to Robin, who has been a silent observer during the entire scene. He ducks his head when his wife meets his gaze.

"I think you already know my answer, my love," he says before she voices her question, sending her and his best friend a reassuring smile.

So Regina looks down at Connor again. "Of course, sweetie. I'll let you help me when I'm taking care of my daughter."

Connor jumps eagerly on her lap, briskly removing his finger from Dawn's grip, startling the baby who starts whining and crying at the unexpected and sudden loss of contact. But Connor gasps, bends over her, his ohso tiny hand tickling her belly as an apology flows from his lips.

"Sorry, baby! Didn't want 'care you!"

Regina lets Robin comfort Dawn as she holds Connor close, reassuring him with kisses to his head, breathing in his soft scent when he presses himself further into her embrace. She leans forward, spies Little John peeking over Robin's shoulder to catch a glimpse of Dawn. Robin notices too and faces his friend to show him his child.

"She's absolutely beautiful." Little John gasps when he gets a full view of her, his hand covering Dawn's belly tenderly.

"Do you want to hold her?" Robin offers.

John is surprised at first, but quickly accepts and takes the child in his arms expertly. Those are things that aren't easily forgotten, and it wasn't so long ago that Connor was this small.

Yet, he can't help but comment, "Wow… I almost forgot how tiny newborns are."

The emotion in his strangled voice is obvious, his glassy eyes revealing his train of thought, but before any of them can utter a word, John looks up with a smile.

"Now you'll understand why Amelia was so exhausted during Connor's first months. Even if Dawn turns out to be a calm baby, something I wish for you, this is the beginning of sleepless nights and exhausting days. But I can assure you," he glances at his son, snuggled against Regina, "it's a wonderful experience, definitely worth it."

Regina chuckles, scratches Connor's scalp, and simply stares at him while he's busy examining a strand of her hair. "Oh, I'm sure it is! She kept me busy last night, didn't let me sleep more than an hour straight. But I don't mind. This family is everything I've ever wanted."

She feels Robin's hand lacing together with hers, and she closes her fingers over his, leans closer to her husband, nodding at him.

"Little John?" She calls softly, catching her friend's attention. "We have something we want to ask you."

"Sure." He tickles Dawn's belly gently, bites his lower lip as her tiny fingers instantly close over his large one.

"Regina and I talked about this," Robin starts, making his friend look up at him. "And we wish for you to be Dawn's godfather."

Little John's astonishment is so strong that he freezes, his brow furrowing, then opens his eyes widely.

"Really?"

"Yes," Regina assures. "We can't picture anyone else to fill this position. You're one of our closest friends, John, and with you we know that Dawn will never be alone."

"And if she ever needs someone other than us," Robin continues. "We want her to know that she can always come to you. If she's furious with us and refuses to talk to us, because I'm not blind," he adds with a smirk. "And considering the storm that happened on the day she was born, it looks like she has her mother's temper, there definitely will be huge fights."

"Hey!" Regina scolds, pulling away and smacking his shoulder, Connor gripping her neck tightly as she surprises him.

Robin ignores her interruption, instead grabs her fingers and brings them to his lips, kissing her knuckles before releasing his wife, resuming his talk with their friend. "We'd love for her to see you as someone she can always rely on, someone who will always be there for her, even when she thinks she's alone."

Regina adjusts Connor in her arms, all the while observing Little John, tears visibly forming in his eyes. She knows where those unshed tears come from, they all do. That's not the main reason why they chose him out of all of their friends, but knowing it will deepen and strengthen the bond between their families played a fair part in Regina and Robin's decision. This will only make them stronger.

"So, will you, Little John? Will you be our daughter's godfather?" Robin concludes.

It takes less than a second.

Carefully holding Dawn against his chest, Little John opens his free arm, hugs Robin, then gets up to do the same with Regina, who meets him halfway. He replies to their request full of pride and a cheeriness they hadn't seen in months.

"This is the greatest honor! I accept, and I promise you that I will never let her down. I'll make sure she knows she can come to me for any situation."

Regina smiles, satisfied and happy. "Thank you."

"But," their friend continues. "I have something for you, too." He expertly grabs something from his bag, while keeping Dawn safely secured in his arm.

He hands Regina a large piece of fabric, and it takes her a moment, but as she unfolds it, she recognizes what it is, and freezes.

"John?" She asks, waiting for an explanation.

Because in her hands, is the large scarf Amelia used to carry Connor when he was a baby, the one that allowed her to keep up with her everyday life and keep her newborn close to her at every moment.

"She'd love for you to have it."

"But…" Regina puts Connor on the ground, lets her hand run over the fabric softly, blinking several times, too many memories resurfacing at the same time.

"Gina?" Connor calls when he notices her sudden change in mood, glancing between her and the cloth she's holding.

Little John walks closer, tilts Regina's chin up and announces with his usual kindness that she loves so much. "Amelia loved this scarf. I think it was her favorite souvenir of Connor's first year."

"That's why you should keep it!" Regina argues.

"No. That's why you should have it," Little John corrects. He glances down at his confused son, scrapes his blond curls tenderly. "All Amelia wanted was to see you happy, to see you finally have the family you always wanted. She couldn't wait to see you become a mother. And now, knowing that you have Matthew and Dawn, that you take such good care of our boy," he winks at his son before looking up at his friends resolutely, "I know that she's at peace. And the best way to honor her, is to give this," he tilts his chin towards the fabric in Regina's hands, "a second life. To have you, her best friend, use it for your own children."

"And besides," he lets out after a moment, smirking slightly, wanting to ease the atmosphere. "Since Matthew's too big." Regina and Robin find themselves joining Little John in a short but honest chuckle, before the man finishes. "I think it will be perfect for your daughter."

Little John has stopped talking for several seconds, but Regina is still staring at the gift, stunned and speechless. When she looks up, she meets Robin's eyes, and he nods at her, urging her to wrap the scarf around her.

She hesitates, but she does so with trembling hands, stands awkwardly with the sling hanging across her chest, fingers sliding along the material.

Little John comes to stand in front of her and hands Regina her daughter carefully, helping her adjust the baby against her chest, arranging the fabric to secure Dawn closely to her chest.

"There," he steps back. "Perfect."

Regina can't suppress her smile and leans against Robin who wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her temple.

"Stunning," He murmurs in her ear, making her shiver, her smile widening even more.

Regina finds herself drawn to Connor, the little boy watching the adults in confusion, Amelia's little boy, the very one who used to be carried in this sling. She carefully crouches down in front of him and takes his hand.

"Why are you sad, Gina?"

She sniffles and laughs softly, wiping her tears away. "I'm not sad, sweetie. I'm happy, because your daddy just gave me the most beautiful gift." She points to the sling around her, and Dawn sleeping peacefully in it. "This, belonged to your mommy."

The little boy's face lights up and turns into a wide toothy grin, which increases Regina's flutter of her heart. "My mommy?"

"Yes, Connor," she says affectionately. "She used it when you were just a baby, because she loved you so very much. Now, your daddy gave it to me so I can carry Dawn."

"Because you love her very, very much too!" Connor exclaims happily, his smile contagious. None of the three adults imagined the four year-old would accept and understand the situation so easily. So, Regina replies simply, dropping a kiss to his forehead.

"Exactly. I love her as much as I love you."

xxx

Several hours later

"It's Zelena, can I come in? I have an unexpected surprise."

Regina lifts her head from Robin's chest, blinking away the sleep she was drifting into, wipes her face with her hand.

Robin invites Zelena in, allowing his wife a few more seconds to wake up. As expected, Dawn's first night wasn't a restful one. Add to that the accumulated exhaustion from the last months, and the many emotions introducing her to their friends erupted this morning, and you get a very tired Regina, one who dozed off the second she laid down with her husband.

"Hey," Zelena greets softly, taking in the sight of her sister's exhausted features and the peaceful moment the couple was sharing. "Do you feel up to a visit?"

"Of course," Robin nods.

The redhead flips the tent open as if to let someone in, surprising both Regina and Robin who were just expecting Zelena to come in. Until…

"Hello!"

They catch sight of her as she grows into a human size. Regina is on her feet in an instant, hugging Tinkerbell tightly. The fairy smiles and hugs her back. It's been a while since she last visited her friends.

"How have you been, you two?" She asks when she pulls back from Robin's embrace with a wide and shining smile. "You look tired, but I'd say you're happy. Am I correct?"

"You are," Robin confirms. "We couldn't be more thrilled, to be honest."

"That's great, you deserve it." Tinkerbell claps her hands together. "Where is she? Where is your little bundle of joy?"

Regina turns around, carefully lifting a barely awake Dawn from her crib and secures her against her chest, before walking towards the fairy. "How do you know it's a girl?"

"I'll explain it in a second." Tinkerbell leans forward, her face lighting up. Dawn's eyes are staring above her, traces of sleep still visible but her gaze already full of curiosity. Tinkerbell brings a hand to her belly, tickles her gently. "She has your eyes, Robin. And her mother's beauty. She's absolutely gorgeous."

"As our friend, you can't really be considered objective," Regina teases.

Tinkerbell looks up with a mischievous smile and glittering eyes. "Actually," she starts. "You're not entirely wrong. Dawn is special to me."

Regina squeezes the blonde woman's arm affectionately. "Thank you, Tink."

But the fairy shakes her head. "No, Regina. I mean that she really is special to me."

The young parents frown. What does she mean?

Glancing at his daughter, then back at the fairy, Robin questions, "How so?"

Tinkerbell smiles down affectionately at the child, holding out her hands as if asking for permission to hold her, something Regina grants willingly. Once the baby girl is tucked against her chest, Tinkerbell brushes the side of her cheek softly, grinning at the beautiful blue orbs gazing at her.

"Thanks to her, I've gotten a promotion."

"A promotion?"

The fairy raises glistening eyes at the couple. "Yes. I am now a fairy godmother." Before any of them replies, she clarifies. "Dawn's fairy godmother."

Regina tilts her head to the side. "You... What does this mean exactly?"

Tinkerbell clears her throat. "It means that I'll watch over her her entire life, with the sole purpose to make sure that she's happy and safe. Whenever she needs help or feels in distress, I can bring her hope and support. I am also allowed to use my powers to protect her if she were to find herself in any danger. Somehow, Dawn has now become the most important person for me."

Regina and Robin exchange a warm glance, and the brunette wraps an arm around Tinkerbell's shoulder. "Well then, our daughter is a very lucky girl."

xxx

Three days later

After Dawn's birth, Regina and Robin spent the following days locked inside. The need for privacy, the exhaustion caused by lack of sleep, made them retreat to their tent. They spent their time admiring their baby, cuddling her and Matthew, and enjoying every second as a family.

Of course, their friends came to see them. Leanne bid them goodbye as she returned to her village after giving Regina her last recommendations, and there was no way Little John could keep Connor away from Regina for so long.

But after everything they went through to get to this moment, Regina and Robin yearned for some alone time for them and their little family, but more than anything, they longed to feel safe.

Besides, with Dawn waking up every other hour to be fed or changed, neither one of them, especially Regina, were able to rest much. Something more than common for parents of a newborn.

During the day, Matthew goes to school, then does his homework with Zelena's help, much to the woman's joy. Those precious moments with her nephew are part of a routine she appreciates a lot, as being an aunt is a role she fell in love with since the first day she met Matthew. When the boy is done, he joins his parents and baby sister to share precious family time together.

It's pure bliss, Robin thinks as he watches his wife and daughter sleep, snuggled against each other. If all the ordeals they faced were meant to lead to this moment, it was definitely worth it. His heart threatening to explode from the amount of love it holds within. Whenever he lays eyes on his baby, he finds himself mesmerized, fascinated by the little girl, by the way her blue eyes stare at him and her mother with an endless curiosity, how her forehead sometimes wrinkles as if a million questions were floating in her mind. She is truly the most beautiful thing Robin has ever seen. To him, Dawn is a real treasure, and an absolute delight to take care of.

He presses a soft kiss to his wife's temple and his baby's forehead, unwilling to wake them. He carefully gets up, organizing pillows and blankets so Dawn doesn't fall from her parents' large bed.

It's midafternoon, and today the need to get out and breathe in some fresh air is stronger than in the previous days.

He strolls around the camp, greeting his friends and chatting a while, about his daughter mostly, in between lessons and exercises, until duty calls and Robin walks away with the promise of catching up later.

"Hey, Robin!" The kind voice of Vanda draws his attention, making him change direction and head her way.

"Hello! What are you doing here? Isn't it supposed to be school time?"

"It is, but we decided to release them earlier today. The kids are doing great, Zelena and I rewarded them by finishing classes early."

Robin is pleased by the news and the knowledge that their small school is successfully helping children (and now even some adults from the camp) get the basics of education and, for those inclined to study longer, something more. This might help many of them to have a better life than what they would have had.

"Matthew left to practice archery," she informs with a knowing smile.

"Oh!" Robin instinctively turns his head, but the training area is on the other side, blocked from his view. "I'm going to join him then, see if he would like to spend some time with his father."

Vanda tilts her head to the side. "You and Regina have done a wonderful job with him. He has made so much progress with his schoolwork, and he's so much happier now. Did you know that he's actually helping some students learn how to read?"

Robin steps forward, interested, brow shooting up in surprise and, he has to admit, full of pride. "He is?" He genuinely ignored this, and thinking about it that's probably his fault, as he never really took time to speak with Vanda about his son's studies.

"Yes," The brunette confirms warmly. "He's even quite good at teaching. And now that Zelena takes care of half the students, I can focus on thosewho are struggling."

"She loves this job, we've discussed it a few times already."

Vanda laughs softly. "It shows, the kids love her. And if Matthew keeps up his progress, I might end up asking him to help a small group who are having the same difficulties as he did."

Robin's smile widens. "That's great!" Guessing what she's about to ask him, Robin resumes immediately. "You have my word that I won't tell anyone until you decide to make it official." She nods, and he adds. "Thank you, for informing me."

"You're very welcome."

"And Vanda?" Robin calls before she turns away. "I want you to know how grateful I am for what you did for Regina when I was missing. I never got to tell you how much it meant to me."

The short-haired brunette shakes her head, her wavy hair moving against her temples when she chuckles. "Regina and Zelena already thanked me a thousand times. Those two really share an incredible bond."

"They do. Knowing that Zelena was around Regina while she was pregnant and I was at Nottingham all day eased my fears a lot."

"Rest assured when you go back. We'll be here. Regina isn't the first woman to give birth in this camp. We'll help her whenever she needs us."

Robin bobs his head a little. "Thank you, Vanda."

As the practice field slowly comes into view, Robin catches sight of Dean and Arthur instructing the archery class. Regina's class, the one she delegated to her former student for a few months, until she was able to teach with Arthur again. He remembers when she was learning, when he was her teacher. How many incredible moments they spent there. How many fights too. But in the end, she turned out to be better than the Merry Men, becoming the only one able to compete with him.

Robin is deep in thought, smiling absentmindedly when the sight of a figure he knows too well catches his attention.

He walks to his son as Matthew comes back from the target with the arrows in hand. The boy's face lights up instantly when he notices his presence.

"Dad!"

Matthew runs to him, wraps his arms around his father's waist, hugging him close. Robin brings a hand to the boy's neck and back, rubbing softly.

"Hey you! I was told that you decided to practice."

"I did!" Matthew exclaims proudly. "I know mom can't give me lessons for now, but I miss training."

"You had a wonderful idea, if you want my opinion. Do you prefer to practice on your own, or would you like some help from your father?"

Matthew's eyes light up immediately, his smile growing brighter. "You want to give me an archery lesson?"

Robin chuckles at his enthusiasm, rakes a hand through the boy's hair. "Only if you're up for it. Your mother and I spend a lot of time with your sister, it's only fair that we take care of you too."

"Yeah," Matthew shrugs, his smile never fading. "I get it. She's a baby."

Robin cups the boy's chin, "But you're our son. I don't want you to feel left out."

"I don't, dad! I know you love me just like you love Dawn. And aunt Zelena is great. I love spending time with her."

Robin is overwhelmed with pride at his son's words. When they took him in, none of them would have thought that Matthew would ever feel this way. But seeing how he accepts his sister, interacting with her as if she was the most important person in his life, giving her all his love and attention, Robin realizes how wise the boyhas become. His immediate acceptance of his baby sister, without an ounce of jealousy, proves how much Matthew's self-esteem has increased over the last few months, and that he knows he and Regina will remain his parents even with the newest addition to their family.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you so grown-up. By the way, Vanda told me that you're doing really good in school. You made so much progress, Matthew, do you have any idea how proud of you I am?"

"I- A little." Matthew blushes, his smile turning into a timid one. "But it's thanks to you and mom, because of everything you've done for me."

Robin leads his son towards the targets, an arm around his shoulders, before pulling back.

"Alright, then show me what your mother taught you! Last time she talked to me about it, she said it was almost perfect."

The nervousness of his son is clear, because he has never really practiced in front of his father, but Robin puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder, tells him to relax, it's a regular lesson, just as if he was with his mother. No pressure.

So Matthew does that, he applies the rule.

No pressure.

Believe in yourself.

Something his mother keeps telling him. He can do this, he just has to believe it.

So he breathes in.

And out.

In.

Out.

And shoots.

It takes him a second to realize, and it's his father's hands on his shoulder that shakes him out of his stupor.

"Is it me, or did you just execute a perfect shot?"

Matthew blinks a couple of times, stares at the target, his eyes opening wide incredulously, his body slouching forward slightly and frowning as if it would help him see better.

"Is it-?"

"Yes, Matthew," Robin agrees with a chuckle. "I can definitely tell you that you hit the center of the target. And from what I saw, your position was perfect too."

Matthew looks back and forth between his father and the target, smiling, mouth open in awe.

"Wow! Too bad mom missed it."

"Who said I missed it?"

Father and son turn around in one swift movement, the sight of Regina standing a few feet behind them hitting them hard. She wears the tired features of a new mother mixed with the profound joy and love she carries in her heart.

It's with a smile from ear to ear that she joins her boys, one of her hands coming up to cup Matthew's head, the other holding a bunch of clothes close to her chest.

"This was perfect, Matthew. I'm proud of you."

There's only genuine happiness and satisfaction in Matthew's beaming face when he thanks her.

"I thought you were sleeping," Robin addresses his wife.

"I was. But Dawn woke me up not long after you left the tent, and I figured it was time for our little princess to finally see the world."

Matthew peaks over his mother's arm, removes the covers just enough to press a kiss to his sister's temple.

"Hello, baby sis'," he whispers above her, grinning and brushing her chin with the back of his finger.

"Princess?" Robin questions, faking a shocked face. "My daughter isn't a princess! She's a thief!"

Regina chuckles, adjusts the baby in her arms. "Well, if you prefer, she's the princess of thieves. Since you are the leader of the Merry Men…"

"Oh!" Robin realizes, then smirks. "I can work with that."

"But you're not supposed to be thieves anymore, right?" Matthew asks. "Now, you're Sheriff, and mom trains people to become guards!"

"But deep down, Matthew, some things never change," Robin declares warmly. "In our heart, the Merry Men will always be thieves before anything else. Even if life has forced us to change our ways, we will never forget who we really are. Thieves who took from the rich, to give to the poor."

xxx

One week later

Zelena puts a hand on Robin's shoulder to catch his attention, which has him looking up from Matthew's writing with a questioning look.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but Alan just informed me that he made special plans for us tonight. Can you take care of Dawn, or should I tell him to reschedule?" She tilts her chin towards her chest, where Dawn wriggles in the baby sling, her tiny body hidden by the fabric.

"Oh no, of course! Give me my daughter and go enjoy your evening!"

"Are you sure?" Zelena asks again. "Because I was supposed to watch over her to give you and Regina some time alone with Matthew and Connor. I don't want to-"

Robin cuts her off. "Go, Zelena! Intimate moments like this are a rare and precious thing. I can handle my two kids."

"Alright." Zelena hands him his daughter. "Thank you!" She ruffles Matthew's hair affectionately, cups his chin softly, before tickling the newborn's belly. "Have a good evening! And be good to your dad, you two!"

"Bye, aunt Zelena!"

Matthew bends over his sister immediately, and runs a tender hand over her stomach, tickling her chin and laughing when Dawn grabs his finger. He's so focused on her that he doesn't even notice his father intensely looking at him, until Robin clears his throat.

Matthew startles, meets his father's amused gaze, glances at Dawn who has released his finger, and then back at his father.

"Homework first," Robin decides. "Then you can have some time with your sister."

Matthew sighs, but complies, grabs his quill and turns his attention back to his book. Robin lets Dawn play with his finger while he dutifully checks his son's work. Despite the tiredness of a full day spent working, he wouldn't trade moments like these for anything.

xxx

A few hours later

"She sleeping?"

Matthew smiles at Connor, crouches enough so the toddler can have a look at the baby in his arm.

"Yes. I'm going to put her to bed."

"Can I come?"

Matthew waits for his mother's approval, and Regina nods, adding that she's coming to supervise, gets up from her seat, the children following suit.

Robin watches them leave with a content sigh.

"The boys are completely smitten with her."

"We all are," Little John admits, his friend looking back at him. "Your daughter is adorable."

"She is. But I would love to have a full night of uninterrupted sleep."

"I told you, you didn't have to come back to work so early. Dealing with criminals and complaints all day when you've barely slept a couple of hours is alright once, but not regularly."

"I've been absent for several days already."

Little John rolls his eyes. "You have a newborn baby."

"You and Colin have kids too," Robin points out.

"I said a newborn, Robin. Our kids are older and are taken care of. You should enjoy your family for a bit longer. You deserve this! Plus, the new recruits are very efficient, they are even able to spend a day without any of us supervising."

The blonde man absentmindedly plays with an asperity of the wood. He wants to accept John's offer, more than anything. The few days off he took when Dawn was born were a blessing and allowed him to spend time with his family, something he misses terribly since he went back to work.

However, he is the sheriff. He's responsible for what happens at the sheriff's office, has to be informed about every arrest and intervention. He makes the schedules, fills most of the paperwork. His men handled everything while he was off and nothing went wrong, he trusts Little John to be extremely thorough, but it was only a few days. Isn't it too much to stay away for another whole week? Even if he wouldn't take that into consideration, as much as he misses and loves his family, he adores his job. Being able to protect people, to be paid for it, to see the gratefulness in the eyes of a woman who was being robbed and whose attackers are arrested by his team, is so rewarding. It reminds him of old times, when they were bringing bags of food and some money to families in need. Except that he's no outlaw anymore. Now he represents the law. He makes justice for the good and the underdog. Added to his family life, that's what makes him happy and satisfied.

"Maybe half the week? And then for the next weeks I'll take a day off if I feel too tired?" He offers when he looks up. "That way I get to rest and spend time with Regina and the kids, but I won't have to catch up on too many things."

Little John shakes his head, but lifts his glass of ale and clinks it with Robin's.

"Works for me. Deal!"

"Hello!"

Zelena's cheerful voice interrupts them, John almost choking on his beverage as he's startled. A hand slapping him on his back a couple of times until his cough subsides.

Alan sits down on the bench next to him.

"What's happening here?" The young man asks.

Little John recovers from his cough fit, wipes the corner of his mouth and declares proudly. "I just convinced Robin to take a few more days off to enjoy his family."

Alan lifts an eyebrow. "Nicely played! This man is addicted to work."

"I'm sure Regina and Matthew will be happy to hear that," Zelena adds when she sits next to Alan. "Speaking of my sister, where is she?"

Robin tilts his chin towards his tent. "She's helping Matthew and Connor put Dawn to bed. She should be back any minute. How was your evening?"

An unexpected silence answers him, a look being exchanged between the couple, making the two friends frown.

"Oh, I know that look!" Little John says staring at Alan. "Alan, what did you do?"

"Can we wait until Regina is here?" Zelena asks.

"I'm here."

The joyful voice of her sister comes from behind her, the brunette taking place next to her sister, settling Connor on her lap while Matthew runs to his aunt, hugging her tight.

"Dawn's sound asleep. We may have a couple of hours before she wakes up, if we're lucky," Regina announces happily. Facing the silence of the group, she glances between them, frowning, then remembering her sister's words before she joined them. "Why did you want to wait for me?" she asks suspiciously.

"Apparently Alan did something, but they refused to tell us what until you were here," Robin mischievously stares at his sister-in-law and friend, as if trying to find out whatever secret they're hiding.

"Oh!" Regina pushes Connor's messy hair from his forehead softly, presses her cheek against his temple and rocks him a bit when he leans against her chest, seeking some cuddles. "I'm curious now! What is it?"

The couple locks eyes, smiling slightly, then grinning. They face the group, and Zelena inhales deeply, closing then opening her shining eyes.

"Alan asked me to marry him, and I said yes!"

xxx

Two weeks later

"He's here! Open the door!"

It's an impatient and cheerful crowd of men and women that welcomes Tuck back at the Merry Men's camp, after many months away.

Regina can barely hold back her joy, but she stays behind, waits for her friend to have hugged everyone. She exchanges a look with Robin, who's by her side, and together they glance down at the child resting against her chest. Dawn is peacefully laying in Regina's arms, bright blue eyes scanning everything around her, maybe perplexed, probably curious. She's absolutely charming in the white dress Snow White, David and Ruth offered her last week. The Queen and Prince unfortunately could only spend one night at the camp as they had many meetings to attend. However, they promised to come back for Zelena and Alan's wedding, which has been planned for the following week so Tuck could officiate the ceremony.

Regina looks up when she hears the warm and familiar voice she missed so much coming closer.

"Well, what do we have here?"

The corner of her lips tips up, and Regina revels in the endearment enveloping her as her friend lays an affectionate gaze on her. She adjusts Dawn in her arms so Tuck can get a good look at her.

"A perfectly healthy almost one month-old little girl."

She hands Dawn to her friend when he opens his arms for her. Tuck holds the child close and rocks her expertly, his thumb brushing her forehead. Dawn makes a soft sound, her eyes staring at him for a moment before her fist points to the sky.

"Hello, beautiful. Did you parents ever tell you that you are an absolute delight?"

"Only fifty times a day," Robin replies innocently. "At least!"

The three adults share a small laugh, one that turns into a melting grin when Dawn gives them her most beautiful smile. For a moment, they observe her as she stretches and sighs, meeting their eyes and making different faces, smiling or yawning, her cuteness stealing their hearts and plastering big smiles on their faces.

"She has already taken to you," Regina says while Dawn plays with Tuck's finger, bending a little to have a good view of her baby girl.

"And what is this wonder's name?" Tuck questions.

"Dawn. She's… the beginning of a new adventure, a new life. She's our new start," Robin explains quietly, not looking up from his daughter.

Tuck understands and agrees with his friends' choice, satisfied to see them move forward with their lives. "That's a beautiful name."

He adjusts Dawn against his chest, and opens his free arm, an invitation for his friends.

Regina doesn't wait. She enters this cocoon of warmth and care she missed so much, her nose burying in Tuck's neck and breathing him in. It feels so good. This man is so important to her, and now he's finally back, after so long.

"I missed you," she breathes when she pulls back.

"I missed you too," Tuck says, cupping her chin gently before embracing Robin. "But I'm back now. And I have so much to do! Where is the happy couple?"

Regina gathers her daughter while Robin calls for Alan and Zelena.

"Come with me, you two!" Tuck announces with authority, wrapping an arm around the two fiancés' shoulders and leading them away. "Let me drop my bags in my tent and then we have to discuss wedding arrangements."

xxx

A week later

"She's so cute!" Snow squeals, excited, marveling at Dawn as the baby stares curiously at the small stuffed wolf the Queen is holding above her.

"Someone is definitely fond of babies," David mocks gently, nudging his mother's shoulder playfully.

"David, you can't deny that Dawn is the most beautiful baby you've ever seen!" Snow White counteracts, pretending to be shocked by his words.

The young woman's enthusiasm brings a smile to Ruth's lips, who's rocking Dawn, trying to keep her calm during the ceremony.

"Technically, she's the first baby I see who isn't a sheep or a horse, so I have no other option but to say yes."

"Shhh!" Ruth orders. "Stay quiet, it's about to start."

Alan stands in front of Tuck, with Robin, his best man, just next to him.

The music begins, the last murmurs dying down as they all turn to look behind them.

Matthew, all cleaned up, slowly and proudly advances towards the aisle, holding a small flat cushion on top of which rest the rings. He holds his breath, anxious, but unable to refrain from smiling. He stops next to his father, Robin smiling reassuringly and wrapping an arm around his shoulders, keeping him close.

And then, the women arrive. Vanda comes first, as Zelena's maid of honor, dressed in a simple but elegant green dress. She's followed by Regina who's granted with the honor of giving her sister's hand to Alan. Considering how Zelena's father has no place in her life anymore, and that Regina is the most important person for her, the decision to ask her to walk her down the aisle had been easy.

The young mother proudly walks towards her friends and husband with Zelena gripping her arm tightly, her sister's hand trembling. Regina remembers how she had felt the same nervous yet excited feeling before her own wedding, so she squeezes discreetly, attempting to reassure her.

Regina looks ahead, catches sight of her husband and son, of Tuck, ready for the ceremony, and more importantly, of the soon-to-be husband. Alan's eyes have lit up since Zelena made her appearance, and while Regina is well aware that he is totally crazy about her sister, she also can't deny that Zelena looks absolutely gorgeous today.

Her sister is wearing a white dress clinging to her body until mid-hip, then widening gradually to the hem, accentuating her form. The neckline follows the curve of the collarbone to the very tip of her shoulders, and long sleeves made of lace cover her arms. Her hair is loose and curly over her shoulders, its bright color contrasting with and illuminating the shining white of her dress. This is a much more refined dress than the one Regina wore, a gift from the Queen, and it fits Zelena perfectly.

The bride is stunning, and today is a beautiful day.

Looking around, Regina smiles. She catches sight of many of her friends, of Little John and Connor, of Snow, David and Ruth holding Dawn in her arms. She winks at Tinkerbell, who was granted with the permission to attend the wedding. She takes in the sight of the breathtaking clearing the couple has chosen for the ceremony, of this forest where she spent the most important years of her life, the same forest that was so threatening at first, but brought her everything she didn't know she needed. She locks eyes with her son, her wonderful boy who's growing up so fast. And then she meets Robin's eyes, shining and staring at her with so much love she sometimes thinks it can't be real. But it is. And when she gives her sister's hand to Alan, entrusting him with Zelena's life and happiness, her only wish is for them to be blessed with a wonderful and happy life.

xxx

An hour later

"I'd say Dawn is one of the centers of attention today."

Regina laughs softly, leans against Robin's chest when he wraps his arms around her waist, both grinning widely at the scene before them.

Snow is carefully holding Dawn, cuddling and rocking her gently, whispering soft words to her. Since the moment she met her, the young Queen has shown a profound interest and tenderness for the little girl, raving about her beauty, her cuteness, not missing one opportunity to have her in her arms. And she hasn't been the only one. Ruth already admitted how much she misses times when David was so small she could carry him with one arm.

As for Tinkerbell, she's spent as much time as possible with her goddaughter since she was born, sometimes sneaking in for a few minutes while she's supposed to be somewhere else, just for the pleasure to see the child's incredible blue eyes and press a kiss to her forehead.

"Go dance, you two!" Tinkerbell waves her hand in their direction, urging the parents to go and have some fun together. "She's safe with us."

It's with a light heart and a deep laugh that Robin drags his wife towards the dancers. How long has it been since the last time they enjoyed themselves so much? It feels like forever.

They follow the fast rhythm of the music, disappearing in the crowd, exchanging partners several times, until the music slows down, wives going back to their husbands.

Regina wraps her arms around Robin's neck, taking in the atmosphere around her, and lets out a content sigh.

"What is it, my love? You seem thoughtful."

She glances up and smiles widely at her husband, giving his neck a little squeeze.

"I'm just taking a moment to realize how great my life has turned out." She pauses, presses herself closer against him, not breaking eye-contact. "Years ago, when I lost Daniel, I never imagined that I could ever be happy, that I would be able to love someone again. I believed Daniel was my one and only true love, and that my future was bound to consist of loneliness and sadness. But thanks to you, I grew up, and my heart is now the most resilient it's ever been. Seeing where I am, here, right now, surrounded by our friends, our family, our children, people I met thanks to you," she nuzzles his nose tenderly. "I know that I was born to find you, Robin. You helped me overcome my past, you offered me an incredible happy life many would dream of. And I have absolutely no doubt about the fact that you, Robin of Locksley, you are my future."