Early that evening, Victor Whale arrived at the new forest settlement, driven in Ruby's pick up. Although he'd often entertained romantic thoughts towards her years past, Ruby's return to Storybrooke with Dorothy, three years ago, had made him realise her affections lay elsewhere. And frankly, he knew she deserved a lot better than him! Despite that, a firm friendship had grown between the doctor and the two women over the past few years, as he helped Ruby, with Archie Hopper, cope with depression following her grandmother's death, and suddenly having the responsibility for the café she'd inherited. Dorothy also found the transition a shock. In turn, they had helped Victor wean himself off his alcohol addiction.

Unlike the residents of Storybrooke, the Merry Men and the forest dwellers generally treated Victor with courtesy, and respect. To their minds, anyone devoting their life to curing sickness, was always welcomed and he'd made many new friends here. The latest being Caroline, the young widow of a former fletcher who'd died ten years ago. Ruby knew Caroline was interested in the doctor, though Victor was still plucking up the courage to actually ask her on a date.

"Vic, I'm telling you, she really likes you. Just ask her out! Why are you waiting?"

"Nerves, Rubes. It's been a while since I've done this, and I don't exactly have a great track record with women now, do I? Since that time with Snow, I'm not sure what she said, but every woman thinks I'm a sleaze and only after one-night stands! I wanted to ask you out, but before I plucked up the guts, you turned out to be gay! I guess I just lost my confidence after that…"

Ruby sniggered. "Don't be daft, Vic! Snow's never bad-mouthed you, even if David acted like an ass about it! Everyone was cursed, anyway. As for me, you know full well if I'm anything, I'm bi, not gay. It just happens I finally fell in love with another woman, and she's it for me. If you'd asked me out before I met her, I would have said yes. Stop beating yourself up! You're a decent guy, who just need a little more self confidence..."

"But the rumours hurt, you know?"

"Never heard those 'rumours', and I've got good hearing! You know, there's a few rumours about me too? One said Belle and I used to make out in the library. Belle! Gold would've skinned me alive! Then there was even one about Snow and me. It's so stupid, she's my best friend and I love David. He stopped me being killed by half the town, for god's sake! Just because I wore short skirts and flirted a bit for tips, then fell in love with another woman, everyone assumes I was shagging half the women in Storybrooke! Dot's my first real relationship, and my last. Just ignore the idiots, and get out there. There's someone for you too, Victor, if you just get on and pluck up the courage. I for one, think it's a particularly feisty blonde with long legs, and boobs to die for!"

Victor finally sniggered. "Thanks, though I'm not sure I feel comfortable you admiring Carrie's boobs! You've got an impressive set of your own, two pair if you include Dot's. That's more than enough!" Ruby chuckled too, as they parked up at the end of the track where the Merry Men's tents used to be. Seeing the new buildings, the pair looked at the crowd, outside what looked like a gorgeous English pub set in the middle ages.

"Holy crap!" said Ruby

"Bloody hell!" said Whale. "The perfect pub - and it's your round, Rubes!"

Over the course of the afternoon, word had spread to Storybrooke about the new settlement and its pub, and it seemed everyone had come to see. The crowd got slowly larger over the evening, people coming to what the fuss was about. Ashley Boyd, who ran the local nursery, had volunteered to look after the little ones, as she was unable to drink and needed the cash. So Honour Mills was tucked up safely up with her daughter Alex, one of the girl's best friends, playing in one of the new master bedrooms upstairs. Everyone in the large bar downstairs had broken into groups, andin one corner, on a comfy red couch, sat Regina and Emma, looking at everyone milling around.

Regina's eyes rarely strayed from Robin, who was currently surrounded by a small group, including Philip, Mulan and Aurora. Plus a tall, blonde woman, seemed to have attached herself to his arm!

"Who is that woman?"

"What woman?" said Emma, taking another slug from her glass.

"That tall blonde over there, beside Robin. The skinny, trampy-looking one, stuck to him like a limpet!"

Emma looked over at a tall, rather beautiful, and well-dressed woman, who seemed to be flirting with Locksley. "Can't say I've seen her before. Though I'd hardly say she's trampy! She's pretty hot!"

Ignoring her, Regina never took her eyes off Robin and his admirer, scowling when the unknown woman's arm went around Robin's waist at the back. Robin didn't step away but instead slid his own around her shoulder, as they listened to Aurora. Clearly, she was not unknown to him, which made Regina even more irritated. "Why's she pawing him?"

Feeling hurt, Emma was just about to make a snarky remark back, when a large frame appeared in front of her, banging another foaming glass of beer in front of her. "'Ere Em, 'ave another pint on me? Looks like you two need it!" said John, as he also laid a glass of red in front of the brunette and eyeing the scowl. "Somethin' wrong, Gina?"

"John – who's that woman with Robin?"

"What?" He followed her gaze, "Ah, you mean Carrie? She's Rob's cousin! She was always thick as thieves with his sister, Maria. Carrie's his father's niece. We thought they'd both died years ago! She's a lovely girl. You should meet her. Come on, I'll introduce you!" Then, brooking no room to argue, he lifted their drinks up in one hand and turned to take her hand, encouraging her to join him.

"Er, no John, it's fine! I don't want to disturb them, they're…"

"Nonsense! Come along…you too, Emma. You've both been sat here chewing wasps for the last half hour. Come join the party!" With that, he wrapped his arm around her, moving her to join the group, Emma bringing up the rear. John had a wonderful quiet self-confidence, that always had a calming effect on the former mayor and sheriff. "Now then you lot! Come along. Rob, Phil, Rory, widen up and let us join in there? Carrie, let me introduce you to our friends, Regina and Emma Swan-Mills! Ladies, this 'ere is Lady Caroline Locksley," he gently pressed Regina's back, encouraging her to step closer.

Trying to avoid looking directly at Robin, Regina was a little surprised to see the tall blonde step directly in front of her, proffering her hand. Looking up, she couldn't help but notice an obvious similarity between the woman and Robin. The eyes. The same full smile, which was almost flirtatious, probably by nature. She immediately felt a little stupid and ashamed for the ridiculous snide remarks she'd made about the woman. Now closer, Regina could see that Caroline was actually rather beautiful. It must run in the family, she thought. And elegantly dressed too!

"John, I've told you so many times - drop the handle?" the woman gently admonished him, albeit with a smile. "Hello, Mrs. Swan-Mills. I hate titles, don't you? Please just call me Carrie. I've been dying to meet you. I've heard so much about you!" she said, taking Regina's hand in her own, while bringing her left hand to gently grasp Regina's forearm. Regina smiled back.

"Then please call me Regina, Carrie," she hesitated with a small smile, before sensing a light touch on her arm. "I'm sorry, Robin never told me about you. I can see the family likeness!"

After a moment's intense look between them, which the brunette felt almost searched her soul, Carrie gently released her grip, moving across to Emma. "And so, you must be Emma, her beautiful wife, I gather?" She gently gripped the Saviour's arm in a similar manner.

"How do you know me?" said Emma, as always straight to the point, and a little irritated at the woman's easy warmth towards Regina.

"I met Roland and your gorgeous little girl today. He told me so much about you both. I also met your Henry. My, he's an intelligent young man, isn't he? You must be so proud?"

Robin watched the exchange, seeing a look of confusion. "Gina, Carrie's my dad's niece. His brother's daughter, hence the name! I was sure she'd perished along with my sister. Some years earlier, Carrie came to live with us, and I've always regarded her as another sister." He said with pride, again hugging Caroline's side. "She's just given me some astonishing news. I've just learned Maria also escaped the fire…" he sounded almost tearful, as he explained. "I never told you about Maria, or some of my family history, because the memory was just too painful…" he trailed off, looking down. Carrie picked up the story.

"My father refused to submit to King John's rule during the persecutions, so he and my mother were murdered by his guards. Robin's father got us out in the nick of time, and they raised me as one of their own. Robin, Maria and I grew up together. Until Rob was forced to leave to fight for the king."

"Well we're here now, safe," he pulled her in closer, kissing her forehead. "However, now I know Maria's alive, I have to find her."

At the other side of the bar, Ruby and Dorothy sat hunched around a small table with Merlin, the women having pigeonholed him for a private conversation, the moment he was alone. Ruby, although embarrassed to start, had begun telling him about their wish for a baby, and his own daughter's comments. The Sorcerer sat back, finishing his pint as he considered his response.

"Well, Anna was partially correct. It is possible."

"For Rubes and I to have a baby…together?"

"Well, yes...and no. Life can be created in a laboratory, with DNA from two women, or two men for that matter. But currently, it wouldn't be fully viable. Any child resulting would have limited natural defences. However, here you live in a land with magic, so…there is a way." The women sat up, waiting for him to go on.

"Basically, we remove fertile eggs from your ovaries. That's both of you. We 'fuse' them in pairs, using magic, before returning them back to your ovaries. Then we introduce the sperm from a donor and, all being well, at some point you conceive. The resulting child would have fifty percent genes from the male and fifty percent from the female's combined fused eggs." He paused before continuing. "Though there is a catch."

"The baby wouldn't be healthy?"

"Actually, the baby would be as healthy as any other. However, as the eggs will have been created with magic involved, it would require sperm from a donor who also possessed magic for. As a result, it's also possible that the child would possess magic too.

Dorothy frowned. "So, we'd need sperm from a guy with magic? That sort of limits us, doesn't it?"

"Don't give up just yet, Kansas," Ruby held her hand "Who do we know with magic in Storybrooke?"

"Well, there's Gold?"

"Out of the question!" Ruby gasped at the thought. "The Dark One? No chance!"

"Robin?"

"Great genes, perfect father material - but I can't see him going for it somehow! He's already got three kids in town, if you include little Robyn. Plus, you've seen the looks Regina keeps giving him? I could see those two hooking up again at some point. And I wouldn't want to make an enemy of her!"

"Henry?"

"Too young. And an you imagine how Emma and Regina would react?"

"Jefferson?"

"Again, handsome and a good dad. But his sanity? Wouldn't want a child of mine inheriting that!"

"Actually," Merlin interrupted them. "Mr. Hatter's issues are the result of mercury poisoning. He used it in making the hats. But I think there are other reasons he wouldn't be suitable."

Dorothy sighed, exasperated. "Then the only other guy I know here with magic is you!" Dorothy sighed. The women looked up at him. "Merlin, I can't imagine you would be willing?"

"Ladies," he placed a comforting palm on top of their joined hands. "Before we look at other options, there is one more unattached male, with magic, you have overlooked…"

As he spoke, the pub door opened, and the women looked across at the latest arrival.

"Alright, thief? Where's that bloody drink you owe me?" yelled Killian to the group at the bar.

Ruby raised her brow, smirking at her girlfriend. "Worth a try?"

"Let him get a drink or two inside him first. Then we'll talk."

"Mulan, I'm delighted!" said Robin, wrapping his friend in a hug, "You'll make a wonderful mother! Just like Rory here. Phil, you're a lucky old dog!"

Aurora smirked. "He's a 'dog' now? So, what does that make us? His 'bitches'?"

Philip roared with laughter. "Now if I'd said that, they'd kill me!"

Emma and Regina appeared, drinks in hand. "I didn't realise you knew Mulan so well, Robin?"

Mulan answered for him. "I've known Robin quite some time, Regina. After I left these two,"she gave Aurora a sad smile, "Rob offered me a place among the men. These guys are now my brothers!" She smirked at John and Will. "They pulled me out of a dark place. And Neal, of course."

"Neal?" said Emma. "You mean my Neal? 'Baelfire' Neal?"

"Henry's father, yes. Rob and I met him after he arrived in the forest, injured. He was desperate to get to Neverland to save Henry. The only man I knew who ever managed to escape that horrible place twice. They helped me open up to my real feelings." A knowing look passed between her and Aurora.

"Aye, Neal's sorely missed," agreed Robin. At which point a shout rang across from the door.

"Alright, thief? Where's that bloody drink you owe me?" yelled Killian, to a cheer from the bar, as he walked over to Robin, grinning. "Someone said you've been doing some building? Nice little shack, by the way!"

Robin wrapped the man in a brief hug. "Hello, pirate. Missing me already?" before looking across at who was manning the bar. "Gilbert, could we have a pint for this old reprobate please? Nothing too strong, he can't take his drink, this one!" More laughs from the crowd.

"Oi, I take that as a personal insult! It's our thief here who can't take his ale! Any decent rum behind that bar?" he shouted.

"Later Jones, later." John calmed. "First you'll try a drop of the magically brewed, for one week only, Locksley Ale."

"Locksley Ale? In the Earl of Locksley pub?" snarked Killian, but with no malice. "Not getting a little grand with the titles in your old age, eh thief?"

"Oh, do shut up!" Robin harrumphed, "I had nothing to do with the name! It was Annabelle and the guys. That sign outside's got to go!"

"No!" yelled John, Philip and Gilbert Whitehand together, as the latter handed Killian his beer, along with another for Robin.

"Absolutely not!" agreed Mulan.

"Robin, nobody here even knew you held the title, or came from royalty. It's good and you're a good 'royal'. I say we keep it!" agreed Aurora.

"Well I like it," said Regina. "I agree with Aurora. You should keep it! Gives the place a certain charm."

Robin had avoided Regina's gaze all evening, as it seemed to bring out a sadness in him. And a longing. A longing he was desperate to supress. She's a married woman now! Before he had a chance to reply, John had already climbed up on to the bar.

"Ladies, Gents, and the rest of you 'orrible lot! Your attention please!" The noisy hubbub of the pub stopped to listen to the gentle giant. "Rob's given us this fine pub and village here today!" cheers rang out before John waved his arms for them to be quiet, so he could continue. "However, he's not too keen on the name of our new 'ostelry!" Robin cringed, his face in his hand. "Now I know it's supposed to be his decision, as it is his pub. But knowing what a very 'democratic' fellow he is, I'm sure he would agree with a majority vote here. So…all those in favour of permanently naming this fine establishment the Earl of Locksley, raise your hand and say Aye!"

"AYE" rang out loudly from all around the room, all but one raising a hand in the air.

"Motion carried…my Lord!" John shouted down to Robin, as cheers and laughter rang out on all sides. Robin slowly rolled his eyes in resignation.

"You've been well tucked up there…My Lord!" chuckled Killian as everyone turned to Robin, expecting a reply.

"All right, all right! You win! The Earl of Locksley it is. But on one condition. Only if you all drop that 'My Lord' crap! Some of my ancestors may have come from royalty, but I didn't, even if Merlin say's the title's mine!" Cheers followed. "Now enjoy your drinks - not too many mind! As tonight's is on the house. But tomorrow, I expect help from all of you, to build our new clinic and get this place finished!" More cheers and slaps on the back.

Emma stood back, watching the group clustered around him, when her eyes drifted across to Henry, now seated at a corner table, deep in conversation with Merlin and Gold. What the hell's that all about? As the was about to step over to them, a hand landed softly on her arm.

"Emma," she looked up to see Killian Jones, "may I speak to you for a moment?"

"Come to make me feel guilty? Again?"

"No. I came over to apologise..." Well there's a surprise.

"Let's go over here…" she walked towards a side table. "So we're not overheard."

"Emma, when I came back on Saturday, for me we'd only been parted three weeks, even though for you it was five long years. I said some stupid things to you, because I was angry and hurt. But you didn't deserve them. You grieved, and you had the right to move on. I guess my grieving, over us, started only days ago. So in my frustration I lashed out at you. When you had that falling out with your boy, I just twisted the knife. Then again at the convent. It was unworthy, and wrong of me. So I apologise."

"Killian…"

"No, Swan, let me finish! I know we're over, and I can finally accept that. But I want you to know I'll always treasure the time we had. You changed me, Swan! Me, a worthless pirate. I've done some pretty vile and despicable things in my time, that I'm not proud of. But you seemed to see something in me, and I'll always be grateful for the love we had. Yes, it's behind us now, and I'll be leaving at the weekend. It's unlikely you'll see me again, Emma, so I just wanted to say that, despite this week, I want nothing more than for you to be happy. You've found love, and I wish you well."

Emma knew he meant every word. "Thanks." she almost whispered the words. "I did love you, Killian. With all my heart. It's just…"

"No need for explanations - you don't need to say anything." He picked up her right hand, placing a small kiss on the back. "Be happy, Swan. I'll always remember you." It sounded like a final parting, bringing a painful lump to her throat, and a tear to her eye.

On the other side of the room, Henry finally had the Sorcerer and Rumple to himself. "So I don't get it? How come I have magic? I get that grandpa David and grandma Snow have 'True Love', so my ma got magic from them. But my dad and ma? They never had it, did they? She got pregnant in prison and they spent most of my life apart. How could I get it? And then there's Zelena and mum. Cora was horrible and never loved anybody! How come they all had magic?

The Sorcerer looked at him kindly. "Henry, it's much more complicated than that. Magic can be inherited from strong genes, as in the case of Cora, Regina and Zelena. From receiving a curse, like Mr. Gold here. Or even a rare gift from the gods, like Robin and Mr. Jones.

"Henry, you can't be sure Bae and Emma didn't have true love," added Rumple. "It comes in many forms. Your mothers both woke you from curses, didn't they? That was true love! A love a father feels for his child, that can be true love. You can have many true loves in your life…"

"And if one of those loves is also a 'soulmate', that's a much stronger combination! A soulmate knows you better than anyone else. Some think you can only have one soulmate, but I disagree. Over hundreds of years I have seen many people with more than one soulmate and I believe Princess Aurora over there is an example," the Sorcerer looked over at the happy trio.

"So if my dad were to come back…"

Henry," said Merlin. "It is only a slim possibility that your father would return. Do not spend the rest of your days waiting for it to happen! You've two mothers, both living, who love you beyond measure. Use your time with them wisely. You'll miss them so much when they are no longer around to guide you."

His smile dimmed as he thought about the last three days. "Yeah. But I don't think they want to be with me too much right now. I've been kinda horrible to them! Since Robin and Killian came back. I said some pretty nasty stuff…"

"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!" Merlin interjected, earning a raised brow from Henry, before adding, "Shakespeare, King Lear?"

"You think I should apologise again?"

"Without question, regardless of where blame lies! Henry, whatever your slight, I'm quite sure they'll forgive you almost anything. You should do the same. They're only human, and so are you."

As Emma sat, watching Henry talking to the two men, nursing her beer, she saw him glance back at her. She was clearly a part of the conversation. She hardly noticed someone sit down beside her on the next chair.

"Emma, may I talk to you?" said Robin, his voice low. She nodded for him to continue.

"I meant what I said yesterday. About not getting in the way of you and Regina. I know I've caused some difficulties for you these last days, but-" it was Emma's turn to interrupt.

"It's okay Robin, I get it! I believe you. You read my mind accidentally, and let me read yours. But no matter what we say or do, the fact remains Regina IS still in love with you! I saw her bring you back from death! Nothing can change that. True love's kiss and all that bollocks? She's still in love with both of us and I guess I have to deal with it. Somehow."

"Emma, I have the same feelings for her. That's why it's just too painful to be around her now. She's married, so that's why I'll be staying away from Storybrooke, permanently. I'll live here in the village and forest. So you, Regina and I need to figure out some sort of schedule for us all to spend time with Honour. And little Robyn, though that leaves me with another problem…"

"Robin, that won't be enough! You've talked to Tink. What Gold said is, unfortunately, true. The only way we'll prevent her sliding into depression again is by Regina 'being' with you. 'Mating' with you. And frankly, I'd rather she did that than watch her be unhappy the rest of her life! There's even a strong likelihood that if she doesn't, she'll slip into depression, and possibly..."

Her eyes started to redden. Robin gently put his hand on her arm, wanting to comfort her but not wishing to make her uncomfortable. "But what about you, Emma? What would that do to you? Knowing your wife had lain with me? I'm sorry, I couldn't do that to you!"

She knew he meant every word. That was what was so frustrating. He was a genuinely nice guy and, looking at the sadness in his eyes, she understood. Though he hid it, he was clearly going through all the pain and heartache that Regina was. Desperate to stop anyone seeing her weep, she pushed her head down, sniffling slightly. But he moved closer, bringing an arm around her back, gently pulling her in. She rested her forehead on his upper chest, trying not to be noticed. It worked, until a voice came from beside her.

"Emma, Robin? What's wrong?" Regina whispered close to the blonde's ear, trying not to draw attention to them.

"It's ok Regina. She was feeling a little 'off'", Robin deflected.

"Emma, talk to me. What's wrong?" Emma separated from Robin, her head still down.

"It's ok, Gina. Just…let's go," The blonde stuttered. "I'm not feeling so good."

"Regina, as Honour's upstairs, Tuck's reserved the master bedroom for you both. Go up the staircase over there," he pointed. "It's the first big door on the first floor. It's all made up for you. Honnie's asleep in the adjoining room, and Alex and Ashley are in with her, so she'll be expecting you!" She nodded, taking her wife's hand. He took their free hands in his own. "Good night, you two. Sleep well…"

That's when they felt it! All three of them. A sudden spasm, a fierce burst of energy, that seemed to charge through them like an electric current! Emma shuddered, looking at Robin, as it seemed to happen the moment he touched her hand! He stepped back. "Sorry, did I just cause that?"

The women both stared, open mouthed, before looking at each other in shock. Regina seemed the first to recover. "Don't worry. You've magic now, so it could be anything," she lied. "Emma, I think I'll come up with you?"

The pair bid goodnight to some of the other guests, before walking across the room towards the large corner staircase leading to the first floor. As he and Merlin sat at a table close by, Rumple drained his scotch. However, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Merlin surreptitiously twitch a finger in the direction of the women, as they passed.

A pale octarine light, invisible to all but magical practitioners, passed, in an instant, behind the back of the pair as they walked on. Lasting less than a second, it twirled quickly around their waists twice. The light appeared to draw two more colours, purple & white, from around the women before the three colours merged and dissipated. Nobody had seen it but Rumple, who was surprised the two women hadn't noticed it or reacted.

The Dark One smirked, addressing Merlin, though still looking down at his glass. "A fertility spell?"

"A potency one actually." He whispered back. "I gave the archer one as well, a little earlier."

"For what reason, may I ask?"

"For reasons which will be revealed in the fullness of time." he answered, cryptically.

At another round table close by, Killian Jones sat opposite Ruby & Dorothy, all three hunching closer to avoid being overheard. "So, ladies, let's see if I've got this right. Merlin's going to combine your eggs together, so if either of you got pregnant, you would both be his or her natural mothers?"

"That's it, though we'd still need the seed, from a male with magic, for it to work. To get pregnant."

"Male with magic. You mean the father? So, what role would he, or I, have in the life of this child?"

Ruby frowned. She hadn't thought of that. What role would he have?

Dorothy stepped in. "Well, as for raising a child, Ruby & I would be the legal guardians, and bring it up, obviously. Sorry, that sounds selfish, but I just assumed any donor would want nothing to do with it! Look, I understand if you have a problem with this, and sorry to have brought it up, but…" she felt embarrassed, and started to stand up. "Ruby, perhaps we should go..."

Before she fully rose, Killian placed his hand on hers. "Calm yourself! I just want to understand. This is a big step, but I am willing."

"You are?" Ruby nearly screeched with excitement. "Oh Killian, thank you, thank you…"

"Hold on love - let me finish! I do have a couple of conditions though. Firstly, if what your planning is successful and one of you does go on to produce said child, I want you to be completely honest with him or her, from the start, as to who their father is, or was, and how they came to be!"

"Well obviously!" said Dorothy, feeling defensive. "I don't intend lying to our child, but-"

"I have no problem with you both taking all responsibility, and I realise I would have no say in the raising of it," he interrupted. "For the record, I think you'd both be rather brilliant mothers. However, I do believe that a male influence in a child's life can also a good thing. So, if he or she wants to spend time with me, I want you to promise to allow it and not hide them from me or prevent me seeing them, whenever convenient for you."

Ruby was surprised at how quickly things had moved on. Far from being reluctant, the former pirate seemed more than willing. "Killian, when we asked, we weren't even sure you'd agree!" And I never considered you might want to be involved after. I guess Dorothy and I need to talk it through." She exchanged a look with her girlfriend. However, Dorothy gave a smile before nodding at them both.

"Killian's right, I agree with him. I lost my dad very early, and I still miss him." She looked across at the Captain before softly placing her hand on his. "And you never even knew yours. So, if Killian is really prepared to do this for us, the least we can do is let him be a father figure, if our child wishes." She raised a grateful smile to him. "Anything else?"

Killian returned it before looking to her partner. "Well, perhaps one more thing. Though I won't insist upon it, if you really have an issue…" The women nodded for him to continue.

"You probably know about my issues with my own father; he abandoned me after my mother died. Well the one person who kept me sane was my brother, Liam. He was my rock and his loss devastated me more than you can imagine. He protected me in life and his death was caused by supposed great men and a fool for a king. It also turned me to piracy and the darkness."

"I don't understand. What's that have to do with…" Ruby started, unsure where this was going.

"If, or when, you decide to give this child a sibling, I'd like to be invited to provide the necessary contribution once again. It'd be nice for it to have a brother or sister, rather than be alone…"

Dorothy, slack jawed, looked at him with watery eyes. "You'd do that?"

"Aye love. And for all I know, I may have fathered many children in my time, but it would be nice to actually know one or two..."

Ruby leaned across the little table and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you." Dorothy also stood, leaning across and kissing his other cheek, hugging his side. "That goes for me too. You've made us both very happy, Killian!"

Jones slowly stood, taking their hands in his. "Oh, there is one additional…'request'!'''

The women's eyes widened as they looked at each other. What now?

"Well, we've have agreed that I can be in its life, as and when it wishes…" he hesitated before continuing. "Now, call me old fashioned but I do believe in matrimony and-"

"Killian. Stop! I'm in love with Dorothy, neither of us could possibly…" Ruby almost wanted to yell at him.

"Not me, ye daft dolt! Dorothy!" She looked confused. "Rubes, I'm surprised that after five years together, you haven't already made an honest woman of our Miss Gale here!" he withdrew his hands, opening them, palms up. "Now then, let's see if I've remembered anything Merlin taught me!" he glanced over at Merlin before picturing several items he held in a particular secure locker on his ship, the Sorcerer now looking on with interest. Two swirls of blue mist appeared in his palms, before solidifying to reveal two small boxes. He offered them to the women.

Dorothy collected the small leather box, opening it to reveal a sparkling diamond & sapphire carved half hoop ring. She gasped, looking up to her love who was looking down, open jawed, at her own opened box. It contained an equally stunning emerald & diamond clustered ring. Ruby's hand went to her mouth in shock.

"Killian. These are beautiful, but we couldn't possibly…"

"Of course you could." He was emphatic. "And before you ask, they're not pirate's ill begotten treasure, but both belonged to my family. My mother's, actually. Liam and I had always intended for them to go to our future wives or the mothers of our own children. So, with his sad passing and me unlikely to sire elsewhere…well, let's just say it's fitting for them to go to you both. Take them with my blessing!"

A teary Dorothy gave him another hug, kissing his cheek again, before whispering, "You're an unusual, but special, man, Killian Jones!" She pulled herself away before Ruby took her place. "Thanks, Kill. I can't tell you what this means to me. To us."

"Well then, Ruby, you know what you have to do!"

Brushing a tear from her face, she turned to her true love, nerves clearly showing. This clearly wasn't something she had intended to do in public. But, what the hell! "I think I do." She turned to the tall brunette, dropping down on one knee, as she took the ring from the box.

"Kansas, I've wanted to do this for some time, but perhaps our pirate here has given me a bit of Dutch courage. Dorothy Gale, I've loved you from the moment I first set eyes on you back in Oz. Sorry for all the clichés, but you are my life, my rock and my port in any storm! I want to spend the rest of my life with you and, hopefully, raise a family with you by my side. Will you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Dorothy had hardly noticed that the rest of the room had gone silent, realising what was about to happen. Dropping down on her own knees and taking Ruby's hand in her own. "Oddly enough, I was about to ask you the same thing!" She smiled as laughter reverberated around the room.

"Ruby Lucas, you brought me back from eternal sleep with true love's kiss. I fell in love with you then and I'm still in love with you now. I've never stopped loving you and I would be honoured to be your wife!"

Ruby latched her lips on to Dorothy's as cheers rang around the room. Their friends came over to offer hugs and congratulations. As they swarmed around, Killian smiled, stepping slowly back, to allow the women to receive good wishes from all. As he did, he felt a pair of hands wrap gently across his upper arm. He looked to their owner, Annabelle Sage, looking at him with a warm smile. "Well, well, Captain Jones! You continue to surprise me. A traditionalist and an incurable romantic? Who'd have thought…"

"Shush!" He whispered, "Keep it to yourself."

As Victor Whale silently watched his friend's proposal, happy but with a heavy heart, he heard a soft voice to his right. "Victor, have you been ignoring me?"

"Carrie? I'm sorry, I…it's lovely to see you." He felt instantly nervous at the sight of this beautiful woman. "What are you doing here?"

"Same as you, I guess. Seeing his wonderful new village, and what my cousin's been up to!"

"Your cousin?"

"Robin."

Robin Hood's your cousin?"

"Robin Locksley, actually. Like the sign outside? Yes, ridiculous, isn't it? I didn't link Hood to my Robin until a year ago. As I came from another realm, I just assumed Robin Hood was someone else. Then I found out he'd died, sacrificing himself. Bloody typical, if you ask me! Then Will told me two days ago he was back from the dead. The moment I saw him I just knew…"

"Blimey Carrie, nothing surprises me about this place anymore! But I can see the resemblance…" He smiled at the beautiful woman, captivated when she gave a wonderful grin back. Sod it, he was just going to go for it, just as Ruby had told him.

"Carrie. Um…er…well…I'm sorry, I'm not very good at this…" He steeled himself for rejection. "Carrie, would you consider having dinner with me? Sometime…um…If you're free?" he gulped.

"Victor, I would love to have dinner with you! Perhaps this Friday, so I can get a lie in after?"

"You would? That's…wonderful!" he gasped in relief, "Say I pick you up at eight?"

"It's a date!" she chirped happily. "Where are you taking me?"

"Somewhere that's not Storybrooke, the diner or the forest. You like French food or Italian?"

"Il n'y a rien de mieux que la cuisine française." She breathed.

"Je suis d'accord!" he replied, "J'ai hâte de passer une belle soirée avec une belle dame."

"You old smoothy! I didn't realise you spoke French?" she breathed, her voice low.

"You never asked."