Monday Evening – Mifflin Street
As a small revolution was taking place at the Town Hall, Emma sat quietly in the living room at Mifflin Street. She wasn't in the mood for a film or tv, so she just sat, watching flames lick the fake coals in the fireplace. Honour was safe and sound, tucked up in bed. Roland was with his dad, and god only knows where Henry was. Gold's probably. Regina had decided to attend some boring council meeting. Why, she's not even the mayor anymore? Only mum's going to be there! And who the hell calls a meeting at this time of night?
As she sat morosely watching the flames, her thoughts went back Killian, their past together and what he meant to her now. The dismissive way he'd treated her earlier was still bothering her, and she didn't understand why. She started imagining what it must have been like to be brought back to life, to greet your lost love and discover she's not only moved on, but she moved on got married.
But it had been five years! Three years of bereavement, aching loss, depression, counselling and everyone else trying to pick you up. One year of slowly falling in love with a woman who had been going through a similar heartache, before finally marrying and moving on with your life.
Moving on? As if!
The loud knock on the door pulled out of her maudlin thoughts. When she did reach and open it, a curly-haired whirlwind raced past her with a cursory "Hi Em," as Roland headed up to the staircase, clumping up them two at a time.
"And good evening to you too, Roland!" she called to his back, before whispering as loudly as she could, "Not too loud – don't wake your sister!" A pointless exercise as the inexhaustible ten-year-old had already disappeared into his room.
"Hi Emma," said a deeper voice from behind her. "Sorry we're back a little late. Henry was teaching us card tricks and I didn't realise the time…" said Robin, as he put a hand to her arm and kissed her cheek. Without thinking, she reciprocated before stepping back. "Hi. Did you say Henry? He's still at the camp? I mean, the new 'village'?"
"Was," said Henry, now walking in behind them. "I've come back, to stay the night. If that's ok?"
Robin saw Emma's slightly embarrassed, awkward expression. "I'll head up and make sure he's getting ready for bed and not messing around; and look in on Honnie while I'm at it." With that, he hurtled silently up the stairs taking three at a time. Like father, like son, she thought, before addressing her own boy.
"You don't need to ask, Hen, this is your home! You know there's nothing we want more than you living here!"
"I know. It's just, these last few days…"
"You're my son, Henry. I love you, even though I've gone a funny way of showing it! I'm sorry…"
"Ma, don't go there again…" he pulled her into his arms, in a broad hug. In her bare feet, Henry was now a good nine inches taller than his blonde mother and, even though she didn't like the role reversal, she absolutely loved the hugs! "…anyway, I've been a complete arse too."
"What made you change your mind? I thought you decided to stay at your grandfather's place?"
"I did. There was nothing specifically. Well, perhaps something Robin said, made me think…"
"Okaaaay. Now you know I'll keep pestering till you tell me! So…"
Henry looked past her, making sure Robin wasn't within earshot. "He said I should look at it from your point of view! That you've been put in a really awkward spot. That Killian and him coming back was bound to cause you a lot of pain after everything you've been through. I kinda told him about…about the jail cell. Mulan was there, and she saw it. A couple of people laughed. Robin didn't. He said I was being cruel to you, and should apologise. He said you were only trying to protect me after all, and knowing I don't need that sort of protection anymore must have hurt. He sort of gave me a bollocking!" he grinned.
"A 'bollocking'?" Emma sniggered, "Yes, I know what that means! But I haven't heard that old Brit term for a while. Not since Killian…"
"I know, right? I heard a whole bunch of them tonight! Knob. Dickhead. Pillock! He even once called me a 'spoilt git'! It's hilarious!"
"So, Robin tells you off, and it's okay, but if I do it and I'm bad? Doesn't seem fair, Hen!"
"I know. Perhaps it's just a guy thing. All I know is he made some good points. He was a good guy before Zeus sent him back, and magic doesn't seem to have screwed him up. I like him being around. When it was just you me and mum things were fine, but being with Robin felt like for the first time in a very long time I had a…sort of, had a…" he hesitated to say it, knowing how she'd react.
"A dad? I do understand, Hen!"
"And that doesn't upset you?"
"Why should it? I never had one till I was twenty eight! I get it."
"Yeah, well. Things are tough for him. It can't have been easy coming back to this! But we like having him around, though I know you don't. I get it too."
Emma's eyes flared. "No Henry, no! It's not like that! Things are obviously different now, and your mum's relationship with Robin was always very different to mine and Killian's. He's Honnie and Rollie's dad, not to mention little Robyn's. Although Killian and me are over, him and your mum can never be over, because of the kids. I don't hate Robin, not at all! I mean, how can anybody hate Robin Hood?" she rolled her eyes. "After all, he's kind, generous, takes care of people, he's a leader. And the rest of the family adore him! It's just, I've never really had a chance to get to know him."
She looked up again, now seeing Henry's eyes fixed on something over her shoulder. Or someone.
"Then perhaps I can remedy that?" said the deeper voice behind her.
She froze, turning her head to see him staring straight back at her. "Jeez, wear a bell! What did you hear?"
"Only a few seconds." His gaze never left hers. "And I'd like the chance to properly get to know you too, Emma!"
Henry smiled at his mum's rabbit-in-the-headlights expression. "I'm heading up - g'night Robin, thanks for a really good day. I like Sherwood village, but I agree with the lads, you should've called it Locksley! And I particularly like the pub!"
Robin chuckled. "You'll always be welcome there. Though watch out for those drinks! I know you're borderline drinking age, but both your mums will have my guts for garters if they know you've been imbibing - well, publicly, anyway," he winked conspiratorially. "And once you've turned twenty-one, you should know that Friar Tuck is more than capable of handling a bunch of young inebriates. I've seen him in action and he's scary!"
"I thought he'd have Little John do that…"
"No, John just grabs 'em and sits on 'em! Believe me, after an experience like that, they're more than happy to be thrown out by Tuck or Mulan!"
Henry sniggered and bid goodnight again, turning for the stairs, before glancing back. "Guts for garters? Is that a real phrase?" he chuckled, heading up.
Once Henry left, Robin stepped in front of her. "I meant what I said, Emma. I'd like to get to know you properly. Perhaps we could go for a meal somewhere? Not Granny's or the pub. Perhaps over the border? What do you think?"
"You're inviting me out on a date? " she smiled at him. "Cos if you are, I think my wife might have something to say about that!"
"She does. In fact, it was her suggestion."
"Regina asked you to take me out on a date?"
"She didn't use those exact words! Though she did suggest we get to know each other. That I ask you out. She still believes she's the root cause of all our difficulties. We both know that's not true, that its more complicated than that; but I happen to think she's right. We should try to get to know one another."
Emma smiled, feeling a little more relaxed than she had of late. "Okay, you're on. But definitely another town! Tongues wag around here, and anyone seeing you and me together may get the impression…well, it may get construed as something…something else. Then, as soon as my mother gets to hear of it! Well, you can imagine…"
He smiled back, already warming to the idea. "I can indeed. So how about tomorrow night? I'll find a restaurant. I could come and pick you up around six? We'll drive out for an hour or so. What do you prefer, French or Italian?"
"Well I haven't had French in ages! Are we talking something fancy, or something basic?"
"Oh, somewhere fancy, definitely. Why?"
"You need to ask? I'm a woman, Robin! I may spend most of my life in jeans, tees and jackets, but I'm still more than capable of smartening myself up for a decent meal out!"
"I'm sure you are! Then you must dress in whatever you feel comfortable. You always look beautiful, anyway."
That threw her. She's had compliments on her appearance most of her adult life, but not from her wife's former lover! Her superpower told her he was being sincere. As her eyes glazed for a moment, a small voice inside told her, get a grip! It's only a bloody compliment! "Thanks. So, six o'clock from here then?"
"Six it is. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night Emma, sleep well." And with that he stepped forward, again resting his hand on her upper arm, before placing a gentle kiss on her right cheek. She mirrored his actions, then gently pulled her head back, as did he. For one brief second, she looked down at his lips, feeling an urge to kiss them. Lifting her gaze, she saw him looking at her own mouth. Was he thinking the same thing?
"Well, I'd better be off." he said, stepping back and heading out the door with a short smile.
"What the hell just happened?" she muttered to herself.
The Rabbit Hole
"I can't believe this place!" said Rosie, nursing her second large chardonnay of the night, having worked through two of Malcolm, the nightclub owner's, home-brewed cocktails. "Everything's a bloody fairy tale! You've got fairies, dwarves, kings and queens and princes. Hell, you've even got Frankenstein!"
"Hey, Victor's a good bloke, don't knock him!" said Anna. "He's the only proper surgeon here!"
"Someone sounds keen! Fancy him?" teased her older sister.
"No. Nice guy, but a bit old for me. Anyway, I think he's just found a love of his own. I think he was keen on Ruby. You know, the leggy redhead you met at the diner this morning?"
"The one you said was Red Riding Hood? But I suspect she bats for the other team! She kept eyeing up that other brunette serving us."
Annabelle chuckled. "Yes, Dorothy Gale! They got engaged yesterday, and they're getting married on Friday. I think I'm invited. You should come too!"
"Dorothy Gale out of the Wizard of Oz is marrying Not-So-Little Red Riding Hood? This is bizarre! I saw the Evil Queen and that blonde girl, the Saviour? They're already hitched. Does every girl eventually go lezzie in this town?"
"Don't be daft! As for Regina and Emma, that's a very different story. They're happy, but there's a lot of tragedy. And for those two, there's a lot more story to come. I saw their future, and…"
Rosalind stopped her with a hand up. "No, no, no Anna! Stop! Dad told you to be careful using seer magic! It can screw up history and possibly get us all in trouble. If you've learned something, keep it to yourself, you know that!"
"Stop fretting. I am 'keeping it to myself'! I'm just saying, that there's lots of stuff to come for them. Good stuff, as it happens…"
"Alright, just, be careful, okay? Anyway, on to more important stuff…" she looked across at a small excited group of men and women who had walked in and now stood clustered around Philip at the bar. "Those good lucking guys over there, cheering that hottie in the centre with the pint. Tell me about them? Especially him!"
Her sister giggled. "You never change!" though stopped when she heard another small laugh from someone close by; looking up to find Ashley bending over.
"Perhaps I'll tell her, Anna! That 'hottie', is Philip Briar. He's just been elected Mayor of Storybrooke, after they kicked out the old one a few hours ago..."
"Ooh, looks and power! But is he single?" Rosie enquired, glad for the info.
"Definitely not!" He's married to that tall auburn-haired one on his left. Princess Aurora. Or Sleeping Beauty to you! And the pair of them have just become engaged to that small brunette in front of them..."
"Both of them?" She's with both of them?" She nodded back "Lucky little bugger. Looks, power and two hot women on the go? No wonder he looks a bit tired!" They all laughed before she urged their new confidante. "And what about the other guy, just to the right of the 'lucky guy'?"
"That's Jeff, or Jeffersen," before Anna interrupts. "That's the Mad Hatter, Rosie!"
"Really? Bloody hell, is everyone famous around here?"
"I should've properly introduced you two. Rosie, this is Ashley, or in the story books, Cinderella!" The tall blonde smirked at the seated brunette, before faking a small curtsy.
"Shouldn't I be curtsying to you? Didn't you marry a prince?"
"I did. And I'm now a mother to two of his children. You met my little Alex yesterday..."
"Aah, the gorgeous little blonde poppet? She's a darling! Okay, last chance then. Ashley, who is that tall dark blonde next to Mulan? The one with the big shoulders and the dimples? God, I love dimples! No…wait…don't tell me! He's not gay, is he? Or living with a posse of cheerleaders? He's got lovely arms! Wouldn't mind them around me of a night..."
Ashley chuckled with laughter at that, attracting the attention of, and gorgeous smile from, the man they were discussing. Ashley gave him a small wink back. "Hmm. Definitely not gay, and I'd be bloody annoyed about the cheerleaders! But he is out of bounds, I'm afraid. That's Alex's dad, my prince, Sean!"
Rosalind cringed, putting her face in her hands. "Oh Gawwd! I'm so sorry Ashley!" she squeaked, red faced. Ashley merely laughed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "No problem. I'm flattered that's what you think of my man, though I best not tell him. He'll get awfully big-headed!"
Anna, having enjoyed her sister's cringing, leant in. "Don't you worry, there's plenty of single guys around. I'm sure Ashley and I can…" she stopped when she saw Rosie's eyes widen and jaw drop as someone came through the front door.
"Well, stone me!" Rosie breathed as a tall brooding figure walked towards the group. "Will you look at that! He is abso-fucking-lutely drop dead gorgeous! Ash…please tell me he's not married, gay or one of your toy boys?"
Ashley saw where the brunette's wide eyes had focused. "Ah, that's Killian Jones! Yes, I agree he is quite the dish. Most of the women around here fancy him, and he is definitely single…for now!"
"Ok Ash, here's the deal!" her eyes never left the leather-clad stranger, as he walked over to Philip to congratulate him. "You introduce me to Mr. Jones, and I babysit your little lady one evening this week? Give you a night out with your own gorgeous Mister Muscles?"
Ashley lifted the brunette's arm into the hook of her own. "You, young lady, have got yourself a deal! Come on…" she lead her towards the group. Anna sighing as she followed. "Here we go again..."
An hour earlier - The Docks
News travels fast in Storybrooke. "So, Philip's now the mayor?" said Killian, surprised at Tinker Bell's news from the Town Hall as they stood by the Jolly. "No Snow White or the Queen taking over? I know they both hate George…"
"That's the strange thing Killian, Snow assumed that too, but the Council said they wanted someone new. Phil gave a great speech, Rumplestiltskin proposed him and everyone else seconded it."
"The Dark One proposed him? He must be up to something."
"Possibly, but Merlin's close to him right now. He'll keep an eye on him, I'm sure. Anyway, there's drinks at the Rabbit Hole from eight. You're invited!"
"Then it would be impolite to refuse." Killian liked Prince Philip, a decent straightforward man. A little stuffy sometimes on account of his royal and military background, but a reliable ally in a storm. "So, have they also kicked that arse Nottingham out of the sheriff's office?"
"Phil's first decision!" grinned the fairy, "that, and confirming the Merry Men could settle where they were and be welcomed in Storybrooke at last. Not treated as outlaws."
"That's long overdue. After all, Robin's boys have been mopping up all the shit the royals have caused over the years."
Tink nodded in agreement but looked a little hesitant about something. He picked up on it. "Something else you want to tell me, love?" She still seemed a little unsure, but decided to ask anyway.
"Well…I was wondering. Frankly, there's not really much here for me these days and I'm starting to get a bit…bored. Where will you be heading when you sail?"
Killian smiled at one of the few fairies he actually liked. "I've got a couple to tasks from Zeus to take care of. I'll be heading to Neverland first to collect some waifs and strays. Then onto the Maritime Castle, Eric and Ariel have a few issues with a certain squid. You remember Ursula? Then on to Agarabah, as Aladdin's gone missing. Then Arendelle to pick up supplies and sort out a little issue with the neighbours apparently. After that, who knows?"
"You're going to be seeing Ariel? And Elsa?" Tink had desperately missed her old friends.
"Aye, lass. Do I interpret from your sudden interest, that you'd like to join me? You'd be most welcome, though the living quarters are a little cramped."
It didn't take more than a moment to consider. "Killian, I'd love to. Thank you!" she blurted, wrapping her arms around him, giving him a peck on the cheek.
"You're welcome, love. Just be ready for Saturday morning's tide? Meanwhile, I think it's time for that drink with the mayor..."
An hour later...
An hour later, Killian Jones arrived at The Rabbit Hole with Tinker Bell, seeing a small cluster around the new Mayor, toasting his health. Striding through the middle of them, he shook the other man's hand. "So, Mr. Mayor! You now have the beautiful wife, the equally beautiful fiancée, the second baby on the way, and now the town! Where did it all go wrong?"
Phil scoffed at the friendly dig. "I don't honestly know, mate." He looked across to his two loves. "Undeserving though I am, I guess I'm just a lucky bastard!" They clinked glasses to the happy laughter around them. "Captain, I don't suppose I could persuade you to stick around a week or two?" Philip pondered. "We just got rid of Keith Nottingham, we need to organise an election for Sheriff, and I don't yet trust the deputies apart from our beloved Mulan here. She could do the job blindfold with one arm behind her back, but I'm worried this isn't the time to…"
The warrior rolled her eyes. "I'm pregnant Phil, not injured! I can handle it. Stop fretting!"
Philip groaned as Aurora wrapped an arm around their fiancée. "We both know you can, my love! You're as strong and capable as you've ever been. But you're carrying our little one inside you right now. I'm just a little worried you'll overstretch yourself!"
Aurora stepped in. "He's right. You remember when I was carrying Pip? I nearly miscarried just from being on horseback! We'd never forgive ourselves if…"
"Okay, okay, I get it! But once I have this baby, I'm applying for the sheriff's badge!"
"You're better suited to it than almost anyone else in this town," said Killian, "But your future husband and wife do make a good point, love. What you're carrying right now is a new life, and surely that's more important than any job! You know, if I-" he stopped, completely distracted as Ashley Herman walked towards him with a young woman on her arm. A young brunette woman with a devastating, disarming smile, looking straight at him.
Bloody hell, she's a goddess! He thought, as the young brunette raised her hand to him. Instead of shaking it, he merely held it in his own as Cinderella introduced them. "Killian, I'd like you to meet Rosalind, or Rosie, Sage. Rosie, this here's our very own former pirate, Captain Killian Jones. Or Captain Hook, as was!"
"It's a pleasure meeting you, Rosie." He turned her hand gently, pecking the back of it, his eyes never leaving her own.
Rosie's breath hitched at the simple act. Come on, get a grip girl! It's just a bloke, she told herself. "Likewise, Captain!" she breathed, eyes fluttering, blatantly flirting with the pirate's.
"So what brings you to Storybrooke, Rosie Sage?" Then seeing Annabelle walking up behind them. The resemblance was clear. "Oh, Sage? As in Merlin's girls? Anna's sister?"
"Rosie's MUCH older than me, Killian! I'm just showing the old girl around," Annabelle sarked.
"Oi, none of that, blondie, there's only three years between us!" she countered, her eyes never leaving Killian's. "You see Captain, I got the brains and she got the boobs, basically!"
What followed next was a series of quick sarcastic comments and retorts between the two siblings, both smiling happily as they traded insults. It was clear to him that the sisters were actually very close, and had missed each other, their comments never more than light fun. Anna continued as she wrapped an arm around the older girl.
"Anyway, my aged sister here, was asking about the local guys and, you know, at her age she needs all the help she can get with dating advice, and so on…"
Killian smirked at the pair. "I'm sure that's completely untrue! You are the most stunningly beautiful pair of sisters I've ever met; no doubt you have boys falling all over you!"
"Hmm. Thanks for the compliment. Flattery will get you everywhere, but I'm more interested in men than boys!" she winked at Ashley. "So far, all the guys in this town, like our Sean here, seem to be tied up with very beautiful wives like Ash. Or…" she smiled at Philip, "your chiselled mayor here, with more than one gorgeous lass, you greedy boy!" At that Philip sniggered, nodding in agreement. "An undeserving boy, certainly!"
Killian moved closer. "Well before you set about your task of searching out all the single men in Storybrooke, perhaps you'll allow this single man to buy you and your sister a drink? You too, Ashley?"
"Why thank you, kind sir!" said Rosie, deliberately avoiding her sister's gaze.
Emma Swan-Mills lay in bed, book in hand, propped up on the pillows. Since moving in with Regina two years ago, the former sheriff had gone out of her way to educate herself in a wider variety of literature. Although she'd never been much of a reader, her parents, wife and son were avid. Her mum, unsurprisingly, loved the romantic novelists such as Austen and Bronte. Roland took after Henry in his love of adventure stories and Regina loved the classics. The biggest shock had been her father. Since the curse broke, David had become hooked on Shakespeare. So Emma, feeling like an illiterate dullard compared to the rest of them, decided it was time to further her own education.
It was while re-reading a chapter of Ulysses, that she heard the gentle thud of the front door downstairs and after a couple of minutes, her wife appearing in the bedroom.
"Hello, darling," whispered Regina, to avoid waking Honour, stepping over to Emma and placing a chaste peck on her lips. "Couldn't sleep?"
"Not really. I tried to, but, you know me, if you're not here…" She fluttered her eyes flirtatiously.
"Hmm. Well, I'll try to fix that very soon. After the meeting, I stopped off with Kathryn and Frederick for a couple of drinks. So, just let me pee…" she rose to head to the bathroom.
"Way to kill the moment there, Gina!" she replied, a chuckle being heard from the bathroom. "Don't forget to use the bidet!"
"How dare you? I do every night - as you well know!" Regina called back, in mock outrage. "Now get in here and use it too! There's room for one more…"
Leaping out from between the sheets, Emma's cheeks flushed at the thought. She loved the naughty side of Regina, a side hidden from everyone but her. The side that always came out after a couple of drinks. Tapping on the bathroom door to check she was ready, after all there were some things Emma really didn't want to see! "Coming in, ready or not!" she breezed in to see her wife standing in front of one of the mirrors at the double sink, in bra and panties, removing her make-up and cleansing.
Emma moved to her side, joining her at the next sink, realising she hadn't brushed her teeth before bed and tonight might be worth it! Emma loved times like these. She and Regina, side-by-side in front of their mirrors, preparing for bed. The simple domesticity of married life was something she'd long craved. And now she had it.
"So. The meeting at the town hall? What's Spencer bitching about this time? More unnecessary deputies? Bigger office? Leroy taking up the cells?"
"Actually, Spencer is no longer the mayor! They suspended him pending investigations, sacked Nottingham, and Prince Philip's now the Interim mayor!"
"Sacked him? Phil? How the hell! What did I miss?"
"Well...Spencer wanted to take some sort of action against the Merry Men. Philip wasn't having any of it and made a speech. A very good speech actually, apart from a few home truths I didn't like. The imp alleged fraud by Spencer. There was a vote. Your mother, Philip, Hopper and Whale voted against and now he's gone! They voted in Philip and he's made some…changes…and there we are. So, anything happen here?"
"Well, TV was crap tonight, I hate James Joyce, Henry's home and Robin asked me out on a date."
"Henry's home?" Regina was desperate to spend some quality time with her adult son. Then the gears in her mind started comprehending what Emma just said. "Wait…Robin? What did you say?"
"Your true love asked me out on a date. Or more specifically 'a chance to get to know me'. He said it was also your suggestion. So what are you up to, darling wife of mine?"
Regina mind whirled. He asked her. He did it. "Um…oh, well…it's sort of…true. I did suggest something. But I didn't think he'd go for it." She looked innocently at Emma, seeing the suspicious glance back.
"Aaannndd!" Emma asked, "What were you thinking? The truth please?" Regina stiffened, turning to look at her wife.
"Emma, I would never lie to you! I just thought that…as we have an 'unusual' situation with Robin, it would help if the two of you properly got to know each other."
Emma raised a brow, bewildered. "How do you mean? Two nights ago, the three of us were having the best sex of my life! Now you want me to get to know him? Cart before the horse, don't you think?"
"Emma, I don't have an ulterior motive! I just felt that, well, after what you said yesterday about you two somehow 'sharing' me, I felt guilty. Like I'm the one stopping you and Robin from having normal partners of your own. You both deserve better and after hearing what Philip said about my past this evening, I was reminded about you and Hook and Marian…"
"Marian? What the hell has she got to do with anything?"
"Nothing," Regina sighed. "Just yet another life I monumentally screwed up. I just, well, never mind. I thought you and Robin becoming friends was a good idea. I'm sorry. I hope you let him down gently?"
"Who said I let him down?"
"What? You said yes? You're going out with him?"
Emma smirked. "Well, what's to lose? He's good-looking, he's taking me out for a decent meal and it was my wife's idea in the first place! If I wind up not liking him or I get bored, I'll just say thanks for the food and come home…"
Regina's look of shock turned into a broad smile. "Thank you for trying! I know it's difficult, but I certainly don't think you'll be bored…" She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around the blonde, shivering as the exposed skin of their stomachs touched. Without hesitation, Emma moved in and latched her lips on to Regina's in an open mouthed, urgent kiss, enjoying the fresh hit of peppermint toothpaste as her tongue slid easily into the older woman's mouth, massaging hers. "Mnnnn," Regina groaned. They carried on till breathing became difficult, when they pulled their mouths away. Arms still entwined, Emma saw the look of sheer lust.
"Well Mrs. Swan-Mills, you said something about a bidet?" She was curious and…so goddam horny.
"I did. I've just had an idea how we could both use it…at the same time! Up for trying something?"
Emma's breath quickened. You kinky woman! What are you planning?
"With you? Always!
Tuesday Morning – The Jolly Roger
A soft beam of sunlight shone through the stained glass of the ship's stained stateroom portal, waking Killian Jones. He quietly groaned, too drained and exhausted to move. For once his malaise was not the result of vast amounts of rum. Instead it was caused by endless hours of frenetic lovemaking with a certain brunette. A certain brunette seemingly more than experienced in the sexual arts than he expected, and ever experimental. A certain brunette who had made it very clear she was attracted to him. A certain brunette who had played his body like a Stradivarius. A certain brunette whose own sublime body now lay naked next to him, snoring gently.
A smug grin broke on his face as he recalled last night's events.
After meeting Anna's sister, Killian had taken it on himself to introduce Rosie and the team to all the drinking holes in Storybrooke. Five bars later, he bid farewell to Tink, Anna and the rest of the pub crawl team. "Well then, guess that leaves just us." He told Merlin's daughter. "I guess we better get you back. You're staying with your father at the convent?"
"Nope. My bags are in the truck. I'm staying at the Earl tonight, though Dad told me never to poof anywhere using magic, if I've been drinking. So, I guess I have to walk. Where are you staying?"
"On the Jolly Roger of course. I sail on Saturday."
"You what? The real 'Jolly Roger'? So, you really are Captain Hook?"
"Very perceptive," Killian replied, sarcastically and lifting his left arm. "You see? Zeus fixed the limb when he sent me back, so the moniker is a little out of date."
"Sorry. No insult intended. Still, I would love to see the famous Jolly Roger! I've only seen the Disney version!"
"I can show you the real thing. Perhaps tomorrow?"
"How about tonight?" urged Rosie, determined to keep the evening going. "I'd love to see the stars from the ocean."
"Won't your father be worried about you? It's getting late."
"I'm a big girl, Captain. I've magic of my own and can look after myself!"
"I have no doubt, love. You and your sister seem more than capable. I'm more than willing to show you the stars on board, though I have no wish to annoy your father unnecessarily..."
"That's sweet of you, but don't worry. Dad may be the Eternal Sorcerer, but he knows what we're like. Don't forget he's had hundreds of children…"
"Very well then. The Jolly it is…"
Half an hour later, Captain Jones had led her on to his ship. He cast off in the moonlight, anchoring just offshore, so they could take advantage of less background light from the town to see the stars. They had lain together just looking at the heavens, and talking about recent history for a good hour, before Rosie took both hands on his cheeks, turned his face gently, before looking up at him lustily.
"Well Captain. I've been dropping hints all night. When are you going to kiss me?"
Killian didn't seem flustered. On the contrary, he seemed to be in his element. "I always thought these days it was bad form to kiss a lady without invitation!"
"Well then. Consider yourself invited." With that she pulled him down to her mouth. He needed no further encouragement, latching his lips to hers as his arms wrapped around the smaller figure. Initial hesitation quickly turned to heated kissing, which led them into the Captain's Quarters, and eventually to the most frenetic, exhausting and, frankly, wonderful sex the two-hundred-year old former pirate had ever experienced. And he'd experienced a lot!
And now here she was, lying beside him, gloriously naked in the early light. The divine woman yawned, stretching her arms above her, in no mood to wake up. But awake enough to talk, fully aware the man was lying behind her, looking.
"Dear diary…" she breathed, stifling another yawn. "Well, it's been an odd sort of day. Two days ago, my dad asked me to bring a truck filled with medical things, to a funny little placein Maine called Storybrooke, which, typical of dad, isn't on any map. I met lots of fairytale characters, in an English pub in the middle of a forest, then went out to sea for a romantic night under the stars on the actual Jolly Roger." Although apparently talking to herself, she knew he was listening. "Before having the best shag of my life with the actual two-hundred-year old Captain Hook! Who I thought was supposed to be a baddie, but turns out to be a sweetie! Apart from in the sack, when he's a hottie! Not a bad start, for day one!"
Killian's face broke in to a happy grin, reaching across to hold her hand. "Well lass, I thank you for the compliment! For the record, I may have two centuries behind me, but I truly think that was also one of the greatest…nights for me, too!"
"Really?" she turned to face him, surprised. "But you must have had countless women between the sheets over the years? Or are you just a good liar and flatterer?"
"I meant every word. You, Miss Sage, are something else! Something rather wonderful."
"And you, Captain," she said, rolling back on to his chest, "are good for at least another round!"
Mifflin Street
As Killian and Rosie enjoyed an energetic morning, Regina also woke with the sun on her face, as she lay naked, happily entwined in the arms of Emma. This was her favourite time of the day, their moments cuddled together, before they had to get up. Emma now lay sleeping with her head resting on her chest, enjoying the warmth of their bodies. For Regina, it was the first time the two of them had successfully made love since Robin had returned, without the need to fake an orgasm or give up from frustration. Even after last night, she still felt slightly guilty that part of it had to do with her fantasies throughout their lovemaking. However, this time, instead of imagining herself with Robin, thoughts of Emma and Robin together had swum through her fantasies! Recalling the look of ecstasy, three nights ago, on Emma's face as Robin brought her to her peak several times, Regina now imagined what else they could do together, just Emma and Robin. Or all three of them. Together.
Her thoughts went to Fa Mulan, that severe, dour woman, who now seemed to have undergone a transformation, beaming with happiness after publicly announcing her engagement to not one, but two people! How Aurora and Philip never left her side, and the obvious love and devotion between the three of them. Could she ever have something like that? She imagined herself waking up with Emma and Robin on either side. Not just for the sex, though that was wonderful last time, but the love, the cuddles, the warmth.
"Who am I kidding?" she grumbled, before realising she'd said it out loud.
"Ugh? Wassat?" moaned the warm blonde, groaning and pulling herself closer. "Too early…sleeping!"
Regina smiled down at her, before glancing up at the bedside clock. Eight - Shit! An hour late! We slept in!
Jumping out of the bed, much to Emma's irritation, she waved a hand, clothing herself instantly using magic, before racing onto the landing to get Honour and Roland up for school and playgroup.
Stepping first into her daughter's bedroom. "Honnie darling, time to get-" then she noticed the the bed was ruffled, but empty. Panicking for a moment, she walked across to Roland's room, opening the door to find he too was already up. She quickly trotted down the staircase, relieved to hear noises coming from the kitchen.
"Henny – you takin' me an' Rolly?"
"Yup, that's right, Hon. We'll let your mums have some more sleep as a special treat!" said Henry, doling out fresh pancakes onto their plates.
Regina looked at the scene from the doorway with mixed emotions. Henry was adorable with his younger siblings, a wonderful big brother and fiercely protective. Yet now he was a young man, who didn't need them mothers so much. A young man who now had another life outside of Storybrooke, who would one day leave, probably to travel and begin his own family. She hated that thought, and just wanted him close forever. The last few days, after he'd fallen out with Emma, they'd seen so little of him since coming back from university. It had been much too painful.
"Hi mum, didn't see you there! You want pancakes?" he asked, seeing her staring.
"Oh, no…that's fine, my love. I didn't realise you were all up! I thought they'd be late for school..."
"No worries, I've got them sorted. I figured after last night,you'd both need a late start…" he looked at her with a knowing expression. Regina cringed, realizing what he was saying. Shit, we forgot the silencing spell - again!
Henry saw her anguished look, so he jumped right back in before she could say anything, calling to Roland and Honour, "Okay guys. We'll be leaving in ten! Have your things ready to go…" With that, he turned to head up the stairs, "See you later, mum," pecking her cheek on the way up.
Regina was relieved. Henry was her rock, and she hated making him feel awkward. Over the last five years, as she and Emma clumsily lurched from being awkward allies, to confidantes, to best friends and eventually lovers, then finally, wives, Henry had been quietly supportive throughout. When Robin was murdered, he'd been astonishing. He'd grieved himself, missing the nearest thing he had to a father figure, terribly. But he still manage to care for his mothers, offering endless comfort, hugs and advice, when only a teenager himself.
It had been Henry who, on discovering his older mother was pregnant by Robin, insisted on getting his two grandfathers to track down Roland, and bring the little boy back to her. To unite him with his half-sister and imminent new sibling. Henry, who had persuaded Little John to bring Roland back to Storybrooke permanently. Henry, who had forcefully encouraged her, and Emma, to seek help for their depression through Archie. Henry, who had brought Robyn into the family (even though he hated her mother). Henry, who had persuaded the town to erect a statue to honour Robin and Killian, held the family together during an impossible time. And was now grown up and, as the Author, regarded as a hero in his own right. A hero sadly missed when he went to university. The same young man who was now crashing down the stairs, car keys in hand, to take his brother and sister to school.
Henry lifted a giggling Honour up to Regina's face for a goodbye kiss. "Bye, mummy. See ya' later!" Regina giggled back, rubbing her nose in her neck and a a kiss on her cheek. Moments later, she looked to the girl's right to see Roland, magically suspended in mid-air next to her, also laughing.
"Roland? What on earth?" she cried, before realising it was Henry's magic supporting him! She quickly pecked Roland's cheek too, before admonishing Henry with a glare. "Stop that, young man! No magic in the home, thank you very much! That spell might not have worked!"
"A bit like your silencing spell then?" he cheekily rebuffed, leaving her dumbstruck, as he magically lowered Roland to the floor, heading to the door, "You probably need to find a new one. Honnie woke up last night, too!"
"Shit!" she said, under her breath, once they'd left.