Back in the limousine, about ten miles outside the town line, Emma was kneeling down, rifling through the car's drinks cabinet. "This is great! I've never been in a car with a bar before! Merlin doesn't exactly struggle in New York, does he?" she pulled out two bottles of chilled beer, while contemplating opening up the champagne sitting in a customised little chill bucket. "We've got whisky here, too! What're you having?"
He smirked at her enthusiasm. Like a child in a candy store! "I'll just take a beer for now, thanks. Probably best I pace myself. Merlin said the car's owned by one of his friends. He owns a micro-brewery too, apparently? Useful to know, for the pub."
Emma prized the tops off the bottles, handing one to Robin before sitting back. "Okay, Hood, so what's the deal here?"
"The deal?"
"Why are we really doing this? You said you wanted to get to know me. But I've got to admit I'm a little freaked out that the guy my wife's still in love with is now taking me out for some sort of romantic dinner? With said wife's blessing! So what's going on? You two conspiring to get some sort of threesome going again? Perhaps you're looking at Philip Briar, and want what he's got?"
Robin chuckled. "Hardly! Anyway, I know Mulan's story. She said she was very much in love with Phil, before she even met Rory, but didnt tell him because he was married. Phil was later killed, or so they thought. Then she got to know Aurora, and they fell in love. All very romantic, I gather, but that hardly compares to us!"
"So, what's with the romantic dinner? Granny's or Aesop's not good enough?"
"It's hardly romantic! The choice of restaurant was Merlin's idea! He knows the owner, and I also wanted somewhere we could talk openly, well away from here, without being overheard. Getting to know you properly was also Regina's idea, but I agreed. There's no cunning plan, honest! As we're going to be in each other's lives, whether we like it or not, I'd like to get to better know the woman Regina fell in love with. More importantly, the woman who's been helping her bring up my children for the last few years!"
Emma followed every word, studying him. Her powers told her he wasn't lying, or hiding anything. "Yeah, about that. Regina and me. There's something I wanted to ask you. I spoke to Killian on Saturday…"
"Killian?"
"It wasn't about him," she hesitated, now feeling awkward. "It was about something he said. Apparently, when you were both in the Underworld, you told him you thought Regina and I would probably get together one day? What made you think that? I never even thought of Regina that way when you were with her! I was with Killian. I didn't…well, you know…I just didn't!"
Robin saw where she was going, cautiously resting a hand on hers. "I never said probably, I said possibly. I'm sure you never would make a move on someone, if you or they were attached to someone else. I've always known you were honourable, Emma."
"So, what made you think… about Gina and me? It's not like I was gay then, for god's sake! Heck, I'd never even been with a woman before her!" Well, apart from an interrupted make-out with Elsa. "Nor had she. How did you know?"
"Simple observation, I guess. There was always a lot of, tension, between you two; some might even call it sexual. The looks. I knew Regina cared for you deeply, even if she did hide it behind the usual layers of sarcasm. The way you used to stare at each other; it was almost…flirtatious. A bit like how she used to look at Maleficent. In some ways, I thought it looked like you were about to kill, and in other ways, like you were going to ravish each other!"
"You never said anything to her?"
"Why? It didn't bother me. Actually, at the time I thought it nice for her to have someone, apart from Henry, that truly cared for her! She's been alone most of her life. You and your family were, are, very special to her. And when I was in the Underworld? I was hopeful for you both, I guess. Henry's a son to both of you. He unites you. I just wanted her to be happy, even if it couldn't be with me! Having you beside her was the next best option. She had such a horrible upbringing and suffered so much. She needs you more than you can imagine! You're a very special person, Emma. It's obvious you've also had a difficult past and felt abandoned too, just like her. In a way, you deserve each other."
She gulped, slightly embarrassed by his genuine admiration. "I don't know what to say to that."
"Nothing to say, really. I guess if I had come back, and Gina had another man, or even Maleficent, on her arm, I might feel more hurt. But with you? It's odd, but I don't. Seeing my own powerful, intelligent, kind and beautiful love on the arm of another powerful, intelligent, kind and beautiful woman, somehow seemed...fitting."
Though she thought he was laying on the flattery a bit thick, it was still nice to hear. She thought of the two men she'd loved. Neal, her cocky charmer. She'd always loved Henry's father, despite everything, and always regretted not telling him until it was too late. Then there was Killian. Another man who stole her heart. She loved that gorgeous pirate with a passion, and his death, because of her failure, broke her. It took three years to recover; for her to able to love again; with Regina. Seeing Killian again, five years after his death, brought too many painful feelings. She'd hurt him, not intentionally, but seeing the pain in his eyes at Granny's made her feel quite sick. Then his coldness towards her at the weekend, when she knew he was finally over her. That hurt!
She looked curiously at Robin, now sitting back drinking his beer, looking out the window. Emma had never paid much attention to him before he'd died. It seemed Regina had once almost worshipped this man, and his death almost destroyed her, wiping out her self-confidence and hope, almost to the point of suicide. She could understand the attraction. He was different. Much more serious than Neal, or Killian. Secure in himself, with a quiet certainty that seemed to calm everyone around him, especially Regina. A father with responsibilities, he was a natural leader, who just seemed to inspire confidence. Emma thought about how he had been received by everyone in the town just days ago. The men obviously welcomed their lost leader back, but what really surprised her was Mulan's reaction, the normally sullen fighter beaming when she saw him in the park. Philip and Rory even asked him to be their new child's godfather. And Ruby seemed to adore him. Blue, Tink, dammit everyone seemed to love him, and she began to understand why. He was just...what everyone thought him to be. Kind, considerate, gentle and sincere.
As she watched the passing fields fly by, her mind went back to Saturday, and their night together. She remembered him above her. The toned muscles on his arms and chest, not overdeveloped like some narcissistic baboon who spends too long in the gym. But nicely sculpted from actual physical labour. She remembered his broad shoulders, which she'd dug her nails into as he ploughed into her mercilessly, biting into one hard as she came. His mouth, and how he seemed to almost devour her when he went down on her the first time. Until Regina, she'd never let anyone do that! He'd worked his tongue over, around and inside her like a maestro. And she remembered that first powerful orgasm ripping through her, and the downright evil smirk on his face when he'd realised she hadn't expected it! Then later, when she'd watched him do the same thing to Regina, remembering the look of utter bliss on her face, teeth clenched, as she came apart; the same look when he drove hard into her. Damn, watching them had been such a turn on! And then, later, when she lay on Regina, face to face, lips locked as behind her, Robin had pushed them into each other, taking each of them in turn. That had been weird! She remembered that fierce pulse of energy race through her body as he came inside her. She couldn't deny it – her first ever threesome had been bloody magnificent!
"Something wrong?" he said, waking her from her reverie, and seeing the flushed look on her face.
"What? No! No…it's just…wait, what was that you said about Maleficent?"
"Well, only that Regina used to look at her in that way; they clearly had some sort of past. Not sure if it was romantic, but I thought it likely. I guess if she told you she'd never been with any other woman, I'd believe her. Clearly, I was wrong. Don't worry about it – she traded up!"
"You throw in the possibility my wife had a previous female lover, who still lives in Storybrooke, and then you tell me not to worry? You clearly don't know women as well as you think!"
"Emma, I didn't say that. You did! I just said there may have been feelings. Nothing more. Regina's a very beautiful, very sexual woman. She's bound to have attracted admirers over the years."
"Yes, but another woman? That's different."
"Emma, stop. She loves you. You won! We both know she'd never cheat on you. I'd say you never have to worry about anyone else ever again."
"Yeah, right! I'd like to see your face, if you found out Marian had had another woman 'admirer'. Don't think you would be quite so smug then!"
"Actually, Marian did once have a woman admirer, as you put it. A bit more than an admirer, to be frank - her cousin, Lady Antonia. Marian told me they'd been together, secretly, for a while before I met her. I knew Antonia. It didn't bother me."
"Really? I only knew Marian briefly, before she…well, before, you know, Zelena. I'd never have guessed she was interested in girls."
"A girl, Emma, a girl. Love is love, in all forms, and I've found it's all about the person, not the sex. We never judged each other." He smiled sadly, remembering his first real love.
"Just as well. People are seriously judgmental about that kind of thing. I should know!"
"How did everyone react when you and Regina came out as a couple?"
She sighed. "Well, the family were fine. Don't forget, we'd both been through a lot of depression and therapy with Archie. Henry and Hopper kinda brought us together. Mum was a bit funny about it. Not about the gay thing, but the fact it was Regina, her own stepmother. They've had an odd history and it must have been weird, her daughter and her step-mother being together! We had a bit of a falling out, but we made up again after a while. I think Archie had a word with her and mum always trusts his judgement; but it was difficult for a while."
"And David? How did he take it?"
"Dad was brilliant," her head tilted back as a warm smile broke. "I've always been a bit of a daddy's girl. He knew what was happening quite early, and just sat me down one day and said something sugary like he fully accepted it. He said something like 'follow your heart' and gave me a cuddle. He persuaded mum to stop being silly."
"David's a good man. To him, you'll always be his little princess – he just wants you happy."
"Yeah, he said something soppy like that. He's been good with Regina. Almost treats her like his second daughter now, even if technically she's about the same age. He's forever pulling her in and hugging her, usually with her yelling in protest and threatening him. She says she hates it, but I know as a fact she loves it really."
"And the rest of the town?"
"Mixed. About three years after you were killed, I moved in with her. When news got out, some called us names. Once, in Granny's, one old woman even called us a couple of 'man-hating dykes'! 'Man-hating'? Can you believe it? We just fought depression over the loss of our men! Gina even having almost…" she stopped as her eyes watered. He saw her distress and moved closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, his hand resting on her knee.
"Emma, don't go there! Sorry, I didn't mean to bring back bad memories! We don't need to talk about it…"
She leant her head against his shoulder. "It's okay, you didn't know. After all you're gonna hear about it sometime, so best it's from me. Straight after your deaths, she stopped eating and I started drinking. She didn't know she was expecting Honnie at the time. She took sleeping tablets."
Robin winced, imagining the turmoil he'd put her through. "Sorry we caused so much suffering."
But Emma wasn't listening. "Henry found her. He called an ambulance, and they rushed her in. They couldn't find me - I was down in my cellar at my old place, wasted. It was touch and go whether she'd survive. I may give Whale a hard time, but he really came through that night. They pumped stuff out of her and it was only after they ran tests they found out she was pregnant. So knowing that, she felt even worse. That she almost killed the baby she never thought she could have!
Robin wanted to interrupt, but saw she needed to get it out. And he wanted to know.
"Dad found me unconscious, a day later and got me to the hospital. Some bloody Saviour! Whale gave me something to make me throw up and they kept me in. I panicked. I tried using magic to get out of there, so Henry somehow persuaded Gold to get magical cuffs on me and Regina so neither of us could escape. I gave him so much shit for that! So did Regina, when she woke up. Can you imagine it? Both his mothers giving him hell for saving their lives? What a pair!
"He's a remarkably perceptive young man. It's a trait he gets from you both."
Was he flirting with her. "Anyway, Dad told me if I didn't accept help from Archie, he'd lock me up with the bracelet still on. Regina wasn't so lucky. She was in there four weeks while they did a psychiatric assessment." She paused to put the empty bottle down. "Finding out she was pregnant really shook her up. Robin, that pregnancy was the last piece of you she had left! It's one of the main things that saved her. We kinda bonded in the hospital as we tried to shake ourselves out of what we'd both become. It got a little fuzzy at that point, but Archie sort of took control. He set us both on detox regimes and therapy sessions together, figuring we were both going through so much trauma we could help each other. A few weeks later, we both got out of the hospital, but Archie still wouldn't let them take off the cuffs.
"He was just thinking of your welfare Emma. Those cuffs may have saved your lives…"
"Honnie saved Gina's life. Being pregnant gave her something to live for. She maxed out on the guilt of course. The number of times we both spent the evening crying at the farm…"
"The farm? Snow and David's? She moved in with them?"
"We both did. Mum and dad needed to keep an eye on me. I think mum was terrified I might start drinking again, or overdose like Regina. They spoke to Archie and he suggested we both move in until after the birth. She was still in a bad way and too weak and stressed out to argue. So, we both moved in until Honnie was born. Did you know my dad delivered your daughter?"
"David? But why didn't they…" he blurted, shocked at the news.
"It was sudden. The snow cut us off from the town, and there was no chance of getting to the hospital after her waters broke in the night. Dad was once a shepherd. He'd delivered plenty of lambs and foals in his time, but never a human being. It was panicky at first, but he's amazing in a real crisis! Mum is too. I left to get Doc shortly after, trudging through the snow, but we managed to get everything taken care of."
"Thank you, Emma." Said Robin, his voice almost a whisper.
"For what? Dad did most of the work…" she looked up from his shoulder to see his teary eyes.
"For looking after the woman we both love! For being there for her, when you had enough problems of your own to deal with. For helping her through the pregnancy."
She looked up at him, her head still resting against his shoulder. "She helped me too, you know? She and that pregnancy gave me a reason to pull my head out of my own ass…"
"Don't dismiss what you did, Emma! You loved and took care of her, and you also helped raise Honour and Roland when I couldn't. You're a remarkable woman, and not because you're the Saviour or the daughter of Snow and David, but just because you're you! I can see why she fell in love with you."
Emma swallowed, knowing he was being completely sincere and seeing the warm smile as he turned to face her. "Well if we're throwing out compliments, thanks for saving her from Hades! I see why she fell in love with you too." The words were out before she could stop herself.
For a moment, they studied each other, faces close and looking briefly at each other's mouths, before Robin slowly leaned in and pressed his slightly parted lips lightly against her own. The kiss was short, but warm, and they both felt that charge, that pulse, that they and Regina had felt that night in the Earl of Locksley. They separated slowly, Robin anxious he'd overstepped the mark.
"Sorry Emma, I shouldn't have…"
"Why? No problem with me. After all, Gina wanted us to get on. She even hinted she wants us to be 'closer'."
"She did?"
"Yup. She feels guilty she's causing problems by loving us both. I think she's secretly hoping for something to happen between us," she breathed, with a slight embarrassed giggle, which he found adorable.
"Well I'd hate to disappoint her! Perhaps this is turning into a date after all."
"Maybe. Though I think we did things the wrong way around, don't you? We've already slept together and had fairly phenomenal sex, and you've yet to even buy me dinner!"
"Fairly phenomenal? Emma, you wound me! And I intend to fix the dinner issue this evening," he said, leaning in to give her another chaste peck on the lips, with this time her responding in kind.
"Hmm. Did I see a bottle of champagne in there, Locksley?" she eyed the secured ice bucket.
"You did, Mrs. Swan-Mills, you did." He breathed, before moving over to the small cabinet to lift the chilled bottle, pop the cork with a steady hand and gently pour two glasses, already waiting on top. Lifting them across, he passed one across before lifting the other to clink against hers.
"To your marriage, and the woman we love," he toasted as they clinked and sipped.
"To family and friendship!" Emma countered, taking a large swallow of champagne.
"To the future!" he clinked again, refilling their glasses.
"To our first date!" she giggled, "and some decent food!"
Storybrooke Harbour - earlier that afternoon
While Killian Jones had been busy on board the Jolly Roger, preparing for the Friday wedding and his Saturday departure. Supplies were being ferried aboard, as they prepared for the Saturday early tide. Only about a third of his old crew were prepared to join him for this voyage, though it didn't matter so much this time, as his new magical abilities now allowed him to command sails to rise, decks to be swabbed and provisions to arrive without delay. The lack of crew allowed him to create more space and, with Tinker Bell and Rosalind by his side, he set about creating, with magic, not just better living quarters for the smaller crew, but two additional cramped berths next to the Captain's Quarters, the green fairy helping guide his magic through trial and error.
"Sorry ladies, both these berths are a bit cramped, though at least you'll both have your privacy. Alternatively, you could both take over the Captain's quarters and share; at least then you'll have bathroom facilities. I can berth in one of these…"
Rosie smiled at the pirate for the kind offer, knowing full well she was more likely to spend most nights in his bed anyway. "No, that's fine, Killian. There's a loo, and basin close by. I'll be fine."
"I agree with Rosie. A Captain needs his quarters!" said Tink. "We'll be just fine. Mind you, I wish I still had all my powers at times like this; I could've just shrunk to fairy-size and slept anywhere…"
For the next half hour, they continued to produce small bursts of magic to add furniture, tidy and paint the two berths, change the beds and colours to suit the three of them. It was then they heard a shout from above.
"Permission to board, Captain Jones?" Yelled the Sorcerer, her daughter's head lifting in surprise.
"Daddy?" the brunette yelled back, followed by Killian's own yell, "Permission granted, Professor!" He then whispered to Rosie, "Your father - you have told him, right? The fact you're coming with me? I don't fancy getting incinerated by an angry sorcerer!"
"Of course!" she whispered back. "I wouldn't keep something like that from him!"
The three climbed the steps up and on to the deck, seeing Merlin stepping up the gangplank, followed by Blue and Annabelle. He smiled as he saw his daughter. "Hello, my darling! I haven't seen much of you since you arrived. No time for your old papa anymore?"
With a huge grin, Rosie stepped into his loving arms in a warm embrace. "Don't be silly, daddy – I've always got time for you! I've just been a bit…erm…busy. We're getting Killian's ship ready for sailing on Saturday and we've a Friday wedding to prepare for. Sorry I haven't been around much." She looked across at her younger sister, who sported a sly grin on her face. That's when she realised, Anna knew exactly what her older sister had been up to - with Killian!
She gave her sister a warning glare, while still enjoying the hug and the familiar smell of her father.
"I'm sure you have, my dear. Though I'm hoping you'll spend the evening with Anna and I. Charlie & Celia will be arriving tonight and I haven't had you all together for so long."
"Of course I'll come. I've already texted Cee, but haven't heard back from Charlie."
"She said he'd gone off for the day with some girl he met on the flight over, complaining of 'jet lag'!" said Anna, earning a roll of the eyes from all three of the Sage family and a chuckle from Blue, who had remained silent till now. "I take it this isn't an unusual event?"
"Definitely not!" groaned Rosie, "anything in a skirt…"
"Now don't speak ill of your brother," Merlin chastised her. "Not when he isn't here to defend himself! He texted me actually, so he will be here tonight, with or without Celia."
Killian stepped forward to shake his hand. "Welcome on board, Professor. Can I offer you all a drink and show you around my ship? As Rosie will be joining me on the first sailing, I'm sure you would like to look around?"
"Indeed, Captain. I did want to have a word with you?" Killian knew the word was likely to be about his daughter and their current 'relationship'. "Though first, let's have a quick look at Rosalind's accommodation for the next few weeks, shall we?"
Killian nodded before leading the group down the steps toward the Captains Quarters and adjoining bedrooms. Opening the door to the room set aside for Rosie, it appeared even more cramped then before as six adults stepped into it. Really cramped.
"Hmm. Cosy, I guess." Said Merlin. "Though perhaps a little more space would be useful. May I?"
Not quite knowing what the Sorcerer intended, Killian stepped back. "Well…be my guest."
As the remaining five stepped back, Merlin tilted his head down, muttering silently to himself with his hands moving together, almost in prayer. He slowly separated them, a pale-yellow light emanating from within. As the rest of the group watched open-mouthed, the oak beam walls began to move further apart, seemingly stretching beyond belief, with no sound of cracking or splitting. Ten seconds later, the previously small room now appeared to be at least five times larger!
"Fucking hell!" said Killian in astonishment, before he could stop himself. "Oh, sorry for cursing, but you've stretched the room beyond belief! What's it done to the rest of the ship?"
Merlin laughed at the looks on their faces. "You like that? It's a little piece of rather special magic, taught to me by a most unusual fellow I once met. A traveller through time. This room will appear no different on the outside, I assure you Captain, but on the inside…well, as you can see…"
"It's brilliant! Could you do it for my berth, as well, my lord?" shrieked Tinker Bell, earning a glare from Blue.
"Of course, my dear. I'll also put in a couple of bathroom facilities and leave you to decorate them. Don't worry Captain, as you'll see, no damage has befallen your ship!"
"I'm truly amazed! Now, you said you would like a word?" he said leading the small group back into his own quarters.
"Yes, please. Reul, I believe there's something you wish to say before the Captain and I leave?"
The Blue Fairy stepped forward, looking nervous. "Well, yes. I wanted to speak to Tinker Bell, actually."
The Green Fairy stepped forward silently, looking at her former leader. The relationship with Blue had been strained for a long time. All the way back to the day she'd tried to help Regina find her true love. The day Blue chastised her, removing her wings. She didn't hate the woman, but she didn't exactly like her either.
"What do you want, Reul? If it's about me joining Captain Jones and Rosie on this voyage, I'm afraid I won't change my mind! There's really nothing for me here. I'm no longer a proper fairy, as you well know, and I can see no reason to stay."
Anna could swear she saw a small tear in the eye of the normally formidable fairy. "No Tinker Bell, it isn't that. It's difficult for me to explain. I've had long conversations with Merlin over the last few days, and it's clear I've made some serious mistakes which I now need to correct. Mistakes concerning yourself and Nova." Her nervousness was apparent as she kept her eyes fixed to the floor.
"I refused Nova's wish to seek love in the arms of a human being, breaking her heart in the process. I now realise that was wrong of me, and I have asked her forgiveness. She may now do as she wishes, and I hope she can recover her happiness. However, with you I did something far worse. You sought to save the life of a tortured soul, and help her find her own happiness. Your motives were honourable, yet I still punished you and removed your wings." Blue lifted her head to look at the younger woman, a tear now drifting down her cheek.
"I wish to correct that. I wish to restore your powers, if you'll allow me?"
Tink stepped slowly forward, overcome with her own emotions. "You mean…I'm forgiven?"
"I was the one at fault. There was nothing to forgive. Sister, will you allow me?".
Green stepped silently in front of her, pulling herself forward until the two fairies stood close, face to face, almost touching. Blue placed her hands on the green fairy's arms, embracing her elbows. The older fairy tilted her head slightly to the right as Tinker Bell mirrored her action. It looked to the others as though the fairies were about to engage in a full kiss, as both opened their mouths wider, moving even closer.
However, an inch before their lips touched, a piercingly-bright silvery mist appeared from Blue's mouth, heading directly into the mouth of Tinker Bell. Their audience watched spellbound, as the magical mist continued to flow from one fairy into the other. As it continued, Tinker Bell's body seemed to inflate slightly, glowing, her cheeks glistening as a pair of wings slowly sprouted from her back.
"That's astonishing," said Killian, his voice almost a whisper
"Beautiful," said Annabelle.
"Hot!" said Rosie, earning a glare from her father.
"The 'Fairy's Kiss' isn't sexual or romantic, Rosie!" Merlin chastened his daughter. "It's a transfer of power, love and trust. It's magical and sacred. We're honoured to witness it!"
As the light passing between the two fairies dimmed, Tink pulled her head back and looked into Reul's eyes, now glistening with tears. Shivering her newly reformed wings in excitement, she now pulled Blue into a more traditional hug, kissing her cheek. "Thank you Blue!" she whispered to the chief fairy.
"You're more than welcome - and please call me 'sister'?" she whispered back.
As Rosie and Anna stepped forward to talk to them. Merlin leaned across. "Captain, let's talk up on deck?" Killian nodded, leaving the others to discuss what they'd just witnessed.
He led him up to the fo'c's'le, the raised platform at the front of the ship, twisting his palm as two chairs and a table appeared.
"Captain, are you sleeping with my daughter?" Merlin asked before they even sat down, showing no trace of emotion. That threw him completely! Knowing the Sorcerer could probably spot a lie instantly, he responded.
"Well…yes."
"And what are your intentions toward her? You've just come out of a relationship, I believe? Rosie has also recently ended something similar."
"If I may be frank, I have no intentions yet, sir. It's all very new for us both. I like her very much, and I believe she likes me. We're taking things cautiously, but I've no intention of coercing or harming her."
"I believe you, Jones. However, I am her father and while trying not to be too over-protective, I do worry for my girls. Rosie's last partner turned out to be an utter swine, and I'm concerned she doesn't get hurt again!"
"You're right to be. I was a pirate, as well you know. But I like to think I have changed. Despite my age, I have only had two 'real' relationships in the past and during them I was never unfaithful. One ended when she was killed by the Dark One and the other when I was also killed. Your daughter is a wonderful woman, and I have already told her much about my past, although two centuries is a lot of ground to cover. I've told her I am a damaged soul, and to take her time getting to know me."
"You intend to tell her ALL of your past? About your first love, Milah? Your connection with Rumpelstiltskin, and your previous obsession with revenge?"
"Aye, although we only met two days ago, I have already told her about Milah. And Emma."
"Good. Honesty and openness is the only way. Have you told her about Miss Gale and Miss Lucas?"
"Dorothy and Ruby? What about them…they…oh…oh!" Killian shuddered, remembering their evening together just three days ago. And the sperm sample. "I haven't yet. But I will. Tonight."
"Very well. Please do so. I understand that you gave your sample to the couple to help them have a child, which was noble of you. And it was before you met my daughter. I know a little of your future, which I cannot disclose, and it is clear that you will remain linked to the couple for a very long time to come. But a seer cannot see his own bloodline in his visions, so I do not know what part Rosie will play in your life. She's a strong woman, Mr. Jones. So, provided you are absolutely honest with her, I will not try to persuade her either way."
"Then I give you my vow that I will tell her before we sail! She can then judge me accordingly and, if she decides not to come, I'll respect it and not try to persuade her otherwise."
Merlin nodded in agreement. "You also need to speak with Ruby and Dorothy. They can decide whether they still wish to continue with using your sample, knowing you may be starting a relationship with my daughter."
An hour after leaving Storybrooke, the limousine pulled up at the front of the most beautiful restaurant Emma had ever seen. The half-timbered mansion lay on the edge of a beautiful lake, with perfectly manicured gardens at the front. As the car stopped, a large uniformed figure appeared, opening the door.
"Bonjour madame, monsieur, welcome to L'Auberge Cachée. We are honoured to have you with us tonight," he said, offering a hand to assist her in stepping out. Normally Emma would be affronted at the idea of someone thinking she needed any help getting out of a car. However, here it somehow seemed fitting. Emma had seen enough old movies and she rather liked this excessive formality. She was elegantly dressed in one of Regina's best outfits, her hair looked good, and she felt like Hollywood royalty. Looking back, she saw Robin.
As he stepped out, adjusting his jacket, she had to admit he did look good. The suit fitted him perfectly, and certainly looked expensive; just right for this place! She turned to see the imposing entrance, candlelit within. Everything reeked of luxury. Since marrying Regina just over a year ago, she'd got to experience some pretty fine dining and hotels on their rare outings outside of Storybrooke, but this was in a very different league! Hearing steps on the gravel, she felt a warm hand gently take hers, linking their arms. "Shall we?" he muttered, with a grin, which she countered with her own. They followed one of the doormen into the entrance, where a short, balding man stepped up to them, sporting a huge smile.
"Bonjour madame, monsieur! It is Lord Locksley, no?" he said with a strong French accent, his head bowing in deference. "I am 'onoured to 'ave the famous Robin of Locksley dine with us tonight! Professor Sage said you were indeed a special friend of 'is, and to take good care of you! So we 'ave something rather special planned. A gourmet meal fit for 'eroes!"
Emma smiled at his manner. Was that accent real, or fake, for show? Who cares? Everything was so impressive; she just enjoyed the moment.
He walked over to Emma. "Oh! And you 'ave brought your beautiful lady to dine with you this evening?" The little man stepped forward, lifting Emma's free hand with his own, before planting a tiny kiss on the back. "Enchantée Madame! I am Pierre Roch, the owner of L'Auberge Cachée." He rambled happily. "Lady Locksley, Sir Merlin is a very good friend of mine. You know, 'e once saved the life of my darling daughter Mia and my granddaughter Estelle? I owe 'im so much! So tonight, you will be seated on the lake front!"
"Well actually, she's not…" Robin was about to correct Pierre, who clearly thought Emma his wife. However, before he could, he felt a tight squeeze on his arm. Looking into Emma's eyes, clearly, she was trying to tell him something urgently. So, without hesitation, he released his third eye sense, taught to him by Merlin only days ago, to find out what she was trying to say, reading her thoughts, which immediately came through, loud and clear. 'Shut up!'he heard. 'Something special! He's talking food, for god's sake! I've just had two beers and most of the champagne. I need food! Just go with it! I'm too hungry to argue!'Her eyes pleaded, not expecting to see a grinning outlaw smirking at her and nodding with a wink.
"That sounds lovely, Pierre! After you…my lady!" he said, as Pierre led them to their table. The pair were escorted through the restaurant, before being directed toward the lake. Emma's breath hitched at the sight, as they walked eventually across a tiny, short pier to their table, sitting away from the remaining diners, under a small glass canopy. It was utterly enchanting, sitting at least a hundred feet offshore, with lights from the lake gently twinkling in the distance. "Oh, my! This is wonderful!"
"I'm pleased you think so, madame," said Pierre, pulling a chair back for Emma to sit. "This is known as the Margaretta table, named after the Professor's wife! I met 'er once, before 'er sad demise. She was also a doctor, you know? A truly enchanting and beautiful woman. Much like yourself, Lady Locksley. You are indeed a lucky man to 'ave such a lady in your life, monsieur!"
Emma smiled. Before she even had a chance to reply, a warm hand rested on top of her own.
"I agree Pierre, I am!" said Robin, a mischievous glint in his eye. "A very lucky man."