The Mansion

As she sat down to read, Emma and Robin having only been gone half an hour, Regina heard a knock on the door. "No peace for the wicked, as Zelena continually reminds me!" she mumbled to herself. She opened it to the idiotic, grinning faces of Ruby and her fiancée.

"Regina! Sorry to bother you. We were hoping to speak to Emma about the wedding? We told her we'd pop over yesterday."

"Well…she didn't say anything to me. She's out, I'm afraid. Out with…er…anyway, she's out!"

"Oh. Okay no problem. We said we'd pop in and drop off the wedding outfits for Roland and Honnie. Emma said she'd check them and see they fit, and Carrie said she'd do the adjustments if they don't…"

"Carrie? You mean Robin's cousin?"

"Yeah. Oh Regina, she's a darling! She offered to help with the wedding dresses too. It's such short notice, so she said all we needed was to check measurements and she'll do the alterations."

Regina was taken by her earlier conversation with the only adult relative of Robin's she'd ever met. "I'll help too, if you'll allow me? I'll have Honour and Roland try them first thing, and drop them over to her in the morning? I wanted to talk to her again, anyway."

"Funny enough, she said something similar about meeting you again! If that isn't too much trouble, we'd really appreciate it. Probably a silly idea, us trying to arrange a wedding in just a few days!"

"A wedding in under a week? Why the rush?"

"Well…Killian sails Saturday morning, and he's offered us the use of the Jolly before then. As a Captain he can marry us too. Plus, Tink's going with him. So's Rosie, Merlin's daughter, and a few of the villagers, and they may be gone some time." she explained, only to be interrupted by Regina.

"Tink's leaving with Guyliner? Why wasn't I aware of this?" she blurted out in astonishment. "She can't just leave!" The former mayor knew there was nothing to stop her, but was aghast at the thought of losing one of her closest confidants after Emma. She and the green fairy, her former fairy godmother, had shared so much.

"Well she is. We saw her earlier. Blue gave her back her wings and powers. She's a full-blown fairy again! She's sailing with Killian and Rosie Saturday morning. I think they're heading for Neverland first, then Ariel & Eric's, then Arendelle…"

"Blue gave her her powers back? She's my fairy godmother, so I definitely need to talk some sense into her! It's madness. She needs to be here, not gallivanting across realms with that diseased pirate!"

"That's our friend you're talking about, Regina!" said Ruby, defensively. "Just like other people I could mention, Killian's done some dubious things in the past, but that's all behind him. He's reformed, just like you are! And he's been more than helpful these last few days…"

"And Zeus wouldn't send just anyone back!" Added Dorothy, for good measure.

She saw the irritated looks on the faces of the brides-to-be. "Sorry. You're right. If Zeus himself saw fit to send him back with Robin, who am I to judge?"

L'Auberge Cachee

The last two hours had gone far too quickly for Emma. The food, and the company, had been magnificent. Nine courses in all, ranging from small lobster entrees to a mammoth Beef en Croute for the main course, various small plates of things she's never experienced, before finally finishing with the lightest chocolate pudding imaginable. Now they were on the cheese and biscuits, accompanied by the smoothest port ever. All beautifully presented and the tastes sublime. Half the time she wasn't sure what she was eating, but she didn't care. It was wonderful. Wines had been meticulously selected in advance to match each course, and she'd welcomed every refill. Now here she was, stuffed and pleasantly inebriated. Not drunk, not quite, just very, very comfortable.

She'd been surprised at just how much she'd enjoyed his company too. Five years ago, she'd always remembered him as being a bit of a stuffed shirt, too earnest and too serious by half. But now, getting to know him, she saw a very different side to Regina's soulmate.

After they'd spent the first few courses talking about their pasts, Robin and Emma had moved on to poking fun at their current arrangement, friends and finally, each other. Robin told her stories about the mischief the Merry Men got up to, and the self-important royals they stole from. The people they met. She was surprised when he showed his talent for mimicry, impersonating people in Storybrooke. Perhaps it was his British accent, as he did excellent impressions of both Rumpelstiltskin and Killian. He even took the piss out of Belle's antipodean accent, exaggerating it with rude remarks the woman would never say, which sometimes made Emma howl with laughter. As they settled, she looked wistfully across the water.

"This was a great idea! I loved it, though I have to admit I'm feeling just a little bit…"

"Pissed?" he interrupted, with a grin, earning a glare which instantly turned into a smile.

"Tiddly! Not pissed, tiddly," she said, slurring her words slightly. "And you should know by now, over here 'pissed' means angry, not drunk!"

"Well I'll let you into a secret…" he leaned closer to whisper, his breath felt on her cheek. "I'm a bit pissed too, using the proper English meaning! But I'm not ashamed to admit it! Unlike some people!"

Emma was about to counter with a suitably barbed reply, when close to the lake they heard gentle singing and a guitar playing nearby. She looked down to the source, as a small gondola came into view, a small man singing while playing a mandolin. Then she realized what he was playing! She rolled her eyes in disbelief. "I don't believe this! You've got to be kidding me? Disney, here? Did you have a hand in this?"

"A hand in what? I don't understand…" Then he heard the song himself.

"Here you see her,
sitting there across the way.
She don't got a lot to say ,
But there's something about her.
And you don't know why,
But you're dying to try,
You wanna kiss the girl."

Emma snorted with laughter. The Little Mermaid, for god's sake! This was the most romantic place she had ever visited and now she was being serenaded by one if the cheesiest Disney tunes ever!

"Yes, you want her,
Look at her, you know you do.
It's possible she wants you too,
There's one way to ask her.
It don't take a word, not a single word
Go on and kiss the girl!"

She looked back up at Robin. He had already started laughing too, despite desperately trying to control himself. Obviously, he hadn't set it up! She studied his face. He's a seriously good-looking guy. And he does look fucking hot in that suit!

As her eyes roamed appreciatively over the rest of his torso, she looked up to find him staring straight back, a changed, darker expression on his face.

"Now's your moment,
Floating in a blue lagoon.
Boy, you better do it soon,
No time will be better.
She don't say a word,
And she won't say a word,
Until you kiss the girl…"

Emma felt a shiver as Robin's gaze moved from her eyes down to her mouth, biting his bottom lip as they both slowly gravitated closer to each other, heads tilting. Then, without any hesitation, or awkwardness, two sets of lips gently came together in a soft, warm kiss. A tender kiss, so different to what she'd had experienced on Saturday night!

Emma slowly opened her mouth wider, Robin following suit, with a slight groan, neither pulling back. He was more than happy for her to take the lead, to be in control of the situation, and she did so willingly. As she felt his left hand slide gently to the back of her head, under her hair, holding her in position, she did the same to him, cupping his cheek with her left hand as she slowly introduced her tongue into his mouth, to be welcomed and softly massaged by his own.

The kiss was so very different to that first time. That was passionate and urgent, and motivated by a dare. But this? This was tender, and so damn…nice.

After what felt like minutes but was probably only seconds, Robin gently unsealed his lips from hers, drawing his face away. For a moment he studied her, her eyes still closed and mouth open, as though waiting for him to reattach himself. As she opened them, she saw the reason he'd stopped. There, to her right, a young blonde waitress now stood beside their table, having silently walked along the jetty, holding a small tray in one hand, silver tongs in the other.

"Cognac and coffee, madame? Monsieur? Petit fours?" she asked, in a light French accent. Her tray held cups, glasses and a large tantalus. Her face failing to hide a little smirk.

Emma blushed, knowing the girl had caught them. "Er, yes, sure. Thanks."

"You're welcome, madame." She spoke softly, smiling more broadly now and leaving the small decanter, glasses and a bowl containing small blocks of chocolate and sweets on the table before giving her a wink, unnoticed by Robin. "Bon appetite!"

"I wouldn't be concerned," whispered Robin as the girl departed back up the jetty. "After all, they do seem to think we're married! And besides, Regina sort of gave me carte blanche to woo you. So, I have the queen's permission…"

"Woo? Who uses words like 'woo'?" she cackled, which he found more than endearing.

"People like me!" he breathed, pressing his lips to hers again, to continue where they left off.

It was late when Rosie and Killian returned to the Jolly Roger. After a long day preparing for the arduous journey ahead, Killian had organized a meeting at the Earl of Locksley for all those wishing to join the voyage. A lot more people had joined the party than expected! After making selections and finally bidding farewell until the day prior to sailing, the pair of them slumped onto his bed in the Captain's quarters.

Rosie noticed a serious look on his face. "Something wrong?"

"No, love. It's just something your father said. We need to talk…"

Rosie gulped in alarm. What's he said? Has dad threatened him if I go with him? "He didn't do the big daddy-bear bit, did he? Has he threatened to slice you limb from limb if you soil his precious daughter? Because if he has, I will seriously bollock him! It's not as though I'm some naïve little virgin he has to protect! He knows I…"

"Calm yourself, lass! He's said nothing of the sort. Well, not directly, anyway. He's fully aware of our situation."

"Our 'situation'? That's a funny word for it!"

"Our relationship! He knows we're together, and he's right to be concerned. He hasn't warned me off. He just wants you to know fully what you're getting into. And he's right. I am a damaged soul, after all…"

"Kill, we're both damaged souls! We've spent the last two days talking about this. I know you were a pirate, a villain, a thief, murdering, pillaging and raping as you go…"

"Maybe a bit of pillaging lass, but never raping! I could never hurt a lady, nor a child, though my actions may have caused hurt regardless."

She smirked. "Nonetheless, Zeus would never send back anyone who hasn't reformed. Dad knows that, which is why he probably trusts you!"

"All the more reason why I need to tell you some more recent history. It's important, love. I have strong and growing feelings for you, but as you're aware, I am still raw from a recent relationship. I need to be completely honest, so you can make a judgment whether to come with me on this voyage, or not. I don't want to mislead you…"

She sat on the edge of the bed next to him, taking his hand. Was there some horrible recent history? A murder? Other women on the go - did he long for someone else?

"I'm listening. I'm fully aware about Emma and your recent history. But first let me ask you two questions. One, is there any other woman now in your life I should be aware of? Any other relationship?"

He sighed. "No Rosie, only you. I swear! I am over Emma, though it still hurts."

"Yes, I know. Two, do you have any children I should be aware of? You're over two hundred tears old so I understand. You're bound to have left a few wenches up the duff in your time!"

Killian chuckled but his face remained serious. "You're right, love, there may well be a few, but I'm not aware of any. Though the topic is relevant. It concerns Ruby & Dorothy." He grimaced.

"Dorothy and Ruby? What, they're gay aren't they? At least I think Dorothy is! Not sure about Ruby though. From what I've seen, she flirts with everybody. Even me last night! Wait - what? You've slept with one of them, is that it? They're getting married on Friday. You didn't?" Her mind was rambling with her words.

"Again, calm yourself. I need to tell you this because, well it's important. While I want you with me, you may change your mind after I tell you this. But it needs to be in confidence. Can I trust your silence?"

She nodded slightly, urging him to continue. "Go on."

"Two days before you arrived, I encouraged them to marry. For Ruby to do what she was avoiding for so long, and propose. They wanted a child, you see. They went to your father, asking about magical babies or some such. Something about creating a child that was truly a part of each of them. Merlin told them that there was a way, but to do so required seed from a man with magical ability. They asked me."

Rosie's mind whirled. "You donated sperm. Is that it?"

"Aye, lass, I did. I gave them several donations one evening. Your father encouraged it! I provided the samples and they're being stored at the hospital, for several attempts over the coming months. Furthermore, I said that if it was successful, I would like to be in the child's life, if he or she wished it. I wouldn't want any child to be a dirty secret, like my brother and I were to our father!"

Rosie looked down, quietly trying to process the information. Killian grew concerned at the silence but held her hand as she contemplated the news. Finally she broke the silence.

"Actually Killian, I think it's rather lovely. You did the right thing…"

"I did?"

"Yeah, you did. You had two people who desperately wanted a child of their own, and you've made it possible. I hope they succeed. And you're right about being in the baby's life. Any child wants to know where they've come from, and not telling them about their biological mother or father seems cruel. I understand."

They sat together quietly before another thought popped in Rosie's head. "I should tell them I know."

"Why would you do that?"

"I saw the look on Dorothy's face when I kissed you, Killian! She's a woman, and she knows we're getting closer. They may hesitate in using your sperm if they think we're going to be in a relationship. They may think I would be annoyed if there was a little Killian wandering around Storybrooke, wanting to spend more time with his father! I need to tell them I know, and that I'm okay with it, and just go ahead."

"You're a remarkable woman, Rosalind Sage."

"And you're an incredible man, Killian Jones. As I said, Zeus doesn't save just anybody! He gave you powers and a fresh start. He knows about this stuff."

"However, there is one small addition to the story, I also need to add. I'm afraid this is the awkward bit…" she again nodded for him to continue. "You see, the night Ruby proposed to her, your father performed some sort of magic to combine their eggs, ready for the donor, as it were. After which, I went up to their room to make my own contribution…"

Rosie sniggered at his visible embarrassment, "You were a wanker! It's okay, Killian, it's a necessary part of the process!"

"Indeed. However, the situation was a little...unique. We talked for some time before, just the three of us. We got talking about sexuality, and Ruby told me that it never occurred to her that she was bisexual, until she fell in love with Dorothy. Our friend from Oz admitted that she had never been with anyone, man or woman, till Ruby arrived. We shared a few drinks and well, things kind of...developed…"

Rosie's eyes widened as she realized what he was trying to explain. "Oh my god! You're saying you bonked Dorothy Gale? Is that what you're saying? Dorothy wanted to try it with a man, so you just…obliged?"

"Well, as we're being honest, I actually 'bonked', as you put it, both of them. As I said, we had all had a good few drinks, Dorothy was curious, and Ruby encouraged it. I was now single, so I felt there was no harm in it, as we were all willing and a little bit enebriated. Early the next morning, I also left a sample. Sorry, I'm feeling a little awkward now…"

She looked him in the eye, her own face betraying no hint of emotion or reaction to what she heard. He stiffened, hoping she'd say at least say something. He couldn't bear the silence anymore. "I'm sorry, love. I quite understand if this changes things between us; I just needed you to know the truth." He looked totally ashamed, feeling he'd let her down.

"I don't believe it!" she said, as he stood to leave the room. "Any other guy I know, who had a threesome with two hot women, would be shouting it across the rooftops by now! "Look at me, I banged two girls at the same time!" But not you? You seem almost embarrassed!"

"Well love, it was only a day or so before we met. I don't normally go in for that sort of thing."

She slowly stood up from the bed, stepping in front of him and taking his hand in hers. "I understand. You are still, technically, a single man. And a bloody good looking one, at that! You were already on the rebound and, hell, if that opportunity was offered to me, I'm not sure I would have refused! I understand, it's a surprise but I have no problem with it. Though I will talk to Ruby and Dorothy as it would be stupid for them to stop the chance of a happy life with a baby because of me. I think you'd make a great dad!" With that she kissed him, sighing as his arms enveloped her.

"I thought you were tired, Miss Sage?"

"Hmm. I will be. Soon. And I'm sure you'll see to that, Mr. Jones!"

It was just after two in the morning when Regina heard the car pull up outside. Or to be more accurate, sensed it. Sensed them. Them. Emma and Robin. Earlier, the former queen had tried to settle in bed with a book but sleep just refused to come. She'd had a hot chocolate and even two whiskies, but it wasn't working. And she knew why. She was desperately waiting to see how they had gotten on. Without her. On their own. It was the fear of losing one of them, which led her to this, to her suggesting Robin took her wife out on a date. You're playing with fire, Mills! She told herself as she realized the risks from her foolhardiness. What had they had talked about? What if she hated him? Had they fought? Had they got on? And if they had, then what?

Slipping a silk dressing gown over her nightdress, she looked out the window to see her wife slowly and inelegantly clamber out the back of the large car, aided by another figure who had opened the door. Presumably the chauffeur, Robin's doppelgänger. Emma appeared to be leaning in, whispering something, laughing before being joined by Robin, from the other side of the car. She smirked as she saw the blonde, clearly the worse for wear, continue to stumble, latching onto Robin's arm. "Oh Emma, how many drinks have you two had?" she whispered to herself, as the pair headed up the drive to the front door. Regina decided to tiptoe downstairs to meet them, before hovering behind the door, trying to eavesdrop on their conversation from the other side.

"Ssshhhh!" her wife hissed noisily outside. "It's…it's late!" she slurred.

"You don' say?" came the deeper voice, sounding only a little less drunk. "I thought it was early!"

"Early…late…whatever. They're shleeeeping, so you need to keep it down!" she over-pronounced every word while attempting to whisper, unsuccessfully.

"I never thought I had it up!" That prompted an even louder laugh from her.

"Well you did Saturday!" she cackled, rapidly turning into a giggling fit. Behind the door, Regina also silenced a laugh. Jeez, they're both completely plastered! Nonetheless she carried on listening.

"Thang…thank you for a little evening, Rob…Dobbin'."

"Dobbin? Dobbin! I'm not a bloody donkey, Emma!" he started giggling too.

"Well it seems you're hung like one!" she said, before she could stop herself, setting them both off, tears of laughter in their eyes.

"Shush, shush, bad girl!" Robin admonished. "Whatever would your lovely wife think of such smut?"

"She ruder then me! Last week she said…" she stopped as the door she was leaning against opened rapidly to reveal her wife sporting a very pointed glare at her spouse, clearly intended to stop the revelation in its tracks. Emma initially looked shocked although collapsed back into her giggles again as she enjoyed the look on the brunette's face.

"Gina? My lovely, lovely, wifey!" she blurted out, followed by a loud hiccup, the volume of which caused Robin to then giggle like a schoolboy. Regina tried to look annoyed, but seeing the silly state of the pair couldn't help but smile, turning to face her wife while addressing the former outlaw.

"Robin, I thought you were going to take care of my wife? Yet here she is, completely hammered! What do you have to say for yourself, hmm?"

"I have to say…do you have any decent scotch in the place?"

Regina fought hard not to giggle. "I think you've both had more than enough alcohol for one evening! Are you coming in for coffee? Or several? Looks like you need it!"

He shook his head before turning to his date. "Thanks, but best not; I need my beauty sleep. Emma, it's been a lovely evening, I really enjoyed getting to know you…at last! We should do it again soon – perhaps next time Gina could join us?" Stepping in front of the former sheriff, he rested his hands on her upper arms, placing a small chaste kiss on her cheek. Emma was slow to respond due to the booze swimming around in her head.

"Umm…yeah…it was…great. Robin, thanks," she slurred. From the corner of her eye she saw Regina smirking at the interaction. A little look of devilment came over here as she remembered what the brunette had said earlier about her date. "Wait…Robin, umm, the food was fab, but I mostly enjoyed the company. You're different to how I imagined you. Nothing like asstiff as I thought!"

"So, nothing like last Saturday?" he smirked, with an evil grin. "I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted!"

At that all three burst out laughing, including Regina. "Well when you two have quite finished flirting, I also need my beauty sleep, so Robin, I'll bid you goodnight…" she said, stepping in front of him. He immediately released his right hand from Emma's shoulder to place it on Regina's, drawing her closer to them.

"You've never needed anything to enhance your beauty, sleep or otherwise! Goodnight, Regina." With that, he tilted his head to place a parting peck on her cheek, though instead she mirrored him, tilting her face to capture his lips with her own in a warm, not-too-heated kiss.

"Emma watched intently as their mouths parted. "Hey! I get a tiny peck on the cheeks and she gets a proper one? Hardly fair!" she slurred.

Robin smirked back at Regina, silently asking permission. "Be my guest…" she breathed. At that, he turned his head to capture Emma's own lips in an equally enthusaiastic kiss, which the blonde responded to with vigour, before stepping back to breathe. "Better now?" said her wife.

"Better now," said the younger woman. "Goodnight Robin. Sleep well…"

"You too ladies, pleasant dreams." He withdrew and walked back to the car, his doppelgänger waiting, giving him a wry smile. Regina took Emma, walking unsteadily, straight to their bedroom, before stripping the pleasantly drunk woman of her now ruffled dress and shoes, then rolling her gently into the sheets where she fell into an immediate sleep.

"Hmm. And goodnight to you too Emma!" She smirked, before joining her.

Wednesday morning – The Diner

"Mr. Clark, it's lovely to see you back with us!" said Ruby, as she unlatched the diner door at the start of another day. When Granny was alive, Sneezy was always the first, every morning, waiting for her to open.

The dwarf grinned back. "Good to see you too, Rubes. Though it's only thanks to Merlin that I got out of that tree in the first place! I thought Emma or Regina could've helped."

"Emma tried, she really did!" the wolf groaned, defending her friend, "so did Regina and Rumple actually. But you were just outside the town line. They said something about magic being weaker there. I'm sorry…"

"Only took Merlin a couple of minutes," Sneezy harrumphed. "Five bloody years I've been a sodding tree! Merlin comes along, gets me out and fixes my ruddy sinuses too. No more sneezing! Seems like the 'heroes' only fix things when it affects them…"

Ruby sighed. She knew there was no point in trying to persuade him otherwise. "I'm sorry Mr. Clarke, it's been a tricky few years, what with King George taking over and everything. Still, that's in the past, yeah? Your friends have come to celebrate your safe return?"

"I guess. Well that, and partly because of Nova n' Grumpy. You know about that?"

Seeing the blank, surprised look on her face, the former nasally-challenged dwarf continued. "Blue's let Nova leave the convent and be with him! So, they're properly together now and he's now got that daft look about him, like he used to. Guess we'll be changing his nickname back to Dreamy…"

"Blue just 'let' her be with him? How come? I always thought she was dead against fairies mingling with us?"

"Not sure, but I think Merlin had something to do with it. He seems to have straightened her out on a few things. Anyway, never mind that. I haven't had a decent breakfast in five years and I'm starving! You still do a Granny special?"

Ruby smirked. "We do. In her memory. A full heart-busting fry-up with a gallon of tea?"

"Bring it on, sister!"

As Ruby gave him her usual flirty wink (as she did with everyone), she turned back to shout the order back to Franco in the kitchen. Just as she did, she saw Merlin's daughter come through the front door, accompanied by a flushed-looking pirate.

The tall brunette walked across to the counter, not taking her eyes off Ruby. Killian chose to hang back, excusing himself to speak to the small gathering of dwarves and fairies assembled in the corner.

"Ruby, can I have a minute?" said Rosie, deliberately keeping her voice down, while only then noticing Killian had not joined her.

Ruby saw a look of concern on the other woman's face. "Something wrong, Miss Sage?"

"Could we go somewhere a little more…private?" She had an odd look on her face. "Perhaps Dorothy could join us too?"

It dawned on Ruby what this could be about. Killian's sperm donation - more importantly, whether she and her fiancée could still use it. Her usual happy grin slipped, realizing Killian had probably changed his mind, especially now he had a new girlfriend! No man would want to run the risk of being a father when he was involved with someone else. "Erm. Give me a moment, I'll ask her. She's in the kitchen and I have to go there anyway. Why don't you wait in the lounge at the back? Just through there, the first on the right…" she pointed, leaving Rosie to find her own way through to the private room.

"Rosie, you okay?" said Killian, appearing beside her. "I'll come in with you…"

"No, it's fine. Let me do this on my own…please?"

The former pirate nodded silently. "As you wish." He stepped away to join the group.

She walked into the little lounge. It was nicely furnished, and she couldn't help but notice one wall covered with lots of recent pictures of the two women with various people she recognised. On one shelf, she saw one with them standing either side of a female couple she recognized. Killian's former girlfriend, and the woman she was told was the former mayor. Looking at their elegant dresses, although they weren't white, as they held small bouquets it looked like it had been taken on their wedding day. They stood outside a city registry office which was probably not Storybrooke. Ruby had a young girl in her arms, who she recognised from the children playing outside the Locksley pub. A small informal wedding. Rosie thought it odd there were no other guests in the picture and no other pictures of the day. No parents, no children, no more friends. Perhaps it was just a photo for them, the rest of the wedding guests outside of the shot?

Her gaze fell on several other pictures taken with various families, particularly the children and babies. She picked up one framed photo of Dorothy holding one blonde baby close, with a look of adoration. Ruby was leaning over her side, planting a kiss on the little one's cheek. That one picture told Rosie she was making the right decision, embarrassing though it may be. As she smiled at it, she heard a small cough as someone came in the room.

"That's Alex. Ashley's little girl," said Dorothy, seeing the frame in Rosie's hands. "You remember Ashley?"

"From the pub? Yes, of course. Beautiful little girl - just like her mother."

"She's a gorgeous little thing," Dorothy said, looking at her. She seemed slightly nervous. "You said you wanted a word? Please, take a seat."

"Thanks. Well, this is a little more awkward than I thought it would be! Mum always told me if I had something to say, just come straight out with it, so here goes…" she paused to gather her thoughts. "I understand you asked Killian to help you with get pregnant?"

The two women stared, open-mouthed, at one another. Part of Ruby wanted to say it was none of her business, though seeing the sympathetic look on her face, she hesitated.

Rosie saw their discomfort. "I'm not judging, honest. I'm sure I'd have done the same thing, in your shoes. You want your own baby - I get it!"

"It's true. Rubes and I want a baby, and asked your dad about it, seeing as he's a gynae, and all. He told us about some magic that fuses our eggs, and said we could use a sperm donor, provided they also had magic, to conceive. Well, single guys, with magic, willing to do that? They're in short supply! Killian was single a few days ago, so we asked him."

Ruby continued for her. "He agreed, so we have his samples at the hospital, ready for us to use. But as Dot said, he was single then. But clearly isn't now! I understand if you two are together the last thing you want is him becoming a dad by someone else, even if he's not involved in our life. It'll come between you, so I'll speak to Victor and get him to destroy them." She spoke more in resignation, than sorrow. "I guess we'll find another way. Somehow…"

"No, don't! That's not why I came. I don't want you to destroy them!"

"You don't?"

"No. Look. Killian was, technically is, still single! Yes, it's true we're together, sort of, but it's really early days, and I've only known him for two of them. We're both on the rebound from failed relationships, so we're taking it slowly. It may come to nothing, after all! However, I'm sailing with him on Saturday, so…last night we talked and decided to tell each other everything, warts and all, about our pasts. Bloody hell, that man's got history! However he also told me about helping you. That's his business, so I had a long think and I decided that I'm okay with it."

"You are?" Dorothy wasn't sure she heard right!

"Yeah. He said he knew you two would be brilliant mothers and deserved this. Seeing those photos, I can see he's probably right! I asked him about how he'd feel knowing there was possibly a little pirate-girl or boy running around here. He told me he wouldn't want to interfere with your family, but if the little one, or you two, wanted him to be involved in some way, he would."

Ruby's mouth hung open. "And how do you feel about that? What happens if you decide to marry him one day, and have a kid of your own? Knowing there's another little Killian running around?"

"Then it means my baby will have a big half-brother or sister to play with! Can't be bad, can it?"

Ruby visibly relaxed, the tension dropping. "You're sure you're okay, with us using his sample? You're absolutely sure?"

"I'm sure. Who knows, in a few years' time, we could be babysitting for each other?"

Without another word, Dorothy stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the younger woman, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Thank you, Rosie! You've no idea what that means to me. To Ruby."

"You're welcome. I hope it works. Though one thing I don't understand; why do you need sperm from a man with magic? Limits your choice a bit, doesn't it?"

"You have to ask your dad! That spell he put on us was weird. But basically, whichever of us has it, we'll both be actual biological mothers. But because he used magic, you need it again to finish the job! Just add 'magic sperm', and voilà!"

"Only my dad could come up with something like that! Oops, that reminds me, I have dinner with him and my brother and sisters tonight. They're in town later, so I better get off and meet them. So, you're okay now? You're not going to do anything daft like destroy the samples?" Rosie stood to leave.

Ruby chuckled. "Not now! Now we now you're both okay with it. Thanks again, Rosie."

"No problem. Though I do have a small favour…" a mischievous smirk played on her lips. "I'd rather you two didn't have any more actual sex with my guy..."

The couple both nearly choked with embarrassment. BUSTED! But she hadn't finished yet:

"...At least, not unless I'm there too! Never had a foursome before - mmm, now there's a thought? Anyway, must be off. Bye!" With that, she winked at them and quickly turned to leave the room, leaving the stunned couple looking at each other, open-mouthed.

"Did she really just suggest…?" Dorothy croaked as per fiancée held onto her, smiling.

"Yeah. Yeah, I think she did!" The warrior looked at the wolf's grin, before they both exploded in laughter.