Summary: Henry returns home, while Marian and Regina splash out for a very special evening, arousing suspicion from their friends.

Meanwhile, Zelena returns. Someone's been waiting for her...


Mifflin Street - The following morning

It had only just turned eight when the video call opened, Henry appearing onscreen, looking tired and dishevelled, sitting on a brown sofa, with a tired grin on his face. Regina had chosen to stay in bed, in her silk dressing gown, for the call, while Marian went downstairs to give her some privacy with her son, promising to bring up coffee once she'd finished. Regina hadn't actually seen or spoken to Henry for nearly two weeks now, only via texts. So she beamed with happiness when he appeared, though her heart sank slightly at just how much he'd changed in such a short time! Now growing rapidly into a man, his chest had expanded, and his shoulders seemed to have a life of their own. And now he sported a darker, fuller beard.

"Hi mum! How's things?"

"Better for seeing you. I went to bed somewhat disappointed after that text you sent me last night, cancelling our call," she gave him a disapproving frown. "I wonder what could be more important than talking to your own mother?"

"Don't be like that!" he sniggered. "Something came up. I know it was late, but…I needed to change quickly and leave the flat to go get someone who was in trouble. Don't be cross…"

She could never resist that grin. "At ten at night? I suppose I forgive you. So, are you still coming home for the weekend? Does Emma know?"

"Yes, and yes. I texted her too. Is Marian listening?"

"No, she's downstairs. She thought you'd prefer it if it was just the two of us..." Although Henry had told her enough times he was fully supportive of her relationship with, and marriage to Marian, Regina always felt a little awkward when the three of them were together on calls, ever since that time he'd caught them in flagrante delicto. "Why do you ask?"

"I just wondered when you were going to tell me about Robin Hood?"

"You knew? He's only been back a few days. Who told you?"

"Roland. He called me up last night. On a Skype call! Seems somebody's been teaching him."

"Roland did that?" This was unbelievable. Where did he even get a laptop from? "I had no idea he even had one!"

"He's nine, mum, nearly ten; kids learn this stuff early these days! He phoned me, and set it all up. He told me all about Robin being brought back to life by Merlin and Belle; and how he's living on the Jolly with him?"

"It seems I can't tell you anything these days, without you finding out from someone else beforehand! Yes, it's true. Roland had a falling out with his mother, so he's living with his father for the moment."

"Must be weird for Robin though? Coming back to life, only to find out your dead wife's married your girlfriend! I mean, hell, that's gotta hurt!"

She really didn't want to talk about this - not to him. "Erm yes, well, it's all been a little trying, I'll admit. But we're adults, Henry, and we've been talking, and…we'll somehow find a way through. As for Roland, he's just feeling a little unsure of himself. I think he's anxious Robin might disappear again. So, we're meeting both of them again tomorrow, to figure out how to handle this."

"Just like you and ma did with me? Bit different though, isn't it, mum? After all, Robin was your-"

"Yes, yes, yes…" she interrupted. "Please, can we talk about something else? Like you? Firstly, young man, why haven't you invited me over to that swanky new apartment of yours? You've been there two months now. Emma saw it during the wedding weekend, and I expected my invitation! I'm starting to feel a little left out..." Almost as soon as the words left her, she spotted, just to the left of her son and almost out of camera, a long, slim pair of bare legs moving past. "Henry, you didn't say you had company? Who is that?"

He turned to look behind him. "What? Oh, it's Grace. Grace is my flatmate now. Grace, come say hi to my mum?" She heard something inaudible, then the woman finally came into view.

My god, she's changed! Jefferson's only daughter seemed to have transformed, looking more like her long-dead mother Priscilla. Regina had been told that the girl, the same age as Henry, had been travelling across Asia and Europe. But the young woman who now stood behind her son, resting a hand on his shoulder as she stooped to be seen by the camera, seemed to be very different from the naïve young thing that had left Storybrooke. Tall, high cheekbones, athletically built and very good looking. Almost Nordic, like Elsa and the woman she'd met last night. However Regina felt a little awkward seeing the young woman, dressed only in a tight white vest and her underwear. She didn't even have a bra on underneath!

"Hi Miss. M - sorry, Mrs. L! Henry told me you took your wife's last name. How are you?"

"Very well thank you, Grace dear. I hardly recognised you! How's your father?"

"Really great. He's a fashion designer at a house in New York now, and making oodles of money! He's dating the boss, and she's lovely. He bought a place in the city, and they're going to be launching a separate clothes brand, 'The Mad Hatter', soon. I reckon getting away from all that magical stuff was the best thing he ever did! No offence."

"None taken. Well, good for him. Do send him my regards when you see him."

"You'll be able to tell him yourself – we're also coming back to Storybrooke this weekend! Dad's putting the house up for sale and meeting Mr. Gold. He's his best friend. We'll be coming up with Henry on Friday. Anyway, sorry to interrupt your call with this one," she bent down and kissed the top of Henry's head. "I'll leave you in peace. Bye, Mrs. Locksley!" With that the girl moved out of shot and left the room as Regina gave her son a curious look.

"Has she left?" Regina asked. Henry nodded. "I'm surprised to see her wandering around your flat half-naked, Henry! I didn't even know she was still living with you. If her father has a house…"

"Her job's in Boston, not New York, so her dad's two hundred miles away. She starts at Uni herself in the fall. I like having her here. And Violet. It all works for us, and I get company. We're cool."

"I see. So, how long do I have you for this time? I must admit I'm disappointed you've been doing so much travelling during the summer recess. Your mother and I had hoped you'd want to spend time with us? Or are we too old and boring these days?"

"Don't be daft; you know I love coming home. And you knew I wanted to see some of Europe over the break. Anyway, I'll be with you right up until the new term starts, okay? So I'll stay at ma and Killian's on Friday and Saturday night, and over at your place from Sunday onwards, though I might take a bit of time with Grandpa Gold. How about I take you out to dinner Saturday night?"

"I'd love that, but unfortunately Marian and I have a prior engagement. But I'm pleased you'll be under my roof from Sunday. Call me as soon as you're in town?"


Granny's Diner – Friday morning

It was shortly after eight when Marian and Regina walked into the diner, finding Killian and Emma already sat at their table. Over the few weeks since the wedding, Emma had warmed more to Marian, once she'd understood the weird, needy relationship between Henry's two mothers. Killian seemed to understand and accept it these days. She smiled, as she watched Regina dart over to her goddaughter, who was now in a highchair trying to feed herself, and making a terrific mess about it.

"Hello beautiful!" said the usually imperious queen, her face melting into a megawatt smile when the twenty-month-old girl recognised her godmother and gave her a gummy grin. She kissed the toddler's brow, stroking her cheek.

"Well hello to you too, Regina!" said Killian, with a smirk, "Though don't call me that in front of the wife, she's the jealous sort!" he winked, earning an eye-roll from Regina and a light slap on the arm from Emma.

"I was talking to this beautiful young lady here!" the queen replied, focusing on Hope. "So, when am I going to have some time alone with my favourite goddaughter?"

"Soon as you want. I'm finishing the sea trials all day Saturday. You could join me, Swan, and leave her little ladyship with their majesties?"

"You're forgetting," said Emma, "I switched shifts with Hank, so I'm on duty early. How about coming to our place tomorrow evening? You could look after Hope and I'll cook? I know I'm not Gina in the kitchen, but I could still-"

"We're meeting Robin tomorrow night!" Marian interrupted. "Sorry…"

"Oh yeah," Emma gave a hint of a smirk. "I forgot. He mentioned it. Antonio's? Rather a romantic sort of place, Isn't it? And they're fully booked for weeks ahead!"

Regina gave her spouse a knowing look. "Well, it helps if your wife is extremely good at flirting with the owner, isn't that right, Marian?"

"Needs must," the taller brunette replied, with a grin. "Yes, we wanted somewhere quiet to talk. Tony made some space..."

"Anyway…" said Regina, picking up the toddler's flannel to wipe her mucky cheeks. "On a different subject. Henry arrives late tonight, and he said he's staying with us from Sunday. I assume he's staying at yours tonight?"

"Yeah. I think he finds Hope's early morning hungry bellowing a bit hard to deal with, so he's only sleeping at ours for two nights before he comes over to you. I was going to do him dinner…"

"Why don't you take him out, Swan?" suggested Killian. "Perhaps take Regina here too? After all, you haven't had a mothers-and-son night with him since before the wedding. I'll mind Hope. Then perhaps you'll be able to interrogate him thoroughly regarding his status with the young ladies Violet and Grace? I know you're itching to do so, and I'm quite certain the queen is…"

"I do not interrogate my son, Jones!" said Regina, her brow arched. "Although…I have to admit I am rather curious. During our call last night, Jefferson's daughter was strolling around his apartment almost naked…"

"Well there you go! Go take your boy out to dinner tonight, Swan. I'll look after this lass…"

Marian pondered. "You could come over to our place, Killian? I'm a pretty decent chef, even if I do say it myself! Hope could snooze in Roland's room, and after dinner, we could run through the Jolly launch plans! Yes, do it, Gina. You and Emma go out, and we'll see you later?"

"Great, thanks!" said Emma, looking up at her best friend. "It's a date…" she said it in jest, but the moment the words came out, she knew she could have phrased it better! "With our son, that is…"


Mifflin Street – early evening

Emma arrived bang on six, as agreed, Killian bringing up the rear slowly, as Hope, now in child-reins, was determined to walk the short distance rather than be carried.

"We just got back from Rory and Mulan's ourselves," said Marian, letting them in. "Gina's just popped to the bathroom. Make yourselves comfy and I'll make us some coffee."

The little group walked into kitchen, where Emma spotted a large fabric dress hanger, draped over a stool. "Someone been shopping at Kathryn's?" Forever nosy, she moved closer to take a peek inside. "New dresses again? I don't think I've seen either of you in the same outfit twice!"

"We wanted to find something for tonight," said Marian. "I haven't got much summer evening wear. I know Regina always likes the big reveal but…don't tell her but, let me show you…" She lifted the bag up by the hanger, sliding open the zip to show their new purchases.

"God, that's beautiful!" gasped Emma as she ran her hand over the first, a dark-blue, lace and crepe, A-line silk cocktail dress. She didn't know much about fashion, but she knew a seriously expensive designer dress when she saw one! Then she saw the label. "Valentino? Who's going to be wearing this one?"

"That's for me. Gina chose it, and I chose hers. This is what I insisted she wear tonight..." she separated out the second outfit to proudly show a second, pale lavender corset-style bustier dress. "What do you think?" Emma glanced at the label. Alexander McQueen? Shit, that must have cost thousands!

"I think you won't get a word of common sense out of Robin if you both wear those tonight!" said Killian, who Emma had hardly noticed come alongside. "He certainly won't be looking at your faces, anyway!"

Marian tried to stifle a blush, as Emma glared at him. "You think it shows too much?"

"Ignore him, Marian! They both look wonderful. That one suits Regina's figure perfectly, and yours is sexy as hell!"

"My point entirely..." Killian refused to be bowed. "You'd look great in the darker one, Swan! Perhaps it's time you went shopping?"

"I can't afford something like that, not on a sheriff's wages! I also don't have boobs like Regina's for that McQueen! but I have to admit, the Valentino…"

"I'll lend it to you, Emma! Seriously Killian, it must be time you treated your wife to a decent night out? Somewhere romantic?"

"I quite agree, love, but I fear if Emma wears that dress - well, let's just say she doesn't want to get pregnant again just now!" That earned a second slap on the arm from a blushing blonde as Marian laughed.

"He definitely gets worse the older he gets, and he's a hell of a lot older than me!" Emma squirmed. "Still, looks like you're going to have quite the evening! Romantic restaurant. Sexy outfits. You sure it's just Robin you're seeing?"

"Quite sure. We just want it to be something special. Robin means a lot to both of us, Emma. We were both stunned when he suddenly came back like that, and we got off on the wrong foot. I said, and did, some pretty stupid things, especially regarding Roland, so I need to rectify it. We can make a start by making him feel more comfortable around us!"

"I beg to differ on that, love. I hardly think shoving what he's been missing, in his face, is quite the right way to make him feel 'comfortable'!"

"Killian!"


Half an hour later, Henry appeared, opening the front door with his key. He'd just dropped off Jefferson and his daughter at their house and, after a five hour drive, was desperate for a hot bath. As he dropped his case on the floor, remembering the embarrassing time, eight months ago, when he'd caught his mum and Marian together, before stepping into the lobby he yelled out loud, "MUM? YOU HOME?"

Within seconds, he heard noises from the back, his brunette mother appearing from the living room, closely followed by his birth mother. "Ma, you're here too?" as the two women moved swiftly towards him.

The first to reach him, Regina opened her arms, wrapping them around his broad shoulders, as his own longer arms enfolded her, hugging her to him. God, how much bigger is he going to get? She thought. "Henry, I've missed you so much!"

"Me too," he replied, seeing Emma, trying to wait patiently immediately behind her, for a hug of her own. "Hen, I've missed you too, you know?"

Regina pulled back, allowing her access to their son, who now pulled the blonde into him, kissing the top of her head which was now a good nine inches lower. As she stepped back to take a look at him, his mind went back to the time in Neverland, when he woke up to find them both either side of him, sharing their fear that he wasn't going to come back to life after Pan's mistreatment. He smiled down on them. "I've really missed you both!" Without asking for permission, he wrapped an arm around each of them, pulling them into a tighter hug; a loving cuddle, now being watched by Killian and Marian, who had appeared in the hallway. Neither mother wanted it to end, content to enjoy the simple loving affection he offered, as he breathed them in. United. Their family. With her right shoulder squeezed uncomfortably against Regina's left, Emma awkwardly twisted, bringing her arm around the other mother's waist to make space, the brunette mirroring her. As they enjoyed their moment, a voice behind them coughed.

"Nice to see you, young man," said Killian. "Do we have you back for more than a few days this time?"

"Hi Kill!" he said, as his mothers stepped back. "All summer, if these two will have me?"

Regina frowned. "You already know the answer to that!"

"In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm here," Emma added, "Your mum and I are taking you out tonight. Dinner at the Rabbit Hole. No argument!"

"Not from me. Sounds great, but I'm a bit tired and smelly after the drive. Could I have a decent bath and a lie down first?"

"A 'lie down'? You sound like a little old man! Okay, you go take a bath. Your mother and I will give you an hour. Don't be too loud, as Hope's asleep in Roland's room!"


It was an hour later that Regina knocked on his bedroom door. "Come in!"

She walked in, to find him wearing only a pair of boxers, trying to sort out his clothes . It was the first time she'd seen him her son topless in over two years, and the difference between then and now astonished her. He'd clearly been working out at university, and his arms and stomach now seemed much more toned and muscled. Fortunately, not too much. His chest, now lightly dusted in darkening hair, seemed broader, and his arms and shoulders thicker; more powerful. She sighed, realising she was now looking at a man, not the boy she'd raised. And as for his face… "Henry, what are those marks on your neck? Is that some sort of rash?"

"What?" Henry looked down, following her gaze. "Oh, erm…no. Maybe just a small one…"

His obvious embarrassment and awkwardness made her realise. It wasn't a rash – they were love bites! And worse, the way he looked at her, she realised he knew that she knew!

"Maybe I had a reaction to something. Just…give me ten minutes?"


It was gone eleven at night, when they returned to Mifflin Street. Regina suggested they leave Hope overnight with her and Marian, and collect her in the morning. As it was their first chance of a full night's sleep without being woken, Emma jumped at the chance. Killian drove them, as she'd been drinking.

"So…did you have a good evening?"

"It was great. Henry drove us. Neither of us have had him to ourselves for ages. But…he's changing."

"From a boy to a man? Had to happen eventually, Swan. Still, did you find out which of the young ladies is his current paramour? Lady Violet or the hatter's daughter?"

"Can't be sure. He knows not to answer any direct questions when I'm around, as I'll pick up a lie. But I reckon it's Grace. When he went to the bathroom, Regina said his shoulders were covered in love bites. And when she spoke to him on a web call, she was standing nearby in just her underwear…"

"Does that bother you? The fact he has a more serious lady friend?"

"Not exactly. I'm sad he's grown up and dating, you know? Like I've somehow lost him. Regina feels the same way. We both knew there wasn't a chance in hell he was still a virgin, but all the same..."

"Just as well you have Hope to smother then?"

"Till she grows up and starts dating. Then I reckon you'll be the overanxious, annoying parent!"

"I won't allow it till she's forty!" he said firmly. And from the look in his eye, Emma could imagine he was being serious.

"Forty? Killian, you've got no chance!" she sniggered. "She's going to be as stroppy a teenager as I was. Plus, she has her dad wrapped around her little finger. And you know it!"

"As with you and your own father? Let's face it Swan, you've put Charming through all manner of shit, but he still seems to take it..."

"'Cos he knows that beneath it all, I'm still a daddy's girl! All dads love that – just like you do! Anyway, never mind all that. What about Regina and Marian? What did you think about those dresses?"

"The ones Marian showed us? Why do you ask?"

"Because those two outfits they bought, for dinner tomorrow night with Robin, must have cost at least five grand between them! At least! They're lovely, but it seems a bit over the top, don't you think?"

"Five thousand dollars? For two dresses? Are you kidding me?"

"Nope. Buying that sort of thing is making a statement. Either they're saying, 'Look at us! We're fit, glamorous, sexy, seriously rich and we don't need anyone..."

"Which would just piss off Locksley! By anyone, I assume you mean a man? I rather think them being together, married, has made that statement, don't you?"

"Or they could be saying, "We're looking this good…for you!"

"Both of them? Unlikely, don't you think? No, I suspect there's an ulterior motive. Something to do with the boy. They may have the wealth but…with Henry grown up, they need an outlet. You see how Regina clucks around Hope? I think they're making a play to get Roland back living with them. But without Locksley on board, I can't see that happening! The boy worships his father…"


Saturday morning

It was past eight in the morning when she finally stumbled out of bed, passing a glance at her exhausted reflection in the mirror, silently cursing the fact she no longer had magic. God, you look like shit, girl! Zelena and her daughter had spent most of the day flying and driving between San Francisco and Portland Airport, then on to Storybrooke, getting back to the small woodland cottage at just after one in the morning. And they were utterly jetlagged.

Shuffling silently past Robyn's bedroom, she glanced in the open door to see the four-year-old lying, fast asleep, across the top of the sheets, completely dead to the world. Zelena gave a sad smile at the sight. The girl was growing fast, getting taller by the day. Entering the kitchen, she filled a kettle to prepare coffee, silently thanking the electricity that had only been installed a matter of months ago. She was also desperately missing the big city, and Chad, and was looking forward to finally leaving this place for good. Her only reason for remaining had been her younger sister. But now Regina was happily married, she saw even less of her than before. No, it was time to go.

Minutes later, sitting silently sipping her black, sweet coffee, she was brought out of her thoughts by loud banging of the knocker on the front door. "Who the fuck does calls at this hour?" Tying her dressing gown more securely, she walked to and opened the door.

"Oh, it's you! What on earth are you doing here at this hour?"

"And good morning to you too, dear sister!" said Regina. "I've been trying to call you all week! I've texted you, left messages. I even emailed you. Where on earth have you been?"

Zelena moved aside to let her in. "It's a long story, but basically, I changed my phone. And the number. Sorry, I should have let you know. We only got back at one this morning. How did you even know I was back?"

"Emma. They were on their way home from my place, and saw your car. She knew I needed to speak to you, so she texted me. I guessed you'd be jetlagged, but I needed to talk to you urgently. You look dreadful, by the way!"

"Why thank you! Some of us have only had five hours sleep after travelling all day yesterday. Some of us haven't had time for make-up, magical or otherwise. So…what's so urgent?"

"Robin's back!"

"Well of course she is! She's unconscious, draped over her bed. What's-"

"Not your Robyn! Her father, the original!"

"What?" her eyes bulged. "That's impossible - he's dead! You saw him die! I saw the body!"

"True, but he's very much alive and restored to full health! I'm still not sure how but, they brought him back to life on Monday."

Zelena was stunned. "Who's 'they'? And why the hell would they do that?"

"The Sorcerer. Merlin's back too. The imp and the bookworm helped. But either way, he's back. And he wants to see her!"

That threw her. She staggered back, her mind a blur. "But…he surely doesn't think? Have you told him about me?"

"That you were in California, coming back this weekend. I didn't tell him you were thinking about living there permanently. With Robyn."

"Well…" she huffed, "Be that as it may, it won't make any difference. She's mine! She never knew him, so it's no great loss."

"No great - she's his father, Zee! He has rights too! Especially considering how…" she stopped herself, but Zelena knew what was coming.

"Considering how I seduced him to get me pregnant? Is that what you were going to say?"

"You didn't seduce him, Zelena, you raped him! He thought you were Marian."

"You always keep throwing that back at me, don't you? Well, it hardly matters now, anyway. I registered her birth in California, so she's legally mine. He's non-existent!"

"Do you seriously think that-" she was stopped when the door knocker banged again.

"Who the hell this time?" she stood, angrily stamping toward the front door, before opening it. "Do you know what time it is? I've hardly slept-" she shuddered to a stop, the moment she saw him standing in the porch.

"You!"

"Zelena." Robin stared hard into her eyes, his face betraying no emotion. "I'd like to see my daughter!"