Summary: Zelena gets an unwanted visitor - her daughter's dead father!And there's romantic dinner for Robin, with a surprising offer at the end.


Zelena's Cottage – early Saturday morning

"Hello, Zelena. I'd like to see my daughter!"

The former Wicked Witch stood, dumbfounded, momentarily unable to speak, until: "

You…you can't! She's asleep!"

"Fine. I'll wait here, till she wakes up." He glanced over her shoulder to the other woman. "Good morning, Regina."

"Robin, what are you doing here? Did you just follow me?"

"It's fairly obvious why I'm here, isn't it? And no, I didn't follow you. I was outside for a little while, waiting. I sensed your magic though, so I just…listened. From outside."

"From outside? How the hell did-"

Zelena had heard enough. "Sorry to interrupt this little chit-chat, but it's early and I never got to bed till two! So leave, both of you! Regina, come back later, and I'll give you my new number," she turned, looking at Robin, a hint of menace in her eyes. "But as for you…"

Robin was indifferent. "As I said, I'll wait here…"

"NO, GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE!" she bellowed. "NOW!"

"Robin," Regina intervened, trying to keep things calm. "Perhaps we should let them have a chance to catch up on their sleep? They're exhausted from all the travelling. Come with me and we'll meet back later…"

"I don't think so. I heard the two of you talking about her taking my daughter, the daughter I haven't seen for four years, to live somewhere else. I can't trust this bitch, so I'll stay! You do whatever you want…"

"LISTEN HERE, HOOD!" she realised she was shouting, so lowered her voice so not to wake Robyn. "If I still had magic, you'd be bloody carbon by now! So just-"

"I've had enough of this," said Robin, rolling his eyes. "I've waited long enough." Without warning, he stepped closer to the fiery redhead. Very close. The redhead was horrified to see the dramatic change in his eyes. His irises went from deep blue to shimmering gold! Magic! She wanted to step back, or yell at him, or…do something! But she suddenly felt herself completely frozen. Unable to move! Or speak!

"Let's see what I've missed" He whispered, almost to himself, before placing his left palm across her forehead, closing his own eyes in concentration.

Moments later, Zelena saw pictures flash across her mind! Thousands upon thousands of pictures, racing across at lighting speed, before stopping at a single image. An image she'd tried to block forever. She saw herself walking into her sister's old mayoral offices. Regina, in shock, on her knees in front of a body. Robin Hood's body! Hades, her brief, supposed love, facing them with a smirk, the Olympian crystal in his hand. The image then changed, racing through events following the death. Her spearing Hades with his own crystal. A funeral with a coffin, decked with arrows. Hyde. New York. The Black Fairy. Each image lasting a matter of seconds before moving at a lightning pace on to the next. Bathing Robyn. Meetings with her sister. Travelling outside Storybrooke to the land without magic. Meeting new friends and Chad for the first time! So many images. So many of them recent. How was this happening?

As the images slowed to her arrival back at the cottage this morning, Zelena finally opened her eyes to see Robin Hood, his hand still resting on the forehead, with his eyes, still golden, in an apparent trance. That's when she realised. He was also seeing and hearing everything! Everything she had seen with her own eyes over the last four years! He was reading her mind - and there was nothing she could do about it!

The whole experience lasted no more than a couple of minutes. Regina had been standing several feet behind her sister. The moment she saw Robin put his hand on Zelena's brow, Regina herself felt the strong wave of magic coming from him. But feeling the freeze, she also couldn't move, or speak. Just watch. Watch whatever passed between them, which seemed to take a good minute or two before she felt it finally lift off her.

"Robin - what did you just do?"

"I'm finding out what's been going on for the last four years. Finding out about Robyn. She was being hostile, so I did what I had to do…"

Zelena finally felt the magic lift, her voice returning. "You…you have magic?" she croaked.

"I do. And I'm sorry I had to do that, but I wanted to get to the truth, not your version of it! I skirted over the more personal, intimate details, just so I could focus on Robyn. But I'm glad you appear to have changed for the better. This 'Chad' seems a nice fellow…"

"Chad? You saw him? You saw everything I just saw? Everything since…since you died?"

Regina was confused. "What happened? Can someone tell me what the hell's going on?"

"Wake up, Regina - Isn't it obvious? He just read my bloody mind! He just saw everything I've done since he died! Everything!"

Regina looked at him, astonished. She'd felt the magical wave freezing her but, he hadn't moved when he froze them. And the mind-reading? Was that real?

"As I said, I avoided non-relevant parts, just focusing on your time with my daughter. So…"

"She's MY daughter too, dammit!"

"Yes, she is. However, she has two living parents now, not one, and I will not allow you to keep her from me. We will have to reach an accommodation somehow, so we both have time with her. I suggest we both have lawyers draw something up. Meanwhile, I want her to get to know me. When she's sufficiently capable, she can make the decision as to where she lives…"

"But… you don't even exist in the world I live in! So what lawyer can draw up something like that that's even legal? So no, we couldn't possibly…"

"I've already appointed a lawyer, and my credentials are being sorted out as we speak. Unlike you, Kelly West, I don't need a pseudonym. I can have Merlin and his daughter contact you, to get things set up with your own people."

"Merlin? What's his daughter got to do with anything?"

Regina walked between them, raising her palms to her sister to calm her. "Zee, it's a long story! Go have a bath and change, while I make us all coffees. Trust me, you're going to need one…"


The Diner

"Dadadadada!" yelled Hope excitedly, having spotted her father sitting as Marian wheeled her into the diner, Ruby holding the door for her to get the buggy in.

"Told you," said Killian triumphantly to his wife, as she rolled her eyes. Emma had a resigned smile, just pleased her little twenty-month-old was finally trying to talk more, but hoping she would call to her for a change. "She knows her 'dada' all right! Better luck next time, Swan."

However, her very next words restored the balance, and Emma's smile. "Mumeeee!" she grinned, baring several small teeth. "Yes, that's more like it!" she stood, walking over to lift her little girl from the pushchair and into her arms, kissing her cheek. "Hi Hopeee! My little princess. You been good for Marian and Gina then?" before tickling her side, making her collapse in giggles.

"She's been a perfect little angel, haven't you?" said Marian. "And she has a name for me too, don't you Hopey?"

"Reee!" Hope confirmed, pointing at her. "Reeeee!"

"As in Ma-Reee-an!" said the brunette, proudly. "I rather like it! She was calling Regina 'Dina' last night, too! I see she hasn't arrived yet? She was going to Zelena's. I thought she'd be here by now."

"Yeah, sorry about that. My fault. I was the one who tipped her off when we saw Zelena's car on the way home. I know she wanted to see her before Robin got to her…" As she turned to Killian as he gathered a high chair, the bell above the front door rang again. Looking up, she saw Regina.

"Speak of the devil, here's your missus now!"

Looking a little flustered, Regina greeted them, waved at Hope and sat down beside Marian. "Sorry I'm late. I got to Zelena's moments before Robin showed up!" For the next few minutes, she told them about the almost-blazing row that Robyn's biological parents had had. And about the magic!

"So, he can really read minds?" gasped Marian, "That's incredible! Belle and Merlin said he had magic but…to be able to do that? Can you two do it?" Both the other women shook their heads. "Jeez! So he knows everything Zelena's done?"

"Everything! Her new life. This new man, Chad. Her engagement…"

"So he found out she's planning to move to California permanently?" Killian asked, earning a nod. "He won't be a happy boy if she tries to take the girl with her."

"He wasn't. He called Merlin, who's over there now. But before that, he called Roland and apparated him straight off the Jolly and into the cottage. Emma, it took me a good month to learn to do that, like you! Merlin must be one hell of a teacher!"

"Why Roland?" asked Marian.

"Because little Robyn loves her big brother and trusts him! He went in to wake her up and talk to her. To tell her about their father coming back from the dead. I left just after Merlin arrived. I'm not sure what happened after that."

"Well…at least we should be grateful there wasn't any bloodshed," said Killian. "After what your sister did to him and his family, as he now has magic the result could have been very different!"

"No," said Marian emphatically, "Whatever powers Robin has now, he's always been one of the most peaceful men I've ever known! I've seen him calm in the face of certain death, and he's never reacted violently unless he's really had to! Yes, he's killed people, but only when we've been under threat ourselves. I can't believe he's changed, magic or no magic!"

Emma sighed. "Well I hope you're right, Marian! Because from what they've been saying, and from what I saw, whatever magic Zeus gave him on that ship is bloody powerful. I don't think Regina or I could easily handle him if he ever took things into his own hands! Not even sure Gold could either!"

Regina placed her hand over her wife's, giving it a little squeeze. "I happen to agree with Marian. Robin's a natural hero. One of the good guys. He would never do harm, unless absolutely necessary. We both know him too well, don't we, darling? There's nothing to worry about."

"If you say so. You still going out with him tonight? What about Roland?"

"The Briars have him again. I'm hoping after this, he'll start to come home. He originally said only if Robin stays. So, we're hoping he will too, until they get settled."

"Robin - staying at your place? Unlikely. I certainly wouldn't if I was in his position," said Killian, instantly regretting his comment when he saw the hostile looks on all three women's faces. Including Emma's.

"And what do you mean by that?" growled Regina.

"Well it stands to reason doesn't it? Imagine if Emma and I had been parted, and I returned later, only to find she'd set up home with, and married Milah, my first love. The very last place I would want to stay, would be sleeping under the same roof as them! It'd be a reminder of what I once had, and what is now closed to me. No, I would just have to accept and start anew…"

Marian knew he was right, but was hardly going to tell him their plans now, was she?


Antonio's – later that evening

Robin arrived outside the restaurant at about quarter past eight, fifteen minutes before Marian had told him they would arrive. The restaurant, a beautifully maintained colonial building, seemed somewhat out of place, situated high up on the hill overlooking the bay. Nonetheless, the view over the hill and onto the Atlantic was breath-taking. Several people had commented on it being the best restaurant in the whole area and, looking through the bronze-stained windows at the diners inside, Robin was glad he took Emma's, and Belle's, advice to dress up!

Belle French had surprised him by asking Rumpelstiltskin for recommendations on his suit. Although one of the most curmudgeonly people in Storybrooke, his eyes shone with interest once his wife whispered in his ear. Moments later, several magazines appeared at their table, and Belle had encouraged him to rifle through them, while she made suggestions. Finally settling on a soft black mohair wool dress suit jacket & matching trousers, Rumple had also theatrically made a white shirt, bow tie, socks and black patent leather shoes appear. "Belle, as Locksley here needs to change, I suggest you leave us at this point?"

"Shame," said his wife, giving Rumple a wink. "Okay, I'll leave you boys to it. Robin, don't take any bullying from him! He owes me, so I want him to play nice. Don't worry about the fit – he's done this before."

"Really? I didn't know you were a bit of a fashion guru, Mr. Gold? I saw you in a few decent suits, mind. Did you make them yourself?"

"All of them, dearie!" boasted the Dark One. "If it's available, I can copy it and adjust it. I also made a number of Belle's dresses…"

"Impressive! Where did you learn to do that? Obviously you have the magic, but you had to have learnt somewhere?"

"Just an interest I took further. Around the time I learned how to spin straw into gold. When I realised I didn't need sleep, it was a hobby that helped pass the time. Now, less talking and let's start measuring! Arms up…"

And now, hours later, here he was, standing outside the restaurant on the warm summer evening, in his bespoke suit, checking his bow-tie in the reflection of the restaurant window. He hadn't been in formal dress since he'd left the army and this was the first time he'd worn such modern clothes of this realm. Unsure what the night would bring, he walked in, introducing himself.

"Mr. Locksley! I'm delighted to meet you, signore. Welcome to my restaurant. I'm Antonio Bianchi, the owner. I've been told to expect you by Signora Locksley. She phoned, saying they were running a few minutes behind, but will be here shortly. May I just say, that I am very honoured that you're with us. I know of your history, and my daughter Angela is a great admirer of yours!"

"Well…thank you Antonio! But you flatter me more than I deserve. Just call me Robin. Your Angela – how old is she?"

"Ten. She's studying out the back, and allowed up late as it's the weekend. She goes to the local school and knows your son. Roland, I believe?"

"Yes. He'll also be ten later this year. Well if it's not too late, how about her coming out to say hello? I hardly know any of Roland's new friends."

"Signore Robin, she'd love that! Let me go fetch her. She needs to go to bed by nine so I'll tell her to make it quick!" The man shuffled away to retrieve his daughter, summoning one of his staff to escort Robin to his table and get him a drink while he waited.

The table, he discovered, was in a little round annex to the main restaurant, overlooking the harbour and twinkling lights in the bay. With soft candle lighting and classical music playing in the background, it seemed very romantic, the perfect location for a date. However, this table was set for three, all settings in the circle equidistant from each other.

A waitress soon appeared with a glass of chilled beer, as he'd requested, carefully setting it on the table with some bread and olives in the middle. As he took a small sip, Antonio reappeared, with a young girl appearing shyly behind him. "Robin, allow me to introduce my Angela. Angela, this is-"

"Robin Hood – Rollie's dad!" she answered for him, awestruck. "So it's true? You died saving Mayor Mill's life, but came back? I haven't seen Rolly this week, but it's all over the school!"

The former outlaw stood from the table, moving out to offer his hand, smiling. "Angela, it's lovely to meet you, milady. Yes, it's true, I have come back but, strictly speaking, I never died! I was just trapped somewhere. Come, pull up a chair and have a word with me? Is Roland a friend of yours?"


It was a good ten minutes later, when Regina and Marian arrived. A slight drizzle had started, so they appeared in summer raincoats, to be greeted by a tall, slim and extremely handsome young man, who offered to take their coats. Regina recognised him at once.

"Patrick?" she said to one of Henry's old friends. "I'm surprised to see you here! Henry told me you were in England?" Patrick Barrington-White, a very distant relation of Snow's, was a good two years older than Henry, and in the year above. But when a nervous, bookish Henry Mills had started at the new high school, the scholarly, yet popular Patrick had taken him under his wing and acted as a mentor. A pleasant boy, his friendship with Henry was much appreciated by Emma and Regina, who were both saddened when he'd left Storybrooke for Harvard, knowing the effect it would have on their son. However, by eighteen, Henry's confidence had grown, as had his circle of friends, and he was able to cope. After joining Patrick at Harvard a year later, the older boy had gone on to gain a first-class degree, before winning a prestigious post-graduate Rhodes Scholarship place at Oxford University in England. So, it was more than a surprise to see him greeting guests at Antonio's!

"Hi Mrs. Mills, nice to see you again! I'm just home for the summer, and go back to England in September. I've been sponging off mum and dad for all the fees recently, so I wanted to earn some cash while I'm back. Tony offered me some part-time work, while I'm here. How's Henry? It must be best part of a year since I last spoke to him…"

"He came back from Cambridge last night. Does he even know you're here? I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you too!" he nodded, taking her coat and turning to take Marian's off her. "Sorry I should have introduced you. Marian, this is Patrick, an old friend of Henry's from Harvard and here. Patrick, this is Marian. My wife. And I'm not Miss Mills anymore. I'm Mrs. Locksley!"

Both women watched to gauge his reaction. They'd been together for eight months now, two of them as a married couple. Yet, despite there being a number of same-sex couples in Storybrooke, the narrow, parochial attitude from some in their little town still surprised them. And this young man clearly hadn't been told about Henry's mother's new relationship.

"You got married? Wow, that's brilliant. Congratulations!" He moved to Marian, offering his hand. "I should've caught up with Henry sooner. But I guess we-"

"Ladies?" called Antonio, interrupting them. "Welcome, welcome! Your guest has already arrived! Let me show you through to your table?" he gushed, giving them an admiring glance. "And may I say how beautiful you both look tonight, signoras? Quite exquisite!"

"Thanks Tony, flattery will get you everywhere!" Marian fluttered her eyes at him flirtatiously, before they walked through the restaurant towards the back. "And I really appreciate you finding us a table at short notice. I owe you one!" He brushed it off as nothing as they passed other diners. A number of the women recognised them as they brushed past, several giving admiring or, in several cases, envious looks. If they'd looked more closely, they would have spotted Belle and Rumple in one corner, and Merlin and his daughter in another. Finally turning into a little open annex room containing a single round table, they spotted Robin.

He hadn't noticed them, appearing to be looking down, talking to a young dark-haired girl stood next to him, as he sat, writing something into a book for her, as she giggled at something he'd just said. Regina seemed to recall Marian mentioning something about Robin meeting the owner's daughter?

"Angela, come my love, you've taken up quite enough of Robin's time," said Antonio. "His guests have arrived to join him for dinner. Leave him in peace now."

The girl looked up, and she blushed. "Oh right…sorry!"

"Don't apologise," said Robin, softly. "Antonio, you have a delightful young lady here! So, Angela, you and your friend will join Rolly and me for the practice on Sunday, okay?"

"Definitely! That's great. Thanks, Robin!" the young girl kissed his cheek quickly, collecting her book and stepping back. That's when Robin looked up properly, at the two women now standing before him. He quickly stood, to greet them properly.

Wow! Their change since yesterday was astonishing! Marian, who yesterday had her shiny dark brown, shoulder-length locks over her shoulder, now had them in a complicated, coiled updo, revealing her elegant neck and shoulders to all. Regina's hair was also up, and it gave each of them a taller,even more elegant appearance. Both lightly, but beautifully made-up, the women had clearly spent quite some time at a salon. But it was the dresses themselves that drew admiring glances. Robin tried to avoid checking them out quite so blatantly, but it was difficult. Marian was wearing a very sheer dark-blue dress which revealed her long, elegant legs to perfection. He'd never seen her in high heels before and the effect on her posture was obvious. Above her cleavage, which was more exposed than usual, but not too revealing, she sported a shiny silver pendant. An arrow. She looked spectacular, like one of those models in one of the magazines lodged in the memories given to him by Merlin. And Regina? Well, her dress, a pale-lavender colour, seemed to not just show off her delicious curves but positively revel in them. Some sort of corset, but on top rather than underneath, pushed her breasts up dramatically, as if they were defying gravity and glorying in her femininity. Fuck!

"Marian. Regina," he found it hard to put into words what he wanted to say. "You look absolutely…enchanting."

The taller woman watched his eyes. The way he roamed over them, scanning them both, his mouth open, despite trying not to. She'd usually be offended if anyone else had done that. But not him. "She does, doesn't she?"

His eyes immediately turned to Marian's voice, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I meant both of you, Marian. You are both…goddesses!" Whatever he felt, he definitely needed to suppress it.

"Well thank you, kind sir. I'm glad you approve…"

"I've never seen you in a suit before, let alone a dinner jacket!" said Regina, blatantly checking him out. He'd also clearly had some grooming since yesterday. The suit looked like it was bespoke, fitting his shoulders and chest beautifully. Under the sharp jacket, he wore a white silk shirt and dark green bow tie. And he'd definitely had some grooming. His hair had been cut and lightly waxed and his beard trimmed. To her he looked gorgeous. Good enough to eat! "You scrub up well, thief!"

"Thanks. And Marian, to answer your question - I most definitely approve." He moved in front of them, gathering Marian's right, and Regina's left hands in his own, before pressing the lightest peck on the back of each in turn, pulling away as quickly as he'd kissed them. But Marian refused to release his hand. "No, you can do better than that, Locksley!" she insisted, tilting her head up and leaning to give him a short, chaste kiss on the lips. "Better – just about!" she sniggered, moving to a chair. He followed, easing it in behind her as she sat. Turning, he now found Regina, who'd said nothing. Instead, she stood imperiously, a smirk on her face, pointing a finger towards her lips to insist silently that she'd better receive the same greeting as Marian, or else! He tried to avoid chuckling, stepping up to her to rest both hands on her warm cheeks, before pressing their lips together. The kiss lasted but a second but, to Regina, caught in the moment, it felt so much longer. Her mind went back three days, when she'd kissed him in the diner and she definitely felt a hardness against her stomach! As they released, she opened her eyes, looking up at the stunning blue pair staring back, inches away. The eyes she'd dreamt of so often, after he'd gone. He lead her to her chair, as he had with Marian.

As they settled, drinks were ordered and, waiting for someone to arrive with the menus, an awkward silence ensued. Each looked at the other two, unsure how to start. As so often, Marian was the first to finally take the plunge. "So, how did things go with Zelena? You got to see Robyn at last?"

He relaxed and a warm smile came over him immediately. "I got Roland to come over. He prepared her to meet me, so she wouldn't be frightened. She's absolutely beautiful!" he gushed.

"She is, isn't she?" agreed Marian. "You sound smitten! She's got green eyes, but your face, hasn't she, my love?"

Regina nodded, "and your manner. It's little things, like the way she stops to think before answering any question. Like her smirk. Like the way her little brow wrinkles when she's not sure she believes you. Any idiot could tell she's yours! So, what happened?"

Robin told them how Roland had walked into his sister's bedroom, trying not to rush her as she woke, also telling his daughter what happened on the Jolly Roger a few days ago, after they left. How Merlin had used the strange bright light that he'd brought out of her mouth last week, used special old magic and brought their dad, his hero, back to life. It had then been a nervous reunion between father and daughter, and Robin later admitted he'd been trembling when Roland asked him to join them. He'd even shed a few tears when she'd asked him for a hug! But his four-year-old had been so much braver than him. As he recalled every precious moment, Regina grinned broadly, winking at Marian as they saw his eyes water with happiness. He was a wonderful father and she couldn't help wiping a small tear away herself.

"Merlin and Celia stayed outside, talking to Zelena. I'm not sure what passed between those three, but your sister seemed very different when we came out, Much more…compliant!"

"So, what happens next? Is Robyn going to be living with you, or with Zelena In California?"

"That sort of depends on Robyn. But we'll leave it two weeks before talking to her. Zelena accepted that, given recent circumstances. We need to draw up some sort of joint custody. Celia will sort out the legal stuff but when she's here. Meanwhile, she'll live with Roland."

Regina was more than surprised. "I'm amazed Zelena's been so accommodating? It's most unlike her. But what's Merlin's daughter got to do with any of this?"

"She's a lawyer, Gina. Very bright girl! She and a couple of her partners have practices in London and New York. She usually lives in England, but she's going to be settled here once they're married, as her fiancé's a surgeon, in a hospital in New York. So, although she's from our magical world, she has all the relevant contacts to help get me a legal history in the non-magical world, and help with the Robyn issues. It kinda makes sense…"

"It does," agreed Regina, looking down. "I'm sorry I was a blithering idiot the other night! She didn't deserve that. I felt horrible when I found out just why she was here; especially after what I'd said!"

"She mentioned it this morning, Said it wasn't important; that she understood, given our unusual situation. It's funny, she said that it was blatantly obvious that we-" he stopped himself, realising what he was about to say, especially with two pairs of chocolate brown eyes hanging on every word.

But Marian wasn't going to let it lie. "What was obvious? Go on, what did she say?"

"It's not important…" he avoided the question.

"I think it is! Just say it? Please?"

He sighed, knowing her so well. Marian was not one to easily give up when she had a bee in her bonnet. "She said it was fairly obvious that Regina misunderstood, because she was jealous. She said her magic could feel your emotions. Said it was because she still has feelings for me. Because she's still…"

That's all the excuse Marian needed. "Still in love with you? It's true, she is Robin! Regina is still in love with you! Just like me! Just like we told you three days ago. Nothing's changed…"

A quick look at Regina's embarrassed face, as she avoided looking at him, told him all he needed to know. "Well, for the record, I wasn't lying either. I'm still in love with both of you. Which is why I need to let you move on with your lives. To start afresh..."

"Why? Why must you let us? I don't see that as you being kind. I see it as being cruel! Why move on, when you can be part of this? Part of us? You…and Roland…and Robyn. Our family!"

"I'm sorry, I don't think I understand. You're married now. To each other…"

"So? I've known Regina less than a year, and yet we fell in love and married and here we are," she reached over, placing a hand on his, her right on Regina's. "She's my life, Robin, and I never imagined a love like this. Yet we both love you too, and you say you love us? Surely we can make this work?"

Now he understood. Regina finally looked up at him, to gauge his reaction. "And you, Gina, you want this too? You, Marian…and me? The three of us. Together?"

She slowly nodded, waiting for his reaction, gulping slightly. "Yes, Robin, I really do."

"Oooph!" he shuddered, "I have to admit, I never saw that coming!"

However, just as he thought how best to respond, Patrick reappeared, carrying a tray of drinks. "Ladies, sir, your drinks!" he carefully placed two cocktails and another beer down, plus three champagne glasses. Regina looked at the unopened bottle on the tray. A rather expensive-looking bottle of Dom Perignon.

"We didn't order Champagne, Patrick? And certainly not Dom Perignon! "

"You're right, you didn't, Mrs. Locksley. It's compliments of Antonio…" he looked at Robin just as the man himself walked in.

"I hope you don't mind?" said the proprietor. "Just a little something from me to celebrate Robin here coming back amongst us?"

"I'm flattered, Antonio," said Robin. "But I hope you'll join us in a glass then?"

Moments later, Antonio had poured four glasses, one for himself, before raising one to them. "A toast? Signoras, to Robin – our most famous outlaw, back with us again. Welcome back, signore!" All raised their glasses, clinking them together before he continued, nobody wanting to interrupt. "And of course, how could I forget? To our beloved Queens of the United Realms, so recently married! Congratulations to Your Majesties, Marian and Regina Locksley! Cin cin, signoras!"

Robin looked puzzled, although carried on, thanking Antonio for his kindness before he finally walked away, giving them some privacy. Finally.

"Regina Locksley?" she nodded back. "I remember Emma saying it yesterday. Not Mills? Or Fitzwalter-Mills?"

Marian drained her glass. "Nope! My name was Locksley when we married, and it's my son's, and he certainly didn't want to change! I offered to change it to Regina's, but she rather insisted…"

"How could I not?" Regina chimed in, looking at him. "Mills was always synonymous with pain and suffering! Locksley is synonymous with kindness, charity and justice. Besides, it's the name of the man, and the woman, who took turns to steal my heart!"

He exhaled silently. "That's the second time you've both taken the wind out of my sails this evening! I'm not sure what to say to that? I'm…I'm touched, more than you could ever realise…"

Marian grabbed his hand again. "You forget, I've known you a long time, Robin of Locksley. The rightful Earl of Locksley! I was serious, before we were interrupted! We're in love with you. As you are, with us. I think we should do something about it, don't you?"

"You're thinking of you, a married couple, being in a relationship with me?"

Regina took that one. "Look at Mulan. She wasn't even in a relationship with Aurora or Philip, But from what Aurora told me, there was love already there, but they wouldn't recognise it! Not until they had the guts to tell her how they felt. They had their fair share of issues, mostly caused by people not understanding. But they got through all that. So, we're telling you how we feel! You know how hard I find it to put my emotions out there, and I couldn't have done it without Marian! She's so much braver than me. But I think this could work…"

"As you've probably gathered, Gina and I talked about this, Robin," added Marian. "It'd probably be best if we took it slowly. But, it seems a bit silly us just dating, doesn't it? After all, you and I were married! We'd like you to move in with us, hopefully on a permanent basis? Perhaps little Robyn too, if she's going to be staying with you?"

"We have space," said Regina. "Leaving ours and Henry's rooms aside, Roland's room is still waiting for him. But this time we'll be sure to leave the windows open! And…we have a spare room for Robyn when she comes."

"Sounds like you've thought this through! I know Roland's been missing you, despite what he said, so I'll talk to him tomorrow morning after I collect him. Even when I spoke to him about it yesterday, he said he just wanted to stay with me for the moment. So, whenever I come to stay at yours, I could-"

"'Whenever you stay'? Robin, have you been listening? Do I have to lay it on with a trowel? We're talking about you living with us permanently! Not just in our house, but in our lives! In our bed…"

He stiffened. "That's sort of what I assumed you meant. But I needed to hear it clearly so there was no misunderstanding! So, our relationship would be emotional and…physical?"

"Of course! We all want that!" Regina blushed. "But there's no need to make any decisions right now. Let's just enjoy the evening. Now, could you pour me another glass of that lovely champagne?"

Having covered the most awkward subject of the evening, all three of them started to relax, and the conversation turned to other things. Regina talked about events after his death, about Jekyll and Hyde, the Black Fairy and other assorted nasties they'd encountered on the way to her becoming the first ever elected Queen of the United Realms. A title in name only. How Henry had finally left them, to go to a prestigious university near Boston. About their friends, the assorted Merry Men and all the comings and goings in their little community. Marian spoke about meeting Regina for the first time, at his grave. Merlin's help in getting her here, locating Roland, bringing them back safely. The new sailing business she was starting with Killian Jones, using the Jolly Roger. Time flew far too quickly and, as they finished their meal with cognac and coffees, the conversation segued again.

"So, these new powers you've been given?" After cocktails and two bottles of excellent red wine, Regina was already feeling a little light-headed, like the others, but she still took a generous slug from the cognac. "Stronger than mine, apparently? Emma tried telling me the other night, but I wasn't really listening. What can you do that's so different then?"

"Oh, Emma?" Robin chuckled. "Yes, I'm afraid I did rather embarrass her. But she did ask for it!"

"Ask for what?"

"I told her I seemed to now be able to read minds, and that I could see through solid objects. She laughed in my face, said I had a 'superman complex' and was talking bullshit. So, I read her mind...but then she asked me, if I could really see through things, what was in her pocket, and what colour underwear was she wearing? So, I told her…"

Marian snorted. "You're kidding? Okay, smart arse, if you can see through this table, what colour knickers have I got on under my dress? Or what's Regina wearing, for that matter?"

He looked down at her place setting, concentrating for a moment. Regina noticed a definite change in the colour of his irises. Blue to gold - the colour of magic! "Well milady, you're wearing a rather skimpy black pair under the dark blue dress. Rather nice too, with some sort of white lacy trim on the edge, and a name. Miller, I believe? Gina, you seem to have nothing on except for a tiny patch of very pale cloth, a triangular shape, similar colour to that extraordinary dress of yours, which I have to say, enhances what god gave you, rather magnificently!"

Regina almost spat her drink out. "It's a thong! You really can see that through the table? That's incredible! I've never heard of powers like that, apart from in Henry's old comics."

"Yes, well, unfortunately, when Emma tested me, she forgot she was going commando under the jeans! I told her she had no knickers on, but a very nice little tattoo of a hook near her…well, you sort of get the idea!"

Marian turned her head away, spitting out, spraying some of her drink over the floor behind her, as she collapsed into uncontrollable giggles, and coughing.

"Marian, really?" Her wife chided, trying to hold back her own laughter with a glare.

"Brilliant!" wheezed her wife, once she'd recovered enough to speak. "So, is she a natural blonde, after all? You know, collar and cuffs?" That earned another glare from Regina!

"A gentleman never reveals. You know that, milady!" he smirked.


After the meal, the trio thanked Antonio for his generosity and hospitality, assuring him the food and atmosphere was superb. Marian made a point of hugging and kissing him on both cheeks, while Robin reconfirmed arrangements for the man's daughter on Sunday. Stepping out into the cool summer night air, their pre-arranged taxi was ready and waiting to take the women home. With only a one mile walk to the dockyard, Robin had planned to head back to the Jolly, after dropping them off. During the ride back, Leroy, the proud owner and driver of the cab, continually asked him questions, just pleased to see the return of one of their heroes. Finally, they pulled up at Mifflin Street, Robin getting out to open the rear doors for them.

The three stood together. "Miladies, Antonio's was an inspired choice, but the company was even better! I had a lovely time..." As Leroy, one of Snow's most talkative dwarves, sat watching them, Robin gave each of them a polite kiss on the cheek, with the briefest of hugs, to say goodbye. If only that bloody dwarf wasn't here!

"Come in for coffee?" suggested Marian. "You don't have to get back for Roland, do you?"

He smiled back, but before he could answer, Leroy had heard her. "No problem, Robin, you go in. I'll wait here for you, till you're ready! It's a quiet night, anyway!"

"No!" said Regina, more forcefully than she intended, "Robin, we still need to talk. It might take a while. Mr. Leroy, here..." she thrust a $50 note into his hand. "Keep the change!"

The dwarf looked at the note. More than three times the fare! "But it's fifty bucks! Here..." he moved to get his change.

"No, keep it! I'm feeling generous. Thank you for collecting us, and goodnight. Robin, come..." With that, she turned, striding to the front door. As Robin waved the cab off, he turned to see Marian staring at him, her eyes checking him over. Giving him a look he hadn't seen for many years.

"You know, you look seriously hot in that suit!"

He sniggered. "And you, my lady, look absolutely stunning in that dress. Rather perfect…"

"Yeah? You know how I think it would look best? Lying around my ankles on the bedroom floor. Now stop wasting time and come inside!"