Ch.38: Settling In

Summary:After three nights under one roof, things aren't as settled as they thought.Some people are having doubts. Henry gives his mother something to consider...


Word spread quickly throughout the town about the relationship between the royal couple and the resurrected outlaw. Their reception from others was mainly welcoming, although a few of the older, more conservative folk thought it all a bit odd, with a very small minority thinking it disgusting or just plain wrong. However, having already had the experience of their popular mayor, and his beloved Princess Aurora together marry the warrior hero Mulan, most were fully accepting, though curious of the odd little family.

The first few days of Robin settling in had been fairly smooth. First priority for Regina was to re-practice and test the soundproofing spell on their bedroom, to avoid any further embarrassment. Bringing all Robin's belongings into their home was straightforward enough, though defining roles within their relationship not so much. Regina, being Regina, had drawn up a rota and allocation of tasks. Robin, keen not to destabilise the smooth running of their lives, went along with most of it. For example, as Marian and Regina were both far better cooks than him, they controlled the kitchen. As for the laundry, after a small mishap with him putting a red sweater on a boil wash in with some of their delicates, it was agreed he should stay away from running that part.

When it came to other matters though, things were not so smooth. Roland's request to repaint his bedroom forest green, was met with fierce resistance from the mothers, turning him down flat. As was Robin's idea to build a large tree house for Roland and his friends up her precious white pine. Also his idea to dig a pond at the bottom of the garden, or to build a den for him and Roland.

He loved his new life with his loves, but couldn't help feeling a little trapped. As he looked around the rooms, it was obvious to anybody that this huge house was owned, and run, by women, for women. The soft delicate pastels, the ornate curtains, the furnishings; everything seemed so...feminine. Looking out of the window from Roland's room, he saw the perfect, short-clipped lawn, its edges carefully manicured. The immaculate shrubs, pruned by magic. The carefully clipped fruit trees, the pollarded limes.

While it was all very beautiful and artistic, to Robin it seemed...artificial.

"You okay?" said a voice from behind, distracting him from his thoughts.

"Oh…Sorry, I was just thinking about something."

"You seem glum," said Marian. "Something wrong?"

He sighed, perhaps too loudly. "No, but, I've been thinking about that plot I bought last week at the edge of the forest. You know, the one where I planned to build a house?"

"You actually bought the land?"

"Yeah, off Rumple. I was originally going to build something for Roland and myself, on the edge of the forest. But also, a few settlement there, for the men. They really shouldn't be living in the convent or in the bed and breakfasts. They need their own places, their own space, now. Merlin's shown me how to use magic, to do it a lot quicker and easier, and there's guys here who know about plumbing, drainage and stuff like that."

"Okay. So, what's the problem? You have the magic."

"I've been thinking. I'm still going to go ahead and build a place for me, too. A place where we can all go. Roland, Robyn, you, me, Gina."

"Why? We've got a perfect place here!" She saw his face drop at that comment, a frown emerging, which alarmed her. "Robin, are you not happy here? Being with Regina and me?"

"Of course I am. I love you both! It's just…" he found it hard to gather his thoughts.

An anxious feeling grew inside her. "You're worrying me. What is it?" Moving in front of him, she took his hand in hers. "We used to tell each other everything, Robin, didn't we?"

"Yes. It's just…this place. It's not really ours, is it? It's really yours and Gina's."

"And yours! Your name may not be on the deeds, but…we want you happy here. You, Roland, and even Robyn when she comes to stay."

"It's not about ownership, Mari. It's about…oh, I don't know. Feeling part of it!"

"I don't understand. You're not making any sense…"

"That's cos it's a girl's house!" said a young voice close by. "Not a boy's house."

Marian spun around, having not seen him appear. "Roland? What-"

"And you won't let me paint my room! Or let me have a tree house!"

"We've been through this already. Gina's tried to explain to you-"

"But it always has to be HER way, doesn't it? Whenever I want something, you have to have it her way instead!" he whined.

"That's not true, Roland. We let you leave the windows open to go outside whenever you want, even at night, didn't we? We even let you build that rope ladder in the trees!"

"That was one rope, mamma! And I don't want to live in this boring room! Papa even asked you two about building a pond for me, and she said no, and you just went and agreed with her. Again! Just cos it would mess up the grass!" He turned to face his father. "Papa, I know what you mean. This is their house, isn't it? Not ours. I don't really like it here…"

His last words hit Marian far harder than he would ever realise! Having just persuaded him to come home with Robin, and knowing they weren't happy, was just…devastating. "I'm…I'm sorry you feel like that!" she turned, walking away, trying to stop them seeing her tears.

Knowing he might have caused a problem, the nearly ten-year-old looked up at Robin, worried. "Papa, I think I upset her! But you always told me to tell the truth, didn't you? Have I done something wrong?"

"No. And yes, I did, my boy, I did. Let me have another word with her, okay? I'm sure it'll all be fine in the end."


Within minutes, after drying her eyes, Marian was on the phone to the stables. Regina was riding but, once a message was passed to her, she rang her wife. Hearing Marian's obvious distress, she disapparated from the stable's office, reappearing again in her own bedroom, to avoid startling anyone, before going downstairs. By this time, Robin and Roland had already left to go to the harbour, meeting with some of Robin's men. Marian explained everything that had happened over coffees in the lounge. Regina had been as shocked as her to discover neither father nor son were happy there. However, they were so wrapped up in the conversation, neither heard Henry stop in the doorway.

"So, they really said they don't want to live here anymore?" said a crestfallen Regina, holding Marian as she wiped her eyes.

"Not exactly. Roland said he doesn't like it here. Robin said something about it being our house. As in yours and mine, not theirs! Then Roland also brought up that room painting thing; and the tree house. And Robin's pond! Robin nodded when he said it all. He seemed to be agreeing with him!"

"So, this is some sort of man thing? Mari, that pond would have ruined the look of the lawn! And as for the tree house – that's a white birch! It would spoil the appearance of the garden completely! So what? He's feeling emasculated? He's living with two women, for god's sake!"

Henry had been listening silently, but couldn't help sniggering, causing both women to look up. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough..." he said, a look of resignation on his face.

"Has Robin said something to you?"

"Not a thing. But he didn't need to, did he? I get it, already. It's just a shame you two don't!"

"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" she glared back, still holding onto Marian's hand.

"Obviously, Roland's tried to tell you. This place is a woman's house isn't it? Or at least you can tell it's lived in by two women. Apart from Rolly's room, or mine, there's not a hint of anything even remotely male here!"

"It's a beautiful home, Henry!" Marian defended her. "Your mum's decorated it perfectly!"

"In your eyes! But to anyone who hasn't lived here all their life, it's a show house, not a home! Mum, this place is beautiful, and I loved living here, but only because you were here. But...well...it's a bit like something out of Vogue or Harpers. Beautiful but completely antiseptic!"

"Antiseptic?" Regina was more shocked than annoyed. "If you felt like that, why did you never say anything to me?"

"Because it's all I knew! Well, this place and the attic, and ma's house when she bought it. I was happy here but, well, I'm a bookworm, aren't I? I usually had my nose stuck in a book or on a computer when I was here. That sort of stuff didn't bother me. But Roland…"

"What about him?" as she said it, Marian already had an idea what was coming. "What are you trying to say?"

"He's spent all his life outdoors, hasn't he? His life is the forest, with trees, hunting, fishing and all that sort of stuff. Nature! Not all taupe walls and designer cushions. I can't see why you wouldn't just let him choose whatever colour room he wants for himself? After all, what boy wants a bloody grey show-home designer bedroom?"

"The colour he wanted was horrible, Henry!" said Regina. "It was dark green, for goodness sake! Depressing, and didn't match the carpets or the-"

"TO YOU, MUM!" he realised he was getting louder, so he lowered his voice. "It looked depressing to you! But to him, it might have looked like a military bivouac. Or something out of a war film. If he likes it, why should you overrule him? He's the one who has to sleep in it, after all!"

"So, you agree with him? Think we should paint his room dirty pond green?"

"Why not? He's the one living in it. And let's face it, if he doesn't like it when you're finished, you can always use magic to change it to something else!"

It was Regina's turn to huff. "And I suppose you want me to build him that tree house, and ruin my birch? And Robin's ruddy lake? And how about a zip wire from his bedroom to the garden? That was his other great idea. We do have standards, Henry, and I expect-"

"That sounds exactly like something Cora would've said!"

He knew the mere mention of her own mother had probably been a step too far, and judging by the way she flinched, now glaring back at him, he was sure of it! He needed to backtrack, and quick.

"I'm sorry mum. But listen to me, for once!" She looked down, avoiding his stare, clearly annoyed, but saying nothing. "They have no stake in this place right now! You've overruled two people who're used to living outdoors, from having any say over how they live now! You've set up rotas for everything. This is a show home, mum! Marian and Regina's great show-off show house! Designed to impress everyone around here, but it'll never be their home, unless you leave them to make their marks too! And that means not jumping down their throats every time they want to turn something in this place into something resembling a home!"

She said nothing, steaming silently, trying to process what he'd said. Had it really been so uncomfortable living under her roof? Nevertheless, he still wasn't done.

"When I Skyped you before I drove back, you asked me why I hadn't got you over to my apartment yet? Well it's partly because compared to this place, it's always left in a bit of a mess, a shithole to be honest, until we all get around to tidying it up. Grace and Vi are better at it than me, but I know the moment you come in, you'll be trying to tidy things up and putting things away, like you always do! You'll be making less-than-subtle suggestions to change things, and criticising other stuff. You'll be moving the girls' underwear from the laundry baskets. You'll be clearing up the kitchen, and doing all the floors. But I don't want any of that mum! I like the way I live! So, I was going to clear up properly before you come over." He took a long breath. "I guess I'm telling you all this because, just as I don't want you taking control of things in my life, I'm pretty sure Robin, who's one of the easiest-going guys I've ever met, doesn't want you taking control of his life either! It's different for you two. You and Marian are so similar in what you like, and your tastes, that you've kinda grown into each other a bit. I mean, look at what you're wearing?"

Marian looked down at the navy dress she had on. Regina's. Fair point.

"But he's not you! And nor is Roland. And they shouldn't have to always conform to your way of doing things all the time! Or you to his! It's a compromise mum, and to be honest, I haven't seen you do much compromising! Let's face it, he has magic now too! So, he could just as easily build himself a decent place in the forest, in the way they like, for just for the two of them. So, the question is, do you want to be a part of their lives? Or do they just have to conform to yours?"

Silence reigned for a good minute, while he waited for some sort of response.

"Have you finished lecturing me?"

He sighed. "Makes a change from you lecturing me, doesn't it?" He left them to head to the front door. "I'll see you later. Don't wait up!"


They sat silently together until they heard the front door close shut. Marian quietly pulled her onto her chest, wrapping a protective arm around her.

"Am I really such a dictator?"

"Of course not, darling."

"He's horribly wise, for someone so young. I hate to admit it, but he did have a point, didn't he?"

"Perhaps. I think we need to talk to Robin though, don't you?"

"No. Perhaps it's time we started listening to him instead."


The Forest – two hours later

"Now picture the building in your mind. Imagine the beams holding it up! Imagine it's been there a thousand years. Look down at the photo and picture it appearing just there, all magnificent and permanent!" he pointed to the magically cleared land. "Don't force it, but imagine all pf the detail and keep looking back at the photograph if you get stuck!" The Sorcerer had one hand on Robin's brow, working the magic with him.

It took at least ten tries, but eventually, it worked. After a swirling grey mist enveloped them, a large, thirty foot high, timber framed and white plastered building now stood on the site where Merlin had pointed. "YES! Well done, my boy!" As he slapped him on the back, cheers rang around the site as some twenty of the gathered Merry Men and assorted fairies applauded.

"Excellent, Robin. Truly excellent!" beamed the Blue Fairy. "Considering you've only come into magic so recently!"

"It's remarkable…" Tink agreed.

Robin was absolutely staggered. "I can't believe it! That was…I really just did that?"

"You did, with a little help from yours truly!" Merlin wiggled his fingers. "Now, let's take a look inside, shall we?"

As the group entered the empty shell of the large building, Merlin talked about how to magically insert floors and rooms, to create an entire six-bedroomed house where nothing but trees had stood an hour before. The biggest surprise to Robin had been when Belle and Rumpelstiltskin had appeared, offering to help. Over the last week, during his numerous meetings with Merlin, the Sorcerer had explained to him just how Belle had found the ancient magic which restored his soul to his body. How central the librarian and her possessed husband were to finding the obscure texts, travelling all the way to England to have them read by a special x-ray machine, and how they'd painstakingly translated the texts. If there was anyone to really thank for restoring his life, it was Belle and Rumpelstiltskin!

And now here they were again, offering to help.

So, for the next three hours, the little group set about building a small hamlet of some twelve houses of differing sizes, before finishing with the largest building, a half-timbered inn, designed and based on a photograph of an old English pub, in a mediaeval design, to be the centre of the little community. And now, as they stood back to view the results of all their efforts, it did indeed look impressive.

"Fantastic! Well done, everyone! Mr. Gold, Merlin, we couldn't have started, let alone done it, without you!"

"We're delighted to help," said the Sorcerer. "People shouldn't be living permanently under canvas these days. What help do you need next, Robin?"

"Well, erm, in addition to the houses and a pub, I really wanted to start digging a decent size freshwater lake over there," he pointed to the distance. "There's two rivers either side, so if we link them, we can have fresh water, and even some decent fishing here."

The Dark One gave a high pitched giggle. "Leave that little task to me, dearie! I have experience with creating very big holes in the ground!"


Later that afternoon

It had been a long day. A very strenuous day; and Robin was now completely exhausted. He had never realised that constant use of magic could take so much out of you. But now, having seen the nearly-finished result, an entire hamlet built in one day, he stood back, pleased with the result.

"Papa, do we have to go back to mamma's? Can't we stay here now?" his son whined.

"No Roland, there's still quite a bit to be done before anyone can move in here. But we can come to stay soon." Seeing the inviting look of the new pub, he couldn't wait for it to be properly furnished and stocked with decent ales and food! "But we best get back to them." Robin was dreading going back to Mifflin Street, remembering how they'd left Marian. No doubt she'd already been in touch with Regina, and told her what Roland had said. What was he going to say about all this?

"What are you going to be doing tomorrow? Can I come?" Robin had to remind himself he'd only been back a week and Roland had missed his father for nearly four years. He was bound to be clingy.

"Have you forgotten? We're going to get fitted for Ruby and Dorothy's wedding. Then we need to go collect Robyn from her mother."

"Oh yeah, that's right. I want to stay with you again papa, if that's all right? I made mamma cry, so I don't think she'll want to see me."

"Rolly, that's nonsense! Your mamma will always love you."

After collecting his jacket, he found his phone in the breast pocket, turning it on. No messages. He then pressed one of the priority numbers; she answered almost immediately.

"Good afternoon!" said Regina, a little more clipped in tone than usual. "Had a good day?"

"Productive. You? Had a good day at the stables? How's Chester?"

"I was only there an hour. Marian rang me, and I headed home." Okay, he was definitely in the doghouse! "I've been here the rest of the day. Is Roland with you? What time are you coming home?"

No doubt they've moaned about us and think we hate the place! "We're leaving now. Anything I need to bring back?"

"Just the two of you. Marian told me what Roland said. We need to talk. Just come home please?"

"Give me an hour…"


Forty minutes later, with the sun setting, the Locksley men appeared back outside Mifflin Street. Regina was already waiting on the porch to meet them, opening the door to let them in. Though her heart sank a little as she watched Roland reluctantly trudge up the path, lacking his usual dimpled grin and clearly not wanting to come in. She dropped to a knee as they finally reached the door.

She opened her arms. "Hello Rolly dear! May I have a hug?"

The boy responded immediately, accepting her, relieved to see she wasn't angry with him. She then stood up to face Robin. Studying her beautiful features, he had expected to see some hint of annoyance, or irritation. Instead she just seemed…nervous. So, he moved his own arms around her, pulling her in to give her a small, chaste kiss on the lips. "How are you?"

"To be honest, anxious! Roland dear, could you be a darling and take your backpack up to your bedroom please?"

The boy nodded, turning to slowly move towards the staircase, taking his bag with him. Once out of sight, she pulled herself tighter against his chest. "Marian's upstairs with Emma. Killian's in the garden with Will."

"Will? He was only with me an hour ago. What's he doing here?" he was just-"

"WOW!" came an excited yell from upstairs "THAT'S AMAZING!"

Robin's brow rose"What's going on?"

"We've been busy since you left. Come see…" she took his hand, turning to walk up the stairs. As they finally got to the landing, he saw Emma Swan-Jones standing next to Marian, both grinning at something in the open doorway to the boy's bedroom. Marian turned as he approached.

"Hello, darling!" she stepped up, kissing him. "Busy day?"

Before he could answer, he turned to look inside the open door, to a completely different sight to what he'd seen that morning. "Papa come in! Look at this?" Roland yelled. As he walked inside, the entire room seemed to have been completely repainted, redecorated and refurbished. Gone was all the grey on the walls, the matching modern wardrobe, the small utility desk festooned with small toys. Everything had changed. The walls were now sage green and a dark wood bunk bed now sat in one corner, a matching desk and drawers in another. A big, dark green army canvas bag was fixed to a wall, and camouflage leaf netting hung from the ceiling and over the sides of the bed. The entire room looked like a US army forward base in the jungle! Even the carpet had changed. The modern silver lighting had been replaced with LED strips on the ceiling. Everything was different!

"Papa, you have to see this!" He came out, dragging his father towards the open window. As he moved to look outside, Roland swiftly jumped up onto the window sill, lowered his head to get through the gap and jumped out!

"ROLAND, NO!" he yelled, stopping when the boy didn't fall. Instead, he seemed to be suspended! Looking out, he saw a thick rope bridge had been fixed to the side of the house, the other side disappearing into the nearest clump of trees! As Roland charged stealthily along the suspended, bouncing bridge, Robin looked down to see a grinning Killian Jones looking up at him.

The captain saw the worried look on his face as the bridge bounced wildly as Roland ran along it. "They've put some sort of magical cushion under it, in case he falls off!" he yelled up at the father. "Though not sure it'll support an old fatty like you!"

"Ignore him!" called the blonde, now behind him. "It'll support ten of you, though if you don't believe me you can get Little John over to test it! And as for you Jones, don't be so rude!"

Robin was astonished at the change. He looked back at the three women, all grinning at him, waiting to see his reaction. "It's astonishing! You did all this today?"

The Saviour lifted up her fingers, twiddling them. "With a little magical help, and a few decent ideas. That's why Will's here!"

"I don't know what to say. It's remarkable. You did all this, because of something Roland said?"

"Partly," Marian put a hand on his arm. "And also, what you said to me this morning."

Regina joined them. "But most of all, it's the lecture I got from Henry!"

"Lecture? Henry? What's he been saying?"

"Only something I probably needed to hear. Robin, I've been brought up my whole life on royal protocol. A life of controls, of rules, of ways to do things and ways not to. You have no idea how much my mother screwed me up! And ever since I managed to break away from her, I've never wanted to relinquish control ever again! It's made me unyielding sometimes, and it took Marian, and Henry, to make me see that." she stepped back from him, making a handkerchief appear, which she used to wipe an eye. "I'm sorry I dismissed yours and Roland's requests to change things. I shouldn't have done that. I should have listened!"

"This is your home."

"But I want it to be yours, too! For both of you! It took Mari here to help me to learn to share control but...my old nature does rear itself from time to time!"

"I understand. I really do."

"But I want you to be happy here, Robin! You and Roland, and even little Robyn when she comes to stay. Henry made me realise that this place, to others, can seem more of a house than a home. 'Something out of Vogue', he called it! Marian and I have very similar tastes, but you're, well, different. I want this to be a home for you two, just as much as us. So, I guess we need to change a few things. He told me I needed to listen more, and talk a lot less!"

He pulled her into his chest. "You do just fine, Gina. I admit, Ro and I have lived a very different life to you. We need the outdoors, the forests and the lakes as much as you need air to breathe! But we'll get there…together."

Feeling a little left out, Marian joined their hug, attaching herself to the right side of his chest, resting her head against him. "So, you won't move out?"

"I'd never leave you. But…we do have another place to use as well now. A place in the forest."

"Will told us!" said Emma. "A village in the forest, built in a day? Impressive! Makes our efforts here pale in comparison…"

"To be fair, I did have help from Merlin and Celia. And Rumple!"

"Gold? What the hell was he doing there?"

"He owes Merlin a few favours, apparently. And Belle. I don't know the details, but Belle's leaning on him. Besides, she also says he's got a soft spot for our lady here!" he looked down at Marian, who merely sniggered.

"Marian," rasped Regina. "Is there anyone you won't flirt with to get what you want?"

"I told you before. Honey, not vinegar!" She leant over, pecking the queen's lips quickly before switching back, doing the same to Robin, who in turn followed it by kissing Regina, as the three held together.

Seeing the three of them together like that, made Emma feel like a gooseberry. "O-kay, I know where I'm not needed! I'll go help Killian and Will with the pond. Call me if you need anything?"

"Thanks, Emma," said Marian, breaking away from their huddle to go over to her, kissing her cheek. "You're a true friend, and not just to Regina. Thanks for giving us all the ideas…"

"Nah, I just looked at what Neal's into at the moment! He's now saying he wants to be a commando. He's got comics everywhere. Two months ago, he was a Top Gun pilot!" They chuckled at that. "Mum and dad are scared shitless his magic's gonna come in a lot earlier than mine did. He'll think he's Rambo next!"

A few minutes later, leaving a much happier Roland getting settled in to his new den, the trio walked outside to the bottom of the garden, to find Killian and Emma playing with Hope as she tried climbing, unsuccessfully, on a new rope ladder running up a stocky tree. Looking higher up into its branches, Robin spotted Will clambering around. "Scarlett? What are you doing up there?"

"Ello, fella!" Will yelled down to one of his closest friends. "Checkin' whether this'll hold the weight of a decent size tree house without killin' it! All at the request of the ladies over there…" he pointed across to Regina and Marian. "Regina told me about the white pine she was lookin' at for it, but to be honest, it's a bit too creaky up there. Not sure it would hold. But this cedar'll do the job nicely!"

Robin looked over to the women. "Tree House? Really?"

"Why not? Besides, when Roland's grown out of it, it's something for Hope, Robyn and their friends to use too. Well, that and the pond…"

"Pond?"

"I told you, I want to change! I don't want to live in a 'show home', as Henry puts it. I want a home, one with you two in it. But I need you to help me. All of you!"


Later that evening, Henry arrived home to quickly change before going out again, bringing Grace Hatter with him. Perfect, thought Regina. Now she can finally find out just what's going on between him and the woman who wanders around her son's apartment in her underwear! However, as she sat on the sofa nursing a coffee, while Henry changed upstairs, conversation drifted to her father's new business in New York and his recent clothes line launch, before she mentioned his odd little trip the other day, on behalf of the Sorcerer.

"So, Merlin actually asked Jefferson to time travel, on some sort of mission?" Regina was intrigued. What interest could those two have to work together?

"He left Saturday and got back last night. Though he was only away a day here, he said that wherever it was he went, he was there two weeks. Henry figured it must have been the future, because he gave me and Henry a really specific instruction never to go in a car with someone! He couldn't give me the details though..."

"Interesting. Anything else?"

"Not really. Papa was being really tight lipped about it. Says he can't tell us, as it could have a major change if we knew. Still, it must've been something really serious, because him, Merlin and Reul Ghorm were outside on the lawn talking for a good hour afterwards!"

I don't like this. Anything involving the blue moth usually spells trouble! Perhaps it's time to have a word with our great Sorcerer. See what's really going on!