Summary: A Storybrooke wedding for Ruby and Dorothy. A blunt conversation with a time traveller that goes nowhere, and Regina's lovers have disappeared.
Robin woke up, after the fourth night in a row, spent in the blissful arms of his lovers. Once again, despite falling asleep with Regina in the centre, he'd woken in the middle, with two delicious swathes of dark hair resting either side on his chest. Once again, they'd all gone to bed early, agreeing they all needed a decent night's sleep. Once again, they'd made love for at least an hour before they settled. To Robin, there was nothing that could beat this, and he still couldn't believe how lucky he'd been. The only two people to ever captured his heart so completely, were here together, in his bed. Or him in their bed, to be precise. No envy, no jealousy. He felt like a king, and everthing seemed soperfect.
Only problem now was finding the will to get up! A naturally early riser all his life, Robin normally become twitchy if he slept in after six. However, looking down at these two perfect goddesses, he was in no rush to leave. But he desperately needed to pee! So, he slowly, ever so slowly, curled his body to one side, trying to gently prise Regina from his left, then Marian from his right, before wiggling like a worm down the bed, reluctantly extricating himself from between them, before climbing out the bottom without disturbing the quilt. As he worked his way down, the warm, combined scents of their bodies made him even more reluctant to leave. However, needs must, and his bladder was currently making the rules! Almost the moment he stood, the pair seemed to sense the gap, and Regina slid into his vacated place as Marian, although fast asleep, automatically gathered her in, until her head rested on her chest. Neither opened their eyes; just moving like magnets, binding together to fill the space he'd left, as though he's never been there.
After relieving himself and washing his hands, he stepped back into the room and was just about to climb back into bed on Regina's side, when he heard a thumping noise outside. Roland? A bit early even for him! His curiosity aroused; he quickly slipped a dressing down around himself before opening the door to look outside. That's when he heard another thumping noise downstairs. Knowing it was unlikely to be an intruder, but just in case, he crept downstairs. Once there, the noise appeared to be coming from the kitchen. He was relieved to find Henry, fully clothed, still in his jacket, making himself a coffee.
"Morning. You're up early! Heading somewhere?"
Henry turned, surprised. "Oh, hi Robin. Erm…no, just got in, actually. I slept out. Is mum up?"
"No chance. I came down when I heard someone down here."
"Sorry, I was trying to be quiet. I definitely need a few more hours sleep! Vi got back from her backpacking trip late last night, so we had a few drinks with her dad, and I stayed at Jefferson's place. Only got about four hours though! Merlin and Blue joined us."
"Three late nights in a row? Burning the candle at both ends, aren't you? Still, good luck, you're only young once. Though you won't catch up on any sleep drinking that stuff!" he pointed at the mug. "I'm making tea. Much better to help you relax. Want a cup?"
"You sound like Jefferson!" he slid his jacket off. "Yeah, sure, thanks. You all settled in? I saw the rope bridge and Rolly's bedroom. Brilliant! Seems like mum and mamma capitulated, then?"
"Thanks to you, my boy! I don't know what you said, but…something changed yesterday. It must be hard for her, adapting to all this. Me and Roland, it's bound to be tricky."
"Is that why you're building the house and a pub in the forest? A hideaway?"
"News travels fast! Who told you?"
"Merlin. We were waiting for Jefferson to come back. He told me all about the new hamlet. You really calling it Sherwood?"
Robin chuckled. "Nothing's decided yet! But yes, it's a place for the Merry Men, and Merry Women, to settle. As for the pub, it was always the centre of the village in our lands. I even used to run one once, and I think we need that again. So, we'll see how it works out when it opens in a couple of weeks. Now tell me all about this 'Jefferson' fellow? and what would he want with Merlin and Blue?"
The following Saturday
"So…when were you planning on telling us you were going to be giving one of the brides away?"
Marian ran a hand down his morning suit jacket, picking off some almost invisible fluff, as Regina admired the view from behind.
It was the morning of Ruby and Dorothy's wedding, and the entire Locksley household had been invited. Earlier in the week, when Regina had suggested a suitable outfit for Roland, Robin had merely said that he'd already bought a suit for his son to wear, and he'd also bought himself something, though it remained on the Jolly Roger. However, as the ladies changed into their own dresses for the occasion, Robin appeared before them wearing a new, long-tailed charcoal and grey morning suit. The next big surprise was when Roland appeared in a smaller, totally adorable version, of his father's to match.
"Dorothy swore me to secrecy. She hasn't even told Ruby because she wants it to be a surprise. Roland's going to be her page, and Ashley and her daughter Alex, her bridesmaids. I thought it rather nice of her to ask us, quite frankly. Nor sure Roland's keen on the shirt and tie, though."
Regina kept staring at them as he checked his tie in the mirror. Robin looked good enough to eat, his suit having clearly been expertly made to fit, from the simple silk white shirt, to the pale blue waistcoat, to the pale silvery-grey trousers and patent shoes. Once he put on the long-tailed jacket, that was it! To her, he was sex on legs. And, she'd totally go to work on him if Roland wasn't in the room.
"Roland, you look wonderful…" said a proud Marian, looking admiringly at her son, as he strutted in front of the long mirror, in the first suit he'd ever worn. "Though a lot more grown-up than I'd like!"
"Look mamma! Papa even gave me a special watch for my…my…" he'd forgotten what it was called.
"Your waistcoat, my love." said Regina. "You look very debonair. That means stylish and charming," She looked at the small pocket watch. "Where did you get that from?"
"I bought it from Rumple's shop. Belle suggested it. That's where I got the suits adjusted in time."
"Well I think you both look very handsome. You certainly kept the bride's secret, didn't you? Had I known, I would have gone to more trouble finding something better for myself!"
"Don't be daft milady, you always look fantastic. And in that dress, you look like a model," he looked over to Marian. "That goes for both of you!"
Marian blushed. "Until I met Gina, I hadn't worn any decent fashionable clothes since…well, before my family got exiled by King John. It's lovely to have a decent wardrobe again, thanks to this one!" she winked at Regina, who took her hand, grinning back.
"Don't exaggerate. You dressed perfectly well when I first met you. You certainly made an impression on many. Too big an impression, to some, if you ask me!"
Robin was curious. "Okay, you need to explain that last statement?" he paused, to take Roland's jacket back off him so it wouldn't crush. The boy raced off to the kitchen to get himself a drink. "What did you mean, 'too big an impression'?"
The queen smirked back. "Only that your fiancée here didn't just leave an impression on me! Some others were very interested in her. A certain wolf, currently getting married, for one!"
"Ruby? She was interested in you?"
Marian glared back at her wife. "And you accuse me of exaggerating! You know perfectly well she had a problem with her wolf-heat! So she couldn't help herself. Besides, it's all sorted now, once Rumple fixed her with some sort of potion. She loves Dorothy. Can I help it if I'm so adorable?"
"Can't argue with that…" chuckled Robin, adjusting the tie. "The ladies here seem quite taken with you, don't they? I don't recall that from our past. Have you had relationships with women since we were last together, or was Regina your first?"
"My first, my last and..." she kissed her cheek. "My only. No women, apart from the odd cuddle. You two are the only ones for me!"
"What happened when you arrived here? Regina said something about you two meeting over my grave? How long before you fell in love?"
"I was giving your headstone a clean when she just appeared," mused Regina. "Obviously, the last time I saw her face, it just turned out to be Zelena. But this time, it was still a shock! She helped me tidy it up, and we planted wildflowers together. And we talked…"
"Gina took me back to Granny's, and I stayed there a couple of days rather than go to the convent with Merlin. You must remember what I feel about nuns? You should know all this! You were the one sending feathers, after all!"
"I just thought I was dreaming. I only saw you a few times, when you were together. I tried talking to you, but you couldn't hear me, even though I could hear you. So, I imagined dropping feathers on you to give you a sign I was there. But carry on, what happened next?"
"I stayed two nights at Granny's. She was lovely, mainly because she'd always been besotted by Roland! But Ruby's hormones were out of control and she seemed to have a thing for me. Dorothy was very annoyed, so I decided to move out. I needed to raise cash, so I was going to sell my grandmother's ring to Rumple, when Regina stopped me. She insisted she could help me, and that I should move in with her, at least until we left to get Roland the following weekend. That's when I started falling for her. Big time!"
"I felt it too. She kissed me that first night she moved in," Regina beamed at her, adoringly. "She plucked up the courage before I did!"
"After we had that bath, yes I remember! I'd only been in Storybrooke a few days, but I think I started falling for you that very day!"
"I'm not sure why, but I seem to remember that too!" Robin's words made them both turn. "In one of those dreams. Were you both wearing white towels?"
"Yes, but I don't remember any feather that time. How much do you remember?"
"It's very hard to describe. Imagine you're floating, body-less, surrounded by cloud and, every so often, a picture opens up in front of you? But, whenever it opened up, it seemed to be just you two. I can remember you both talking in Granny's a few times. And in Regina's car, and Rumple's place. In your bathroom and, on your bed a couple of times." He regretted the last words the moment they slipped out.
"Robin!" said Regina, with a hint of annoyance and embarrassment. "I thought I asked you to give us some privacy?"
"Gina, it's not like turning or walking out of a room, for god's sake! I had no body, just my mind. I thought I was dreaming!"
"So basically, you're saying you saw Gina and I kissing in our towels? That was the first time?" Her smirk revealed she wasn't annoyed, unlike her wife. Seeing his cheeks blush, even under the beard, she knew he'd seen what happened the next time! And looking down, seeing a now prominent bulge in his trousers that hadn't been there a moment ago, confirmed everything. So, with Roland out of the room, she stood, walking over to him, enjoying his discomfort.
"You saw us have sex, didn't you?" She whispered, looking back at her wife, who also spotted his discomfort. "Did you like what you saw?" As she said it, her right hand stroked his stomach, before heading down to glide over the top of the bulge, which increased in size by the second. He didn't answer, just gulped. So she gave it a small squeeze.
"Unlike now, I didn't have a body…" he looked around to make sure nobody could her them before whispering. "Nor an erection!"
"I could help with that," she said looking down at her hand. " Impressive! Tell me what you saw?"
By now, Regina was on her feet, moving towards them. "Mari, stop!" he begged. "We're all dressed up for a wedding, Roland's here, and we leave in ten minutes!"
"Yes, please stop teasing him," said Regina, forcibly removing her wife's hand from the now impressive bulge, holding on to it. "There's plenty of time for all that later, provided he keeps the suit on!"
He looked down at two pairs of brown eyes, both smirking back at him. "Gina, you're really not helping! You two will be the death of me. Again!"
The Town Hall – Late morning
As the congregation settled, awaiting the arrival of the brides, Archibald Hopper walked up the aisle, to the raised platform in the centre of the town hall's sculpted lawns, stopping regularly to talk to well-wishers. As Storybrooke's only psychiatrist, and regarded by many as the town's conscience, the shy and self-effacing man knew more secrets of its citizens than anyone, and his confidentiality was always assured. And now, turning to address the audience as they sat, he surveyed the surprisingly large gathering, a warm smile on his face.
"Good morning everyone! What a beautiful sunny day, isn't it? We're gathered here today to celebrate the sacred union of two very special people. Our beloved Ruby Lucas, a friend to many of you who, in her past, played a critical part in saving the life of our dear king and queen, and so many others. And of course Dorothy Gale, the hero of Oz, who helped save an entire realm from tyranny. Dorothy and Ruby are two extraordinary women, each a hero in her own right, who come before you today to consecrate that love in marriage. Now, may I ask you all to stand as we welcome the arrival of our brides?"
Regina and Marian, standing together in the second row, looked back, like everyone else, as they stood. A sound system at the back starting playing a classical piece, Pachelbel's Canon, as various oohs and gasps were heard. From a side marquee, the first of the brides appeared. Ruby. The tall waitress looked utterly stunning, far more demure than they were used to. Wearing what appeared to be a jewel-necked white silk ball gown, with white tulle over lace and satin, she looked every inch a Hollywood star. With her long dark hair up in a complicated updo bun, with white flowers entwined, the young wolf beamed with happiness as she started walking up the aisle on David Nolan's arm. Regina glanced across to see even Granny, the curmudgeonly old werewolf, trying to hold back tears of joy. David, moving to hold the bride's increasingly shaky hand, started whispering something in her ear, presumable to calm her as they neared the front. Behind Ruby, Snow White, her best friend and Matron of Honour, looking suitably regal, whispered encouragement to Neal and Gideon, as they held the shorter train and rings respectively, walking in step behind the bride.
"She's certainly showing less legs and boobs than usual!" Regina whispered in Marian's ear.
"Shush! She looks beautiful. I'm jealous."
"Of what? Marrying Dorothy?"
"Of her getting to wear a proper white wedding dress, silly!"
Regina rolled her eyes. The last time she wore one was a day she'd rather forget. When she was forced to marry a certain old king. Forced to marry again her will. And the next time, when she married, had been in a rush in New York, when they both wore day dresses for the occasion.
"You'd like to wear a white wedding dress?"
"Who wouldn't?" she kept her voice down. "I mean just look at her? It's so feminine. She looks stunning!" Marian winked at Ruby, as the now clearly nervous bride reached Archie. As Snow gently ushered the boys into their seats, David whispered something into the bride's ear, kissing her cheek before sitting down.
As she surveyed the faces on the opposite side of the aisle, Regina spotted Emma passing Hope across to her husband. The blonde smiled back at her, mouthing 'hello' back to her best friend. Moments later, a very different piece of music struck up for the arrival of the second bride, as two violinists started playing at the back.
"Is that young Grace Hatter?" Snow whispered to David. "I didn't even know she could play?"
"Nor me! She sounds good..." Looking at Ruby's face as she turned, it was clear that she was as surprised as them! Then from the side, appeared Violet Morgan, microphone in hand, as she started singing, slowly, her voice low, slow, and pitch perfect, to Etta James's lyrics:
"At Last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song!"
Regina gulped. "She's got a beautiful voice - I didn't even know Violet could sing!"
As Dorothy slowly made her way out of the second small marquee, even more gasps were heard than for Ruby's entrance. Most of the congregation had half expected the Hero of Oz, who was heavier built than Ruby, and rather tomboyish, always wearing jeans and casual tops, to appear wearing some sort of tuxedo or something. However, the transformation was astonishing. With her hair up in a flowered bun similar to Ruby's, she now wore a stunning, vintage-
inspired lace, off-the-shoulder and irresistibly romantic white dress, with an eye-catching lace bodice and a long sheath skirt that showed off her curves. A small train of lace fanned out behind her.
"Good god, I never even knew she had such a wonderful figure!" breathed Marian, in a way that made Regina frown. "Sorry, I'm just saying!"
Dorothy stopped, hesitating before walking down the aisle, turning to the man next to her. Robin. From a distance, she seemed to be shaking. As the crowd watched, most concerned her nerves would get the better of her, Robin stood in front of her, putting his hands on her upper arms, whispering something, as Violet continued singing. As she nodded back, seeming to agree with whatever he was saying, he placed his hands carefully either side of her head and, almost like a loving father, kissed her brow. Regina would definitely find out what that was all about later!
Dorothy slowly turned, taking his hand tightly, her other holding a small bouquet, and started walking towards them. As they drew closer, Marian beamed with pride at the sight of Roland walking behind her, one hand holding her short train and the other holding onto little Alexandra, Ashley's daughter, who seemed to beam up at the wild haired boy as though he hung the stars. Robin spotted his lovers in the second row, winking and puckering his lips to them, earning a grin from Regina, as he passed.
Ruby was totally mesmerised by the site of her bride, as she'd never seen her before. She was perfect, and she knew then she was definitely, undoubtedly, the only other person she would ever love completely. As Robin moved to the side, he kissed Dorothy's cheek, before passing her hand into Ruby's. "Good luck!" He whispered, pecking Ruby's cheek too, before standing back, as Violet finished the last verse, Grace and a young man they didn't recognise continuing to play the closing strains:
"You smiled, you smiled
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last!"
The girl's voice was mesmerising, leaving a fair number of the congregation dewy-eyed, including Snow. Even the brides, now standing side-by-side, felt emotional. Even before Archie could speak, the crowd erupted in wild applause at the young musical trio, who now stood to receive the applause, slightly embarrassed by all the fuss. Marian spotted Dorothy grinning, giving an 'okay' ring gesture and mouthing 'perfect' back to someone on the left, close by. Belle Gold. Clearly the librarian had had something to do with this!
"Ladies and gentlemen, could you all be seated?" Archie called, as everyone calmed for the service, many still dabbing their eyes.
The next half hour flew by, with a short speech by Archie, who said a few kind words about the two brides and their importance to the little town. Then, to the surprise of all his family, Henry Mills walked up to the lectern, to give a funny little reading and poem about reasons for marrying, by an unknown English poet. Regina and Emma shared a proud look as their son, now the confident, tall and extremely handsome young Harvard undergraduate, made the congregation roar with laughter at his terrible impersonation of an English accent. Halfway through he paused.
"I guess I should have asked Robin or Killian to read that bit?" which drew more laughter.
Then Ruby rose to make her statement, her promise, followed by Dorothy, after which rings were exchanged, Archie pronounced them married, the brides kissed, and everyone cheered. The event had gone without a hitch.
Later, at the formal reception afterwards, as they waited for the photographer to finish, Regina finally found Emma at the bar.
"When did you know Henry was going to be making a speech?"
"I didn't. I had no idea," said the Saviour, handing her a glass of something fizzy. "Just like I didn't know Grace could play the violin, or Violet could sing like that! You?"
"Kept in the dark, just like you. He looks so different now, doesn't he? All grown up. They all do. I can't help feeling sad, to be honest."
"Don't be…" Emma scanned the room, spotting a particular couple, grinning. "Look on the bright side. He may be all grown up, but you've now got not just a beautiful wife, but also a handsome hunk in your bed, too! Happy ending, or what?"
The usual Mills glare came to the fore. "Remind me why we're friends again, Swan? And while you're at it, kindly stop ogling my partners!"
Emma sniggered. "I'm just saying. To be honest I'm quite jealous! So, did you find out whether our boy's with Grace, Violet, or neither?"
"He's not saying a word. Though he was chatting to Robin earlier this morning…" Then they heard glasses being clinked at the top table. "Hold on. Speeches."
As the pair turned and watched, backs leaning against the bar, Victor Whale rose to give a surprisingly funny and well-met speech praising the two brides. Then David Nolan, acting as Ruby's best man, stood, thanking all the people who had helped make the day special. Then it was Snow White's turn. The rightful Queen of Misthaven rose, to deliver a heartfelt speech about her best friend, their time together, just how much she loved her, and culminating in how she watched her resurrect the body of Dorothy, the Hero of Oz, with true love's magic kiss, proving their love to all. And how it was a message, a fine example, of hope for all of them.
Regina frowned at the gushing eulogy. "Your mother really doesn't change, does she?"
"Don't be like that; she could just as easily be talking about you!" That earned a blush from the brunette, and an air kiss.
They were surprised when Robin rose to make the final speech, acting as Dorothy's Best Man. He confessed that he hadn't met her in Storybrooke, though their paths had crossed many years ago in Oz, after he broke into the Wicked Witch's palace. He gave everyone a little reminder of her past, before thanking her for asking him to speak for her, as she hated speaking publicly. He finished with a few not-too-risqué jokes at her expense.
"You know, your guy does look seriously hot in that suit," whispered Emma. "You should dress him up more often!"
Regina's brow arched. "He's not a doll, Emma! He chose it himself. I didn't even know until this morning that he was a Best Man. Even Roland kept that quiet!"
"Speaking of which, he looks seriously adorable in that 'mini-Robin' suit, doesn't he? Have you seen Alex and some of the younger girls flaffing around him? You'll have problems in the future, Gina, mark my words. That boy's gonna grow up to be a serious pussy-magnet!"
Regina tried not to laugh, but couldn't stop herself. "Must you always be so lavatorial, Swan?" she cackled, "You always bring everything down to the gutter, don't you?"
She sniggered back, loving their old camaraderie. "Speaking of gorgeous men in suits..." Killian now appeared through a side door, talking to Merlin. "Mine's just come back. You fancy a girls' night out this Friday? You could bring Marian along, and Robin could babysit. That way we'd avoid stupid comments from the likes of my mother!"
"Sure, why not?"
After another half an hour of them all working the room, Marian finally caught up with him.
"Hello, stranger!" Without asking, she slid her hands around his head, dragging him down to lightly kiss him on the lips. "Having fun?"
"Definitely," heated blue eyes latched onto brown. "Even more so now. Did I just see you flirting with the wrong mayor?" Despite the words, his mouth only gave her an amused grin. "You do know, he's got two, very possessive wives, don't you?"
"Says the guy who's been fluttering his eyes at half the women in the room? I saw you, Robin Locksley!" she grinned back, mocking him. "Including Belle, no less! Her husband could do an awful lot worse to you, than even Rory and Mulan could do to me!"
"I definitely wasn't flirting," He wrapped his hands around her back, dropping another kiss. "You know you still need to be punished, don't you?"
"Punished?"
He lowered his voice. "For deliberately leaving me with a raging stiffy, minutes before I had to leave this morning! I think that requires some sort of chastisement!"
She knew that look! One that never failed to make her own heart quicken. "Chastisement? What do you have in mind?"
"Regina, you know I can't tell you anything, so there's no point in badgering me! As for what I told Henry, I just did what was necessary. All they need to do is both avoid getting in a car with a particular person. I gave them his name. That's all! He shouldn't have said anything..."
"Henry said nothing, it was Grace who told me! So, what about this boy and this car? And why do they need to stay clear of him? What's going to happen?" Regina never gave up when she had a bee in her bonnet, especially when Henry's safety was concerned. "What the hell do you know, Hatter? And who is this boy?"
"As I've already told you, I can't say. I won't give you his name, because you may go and do something stupid!" She glared at him for that. "The particular man in question isn't bad or evil, just…unfortunate. And he doesn't have magic. If you leave our children be, and they remember my words, all will be fine."
Unknown to both of them, in only seventeen month's time, a young post-graduate economics research student by the name of Stephen Springer, would ask Grace Hatter on a date. Remembering her father's words, she also mentioned it to Henry. She politely declined him, saying she'd love to, but was already in a relationship, implying it was Henry. Springer, a decent young man, was disapointed, but accepted without argument. The following Saturday night, he chose to walk to a local pub, spending the evening with his friends watching a ball game, rather than a nightclub he planned to drive to in Boston. Unbeknown to him, that evening, a very drunk teenager and friends stole a BMW, raced through the city and wound up ploughing it headfirst into a railway arch, killing all three occupants. Stephen Springer would go on to graduate, fall in love and marry five years into the future. He would live until the age of eight nine, having sired three children and six grandchildren. He passed away peacefully, never knowing that his growing family would never have existed had it not been for a certain time traveller, who broke the rules for the sake of his daughter!
Regina gave him her fiercest glare, but he wasn't to be moved. Hearing a little ringtone from her vanity bag, she opened it, taking out her phone while scanning the room to see where her loved ones had got to:
Marian: Sorry, couldn't wait, R. looks too good in that suit! We're in room 6 upstairs. Lock in place, so if coming up, come alone! xxx'
The message was left just over ten minutes ago, and as she tried to call her back, it went straight to voicemail. "What the hell?" she muttered to herself, and was about to head to the stairs when Henry walked up to her, holding hands with a young, slim brunette woman.
"Mum, I'd like you to meet Christina. She's a very dear friend of mine. Chrissy, this is my mum, Regina!"
Before Regina had a chance to react, the striking young woman, of a similar age to Henry, raised her hand. "I'm delighted to meet you, Mrs. Locksley! Henry's told me so much about you." She seemed to be holding onto Henry's arm for dear life. Very dear friend? What's that supposed to mean? And how the hell did she even manage to get over the town line?
"Oh, lovely to meet you too, Christina. Just call me Regina. Henry, how do you two know each other?"
Anxious to know more about Henry's relationship with the girl, she forgot about her Marian and Robin, and whatever they were up to in Room 6.
