Summary: It's time for Ruby and Dorothy to tell Granny the sperm donor's identity, while Snow gets some downtime with her friend. Doctor Whale notices something weird about the Locksley baby's blood group. And Henry's return has prompted the storybooks to update, with new, very revealing, information.
Granny's Diner
It was the Saturday after Emma gave birth, three days ago, and Snow now sat in the private back lounge of the diner, catching up on news and gossip with her best friend, particularly on last week's happenings and her new granddaughter.
Ruby loved these increasingly rare private times with Snow, just chatting. At twenty-two weeks pregnant, even for a woman with the strength of a wolf, Ruby was finding the arduous fetching and carrying of the job too difficult at times. That, coupled with her grandmother's over-protective nature, restricted her to more backroom duties, spending more time dealing with the accounts and admin, rather than front of counter. Still, it had been a smooth pregnancy so far, but Snow could see she was getting increasingly restless.
"Only three and a half months to go! The time will fly, honestly."
"I guess. I just feel guilty, you know? There's Dot putting in all the hours, and overtime, working herself stupid, to cover. And there's me, sitting around, being useless! I've no right to feel sorry for myself but, I've been feeling quite jealous. Even the fact she can go out jogging with David. I'd do anything to be able to just run right now! But from what Victor said..."
"I'm sure it's frustrating. Would it make any difference if you 'wolfed'? It seems wolves keep moving around, even when they're almost due. And you'd feel stronger?"
"I would, but after that spotting I had a few months ago, Vic advised me not to, just in case it happens again! I don't want to risk it. And I'm still not sure how we're going to cover the bills unless I go back to work straight after? We'd thought about moving out of here and into our own place, but we've had to scotch that. The diner doesn't pay that much, you know?"
"Why don't you take up our offer and take over the loft? We're not using it, and it'll give you time to save and get on your feet!"
"Thanks, but you know how Dot feels about charity! She's proud, and you've done quite enough for us already. No, I guess we'll just have to be patient. Still, enough of my moping, tell me about your Lizzie? She sounds adorable!"
"Elizabeth Snow Jones!" she said, proudly, with a huge grin. "Henry keeps calling her Lizzie. She's gorgeous. Looks just like Emma! Dark, downy hair at the moment, but then, Emma had that too. She's going to be a blondie. David's eyes, mind."
"Yeah well, she's got seriously attractive genes on both sides. Plus, Killian's a seriously good looking guy too!"
"Mmph…I guess," she grudgingly admitted. Snow had had a 'falling out' with her son-in-law over the last week, and she couldn't help feeling hurt that Emma had supported him in insisting only he stayed for the birth. She felt shut out and told them, after everyone had gone home from the hospital. But instead of apologising, Killian had been quite brusque, telling her that she was making her daughter more stressed, not less! She'd seethed at the time, and walked out in a huff.
"You're still upset with him, aren't you? You need to let it go, Snow! You can't blame him for protecting her..."
"Protecting her? From me? Hell Rubes, she's my daughter, for god's sake!"
"She is, but…you know that I love you dearly, but when you get the bit between your teeth about something, you can be a complete stress-head, can't you? I remember what a couple of the nurses said, when she was in there having Hope. You were running them ragged! Even Emma said so. No, I really think you need to let them be, and do it their way. She loves you but, it's their kid, after all! What did David say?"
"Pretty much what you just did!" she harrumphed, pouting. She knew she could be a little 'over-enthusiastic', but she blamed it on being deprived of her for the first twenty eight years of her life.
"Well if it makes you feel any better, I promise I'll let you get involved when we have ours. Dot and I haven't a clue about raising babies. It's all new to us, so we'll need all the help we can get!"
Over tea, the conversation moved on. "So, how's Granny coping? That heart attack must have given her quite the scare?"
"She pretends she hasn't had one! Mike and everyone's helping out, but she's still the curmudgeonly old pain in the ass we know and love. Mind you, I don't know whether you've heard – Marco's asked her out on a date! And not just anywhere – Antonio's!"
"Well it's about time! I knew he was interested. I often see them wandering around together in the park. He's been a widower for so long, so it'd be lovely to see them together. Does August know?"
"He's back next weekend. Apparently, he's been in the Far East again. Hasn't been back here for over a year. Poor old Marco really misses him!"
"I bet. Have you told Granny about David and the baby? About him being the donor?"
"Not yet, but I need to soon. She'll be so pissed off if we just tell her along with everyone else. I've already let her know we've told our 'sperm donor' about it. She's already worried that whoever he is, he'll claim some sort of parental rights. I know she trusts David, so it might put her mind at rest."
"Would you like me there when you tell her? If she knows that I know, it might help…"
"That's a great idea - we could do it when they get back? It might help if he was with us too."
They silently drank their teas (Ruby was banned coffee till the birth) for a couple of minutes, before Snow caught her friend looking at her oddly, a mischievous smirk on her face. "What? What is it?"
"Nothing…it's just…no, nothing." Snow could have sworn the wolf's cheeks had reddened.
"It's me, your best friend, remember? You can tell me anything! So, come on. What is it?"
"It's…embarrassing."
"Ruby, you've been my closest friend for years! You know virtually everything there is to know about me, and the same goes for you. We've even had sex, for goodness sake! Multiple times, as I recall? I've shared David, and you've shared Dorothy, and I even asked him to agree to help get you pregnant. There's nothing you need to feel embarrassed about with me. So come on - out with it?"
"I know," Ruby rested her head on Snow's shoulder. "You're a great mate. It's just…well, Dot and I were talking the other day, about how we all got her pregnant. You know, that first time at your place? The four of us?"
Snow started laughing. "How could I ever forget? It's not everyday David and I indulge in a foursome, is it? Why – beginning to regret it? Feeling awkward?"
"No, quite the opposite! It was great fun. Don't forget, Dot was a virgin till she met me! She even admitted she fancied doing it again sometime…"
Snow's eyes widened at that. "She, she would?"
"Yeah," she patted her stomach. "And not necessarily just to give this one a little sibling..."
Silence. The friends looked at each other intensely, Ruby feeling awkward by her own admission. So much so, she needed to break it.
"You know, occasionally. Nothing serious..." Snow's mouth dropped in astonishment. Had she offended her?
"And what about you? Would you like that?"
"Um, well, I'm not… averse to the idea." A hint of timidity in her voice. "But I don't want to do anything that might screw up our friendship. You?"
"Same as you, I guess. I've thought about it too. David admitted he had. Provided everyone agreed, it could be a lot of fun! But again, only if they're completely okay with it. I guess that's the thing, isn't it? We'd have to have some rules. Like only if all four of us are together. And if any one of us doesn't want this, then we stop, and it goes no further."
"Agreed. And we'd have to be discrete! Nobody, but nobody, can know!"
Snow gave her a smirk. "You sound like you've thought this through?"
"Certainly not. Perhaps it's baby hormones, because I've been feeling as horny as hell recently. Mind you, I'm the size of a bloody whale these days, so it's a bit off-putting for Dorothy. Our love life's a bit slow at the moment. She probably takes one look at me, and wonders whether to shag me, or put a saddle on me!"
"Don't be silly," she chuckled, draping an arm around the wolf. "And stop putting yourself down! I went through a low blip just like you, when I was carrying Neal. I told myself I was hideous, but David kept telling me not to be silly. We made love right up until a couple of weeks before he was born!"
"David always was a horny little bugger, though! I thought he'd tied you to the bed at one point!"
"Only when I ask him to!" Both women were laughing now. "Seriously Rubes, you're a beautiful woman, now more than ever! And that baby's giving you a wonderful glow. I'd jump your bones again, if our loves let me!"
Ruby kissed her cheek. "Thanks. You always did know how to cheer me up!"
The Convent
"Reul tells me you wanted to speak to me about the Queen's new-born?" The Sorcerer sat beside the Blue Fairy on the sofa, opposite. "How can I help you, Doctor Whale?"
"Yes, thanks for agreeing to meet me. I asked because I'm a little confused about something I've discovered; something I suspect is more magic-related than medical. We took a blood test on Regina's baby girl, which is standard practise. We do it to confirm the blood group and uncover any underlying medical issues, and it helps with the notes. Saves time, if there's any future health issues..."
"Of course. And what did you find?"
"There's normally four main blood groups. A, B, AB and O. Now O is the most common. And then each group can be subdivided into, as we call it, RhD positive or RhD negative. So, except on rare occasions, there's eight blood groups in all."
"I'm fully aware, Doctor. You'll recall that one of my personas is actually a physician? So, which one's Honour Locksley?"
"None of them - that's the thing! Her blood doesn't conform to any we know! It's like we have a completely new blood group. It may not be important, but if she had any sort of accident, or needed a transfusion, we could have real problems." As he explained it, he couldn't help but spot a knowing glance between Merlin and the head of the fairies. "I heard about this 'true love' magic thing that happened between Regina and Locksley last year. But the Saviour's the product of the same thing, with Snow and Charming; but her blood's a standard A Positive, like her father's. Emma's daughter, Hope, carries her own father's group. So, I'm a bit confused…"
"Interesting. Have you checked the girl's blood against her parents?"
"First thing I did was cross-check it with Regina's, as we have her records. But Robin's never been in for any procedure. What are you thinking?"
"Well, I would suggest you ask him for a blood sample. Tell him it's for future protection, in case his daughter ever needs a transfusion, god forbid. I also suggest you do the same thing for Marian. And while you're at it, run a DNA test on the child."
"Marian? DNA? Why her? It was Regina who had the baby."
"Yes, but true love magic may be involved here, Victor," said Blue calmly. "That 'magic wave' you mentioned, involved Marian as well. It could be prudent."
He looked at the pair, confused. "You're implying Marian could be included in Honour's DNA?"
"I suggest you run the test, Victor. At the very least, it rules something out…"
The Diner – later that afternoon
"We're just going out for a meal, for heaven's sake! I don't need new clothes, ye silly girl!"
Once Granny Lucas had finished her shift, or more precisely, her sitting on a stool while Dorothy and the others did all the heavy lifting, Ruby had asked her to join them in the back room, saying they had something important she wanted to tell her. Walking in, she was surprised to find Snow and David still there.
"I'm not, and you do, Granny!" Ruby asserted. "Antonio's is the best restaurant in town!"
"It's not a date, and I'm no ruddy teenager!" she growled. "Why the hell do I need to go wastin' good money on a new dress?"
"Granny," Dorothy tried to calm her. "Marco's really pushing the boat out for you next weekend! It's a very expensive place and he clearly wants to treat you. It's not every day you get a chance to show off. Perhaps this once?"
Snow couldn't resist adding: "Eugenia, you've got a lovely figure, and you're a very attractive woman. When's the last time you treated yourself? All the work you put into this place, surely you deserve something special? If not for Marco, what about just for you?"
The old woman harrumphed. Truth be known, it was years since a man had been brave enough to ask her out on a date. And it was Marco, the kindest, gentlest man in Storybrooke . "Hmph. I suppose. I'll take a look at that place of Kathryn's tomorrow."
"I'd be happy to come with you. The girls are minding the business, after all."
She looked at the four of them, all seated. "Is that what this is all about? Pickin' out clothes for an old woman? Have you nothin' better to do?"
Ruby steeled herself. Here we go. "No Granny. We wanted to tell you something. Something very important. It's to do with the baby."
"The baby? Why, is there something wrong?"
Dorothy intervened. "No, Eugenia, there's nothing wrong. Ruby's on track, and everything's good. But we think there's something you need to know before the birth. Before we go public. It's about the donor…"
"The sperm donor? Ruby, I told you you were tempting fate! What's happened? Is he after money?"
"Nothing like that!" her granddaughter jumped in. "It's just…we always intended to let anyone know about the baby's father, rather than keep it secret. All children should grow up knowing who their mothers and fathers are. Or were. We thought you should know first…"
"Well? Who is it?"
"David," said Snow, calmly. "My David is their donor."
"You?" she rasped; her steely eyes boring into him. "You're the donor?"
"I am…" he said simply, waiting for the reaction.
She looked at Snow. "Did you know about this before it happened?"
"Of course. I was the one who suggested it! They were having problems with the clinic, and weren't able to get in the queue for adoptions either, so this seemed an ideal solution…"
"Ideal? He's your husband, for god's sake! You're the king and queen of Misthaven! Whatever the hell were you thinking?"
"I was thinking how we could help two of our friends, who were being denied the greatest gift of all. A baby of their own. David and I talked, and he agreed."
"And you?" she turned back to David. "Snow's had some crackpot ideas in the past, but I always thought you were the one grounded with some common sense! You've two children already, and one's the goddamn Saviour! Word's goin' to get out one day, that their pup's the bastard child of the king! And what then, when the poor little bugger wonders why his dad's a wandering' around the town without a care? What the hell were you thinking?"
"Eugenia!" An irritated Snow started, but felt a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.
"No Snow, I'll take this!" said Dorothy, also annoyed. "Eugenia, we're not going to make any secret of the fact David's the baby's biological father! We've all talked it through. I'll be proud to tell our child, from day one, about his role, how they helped us, and how important they are to us!"
"I will too," added Snow. "Far from being ashamed, I'll be proud to say David helped them. There'll be no secrets. And I'll thank you never to use that horrible 'b' word to describe their child ever again!"
"Hmmph," the old wolf harrumphed, a beady eye back on David. "You've said nothin' so far - why would you even agree to this? Why make it public? What's in it for you?"
"Absolutely nothing. I think the ladies summed it up perfectly. I merely helped them with what they needed, as they were getting no help from the clinic or the adoption people. And I know they'll both make wonderful mothers." As David spoke, Ruby and Dorothy stood, silently moving either side of him, putting their arms through his in support, presenting a united front. "As for me, I'll be renouncing all legal rights over their child. They'll be the parents! As for him or her knowing me, I'll never be a stranger, and I'll provide whatever support they need as they grow up. I could never ignore my own child, even if I have no claim!"
Granny sat, still bewildered, but silently acknowledging to herself that at least they seemed to have thought it through. "And Emma and Neal? Have you told them?"
"Not yet," said Snow. "We agreed not to, until we're ready. You're the first to know."
"Actually," Dorothy turned to give David a light peck on the cheek. "Ruby and I have been talking recently, and it seems you can have more than two parents on a birth certificate, as it's legal, not biological. Snow, we'd like to include David's name on it, if you're both agreeable?"
The Gold Mansion
"Holy shit!" said Henry, as he sat in his room, catching up on the magical updates to the various storybooks.
Since the Author had first left for Harvard, over two and a half years ago, Henry had left the six magical books in one of his grandfather's safes, under lock and key. Whenever he came back at the end of each term, he would make a point of staying over at Rumple and Belle's mansion for a few days and nights. Precious time which his grandfather. The Dark One loved and relished the times he came over, the young man being the last link to his beloved Baelfire. They would catch up, gossip and learn so much from each other every time. Rumple trusted Henry like no other. Unlike even Belle, Henry had never used his dagger against him, and had a pure heart.
During his stays, Rumple would retrieve his story books and pen from the safe, leaving them in Henry's bedroom. As if sensing the chosen Author was close, the books would appear to write and update themselves, but only during the nights he slept there. In the mornings, he would love nothing more than to sit at the dining table, coffee in hand, reading the latest updates in their magical lands. It was one of the reasons he seemed to know so much more than most people what was going on within the secretive little town!
One book was dedicated to the lives of Snow White, Prince Charming and their family. It included all the tales of how they met, fought, fell in love and married. It described their battles with the Evil Queen, a woman he could no longer recognise as once being his own adopted mother, the birth of Emma, his biological mother, and the various twists and turns within his own family. Another book was dedicated to the long life of Rumpelstiltskin. This was one of henry's favourites, as it also told him about the early life of Baelfire. He and Rumple would occasionally share these stories over a glass of whisky (even though both mothers discouraged him from drinking till his 21st birthday). Another book told about Red Riding Hood, her alliance with Snow White and Prince Charming, her battles under the curse and finally, her meeting and falling in love with Dorothy Gale, the Hero of Oz. The stories combined and twisted with the others, and Henry would often enjoy comparing the truths they revealed, with the versions in the other storybooks, told from a different point of view. The other three books, most of whose pages were still blank for their future stories, told of other characters and friends in Storybrooke.
Now he was catching up on the lives of his grandparents, he was delighted to find at least ten new pages, and five new detailed coloured drawings, had appeared in their own book. When he'd last looked at this particular book, during the summer recess, he'd discovered his young uncle, Neal, had been learning magic far earlier than anticipated. Regina had taken the young man under her wing for tuition, though his older sister Emma was also involved. Even more surprising, the young Nolan also received the attention of Merlin the Sorcerer, himself. The story explained how Merlin had told the boy that his powers, the result of his true love parents, would one day be equal to his sister's. Henry made a note to catch up with his uncle before he left!
However, the next pages were more than a revelation. The story told of a previous close relationship between the young she-wolf and Snow, which could easily be read as once being romantic. But it went on to explain how, years later, after meeting and falling for her own true love, Dorothy Gale, the Hero of Oz, Ruby told her old friend of their frustration in trying to have a baby of their own. A smaller picture showed a rather stern-faced woman, who he didn't recognise, but clearly someone in a position of authority, refusing to help them procure the required seed.
The colour drawing on the next page showed his grandparents, Snow and David, and the two recently married women, sitting around the fireside, in a location that was clearly their farmhouse. The story then outlined how, later, Snow came up with the idea of the Gale-Lucas women using her own husband's seed to conceive. An initially reluctant David agreed.
"Bloody hell!" Henry gasped, "So, Prince Charming's Ruby's sperm donor? What would that make her baby to me? Uncle? Aunty?" He carried on reading, although it was the turning of the next page that really blew Henry's mind!
A full page picture, quite detailed, showed Ruby, now lying in the centre and on the top of, a large ornate bed, dressed in what could only be described as very sexy dark-red lingerie, her magnificent long legs revealed. On her left sat her wife Dorothy, upright against the headboard, in some sort of black floral short robe, with her more muscular legs also showing. But to his surprise, on Ruby's right, lay his grandfather David, in what looked like just a pair of dark boxers! He seemed relaxed, his arms behind his head. All three of them were looking at a figure on the left of the picture, silhouetted against a large bay window. Henry almost choked at the unbelievable sight of his own grandmother, Snow White. She was dressed in very sheer, very provocative, nightwear of her own, which she appeared to be in the process of removing! A sheer black, short slip of some sort, which he vaguely remembered Grace describing as a 'chemise'? Something very similar to one which his own girlfriend, Christina, owned. And he felt awkward admitting it to himself, but in the picture, his grandmother looked younger than his mothers, and seriously fucking hot!
"Shit, grandpa! No wonder they called her the fairest of them all!"
As he looked at the picture, and continued to read, he felt rather guilty; awkward, at the fact his own author powers had resulted in revealing something very private. Something that his own grandparents almost certainly intended to be kept strictly confidential. That they had helped Ruby get pregnant! He chuckled silently to himself as he realised, based on the drawings, they'd gone for the natural method, rather than the much-joked-about turkey baster option.
Clearly, his grandparents still had plenty of life in them!
Then it occurred to him, was this something he should keep to himself? After all, someone else was going to read the storybook one day. It was magical, after all, and couldn't be destroyed. Would Ruby or Dorothy ever tell their child about his or her biological father? Would they say that he lived among them? And what about his own mother – would she and Neal ever be told they had another half-sibling? How would they feel, if they were told?
These were big questions, and Henry was now old enough, and wise enough, to know not to react too soon. He would stay quiet, for the moment, and see what happens next.
In the years to come, there were many such secrets Henry would acquire. And like his grandfather Gold, in future years, he would take many of them to the grave. The wisest place for them.
