Mifflin Street – Eight months later

Marian stood, staring out of the bedroom window, waiting anxiously for her lovers to come home from Honour's twelve month check-up at the hospital.

As she looked across at the rope walkways suspended between the trees, and the tree house built in the large cedar, she was reminded of just how much her life had changed. Less than two and a half years ago, she'd arrived in this strange little town, in a new realm, only to find her husband had been murdered and her son had disappeared. She was truly alone. Then, by sheer chance, she met Robin's grieving former lover at his graveside. A woman who would help change her life beyond recognition. The woman who she would fall in love with and together, they would rescue Roland, bringing him back to settle in the little town. Six months later, she married Regina in a hastily planned, small ceremony in New York. And finally, two months after settling down with her little family, the unimaginable happened. Her murdered husband, and Regina's lover, arrived on their door, returned from apparent death, looking as perfect, to her, as he did when they parted so long ago.

Incredibly, the three of them would come together, as one. Regina had then gone on to become pregnant, delivering them the most beautiful of daughters, Honour. Their last year had flown past, though it had certainly been the happiest of her life. And now, after postponing it several times, they were due to wed Robin, in her case for the second time, tomorrow morning.

For both Marian and Regina, it would be their third wedding. Her first, again to Robin, a wanted outlaw, had been a small, rushed affair, decided on as soon as they discovered she was pregnant. But being outlaws forever on the run, it had to be small, and held in secret, lest King John find out and try to have them captured. Years later (decades in her own realm, although they hadn't aged during them) her second wedding, to Regina, was equally rushed and small, with only Regina's best friend, her husband, and their children attending.

And now, after proposing to Robin, they had a very different event planned for tomorrow. A full white wedding, in Storybrooke church, pushing the boat out to make it a truly memorable occasion. Dresses had been chosen in Boston, the Town Hall booked for the large reception, the guests for which would include all their friends and even royalty from some of the other realms. It would be the biggest event Storybrooke had ever seen!

However, this morning Marian discovered something that could jeopardise the big day.


As she walked downstairs and into the kitchen to make herself a drink, she heard the front door open, smiling when it was followed by the usual yell from Regina for Roland to take off his boots before charging up the stairs to his room. As Regina walked in, Robin followed, carrying their almost one-year-old, now sound asleep, in her portable car seat.

"Hello, you two. How did you get on?"

"Well, Honnie screamed her head off when they gave her the injection. But after Robin bribed her, much to my disapproval, with some chocolate, she was absolutely fine, albeit sore." She dropped some shopping bags on the table, and was about to tell her about the last minute hitches they'd encountered with the florist, when Robin had already spotted the worried look.

"Marian, something wrong? You seem anxious."

She looked up from her cup at her fiancé. She was good at keeping secrets, but he could always read her like a book. "I need to show you something. Let's go in the living room?"

Two minutes later, as they all sat around the coffee table, Regina was the first to assume she knew what the problem was:

"Did that idiot Maurice French call you with a changed quote? Honestly, I already told him, we're not-"

"No, it's nothing to do with flowers…" Marian picked up her handbag, searching through for something. "Nor the wedding. It's…well, I also popped out, to the pharmacy this morning, and…"

"Pharmacy? What's wrong?" As Regina spoke, Marian pulled out something from her bag wrapped in tissue paper. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"It's…this." She unwound the toilet paper, revealing a white plastic stick, several inches long, with a white window on its side. Regina immediately recognised it, her jaw dropping in shock.

"You're pregnant?"

"So it would appear," Marian's voice trembled slightly. "At least, according to this. There's one more upstairs. It says the same thing."

Robin looked stunned. "I thought you were on the pill?"

"I am. Same sort as Regina. I'm not sure why it's happened, but it may have been when I was taking those antibiotics. I just read up on it and, apparently, that can weaken the effect of any contraceptive..." She looked at her lovers for any reaction, good or bad, but they both seemed to be impassive. Blank. "At least say something? Even if it's 'oh shit'! Please?"

Regina was the first to speak. "When did you think you might be?"

"Yesterday. I felt a little sickly, and the wine last night tasted disgusting. I wanted to check first before I said anything. Robin?"

His expression never changed, something that worried her, until finally: "How do you feel about it? Being pregnant?"

"Pretty shit scared, if I'm honest! It couldn't come at a worse time, could it? We've a wedding tomorrow and the last thing you need is me feeling rough, or even throwing up at the reception! But I'd be a lot happier if you told me what you were both thinking?"

"Well…" he took a while to consider how best to respond to her. "Regardless of the wedding, you and you're health are more important. You're the one who might be pregnant, and you're the one who'd have to carry it. So, I'd rather find out what you're thinking first? And whether you're happy to have it or not, before I give my own opinion."

"Not have it?" Perhaps she'd misread him completely. "Robin, I may be in shock, but I could never have a termination! Even if it cost me our marriage!"

Robin shoulders slumped, and he sighed, loudly. "Thank god for that!" He moved in front of her, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist, to pull her against his chest. "For the record, I think it's wonderful news!"

As she enjoyed his warmth, relieved, Marian felt another body press into her back, sandwiching her between them. "I agree with him! It seems to be the final piece in the jigsaw to cement our relationship, doesn't it?"

Marian closed her eyes, enjoying the moment, especially the warm lips on her cheek and neck. "Timing's pretty bad though." She turned to face her wife, pecking her on the lips. "It least the wedding dress still fits…"

As the three held together, Robin felt a familiar sensation below. "Perhaps we should take this upstairs?" he asked, hopefully.

That made both women start sniggering. "After last night? Aren't you ever satisfied, thief?"

'Sharing a bed with you two? Never!"

"Well too bad!" said Regina, pulling back. "We've got too much to do before you disappear for the day!"

"Disappear? I'm not planning to take Roland over to the inn till this evening! I'm sure we can fit in a little rest in between?"

"Uh-uh!" Marian turned back to face him, both women now standing side-by-side, united and staring back at him, albeit with cocky grins. "I know your little 'rests', Locksley. And as Gina just said, we've got work to do! We've got some of the girls coming over this afternoon, and we're checking over the wedding dresses, which you're not allowed to see till tomorrow. Plus the bridesmaids' and babies' outfits. Hardly your sort of thing, is it? Plus, it'd be a form of living hell for Rolly now, wouldn't it? So why don't you go a little earlier?"

"Sounds like you're trying to get rid of me?"

"Right you are!" said Regina. "It'll all be worth it tomorrow, when you see your not-so-blushing brides walk down the aisle." She stood on her toes, pecking his lips. "Just don't you dare be late! That's our job!"


Later that afternoon…

Emma, the brides' Matron of Honour, had arrived at the mansion a couple of hours after Robin left, with her two daughters, and Elsa, who'd arrived in Storybrooke the night before. While the former Monarch of Arendelle babysat Honour and Elizabeth downstairs, the other three woman, Hope and Margot, disappeared upstairs with the other two children to change into their outfits for the big day.

Ten minutes later, as the babies played with Elsa in the living room, five-year-old Margot and Hope appeared, to show off their bridesmaids' dresses.

"Oh girls, just look at you both?" said Elsa. You look so beautiful!" Hope beamed proudly, the three-year-old proudly twirling around in her little ivory silk dress. Then Elsa looked up at the Matron of Honour now standing behind them. "And as for you, Emma, that dress is seriously hot!"

"Thanks." The Saviour gave her a shy grin. "Yeah, this time they let me choose my own! Provided it was complementary to the girls here. It's a lot more girly than anything I've ever worn before. Even my own wedding dress was quite modest compared, and Killian once told me, when he was drunk, that he wished I'd worn my hair down, instead of under a said it's my 'crowning glory, and should never be hidden'!"

"Well that soft pink really suits you. Hell, if I were single, I'd ask you out on a date!" As the words came out, Elsa felt her own cheeks start to pink, knowing just how close they'd almost become that first time she'd arrived in Storybrooke!

As hazel eyes stared back at the blue pair, Emma was unsure how to answer, but was saved by the distraction of footsteps coming from the staircase. "Well, if you think this is hot, you should see how these two look…"


The Locksley Inn

It had just gone seven in the evening, as the group stood around Robin at the main bar, drinks in hand.

"Okay, boys and girls" said Little John, raising his tankard. "I'd just like to propose a toast to my best mate Rob here! Two year ago, he was as dead as a doornail, and we were hidin' for cover from the Black Knight. Now he's back, and we're back here, safe and sound, in proper 'ouses, thanks to our boy 'ere! He's always been a lucky bugger when women were concerned, having found Marian all those years ago. Now he's not only got 'er back, but he's got Regina too! He's won the ruddy jackpot an' no mistake. So, raise your glasses to Robin Hood!"

The rest of them cheered his health amid a loud clash of glasses. Robin felt quite humbled. "Thanks guys, it's nice of you to say, but I really owe you the biggest thanks…" he wrapped an arm around Roland, who was sitting on the barstool next to him. "For looking after my precious outlaw here, keeping him safe and sound when I couldn't! That means more to me than you could ever know. John, Tuck, thanks for keeping him out of harm's way over there. And Mulan, I remember you did a lot too when he was here, when he first lost his mum…" he felt a little choked with emotion. "You're my family too."

As more short speeches and toasts were made, more people arrived to shake his hands and wish him well. Among them, Mayor Briar.

"So, everything set for tomorrow, Robin?"

"I think so Phil, though they kind of kicked me out of the house this afternoon! Something about checking dresses and it being back luck if the groom sees the bride, or brides in my case, before the wedding. Superstitious nonsense, if you ask me!"

"Don't chance it, Robin. Rory said she was heading over there this afternoon. Apparently, Belle's set up a surprise drinks party with Emma. Quite a few of the girls are joining them! Unless you fancy a house full of drunk women, I reckon you're better off here…"

"Probably. Though there's no way Regina's getting hammered before the big day tomorrow. And then Marian won't because she's…" oops, better stop there. "…she's on medication." He lied.


Mifflin Street – A little earlier…

When Regina answered the doorbell, to find Belle standing there with flowers, a bottle and a tray of food, she knew something was afoot! She hadn't been expecting the librarian, now a close friend of Marian's, and it was obvious her wife hadn't either. Seeing Emma's guilty expression told her all she needed to know! Within minutes, the doorbell went again, this time to find Kathryn standing there with gifts, just as Tinker Bell was walking up the path. This was clearly going to be a long day! Dorothy and Ruby followed, then Ashley, Aurora and finally, Maleficent and Lily. All arrived with drinks, food and wedding gifts.

An hour later, after the drinks had flowed, even Regina had to admit, it was fun. But she was still going to have it out with Emma for arranging this, in her own home, without asking her! She cornered her in the kitchen, as she helped herself to some cake and another beer.

"So…I assume this was your idea, Swan? Having a crowd of hardened drinkers descend on my home and take over my kitchen?" Her legendary arched eyebrow and glare to the fore.

The blonde, now comfortable with three beers inside her, merely shrugged and smiled. "They're called friends, Gina, and don't pretend you're not enjoying it! Just be grateful it's not late and we're only eating and drinking, not playing any drinking games, or Truth or Dare!"

"Heaven forbid!"

"Although that being said, with Marian's legs, she'd always be popular at Twister."

"Remind me why we're friends, Swan?" Teasing each other had almost become a habit between the pair. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd stop referring to my wife's legs? It's bad enough she flirts with everyone, without it being reciprocated. Anyway, I notice our former Arendelle queen's back? You both seem rather…close. Something you want to tell me?"

That pulled Emma right out of her smugness. "Elsa? I don't know what you mean!"

"Really?" Regina was delighted, knowing she'd hit a sensitive spot. "If you say so."

Emma knew she was being played. But two can play at that game! "Unlike you, Regina, I don't bat for both teams. Have you spoken to Maleficent yet?"

The change of serve threw Regina, and she regretted that night at the Rabbit Hole, when she'd told her that her first kiss with another woman had been with the dragon. Obviously, she remembered.

"Hmm. Touché. I'm surprised Snow hasn't shown up for this little impromptu bring-a-bottle party?"

Yeah, I think I might have forgotten to tell her to come over. Sorry." That was a lie. Emma had told her to come over, but she declined. She was still sore about not being invited to the first wedding.

"Her loss. Just as well, what with Mal here. Anyway, we'd best get back in there, before they start any more rumours about the two of us. It does become rather tedious, especially for Marian."

"I noticed she's the only one not drinking. Is she feeling okay? Stage nerves?"

"Oh…it's nothing. Just an upset stomach. She'll be fine." The moment she said it, the look on Emma's face reminded her she was just the wrong person to lie to!

"Remember who you're talking to? Superpower? No lies, remember?" Emma moved closer. Having seen Marian's hand regularly on her stomach, she suspected something. "C'mon, spill."

"Fine," she rolled her eyes in frustration. "But you are never to repeat this, Swan, under pain of death! Understand?"


When they both walked back into the living room, among the various little huddles of women chatting, she found Marian by the fireplace, talking to Maleficent. This was going to be awkward. Although they'd been together for several years now, she didn't recall Marian ever holding a conversation with her old magical mentor and friend.

"Your orange juice, darling?" she handed her wife a fresh glass, a bottle of white wine in her other hand as she replenished the taller woman's glass. "Mal, it's been a while?"

"Thank you. And yes it has, kitten." Regina tried not to react to Maleficent's pet name for her. "I was just getting properly acquainted with your delightful wife here." The look the dragon gave Marian was definitely flirtatious, much to Regina's discomfort. "I last saw her at the Arendelle wedding, but you never introduced us. I can't think why not?"

"Well I thought you were rather busy flirting with our fiancé, as I recall?"

"Oh yes, a delightful man, I thought!" she didn't seem at all bothered by the suggestion. "Intelligent and very handsome too! We shared several dances. Nice choice, the pair of you. Had I met him before you did, I'm sure I would have seduced him…" The wives exchanged a concerned look. "I even told him that to his face!"

"You did? How did he respond?"

"He said he was most flattered, that I was one of the most delightful and beautiful women he'd ever met, but that his preference was for 'stroppy, confident and equally beautiful brunettes' as I recall! One of the nicest refusals I've ever countenanced. Quite the charmer…"

That made all three women smile. "I'm relieved to hear that…" said Marian. "though not sure about the 'stroppy' bit! I'll be having words with our fiancé, or our husband, tomorrow."

"I always assumed you preferred women, Mal?" Regina chipped in.

"Not necessarily. I've always been fairly 'fluid' to use the common parlance, but I've generally found that, when it comes to humans, females are a lot easier to deal with. Now dragons, on the other hand, are very different. Male dragons are much more confident and assertive than human males. I rather like that! Whereas female dragons are, to use your fiancé's expression, a real pain in the arse when it comes to relationships. Though it's hardly an issue these days, as there's almost no dragons left, male or female."

"What about fairies?" Marian had remembered Brighid's autobiography, and reading about her relationship with Maleficent. "I gather you once had a relationship with a fairy?"

Maleficent's expression changed instantly, a change picked up by both wives "Who on earth told you that?"

"Oh, I was just thinking aloud. I read a book recently about fairies, and their rather interesting sexual abilities. Their ability to switch from male to female, for example." Regina listened silently, knowing Marian was either trying to push the dragon's buttons, or find out whether her relationship with the long-dead author was true or not. "I find it all fascinating, but wondered whether those of you like Merlin and yourself, who've lived for millennia, had any knowledge of it?" And the magical cock, though she knew she would be pushing that too far!

The dragon shook her head in bewilderment, looking across at Regina. "What curious reading material your wife seems to enjoy, kitten! But as you asked, yes, I was once in a 'relationship', of sorts, with a fairy, a very, very long time ago. And I can confirm they do have the magical capabilities to transform themselves, in all ways. However, these days, as I outlive everybody I come into contact with, I generally don't go in for permanent relationships. The loss is too painful!"

"I get that. Still, it is fascinating."

"To some. Where on earth did you find a book like that? It's one of their most closely-guarded secrets."

"From Belle Gold. It's actually an autobiography and spell book, written by a 10th Century fairy called Brighid. It's quite fascinating…"

"Brighid?" Mal's eyes seemed to glaze over as old, long-forgotten memories flooded back. "I haven't heard that name in centuries." I believe I knew her. May I be allowed to see this book?"

"It's back with the imp!" said Regina, enjoying watching the blonde's discomfort. It was more than rare to get one over the dragon. "It's rather…graphic."

"So you've read it too?" Maleficent studied them intensely as Regina nodded, sensing they were hiding something. "Regina, am I by any chance, in this autobiography?"

Another nod. Regina was really enjoying this. "Robin's read it too. It is rather detailed. Particularly the spells and enchantments…"

Mal saw the look in Regina's eyes, a look that said she knew something the dragon didn't. It was time to balance things up. "Well…while I would like to read this work, especially if I'm in it, I don't want to rush into making a rash deal with the Dark One. However, I do remember, and have written down most of the spells Brighid used to perform. So…with that in mind, if ever the two of you fancy bringing yourselves and your shiny, new husband over to my place, I'm sure we can all have a very enjoyable evening, or night, together? Now, I need another drink…" And with that, the Mistress of All Evil turned, heading towards the kitchen, leaving the pair dumbfounded.

"Regina, did she just suggest…?"

"I believe she did. Probably not a good idea though. What were you two talking about for so long?"

"Mal could already sense that I'm pregnant. And I haven't even confirmed it with the clinic yet!"

"Interesting. Emma also guessed. She noticed you weren't drinking and kept putting your hand on your stomach. Word's going to get out fairly soon, Mar. Just as well we're going to the clinic on Monday."


Later that evening…

After the last of their friends and well-wishers had left, with an early tomorrow for the day of the wedding, they both decided an early night would be best. Elizabeth had been settled, Roland was with his father, so there were just two quick video calls to be made, before retiring.

"Hi mum! Hi Marian!" said Henry, when the call picked up. Then he noticed his older mother and his step-mother side-by-side in their bedroom. "You going to bed already? It's only eight o' clock!"

"It's going to be a very long day tomorrow, my prince, so we need all the sleep we can get. Have you just arrived at your mother's?"

"Yeah. Killian, Chrissy and I were going to head over to Robin's pub for a quickie, and come back. Ma's staying here with Hope. I was going to come over to yours, but she told me you've got a lot going on tonight, so I didn't want to get in the way. What time do you want me over?"

"No later than eight, please, my love. And remind Guyliner too! I don't want him staying too long in that pub and getting over here with a hangover! We need you both fresh. Where's Christina staying?"

"With me, of course." She tried to stifle a frown. Even though he was now an adult and clearly in a relationship, Regina still felt uncomfortable knowing he was sharing a bed with the girl t Emma's. "Vi and Grace arrived a few hours ago and they're staying at Jefferson's. And yes mum, they'll be on time for the church. Don't worry."

"Your mother always worries Henry. You know that!" Marian sniggered. "She just wants the day to be perfect. Whereas I'm already sure it will be, regardless…"

After a quick catch up on recent comings and goings, he said goodnight and they ended the call. Next call was to Robin. When he answered the video call, on his cell phone, they heard a loud cheer as an image appeared. An image of about eight people standing behind Robin, drinks in hand, having clearly just seen the pair of them on the screen.

"ROBIN! For heaven's sake, we're in our dressing gowns!" At that, they heard another bunch of cheers, as she pulled her gown tighter around herself. Marian, completely unabashed, just chortled. "You could have told me you were still in the bar before the call? I would have made it a voice-only one!"

"Sorry, my love." Smiling, he walked away from the rest of the group, for some privacy. I'm still down here as Henry and Killian said they're coming over. Mind you, seeing you both like that, I'm tempted to pop over to you…"

"Don't you dare, it's bad luck!"

"It's superstitious twaddle!"

"Even so, I need you and Roland to get plenty of sleep tonight. It's a long day tomorrow…"

"Hmph, spoilsport! Marian, how are you feeling?"

"Tired, but okay. And a little horny, to be honest. I hope nobody else is listening in to this?"

"Nope, just me," he turned the camera phone to prove he was far enough away from the bar not to be overheard. "See? Although now you said that, it's even more reason for me to just pop over for a couple of hours and give you a…nightcap?"

"Now you just stop that, thief! If Marian needs any help with…relaxation, I'm more than capable of taking care of her needs, thank you very much! Besides, these are my last few hours with only two of us in this marriage…."

"What she's saying Rob," Marian pulled herself closer, kissing her cheek. "Is that there's plenty of time for all that tomorrow night! Meanwhile, you'll just have to imagine the two of us here…together…relaxing!" She teased him mercilessly. And he knew she was doing it deliberately.

"You, are a very cruel woman, Marian Locksley.