Storybrooke
It seemed like only moments later, Robin felt his knees buckle beneath him as he dropped onto what felt like soft soil. As he instinctively rolled into the fall, having learnt by jumping from high trees, he heard a soft 'whumping' noise, which he assumed to be his friend landing close by.
Where the hell are we? The forest? Storybrooke?
As the swirling fog started clearing, he saw where they'd landed. He found himself standing in front of a headstone. But not just any headstone!
"'Robin of Locksley. Died 2016.'" Robin read the words to himself, just loud enough for his friend to hear. "Is that it? Five bloody words?"
Killian muttered, looking at his own headstone. "'Captain Killian Jones RN. Forever in our thoughts'," he read aloud. "Mind you, it seems they put them up quick, considering we've only been gone a few weeks? Grass's grown over mine a bit quick too if you ask me. They must have had a lot of rain."
Robin smiled, just enjoying the sensation and smell of the damp, early dawn air; a smell so lacking in the Underworld, just happy to have returned. He needed to see his children as soon as possible!
"Come on, I need to get home!"
With that they left for Storybrooke, to restart their lives.
~oOo~
When they strode into Main Street, a thought occurred to Robin.
"Killian, it'll likely come as a big shock, us walking in on them like this? They think we're dead, after all! Perhaps we should go to Granny's first? Tell David or Ruby or someone? then they can call Emma & Regina, to prepare them."
"Aye. Let's just get breakfast and coffee first and see who's about?"
With that they trooped in to the diner. Killian instantly recognised the long legs and shapely rear end, of the dark-haired waitress as she bent over one of the tables, wiping it down. He walked up behind her, leaning in and without touching, breathed in her ear.
"Morning, love! Miss me?"
"Morning," Ruby turned around to face the friendly voice. But the moment she saw his face, instead of greeting him with the flirtatious smile she used on everyone, men or women, she let out an ear-piercing shriek instead!
"AARRGGGHHH!" She screamed at the top of her voice, collapsing back on the table behind, as everyone in the café turned to see what was wrong. "What? NO! You're Dead!"
"Red! Sorry love, I didn't mean to frighten you! I just..." But he was interrupted by another yell. This time, from a tall brunette coming out of the kitchen.
"WOLFIE! What's wrong? I heard you scream!" Spotting the man in black standing close to her girlfriend, Dorothy's eyes flashed with anger, assuming he'd had something to do with it.
Killian noticed the look, raising his hands up to calm her. "It's okay, miss. I came up behind her and surprised her, that's all! Ruby, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you! Yes, It's me, Killian Jones. And I'm not dead! We just came back."
Ruby calmed, realising she'd probably overreacted. "I'm sorry…I was just shocked. Dot, it's okay, he didn't do anything. I'm just surprised. Killian? How the hell are you even here? And what do you mean, 'we' came back. Who's we?"
"He means me, too," said the famous thief, in a calmer voice, hoping not to shock any frayed nerves further. "Hello Ruby."
"Robin? You're alive!" Ruby jumped up and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Ruby, like most of the Storybrooke women, had a soft spot for the former leader of the Merry Men, for his calm, warm and caring manner towards them all. He'd been a fantastic father, and many had wept at his funeral, seeing Regina broken and Roland devastated. That had been a very bad day.
"Zeus sent us back. It's a long story."
Ruby let him go from her embrace, red-eyed, when she looked to Dorothy, now feeling embarrassed by her overreaction. "Um, Dot, this is Rob-"
"Robin Hood? Yes, I guessed." The brunette moved closer to them. "I recognise you from the statue. Hello Robin." She offered her hand to shake. "I'm-"
"Dorothy? Ruby's true love? Yes, I remember the drawings Henry showed me when we were in the Underworld." He smiled as he took her hand. Instead of shaking it, turned it slightly placing his other hand on top in a gesture of warmth. Dorothy's eyes changed from suspicion to a mild twinkle in an instant, sensing that Robin was a kind, genuine soul.
"Drawings? I don't understand?"
"In the Underworld. When Ruby woke you up with true love's kiss! I remember Henry writing it up in his book and showing us. I remember your face from the colourings, and I have to say, they don't do either of you justice!" At that last comment, Dorothy blushed.
"I've heard about them, but never seen them. You must have a very good memory, after all that time, Robin?"
"All that time? It was only a few weeks ago. Yes, I've got a reasonably good memory. And the pictures were very nice, after all."
Dorothy looked confused. "A few weeks? You've been gone like-"
"Sorry love" Killian interrupted, jumping in to the conversation. "Our boy here will give you all the details, but can we get some food and drink first? I'm bloody starving and my stomach thinks my throat's been cut!"
"Agreed." Robin nodded. "And I don't want to face my soulmate on an empty stomach."
Dorothy & Ruby exchanged a look, still confused, but Dorothy answered. "I'm sorry, where are my manners? What'll you have?"
She took their food orders, and disappeared around the back. Robin leant across to the wolf. "Ruby, I also need a small favour. It's a little…delicate."
"Of course. What is it?"
"If Killian and I just drop in on Regina & Emma it might be a bit of a shock, especially for Roland. Could you possibly call them before we go over?"
"Robin, it's going to be more than a shock! You said a few weeks since you saw our pictures? How long do you think you've been away?"
"Well let's see, we went…" though he was interrupted by a deep voice calling from the front.
"ROBIN? KILLIAN?" The voice belonged to a tall, dark-haired, well-built young man. "Is that really you?"
"Aye lad. And who might you be?" though as he spoke, the young man came closer, and both older men recognised his face, despite some flaringly obvious changes.
"HENRY?" Robin could barely believe his eyes. Regina's son had grown at least a foot and a half, his chest now broad, his hair darker, shoulders and face resembling his grandfather's, but with stubble.
All three stood, staring in disbelief. "I, I don't understand? Henry? We've only been gone a few weeks! What's going on?"
"A few weeks? Five years, you mean?"
~oOo~
The small group remained speechless, as it slowly dawned on them what had happened. Killian, the first to break silence, realised that all the diners had now stopped eating, just staring at the new arrivals.
"Okay, so I guess time moves a little slower in the Underworld? That explains you, Henry Mills! You're quite the handsome young fellow now, it seems," Killian moved close to put hand on the young man's shoulder. Henry was now a good four inches taller than him! As he said it he realised, it also meant that, to Emma, he'd also been gone five years!
"You two haven't changed a bit!" Henry was still awestruck by the sight of the lost pair. As he tried to figure what to say next, his younger stepbrother came in from the front of the café, almost unnoticed.
Roland noticed Henry standing in front of a couple of men in some sort of shock. As he walked up to find out what was wrong, he glanced at the face of one of the men, then froze.
"Pap…Papa? PAPA!" Roland couldn't move. His lips trembled, his eyes glazing over, as tears started forming. He can't be? It's a horrible trick! Dad's dead! My wonderful dad…my famous dad, my-.
Robin stood transfixed, taking in the sight of his boy for the first time in weeks. Not weeks, years? No longer his beautiful five-year-old, but the makings of a young man himself.
"Roland? Zeus sent me back. It's really me!"
"PAPA!" screamed the ten-year-old, launching himself at his father, tears coming freely now from both of them, as Robin's arms wrapped tightly around his son's larger frame. "It's me, my boy! I swear, I'm never leaving you again!" The pair now cried openly, Roland clinging tightly, soaking his father's shirt as he held on for dear life.
They were oblivious to their surroundings. Henry, Ruby, Dorothy and the other diners stood or sat transfixed and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Henry's lower lip wobbled, Ruby sobbing as Dorothy held her. Even Killian, the former villainous Captain Hook himself, had a stray tear rolling down his cheek.
"Well...that was bloody emotional!" said the pirate as it started to dawn on him. If this is Roland, what the hell's it going to be like seeing Emma? Five years! Five fucking years!
His typical blasé comment seemed to ease the atmosphere, as their audience started to breath again, taking serviettes to dab their eyes. Robin slowly eased his grip on his son, standing back a little to take a good look at him, rubbing a thumb across his cheek to help dry the tears. My god, he's changed so much!
"Papa - You died! How did you get back? Are you…are you really back for good?" Robin couldn't fail to notice the nervous tremble in his voice.
"Roland, I'll tell you everything. We've been trapped in the Underworld for three weeks down there, but for some reason it seems five years passed by up here? I'm just as shocked as you. There is so much to talk about, but I need to talk to Regina as well! Where's your little sister!"
"Which one?" Roland blurted out, without thinking.
"What?" They were interrupted by the sound of a loud crash of cutlery, as somebody knocked over a small table, the culprit having staggered, eyes glazed and open-mouthed in front of the group, just as Henry had done minutes before, but dropping to her knees. Robin turned to face her.
"Regina?"
"ROBIN?" She gasped, her eyes wide in shock. As though she'd seen a ghost.
Overwhelmed, she fainted, sliding to the floor of the café. Robin darted out of there stall and across, too far away to catch her fall. Reaching her, he slid down beside her, lifting her gently to place her head and shoulders into his lap, arm around her neck, cradling her until she came around.
He knew it would only be a matter of moments before his love slowly regained consciousness. It gave him a little time to gaze. She was still stunningly beautiful. Those full ruby red lips he longed to kiss again. The sweeping eyelashes. That glorious raven-black hair. However, he couldn't help but notice the extra tiny little wrinkles in the corner of her eyes and a hint of grey hair surrounding them. Clearly some signs of stress and trauma. Perhaps because of him? What have I put you through?
As she stirred, still clear chocolate-brown eyes slowly opened to Robin bent over her, speaking softly. "Regina my love, yes it's me. You fainted. Stay still till you feel okay to stand. I've got you."
"What's going on?" Yelled another new arrival into the café, on seeing the group surrounding someone on the floor. As Henry stepped back up, Emma could just about see past him, to who was lying there, before recognising Regina's dark blue dress. She wanted to rush over, but was holding a young child's hand. She walked across as quickly as she could, trying not to yank the girl across the floor.
"Regina!" Emma called out, "What's happened? And who are-" she stopped the moment she saw the face of the bearded man cradling the fallen woman.
"ROBIN?"
Henry jumped in quickly, seeing what was going through his blonde mother's mind. As it had only been moments since he saw the two heroes return, he realised the next few minutes were probably going to be more than awkward. "Ma, it's okay. Mum came in a moment before you. She saw Robin, and fainted."
To say she was shocked was putting it mildly! Emma was stunned and more than a little put out to see him holding Regina so tenderly, stroking her hair back from her face. "Thank…thanks Robin," she said a little stiffly. "I'll take it from here?" She bent down to Regina's opposite side of Regina, who was just starting to get her bearings.
"It's quite alright, Emma," said the archer, firmly. "I can help her up. Just give us a moment."
Emma's mind was a whirlwind. If Robin's back…then…Robin…Roland…Robyn. Honour! Does he even know? But her thoughts were interrupted by another voice from above. A voice she'd thought she'd never hear again.
"Hello love! "Killian was beaming down at her. "Been a while? Five years, apparently?"
"Killian? Oh, my god! How the hell-" Just like her son, Emma froze, her mouth dry.
"Steady Swan, don't want you fainting too!" Said her former lover, moving across to offer her a hand up. She tensed, never having felt more awkward in her life. She looked down to see Regina, who was now being cradled affectionately by robin. The women looked directly into each other's eyes, each seeing the panic in the other.
Yes, this was going to be REALLY awkward!
~oOo~
After rising slowly, supported by Robin, Regina tried to compose herself. But her usual icy, majestic sangfroid was always impossible with him. She was just too shaken. She also felt a huge amount of magical energy surrounding them, which, she assumed, was linked to her feeling so emotional.
Emma placed her hand tenderly on Killian's cheek. "It's really you?" She mumbled, her emotions shot to hell. She felt the urge to kiss him but, aware of their audience and her changed circumstances, wrapped her arms around him instead and laid a head on his shoulder. "How are you even alive?"
"It's quite the story, Swan. Let's sit?" He led her to one of the tables, further away from prying eyes.
Opposite, Regina found herself staring into beautiful deep blue eyes. The eyes she saw close for the last time five years ago, when he sacrificed his life for her. She couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. Just kept looking at those eyes.
Henry, seeing the awkwardness, got straight to the point.
"Killian, Robin, I don't understand! I'm staying at mums' this weekend, and I woke up to see I'd written a new story about you two. And now you're here? On the same day! That's more than coincidence, don't you think? I showed them how you cleared the River of Lost Souls. That was fucking brilliant by the way!"
"Henry!" His mothers admonished, almost simultaneously. "Please don't swear in front of your brother & sister!" Regina ticked him off.
Henry just ignored them as though they were invisible. "How did you get back? I read about you shaking hands with Arthur. He stayed behind while you went to heaven? I thought you'd moved on?"
"We did, lad," Killian answered. "Though we met Zeus in Olympus. It was all quite brief but, he was pleased with us clearing the River of Lost Souls, so he gave us both the option to come back. Fully restored too, see?" He waved his new left hand. "The Handless Wonder no more, eh Regina?"
Robin took over, seeing as the two women seemed still too dumbfounded to speak.
"Things are a bit confusing, but it felt like after I was taken from you Regina, we were only down there less than three weeks. It was Arthur's idea to clear the river, so we willingly helped. Unfortunately, Henry tells me up here it was five years. I'm sorry if we shocked you, my darling." Regina blanched at the last words as Robin continued, "That's why we came here first. We wanted Ruby to call you to break the news first, maybe a little more gently?" He glanced over to a smiling Ruby, who had been listening, intrigued. "I must admit though, I was more than stunned to see my boy here and how he's changed. Plus, Henry of course! That was quite the shock. You've become quite the handsome young man now, Henry!"
Robin then glanced over at his teary-eyed son, who had stayed holding his hand, never letting go since he brought Regina back to the table. "And you Rolly, I haven't seen you since before we left on Emma's mission to find and rescue Killian. I'm sorry I wasn't around for you. I would give anything to make up for that, my boy. I'm not even sure what day, month or year it is? Five years! So, what month is this. Are you ten yet?"
"It was my tenth last month, Papa! It's May 2021." Roland chuckled. Robin noticed that although his son had lost most of his childish innocence, he still retained those dimples. They were going to be more than helpful when he started meeting girls.
"Then I owe you five years of presents," he pulled his boy in for another hug.
"Nope. Today I got the best present ever! I don't need anything else, papa." He hugged his father again. Several people sniffled at that, Dorothy included, tearful at the reunion of father and son. It was only then Robin noticed a little girl hiding behind Roland. A little dark-blonde with, unusually for her colouring, the most beautiful brown eyes. And dimples! She clearly looked like Roland. My girl? She didn't look big enough to be five, still very small. But god, those eyes! She can't be Zelena's, surely?
Robin turned, addressing Regina. "Is this my little girl, Gina?"
Regina, still not ready to talk, sat with tears still sliding down her cheeks. Fortunately, as she tried to put the right words together, Henry sensed things were still a little hard for her, so he took over again, not wanting any misunderstandings between them. "Robin, this is Honour! Yes, she's your daughter. She turned four in January."
"Honour?" He looked at the shy girl peeping out from behind Roland's legs. "That's a beautiful name, for a beautiful girl. Hold on - four-years-old? I don't understand. You said we've been gone five years? Then how…?"
"Honour isn't yours and Zelena's, Robin. She's yours and Regina's." Henry couldn't help himself. He knew that if he didn't open everything up for them now, his mums would likely avoid the subject for days and then suffer guilt until everything was finally out in the open, with all the embarrassment. So again, he did it for them.
"So, when I died - Regina, you were pregnant?"
The former mayor gave him a shy smile, before slowly nodding, still overwhelmed and biting on her lower lip. Robin's serious stare slowly grew into a beaming smile, as he moved to take Regina's hand in his own. Trembling, she looked up into the eyes of her former lover.
He's as handsome as ever. He hasn't changed one bit!
The small gathering watched, as Robin finally let go of Roland and Regina's hands, lowering himself to his knees, to talk to his daughter for the very first time. "Hello little one," he smiled. "Please don't be frightened of me. That's a beautiful dress you're wearing. Are you off to some sort of party?" He was slowly and cautiously, trying not to unnerve her.
But the little girl smiled back. "Yes. Colette's having a fairy party!" Her voice was clear, holding on to Roland's trousers, as she walked out from behind him. "She's my friend!"
"Is she? How lovely. Did you have a party for your birthday?"
"Henny & Vi got me a bicycle!" She looked adoringly up at her big brother, Henry smiling back. "Robyn & Auntie Zee got me a bubble factory! And my mummies got me a dampoline!"
"A trampoline? How exciting! Wait…um…Robyn?"
"Yes, Robyn, my sisi."
Henry saw the confusion on his face. But this time, Regina, recovering her power of speech, quietly spoke before her son could intervene again. "Zelena named your other daughter after you, Robin," she croaked, red-eyed, still caught up in the first ever conversation between father and daughter.
"Your name's Robyn too?" Said the little girl. Although usually a little shy, Honour felt comfy about this man. Roland and Henry like him, so he must be nice!
"Honour?" The little girl looked up at Regina, who tried to remain calm. "Listen now. Um...yes, he's called Robin, too. And he's your sister's daddy. But do you remember our stories? He's your daddy too!"
"You're my daddy?" Honour said, turning back to him, with a frown.
"Yes…yes, I am, poppet." It was the archer's turn to shed a tear.
"But daddy died?" She looked up at her brother, confused. "Rolly?"
"Yes Honny, but it's really daddy. He's not dead anymore! We got our Papa back!" He smiled down at her. He was finding this hard enough himself, so could only imagine what she was going through.
Robin sensed the four-year-old's confusion. He so wanted to haul her into his arms, but he knew it would probably frighten her. So, changing tack, he lookat to the little doll she clutched. "So, who's this, Honour?"
She smiled and showed her doll, a princess, to him, Regina watching closely as, in less than a minute, her normally shy, reserved little girl, just seemed to warm to Robin and, without any further hesitation, opened her arms to demand a lift up so she could sit on his knee and explain. Robin didn't hesitate. He was already smitten. As the group looked to the happy scene between father and daughter, Killian's focus was on Emma, who'd sat down close on the other side of Regina. Very close. He couldn't help but notice that his lover's eyes were fixed on the other woman as she spoke to Robin, with an odd look. What was it? Fear? Envy? He also saw that the two women had been holding hands these last few minutes, and their fingers were intertwined.
Regina glanced back at Emma, as though in a silent conversation. Killian spotted it, an almost nervous exchange between the two women, as though something needed to be said. Eventually, Emma coughed awkwardly, sitting up.
"Robin. Killian. We really need to talk," she mumbled, clearly dreading it. "Perhaps somewhere a little more...private? Please?"
~oOo~
After a few minutes whispering to Honour, with the little girl now laughing, Robin reluctantly put her down on the seat with Roland, kissing his son's head, before getting up to walk with Killian to the back of the diner to join them, out of earshot of other diners, some of whom by now were starting to leave.
He looked across to Killian, who said nothing. But with a small sideways flick of his head, and a raised brow, drew Robin's attention to the backs of the women. That's when he noticed Emma had her right arm around Regina's waist as she directed the brunette to the furthest bench at the back. Robin glanced back to the rest of the remaining group and noticed everyone looking at them. Clearly, they were being prepared for bad news! Killian moved to Emma's left, placing his hand lightly on her shoulder as she maneuvered Regina into the bench seat. She flinched slightly, turning away to sit herself next to Regina, so Killian had no choice but to remove his hand.
"Guys…um…could you sit opposite us? Please?" Again, Emma seemed awkward. Regina said nothing, and just kept staring into Robin's eyes, still teary, sad and...frightened?
"Gina, what's wrong? Is it my other daughter? Robyn? Is she okay? You're starting to worry me!"
"No, Robyn's fine…um…Robin. It's not that."
Then what, my love? Come on, you can tell me anything - you know that!"
The women looked at each other, both wanting the other to start. Emma moved her hand across to take Regina's, as the brunette looked to Robin, almost apologetically.
"Robin, Killian, I know you've been in the Underworld for a few weeks. However, as you now know, up here it's been over five years!" Emma started but Regina interrupted her.
"Robin, I'm sorry…we're finding this difficult to talk about. It was very painful, but I want you know that-"
"Regina, love, I understand. Why don't you start from when Hades killed me?" He offered his hand to take hers, though she hesitated before taking it, holding tightly with the other hand n Emma's. Robin and Emma looked at each other, curiously.
"I saw you die! Your body went down like a stone. You looked at me and your spirit just...evaporated! Hades told me your soul was obliterated. I couldn't do anything to help you, and, and…Robin…it killed me too! Why? Why did you have to do that?"
"To save your life of course! Just as you were prepared to do for me. Go on? Please?"
"Zee…Zelena came in and we argued, though she finally came to her senses. He gave her the crystal to kill me, but she became hysterical and stabbed him with it instead! She's not the same now Robin. She's…sort of better. Even Roland likes her now."
Robin's brow rose in shock. "You let Roland near Zelena? What the hell were you thinking?"
"Hey!" Emma jumped up, angry. "That's not fair! You have no idea-"
"NO IDEA?" For a usually calm man, Robin's fury was instant. "TELL ME, HAVE YOU EVER BEEN RAPED, EMMA SWAN?" Robin's voice roared, Emma seeing the anger still burning in him. "Well I have! Don't you EVER presume to tell me what I should think about her!" Even his fists was now clenched. "That woman caused me more pain than you could ever imagine! And she murdered my Marian, for god's sake!"
Emma knew there was no answer to that. He wasn't backing down. And Honour and Roland were watching from a table on the other side of the diner.
"I'm sorry, Robin. I know things were hard for you. For your family. But things have happened here over the last few years, which you need to know about!"
Robin now felt a little guilty for his overreaction. He knew it wasn't Emma's fault - she was just trying to defend Regina from being yelled at. He sat. "Emma…I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have shouted at you. But...It's just that when it comes to that woman, I'm more than raw! Imagine if something like that had happened to Henry? Would you feel inclined to forgive her? You know you wouldn't!"
Regina shook her head, sharing the guilt. "I'm sorry too. You're right, but I also hurt Marian the first time Robin, and you know about my pas!. The Evil Queen was responsible for more suffering than even the Wicked Witch."
"True. But we both know you're not her now!"
"That's how you feel, but there are still many here who haven't forgiven me. I won't excuse Zelena, but you just need to talk to her when you're ready? Regardless of her past crimes, she's become a good mother to Robyn. She knows what she did, and she's trying to atone. She's still in therapy with Archie. She has been for five years."
"Dr Hopper? The psychiatrist? She's seeking help?"
"Just like the rest of us! For the first two years after your deaths, me, Emma, Roland. And Zelena. If the cricket was charging New York rates, he would be a very wealthy man by now," she tried to smirk. "As it is, he's become a family friend. We owe him a great deal."
"You've probably been through hell yourself. I haven't thanked you for all you've done for Roland these last few years." He smiled as he looked across at the young man talking to his young sister.
"I don't know what we'd have done without Roland! He kept us all sane," Regina smiled as she looked over at the ten-year-old standing. Emma nodded in agreement. Clearly the Saviour must have also played a minor role in his son's life these past few years. "Little John, Tuck and Will. They've all played a big part in helping us. We couldn't have got through it without them."
"I'm pleased to hear it. It made me feel quite sick to think of him being left. Especially after losing Marian too. I never doubted you'd loved him. However, now I know about Honour, I'm surprised Merlin never thought to say anything to Arthur? Arthur would have told me."
"Merlin?" Emma asked, still refusing to look Killian in the eye. "But he's dead, surely?"
"He isn't," Killian interrupted. "It seems the Sorcerer's been communicating, somehow, with Arthur. His departure from Camelot was planned, to allow us to change our fates rather than take its other course. I should've guessed Nimue and I killing the greatest sorcerer that ever lived was a little too easy?"
"Arthur gave us the idea of how to clear the River of Lost Souls," Robin added. "He told us Merlin was feeding him information from above. He's out there somewhere. Anyway, Tell me about Honour and Robyn?" Robin felt something was wrong and wanted them to get to the point. He knew Regina would find it easier if she could tell the story her own way.
"Robin, after you died, we held your funeral in the cemetery rather than the forest. The grave next to Killian's."
"Yes, I saw it. It's where Zeus returned us."
"Everyone in Storybrooke came, plus the Merry Men, of course. Smee and your old crew were there too, Killian. We couldn't fit everybody in the memorial service in the town hall that we had about a week after your funeral." Regina sighed, and Emma smiled, though she still wouldn't look Killian in the eye, a fact the pirate picked up on. "It was the worst day of my life. I was broken, Robin. Broken!"
Regina was clearly struggling, and starting to well up again, so Robin thought to help by distracting her. "Tell me when you discovered you were pregnant?"
"Oh. Well it was a good three months later. You knew I couldn't have children?" The archer nodded. "Well I assumed I had some sort of bug. Morning sickness, as it turned out! Whale diagnosed me, and I was stunned."
"Well, true love and all that? Breaks any curse?" He offered, at which Regina started to smile, but Emma visibly stiffened. Regina seemed to move on quickly.
"Well, I was astonished. Happy though! I never imagined it happening for one minute."
"I know you always craved another child alongside Henry, and I'm truly delighted to have been of some assistance?" He winked. "Honour is truly beautiful, and I've fallen in love with her already! She's got her mother's eyes and smile, so how could I not?"
Regina blushed. "And your hair and dimples! My temper, unfortunately..." She smiled at him, though looking to the other woman, checked herself. "I gave birth six months later. It was Zelena's idea to name her little girl after you. So, I named mine… after everything you stood for. Honour." More tears started sliding down her cheek. Emma brought about a tissue from somewhere and dabbed her cheek, giving her a silent smile.
"Your girls - they spend plenty of time together, Robin. They're very close, and Roland's a wonderful big brother to both of them. Very protective. And Henry of course, they all adore Henry! He's our guiding light." Emma nodded in agreement, as they looked proudly at the young man as he now held his little sister on his knee. "He's home for a few weeks, but he's in his second year studying English and Medieval Literature at Harvard. Sometimes we miss him so much when he's away!"
"He's changed the most," agreed Robin. "In a good way. He's a handsome, smart young man and I always knew he would do well. He's a credit to you both. Mind you, I've lost five years of Roland and, well, everybody. I've missed too much." Regina smiled sadly, and patted his arm, but never let go of Emma.
But Killian had seen enough. He knew they were holding something back.
"A sad tale indeed. Though I'm quite sure now a loving father's been reunited with his children, all will be well. However, Emma, I've noticed that since you came into this place you've barely looked at me twice? And said even less? Odd for five years ago, don't you think? You're nervous and twitchy. And you've had hold off the queen's hand since we sat down, flinched when I touched you, and you look as guilty as hell! What's going on Swan? I think after what I've been through, I deserve a little better treatment than that, don't you?"
Emma slowly nodded. This was going to be difficult.
"You're right, Killian. I'm sorry. Yes, I'm nervous. Truth is, we need to tell you something. Both of you. I, we, never imagined we would ever see you again. Like Regina said, it's come as a shock!"
Robin could see her struggling with her words. "Emma, you and I barely knew each other long, prior to me dying. And a five-year gap doesn't exactly help?" He gave her a sympathetic smile. "But I like to think you and I were...friends? So please, just tell us?"
Emma still said nothing, so Regina continued for her. "Robin, this is a little difficult for both of us. When you were…murdered…I was left utterly broken. Charming, Snow and everybody tried to help but…but…it was difficult. Whilst I was still grieving, we had Mr. Hyde and all other kinds of monsters to deal with. I'll tell you about it another time. But you need to know that after losing you, despite everyone's support, I…I'm ashamed to admit it but once I even tried…ending it all." Tears were now flowing down Regina's cheeks again, which even made Robin's eyes redden. Emma's too.
"I'm so sorry I did that to you! I'm sorry I brought you so much pain." He tried to reach for her hand, though she pulled back.
"Don't Robin, don't, please? You'll set me off, and I won't be able to explain! Without Roland, Henry and of course Emma here," she glanced to the blonde who rested her head on the other woman's shoulder. "I would never have got through it all. As I mentioned, Archie Hopper was priceless! He's now one of Honour's godparents, by the way?" She forced a small smile. "Killian, I'll let Emma tell you her own story. But she was also going through an awful time after you were killed, and we couldn't bring you back."
The pirate nodded, Emma still avoiding his gaze.
"Emma has truly been my rock. We supported each other through the worst time of my…our, lives." She turned slightly to face the blonde, placing a small kiss on Emma's brow. "She helped me over the next few years, from straight after I discovered I was carrying Honour. I was now raising three children and so Emma moved in to help. We became much closer and gradually...our feelings for each other grew. Quite simply, we fell in love."
The two men looked at each other, stunned.
"Neither of us could have foreseen this would happen. We'd both lost soulmates. Neither of us had ever had feelings for each other before, but this felt right. It still does!" She turned to face Emma, but this time, placing a small chaste kiss on her lips.
The resulting silence was deafening for all four of them, before Emma felt the need to break it.
"We got married last year, Robin. Regina's now my wife!"
~oOo~