The Earl of Locksley, the new country inn, is a huge hit. Ruby and Dorothy find a way to become a family, Killian prepares to leave Storybrooke, and Emma resolves to fix Regina's problem once and for all...

The new village in the forest

Early that evening, Victor Whale arrived at the new settlement, driving from Storybrooke in Ruby's pick up, the old friends travelling together. Although he'd often entertained romantic thoughts towards the younger waitress-wolf in the past, Ruby's return with Dorothy three years ago made him realise her affections lay elsewhere. And frankly, he knew in his heart she deserved better than him.

Despite that, a firm friendship grew between the doctor and the two women over the next few years, as he helped Ruby, with Archie Hopper, cope with depression following her grandmother's death and suddenly having responsibility for the diner she'd inherited. Dorothy also found the transition a shock. In turn, they'd helped him wean himself off his alcohol addiction.

He was looking forward to this evening. Unlike the Storybrooke residents, the merry men and the forest dwellers generally treated him with courtesy and respect. Anyone devoting their life to helping others was always welcomed and he'd made many new friends here. The very latest being Caroline, the young widow of a former fletcher, who'd died in another realm n battling with Zelena's monkeys. Ruby knew Caroline was interested in the doctor, though Victor was still plucking up the courage to actually ask her on a date.

"Vic, I'm telling you she really likes you. Just ask her out! She's definitely gonna say yes. Why are you waiting?"

"Nerves, Rubes. It's been quite a while since I've done this, and I don't exactly have a great track record with women now, do I? Since my brief time with Snow, I'm not sure what she said, but everyone thinks I'm a sleaze ball and only after one-night stands! Then I wanted to ask you out, but before I plucked up the guts, you turned out to be a lesbian? I guess I just lost my self-confidence."

"Don't be daft!" Ruby sniggered. "Snow's never bad-mouthed you, even if David acted like an ass about it. You were cursed! What about David and Kathryn, eh? As for me, you know full well if I'm anything I'm bi, not gay. It just so happens I finally fell in love with another woman. If you'd asked me out before I met Dot, I would have said yes. Stop beating yourself up! You're a decent guy, who just need a little more practice in the wooing department."

"But those rumours? They hurt, you know?"

"Well I've never heard no 'rumours' and I've got pretty good hearing! You know there's a few going around about me too? Somebody spread one that Belle and I used to regularly make out in her flat above the library. Belle? Can you imagine? Gold would've skinned me alive and had me as a pelt! Then there was one about Snow and me. It's stupid, she's my best friend! Plus, I love David nearly as much as she does. After all, he's the one who stopped me being lynched by half the town, for god's sake! Just because I wore short skirts and flirted a bit, then fell in love with another woman, everyone assumes I've been shagging half the girls in Storybrooke! Dot was my first real relationship, after Peter. So just ignore all the moaners, and get out there. There's someone out there for you too, Vic, if you just get on and pluck up the courage? Dot and me think it's a particularly feisty tall blonde, with long legs and boobs to die for!"

Victor finally chuckled. "I guess I needed to hear that. Though I'm not sure I feel comfortable you admiring Caroline's 'boobs'? You've got a pretty fine pair of your own, two pair if you include Dot's. That's more than enough for you, don't you think?"

Ruby sniggered, as they parked up at the end of the track where the Merry Men's tents used to be.

Seeing the new buildings, the pair looked at the crowd gathered outside what appeared to be a gorgeous wooden inn, like something from an old film set?

"Holy shit!" Ruby was amazed.

"Bloody hell!" Victor agreed. "They've made the perfect country pub. And you know, I'm pretty sure it's your round, Lucas?"

~oOo~

Over the course of the evening, word had spread to Storybrooke, and it seemed everyone had come to see the new village in the forest.

Roland and his friends had corralled some of the children to show off the new lake, escorted by their unfortunate parents, as most really wanted to get into the pub. As Ashley had volunteered to look after the little ones, Honour was tucked safely up with her daughter Alex, one of the girl's best friends, in one of the new master bedrooms. Everyone in the large bar downstairs had broken into groups, seated and standing. In one corner on a comfy red couch, sat Regina and Emma, looking at everyone milling around.

"This place is remarkable." Regina sat by her wife's side, a glass of cider in hand, looking at Robin, who currently seemed to be surrounded by a small group that included Philip, Mulan and Aurora. Only then did she notice a tall, elegant blonde woman she didn't recognise, who'd attached herself to Robin's arm.

"Who's she?"

"She?" Emma took another gulp of beer from her pint glass.

"That blonde over there; the tall one next to Robin? The skinny, trampy-looking one, stuck to him like a limpet?"

Emma looked across at a tall, rather beautiful and well-dressed woman, who seemed to be almost flirting with him. "Nope, can't say I've seen her before. I'd hardly say she was trampy?"

Ignoring her, Regina never took her eyes off Robin and his new admirer, scowling when the unknown woman's arm went around Robin's waist at the back. Robin didn't step away, but instead slid his own arm around her shoulder as they listened to Aurora. Clearly, she was not unknown to him, which made Regina even more irritated.

"Why's she pawing him like that?" she growled to herself.

Emma, feeling hurt by her wife's obsession with the archer, and was about to make a snarky comment, when a large frame appeared in front of them, banging another foaming glass of beer down in front of her. "'Ere you go, Em, 'ave another on me? Looks like you two need it." John also laid a glass of cider in front of the brunette, eyeing the scowl. "Something wrong, Gina?"

Without even acknowledging it, Regina continued to glare at the stranger.

"John, who's that woman?"

"Woman?" He followed her gaze, "Ah, you mean Caroline? She's Rob's cousin. She was always thick as thieves with his sister, Maria. Carrie's his father's niece. We thought they'd both died. She's a lovely girl, you should meet her? Come on over, I'll introduce you..." Then, brooking no room to argue, he lifted their drinks up in one hand and turned to take her arm, encouraging her to join him.

"No John, it's fine. I don't want to disturb them, they're-"

"Nonsense. Come on, you too, Em? You've both sat there chewin' wasps for the last ten minutes. Come join the party?" With that, he wrapped his arm around her, moving her to join the group, Emma bringing up the rear. John had a wonderful quiet self-confidence, that always had a calming effect on the former mayor. "Now then you lot - shove over! Rob, Phil, Rory - widen up and let us join in? Carrie, let me introduce you to some of our friends, Regina and Emma Swan-Mills. Ladies, this is Lady Caroline Locksley."

With that he gently pressed Regina's back, encouraging her to step closer.

Trying to avoid looking directly at Robin, she was a little surprised to see the blonde woman step directly in front of her, proffering a hand. Looking up she couldn't help but notice an obvious similarity between the woman and Robin. The same piercing pale blue eyes. The same full, almost flirtatious, smile. She felt a little stupid, ashamed for the ridiculous snide remarks she'd made to Emma about the woman. Now up close, Regina could see that Caroline was actually rather beautiful. It must run in the family, she thought. And she was elegantly dressed too.

"John, I've told you so many times - please drop the handle?" she admonished him gently, albeit with a friendly smile. "Hello, Mrs. Swan-Mills. I do hate titles, don't you? Please just call me Caroline, or better still, Carrie? I've been dying to meet you. I've heard so much about you!"She took Regina's hand, while bringing her left to gently grasp Regina's forearm. Regina could feel a genuine warmth about the woman and smiled back.

"Then you should call me Regina?" she hesitated, with a small smile. "I'm sorry, but Robin never told me about you? I can see the family resemblance."

After a moment's intense look between them, Caroline released her grip, turning to Emma. "And so, you must be Emma. Her beautiful wife and also the Saviour, I gather?"

"How do you know me?" Emma was more blunt than intended, a little irritated at the woman's warmth towards Regina.

"I met Roland and your gorgeous little daughter today. He told me so much about you both. Such a bright boy. I also met Henry, your eldest? My, he's an intelligent young man, isn't he? You must be very proud."

Robin watched their exchange, seeing a look of confusion on Regina's face. "Gina, Carrie's my dad's niece; his brother's daughter, hence Locksley. I was certain she'd perished along with my sister, until today. Many years ago, Carrie came to live with us, and I'd always thought of her as another sister." He said it with pride, again hugging Caroline's side. "And...she's just given me some astonishing news! I've just learned Maria escaped the fire!" He sounded a little emotional as he tried to explain to their confused faces. "I never told you about Maria, or some of my history, because the memory was just too painful," he trailed off, looking down, feeling a little choked.

"Dad refused to submit to King John's rule during the persecutions," Carrie helped him out. "So, he and my mother were murdered by his guards. Robin's father got us out in the nick of time, and they raised me as one of their own. So Robin, Maria and I grew up together. Until Robin was forced to leave to fight for King Richard, of course…" now her voice became emotional.

"Well we're here now, safe." he whispered quietly, placing a kiss on her forehead and hugging her closer. "However, now I know she's alive, I have to go find her."

~oOo~

At the other side of the bar, Ruby and Dorothy sat hunched around a table with Merlin, the women having pigeonholed him the moment he was alone. Ruby, although embarrassed to begin with, had begun telling him about their wish for a baby, and his own daughter's comments. The Sorcerer sat back, downing his pint as he considered his response. "Well, Anna was partially correct. It's possible."

Dorothy sat up with excitement. "For us to have a baby...together?"

"Well, yes...and no. Life can be created in a laboratory with DNA from two women only, or two men for that matter. But currently, it would not be fully viable; any child resulting would have limited natural defences. However, you live in a land with magic. So, there is a way," Ruby & Dorothy listened closely. "Basically, we remove fertile eggs from both of you. We fuse their cells in pairs, one from each, using magic, before returning them back to your ovaries. Then we introduce DNA from a donor and, all being well, at some point you conceive. The resulting child would have fifty percent genes from the male and fifty percent from the combined female part." He paused before continuing. "Though there's a catch."

"The baby wouldn't be healthy?"

"it'd be as healthy, or weak, as any other. However, as your ovum and eggs would have been touched by magic, it'd require sperm from a donor who also possessed magic to fertilise them. Plus, even though any child would not have been the product of true love on all sides, it's quite possible it would possess magic, too."

Dorothy frowned. "So, we need sperm from a guy with magic? That sort of limits us, doesn't it?"

Ruby wrapped a comforting arm around her partner. "Don't despair just yet, Kansas. Let's see, who do we know with magic in Storybrooke?"

"Well, there's Gold?"

"Out of the question!" Ruby gasped at the thought. "The Dark One? No chance! Next?"

"Robin?"

"Great genes, but I can't see him going for it. He's got three kids already! Plus, you've seen the looks Regina keeps giving him? I could see those two hooking up again at some point, and I wouldn't want to make an enemy of her!"

"Henry?"

"Too young. Can you imagine how Emma and Regina would react?"

"Then the only other guy I know with magic, is our sorcerer here," Dorothy sighed. The women looked up at him. "Merlin, I can't imagine you would…?"

"Ladies," Merlin placed a warm palm over their joined hands. "While I'd be honoured to be considered, there are certain factors which would prevent that. Also, there is one more single male with magic that you may have overlooked?" With that, the pub door opened, and the women looked across to there new arrival.

"Alright, thief, where's that bloody drink you owe me?"

Killian's yell drew several cheers from the men at the bar, as Ruby raised a brow, smirking at her girlfriend. "We know he's got magic! Worth a try?"

Dorothy nodded. "Let him get a drink or two inside him first, then we'll talk."

~oOo~

"Mu, I'm so pleased for you!" Robin said, as he wrapped his friend in a warm hug, "you'll make a wonderful mother, just like Rory here," glancing at Aurora & the prince. "Phil, you're a lucky old dog. you now that?"

Aurora smirked. "Dog? So, what does that make us? His bitches?"

Philip laughed aloud. "Now if I'd said that, you'd kill me!"

Regina was curious. "I didn't realise you knew Mulan so well, Robin?"

Mulan answered for him. "I've known Rob a long time. After I left these two..." she gave her partners a sad smile. "He offered me a place among the men, just when I needed it. These guys are my brothers!" She looked with affection at John and Will. "They pulled me out of a very dark place in my life. Plus Neal, of course."

Emma's ears pricked up. "Neal? You mean my Neal? henry's father?"

"Henry's father, yes. Rob and I met him when he arrived in the forest, injured. He was shot in this realm, and passed through a portal. He was so desperate to get to Neverland to save Henry. The only man I knew who ever managed to escape that cursed place, twice. He was also one of the bravest men I ever met. He and Rob helped me to open up to my real feelings." A knowing look passed between her and Aurora.

"Aye, he's sorely missed," agreed Robin. At which point a shout rang across from the door.

"Alright, thief! Where's that bloody drink you owe me?" yelled Killian, to a cheer from the bar as he walked over to Robin with a grin. "Someone said you've been doing some building? Nice little shack?"

Robin wrapped the man in a brief hug. "Hello, pirate. Missing me already?" before looking across at who was manning the bar. "Gilbert, could we have a pint for this old reprobate please? Nothing too strong, he can't take his drink, this one!" More laughs from the crowd.

"Oi, I take that as a personal insult!" said Killian with a fake frown. "It's our thief here who can't take his ale! Any decent rum behind that bar?" he shouted.

"Later Jones, later." John calmed. "But first you'll try a drop of the freshly, magically brewed for this week only, Locksley Ale."

"Locksley Ale, in the Earl of Locksley pub?" snarked Killian, but with no malice. "Not getting a little grand with the titles in your old age, eh thief?"

"Oh, do belt up!" harrumphed Robin, "I had nothing to do with the name. It was Annabelle and the guys. And as for the pub name, that's got to go!"

"No!" yelled John, Philip and Gilbert Whitehand together, as the latter handed Killian his beer, along with another for Robin.

"Absolutely not!" said Mulan.

"Robin, you're one of the most humble men I've ever met. None of us even knew you held the title, or came from royalty. I say we keep it!" said Aurora.

"Well I like it." Said Regina, speaking up for the first time. "I agree with Aurora. You should keep it!"

Robin had avoided Regina's gaze all evening, as it seemed to bring out a sadness within him. And a longing. A longing he was desperate to supress. She's a married woman now! Before he had a chance to reply, John had already stepped up onto a chair near the bar.

"Ladies, Gents, and the rest of you 'orrible lot! Your attention please?" The hubbub of the pub stopped to listen to the gentle giant. "Rob has given us this fine pub and village here today!" Cheers rang out before John waved his arms to continue. "However, it appears he's not too keen on the name of our new hostelry!" Robin cringed, his face in his hand as the man continued. "Now I know it's supposed to be his decision, as it is his pub. But knowing what a very 'democratic' fellow he is, I'm sure he would agree with a majority vote here? So, all those in favour of permanently naming this fine establishment the Earl of Locksley, raise your hand and say Aye!"

"AYE!" Rang out loudly from all but one in the room, their hands raised in the air.

"Motion carried…my Lord!" shouted John to Robin, as cheers and laughter rang out on all sides. Robin rolled his eyes in resignation.

"You've been well tucked up there…My Lord!" chuckled Killian, as everyone turned to Robin, expecting a reply.

"All right, all right! You win! The Earl of Locksley it is. But on one condition. You all drop that 'My Lord' crap? Some of my forebears may have come from royalty, but I didn't, even if Merlin say's the title's mine!" Cheers followed. "Now enjoy your drinks - not too many mind, as tonight's is on the house. But tomorrow, I expect help from all those able, to build our new clinic!" More cheers and slaps on the back

Emma stood back watching the group clustered around Robin, when her eyes drifted across to Henry, now seated at a side table, deep in conversation with the Sorcerer and the Dark One.

What the hell's that all about? she wondered. As she was about to step over to them, a hand landed softly on her arm.

"Hello, Emma." She looked up to see Killian Jones. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Oh. Come to make me feel guilty…again?"

"No. I came over to apologise." Well, that was a surprise.

"Let's go over there," she said, moving toward a side table. "So we're not overheard."

~oOo~

"Emma, when I came back Saturday, to me we'd only been parted three weeks. I said harsh, mean things to you, because I was hurt and angry. But you didn't deserve that. You grieved over me, and you had every right to move on. I spoke to Hopper, who also pointed out I was just grieving too. Grieving for what we had. But mine was condensed into hours, not years. I lashed out. When you had that falling out with your boy, I just twisted the knife. That was wrong of me, and I want to apologise."

"Killian…"

"No, Swan, let me finish? I know we're over, and I can accept that. But I want you to know I'll always treasure the time we had together. You changed me, Emma Swan. Me, a murderous pirate. I've done some pretty vile, despicable things in my time that I'm not proud of. But you seemed to see something in me, and I'll always be grateful for the love we had. Yes, it's all behind us now, and I'll be leaving at the weekend. It's unlikely you'll ever see me again, Emma, so I just wanted to say that, despite this week, I want nothing more than for you to be happy. You appear to have found love; and if that love is with the queen, then so be it. I wish you well."

Emma knew he meant every word. "Thanks," she almost whispered. "I did love you too, you know? With all my heart, it's just that-"

"You don't need to say more, love." He collected her hand, placing a small kiss on the back. "Be happy. I'll always remember you fondly."

It sounded like the final parting, bringing a lump to her throat and a tear to her eye.

~oOo~

On the other side of the room, Henry finally had the Sorcerer and Rumple to himself.

"So I don't get it? How come I have magic? I get that grandpa David and grandma Snow have 'true love', so my ma got magic from them, and became the Saviour. But my dad and my mum? They never had true love, did they? She got pregnant in prison, and they spent most of my life apart. How could I get it? And Zelena and mum? Cora was horrible and never loved anybody! How come they all had magic?"

The Sorcerer looked at him kindly. "Henry, it's much more complicated than that. It can be inherited from strong magical genes, as in the case of Cora, Regina and Zelena. From receiving a curse, like Mr. Gold here. Or even a rare gift from the gods, like Robin and Killian Jones.

"Henry, you can't be sure Bae and Emma didn't have true love," Rumple added. "It comes in many forms. Your mothers both woke you from curses, did they not? That was true love. A love a father feels for his child, that can be true love. You can have many true loves in your life…"

"And if one of those loves is also a 'soul mate', that's an even stronger combination. A soulmate knows you better than anyone. Some think you can only have one soulmate, but I disagree. Over hundreds of years I've seen many people with more than one soulmate and I believe your Princess Aurora up there is a prime example," the Sorcerer looked up at the happy trio.

"So if dad were to come back?"

Henry," Merlin cautioned. "It's only a possibility that your father could return. Don't spend the rest of your days waiting for it to happen! You still have two mothers, very much alive, who love you beyond measure. Use this time with them wisely. You'll miss them, when they're no longer around to guide you."

Henry's smiled dimmed as he thought of recent events. "Yeah. But I don't think they want to be with me too much right now. I've been horrible to them ever since Robin and Killian came back. I said some pretty harsh stuff."

"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!" Merlin interjected, earning a confused look from Henry, adding, "Shakespeare, King Lear."

"You think I should apologise?"

"Without question, regardless of where blame lies! Henry, whatever your slight, I'm quite sure they will forgive you almost anything. And you should do the same for them. They're only human, just like you."

~oOo~

As Emma sat watching Henry talking to the two men, nursing her beer, she saw him glance back at her. She was clearly part of his conversation. Her mind elsewhere, she barely noticed someone sit down on the chair next to her.

"May I talk to you?" Robin spoke softly. She nodded for him to continue. "I meant what I said yesterday. About not getting in the way of you and Regina? I know I've caused difficulties for you these last few days, but-"

It was Emma's turn to interrupt. "It's okay, I get it! I believe you. You read my mind, accidentally I'll admit, so you made me read yours. But no matter what we say or do, the simple fact remains Regina's still in love with you. She may be with me too, but I saw her bring you back from death with that kiss in the hospital. Nothing will change that! True love's kiss and all that bollocks? So she's in love with both of us, and I guess I have to deal with it. Somehow."

"Emma, I feel the same for her. That's why it's just too painful to be around her. She's married, so that's why I'll be staying away from Storybrooke. I'll live here in the village, and forest. But the three of us need to figure out some sort of schedule, so we can all spend time with Honour and Roland. And little Robyn, though that leaves me with another problem…"

"That still won't be enough! You've talked to Tink? What Gold said is unfortunately, true. The only way we'll prevent her sliding back into depression is by Regina being with you. Mating with you. And frankly, I'd rather she did that than watch her be unhappy the rest of her life! There's even a strong likelihood that if she doesn't, she could possibly..." her voice started to falter, her eyes reddening, not wanting to contemplate the worst.

Robin put a hand on her arm, wanting to comfort her but not make her uncomfortable. "But what about you, Emma? What would that do to you? Knowing she'd lain with me? I'm sorry, I couldn't do that to you!"

Her powers told her he meant every word. He was a genuinely nice guy and, looking at the sadness in his eyes, she understood. Though he hid it, he was clearly going through all the pain and heartache that Regina was. Desperate to stop him seeing a tear, she pushed her head down, sniffling. Moving closer, he brought an arm around her back, pulling her in. She rested her head on his shoulder, trying not to be seen. It worked, till a voice came from beside her.

"Emma? What's wrong?" Regina whispered close to the blonde's ear, trying not to draw attention.

"It's okay Regina. Emma was feeling a little off," Robin deflected.

"Emma, talk to me?"

Emma separated from him, continuing to look down.

"It's okay, Gina. Just…let's go?" The blonde stuttered. "I'm not feeling so good."

Robin, sensing their discomfort, stepped further back, whispering, "Tuck's reserved the master bedroom for you both, Regina. It's the first big door on the first floor. It's all made up for you. Honour's asleep in the adjoining room with Alexandra, and Ashley's in with them, so she'll be expecting you!"

As Emma stood, Regina moved closer, taking her right hand in her left. As Robin moved to bid them goodnight, he placed a hand on their joined pair, as a simple comforting gesture.

That's when all three of them felt it! A sudden pulse of energy, that seemed to travel through, between, and around them. Like a jolt of electricity! They all shuddered, the women looking up at Robin, as it seemed to have happened the moment he touched them both. He stepped back. "Did I cause that?"

They continued to stare at him, open-mouthed, before looking to each other in shock, Regina the first to recover. "Don't worry. You've magic now, so it could be anything," she lied. "Emma, I'll come up with you."

~oOo~

The pair bid goodnight to some of the other guests, as they walked across the room towards the large corner staircase leading to the first floor.

As Rumple and Merlin sat at a table close by, the Dark One drained his scotch. However, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the Sorcerer surreptitiously twitch a finger in the direction of the women. A pale white flash passed in an instant, behind the waists of the pair. It lasted but moments, twirling quickly around them twice. The light seemed to pull two colours, purple & blue, from the women before the colours meshed together and dissipated. As the light was pure octarine, a colour difficult to detect by non-magicians, no one else seemed to have noticed, least of all Emma and Regina.

Rumple smirked, addressing Merlin, though still looking down at his glass. "A fertility spell?"

"Potency, actually." He whispered back. "I gave the archer one as well, a little earlier."

"For what reason, may I ask?"

"For reasons which will be revealed in the fullness of time!" He answered, cryptically.

~oOo~

At another round table close by, Killian Jones sat opposite Ruby & Dorothy, all three hunching closer to avoid being overheard.

"So ladies, let's see if I've got this right. Merlin's going to combine your eggs together somehow, so if either of you got pregnant, you'd both be its natural mother?"

"Basically, that's it. Though we'd still need a seed, the sperm, from a magical male source, to actually get one of us pregnant."

"Male source? You mean the father? So, what role would he have in the life of the child?"

Ruby hesitated before answering. She hadn't thought of that. What role would he have? Dorothy stepped in.

"Well, as for raising a child, Ruby & I would do all that. I'm sorry, that sounds selfish. Look… I understand if you have a problem with this and sorry to have brought it up..." She sounded embarrassed and started to stand. "Ruby, perhaps we should go?"

Before she fully rose, Killian placed his hand on hers. "Calm yourself! I just want to understand. This is a big step, but I am willing."

"You are?" Ruby tried not to screech with excitement. "Oh Killian, thank you, thank you!"

"Hold on love, let me finish. I do have a couple of conditions though. Namely, if this is successful and one of you goed on to produce said child, I would want you to be completely honest with him or her, from the start, as to who their father is, or was, and how they came to be."

"Well obviously!" Dorothy felt defensive. "I don't intend to lie to our child, but-"

"I have no problem with you both taking all responsibility and I realise I would have no say in the raising of him or her," Killian interrupted. "For the record, I think you'd both be rather brilliant mothers. However, I believe a male influence in a child's life can be a good thing. So, if he or she wants to spend time with me, I'd want you to promise to allow it, and not hide them from me, or prevent me seeing them on occasion?"

Ruby was surprised at how quickly their request had moved on. Far from being reluctant, the former pirate seemed more than willing. "Killian, when we asked we weren't sure you'd even say yes! And I certainly didn't think you'd want to be involved? I guess Dorothy and I need to talk it through." She looked back to her girlfriend. However, Dorothy gave a smile before nodding at them both. "Killian's right. I happen to agree with him. I lost my own dad very early, and in a way I still miss him." She looked across at the Captain before placing her hand over his. "If he's really prepared to do this, the least we can do is let him be a father figure, if our child wishes." She raised a grateful smile to him. "Any other conditions, Killian?"

He returned the smile before looking to her partner. "Perhaps one more thing. Though I won't insist upon it, if you really have an issue…" The women nodded for him to continue. "I had issues with my own father; he abandoned me after my mother died. Well, the one person who kept me sane at that time was my brother, Liam. He was my rock and his loss devastated me more than you can imagine. He protected me in life, whenever he could, and his death was caused by supposed great men and a fool for a king. It turned me to piracy and the darkness."

"Killian, I don't understand? What's that have to do with…" Ruby started, unsure where this was going.

"If, or when, you decide to give this child a sibling, I'd like to be invited to provide the necessary contribution once again?"

Dorothy, slack jawed, looked at him with watery eyes. "You would do that?"

"Aye love. For all I know, I may have fathered many children in my time. It would be nice to actually know one."

Ruby leaned across the little table and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." Dorothy also stood, leaning across to kiss his other cheek and hug his side. "That goes for me too. You've made us both very happy, Killian!"

Jones slowly stood, taking their hands in his. "Oh, there is one final…request?''

The women's eyes widened as they looked at each other. What now? Dorothy nodded for him to continue.

"Well…we've agreed that I would remain a father figure to this child, as and when it wishes..." He hesitated before continuing. "Now call me old fashioned but I do believe in matrimony, and-"

"Killian, stop! I'm in love with Dorothy; neither of us could possibly…"

"Not me, ye daft dolt, her!" She looked confused. "Ruby, I'm surprised that after five years together, you haven't already made an honest woman of our Miss Gale here?" And with that, he withdrew his hands and opened them, palms upwards. "Now then, let's see if I've remembered anything the Sorcerer taught me?" He glanced over at Merlin, before picturing several items he held in a particular secure locker on his ship, the Sorcerer looking on with interest. Two small swirls of blue mist appeared in his palms, before solidifying to reveal two small boxes. He offered them to the women sitting opposite, each taking one.

Dorothy collected the small leather box, opening it to reveal a sparkling diamond & sapphire carved half hoop ring. She gasped, looking up to her love who was looking down, open jawed, at her own opened box. It contained an equally stunning emerald & diamond clustered ring. Ruby's hand went to her mouth in shock.

"Killian. These are beautiful, but you know we couldn't possibly-"

"Of course you could!" He was emphatic. "And before you ask, they're not pirate's ill begotten treasure but both belonged to my family. My mother's, actually. Liam and I had always intended for them to go to our future wives or the mothers of our own children. So, with his sad passing and me unlikely to sire elsewhere…well, let's just say it's fitting for them to go to you both. Take them with my blessing."

A teary Dorothy pulled herself into his arms, kissing his cheek again before whispering, "You're a very special man, Killian Jones!" Stepping back, her beloved took her place in the former pirate's arms.

"Thanks Killian, I can't tell you what this means to me."

"Well then, Ruby, you now know what you have to do next?"

Brushing a tear from her face, she turned to her true love, nerves showing. This wasn't something she had intended to do in public. But, what the hell?

"I think so..." She turned to the tall brunette, dropping down on one knee as she took the ring from the box. "Kansas, I've wanted to do this for some time, but perhaps our pirate here has given me a bit of Dutch courage? Dorothy Gale, I've loved you from the moment I first set eyes on you, back in Oz. Sorry for all the clichés, but you are my life, my rock and my port in any storm! I want to spend the rest of my life with you and, with a bit of luck, raise a family with you by my side. Will you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Dorothy hardly noticed that the rest of the room had gone silent, most realising what was about to happen. Dropping down on her own knees and taking Ruby's hand in her own. "Oddly enough, I was about to ask you the same thing!" She smiled as laughter reverberated around the room. "Ruby Lucas. You brought me back from eternal sleep with true love's kiss. I fell in love with you then, and I have been ever since. I would be honoured to be your wife!"

Ruby latched her lips to Dorothy's, as cheers and applause started building around the room, their friends now moving forward to offer hugs and congratulations. As they swarmed around, Killian stepped slowly back, to allow them to receive good wishes from all. And he did, he felt a pair of hands wrap gently across his upper arm.

He looked to their owner and saw Annabelle Sage looking at him with a warm smile. "Well, well, Captain Jones? You continue to surprise me. A traditionalist and incurable romantic at heart? Who'd have thought?" She smirked.

"Shush!" He whispered, "Keep it to yourself."

~oOo~

Doctor Victor Whale had watched his friend's proposal, happy, but with a heavy heart. He knew how much Ruby loved Dorothy but had always held a candle for the wolf himself. He sighed at the exchange and a little lump came to his throat as Dorothy accepted. He was happy for the pair, two of the very few friends he had in Storybrooke. The town had always made him feel like an unwanted but necessary outsider though the forest dwellers had always welcomed him as a friend, not just a physician. As he continued to watch his two friends story play out, he heard a soft voice to his right.

"Victor, have you been ignoring me?"

Whale turned and, seeing who was asking, gave her a warm smile. "Caroline! I'm sorry, I…it's…it's lovely to see you." Why was he always nervous around her? "What are you doing here?"

"The same as you, I guess; seeing his wonderful new village, and my cousin, who built it!"

"Your cousin?"

"Robin. Robin Locksley."

"He's your cousin?" As he glanced over, he could see the resemblance.

"Yes, I know! I didn't link Robin Hood to my cousin till a year ago. After I came through from another portal I just assumed he wasn't the same man. I found out he'd died by sacrificing himself. Bloody typical if you ask me? When I found out yesterday and Will said he was back from the dead, I couldn't believe it."

"Nothing surprises me about this place anymore!. But now you mention it, I can see the resemblance. Except, you're a lot more beautiful, of course." He blushed nervously, remembering Ruby's words. Sod it, he was just going to go for it, just as Ruby told him to!

"Caroline, I..um...er…well…I'm sorry, I'm not very good at this." He stopped, steeling himself for rejection. "Would you have dinner with me? Sometime? If…um…if you're free?"

"Victor, I would love to have dinner with you! Perhaps Friday, so I can get a lie in on Saturday?"

"You would? That's…wonderful!" he gasped, relieved, "Say I pick you up at eight?"

"It's a date!" she chirped happily. "Where are you going to take me?"

"Somewhere that's not Storybrooke, or the forest! You like French food or Italian?"

"Il n'y a rien de mieux que la cuisine française." she replied, smirking.

"J'accepte!" he replied, "J'ai hâte de passer une belle soirée avec une belle dame."

"You old smoothy! I didn't realise you spoke French?" she breathed, her voice now lower, with a definitely sexy edge.

"You never asked."

Meanwhile, in a bedroom upstairs...

As Regina went through her evening cleansing routine, she looked around the master bedroom's adjoining bathroom. The attention to detail on taps, the towels, dressing gowns, and bedsheets was exquisite. More like a five star hotel than a pub in the middle of a forest! This was clearly the work of a woman. Merlin's daughter?

Shewalked back into the bedroom, seeing Emma texting on her phone.

"What are you doing? I thought you said you were tired?"

"There's something I need to do first. I've just asked Robin to come up."

"Up here? Why? We've only just spoken to him."

"I spoke to him, Gina. You didn't. I just need to say something. To both of you."

"Couldn't it wait till morning? I don't understand. Why would you-" but she was interrupted by a knock on the door, Emma walking over to open it.

Robin stood in the doorway, holding a small tray, with three glasses and a bottle of, what looked to be, brandy.

"Emma?" He looked across at a confused Regina, so he clarified. "You texted me to come up to talk? And bring drinks? It's late, so I thought Cognac would probably be best? It says it's French on the bottle, but we are talking Merlin's magic, so I've no Idea what it tastes like."

"Thanks," Emma took the tray, avoiding her wife's confused stare. "Er…take a seat. You too, Regina."

He and Regina sat at opposite sides of the small vanity table, she feeling a little self-conscious in her nightdress and he a little flushed for the same reason. Each trying desperately to avoid looking at the other.

Emma poured three good measures of Cognac and handed them around. Although she knew she had to do this, she still felt nervous now they were all together. Downing her own glass in one and feeling the burn, she coughed, instantly regretting treating it like scotch. Composing herself, she took a deep breath before starting.

"Okay. This is a little difficult, but I'm going to ask you both to be quiet, until I've said what I need to say!" Although lifting her eyes to her wife, Emma instead spoke to him. "Robin, there is no point beating about the bush. Five years ago, you sacrificed yourself to save her. First, I can't thank you enough for that, because if you hadn't, there's no doubt she'd be dead! We all knew she was your True Love, and it left her devastated. You can't imagine how painful it was for her." Her gaze never left Regina's.

"I went through something similar with Killian, but it was nothing like as bad as Regina's. We clearly never had true love, despite what I thought at the time. You now know we both had counselling after you died? With Archie's help, we slowly started to pull our lives together. On the way, Regina and I somehow fell in love. I still love her and know that, even allowing for Neal and Killian, she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I will always love her. Nonetheless, Gina and you have something that'll never die. A love as powerful as my mum and dad's and that is really saying something! She still loves you and needs you in her life." She saw Regina wanted to interrupt but her hand went up, silently asking her to remain silent.

"You're the children's father. They love you, and need you. I've thought long and hard about this and it's because I love her, I need her to be happy again. And the only way I can be certain she will be, is if you're a part of her life. I hate to admit it, but Gold's right. You two need to be together."

Regina was horrified. "Emma, you can't be serious? Are you thinking of leaving me?"

"Absolutely not. But everything I've said is true. You know it, and he knows it. Damn it, he's struggling with this as much as you are. I know because I saw inside his mind!"

Robin had heard enough. "Emma, I've told you several times already and you know it's true. I won't come between you and Regina! Yes, I'm still very much in love with her, but I have to learn to live with it."

Regina eyes widened at the open admission. Still in love with me. But she couldn't do that to Emma. It would break her. This was hurting too much, so she had to say something.

"Emma, I love you! Please…"

"Regina, I love you too, and that's the reason I'm letting you be with him. And me. I'm letting our marriage become, more open, so you can have him in it. You can be with Robin. And me. I know we spoke about it yesterday, but I meant it!"

The brunette was lost for words. She looked across to her former lover and could see he was equally confused.

"Robin, I'm sorry. Would you allow me a few minutes to speak to my wife alone?"

"Of course. I'll go check on the little ones and we'll talk again in the morning."

"No! Just give us fifteen minutes," Emma insisted. "Then come back?"

In one of the smaller bedrooms, hidden well away on the west wing of the new building, Henry Swan-Mills lay in bed with Violet.

John had given him a room for the night, so he took advantage and invited her back. After a hasty bout of lovemaking, they lay spent, panting. The two had gone to separate universities, one to Boston , the other to New York. And although they'd initially regarded themselves as being in love, both realised that, with the passage of time and separation, they were more like very close friends these days. Very close friends! Friends who'd agreed to continue having sex from time to time, when it suited them, perhaps until someone more permanent came in to either of their lives? Both were content with the arrangement.

"So, anyone on the scene yet? Are you seeing anyone?" asked Henry.

"No, you dick! Do you seriously think we'd be doing this, if there were?"

Henry chuckled too as he pulled her to his chest, kissing the top of her head. "Guess not."

"How about you Hen? Anyone spark your interest?"

"Not really. There's been a fewmone-night stands, but nothing serious."

"Same here. There's someone who was pushing me for something more, but I wasn't really feeling it, you know?"

"But he was?"

"She, actually. And yeah, she wanted me to move in with her. Bit soon for me!"

"Oh, not you and all? Seems every bloody woman in Storybrooke's shagging other girls instead of guys..."

"Don't be daft," she giggled. "It was just a 'thing'. Anyway, there's no one out there for me yet. So I guess you and I are going to be 'fuck buddies' for a little while longer, Mills!"

"I can live with that," he pulled her closer, the pair lying quietly for a few more minutes, before Violet's hand went back inside his shorts to slowly massage him.

"So, you have magic now? How does it feel?

"Weird, but good. But nothing like as good as your hand feels right now. Another round?"

With a happy giggle, she silently nodded as she parted her thighs for him to move over, settling himself back between them.

~oOo~

Ruby and Dorothy, after receiving congratulations from everyone on their engagement, headed up to one of rooms above, to meet Merlin as agreed.

"Okay, let's get started. This is a magic, not a medical procedure, so it'll be fairly quick and painless. You don't need to remove all your clothes, just your underwear, for obvious reasons. Then I'd like you to lie side-by-side on the bed, with your knees up. I know you're feeling tense, but try to relax, if you can?"

They did as instructed, lying back, side-by-side, fingers entwining. Merlin propped himself on one side of the bed, leaning across to place a warm hand on both their abdomens. "Remember, try and relax."

Merlin closed his eyes, mumbling something incoherent. Feeling a small tickle inside, Ruby watched as a pale blue and silver stream of light in a smoky shroud, seemed to emerge from between her parted thighs. From within her? It slowly rose above, forming a small column above her hips. Looking across, she saw that a similar stream of light had emerged from Dorothy's lower half, but this one was dark red. Raising his hands from them, he gently started moving them around the columns, without actually touching the mist. The women watched, spellbound and open-mouthed, as his hands forced the two columns to slowly come together in a swirling pattern, coiling around each other like two translucent snakes in some sort of bizarre mating dance. Slowly they combined, the colours intermingling to produce a darker, purple hue. He then drew his palms apart, the combined cloud slowly separating itself into two columns again, this time both purple. As he slowly brought his palms back down to once again rest on them both, the two purple streams of mist followed, before gliding back under the women's skirts.

The whole procedure had taken no more than two minutes.

Merlin stood, smiling. "That should do it! I'll leave you to get dressed, and see myself out." And with that he bowed, eaving the room, the pair still perplexed.

"Well that was weird?" Ruby turned, facing her fiancée, who nodded.

"Yeah, but intimate! I can't quite believe I've got a little part of you inside me, and a part of me inside you?"

Dorothy smiled, kiss her partner's lips, before pulling her into a hug. "I love you so much, Ruby Lucas."

"Me too, Dorothy Gale. I can't wait to become Ruby Gale!"

"Nope, I think Dorothy Lucas. Has more of a ring, don't you think?"

Meanwhile...

"I'm not doing this, Emma! I know what you're thinking, but the answer's no! It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to Robin. Hell, have you even considered the consequences if this turns ugly? We have children involved, for goodness sake! If he feels he's being used, he could get angry and leave. What if Roland were to go with him? Or even Honour? It's just…just…wrong."

"It isn't wrong at all. You know Robin would never take Honny away from you, magic or no magic! I don't see the problem? You love him, and this is just sex, after all. He's good looking, fit, has a decent body…" Emma realised she may have gone a little too far with that last remark, which was immediately picked up.

"Yes, I saw you looking. By the lake, as I recall?"

"Me? I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play the innocent with me, Emma Swan-Mills!" She sniggered. "Of course you do. I saw you! You were definitely checking him out, eyeing him up and down, when he came out of the lake!" Regina enjoyed watching her cheeks redden. "Not that I blame you. Hell, I was doing it too. The difference is I don't deny it!"

"Well, what if I was? As I said, he's a handsome guy with a buff body." Emma blurted out before she could stop herself. "You like him, so what's the harm? We're both bisexual anyway, Gina, we're hardly man-haters!"

"That's true. But admiring is different. What are you suggesting I do, seduce him? He's a man of honour, Emma, not someone looking for a quick tumble. I can't see him going for this, even if, as you say, he's as tormented as I am. He promised not to undermine our marriage. I can't see him going back on that."

"Shame," Emma harrumphed in frustration, laying back on the bed. "I reckon 'a quick tumble' is what we both need, after the last few days!"

"We? What are you saying? We both seduce him?"

The blonde had never seen her wife's brow arch so much. Realising her comment could have been misinterpreted, Emma started to backtrack. "Um no! What I meant was…was…you sort of getting past this true love curse thing…um…" she mumbled, now looking guilty.

"If I didn't know you better, I'd would say you were interested in having time with him yourself?"

"What…no! Regina, no, seriously!" Her cheeks were positively blazing with embarrassment. Enjoying herself, Regina decided to twist the knife a little more.

With her best lascivious grin, she breathed in her ear, "Mind you, it's a shame. I've never had a threesome before. Could've been...interesting."

At that point, it finally dawned on Emma that she was being set up. So, she decided to come back in kind. "Huh, like you would even consider it! Far too risqué for you."

"I'm sorry? Are you implying I'm unadventurous in the bedroom?" Both eyebrows raised to warning levels. But Emma wasn't going to back down now.

"Definitely not. But you, in a threesome? You'd run a mile!"

Regina smirked evilly, knowing the blonde had fallen right into her little trap. "So, Emma, darling, what you're saying is that you are quite prepared for me to be allowed to sleep with Robin, partly for my own sanity, but I would never do the same with my own wife involved? Despite said wife clearly finding the thief rather attractive herself? I think it's really you who wouldn't dare, my dear!"

"Is that a challenge? If so, bring it on." She heard the words come out but couldn't believe she'd said them.

"Very well. Let me go get him back up here."

Emma stared into her wife's chocolate brown eyes. Hell, she ain't kidding! "Er, Regina, you're serious about this aren't you?"

"Robin's already told you he won't put our marriage under threat. I've already told you I would never cheat on you. But...it's hardly adultery if you're here with me, sharing."

Emma saw the gleam in the brunette's eyes, worthy of the Evil Queen herself, and smirked right back.

"Ok sister, you're on!" she said, winking at the older woman. "Go get Forest Boy back up here!"

~oOo~