At Regina's suggestion, Robin asks Emma out for dinner, anywhere but Storybrooke. Just the two of them? New in town, Rosie Sage, Merlin's daughter, is looking for some male company. Killian has his best night for a long time. But Henry thinks his mother's magic doesn't always do what it's supposed to do!

Monday Evening – Mifflin Street

As a small revolution was taking place in the Town Hall, Emma sat quietly in her living room. She wasn't in the mood to watch a film, so she just sat in silence, watching flames lick the fake coals in the fireplace. Honour was safe and sound, tucked up in bed. Roland was with his dad, and god-alone knows where Henry was. Gold's presumably? Regina had decided to attend some boring meeting at the town hall. Why, she's not even mayor any more? Besides, mum's going to be there and who the hell calls an EGM at this time of night?

As she sat morosely watching the flames, her thoughts went back to Killian, their past, and what he meant to her. The dismissive way he'd treated her earlier that day was still bugging her. But she didn't understand why. Or why she cared? She started imagining what it must have been like for him to come back, to reunite with the woman he thought his soulmate, only to discover she'd not only moved on, but got married.

How she would have been, had it been her?

But it'd been five years! Three years of bereavement, aching loss, depression, counselling and everyone else trying to pick you up. One year of slowly falling in love with the woman who'd been going through most of it with you, nursing a heartache of her own. Then finally marrying and moving on with your life.

Moving on? As if!

She was suddenly pulled out of her thoughts by a loud rapping noise on the front door, making her flinch.

Who the hell?

Standing, she walked over to open it, only to find a curly-haired whirlwind race right past her with a cursory, "Hi Em!" as Roland headed up to the staircase, clumping up them, two at a time.

"And good evening to you too, Roland?" Emma spoke to his back, before whispering as loudly as she could without waking Honour. "Not too loud - you'll wake your sister!" A pointless exercise, as the inexhaustible ten-year-old had already disappeared.

"Hello Emma," said a deeper voice behind her. Robin Hood. "Sorry we're a little late. Henry was teaching us card tricks, and I forgot the time."

" Did you say Henry? I thought he was staying at Gold's tonight?"

" I was..." Henry appeared from behind him without warning, walking inside. "Hi, ma, I came back to stay the night, if that's okay?"

Robin noticed the awkward expression on his mother's face. "Mind if I head up and check on Roland? I'll make sure he gets ready for bed, and not messing around. And look in on Honny, while I'm at it?"

"Er, sure." She knew she'd regret it if she asked him to leave it till tomorrow, so she nodded, moving aside to let him through, and watched as he reached the staircase, before quickly bounding up them, taking three at a time. Like father, like son? She thought, before turning back to her son.

"You don't need to ask me to stay, Henry. This is your home, after all."

"I know. It's just, after the last few days…"

"You're my son! I love you, even if I have gone a funny way of showing it. Look, I'm sorry…"

"Hey, don't go there again!" He pulled her into a hug. He was a good seven inches taller than his blonde mother now and, even though she didn't like the role reversal, she absolutely loved any affection he gave these days, resting the side of her head on his chest. "I've been a complete arse, too."

"What made you change your mind, and stay? I thought you decided to stay at Gold's?"

"Nothing specific. Well, maybe something Robin said made me think."

"Okaaaay. Now you know I'll keep pestering till you tell me. So?"

Henry looked past her, making sure Robin wasn't in earshot. "He said I should look at it from your point of view. That you've been put in a really awkward spot. That Killian and him coming back was bound to cause you a lot of pain, after everything you've been through. I kinda told him about…about the jail cell. Mulan was there, and she saw it. A couple of people laughed, but Robin didn't. He said I was being cruel to both of you, and should apologise. He said you were only trying to protect me after all, and knowing I don't need that sort of protection anymore must be hard. Basically, he gave me a right bollocking!"

"A 'bollocking'?" Emma chuckled, "Yes, I know what it means, but haven't heard that old Brit term for a while. Not since Killian."

"I know, right? I learnt a whole bunch of them tonight. Knob? Dickhead? Pillock? Killian even called me a 'spoilt git'! It's hilarious!"

"So, Robin chews you put it's okay? But if I do it, I'm bad, even though I'm your mum? Doesn't seem fair, Hen."

"I know. Maybe it's a guy thing when I've been living with two mothers? All I know is he made some decent points. He was a good guy before Zeus sent him back, and I like him. Magic doesn't seem to have messed him up so far. When it was just us, mum, Rolly and Hon it was okay, but just recently it felt like, for the first time in a very long time, I had a sort of…" he hesitated saying it, worried how she'd react.

"A dad?"

"Yeah, I guess. Things are tough for him too, mum. It can't have been easy coming back to this? But still, I like having him around, though I know you hate his guts, I get that."

"No Henry, you don't. It's not like that, it's just…things are different now, and your mum's relationship with him was always different to mine and Killian's. He's Honny and Rolly's dad. He's kinda permanent. Me and Killian were something, but judging by the way he's been treating me, he's as much over it as I am. But I've even lost his friendship too, and believe me, that bothers me more than you might think! But your mum and Robin can never be completely over, because of the kids. I don't hate him! I mean, how can anybody hate Robin-bloody-angel balls-Hood? He's gentle, sincere, takes care of people. And he's a leader. And what's more, the rest of my family worship him! It's just…I've never really had a chance to get to know him, that's all."

She looked up again, but this time to see Henry looking at something over her shoulder. Or someone.

"Then perhaps I can remedy that?" said a deeper voice behind her.

She froze, turning her head to see Robinstaring straight back at her. "Erm…what did you hear?"

"Only a few seconds. But enough." His gaze never left hers. "I'd like the chance to properly get to know you too, Emma."

Henry was tempted to laugh at his mum's rabbit-in-the-headlights expression. "I'm heading up - g'night Robin, thanks for a good evening. I like Sherwood, but I like that pub best of all. Seriously authentic!"

Robin grinned. "I'm glad. You'll always be welcome there my boy, though watch out for those drinks? I know you're borderline drinking age, but your mums will have my guts for garters if they know you've been imbibing alcohol - well, publicly, anyway," he winked conspiratorially. "And once you and your friends turn twenty-one and is legal, you should know that Tuck is more than capable of handling a bunch of young inebriates. I've seen him in action, and he's scary!"

"I thought he'd have Little John do that?"

"No, John just grabs 'em and sits on 'em! Mind you, after an experience like that, they're more than happy to be thrown out by Tuck or Mulan!"

Henry bid goodnight again, turning for the stairs, before glancing back. "Guts for garters? Really?" he chuckled, heading up.

~oOo~

Once Henry left them, Robin stepped in front of her.

"I meant what I said, Emma, I'd like to get to know you. Perhaps we could go for a meal? Not Granny's, or the pub. Perhaps somewhere nobody knows us and we can talk privately without being overheard? What do you think?"

"You're inviting me out? What is this, a date? Cos if you are Locksley, I think my wife might have something to say about that."

"She does. In fact, it was her suggestion."

"Regina asked you to take me out on a date?"

"She didn't use those exact words! Though she did suggest we get to know one another properly. That I ask you out. She still believes she's the root cause of our difficulties. We both know that's not true, that it's more complicated; but I happen to think she's right. We should try to get to know one another."

"Okay, you're on. But definitely outside town! Tongues wag around here, and anyone seeing you and me together may get the wrong impression? Then, if my mother gets to hear of it? Well, use your imagination."

He smiled back, already warming to the idea. "I can indeed. How about tomorrow night? I'll find a restaurant out if town. I could come pick you up around six? We'll drive out for an hour or so. What do you prefer, French, Italian?"

"Anywhere that serves food! But I haven't had French in ages. Are we talking fancy or basic?"

"Oh, fancy, definitely. Would make a nice change from around here. Why?"

"How could you ask me that? I'm a woman for god's sake! I may spend most days life in jeans, tees and jackets, but I'm still capable of smartening up."

"Then dress in whatever makes you feel comfortable. You always look beautiful, anyway."

That threw her slightly. She'd had compliments on her appearance most of her adult life, but not from her wife's former lover! But her powers told her he was being sincere. As her eyes glazed for a moment, a small voice inside told her, get a grip Swan, it's only a bloody compliment. Stop acting like a teenager!

"Thanks. So, six o'clock then?"

"Six it is. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night Emma, sleep well." With that, he stepped forward, pecking her quickly on her right cheek. She mirrored it, then gently pulled her head back, as did he. For a brief moment, she looked up at his lips, and her mind went back to that night they'd shared a bed with Regina.

"Well, I'd better be off." he turned, heading out the door, still grinning.

The Rabbit Hole

"I can't believe this place!"

Rosalind Sage stood nursing her second wine large wine, having already worked through two of Malcolm, the nightclub owner's, cocktails.

"Everything's a bloody fairy tale here! You've got fairies, dwarves, kings and queens and princes. Hell, you've even got Frankenstein for a doctor!"

"Hey, don't knock Victor Whale, he's a good bloke! Anna defended him. "I've been shadowing him the last couple of days. He works unpaid in the forest and he's the only proper surgeon they've got."

"Ooh, pricked a nerve? Fancy him, do you?" her older sister teased.

"No. Nice guy, but not my type and a bit old for me. From what Ruby told me, I think he's just started going out with someone he's had a crush on. You remember Ruby, the redhead you were talking to at the bar this morning?"

"The one you said was Red Riding Hood? Yeah. Pretty sure think she bats for the other team? Or both teams. She kept eyeing up another brunette talking to dad."

Annabelle chuckled. "Yes, Dorothy Gale. They just got engaged yesterday, and they're getting married on Friday. I think I'm invited, so you should come."

"Dorothy Gale? Wizard of Oz?" Her sister smirked, nodding. "Dorothy Gale's marrying Little Red Riding Hood? That's bizarre! I saw that one they called the queen and that skinny blonde chick. The Saviour? They're already hitched too, or so Robin told me. Does every woman eventually go lezzie in this town?"

"Don't be daft! They're Regina and Emma Mills. She was the Evil Queen and Emma, the blonde, is Snow White and Prince Charming's daughter. They weren't there today. That's another story altogether. But from what I gather, Regina was with Robin until he was murdered trying to save her, and-"

"Woah, woah, woah, sis! Too many names! I'm getting confused!"

"Tell me about it! Anyway, suffice to say, after Regina and Emma's boyfriends got killed, they got together. Then according to dad, Zeus sent the boys back from the afterlife, which-"

"Anna stop! I'm losing The plot!"

"Sorry. I've just really got into all the stories, you know? But basically, with Emma and Regina, there's been a lot of tragedy in the past. But they've got a lot more story to come. I saw their futures, and-"

"Shush!" Rosalind stopped her, with a hand raised, dropping to a whisper. "Anna, stop! Dad's told you enough times to be careful using your weird seer magic. It can screw up history and everything and get us all in trouble! If you've learned something, keep it to yourself, you know that."

"Stop fretting, I am keeping it to myself! I'm just saying, that there's lots of stuff to come for them. Good stuff, as it happens…"

"Alright, just be careful, okay? Anyway, onto more important stuff." She looked over as a small excited group of men and women, who'd just walked in, now congregating around Philip at the bar. "Those guys at the bar, cheering that hottie in the middle with the pint? Tell me about them? Especially him!"

Anna sniggered. "You never change, sis, do you?" But Anna stopped when she heard a chuckle from someone close by, looking up to find Ashley bending over. "Perhaps I'll tell her, Anna? That 'hottie' in the middle, is Philip Briar. He's just been elected our Mayor, after they kicked out the old one a few hours ago."

"Looks and power? And he's single?" Rosie asked, grateful for the intel.

"Definitely not! He's married to that tall auburn-haired one on the left. Princess Aurora. Or Sleeping Beauty to you? And the pair of them have just become engaged to that small brunette in front of her, Mulan."

"BOTH of them? He's with both of them?" They nodded. "Lucky little bugger. Looks, power and two women on the go? No wonder he looks tired!" They all sniggered before she asked their new confidante. "And what about the taller, dark one, just to the right of the greedy mayor?"

"That's Jeff, or Jefferson. He's from Wonderland. The Mad Hatter?"

"Really? Is everyone's famous around here?"

"I should've properly introduced you properly. Rosie, this is Ashley Herman, or in their story books, Cinderella!"

The tall blonde smirked at the seated brunette, before faking a small curtsy.

"Shouldn't I be the one curtsying you? Didn't you marry your prince, making you a royal?"

"That was the old realm. But I'm now a mother to two. You met my Alex yesterday?"

"Ah, the gorgeous little blonde poppet? She's a darling! Ok, last chance then. Ashley, who is that tall dark-blonde haired next to Mulan? The one with the shoulders and dimples? God, I love dimples! No, wait, don't tell me! He's not gay, is he? Or living with a posse of cheerleaders? He's got lovely arms! Wouldn't mind them around me of a night time..."

Ashley burst out laughing at that, attracting the attention of, and a gorgeous smile from, the man they were talking about. Ashley winked at him. "Hmm. He's definitely not gay, and I'd be bloody angry about the cheerleaders! But he is out of bounds for you, I'm afraid. That's Alex's dad, my prince, Sean!"

"Aw gawd!" Rosie cringed as her sister laughed, cupping her face with her hands. "I'm so sorry, Ashley!" she squeaked, now red-faced.

Ashley merely laughed again, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't be. I'm flattered that's what you think of my man, though I best not tell him. He'll get awfully big-headed!"

Anna, having enjoyed her sister's cringing, leant in. "Don't worry sis, there's still plenty of single guys around. I'm sure Ashley and I can-" she stopped when she saw Rosie's eyes widen and jaw drop, as someone else walked through the front door.

"Stone me!" Rosie breathed, as a tall, brooding figure walked towards the rest of the group. "Look at that? He is abso-fucking-lutely drop-dead gorgeous! Ash, tell me he's not married, gay or one of your toy boys?"

Ashley saw where she'd focused. "Ah, Killian Jones? Yes, I agree he is quite the dish. Most women around here fancy him, and he is definitely single. For now!"

"Ok Ash, here's the deal?" Rosie's eyes never left the former pirate, who'd walked to Philip to congratulate him. "You introduce me to Mr. Gorgeous, and I babysit your little lady one evening this week? Give you a night out with your own Mister Muscles?"

"You, young lady, have got yourself a deal! Come on, I'll introduce you." She led her towards the group.

Anna sighed, following them. "Here we go again..."

Storybrooke Harbour - An hour earlier

News travels fast.

"Philip Briar's the mayor?" Killian was surprised by Tinker Bell's news from the Town Hall, as they stood on the deck of the Jolly. "No Snow, or Regina Mills taking control? I know they hated George."

"That's the funny thing, Snow assumed she would, but the Council said they wanted someone new. Phil made a brilliant speech about Robin and the boys beforehand. So they booted out Spencer, Gold proposed him, and everyone else seconded it!"

"The Crocodile? He must be up to something."

"Possibly, but Merlin's working with him right now. He'll keep an eye on Gold, I'm certain of it. Anyway, there's drinks at the Rabbit Hole from eight, and you're invited."

"Then it would be impolite to refuse a free drink." Killian liked Prince Philip, a decent straightforward man. A little stuffy sometimes on account of his royal and military background, but a reliable ally in a storm. "So, have they also kicked that arse Nottingham out of the Sheriff's office?"

"Phil's first decision! That, and confirming the Merry Men could settle where they were permanently, and be welcomed in Storybrooke at last. Not treated like criminals."

"That's long overdue. After all, Robin's boys have been mopping up a lot of the shit the royals have caused over the years."

She nodded in agreement but looked a little hesitant about something. He picked up on it. "Something else on your mind, love?"

She still seemed a little unsure, but decided to ask anyway. "I was just wondering. Frankly, there's not really much here for me these days. And I'm starting to get a bit…bored? Where will you be heading when you sail?"

Killian smiled at one of the few fairies he could call a friend. "When the ship appeared in harbour restored, I found some letters from Zeus himself, asking assistance in some 'tasks'. I'll be heading to the Maritime Castle first. Eric and Ariel have a few issues with a certain squid. You remember Ursula? Then on to Agrabah, as Aladdin's apparently gone missing. Then Arendelle to pick up supplies and sort out a little issue with the neighbours. After that, who knows?"

"You're going to be seeing Ariel and Elsa?" Tink had desperately missed her old friends.

"Aye, lass. Do I interpret from your interest, that you would like to join me on the voyage? You'd be most welcome, though the living quarters are a little cramped."

It didn't take more than a moment to consider. "Killian, I'd love to. Thank you!" she blurted, wrapping her arms around him, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"You're welcome, love. Just be ready for Saturday morning's first tide? Meanwhile, I think it's time for that drink with your shiny new mayor."

An hour later, Killian arrived at The Rabbit Hole with Tink, to find a cluster gathered around the new Mayor, toasting his health.

Striding through the middle of them, he shook the other man's hand. "So, it's Mayor Phil now? You have the beautiful wife, an equally gorgeous fiancée, a second baby on the way, and the town top job? Where did it all go wrong, mate?"

Phil chuckled at the dig. "I don't honestly know!" He looked across at his two loves. "Undeserving though I am, I guess I'm just one very lucky bastard?" They clinked glasses to the happy laughter around them. "Captain, I don't suppose I could persuade you to stick around a week?" Philip pondered. "We just got rid of Keith Nottingham, we need to organise an election for Sheriff, but I don't yet trust the deputies, apart from our beloved Mulan here. She could do the job blindfold with one arm behind her back, but I'm worried this isn't the time to-"

The warrior rolled her eyes. "I'm pregnant Philip, not injured! I can handle it! Now stop fretting!"

Philip groaned as Aurora wrapped an arm around their fiancée. "We know you can, Mu my darling! You're as strong and capable as you've ever been. But you're carrying our little one inside you right now. I'm just a little worried you'll overstretch yourself!"

Aurora stepped in. "He's right, Ping. I nearly miscarried when I was carrying Pip, just from riding horseback! We'd never forgive ourselves, if-"

"Okay, okay, I get it! But once we have this baby, I'm applying for that sheriff's badge!"

"You're better suited to it than anyone else in this town," Killian agreed. "But your future husband and wife do make a fair point, love. What you're carrying right now is a wonderful new life, and surely that's more important than any job? You know, if I-" But he stopped, completely distracted, as Ashley Herman walked towards him with a young woman on her arm. A young woman with a devastating, disarming smile, looking straight at him. Who's the goddess? He thought, as the woman in question raised a hand to him. Instead of shaking it, he held it in his own as Cinderella introduced them.

"Killian, I'd like you to meet Rosie Sage? Rosie, this rogue here's our very own former pirate, Killian Jones. Or as the books know him, Captain Hook?"

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Rosie." Killian turned her hand over gently, touching his nose to the back, his eyes never leaving hers. And as he did, Rosie's heart fluttered at the simple act. 'Come on, get a grip girl! He's just a bloke!' she told herself.

"Likewise, Captain," she breathed, unconsciously batting her eyes at him.

"So what brings you here, Rosie Sage?" Then, seeing Annabelle behind them, the resemblance between them became clear. "Ah, Sage? As in Merlin's girls? Anna's sister?"

"Yup, but Rosie's SO MUCH older than me, you understand!" Anna grinned. "I'm just showing the old girl around,"

"Oy, none of that, blondie! There's only three years between us," the brunette retorted. "You see Captain, I got the brains, and she got the boobs, basically!"

What followed next was a series of quick sarcastic comments and retorts between the two sisters, both smiling happily as they traded insults once again. It was clear to him that these siblings were very close, and had missed one another, their comments never more than light fun. Anna continued as she wrapped an arm around the older girl.

"Anyway, my aged sibling here, was asking about the local guys in town and, you know, she needs all the help she can get with dating advice and so on?"

Killian couldn't avoid smirking. "I'm sure that's untrue. I've lived a lot longer than you think, but believe you two the most stunningly beautiful pair of sisters I've ever met. I have no doubt you have boys falling all over you!"

"Well thanks for the compliment, Captain. Flattery will get you anywhere; but I'm more interested in men than boys, these days!" She winked at Ashley. "So far, all the guys in this town like Sean here, seem to be already tied up with beautiful wives like Ash. Or…" she smiled at Philip, "Your handsome mayor here, with more than one gorgeous lass, the greedy boy!"

Philip laughed, nodding in agreement. "An undeserving boy, certainly!"

"Well love, before you set about your task of working your way around all the single men in Storybrooke, perhaps you'll allow this single man to buy you and your sister a drink? You too, Ashley?"

"Why thank you, kind sir!" She deliberately avoiding looking at Anna.

Mifflin Street

Emma lay in bed, book in hand, propped up on pillows. Since moving in with Regina two years ago, the former sheriff had gone out of her way to educate herself in a wider variety of literature. Although she'd never been much of a reader, her parents, wife and son were avid readers. Snow, unsurprisingly, loved romantic novelists such as Austen and Bronte. Roland took after Henry in his love of adventure stories; and Regina loved the classics. The biggest surprise had been her father. Since the curse broke, David had become hooked on Shakespeare, travel, and cook books. So Emma, feeling like an illiterate dullard compared to the rest of her family, decided it was time to further her own education.

It was while re-reading a chapter of her latest challenge, for the third time, that she heard the gentle thud of the front door downstairs. And after a couple of minutes, her wife appeared in the bedroom.

"Hello my love," Regina whispered, to avoid waking Honour, stepping around the bed to peck her lips. "Couldn't sleep?"

"Not really. I tried to, but you know me? If you're not here I don't tend to."

Things had been tense since their falling-out over Hood. But judging by the brunette's expression, it looked like she'd forgiven her.

"Well I'll try to fix that very soon!" She cupped her cheeks, giving her another kiss and a smile. Sorry I'm late, but after the meeting, I stopped off at Kathryn and Frederick's for a couple of drinks. So, just let me pee?" She turned to head to the bathroom.

"Way to kill the moment there, Gina!" Emma retorted, hearing a chuckle from the bathroom. Maybe the night was going to get better. "Don't forget to use the bidet?"

"How dare you! I do every night - as you well know!" She called back in mock outrage. "Now get in here and use it yourself! Room for one more...if you're interested?"

Leaping out from between the sheets, Emma's cheeks flushed at the thought. She loved the naughtier, salacious side of Regina, a side hidden from everyone but herself. A side that often came out after a couple of drinks!

Emma tapped on the bathroom door. "Coming in, ready or not."

She breezed in to find Regina standing in front of one of the mirrors at the double sink, in just bra and panties, removing make-up and cleansing. As the brunette smiled back, she joined her at the next basin, realising she hadn't brushed her teeth before bedtime. Tonight might be worth it! Emma loved shared moments like these, the pair of them side-by-side in front of the mirrors, preparing for bed. The simple domesticity of married life was something she'd long craved. And now she had it all.

"So, the meeting at the town hall? What's Spencer bitching about this time?"

Regina also loved their little end-of-day moments together before retiring. "Spencer's no longer the mayor. They suspended him, and sacked Nottingham. Philip Briar's now our Interim Mayor!"

"Sacked him? Phil? What have I missed?"

"Spencer called a meeting to evict Robin and the men from the forest, and shut down the new village. Philip wasn't having any of it, and made a speech. A damn good one actually! Though there were a few home truths I didn't much like. The imp alleged fraud by Spencer at the last election. There was a vote. Your mother, Briar, Hopper and Whale voted against, and now he's gone. They voted in Philip, and he's already made some changes. And there we are. So, anything happen here?"

"TV was crap, so I tried to read Ulysses, but I still hated it. Henry's home, and Robin asked me out on a date."

"Henry's home?" Regina was desperate to spend some quality time with her adult son. But then the gears in her mind started comprehending what Emma just said. "Wait…Robin? What did you say?"

"Your old soulmate's asked me out on a date! Or more specifically, a chance to get to know me, as he put it? He said it was your idea. So, what are you scheming, your majesty?"

Regina mind whirled. He asked her? "Um…oh, well…it's sort of…true. I did suggest something, but I wasn't sure he'd go for it."

"What were you thinking when you suggested it? Be honest."

"Emma, I'd never be anything else, when it comes to you! I just thought that, as we have this odd...situation, with Robin, it might help if the two of you properly got to know each other, without me being there."

"I think we got to know each other pretty well two nights ago, don't you?"

"Not like that! I just want you not to feel what you and I have isn't threatened by having him around."

"After that? Cart before the horse, don't you think?"

"Emma, I don't have an ulterior motive! I just felt that, well, after what you said about you two somehow, 'sharing' me, I felt guilty. Like I'm the one stopping you and Robin from having normal partners of your own. You both deserve better than me, and after hearing what Philip said, in front of everyone, about my past this evening, I was reminded about you and Hook, and Marian."

"Marian? What the hell's she got to do with anything?"

"Nothing, now." Regina sighed. "Just another innocent life I monumentally screwed up. I just…well…never mind. I thought you and Robin becoming friends was a good idea. I'm sorry. I hope you let him down gently."

"Who says I let him down?"

"You said yes? You mean you're going out with him?"

Emma smirked. "Well, what have I got to lose? He's taking me out for a decent meal at a fancy restaurant, so he says. And more importantly, he's paying for it, and it was my wife's idea in the first place, so I don't have to feel guilty! If I wind up bored, I'll just say thanks for the meal, and come home."

Regina's surprised expression slowly turned into a smile. "Thank you for trying! For me. I know it's difficult, though I certainly don't think you'll be bored." She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around the blonde, shivering for a moment as the exposed skin of their bare stomachs touched. Without hesitation, Emma moved in and latched her lips on to Regina's in an open-mouthed kiss, enjoying the fresh hint of spearmint toothpaste as her tongue slid easily into the older woman's mouth. Regina groaned with pleasure.

Still entwined, two heads finally pulled apart, Emma recognising the interested look.

"Well Mrs. Swan-Mills, you said something about a bidet?"

"I did. I've just had an idea how we could both use it, at the same time. Up for a challenge?"

"You kinky thing! Yeah, I'm up for it!"

Tuesday Morning – The Jolly Roger

A soft beam of sunlight shone through the stained glass, waking Killian Jones. He quietly groaned, too drained and exhausted to move. For once his malaise was not the result of vast amounts of rum. Instead it was mainly caused by hours of frenetic lovemaking with a certain brunette. A brunette seemingly more than experienced in the sexual arts than he'd expected, and ever experimental! A brunette who'd made it very clear she was attracted to him. A brunette who'd played his body like a Stradivarius. A brunette whose sublime body lay naked next to him, snoring gently. A smug grin broke on his face as he skipped through last night's events.

The previous evening:

After meeting Anna's sister, Killian had taken it on himself to introduce Rosie, Anna and the team to all the drinking holes he knew in Storybrooke. There weren't many. Two hours later, he bid farewell to Tink, Anna and the others.

"Well then, guess that leaves just us?" He told Merlin's middle daughter. "I guess we better get you back. You're staying with your father at the convent?"

"Nope. My bags are in the truck. I'm staying at the Earl of Locksley tonight, though Dad always told me never to poof anywhere using magic, if I've been drinking. So, I guess I have to walk. Where are you staying?"

"On the Jolly Roger of course. I sail on Saturday."

"You what? The real 'Jolly Roger'? So, you really are Captain Hook?"

"Very perceptive," Killian replied, sarcastically and lifting his left arm. "But Zeus fixed the limb when he sent me back, so the moniker is a little out of date."

"Sorry. No insult intended. Still, I would love to see the famous Jolly Roger? I've only seen the Disney version!"

"I can show you the real thing. Perhaps tomorrow?"

"How about tonight?" urged Rosie, determined to keep the evening going. "I'd love to see the stars from the ocean."

"Won't your father be worried about you? It's getting rather late."

"I'm a big girl, Captain. I've magic of my own, and more than capable of looking after myself?"

"I have no doubt about that, love. You and Annabelle seem more than capable. Well in that case, I'm more than willing to show you the stars on board, though I have no wish to piss off your father unnecessarily."

"That's sweet of you, but don't worry. He may be the Eternal Sorcerer, but he's been around long enough and knows what we're like. Don't forget he's had hundreds of children before us."

"Very well then. The Jolly it is…"

~oOo~

Half an hour later, Killian had led her on board his ship. He cast off in the moonlight, anchoring just a mile offshore in the bay, so they could take advantage of less background light from the town, to see the stars properly. T hen they had lain together on a rush mat, just looking up into the heavens, and talking about recent history for a good hour, before Rosie put both hands on his cheeks, turned his face gently, before looking up at him lustily.

"Captain, I've been dropping hints all night. Are you going to kiss me, or not?"

Killian didn't seem flustered. On the contrary, he seemed to be in his element. "I always thought it bad form to kiss a lady without invitation."

"Well then, consider yourself invited."

With that she pulled him down to her mouth. He needed no further encouragement, latching his lips to hers as his arms wrapped around her smaller figure. Initial hesitation quickly turned to heated kissing, which led them into the Captain's Quarters, and eventually to the most frenetic, urgent, exhausting and, frankly, wonderful sex the centuries-old former pirate had ever experienced.

The following morning...

So, as dawn broke, Killian Jones lay happily exhausted. On the cabin bed beside him, lay an equally naked and shattered Rosalind Sage, both gleaning with sweat, eyes closed and in a state of sated bliss.

"Well, it's been an odd sort of day," she breathed. "Dear Diary, three days ago my dad asked me to bring a truck to a funny little place called Storybrooke. I met lots of fairy tale characters in an old English pub in the middle of a Maine forest, then went out to sea for a romantic night under the stars on the actual Jolly Roger, before having the best shag of my life with the actual three-hundred-year old Captain Hook. Who I thought was supposed to be a baddie, but turns out to be a sweetie! Apart from in the sack, when he's a hottie! Not bad for day one!"

Killian's face broke into a grin, reaching across to hold her hand. "I thank you for the compliments! For the record, I may have centuries of experience behind me, but I truly think that was also one of the greatest nights for me, too!"

"Really? But you must have had countless women between the sheets over the years? Or are you just good at flattery?"

"I meant every word. You Miss Sage, are something else! Something rather wonderful."

"And you, Captain," she rolled back on to his chest. "Are good for at least another round."

Mifflin Street

As Killian and Rosie enjoyed their energetic morning, Regina woke with the sun on her face as she lay naked, held comfortably in the warm arms of Emma. This was her favourite part of the day, their quiet time together before the day had to start. Emma was still sound asleep, her head resting on her chest, enjoying the warmth of her body.

For Regina, it was the first time they'd made love since Robin returned; there'd be no need for her to fake an orgasm, or give up from frustration. Even after last night, she'd still felt guilty that part of it had to do with her fantasies throughout their lovemaking. However, this time, instead of imagining herself with Robin, thoughts of Emma and Robin together had swum through her mind. Remembering the look of ecstasy on Emma's face, as Robin brought her to her peak several times, Regina imagined what else they could do together, just Emma and Robin. Or all three of them.

Her mind drifted to recent events. And she remembered how Fa Mulan, that severe, dour , humourless woman, now seemed to have undergone a transformation, beaming with happiness after publicly announcing her engagement to not one, but two people. How Aurora and Philip barely left her side, and the obvious love and devotion between the three of them. It made her feel jealous. Could she ever have something like that? She imagined herself waking up with Emma and Robin on either side of her.

"Who am I kidding?" she grumbled to herself, before realising she'd said it out loud.

"Ugh? Wassat?" Moaned the blonde head under the sheets. "Too early…sleeping!"

Regina smiled down at her, kissing her brow, before glancing at the bedside clock.

Eight? Hell, we've slept in!

Jumping out of the bed, she used her magic to clothe herself, before leaving the room to get Honour and Roland up.

She first stepped into the girl's bedroom. "Honny my love, it's time to get-" she stopped herself when she saw the empty bed! Panicking for a moment, she walked over to Roland's room, opening the door, only to discover he was also up too? Quickly heading downstairs, she was relieved when she heard noises coming from the kitchen.

"Henny – you takin' me an' Rolly?"

"Yup, that's right, Hon. After breakfast, I'll drop Rolly off at school then you at your playgroup, yeah? We'll let the mums have more sleep?" Henry starting doling out fresh pancakes onto the serving plate.

Regina looked at the touching scene from the doorway with mixed emotions. Henry was adorable with his younger siblings, a wonderful big brother, and fiercely protective. Yet now he was a young man, who didn't need his parents so much. A young man who now had another life outside of Storybrooke. Who would one day leave, probably to travel and begin his own family. She hated the thought, and just wanted him close, forever. After he'd fallen out with Emma, they'd seen so little of him since coming back from university.

"Hi mum, didn't see you there? You want some pancakes?" He asked, seeing her staring from the doorway.

"Oh, no thanks Hen, it's fine. I didn't realise you were all up. I thought they'd be late for school."

"No worries, I've got it sorted. I figured after last night, you'd both need a late start." The raised-eyebrowed, knowing look told her he'd guessed what they 'd been up to last night! "Silencing spell might be good next time, mum?"

She was mortified. And deeply embarrassed. They'd forgotten yet again!

"Henry, I-"

Henry decided to spare her blushes, so jumped right back in before she could say anything, yelling back to Roland and Honour, "Okay guys, we'll be leaving in ten! Have your things ready to go!" And with that, he turned to head upstairs, sparing her. "I'll see you later, mum."

That was a relief! Henry was her rock, and she hated making him feel awkward. Over the last five years, as she and Emma clumsily lurched from being awkward allies, to confidantes, to best friends and eventually lovers, before finally, wives, Henry had been supportive throughout. When Robin was murdered, he'd been astonishing. He'd grieved too in his own way, missing the nearest thing he had to a father figure. But he still managed to care for his mothers, offering endless comfort, hugs and security, when only a teenager himself.

It had been Henry who, when discovering his older mother was pregnant by Robin, insisted on getting his grandfathers to track down Roland and bring the boy back. To unite him with his half-sister and imminent sibling. Henry, who had persuaded John and the men to settle in Storybrooke permanently. Henry, who forcefully encouraged her, and Emma, to seek help for depression. But he was now grown up, and regarded as a hero in his own right. A hero sadly missed when he went to university.

The same young man who was now crashing down the stairs, car keys in hand, to take his brother and sister to school.

Henry lifted a giggling Honour up to Regina's face for a goodbye kiss.

"Bye, mummy, see ya' later!"

Regina giggled back, kissing her cheeks. Moments later, she looked to the girl's right, to see Roland, now magically suspended in mid-air next to her, also laughing.

"Roland! What on earth's going on?" she cried, before realising it was Henry's magic supporting him! She quickly pecked his cheeks too, while admonishing her older boy with a glare.

"Henry, stop that! No magic at home, thank you very much. That spell might easily have not worked!"

"A bit like your silencing spell then?" He cheekily rebuffed, leaving her dumbstruck, before magically lowering Roland to the floor, to head to the door, "You probably need to create a new one? You woke Honour up last night, too!"

~oOo~