A wedding on the Jolly Roger needs to be planned in just three days, before Killian Jones leaves, possibly forever. And at Regina's suggestion, Robin takes Emma out for the evening. But is it a date?
Storybrooke Hospital
"Ladies, Professor Sage will see you now!"
The ever-stern Nurse Ratched looked up at them like they were specimens in a jar
Ruby & Dorothy both flinched at the hard tone of the former asylum nurse. They'd popped in Killian's sperm samples, in their thermos container, the day before. And they'd been hoping to be met by Victor Whale, rather than the hatchet-faced hospital ice maiden. However, Ruby's anxiety eased when she heard the rich baritone voice of another as he came out to greet them.
"Miss Lucas, Miss Gale, lovely to see you both again! Bridget, would you kindly show them into Victor's office please? I'll be with you in just a moment." With that, Merlin moved across to a side sink to wash his hands.
"Certainly, Professor. Ladies, this way please? Would you like some tea?" Dorothy noticed the instant change in Ratched, at the presence of the man, clearly in awe of him. They'd never so much as seen her smile before, so it was a bit alarming. Ruby winked at her fiancée as they were led into Victor's consultation room.
"Sorry about that. Hope I didn't keep you waiting? I didn't realise Victor had such a busy case load. He certainly needs a lot more help here. That poor man's been rushed off his feet!"
"Is Vic okay?" Ruby frowned. "He's usually here on a Wednesday. I often have a quick lunch with him after, when he gets the chance."
"He's fine; just busy working in the new Sherwood clinic for a month, before going to New York to retrain in his first love. Neurology."
"He's leaving for New York? What, for good?"
"I don't think so. I'm sure he'll be back. Victor has been acting as an all-round surgeon and general practitioner here, often running this place single-handed with limited nursing help. He's been denied so many of the new tools and technology of the modern world. So, I'm going to help him get up to speed, using something called a mind-link while I'm here, introduce him to some key specialists, that sort of thing."
"Carrie's going to be upset." Dorothy was also going to miss their new friend.
"She already knows. Miss Locksley is going to go with him to New York, to find some temporary accommodation. You know, I've a good feeling about those two." The women looked glum. Another friend moving on. "Don't feel too sad, I'm sure they'll come back in due course. Anyway, I'm told you left the samples in the container here yesterday? I understand some has now been prepared for this morning's session so, are you ready to get started?
Dorothy exchanged a guilty look with her fiancée. "What, already?"
"Well, no time like the present. I checked both your charts from your samples and you should both should be ovulating around now. Though I can't remember which one of you was going to get pregnant? You've both got your combined DNA in your eggs, so it'll only take us a few minutes."
"Any questions before we start?" Merlin sensed their anxiety as Dorothy, looking awkward, reached out to grip Ruby's hand. "Ladies, I sense hesitation? I'm a doctor, so I need you to be open with me if you want me to help? There's no need to feel embarrassed."
"Well, it's just that...what if one of us…were kind of, already inseminated? How long before we found out before we tried with the samples, or if we did it now would it mes things up?" Ruby kept looking down, feeling they were wasting the Sorcerer's time.
He studied them, puzzled. "Already inseminated? Ruby, you didn't try injecting some of the sample yourselves, did you? Because I assure you, that usually doesn't work without proper medical supervision."
"God no, we wouldn't try anything like that. Only with you people helping us. Experts. Or the…" her cheeks reddened as she saw him connect the dots.
"Through intercourse? Is that what you're trying to say, Ruby?" He gave her an odd look, not judgmental just...curious. Dorothy's nod confirmed his thoughts. "One of you had sexual intercourse, without a condom?"
Ruby's eyes confirmed everything. It was Dorothy's turn to blush.
"Well, it's not what I was expecting, but there's no need to feel embarrassed. You're not the first and you certainly won't be the last to jump the gun before starting a treatment. Ladies, I'm not here to judge you, just help! As I mentioned on Sunday, your potential donor, or father, needs to have some form of magic capability if there is to be any chance of success. So therefore, I have to ask, was Captain Jones involved?"
"Yes…" Dorothy confirmed in a whisper, still feeling guilty. "Does that change anything?"
"I don't see why. It's probably best we see if you miss your period in a couple of weeks. If so, we'll get a urine sample to check, followed by a blood test. If no change, I'd recommend we start with the donor samples the next time you're about to ovulate? You never know, you might get lucky and fall pregnant first time around! Which of you had intercourse?"
The two women looked at one another, awkward smirks on both faces. It was also picked up by Merlin, who gave a surprised grin back.
"Both of you?" The pair nodded, clearly embarrassed. "With Captain Jones?" Another nod from Dorothy. "Well, well. That may just double your chances of success I guess, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.? However, for the moment I'm going to prescribe you some multivitamins, and a few things to help. I'll see you back here in a few weeks to see what we do next?"
"Thank you Professor. I do have another question?" Dorothy was relieved the embarrassment was over. "We'd like to invite you to our wedding, this Friday, on the Jolly? It's short notice I know, but we hope you'll come join us? Anna and Rosie are going to be there."
"Oh, dear me!" Merlin gave a deep chuckle, rolling his eyes. "Well If my girls are going, I'd best attend, if only to keep them in line! And stop them tripling your drinks bill! Thank you ladies, I'd love to come. The Jolly Roger you say? Captain Jones's vessel?"
"Yes, he's officiating for us. He can do that, being a former royal naval captain. Seems fitting somehow, seeing as he's the one that gave me the nudge I needed to ask Dorothy to marry me!"
Tuesday afternoon – Mifflin Street
As Regina let herself in through the front door, having collected the children from school, Honour and Roland charged around her towards the stairs, stopping briefly to kick off shoes and coats.
"Hang them up, Roland!" she yelled to the ten-year-old's back. "I don't want to see a pile on the floor again!" She ignored the exaggerated moans from the boy, as he turned back to retrieve the discarded coat and hang it up. "And don't forget you're helping me cook tonight, young man? Emma's going out, and you said you wanted spaghetti Bolognese? So, if you don't help, you don't eat!" She knew it was an idle threat. Roland loved cooking.
~oOo~
Two minutes later, she walked up the stairs, entering her bedroom to find wardrobe doors open, and most of the floor and bed draped with clothes. Emma's clothes to be precise. Pants, leggings and blouses draped everywhere. Before she could complain about all the mess, she heard a loud groan.
"Argh - too bloody tight! They fit three months ago; I can't have put on that much, surely?" wailed Emma, as Regina stepped into the bathroom to see her lying on the floor, red faced and straining, as she tried to pull on her usual skinny jeans.
"Emma! What the hell are you doing?"
"What does it look like? I'm trying to put something on to go out for the evening with your boyfriend. And nothing fits! I'm running nearly every day, I'm down to two bear claws a week now, so I shouldn't have put weight on! My ass is the size of a barge these days." she groaned.
"Don't exaggerate, I can assure you it's is perfectly lovely, and I should know! However, lovely is hardly the word I'd use to describe the state of our bedroom right no.! I thought we'd been burgled! What's wrong?"
"What's wrong is that I can't find anything to wear! Nothing looks right, and I just…I don't know." She huffed, standing up in just her underwear.
"Emma, you're acting like a child. And, you're looking in wardrobes owned by two women of reasonably similar size. There's bound to be something here you can wear…" She looked over everything that had been flung on the floors. "If I didn't know better, I'd have said you were definitely Roland's mother! It can't be that hard, surly? Where's Robin taking you anyway?"
"He texted me. Something about a French place called 'Lowberge Cash' something or other. It's some fancy restaurant near Greene Falls."
"L'Auberge Cachée?" Regina looked astonished. "Emma, that's a three-star Michelin restaurant! I want to go! It's only even been open a year." Regina remembered recently reading about it, and had intended taking Emma for an anniversary. "I'm jealous - the food's supposed to be wonderful! Very creative chef." She again looked at the clothes scattered across the floor. Mostly jeans, pants and tops. "But you can't possibly go somewhere like that in those! It's fancy. You need to dress up."
"Gina, you know I don't do swanky. I'm a burger, fries and beer girl! I'm not even sure it's a good idea, after all. Perhaps I should just call Robin and tell him I can't make it."
"DON'T YOU DARE! Despite your best efforts, Swan, you're still a princess! And food obsessed, so you'll love it. So no buts madam! I'll help find you something, and we'll fix your hair and make-up while we're at it."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why go to all the trouble? It's only Robin and - hey, what's wrong with my hair?"
"It looks greasy. Needs a wash. And you go to the trouble, because he's going to the trouble to take you somewhere special! He's trying to get to know you better, and you should damn well try to get to know him, too."
"I think I got to know him fairly well Saturday night, didn't I? Anyway, what's this really about? It feels like you're trying to turn this into some sort of date?"
Regina huffed, sitting on the bed beside her. "We've talked about this. He's the children's father and he's going to be part of their lives now. After what you said about him being part of my life, I want you and him to become friends too."
"Only friends? He's my wife's soulmate and taking me out to a posh restaurant. That sounds a bit...romantic? You don't think he has ideas of something with me too, do you? You don't think he's looked at Phil and thought about having something like that for himself? A few more threesomes? It's every guy's dream, after all."
"Please don't talk about him like that, Emma. He's honourable, and you know it. He'd never treat you, or any woman like that. You can't compare him to others just because you've had bad experiences in the past."
"True, but I bet you wouldn't mind another little three-way romp with me and Wonder Boy now, would you?"
"I'll admit, Saturday night was rather wonderful. At least, it was until somebody put her foot in it!" She glared back. "And I know you happened to enjoy it at the time."
"I don't deny it, but do you really think it's a good idea setting me up with him? I am a married woman, after all."
"I'm doing no such thing! He asked you out to get to know you, and I'm encouraging it."
"So what if he expects a good night kiss? Are you okay with that, too?"
Regina's eyebrow rose, as she took a moment to consider. "Yes. If it brought you closer, I'd be okay with that."
Emma couldn't believe her ears. "So you're giving me permission to make out with him?"
Another silence, before she gave her a wide smirk. "Actually, I suppose I am. I trust you, and I trust him."
"In-ter-es-ting! Okay, so what do you suggest I wear then? Clearly, according to you, my clothes aren't nearly good enough for him!"
Regina ignored the sarcasm. "Something of mine. The purple cocktail dress would work - with your hair down."
"The one you wore to the Spring Ball? You looked drop-dead gorgeous in that. Most of the guys couldn't take their eyes off you. Nor could Mal, or Ruby. In fact, I think Dot was a bit pissed off with her for staring at you all the time! Bit sheer, and shows a lot of boob and leg though, don't you think?"
"No, I do not! It shows just sufficient décolletage to be interesting, but not provocative. It'll fit perfectly for where you're going. Plus, you'll need matching a strapless bra and underwear. I have those. Now let's tidy up this mess, and get you in the bath."
Emma gave her a leer. "I like the sound of that. Wanna join me?"
"I'd love to, but it's too early for me. And we have two very much wide-awake children in the house!"
"Nothing a locked door and silencing spell can't fix?"
Regina groaned, remembering what Henry had said earlier.
"Ah yes, about that? Henry heard us again last night. He said we woke Honour."
"That's impossible, I threw that damn spell myself! Twice. I'm sure I did!" Emma cringed. "Hell, that's embarrassing. There's no way anyone should have heard us."
"I know, I was with you, remember? I'm not sure what's happened, but we need to double check and keep the noise down in future." She looked resigned, though Emma now sported a grin.
"Perhaps I should get your boyfriend to step up his babysitting responsibilities, now he's back and in his little kingdom? They can all spend nights with him in the forest, and we can be undisturbed? Plus, you can scream all you want!"
Storybrooke Harbour, earlier the same day…
Aboard the former pirate ship as it lay moored in the harbour, Captain Killian Jones was going through the arrangements for Friday's wedding with Ruby and Dorothy. Tinker Bell and Rosie Sage stood to one side, offering suggestions.
"So, ladies. After you've made your vows, you'll exchange rings, I'll declare you duly married, or wife and wife, whatever you prefer. You'll kiss your bride, and you'll go into the Captain's Quarters with the cricket, who'll sort out the legals, registering the marriage, that sort of thing. Everything clear so far?"
"Aye, aye Cap'n!" Dorothy gave the worst British pirate accent imaginable, making the others groan and Killian raise an eyebrow, making her feel stupid. "Sorry. Not my best impression!"
The embarrassed look made him smirk. "Forgiven. Now then, where are you having the banquet?"
Before the imminent newlyweds could respond, Rosie spoke up. "You need to sort this place out, Killian? It's looking at bit…shippy!"
"A bit 'shippy'? Is that even a word, love? It's a ship! A beautiful brigantine! My beautiful brigantine to be precise. What were you expecting?"
"You know what I mean," she sniggered. "Yes, she's beautiful, but it still needs something extra for a wedding. Bunting, lights and stuff? Some pizzazz? It's their big day, Killian," she looked at the two equally confused women. "We need to brighten the place up a bit!"
Jones looked up and down the vessel, his pride and joy. She has a point. "Okay, young lady. What do you suggest?"
"Well, I've never actually decorated a sailing ship before, but how about something like…this?" With that, the Sorcerer's daughter waved her hands. As the mist cleared, the rigging, ropes and edges of the sails became festooned with multi-coloured flags. White lilies draped across the floor, and multi coloured flowers decked the sides.
"WOW!" Ruby was seriously impressed. "That's so clever! I love it! Did your dad teach you that, Rosie?" She and Dorothy gazed in wonder at the sudden massive floral display.
"Kind of. Though Mum was always the one for the 'style' stuff." She said it with a tinge of sorrow in her voice. "Dad was more into the big performance. Mum had the flair."
Tink picked up on her sadness, moving across to place an arm on her shoulder. "When did she pass over?"
"Three years ago. Car accident. Knocked everyone for six, especially Anna. Dad took it pretty bad too."
Ruby said nothing, silently stepping in front of her, wrapping an arm around to take her in a side hug. Dorothy stepped to her other side, wrapping her arm around Rosie's shoulder, the three women now surrounding her in a loose embrace.
"Rosie, we know how you feel. Rubes and I both lost our parents; but the pain does lessen, even though it'll never go completely. But you have friends here now! Don't be afraid to use us. Ruby is a particularly good shoulder to cry on." Dorothy looked across at the former pirate. "So's Killian, actually."
"Aye, love. Most of us have experienced pain of loss. Death's just a part of life, sadly. You've already made friends here. I'm here too, or at least I will be till Saturday."
Rosie looked up at the man she'd spent all night and all day with, her eyes reddening. "Actually Killian, I've been meaning to ask you all morning. Take me with you?"
Killian was surprised. The last twenty-four hours with this astonishing, beautiful, 'energetic' young woman had been wonderful, and he was secretly hoping for more time with her before he sailed.
"You do realise I'm going to be away for at least a year, possibly longer, don't you? This is all a bit sudden? Personally, I'd love to have you on board with us, but perhaps you need to talk this through with your father? And your sister? Think it through, and if you still want to join us..." he glanced at the green fairy, "...then you'd be most welcome."
With that, he stepped away to walk down the steps to his quarters, leaving the four women, Tinker Bell the first to speak.
"I'm also sailing with him, Rosie. But Killian happens to be right. It's a long time to be away from your family. Are you sure it's a good idea?"
"Tink? You're going too?" Dorothy was surprised. "Why?"
"Well, apart from my friends, there isn't really any reason for me to stay. He's going to be heading to Atlantica first, to see Ariel and Eric about a problem involving Ursella. Then he's going on to Arendelle. I've really missed Anna and Elsa, and know them well; so it seems the right time to go. Besides, I can keep him company. I've been so worried about him since he came back and found out about Emma. He hides it well, but underneath it all, he's hurting."
"Yeah, right!" Rosie chuckled, a hint of sarcasm barely hidden.
Tink frowned. "You have something you want to say?"
"Well, erm, begging your pardon, and I may not have known him as long as all of you, but he's more over Emma than you might think."
The fairy never spotted the smirk on Ruby & Dorothy's faces as they nodded in agreement; but she definitely picked up on the blush on Rosie's cheeks.
"Oh? So Rosie, are you and Killian…together?" It wasn't the first time she'd seen someone smitten.
"Well, not exactly. It's just…well, it's early days yet. We're both getting over someone but, well, who knows?"
The fairy smiled back at her. "Well if you do decide to come, it'll be nice having another woman along for the trip. I was beginning to think I'd be a bit outnumbered."
As the two discussed the planned voyage ahead, Ruby and Dorothy exchanged concerned looks, both guessing where the other's thoughts were going. If Rosie and Killian were starting a relationship, should they be continuing with Killian's sample?
Mifflin Street
Knowing Robin would be collecting Emma at seven, Regina finished cooking the children's supper a little earlier, so she could change out of her jeans and shirt and into something more comfortable before he arrived. Stepping into their bedroom, she heard her in the adjoining bathroom. Trying the handle, which was, unusually, locked.
"Emma? You okay in there?"
"Yup. Just finishing off - beauty takes time for me these days, you know?" That earned a snigger from the brunette, who was just about to change when she heard the door knocker.
"Dammit, he's early!"
So instead, she zipped herself back up, and went back down to open the door. "You should know better, thief, arriving before a lady's fully prep-" she stopped when, instead of seeing her outlaw, she was confronted by a tall brunette.
Hello Mrs. Swan-Mills. How are you?" Violet beamed up at her, as she heard heavy footsteps thumping down the stairs behind her.
Henry appeared behind his mother, gently grasping her shoulders from behind, embracing her, while gently moving her to one side to get to his girlfriend.
"Hi, Vi!" He wrapped an arm around the girl's side, placing a just-about-chaste kiss on her lips.
Regina smiled, welcoming the increasingly elegant young woman into her house, whilst feeling a little sad. She liked Violet, but hated how Henry was so independent now. He was a man, no longer a boy; taller and broader than either of them, and growing in confidence by the say. He had David's natural easy manner, and like Charming, effortlessly flirted with the opposite sex without even being aware he was doing it.
"Come on up Vi? I'm nearly ready." He took her hand, leading her inside only to see a disappointed look on his brunette mother.
"You're going out? I thought you were staying for dinner? We've hardly seen anything of you! And-" The words left her before she could stop. She knew it sounded petty, but she'd missed him, especially after his falling out with Emma.
"Mum, we're only just heading into Sherwood for a few drinks. There's a party going on for Grace's twenty-first, so I won't need dinner."
"But you're still coming home tonight?"
"Well, I was planning on staying over at Vi's. If Sir Morgan doesn't mind."
She got on well with Hank Morgan, Violet's father, one of King Arthur's former knights. He was a good man, if a little stiff. But Hank liked Henry, approving of Violet's choice in boyfriend. Both parents guessed their adult children were probably sleeping together, but feigned ignorance, trusting them to be careful. Sir Morgan had grown to trust Regina too, but was still reticent when it came to Emma. The fact that, while cursed as the Dark One, Emma had removed his daughter's heart from her body, even if it had been in a good cause, had not been forgotten by the knight.
Forgiven, but not forgotten.
"Violet?" Regina smiled, half-heartedly. "You do know you're always welcome to stay here, don't you?" Even if she shared Henry's room, it'd still be worth it to have him under their roof.
Violet knew this was an awkward subject, still not feeling altogether confident around Emma. "Thanks, Mrs. Swan-Mills but dad's expecting me home tonight. Maybe next time?"
"Well after all the time we've known one another, don't you think it's time you started calling me Regina instead? It's been five years after all."
"Okay, thank you Mrs - Regina. I appreciate it."
Before she could say anything else, a larger figure coming from up the path now appeared in the doorway behind the younger woman. "Hi. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
"Robin," first thing Henry noticed was what he was wearing. "Wow, seriously sharp dinner jacket you got there? I've never seen you all dressed up before!"
As Violet turned to face him, Regina also took in the sight. Her former soulmate was now wearing a dark navy-blue tailored suit, with a white silk roll neck sweater underneath, and black patent-leather shoes. Apart from briefly Camelot, she'd never seen him in anything so formal. Everything seemed to fit him like a glove, and if she didn't know better, she'd swear it was bespoke, designed just for him. Did he use magic to make it?
"Robin?" As Violet spoke, Regina couldn't fail to notice the pink in her cheeks. And it looked like she was about to curtsy? "My Lord, thank you so much for what you did yesterday at the stables! That paddock's wonderful, and dad's as pleased as punch!" She gushed, looking him up and down. "And Henry's right, that's a seriously nice suit! Looks expensive? Off somewhere nice, tonight?"
"Why thank you Violet, and you're father's more than welcome. And it's just 'Robin' to you, if you don't mind? None of that 'Lord' this or 'Sir' that, nonsense?"
"Paddock?" Regina wondered what could have brought such a fawning smile to the girl's face? "What have you been up to now, thief?"
But Violet answered for him. "Oh Regina, it's brilliant! Robin and the Merry Men levelled part of the edge of Sherwood, to build some new stables, foaling barns and a big riding area. You can fit about fifty horses in there now! Dad's thrilled, because he said he doesn't need to traipse all over town to get Thunderbolt. Mayor Spencer wouldn't allow overnight stabling and he had to put him in different places. Now he can keep him alongside the militia horses in one place."
"I'm glad Hank likes it. Now if we can just persuade David Nolan, and a certain rather brilliant horsewoman I happen to know, to give lessons? We could create a half-decent riding school." He winked at Regina.
"Me? And what makes you think I have either the time, or the inclination to teach? Have you even spoken to Charming about this?"
"Firstly milady, I know you're a lady of leisure at the moment. Possibly bored, and needing a fresh challenge? You once told me you used to love nothing more than riding your beloved Rocinante through the forest? There's several people around here that attest to your horsemanship and you've probably forgotten more about everything equestrian than most people will ever know. And once again, you love it! Plus, it beats all that boring local politics?"
She sniggered at the last bit. "You know me too well, thief. Let me think about it, okay? I'm not promising anything and may I remind you that I'm hardly a 'lady of leisure' these days? Especially as I have two of your children to take care of? Even if I do love them."
Henry watched them as he led Violet to the stairs. He noticed how his brunette mother's nature always softened in front of Robin; and how their eyes never left one another, often flirting blatantly, as though the last five years hadn't happened. Henry had no doubt she still had feelings for the man who died saving her.
However, his thoughts were interrupted by his mother, who appeared to be coming down the stairs.
"Violet, Henry? What are you two up to?"
"Oh wow, you look great too Emma!" Violet was pleasantly surprised to see Henry's blonde mother had also dressed up. The former sheriff had a great figure, but rarely wore anything that showed it off. Regina more than made up for it, but this time the roles were reversed. This time, instead of her usual jeans and sweaters, Emma wore a purple silk knee-length cocktail dress, which showed her long athletic legs perfectly, and just the right amount of cleavage to be interesting. And her long blonde hair, usually bunched, seemed shinier, healthier, as it now cascaded over one shoulder.
Robin had also noticed the remarkable change. "Oh my, Emma? You're a vision! Quite...enchanting." He was careful to only look her in the eyes, not letting himself gaze over her body. Though he'd always remembered Killian's former girlfriend to be a pretty, but rather sullen woman, this version was stunning. When he turned to gauge Regina's reaction to the way she was dressed, it was to find her staring straight back at him, a tiny smirk on her lips.
"My wife scrubs up rather well, don't you think?"
"To perfection. Emma, I've honestly never seen you looking so beautiful! Oh, and I nearly forgot - a little something for each of you?"
He focused his magic, two single, long-stemmed roses, one pale yellow, the other lavender. Both perfect in their detail. He gave the yellow to Emma and the lavender to Regina, the brunette smiling up at him, knowing its meaning only too well.
"Emma," she explained to the confused blonde. "Yellow roses symbolise unconscious beauty, friendship, and the promise of a new beginning."
"And a lavender one?"
She looked back at Robin as she smelt her own. Love at first sight. "Not sure I can recall."
As she moved over to her wife, sweeping a stray lock from her face, tucking it behind her ear, Robin looked at the two of them as they stood close, and couldn't help smirking. Regina was usually the one immaculately attired. But now it was obvious she felt a little self-conscious, a little second-best, next to her beautifully turned-out spouse. And she'd spotted the smirk.
"What? Something assuming you Locksley? Think I'm badly dressed, standing next to Emma?"
"Regina, you wouldn't know how to be badly dressed, even if you tried! You're always turned out immaculately. I laughed because, looking at the pair of you together, I just noticed how the two of you have grown into each other in many ways? You're wearing what Emma usually wears, yet you still look perfect. And Emma's dress is clearly yours. Benefit of sharing a wardrobe, I guess?"
Emma looked her wife up and down, and realised he was right. Regina was wearing her own blue stretch jeans and a white sweater. Apart from the Timberlands, as Emma's feet were a bit bigger. And she'd borrowed one of Regina's dresses for the evening, as she frequently did these days. Regina smiled back at her, leaning in to Robin to whisper, just within earshot of Emma,
" She's wearing my matching underwear, too! Purple!"
That earned a light slap on the arm from the blonde. "Hey, don't go telling him that? That's between you and me!"
Quickly trying to change the subject, Emma looked him over. "You're looking rather dapper yourself there, Locksley?" And she meant it. He looked extremely handsome in a well fitted, single breasted navy suit that accentuated his broad chest yet slimmer frame. His hair also seemed to be clipped shorter, and his light beard trimmed and waxed.
"Hmm, doesn't he just?" Regina agreed. He looks even better underneath, she thought to yourself, glancing up to see Emma had caught the look in her eye.
Henry, seemingly invisible to the trio as they talked, picked up on what was odd. "So ma's going out with Robin tonight? Not you?"
"Yes, well, um…yeah. We just kinda-"
"I need to talk to Emma about a few things regarding Roland and Honour, Henry." Robin interrupted, saving her blushes. "As Regina preferred to stay in this evening and mind the children, it's just the two of us." At least that was believable?
"Well, with Ma dressed like that, you must be going somewhere posh?" Henry had noticed the odd-coloured roses both his mothers held. Seeing their awkward looks, he decided to leave it at that. "Well, have a nice time. Oh, and Robin? Again, great outfit!"
"Thank you Henry. You have a nice evening too. Emma, are you ready to go?"
"Ready as I'll ever be. I guess I'm driving?" The blonde looked to the side table for her keys.
"No need, we have a car and chauffeur outside."
"A chauffeur? But we're heading over the town line! Who've you got to drive?" Until now she hadn't thought about this bit. What if they were seen? Her and Robin together? What if word got back to her mother? Tongues wag in Storybrooke, and before she knew it, everybody would want to know why they were dressed up and going out without Regina! "Robin, I'm really not sure that's a good idea."
The archer guessed her concerns. He'd closed off his mind-reading, powers, but could tell where she was going with this. "You don't have to worry. Not only is it heavily tinted glass, but I have an impeccable, discrete man, who will take us over the town line and bring us back late, allowing us to have a few drinks and relax. He has magic too, so he'll be fine."
"Magic? You didn't ask Gold,surely? It can't be Henry or…or…Merlin?"
"None of those, I'm afraid." He sniggered. "But it's someone I almost trust completely!"
"Almost? Not Killian? Please Robin, anyone but him!" But he shook his head.
"Then what other man has magic around here?" Regina was just as intrigued.
"Come see?"
He gestured for them to join him, walking out and towards the back of a large grey-black limousine. As they neared it, a tallish man in a peaked cap and grey uniform, stepped outside, walking towards the back door and opening it in readiness.
"Your car, madame?" said a Robin Hood lookalike; an exact replica of the man now walking beside her!
"Been practicing that 'cloning' magic, I see?" Regina smirked, impressed.
"Something like that. It's a bit tricky to master at first, but I've been assured by Merlin that if I have too much alcohol tonight, it won't affect him!" to which his chauffeur-twin replied. "Absolutely not! I'd never drink and drive milady!"
Regina stepped closer to Chauffeur Robin. "Hmm. I do like the peaked cap? Very military!"
To which the man replied, winking. "And I come with or without, milady!" Earning a guffaw from the brunette.
"Robin, your chauffeur's flirting with my wife - rein him in!"
"Bad chauffeur! Naughty, bad chauffeur! Don't flirt with the ladies! Know your place!" Proper Robin said to the doppelganger, trying hard to stifle his own laugh.
"Oo arrr! Zorry, young zur!" Chauffeur Robin replied, feigning humility, with a weird country accent, and a doff of his cap. "Oy knows moi place, zur! Jus' don't go beatin' me again zur!"
"Why don't you just leave your…chauffeur…with me while you go off and enjoy yourselves? I'm sure I can...take good care of him?" Regina offered, still grinning.
"Absolutely no bloody way!" Emma insisted, "Robin and I are definitely drinking. We need the ride home!"
"Very well. Then have a wonderful time, both of you. Emma..." she placed a soft kiss on her wife's lips. "You behave yourself. And Robin..." she turned to her former true love, placing a slightly more chaste peck on his cheek. "Seriously, please look after my girl?"
"I'm sure Emma's more than capable of taking care of herself, Gina. Perhaps she can take care of me? But I'll still protect her with my life, if need be."
"Don't say things like that! Brings back too many painful memories."
Regina stepped back as the pair climbed into the limousine, unaware they were also being watched from an upstairs window by Henry and Violet.
"So how come Robin's taking Emma out to dinner, to some place outside town, without Regina? That dress she's wearing is seriously sexy - and the shoes? She looked wonderful. Almost like she was on a date!"
Henry was thinking the same thing . But if it was some sort of date, why was Regina smiling and flirting with Robin when they left? Something strange was going on.
~oOo~