Tink is given a special gift by an apologetic Reul Ghorm, and Merlin feels the need to have a concerned talk with his daughter's choice of boyfriend, especially when said boyfriend has a reputation like Killian Jones's!
Somewhere just outside the town line...
Back in the stretch limo, Emma was kneeling, rifling through the drinks cabinet.
"This car's brilliant! Merlin doesn't exactly slum it in New York, does he?" She pulled out two bottles of chilled beer, considering also opening up the champagne currently sitting in a little chilled ice bucket. "We've got whisky too. What're you having?"
He smirked at her almost childlike enthusiasm. "I'll just take a beer for now. He said the car's owned by a friends He owns a brewery, apparently. I'm going to pace myself for later."
"Suit yourself," Emma prized the tops off the bottles, handing one to him before sitting back. "Okay Locksley, so what's the deal here?"
"The deal?"
"Why are we really doing this? Regina said you wanted to get to know me, but I've got to admit I'm a little freaked that the same guy my wife's in love with, is now taking me out on some sort of date, with her blessing? What are you up to? Trying to get some sort of three-way thing going? Perhaps you looked at Philip Briar, and want what he's got?"
"Hardly!" He gave a dry laugh. "I know Mulan's story. She was very much in love with him before she'd even met Aurora. Then he was killed, or so they thought, and got to know Aurora and fell for her, too. Very romantic story, but it hardly compares to us!"
"So, what's with the dinner and limo? Granny's or Aesop's not good enough for a famous outlaw these days?"
"Well, to be fair the choice of restaurant was Merlin's idea. He knows the owner, and I wanted somewhere further away where we could talk openly without being overheard. Getting to know you properly was Regina's idea, but I agreed. There's no cunning plan, Emma. As we're going to be in each other's lives either way, I'd like to get to know the woman Regina fell in love with, and married. And more importantly, the same woman who's been jointly raising my children for the last five years!"
She followed every word, and her powers told her he wasn't lying. "Yeah, that reminds me. Regina and me. Um, I spoke with Killian on Saturday."
"Killian?"
"It wasn't about him," she hesitated, now feeling awkward for bringing it up. "It was about something you said to him. Apparently, when you were both in the Underworld, you told him you thought Regina and I would get together? What made you think that? I never even thought of Regina that way when you were with her. It was the same with me and him! I didn't…well, you know?"
"I'm sure you'd never would make an advance on anyone if you, or they, were attached to someone else. I've always known you to honourable."
"So what made you think we'd wind up together? Did you think I was gay to begin with? Heck, I'd never even been romantically involved with another woman before her. Nor had she. What made you think that?"
"Simple observation. There was always a lot of tension between the two of you; some might even call it sexual. And the looks? I knew Regina cared for you deeply, even if she hid it behind the usual layers of sarcasm. But the way you used to stare at each other? It seemed at times almost flirtatious? A bit like how she used to look at Maleficent. In some ways, I thought it looked like you were about to kill one another, but in other ways, like you were going to ravish each other instead."
"And you never said anything? To her?"
"No need! It never bothered me so why should I? Actually, I thought it nice for her to have someone, apart from Henry, that cared for her. You and your family were, are, very special to Regina. So once I'd come to terms with the fact I was dead, I was hopeful for you both, I guess. Plus Henry's a son to both of you and he unites you, so not would offer more stability for him. I just wanted her to get her own happy ending, even if it couldn't be with me! Having you beside her was the next best option. She had such a horrible upbringing and suffered so much at the hands of that vile mother of hers. She needs you more than you can imagine, Emma! You're a very special person. Had I not accidentally read your mind, it's fairly obvious you've also had a difficult past, and felt abandoned, just like her. You deserved one another."
His words embarrassed her. "Hearing that from you, I'm not sure what to say to all that!"
"It's nothing but the truth. I guess if I'd returned to find Gina had another man, or even Mal, on her arm, I might have felt more hurt. But you? It's odd, but I don't. Seeing her on the arm of another intelligent, caring and beautiful woman, somehow seems…fitting?"
She thought he was laying on the flattery a bit thick, but it was still nice to hear. He reminded her of the two men she once loved. Neal, her cocky charmer. She'd always loved Henry's biological father, despite everything, and always regretted not telling him her true feelings until it was too late. He'd sacrificed himself so she could break the curse and be with her family. Then there was Killian Jones. Another man who saved the whole town and stole her heart. She loved that gorgeous pirate with a passion and his death tore her apart. It took three long years to recover. For her to able to receive love again; with Regina. And now, seeing Killian once more, five years after his death, brought so many feelings to the surface. She'd hurt him, not intentionally, but seeing the enormous pain in his eyes at Granny's, made her feel quite sick. Then that coldness he showed her at the weekend, when she knew he was finally over her. That really hurt, when it shouldn't!
Emma looked curiously at him, as he sat back, drinking his beer, looking out the window. Emma had never paid much attention to him when he was with Regina. Her wife had once virtually worshipped this man, and his death almost destroyed her to the point of attempting suicide.
She could understand the attraction. Robin was different. Much more serious than Neal or Killian. Secure in himself, with a quiet authority, a certainty that seemed to calm those around him, especially Regina. A father with responsibilities, he was a natural leader, who just seemed to inspire confidence. Emma thought about how he had been received by everyone in the town just a week ago. The Merry Men obviously welcomed their lost figurehead, but what really surprised her was Mulan's reaction. The normally sullen fighter beaming when she saw him in the park. Philip and Rory even asked him to be their new child's godfather! And Ruby seemed to adore him. Blue, Tink, dammit everyone seemed to love him, and the Saviour began to understand why. He was simply kind, considerate, gentle and sincere.
As he watched the passing fields fly by, her mind went back to Saturday and that night. The toned muscles, not overdeveloped like some narcissistic baboon who spent too long in the gym. But nicely defined, with broad shoulders, a gently sculpted jaw. A broad chest, which she now knew was covered with a light down of hair leading down towards a slim waist. God, she remembered his waist! And those tight little bum cheeks in her hands, as he ploughed into her mercilessly, came to mind. He wasn't mild or docile then! And the foreplay? God, he'd spent ages with his head between her thighs. Until Regina, she'd never let anyone do that! He'd worked his tongue and lips over, around and inside her like a maestro, and she remembered that first powerful orgasm with a smirk. Later on, she'd watched him do exactly the same to Regina and recalled that glorious look of utter bliss on her face, teeth clenched, as she came apart; and the same look as Robin drove hard into her. Damn that had been such a turn on! And then - when she lay on Regina, face to face, lips locked as behind them, Robin had pushed them into each other, taking each of them in turn. That had been a little weird! But she remembered that fierce pulse of energy race through her body, as he came inside. She had to be honest – it had been brilliant!
"Something wrong?" Robin asked, waking her from her reverie, seeing her flushed cheeks.
"What? No, it's fine, I'm just...wait a minute? What was that you said about Maleficent?"
Robin grinned. "Only that Regina used to look at her in that way too. They clearly had some sort of past. Not sure whether it was romantic or not, but I thought it probable. I guess if she told you she's never been with any other woman before you, I'd believe her. Clearly, I was wrong. Don't worry about it – she's traded up!"
"You throw in the possibility my wife had possibly had a previous female lover, who still lives in Storeybrooke, and then you tell me not to worry? You clearly don't know women as well as you think, Locksley!"
"Emma, I didn't say that, you did! I mentioned the way they used to look at each other. Nothing more. Regina's a very beautiful woman, so she's bound to have attracted admirers over the years."
"But another woman? That's different."
"Why? She loves you. You won! We both know she'd never cheat on you. I'd say you never have to worry about anyone else ever again."
"Yeah, right!" Emma sarked. "I'd like to see your face, if you found out Marian had had another woman 'admirer'? Don't think you'd be quite so smug then?"
"Actually, Marian did! A bit more than an admirer, to be frank - her cousin, Antonia. She told me they had briefly been together, secretly to avoid a scandal, for a little while before I met her. I knew Antonia, and it didn't bother me."
"Wow! I have to keep remembering that I only met her briefly before she…well, before, you know, Zelena? I would never have guessed she was interested in girls."
"A girl, Emma. Just the one, until you. Love is love, in all forms, and I've found it's all about the person. Marian and I never judged one another for our pasts." He smiled sadly, remembering his first true love.
"I see why she kept it secret. People can be very judgmental."
"True. How did everyone react when you and Regina came out with your relationship?"
She gave a loud sigh. "Well…my family were fine. Don't forget, we'd both been through a lot of depression and therapy with Archie. Henry and Hopper kind of brought us together. Mum was a bit funny about it. Not about the girl-girl thing, but the fact it was Regina, her own stepmother. They've had an odd past and it must have been weird, her daughter and her step-mother getting together! We had a bit of a falling out, but we made up again after a while. I think Archie had a word with her and mum always trusts his judgement; but it was difficult for a while."
"And David - how did he take it?"
"He was brilliant." Her head tilted as she smiled, thinking of him. "I think if I'd lived with them I should have been a bit of a daddy's girl. He knew what was happening quite early on, and just sat me down one day and said something sugary like he fully accepted it, if it happened, and I should 'follow my heart', blah, blah, blah. Then he persuaded mum to stop being silly."
"He's a good man, is David. But to him, you'll always be his little princess. He just wants you to be happy."
"Yeah, he said something soppy like that too! He's also been good for Regina. Almost treats her like his second daughter now, even if technically they're about the same age. He's forever pulling her in and hugging her, usually with her yelling in protest, threatening him with instant incineration. She says she hates it, but I know as a fact she loves it really!"
"And the rest of the town? How'd they take it?"
"Mixed. About three years after you died, I moved in with her. When news first got out, some called us deviants and worse. Once in Granny's, one old woman even yelled at us, called us a couple of 'worthless, man-hating dykes! 'Man-hating'? Can you believe that? We just fought serious depression over the loss of men! Gina even having almost-" she stopped herself, feeling emotional at the memory. Turning her eyes away, Robin, seeing her distress, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his other hand resting on her knee.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. If you don't want to talk about it, please don't."
She instinctively leaned her head onto his shoulder, welcoming his small attempt a comfort.
"It's okay. You didn't know. After all you're bound to hear about it sometime, so best you hear it from me. Straight after your deaths, Gina and I both fell into depression, in different ways. She stopped eating, and I started drinking. She didn't know she was expecting Honour at the time. She took sleeping tablets."
Robin winced, imagining all the emotional turmoil he'd put her through. "I'm sorry I was a cause of so much suffering."
But Emma wasn't listening, just playing back the time in her mind. "Henry was the first to find her. He called an ambulance, and they rushed her in. They couldn't find me, of course - I was down in a cellar, wasted! It was touch and go whether she'd survive. I may give Whale a hard time, but he really came through for us that night! They pumped the stuff out of her, and it was only after they ran tests they found out she was pregnant. So knowing that, she felt even worse for what she'd almost done. That she almost killed her baby!
Robin wanted to interrupt, but saw she needed to get this out.
"Dad found me, unconscious, a day later and got me to the hospital too. Some bloody Saviour, eh? Whale gave me something to make me throw up and kept me in. I panicked, like I always do when I feel trapped. I tried to use magic to get me out of there, so Henry persuaded Gold to get magic-blocking cuffs on me, and Regina, so neither of us could escape. I gave him so much shit for that! So did Regina, when she woke up. Can you imagine it? His mothers giving him hell, for saving their lives? How sick is that? What a pair!"
"Henry's a remarkably perceptive young man. It's a trait he gets from you both."
"Anyway, Dad told me if I didn't accept Archie's help, he'd lock me up with the bracelet still on. Regina wasn't so lucky. She was in there four weeks while they did a psychiatric assessment. That's when they discovered she was pregnant. That really shook her up! You know Robin, that pregnancy was the last piece of you she had left? It's one of the main things that saved her. We kinda bonded in the hospital as we tried to shake ourselves out of what we'd both become. It got a little fuzzy at that point, but Archie sort of took control. He set us both on detox regimes and therapy sessions together, figuring we were both going through so much trauma we could help each other. A few weeks later, we both got out of hospital, but Archie still wouldn't let them take off the cuffs."
"He was thinking of your welfare Emma. Those cuffs may have saved your lives."
"You know what saved Regina's life? Honour. Being pregnant gave her something to live for. She maxed out on the guilt, of course. The number of times we both spent the evening crying at the farm."
"The farm? Snow and David's? She moved in with them?"
"We both did. Mum and dad wanted to keep an eye on me. I think Mum was terrified I might start drinking again, or overdose like Regina. They spoke to Archie and he suggested we both move in until after the birth. Regina was still in a bad way, and too weak and stressed out to argue. So, we both moved in until Honny was born. Did you know my dad delivered your daughter?"
"David? Why didn't they get her to hospital?"
"They couldn't, it was sudden. The snow cut us off from the town, and there was no chance of getting to the hospital when her waters broke in the night. Dad was a shepherd in his early years. He'd delivered lambs and foals in his time, but never a human. It was panicky at first, but he's amazing in a real crisis! Mum is too. I left to get Doc shortly after, trudging through the snow, but we managed to get everything taken care of."
"Thank you, Emma." Said Robin, his voice almost a whisper.
"For what? Dad did most of the work…" She looked up from his shoulder to see his own watery eyes.
"For looking after the woman we love. For being there for her, when you had enough problems of your own to deal with. For helping her through the pregnancy."
"She helped me too, you know? She and that pregnancy gave me a reason to pull my head out of my own ass."
"Don't dismiss what you did! You loved and took care of her, and you helped raise Honour and Roland when I couldn't. You're a remarkable woman, and not because you're the Saviour or the daughter of Snow and David, but just because you're you! I can see why she fell in love with you."
Emma swallowed, knowing he was sincere. "Well if we're throwing out compliments, thanks for saving her from Hades? I see why she fell for you, too." It was a small slip, but the words were out before she could stop herself.
In that moment they studied each other, faces close, and looking briefly at one another, before Robin slowly leaned in, pressing his slightly-parted lips gently, but firmly, against hers. It was short, but they both felt something. A charge, a pulse, something similar to what they'd felt that night in the Earl of Locksley.
But how? They were now in the land without magic, weren't they?
Separating, Robin suddenly felt anxious he'd overstepped the mark. "Sorry, I shouldn't have done that."
"Why not? After all, Gina wanted us to get along? She even hinted she wants us to get really close, if you get what I mean?"
"She actually said that?"
"Not in so many words. But she feels guilty she's causing problems by loving both of us. I think she's secretly hoping for something to happen between us," She seemed embarrassed, a look Robin found more than endearing. Unfortunately it resulted in another, entirely different feeling, in his trousers.
"Well, I'd hate to disappoint her. Perhaps this is turning into a date after all?"
"Yeah, though I think we did things the wrong way around, don't you? We've already been to bed and we had fairly good sex, before you even bought me dinner!"
"Fairly good sex? Emma, you wound me! And I intend to fix the dinner issue tonight." he leant in again, giving her another short peck. But this time Emma, responding in kind, less concerned.
"Hmm. There's a chilled bottle of champagne over there, Mr. Locksley." She eyed the secured ice bucket. "Would you do the honour's?"
"Certainly, Mrs. Swan-Mills." He moved over to the bucket to lift the bottle, pop the cork with a steady hand, and pour two glasses, already waiting on top. Lifting them across, he passed one across.
"To your marriage, and the woman we love," he toasted, clinking her glass and taking a sip.
"To family and friendship!" Emma countered, taking a much larger slug of champagne.
"To the future!" he clinked again, refilling their glasses.
"To our first date. And hopefully, some decent food? I'm starving!"
Storybrooke Harbour
While Emma and Robin were being driven to their restaurant, Killian Jones had been busy on board his beloved vessel, preparing for the Friday weddings and his early sailing on the high tide the following morning.
Only about a third of Killian's old crew were prepared to join him for this voyage, though it didn't matter so much this time, as his new magical abilities now allowed him to command sails to rise, decks to be swabbed and provisions to arrive without delay. The lack of crew allowed him to create more space and, with Tinker Bell and Rosalind by his side, he set about creating, with magic, not just better living quarters for the smaller crew, but two additional cramped berths next to the Captain's Quarters, the green fairy helping guide his magic through trial and error.
"Sorry they're a bit cramped, ladies. though at least you'll both have your privacy. Alternatively, the two of you could take over the Captain's quarters and share? at least then you'll have bathroom facilities. I can berth in one of these."
Rosie smiled at him for the kind offer, knowing full well she was more likely to be spending most nights in his bed anyway. "No, that's fine, Killian. There's a loo, and washbasin close by. I'll be fine."
"I agree with Rosie. A Captain needs his quarters," said Tink. "We'll be just fine. Mind you, I wish I still had all my powers at times like this. I could've just shrunk to fairy-size, and slept anywhere."
For the next half hour, Killian and Rosalind continued to produce small bursts of magic to add furniture, tidy and paint the two berths, changing the beds and colours to suit the three of them. It was then they heard a shout from above.
"PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD, CAPTAIN JONES?" Yelled the Sorcerer, her daughter's head lifting in recognition.
"DAD?" The brunette yelled back, followed by Killian's.
"PERMISSION GRANTED, PROFESSOR!" He then whispered to Rosie, "Your father - you have told him, right? The fact that you're coming with me? I don't fancy getting incinerated by an angry wizard!"
"Of course I have!" she whispered back. "I wouldn't keep something like that from him!"
The three climbed the steps up and onto the deck, seeing Merlin stepping up the gangplank, followed by The Blue Fairy and Merlin's other daughter, Annabelle. He smiled when he saw Rosie.
"Hello, my darling! I haven't seen much of you since you arrived. No time for your old papa anymore?"
Rosie stepped straight into his arms, with a grin. "Don't be so silly, I'll always have time for you! I've just been a bit…erm…busy? We're getting Killian's ship ready for sailing on Saturday, and we've a Friday wedding to prepare for. Sorry I haven't been around much..." She looked across at her younger sister, who had a mischievous grin on her face. That's when she realised. Anna knew exactly what her older sister had been up to!
She gave her a warning glare, while still enjoying the hug and familiar smell of her father.
"I'm sure you have, my dear. Though I'm hoping you'll spend the evening with Anna and myself? Charlie & Celia are arriving tonight, and I haven't had you all together for so long."
"Of course, dad. I've already messaged Cee, but haven't heard back from Charlie yet."
"Cee said he'd gone off for the day, with some girl he met on the flight over, complaining about 'jetlag'?" said Anna, earning a roll of the eyes from the other members of the Sage family, and a chuckle from Blue, who had remained silent till now.
"I take it this isn't an unusual event?"
"Definitely not, Blue!" groaned Rosie, "He chases anything in a skirt."
"Now don't speak ill of your brother!" Merlin chastised her. "Not when he isn't here to defend himself! He messaged me actually, so he will be here tonight, with or without Celia."
Killian stepped forward to shake the Sorcerer's hand. "Welcome on board, Professor. Although you'll be heading off to be with your family, can I at least offer you all a hot drink? Maybe show you around my ship? As I understand Rosie will be joining us on the voyage, I'm sure you'd like to look around?"
"Indeed, Captain. I did want to have a word with you." The Sorcerer betrayed no hint or emotion. Killian knew the word was likely to be about his daughter, and him. "Though first, let's have a quick look at Rosalind's accommodation, shall we?"
Killian nodded, leading the group down the steps toward the Captains Quarters and adjoining bedrooms. Opening the door to the room set aside for Rosie, it appeared even more cramped then before, as six adults stepped into it. Really cramped.
"Hmm. Cosy, isn't it?" Merlin looked unimpressed. "Perhaps a little more space would be useful? May I?"
Not quite knowing what the Sorcerer intended, "Be my guest?"
As the remaining five stepped back, Merlin tilted his head down, muttering to himself with his hands moving together, almost in prayer. He gradually separated them, a pale-yellow light emanating from within. As the rest of the group watched open-mouthed, the oak beam walls began to move further apart silently, seemingly stretching beyond belief, with no sound of cracking or splitting. Ten seconds later, the previously tiny cabin now appeared to be at least five times larger!
"Fucking Hell!" Killian swore in astonishment, before he could stop himself. "What the hell have you done to the beams of my ship?" Before adding. "Sorry for cursing…but…but…"
Merlin laughed at the look on all their faces, including his daughters.
"You like that? It's a little piece of rather unusual magic, taught to me by a most unusual fellow I once met. A traveller through time? I used what I learnt from him to build Robin Locksley's clinic in the new village. This room will appear no different on the outside, I assure you Captain. But on the inside? Well, as you can see?"
"It's brilliant! Could you do it for my berth, as well?" Shrieked Tink, earning a glare from Blue.
"Of course, my dear. I'll also put in a couple of bathroom facilities and leave you to decorate. Don't worry Captain. As you'll see, no damage has befallen your ship."
"I'm truly amazed. Now, you said you'd like a word?" He started leading the small group back into his own quarters.
"Yes. Reul, I believe there's something you wish to say, before the Captain and I go on deck?"
The Blue Fairy stepped forward, now looking decidedly sheepish. Very unusual for her. "Yes. I wanted to speak to Tinker Bell. Alone, preferably."
The former Green Fairy stepped forward, looking warily at her former leader. Their relationship had been strained for a very long time. All the way back to the day she'd tried to help Regina find her true love. The day Blue punished her by removing her wings. She didn't hate the woman, but she didn't exactly like her either. "If you've got something to say to me Reul, you can say it here. If it's about me joining Killian and Rosie on this voyage, I'm afraid I won't change my mind! There's really nothing for me here any more. I'm no longer a proper fairy. You saw to that, after all, so I can see no reason to stay."
Anna swore she spotted the trace of a tear in the eye of the normally formidable head fairy. "No Tinker Bell, it isn't that. It's difficult for me to explain. I've had long conversations with Merlin over the last day or so, and it's clear I've made some serious mistakes in the past, which I now need to correct. Mistakes particularly concerning yourself and Nova." Her nervousness was apparent as, trembling, she kept her eyes fixed to the floor. "I refused Nova's wish to seek love in the arms of a human, breaking her heart in the process. I now realise that was wrong of me, and this morning, I asked her forgiveness. She may now do as she wishes, and I hope she can recover her happiness. However, with you I did something far worse! You sought to save the life of a tortured soul, and help her find her own happiness. Even though your motives were honourable, I still punished you, and removed your wings." Blue lifted her head to look at the younger woman, a tear now drifting down her cheek.
"I want to correct that, Tinker Bell. Sister. I want to restore the powers I should never have taken away. If you'd allow me?"
"You mean it? I'm forgiven?"
"I was at fault. There was nothing to forgive. Sister, will you allow me?".
Green stepped cautiously in front of her, moving forward until the two fairies stood close, face-to-face, almost touching. Blue placed her hands on Tink's arms, cupping her elbows. The older fairy tilted her head slightly to the right, Tinker Bell mirroring her. For a moment, it looked to the others as though the fairies were about to kiss, as both opened their mouths wider, moving even closer.
However, an inch before their lips connected, a pale-silver mist appeared from inside Blue's mouth, heading directly into Tink's.
Their audience watched, spellbound, as the mist continued flowing from one fairy into the other. As it continued, Tink's whole body seemed to inflate slightly, glowing, her cheeks glistening as a pair of wings slowly sprouted from her back.
"That's astonishing," said Killian.
"Beautiful," said Annabelle.
"Hot!" said Rosie, earning a glare from her father.
"The 'Fairy's Kiss' isn't sexual or romantic, Rosie! It's a transfer of power, love and trust. It's magical and sacred, and we're honoured to even witness it!" breathed Merlin, to his suitably chastened daughter.
As the light passing between the two fairies faded, Tink pulled her head back and looked into Reul's eyes, which were now also glistening with tears. Shivering her newly reformed wings in excitement, she pulled Blue into a more traditional hug, kissing her cheek. "
Thank you…Mother Superior!" She whispered.
"You're more than welcome. And please call me 'sister', even though I don't deserve it?" She whispered back.
As the fairies hugged, they were greeted by clapping from their audience. And as Rosie and Anna stepped forward to talk to them. Merlin leant across.
"Let's talk up on deck?"
Killian nodded, leaving the others to discuss what had just occurred.
The Captain led him up to the fo'c's'le, the raised deck at the front of the ship, twisting his palm to make two chairs and a small table appear magically.
"Captain, are you sleeping with my daughter?" Merlin asked before they even sat down, showing no trace of emotion.
That threw him completely! Certain that the Sorcerer could spot a lie instantly, he responded honestly.
"Yes."
"And what are your intentions toward her? You have just come out of a relationship, I believe. Rosie has also recently ended something similar."
"If I may be frank? I have no intentions yet, sir. It's all very new for both of us. I happen to like and admire her very much. And I believe she likes me. We're taking things cautiously, but I've no intention of coercing her or harming her in any way."
"I believe you, Jones. However, I'm still her father. And while trying not to be too over-protective, I do worry for my girls. Rosie's last partner turned out to be an utter swine, and I'm concerned she doesn't get hurt again."
"You're right to be, Merlin. I was a pirate, as well you know. But I like to think I've changed. Despite my age, I've had only two 'real' relationships in the past, and during them I was never unfaithful. One ended when she was murdered by the Dark One, and the other when I was also killed. Your daughter is a wonderful woman, and I have already told her much about my past, although over two and a half centuries is a lot of ground to cover? I've told her I am a damaged soul, and to take her time getting to know me."
"Good. But do you intend to tell her ALL of your past? About your first love, Milah? Your connection with Rumpelstiltskin? Your previous obsession with revenge?"
"Aye, although we only met two days ago, I've already told her about Milah. And Emma."
"Honesty and openness is the only way, even when it's painful. But have you told her about Miss Gale and Miss Lucas?"
"Dorothy and Ruby? What about them? They…oh!" He shuddered, remembering their evening together just three days ago. And the sperm donation. "I haven't yet. But I will. Tonight."
"Very well, please do so. I know you gave your seed donation to the couple to help them have a child, which was noble of you. And it was before you met my daughter. I know a little of your future, which I can't disclose, though it's clear that you will remain linked to the couple for a very long time to come! But a seer like me can't see his own bloodline in his visions, so I don't know what part Rosie will play in your life. She's a strong woman, Mr. Jones. So, provided you are absolutely honest with her, I will not try to persuade her either way."
"Then I give you my vow that I will tell her before we sail. She can then judge me accordingly, and, if she decides not to come, I'll respect it and not try persuade her otherwise."
"You also need to speak with Ruby and Dorothy. They can decide whether they wish to continue with using your sample, knowing you may be starting a relationship with my daughter."
Meanwhile…
An hour after leaving Storybrooke, the limousine pulled up at the front of the most beautiful restaurant Emma had ever seen. The half-timbered mansion lay on the edge of a beautiful lake, with perfectly manicured gardens at the front. As the car stopped, a large, uniformed figure appeared, opening the door.
"Bonjour madame! Welcome to L'Auberge Cachée. We are honoured to have you with us tonight..." he offered a hand to assist her step out. Normally Emma would be affronted at the idea of someone thinking she needed any help getting out of a car. However, here it somehow seemed fitting. Emma had seen enough old movies and she rather liked this excessive formality. And looking at where they were, so was relieved she wore one of Regina's best outfits, her hair looked good, and she felt like Hollywood royalty. Looking back, she saw Robin.
As he stepped out, adjusting his jacket, she had to admit that he did look good too! The suit fitted him perfectly, and certainly looked expensive; just right for this place. She turned to see the imposing entrance, candlelit within. Everything reeked of luxury and money. Since moving in with Regina two years ago, she'd got to experience some pretty fine dining and hotels on their rare outings outside of this was in a different league altogether!
Hearing steps on the gravel drive, she felt a warm hand take hers. "
Shall we?" he muttered, grinning, which she countered with her own. They followed one of the doormen into the entrance, where a short, balding man stepped up to them, sporting a huge smile.
"Bonjour madame, monsieur! Lord Locksley, no?"
He spoke with a strong French accent, his head bowing in deference. "I am very 'onoured to 'ave ze famous Robin of Locksley dine with us tonight? Professor Sage said you were indeed a special friend of 'is. And he asked me to take good care of you. So, we 'ave something rather special planned. A gourmet meal fit for 'eroes!"
Then he studied Emma. "And you 'ave brought your beautiful lady to dine with you tonight?" The little man stepped forward, lifting her free hand with his own, before planting a tiny kiss on the back. "Enchantée Madame! I am Pierre Roch, the owner of L'Auberge Cachée." He rambled happily. "Lady Locksley, Sir Merlin is a very good friend of mine. You know, 'e once saved the life of my darling daughter Mia? And my granddaughter Estelle? I owe 'im so much! So tonight, you will be seated at our best table, on the lake front!"
"Well actually, we're not…" Robin was about to correct him, as he'd clearly thought Emma his wife. However, before he could, he felt a tight squeeze on his arm. Looking into her eyes, he sensed that she was trying to tell him something urgently. So, without hesitation, he released his third eye sense, taught to him by Merlin only days ago, to find out what she was trying to say by reading her thoughts, which came through, loud and clear. "Shut up, you dick! Something special? He's talking food, for god's sake! I've just had two beers and most of that champagne. I need food, dammit! Go with it! I'm too hungry to argue!
Her eyes pleaded, not expecting to see a grinning outlaw, nodding with a wink. He'd read her mind!
"That sounds delightful, Pierre. After you, my lady?"
Pierre led them inside. They were escorted through the restaurant, and out the back, where the sight before her nearly took Emma's breath away. At the back of a small garden, lay a little wooden pontoon, perhaps a hundred foot long, stretched out into the lake. At the end of it they saw a larger rounded wooden platform, with a single table, already laid, and two chairs, under a glass canopy. It was utterly enchanting. To add to the romantic setting, tiny lights in the canopy twinkled.
Emma had seen this sort of thing in films, but never in real life. "Oh, my god! This is stunning!"
"I'm pleased you think so," said Pierre proudly, pulling a chair back for Emma to sit. "Zis is known as the Margaretta table, named after the Professor's wife! I met 'er once, before 'er sad demise. She was also a doctor, you know? A truly enchanting and beautiful woman, much like yourself, Lady Locksley. You are a very lucky man, monsieur!"
Emma blushed furiously at his praise. Before she even had a chance to reply, as she sat, a warm hand rested on top of her own.
"I agree Pierre, I am," Robin had a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Very lucky indeed."
~oOo~