Killian sails off on his next adventure, possibly never to return. Robin Hood announces he's leaving Storybrooke for an adventure of his own. The Swan-Mills women get some alone time, and Emma applies for a job.

Mifflin Street

The sun pierced through the curtains, as Emma slowly woke to yelling from outside the bedroom.

Last night, they'd left the wedding party earlier, to take the kids home, amid much protesting from Roland and Honour. As usual, they hadn't wanted to leave. Robin had introduced his children to Merlin's son Charlie, and the two older Sage daughters, Celia and Rosie, who had taken them under their wing, danced with them, performed magic tricks and generally had so much fun that the pair had moaned non-stop from the moment Regina said it was time to leave.

Honour, though still not yet five, decided she was now in love with Charlie Sage, and they would have to get married. Merlin's son had even gone along with it, suggesting they do it right there and then. He mock-proposed to her, even going down on one knee, as the others chuckled, enjoying the fun. His sister had even magicked her a mini white dress and veil. Honour giggled nonstop as Charlie messed around, his sisters only encouraging them. For the children, it had been a wonderful day, and Emma knew she was being a killjoy by leaving. But the painful ache from her shoulder was getting worse.

So when they finally got home, she'd climbed straight into bed; and after taking Whale's 'industrial-strength' painkillers, she was asleep in minutes.

~oOo~

The following morning, she woke to find Regina spooning into her front.

"Wassup?" She groaned, half-asleep. "What's the time?"

"Time you got a watch." Her wife grumbled, also not ready to wake.

"Turn the sun off, please babe?" She waved at the curtain.

"Switch is outside. You have to get up. While you're there, coffee'd be nice?"

Their semi-conscious exchange was interrupted by an over-excited girl suddenly bounding into the room, launching herself onto the bed.

"Mummy?" Honour yelled as she drove under the covers from the bottom, crawling up and on to Regina.

"Mmph! What's got you awake so early?" Regina pulled her in for a cuddle. Thank goodness she had a nightdress on this time!

"I wanna go say goodbye to Tink? She's going away today."

Ugh. The last thing she wanted to do was stand around a windy dockside, watching the former one-handed wonder leave. Especially knowing Emma still held some sort of candle for him. But Tinker Bell was a friend; and it saddened her to know she wouldn't be around, possibly for a very long time.

"Hmm...not sure, my lovely. Let's see what your other mother thinks?" She nudged the blonde.

Emma had heard all right, but tried to avoid answering, so pretended she'd fallen asleep again.

"Emma won't go. Not if Killy's there." Honour huffed.

That hurt. First, because it made Emma realise her feelings hadn't gone unnoticed, even by Honour. Second, she never called her mum, or mummy, or even ma. Even though she'd known the girl since birth. It was the same with Roland. He always called her 'Emma' or "Em', despite her best efforts to get close. They were plainly still Robin's children, not hers.

"Don't be silly. Momma's poorly, and yesterday tired her out. She needs rest, and for us to love and take care of her."

"But I wanna go see Tink and Killy! They're going away. Please?"

"How about we ask your papa to come and collect you, and take you there?"

"Daddy come?" Her voice instantly brightened. "Really?"

She smiled as she moved in to hug her. "Now I'm not saying he can do it, only that I'll ask him. He may be too busy for all we know, but I'll call him when we get up. What time is it?" She peered at the small bedside clock. "Five thirty! Honny, you woke me up at five thirty? That's way too early, madam! Now snuggle in, lie still, and give me at least another hour."

Storybrooke Harbour

Two hours later, the Jolly Roger was ready to sail. Provisions had been loaded, final checks made, and the crew and their captain stood by the quayside, saying final farewells to those who had shown up for their send-off. A bigger crowd than expected had come to see the former pirate-turned-hero leave. Newlywed Dorothy Lucas was currently hugging him, wishing them a safe voyage, while Ruby and Rosie had their own conversation.

"And listen..." Rosie whispered in the wolf's ear. "If everything goes to plan and one of you falls pregnant, tell my dad? He can speak to me without using a phone, even if I'm out at sea. It's hard to explain but, it's a kind of telepathy we all have? It's fairy magic. I'll then let Killian know, if that's what you want?"

"Definitely." Ruby pulled back to look at her. "I still can't quite believe you're alright about this? How come you don't mind?"

"Well, think about it. Killian's centuries old, yet he's got no children. Or none that he knows about! Which is almost unbelievable, when you think about it? He and I may be a 'thing', or we might not. But I'm not going to stand in the way of anyone's happiness. His, or yours."

"You're a remarkable woman, Rosie. Just one thing. Take care of him? I know he always says he's a survivor, but…"

"I'll do my best, I promise."

Killian was working along the nearest group, saying his farewells, including to his old First Mate, Sam Smiegel.

"I'm sorry I can't join you for this one, Captain. But I wish you fair sailing."

"Thank you, Mr. Smee. I'm pleased you're finally putting down roots with that family of yours. I'm going to miss you, my friend." He hugged his faithful old boatswain, before moving on to the various former crew staying behind him. Finally, he reached his now closest friend.

"Fair sailing Captain, It's been one hell of an adventure so far, but I'm sure a lot more's waiting for you. Let's hope you'll return at some point?" Robin dragged his Underworld ally into a hug.

"Maybe..." he looked across at Ruby & Dorothy. "Though it may be some time, mate. My only reason for settling down here's now gone." He scanned the dockside, looking for a familiar blonde, who wasn't there.

Robin recognised the resigned look, knowing where his mind was. "There's someone out there for you too, Killian. For both of us, I'm sure. It's just painful moving on, isn't it? But we will. Zeus has given us both a fresh start, so let's take advantage of it?"

"Aye, mate," His smile broadened, as Rosie came alongside him. "Maybe sooner than we imagine. Take care old friend," before finishing. "But keep an eye on her for me, while you're at it?"

"I will." The former outlaw shook the former pirate's hand before bringing him into a quick final farewell hug, both looking a little misty-eyed. They'd shared a unique experience. Sacrificing their lives for lovers, then being brought back from the dead only to discover said lovers had moved on. "Farewell brother."

~oOo~

Ten minutes later, as he stood by the wheel, Killian was about to give his order to cast off the ropes and weigh anchor, when he felt something odd. A powerful magical wave, swirling close by. Turning t o his side, he found her standing close, red-eyed, looking straight back at him.

"Emma?"

"Planning to leave without saying goodbye?" However, the moment she said it, a sudden wave of nausea and dizziness overcame her as she slumped down onto one knee, her hand going to her head. "DAMMIT!"

"Emma!" he dropped down beside her, wanting to hold her or do something, but she was already trying to stand up again. "Are you okay?"

"I will be! Just…just give me a second? Whale told me not to use magic until I'm fully fit. I just keep forgetting. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

She got back on her feet. "Anyway, never mind all that, I asked why you were racing off without saying goodbye?"

"I've been saying my goodbyes all morning! We need to catch the tide. Besides, you've made it crystal clear I was your past, Swan. You've moved on. So I thought it'd be easier this way."

"Easier for who?"

"Both of us. It's been but a few weeks for me, five years for you. I can't stay here, I already told you. My feelings are-"

"Don't go?" She interrupted him. "Please?"

"Again, Emma, you moved on! You're married now. Fate's conspired against us, so there's nothing for me here apart from painful memories. I just have to accept it. You've made your life, and now I need to make mine."

"I know that we can't be together anymore, but I can't bear you just leaving like this, still hating me."

She'd clearly been crying though he recognized the walls were up, trying to hide her emotions. But he knew she was being sincere.

"Swan, I could never hate you. It's just…everything here's a reminder of what we once had. Only three short weeks ago, we were destined to be together. Soulmates. You know, I even imagined us having children, a little girl perhaps, just like Robin's? I imagined us together for eternity. Sadly, it wasn't to be."

"We may not be together, but at least we could be friends?" She hated herself for pleading. Fuck's sake, Emma, you're the Saviour! Grow a pair! "I don't want us parting like this."

He stepped forward, resting his hands on her upper arms. "I'd like that. Maybe one day, but I need to get away from here. I need to get over what we had, and make a future." He looked across at Merlin's daughter, as he said it. "I've been given some tasks to do by Zeus himself! He's given me a second life, so I need to start living it."

"Just…just take care of yourself?" The usually formidable woman finally acknowledged to herself that she may never see him again. "I do still love you, you idiot, even if we can't be together anymore."

Killian pulled her in for a final hug, regardless of the fact Rosie was now next to them, listening. "I know. And you'll always have a special place in this lost pirate's heart. Take care of Henry. And Robin's children. And for the record, I now accept you and the queen were probably always meant to be."

Regina had been watching the exchange between the former lovers, having materialised close by. She'd heard enough, so once they separated, she took her upset wife in her arms.

"Take her home, Regina. Take her home, and promise to love her for the rest of her days?"

Regina looked over her shoulder. She'd also had a brief, secret liaison with Jones herself. More like a couple of one-night stands She'd even once persuaded him to kill his own father. "I don't need to promise you anything. But yes, of course I will."

"Thank you. Now if you would kindly excuse us? We're ready to cast off."

~oOo~

Minutes later, Emma stood with everyone else on the jetty, watching closely as the legendary ship slowly pulled away from its berth.

Cheers rang out, and good wishes yelled, as it left. Tink, tears in her eyes, waved a final farewell to her sister fairies. Emma stood rigid, closely watching the man she'd loved more than any other, pull slowly away from her. Several hundred feet away now, the Captain turned, his blue eyes fixed never leaving hers, until her figure became smaller as they moved out towards open sea. As it distanced, they could just about hear more shouting, as Killian continued barking instructions to the crew. Moments later a large whirlpool appeared directly ahead and the former pirate ship swooped down into its swirl. A bright streak of lighting preceded a loud crack of thunder. And then the ship disappeared, to be replaced by calm sea.

"Please come back one day." Emma whispered to herself.

Regina watched, holding her the moment they disappeared, seeing tears openly falling down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry Regina, I never meant for you to see that." She croaked, feeling guilty. But the brunette shushed her, pulling her close.

"There's no need to apologise. Your relationship with him was every bit as strong as mine and Robin's." She pecked her on the cheek. " I understand."

"I loved him, I really did. Then he died, and in time I fell in love with you. But I'd never let my past get in the way of what we have now. It just hurts, seeing him come back like that, then leave again, you know?"

"Only too well."

Mifflin Street

Later that evening, after dinner and with the children in bed, Regina sat slumped on the sofa, Emma lying with her head in her lap as they both read, the older woman silently stroking her fingers through blonde hair. Regina had a lot on her mind, having been given some news by Robin when he dropped Honour back, which bothered her.

Earlier...

"Robin, Roland said you're leaving Storybrooke? Is that true?"

"Not quite. He overheard me talking to Merlin. I'm only going to be gone a couple of months."

Even Emma was surprised by that. "Why? You've only been back a week! What could possess you to leave your kids behind, so soon?"

"One of Merlin's doppelgangers did some investigations for me. It appears my sister Maria is not only alive, but living somewhere in the west of England. He's tracked down one of my grandfathers and several cousins. Some of Marian's family escaped too. I've no idea how, but it seems I have more family still alive over there. Hopefully Maria's among them. I'm going to go find out. Merlin's daughter Celia lives not too far away from there, so I'm going to fly back with her next week. They also live in an area with magic, like Storybrooke, so he's going to organize some training for me, too."

Regina looked almost grief-stricken. I've only just got him back? What if he decides to stay there…with his family?

Robin wasn't consciously reading her mind but he just knew where her thoughts were going. "I'm coming back, Regina! I have three children here."

"Roland asked me to let him go with you. But he's only ten, Robin."

"I told him I'd talk to you about it first. You've been his mother these last five years, and this is his home. But I owe it to Marian that he gets a chance to meet some of her family. And mine."

"What about Honour?" Emma asked. "She's going to be missing her big brother as well as you."

"Well you could always all come with me? There's nothing to stop you all leaving here for a couple of months? Think of it as a long holiday?"

"You're seriously suggesting we all leave Storybrooke, and fly to England on a wild goose chase? With you?"

"Wild goose chase? Emma, we've addresses where they last lived. And why not? It's not like you're the Mayor and Sheriff any more. You've time on your hands. It's two months, not five years! I'm sure Storybrooke can cope without you for a while?"

"Then what? Live in some bloody damp British forest, squatting in tents? Sounds lovely, that does!"

That got his blood up! "We lived in the forest, in tents, in poverty, not because we wanted to. We did it to escape death from royal arseholes like your families, who were attempting to murder us when we didn't fall into line!" he almost snarled the words. "If you knew fuck-all about our history Emma, you'd know that the Mills and White dynasties did piss-all to help their people! They just indulged in stupid, pointless feuds with each other for land, or money! We lived in tents because there was no alternative. We didn't have magic to fight back, and we didn't have armies to fight our battles, either." He was seriously pissed off. "And for the record, my family live in houses. Some big, some small, just like the people of Sherwood do now, no thanks to you!"

Emma was astonished at the sudden change, the vitriol, from the usually mild-mannered man, but did what she always did when she was under attack. She came right back at him. Even if she didn't always think through what she was about to say.

"That may be. But you don't get to just come in here and tell us where the kids are going!"

"I didn't, I told Roland I would speak to Regina first. And for the record, Roland is MY child and Honour is mine and Regina's! This is absolutely none of your business!"

He regretted his choice of words the moment they left his mouth, seeing the obvious hurt they inflicted. Emma said nothing, surprising Robin and Regina by just turning and walking away.

"Emma?" Regina called, but she didn't turn back. The brunette was also stung. "Robin, are you saying you no longer regard me as Roland's mother?" She yelled, now furious herself.

He knew he'd gone too far. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Of course you're his mother! And so's Emma. I just lashed out. I'm sorry, I should go." He stood to leave and almost left the room before she called back at him.

"Wait! Look, I know you're angry. What you said was spiteful, and what Emma said was unkind and unthinking. But you need to kno, she's cared for them just as much as me these last few years!"

"I know. It's just…no, it's best I just go. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

~oOo~

Later that evening, as Emma lay in bed trying to read her barely touched chapter, her phone sounded with an new message.

"Sod it. I thought I turned that off." She picked it up and read. It was Robin.

[Henry gave me your number. I'm sorry for what I said earlier. It was unkind, unfair and untrue. You ARE Roland and Honour's mother, just as much as Regina. You raised them them when I couldn't. I'm sorry I lashed out, because I was angry. I won't bother defending myself because it's hard to explain. But I do trust you and you didn't deserve that. You're an excellent mother Emma. I apologise.]

She read the short message several times. Now she'd calmed down, she thought about what Robin had been through over the last week. He'd returned from death only to find his soulmate moved on, a ten-year old son he'd only been with half his life, and a daughter he didn't even know he had. All for saving Regina's life? She also realised she'd been bitchy with her comment about his family living in tents. She typed back:

[I'm sorry too. I was patronising and snide, and I didn't mean it. I was angry. Thanks for the mother comment though.]

She was about to turn the phone off, when a replay came:

[Am I forgiven?] It was accompanied by a sad emoji, which made her grin.

[I guess so. We can kiss and make up later]

[Good! Though buy a boy a drink beforehand? I'm not that easy!]

She smiled.

[That's not what Regina said? Good night Robin]

[Goodnight Emma. Sweet dreams]

She couldn't resist a final aside:

[Not if you knew the sort of dreams I've been having recently!]

"Who's texting you this time of night?" Regina entered from the bathroom in a silk nightdress, looking alluring as always.

"Your boyfriend. We just made up." She looked up, appreciating the view. "That's new? What say you get over here and I take it off…with my teeth?" She fluttered her eyes.

"You're supposed to be convalescing, my girl! Doctor's orders!"

"He didn't say anything about sex."

Seeing the expectant look in her wife's eyes, Regina decided to play dirty. "Besides, I'm not feeling in the mood. But you know what might get me in that mood?"

"Tell me?"

"You telling me, in great detail, about your dream involving a certain thief? And before you deny it, I heard some of it in great detail. Confess, Emma Swan-Mills! You know, I definitely won't be jealous. It might even make me feel…" she flattered her own eyelashes for effect "Aroused?"

You devious cow! She thought, as the older woman slid down beside her, eye-sexing to the max. Well two could play at that game!

"You were in it too, you know?" Emma purred, even though she was lying. "All three of us, I mean?" Her right arm slowly curled around Regina's waist to pull her closer, hips coming together, as they faced one another.

"I'm listening..." She tried to sound vaguely interested, though her pupils told a very different story.

"You, me…and him. I can't remember all the details, but you and I were at some sort of big party. You were wearing a long white dress. Could even have been a wedding dress? So was I, actually. We matched. We were both getting a little...handsy? Then you...kinda had your hand under my skirt."

Regina slid her left hand down the blonde's side, before slowly letting it drift down under the teddy, roaming over her stomach, before fingers edged inside her underwear, to lightly cup her. "Like this?"

"Ooh yeah, like that." She tried not to sound too eager.

"Go on? I want details."

"Well. We were standing behind a heavy curtain, though how we weren't seen, I'll never know. I also had my hand up yours…" as Emma said it, her own right hand slid under the pale blue nightdress, delighted to find no underwear. She lightly cupped Regina's mound, dipping a middle finger between now-damp folds, earning a grateful sigh in response. "...like so?"

"Go on…" Said the now panting former mayor, as she mirrored her wife's actions. Both women began to breath more heavily, tilting into one another, each raising a knee, to allow more access. "Em-ma…" She moaned as two fingers slipped inside easily, a thumb pressing own on her clit. So Regina copied her, slipping her own fingers inside the blonde.

"Now I don't know where he came from, but then he was beside us? He kinda...pulled my hand out from you, and yours from me, and he sorta sucked them in turn, moaning to himself? You started kissing him, and then…well, it's a bit hazy, but someone else appeared the other side of the curtain and told you you had to leave and go somewhere; I don't know, make a boring speech or something? You were annoyed, but told Robin to take me somewhere quickly, and finish what we started. Next thing I remember, we're running up a staircase to find a bedroom."

Both women, fingers now firmly working away in one another, were mentally picturing the scene, Regina imagining her two lovers racing upstairs to screw each other to oblivion. Emma brought her mouth over Regina's, and started to kiss her frantically, tongues now wrestling in their wet, familiar dance. Emma loved how her words had so quickly brought them to such a frenzied state.

Regina pulled her head back. "Mo…more! What happened next? Tell me?" She demanding, panting.

"Then…then…oh, that's good! Keep doing that! Yes, that's it! A little harder?" She almost wheezed the words. "Then I remember a big bed. He laid me on it, pulled my knickers and hose down in such a hurry, my heels were still on! And…and he tried to go down on me? But I stopped him, cos I was desperate. I pulled him out of his trousers, and sucked him. Hard."

"Hmm…yes, he's like that! He always was a giver and a reluctant receiver but…damn, Emma! Right there! Right…right there! I'm close…go…go on?" Regina felt the familiar pull coming from her core, her left leg raised, her knee now touching Emma's, starting to shake.

"He lifted up my skirt right up, then lay on top of me. I wrapped my legs around the back of him and ordered him in. He just, just drove in hard! I remember screaming, he felt so, so…" Emma's was now replaying it in her own mind. And as she did, she felt Regina's walls starting to tighten on her fingers as she violently peaked.

"Hnnghh! Mmm, so, so good! So fucking good, yes!" she yelled into Emma's mouth as she came. The noise of her climax brought Emma's own orgasm on in a rush mere seconds later as Regina, even through her own peak, continued driving fingers harder into her.

"Ah! Yes, yes, oh-so-fucking-YES!" Emma groaned, as she clenched, before slamming her mouth onto Regina's yet again, trying to keep the noise down.

As breathing gradually calmed, the now sweat-sodden pair looked at one another, neither quite believing how that happened so quickly?

"You okay?" Emma wondered whether her crude retelling had caused a problem.

"More than okay. Though I'll admit I'm astonished I got so turned on by the idea of you having sex with him? In a wedding dress, and all? I definitely need to shower. You?"

"Great. Though I wasn't the only one in a wedding dress, remember? Maybe that's why you were annoyed, because you wanted to join in? But I'm definitely going to join you for that shower!"

Two weeks after the return of the Outlaw and the Pirate

One week on from the departure of the Jolly, Storybrooke and Sherwood began to return to normal.

Emma, now fully restored to health, became restless. Having no choice but to leave her sheriff post five years ago due to mental breakdown, the Saviour had somehow spent the last two of them making herself busy with home repairs, housework, and study. She'd helped part-time with Ruby and Dorothy at Granny's, and helped her mother as a part-time teaching assistant at the school. Moving in with Regina two years ago, and getting married in New York a year later, the women had somehow managed to pad out their days being ladies of leisure. But now, Emma wanted to do something full time again.

Regina had similarly become restless. During a recent conversation, Robin had referred to Merlin's comments about her mother never making real amends for her many, many crimes. That the staircase Cora ascended in the Underworld didn't lead to anything like a happy ending. Only led to judgment, not paradise! That worried Regina more than ever. Could she ever be forgiven for all the Evil Queen's past crimes after she died? Or was she destined to spend her afterlife damned in Hell for perpetuity? It wasn't a nice thought.

"I'm going to see Violet's dad," Emma announced over breakfast. "Mulan told me he's looking for a couple of extra deputies. I thought I'd apply."

That was a surprise. "Hank Morgan isn't exactly your biggest fan! Have you mentioned it to Violet? She might be able to help soothe the way, if you're serious?"

"I'm not sure I should be asking Henry's girlfriend to help me get over her dad's...little problem with me."

"A 'little problem' you've never actually apologised for. We told him how it happened, but you never apologised."

"Yeah, I guess I do need to do a bit of grovelling?"

"Good luck with that. After I've dropped off the children, I'm going to see the Sorcerer."

"Merlin? Why? Something to do with Robin?"

"No, something to do with me. I've got some questions about…well, questions."

Storybrooke Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Hank Morgan looked over the antiquated office and couldn't understand how it had been allowed to fall into such disrepair.

Peeling paintwork, dirty floors and windows, rusty jail cells, obsolete computers, and overflowing filing cabinets. He'd just taken over the sheriff role, at Mayor Briar's request, only a week ago. A born soldier, Hank had assisted David Nolan as a deputy between his daughter, then Sheriff Emma Swan, becoming unwell and standing down, and George Spencer winning a definitely fraudulent mayoral election. David resigned immediately the election result was announced, as he could never face working for that crook!

Hank assumed the disorganization started once Keith Nottingham took over as Sheriff. An old lackey of Spencer's, the pair were as thick as thieves and attracted the same sort of people. Nottingham was deeply suspicious of David Nolan, Mulan and the other 'heroes' who had tried to help, instead bringing in a team of his own trusted men who had previously worked for him in another realm, when Prince John usurped King Richard to take the throne.

A former Knight of the Round Table, Sir Morgan of the Court of Camelot always took great pride in making sure his men, and women more recently, were of the highest calibre, well trained, disciplined and polite to a fault. In return for dedicated service, he liked to make sure they were properly paid on time, trained and looked after, the welfare of their loved ones provided for in the event of their loss. His team appreciated him and he them. Now, looking at the sorry state of the sheriff's office, he figured this should be a symbol of change in the small town.

With all Nottingham and Spencer's deputies being sacked, or jailed, on the orders of the mayor, Sir Morgan now needed a new team. Quickly. He first turned to Mulan, who he knew to be an excellent soldier and swordsman (or is it swordswoman? Either way, she was good).

"Sheriff Morgan, you asked to see me?"

"I did Miss Fa – oh, I'm so sorry, I forgot. Is it Mrs. Fa now? Or Mrs. Fa-Briars? Forgive me, I'm not sure."

"Mrs. Briars. Preferably, just Mulan?" She smiled back, sitting down opposite his desk. "Ping to my friends."

"Mulan it is then. And call me Hank. Congratulations, by the way? Violet said it was a beautiful wedding. I'm sorry I missed it, I was the only one on duty."

"No problem, I'm sorry you couldn't be there. Now what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well, you'll be aware I've taken on this role on a temporary basis, reporting to your husband? There'll be formal Sheriff elections before the end of the year, but I'm not sure whether to stand for office or not. However, I need help and advice now, and I also need four deputies."

"You do know I'm pregnant, Hank?" She brought her hand down to cover her abdomen, "I would be more than willing to help normally, but…"

"Oh, no, no no! I knew that, and I understand! I'd never assume anything less; your child comes first, always. I just thought that, as you were a deputy here longer than me, you could advise me who I should be considering for the roles? You've more experience. Frankly, I'm surprised you didn't apply for the role yourself?"

"I thought about it, though Phillip's now the Mayor, as well as my husband. Neither of us, nor Aurora, think it appropriate to have the office of Mayor and Sheriff held by people related. There's a conflict of interest."

"Yes, Phillip explained it to me, too. We both agreed you'd make a first-class Sheriff, though he said he would stand down as Mayor the moment you said you wanted to run."

Mulan smiled broadly, a rare sight for the usually serious-faced woman. "He said the same thing to me, but I don't want him to stand down. I think he's making a difference, and I hope he stands for the mayoral election."

"He'd be an excellent candidate. I'd certainly vote for him."

"Thank you. So, back to the subject - who are you thinking of for deputies?"

"Well, Dorothy Lucas seems a good candidate. I've seen her wield a sword with some of the militia when they train on the ridge. She's intelligent, calm, strong and seems to have people's trust."

"I agree. I've travelled with her. An excellent candidate. Who else?"

"Bill Spear, one of the militia captains. A bit wild in his youth, but he seems to have mellowed since he married young Gwendoline."

"Also very good," Mulan added, "his combat skills are excellent. I've helped train him and he bested me a couple of times too. Something I'm not proud of. Any more?"

"I was going to ask one or two of the Merry Men? Do you think Robin would mind me poaching?"

"Not at all, though it always seems strange. Something about poachers turning gamekeepers!"

Hank chuckled. "Apart from that, I'm not sure who we can consider. I asked David Nolan if he would come back, though he's not sure. He's offered me some part-time support, but I think he's enjoying being a farmer too much."

Just then the door creaked open and Emma walked in, seeing Mulan and Sheriff Morgan engaged in some sort of impromptu meeting.

"Good morning, Mrs. Swan-Mills. Can I help you?"

"Well…yes. Could we talk somewhere, Sheriff?" she looked across at Mulan, who got the message and stood, ready to leave.

"Hello Emma. It's fine, I need to go anyway. Hank, let me think of some other names, yes? I'll call you in the morning?"

"Yes, please, and thanks again, I appreciate your advice."

~oOo~

As Mulan left, Emma took the vacated chair, without being asked.

"So what can I do for you, Emma?" He stiffened, his manner noticeably cooler than with Mulan.

She paused, now a little uncertain how to start. "I understand you're looking for some new deputies?"

"You'd like to apply? A former sheriff applying for a deputy role?"

"Yeah. Well, I've been out of it for a while now. I'm certainly rusty."

"You know there's an election for Sheriff in November? You want to run then?"

"Absolutely not! I don't need that all over again."

Hank studied her, choosing his next words carefully. Violet had previously told him he needed to finally forgive Emma for what she'd done to her. That she was cursed at the time. But it was just so hard to accept how anyone who could rip his own daughter's heart from her chest, just to control her to upset her own son? That was just, so, so wrong!

"I know you can do the job Emma! probably standing on one leg, with your hands behind your back, but…"

"It's still the Dark One thing, isn't it?" she blurted, knowing that look. "There's still people here who look at me…well, strangely, as though I'm going to go dark again? I was cursed, Hank! I had no control over anything I did. You still find it hard to accept that anyone who did what I did to your little girl, must be…"

"Credit me some intelligence, please Emma!" He jumped in. "Violet and Henry have both explained to me, numerous times and at great length, the circumstances at the time. I understand that, though must admit it still haunts me. It was nearly six years ago, though my mind went straight back to it when I saw Mr. Collins in Grannies last night."

"Mr. Collins? Who? Oh, you mean Dopey? What's he got to do with anything?" But she realized the connection the moment the words left her mouth.

"Yes, Dopey. You may recall you turned him into a tree at that time? But nobody sought to try and turn him back, until Merlin got here two week's ago. The Dwarves were trying to escape you, as I recall?"

"Yes, but…but that was Dark One magic! I just didn't know how to change him back again. What could I do?"

He ignored the question. "Have you apologized to him? Have you been to see him? I'm sure that would help."

She heard Regina's earlier words this morning replay in her head. "You never actually apologized, Emma!"

Shit!

"Yeah, I guess I'd better go and do that. Look Hank, I'm sorry okay? I guess I'd better be going. I hope you find your deputies. But just for the record, I'm truly sorry for what the Dark One…wait, no, for what I did to Violet! I apologized to her, many times, but I guess I owe an apology to you, too. I'm sorry for putting you through that," she mumbled before standing, turning to head for the door. However, before she reached it, Hank spoke again.

"Thank you, Emma! I accept your apology. And I'm sorry I've been a bit…brusque with you. As it looks like Vi and Henry are getting ever closer, I must try to do the same and let bygones be bygones." He stood and walked around to offer his hand. "And for the record, yes, you would be an excellent, proven and very welcome deputy, at least till I stand down. I agreed to take on this role when Mayor Briar asked me, but I don't intend to stand for election. I'm by nature a soldier, not a policeman. I think your experience would be invaluable. When can you start?"

"Wait, what – you're offering me the job?"

"Yes, Deputy Sheriff Swan-Mills, I am!"

~oOo~