Our travellers arrive in Rome. Rumple tells them he's planning a major change in his life. The Swan-Mills women are planning something. And Belle gives her lover and husband her blessing to get to know each other...

Rome, Italy – One week later

After Henry checked into the Hotel De Russie, he quickly showered and changed before calling Belle and Ariel's room.

"Hi guys, how's things? How's Gid?"

In a nearby room, cases were open and clothes scattered everywhere as Belle tried holding the phone to her ear with her shoulder while screwing on the bottle top. "Hello Henry, good to see you got here safe and sound. Not so good for Gideon, unfortunately. He's teething's got worse and he's got an upset tummy. Ariel changed him but he's quite fractious!"

Henry could hear the screaming child in the background and she definitely sounded distressed. "Bad luck. Want me to come over and help?"

"Don't worry, he has to sleep some time, right? Is Rumple with you?"

"Not yet. We came in on the same flight but I left him at the airport. he went to a travel agent, to make a few changes. He should be here in about an hour. Listen, you sound stressed out, let me come and help?"

~oOo~

Five minutes later, he knocked on their bedroom door. Belle opened it, and the first sight that greeted him was of a flustered Ariel trying desperately to hold the screaming, twitching, red-faced infant. "He's been like this for a couple of hours now. I think we might need a doctor!"

"Here, let me take him? Share the load, right?" He brought his large hands around the baby, lifting him onto his chest, and holding him firmly. "Hi Gid! Don't worry, it's going to be all right."

"I just texted Rumple, asking him to stop by a pharmacist!" Belle cheked her phone. "I just ran out of Bonjela to rub on his gums. But I'm more worried about his stomach."

As Henry nodded, he noticed the two women who had been looking after Gideon since he and his grandfather had left them in Paris, looked utterly shattered. "Listen, it looks like you two haven't slept in a while. What say we get him calmed down, and I take him off for a walk in his buggy? You two could try and get a bit of sleep?"

Ariel looked at Belle, silently pleading with her to agree. "Are you sure Henry? He's being difficult and his diapers have been horrendous!"

"No problem. My sisters went through this. Let me just text grandpa, and let him know what's going on. Put a few bits together for me, and I'll take him. Text me when you feel better."

Belle kissed his cheek. "You, Henry Mills, are turning into as big a saviour as your mother!"

~oOo~

Surprisingly, once the one-year-old had left the hotel, being pushed in his buggy by his nephew, Gideon slowly drifted to sleep in the warmth of the Mediterranean evening. Henry had already texted his grandfather and they now met again in the historic grounds of the Pincio Promenade.

Rumple, delighted to be reunited with his baby boy, snuggled him as he fed him on his lap.

"That stuff you put on his gums works quick?"

"Aye, lad. And the Calpol should kick in soon. Teething and upset stomachs often go together. Still, he's settling now. How are Belle and Ariel?"

"Honestly? They look shattered; like they haven't slept in a week! That's why I took him."

"Thank you for that. It's never easy. I've also noticed the difference here, when I don't have magic. The Dark One doesn't need sleep, so I'd forgotten how hard it is to go without!"

"Do you miss it, being away from all that power?"

"Sometimes. It's like a drug. But after a couple of weeks, no. Except I do get tired and hungry, like everyone else."

"Can you feel the Dark One talking to you? Does he somehow know what we're saying?"

"I can't feel him now. Although he spoke to me in Strasbourg, when I visited the Isle of Souls. That's the place I was telling you about? The sealed hamlet, a bit like Storybrooke? The Dark One appeared to me then, wondering what the hell I thought I was doing. I don't think he's aware of anything when I'm away from anywhere magical, unless I consciously think about it. Why the interest?"

"Well, for the last few weeks you've seemed a lot brighter, happier. Much more contented. I just wondered whether it was the change of scene, or being away from him? Either way, I like it. I've really enjoyed these last few weeks, grandpa. Makes me wonder how it would have been with dad?"

"I've been thinking much the same, my boy. Baelfire was a natural traveller, and he would have adored a trip like this. At least I get a chance to share it with his son. And Gideon, of course! But it's interesting you ask, because there's something I've been considering for a while."

"Doing it more often? Getting away from the magic?"

"I can't open my thoughts to it when I'm at home, because the Dark One would instantly pick up on it. He can read all my thoughts when I'm there. I've learnt over many years how to block out certain things. But if he knew what I was intending, I'm worried he might panic and, if he could cause me harm, just so he could escape. After that, he'd seek out the nearest pure soul."

"Like he did with Emma? when you almost died?"

"Precisely. But this time he could go for someone more malleable. Like a child."

"Meaning Gideon?" Henry finally understood why his grandfather was even considering this, as he put two and two together. "So, what are you saying? That you're not going back home? Like never?"

Rumple nodded.

"So you'd really give it all up? How would you live?"

"Well...I have more than enough wealth to last me several lifetimes. My boy here is growing fast, and I frankly don't want to outlive him. Provided I also get regular access to my grandson, and of course the family you may well have one day, a fresh start, without the darkness and everything that goes with it, would be rather welcome."

"But...without the Dark One powers, you'd die!"

"We all have to one day, Henry. Death's the ultimate release! For the first few days of this trip, I missed the power. But now? I relish every freedom, even if the price is not being immortal."

Henry's mind swam with so many thoughts. The implications of Rumple leaving Storybrooke for good. "I don't know what to say. I understand why you'd do it, though I would see a lot less of you if you went. What about Belle not seeing Gideon? I can't imagine she'd take that lightly!"

"No lad. There's the rub. I have no wish to part mother and son. We would have to behave like civilized, divorced couples with children the world over, and figure out joint custody arrangements. I couldn't bear to be parted from Gideon for too long. That's my dilemma."

"So, when are you going to discuss it with her?"

"Soon. Probably before I have the operation. I would appreciate it though, if you would keep this information to yourself, until then?"

The following evening, with Gideon's stomach problems now under control, he slept soundly in his room as the hired babysitter sat over him. Downstairs, in the hotel's dining room, the four of them enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, catching up on events of the past week. Ariel told them about their stay in Paris, visits to the landmarks, including the Eiffel Towel, the Champs-Élysées and Versailles. Belle waxed lyrical about the Sacre-Coeur and the Notre Dame cathedral. And Henry told the women of their own trip to the ancient city of Strasbourg.

"Angus, wasn't Strasbourg where your 'magical city' was?" Ariel was curious. "Was it anything like you imagined it would be?"

"Not really, dearie. Nothing like Storybrooke. However, I discovered I knew a mage who had previously moved there. She gave me some useful insights into a few things and I picked up one or two useful items. An interesting place, though."

"So, we've another two days before we all split up again," Belle drained her glass. "As we're all together tomorrow, any thoughts what you'd all like to do? We haven't been to the Coliseum yet, and I've always wanted to see the Sistine Chapel, particularly Michelangelo's frescoes."

The other three all nodded. "Sounds like a plan," agreed Henry. "If we do that. and St. Peters, then later I'm happy to stay in for a change, and look after Gid? You two had him all week, and grandpa looked after him last night. I quite fancy a quiet night in with my favourite uncle! Besides, I won't get to see him for a while once we get to London."

The two women looked across to gauge Rumple's response. Since their night together in Edinburgh, they had been careful not to be caught like that again. Each morning, depending on who was looking after Gideon, the three would gather to help feed and dress him first thing, though they hadn't spoken about the sex the three of them had enjoyed two weeks ago in that Edinburgh suite. Many things were left unsaid. Perhaps this was the opportunity to clear the air?

"That's kind of you, my boy. If you're quite sure? We'll make sure we get back at a sensible time."

"It's fine, grandpa. He can spend the night with me. I've looked after babies before and if he get's teething again I know what to do. Seriously guys, you've looked after him throughout and I know it screwed up a few of your nights. Come collect him from me in the morning? He'll be fine!"

"You, Henry Mills, are turning into a really lovely young man!" Ariel stood, placing a kiss on his cheek. "You're going to make some girl very happy one day. I'd love a night out!"

The Mansion – Mifflin Street

"That looks lovely there, doesn't it?" Snow admired the newly-hung picture of Roland and Marian above a fireplace in the drawing room.

"You can see where Roland got his eyes and hair from. I even think I remember meeting Marian Fitzwalter once, a long time ago. She was strikingly beautiful. I'm surprised you have it hanging up here, Regina? Considering she was Robin's first love, after all."

"Yes she was, but more importantly, she was also Roland's mother. A woman my sister and I wronged dreadfully. It seems a small price to pay for that injustice. It's also a reminder to me. To be…better."

Snow smiled sadly, pulling her daughter-in-law's hand around her arm. "You're NOT that woman any more, Regina. As Emma and Robin have told you on numerous occasions. Come to think of it, where is Emma?"

"In the study, pleading with Robin to let her see the other drawings Tuck dropped off. It seems our forest priest, in his infinite wisdom, decided to keep a lot of Robin's personal effects back when he had a breakdown over her death. A lot of things got lost over time, but he's a hoarder, apparently. Robin assumed they'd been destroyed but Tuck kept them, sealed, in his own lodgings.

"Drawings of what?"

"Lots of things, though Alan implied Robin had made more personal drawings of Marian. Emma wants to see them."

"Why? If they're personal, he's kept them back for a reason! Why would she want to see her fiancé's, possibly intimate, drawings of another woman?"

Because she wants him to draw her the same way! She thought but couldn't say it. "Who knows?"

~oOo~

In the study, Emma was standing in front of the desk, Robin seated, looking at the wax-sealed box which Tuck had dropped off the other day. Her curiosity was getting the better of her and she was tempted to use her magic to open it, or remove the contents, without breaking the seal. The only thing that had stopped her was when Robin had told her, very firmly, that he would regard it as a major breach of his trust.

"Please let me see them? They're only drawings!"

"Drawings from a very painful part of my life, Emma. You forget, she was my wife!"

"Yes, I know. But a week ago, I had no idea you could even draw! It's a gift, and I think you should use that gift. You now have five, not one, beautiful children. I would love to see you draw them, so we have something special to remember them all by before they change. I realise, some of your sketches of Marian may be nude or even 'intimate', but it really doesn't matter. I don't feel threatened by the fact you loved her! She was special, but what about Regina? My wife, and soon to be your wife, is also special. I would treasure having a sketch of her. Something private, I can keep for ourselves. I know you may never fully come to terms with Marian's loss, but we love you too. Your entire family does!"

Robin sighed loudly, slowly standing up. "Very well. Open it. It's just…I'd rather not see them myself at the moment. It's just still too painful. Go ahead…" He raised an arm, and part of the fixed wax seal around the box split. "Just take care of them and don't take any away?" He slowly stepped out of the room, walking past Regina and Snow, who were hovering outside.

~oOo~

The moment he'd left, they went straight into the study to find Emma, who by now was engrossed in several pictures from the unsealed box.

"Emma, what on earth are you doing?" Her mother rebuked her. "It's Robin's! Surely you haven't…"

"Of course not; he said I could. Gina, come and have a look at these?" Emma appeared to be holding a larger drawing, some two-foot long and a foot wide. It was of Marian, reclining full length. She appeared to be wearing some form of pale toga, while lying on her side, facingthe artist. She had a broad, relaxed smile with almost a hint of lust in her eyes.

"He's very talented, isn't he?" Snow held he edge. "I love the way he's captured her eyes." However, the next one she pulled out of the box took Emma's breath away. It was a similar drawing to the last, this time with Marian reclining again, her body towards the artist but looking off to the distance and…completely naked. Although her upper body and breasts were shown, her legs were carefully crossed, one over the other, to maintain most of her modesty.

Regina gasped. "Oh…it's beautiful, Emma! Look at the way he's drawn her legs? The way the light plays off her face. The muscle detail around her stomach. And her breasts and shoulders are exquisite..."

Emma agreed. "It's quite something. He's got a real talent. We have to get him to start drawing again." As Snow lifted the picture to study it closer, Emma used her telepathy to communicate silently with Regina.

[I'd love to get him to draw you like that! You need to help me persuade him]

[Emma, I'm not having my bare breasts displayed on a wall!]

[I meant for me, us. A private picture, silly!]

[Oh, well…I guess that'd be all right. But only if you pose for one too?]

[I can do that. So, help me persuade him, then?]

Rome

"I am absolutely stuffed," groaned Belle. "That veal was heavenly, but I couldn't eat another thing!"

Rumple had found a rather grand restaurant in the guides, not far from the hotel. Being free of caring for Gideon for the first time in weeks, the three had enjoyed cocktails in the sun, before sitting down to a lavish spread. They'd gone out of their way to order the most unusual, or lavish, items they could. Especially dishes they'd never find back home. While he and Belle started on black caviar and toast, Ariel had feasted on foie gras (Rumple deciding to avoid telling her it was made from bloated goose liver, illegal back home). Belle's Osso Bucco was sublime, while the mermaid and Rumple had made short work of the most tender fillet steak in pate they'd ever tasted.

"That's a shame, madame," said the helpful but rather obsequious waiter. "Perhaps I should come back in a little while? I have the most perfect hot profiteroles in cream. Our house speciality. I guarantee after one taste, you will finish the bowl, or it will be on the house!"

"That's a challenge I definitely have to take you up on!" said Ariel, happily sated. "But I agree, let's leave it a little while?" The waiter nodded curtly and left as the three of them sat back, contented, Rumple slowly swirling his wine in the glass, before swallowing back in contentment.

"Angus, I know I've only known you a few months, but I have to say I've never seen you look so relaxed and happy! High living clearly suits you."

Rumple smiled his crocodile smile. "I have a lot to be thankful for right now. For the first time in hundreds of years, I don't have a demon whispering in my ear. I've spent nearly a month in the company of my baby boy, and my wonderful grandson. I've enjoyed the company of not one, but two extremely attractive and intelligent women in some of the most beautiful cities on earth. I've dined well and seen many sights. How could I not be happy?"

"So, you haven't missed all the power? The magic?" queried Belle. "The pull of the Dark One? When you visited that magical village you mentioned? He didn't appear?"

"Oddly enough, no! That surprised me. He appeared to me when I was in the Scottish Highlands, and looked even more 'ill' than ever. He scorned me as always, but he seemed tired."

"Tired? But he's an immortal evil spirit. He can't get tired, can he?"

"I didn't think so, but it seems the longer I stay away from anywhere with magic, the weaker he becomes when I return! Oddly enough, that leads me to discuss something with you which I've been avoiding. I'm starting to consider leaving those lands for good. Perhaps permanently living in the world without magic."

"Permanently? But…but Rumple, you can't! You'd grow old and die! And what about Gideon?"

"Dying is what people are supposed to do, Belle. Live, grow old, and die. Being immortal isn't a blessing, it's a curse! And as for Gideon, I would never willingly separate him from his mother."

"So, what the hell? You saying you'll just up and leave us? Leave Gideon? Rumple, he needs you!" The librarian choked, her eyes reddening. "After Bae? How could you do that to him? To us?"

Ariel had stayed silent, now placing her hand over his on the table. "Angus, she's right, Gideon needs you. And so does Belle! Heck, even I don't want you leaving us!"

"Ariel, I want this darkness gone. Forever. I have plenty of funds to provide for the pair of you in bringing up our son. I want him to remember me as a kindly, loving father, not as a Dark One, which will certainly happen if I return permanently to Storybrooke. I have no doubt the beast inside me will recover, or possibly even seek another host. I couldn't bear seeing that happen to someone else. It seems to be the best option…"

A tear slid down Belle's cheek. "Well, I don't think I could bear that! There must be another way?"

"I think there is," Ariel squeezed Belle's hand with her free one. "We could join him."

"What? What are you suggesting?"

"We all know you're still very much in love with him, as he is with you! Could you not leave with him? Then Gideon could be with both parents. It seems the best way."

"What about you? Ariel, I couldn't leave - I love you! Both of you..." She whispered the last words. Rumple stayed silent, surprised they were even discussing it.

Ariel took both her hands in her own. "Well, I guess that brings us to the elephant in the room, doesn't it? Because I love you too, Belle. After that wonderful night in Edinburgh, we've all avoided talking about it, haven't we? I've already admitted I've started having feelings for Angus too, although I don't know what his are for me. I'm willing to explore this, if you both are too? Perhaps if we could work on that, I could possibly join you away from the magical world?"

"But even if that was possible, you're still part mermaid, aren't you? Would you even survive away from magic for too long? We'd lose you. Rumple?"

"I'm really not sure. This is Triton's area of expertise, even though Ursula cast the spell. I would need to speak to him to find out. Relations with him are strained, but your mother does currently owe me a great debt. Ariel, are you serious about this? Do you really have feelings for me? I assumed that night in Edinburgh was a one-off. Your emotions were taking over at the time. Plus the drink..."

"Then you really don't know women, or mermaids, as well as you think, do you Angus?" she sniggered. "Yes Rumple, I was being serious. I've lived with you a few months now. I've seen how you are with Gideon, with Henry and of course, Belle. You pushing us together was a selfless act, no matter how you want to dress it up! I've seen a side of you that only Belle has, and yes, I'm attracted to you. The question is, how do you feel about me?"

Rumple paused longer than intended, thinking how best to answer. "When you first moved in, I admit I was rather envious of the love Belle felt for you. You give her something I never could; light! Though watching you with Gideon, my feelings changed. I've lived a long time and I knew I was also starting to be attracted to you. Running around our house in exotic lingerie doesn't help either!" Both women chuckled, reducing the tension. "But I've found you surprisingly pleasant company, young Ariel. And more intelligent than I imagined! You know, I detest stupid people, and I'm a very cantankerous man. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have feelings for you, too."

Belle's heart lifted at seeing her two loves declaring an interest in each other. "I want you both to pursue this. I don't want just to be the fulcrum for the three of us. If we do explore this, I want us to be equal. In all things. Ariel, Rumple, you're leaving on Monday to go to Venice together, while I head off with Gideon and Henry to Florence. So, I've just decided I'm giving you both my consent, to do whatever you want to do together. To pursue this. Physically, emotionally, whatever…"

"Belle, are you absolutely sure about this?" Rumple wondered whether she'd had too much to drink.

"I am. Spend time together. Really get to know my girlfriend, Rumple! Travel, talk, wine, dine and, if it comes to it, make love. Just know, you both have my blessing."

~oOo~