Henry plans his return from vacation. Robin comes to terms with his loss. Ariel and Rumple get to know each other in Venice.

The Mansion – Mifflin Street

Another week passed, and the Swan-Mills and Locksley family were assembled, once again, on and around the sofa for their Saturday morning, weekly web call with Henry.

As usual, his mothers sat in the centre, Hope and Faith on their knees, Margot and Honour in front of them on the floor. Robin stood behind them in the middle. Only Roland was missing, out for his usual weekend soccer match.

"Hi everyone!" The older children cheered, seeing their big brother appear on the screen. "How's everyone?"

"Hello, my prince," Regina began. "We're all well. It feels like you've been away forever! And that is a rather full beard, young man. A week ago, it was a light fuzz."

Henry chuckled. "Yeah, all the guys my age seem to have them over here. Robin, you should let yours grow too?"

"Too much hard work looking after it, my boy. Plus, it's hot when you're working."

"I think it suits you, Hen!" Emma grinned back. "Goes with your new tan. So where are you now?"

"Florence, Italy. You should really come here on holiday, mums? There're so many famous places to see; I'll send you the pictures. We've booked to go into the Uffizi early tomorrow morning. Belle's never stopped going on about it! She reckons it's the best museum in the world. There're loads of Da Vinci's, Botticelli's, Michelangelo's, all that sort of stuff, you name it. This place is like steeped in history! But I'm completely shagged out from all the walking, so we're going to be taking Gideon off for afternoon tea by the river."

"I did look up Florence on the web, and I recognised the bridge from the photos. Yes, it looks fabulous. What about your grandfather?" Regina knew it was churlish to keep calling him 'Gold' when Henry was fond of the man. "How's he coping with all the walking?"

"He seems fine, though he and Ariel flew to Venice this morning. We'll see them when they come back on Monday."

"Gold and Ariel have gone together?" Emma was the most surprised. "And they left you two with Gideon?"

"Yeah, they get on fine. Really well, actually! They even do a little bit of singing together, to help Gid get off to sleep at night. I'll tell you mums, you wouldn't recognise him when he's away from Storybrooke! It's like he just comes to life!"

"Have you got me a present, Henry?" Honour was already bored with the adults' conversation.

"Honour!" Her older mother rebuked. "You know better than to ask for gifts! You should never do that!"

"It's okay, mum!" Henry laughed. "Of course I have, Honnie! I've got something for all of you. I'll be home in a week or so, and you're coming to meet me at the airport, aren't you?" Honour beamed back at him, and Margot also gave a gap-toothed smile, having just lost one front tooth recently. The girls adored their older brother and were so looking forward to having them back, to play with them and snuggle up with him in bed when he read them stories at night.

"So Henry, about your return? We're all coming up to meet you Tuesday week at JFK," Emma was looking at her notes. "I got your flight details. Robin's bringing the Sherwood minibus to fit everyone in. We'll drop your stuff off at the university, and then we're staying in Boston for a couple of nights. The others definitely aren't coming back with you?"

"No. They're all flying back to London for grandpa's operation. They'll stay there while he recuperates. They may be a few weeks."

"Wonderful!" Regina interrupted. "We'll have you to ourselves for a few days. Henry, we need to get you and Roland kitted out in your suits for the wedding. Don't forget, it's only a month away! Most of it's sorted out, but your mother and I need to go to New York for a final fitting, so perhaps you could come with us?

"I get to see you in your wedding dresses? I thought that was supposed to be bad luck?"

"That only applies to the groom," The brunette turned to smile at their fiancé, who squeezed her shoulder. "It's bad luck for a groom to see the bride, or in our case, brides, before the event."

"Then I'd love to come. You can come see my flat since we painted it? But I don't want you lecturing me on the mess!"

"That's our job, Henry, we're your mothers!"

Venice

"Oh my god! That is such a breath-taking sight! I can't believe we're really here?" Ariel scanned the astonishing architecture. After the short flight from Rome earlier that morning, the mermaid and the Dark One had taken a water taxi from Venice airport straight to the hotel, situated on the side of one of the most famous and historical sights in the world. The Grand Canal. Everything before her looked like a Canalleto painting. And she adored it.

Earlier that day, they'd checked into the luxurious Gritti Palace Hotel, on the famous waterfront. Ariel had suggested they change the two-room booking into just one, so Rumple decided to upgrade to larger suite. Although money was no real object to him, he still balked at the room rate, and the sheer cost of everything. Still, this was a unique experience, he had to keep reminding himself.

However, in their suite, all thoughts of money spent were completely forgotten when Ariel laid the most sheer, pale grey silk chemise on the Emperor bed, as she unpacked. Holy hell, I do hope she's wearing that tonight!

The next few hours were spent sightseeing. After visiting the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge and several more of the world's most famous monuments, the pair took a leisurely gondola ride around the canals before finally stopping for coffee and a snack in the Piazza San Marco, one of the most recognized public squares.

"Angus, I still can't believe we're actually here!" Ariel shrilled, almost shaking in delight. "It's all just like the films! Everything!"

"Forty-three Euros for two coffees and some water? That's like fifty dollars! What in the hell?" Rumple was astonished at the, sadly legal, blatant rip off.

However, Ariel calmly stood, taking her camera in hand to take yet more pictures, before stooping down to lift his chin, and whispering in his ear...

"Yes, it's obscene, isn't it? We're only paying for the location, and they know it! But, my dear Angus, it's nothing like as obscene as the ideas I have for the two of us tonight!" She followed it with a short peck on his lips.

The astonished look on his face morphed into a huge grin, as he whispered back. "You do know I'm not an immortal here, don't you? You really will be the death of me…"

"Yeah, but you'll die happy!"

Storybrooke

Emma walked into the study, surprised to see Robin, sitting silently at the large desk.

"Sorry, I didn't realize you were in here! I was just going to catch up on some paperwork, so I'll just-" She stopped talking, when she realised he hadn't even noticed her!

In front of him, the large box Tuck had brought over just a week ago, containing Robin's old drawings, was now open, with various sketches and pictures laid out on the desk. He remained sitting, silently staring at just one picture in his hand. She noticed it was a small, hand-sized relief of Marian, face and bare shoulders only, and remarkably detailed, looking straight at the artist. She stepped closer, resting a hand softly onto his shoulder.

"I drew this just after we found out she was pregnant…" he almost whispered the words, sitting motionless.

"Really? She looks lovely. Very serene. It's good," she offered back. Though as she leaned down to look closer, she saw his distraught face. Tears rained down his cheeks and he had made no attempt whatever to wipe them away.

She'd never actually seen Robin openly cry before, and the effect was disturbing. Now she finally understood why he found unsealing the box so difficult!

"Rob! With everything that you had going on, you never really had the time to grieve for her, did you? You've mourned her passing, yes, but you never really grieved? All that time..." she breathed.

He looked up at her, grief-stricken, saying nothing. Just shaking his head slowly.

"Well use me, my love? Please?" She sat on his lap without asking, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders, pulling herself in to him in a desperate attempt to comfort. "Let it out?" And then his tears returned, with muffled sobs, as he clung on to her. The pair stayed like that for at least ten minutes more, never letting each other go.

Eventually they separated, Robin wiping his cheeks. "Thanks. Maybe I needed that! But I've soaked your top."

"Who cares! Robin, I'll always be here for you; you never seem to realise it, but you're a truly wonderful, kind man. That's why everyone loves you. I'm so looking forward to becoming your wife. Even though I'll never live up to the bar Marian set, if I can be anywhere near as important in your life as she was, then I'll be a very happy woman." She sniffled.

"You're up there already, Emma! I love you. I couldn't imagine my life now without you in it. Or Regina. I'm blessed..."

"And I'm a very lucky girl." She briefly pressed her lips softly against his own. "So was Marian!"

Florence, Italy

"Henry, I'm shattered! Please, no more walking. I need a cold drink!" Belle groaned.

She and her step-grandson, had just spent three hours in the Uffizi Gallery, pushing the child buggy around the most extraordinary art museum in the world. In the afternoon they'd visited the markets on the Ponte Vecchio, the historic picture postcard stone bridge, and the Duomo. Then they'd stopped for a late lunch before starting off again, and now the librarian's legs were aching.

"Fair enough. How about we head back to the hotel? I'll take care of Gid, while you go freshen up? We'll have a bite there, and settle in for an early night?"

"Perfect. I'll make a couple of calls too. Thanks again for taking care of Gideon last night. I haven't had a chance to dress up or relax over a long dinner in ages!"

"No problem. He was as good as gold." He looked down at the snoozing baby. "And you three seem to be getting on like a house on fire! I'm still amazed grandpa's so cool about the two of you being together. He seems so much more chilled, than I've ever seen him!"

Belle's cheeks pinked, not really wanted to discuss their changing relationship. "Erm…yes, we do all seem to get along just fine."

Venice, Italy

After their long first day, Rumple and Ariel had gone back to the hotel suite, both exhausted.

Although there'd been a little flirting going on through the morning, as the afternoon progressed there was definitely a nervousness, an anxiety, between the pair of them. It was the first time they had ever been alone for so long together, without Belle, and the mermaid now seemed more reticent. "I'll go shower and freshen up. You may want to get a little sleep before we head down to dinner?" Rumple suggested. "There seems a perfectly acceptable restaurant here. Perhaps I should book a table?"

"That sounds nice," she said, her voice almost emotionless. Something he immediately picked up one.

Sensing her nervousness, his voice became softer. "Listen Ariel, I know what you said to me this morning. And what Belle said to us, but I need you to know that…oh dear…how should I put this? You are under no obligation whatsoever. Nothing needs to happen between us, either this evening, or in the future. You're Belle's special friend, and I respect that. Please don't feel under any sort of pressure. If you prefer, I can still arrange for a second room?"

She smiled. "No, please don't do that! It's true, I'm nervous. I know I'm usually full of bravado, but…well, it's just us here now, isn't it?"

"Indeed it is. Just us. So, let's just assume nothing will happen tonight, and take that pressure off us both, yes? Why don't we just enjoy a nice dinner, perhaps a drink or two, and we get to know each other more? There are so many things I still don't know about you."

The mermaid gave her first genuine smile of the afternoon. "I'd like that, Angus. There's so must I want to understand about you, too."

~oOo~

Four hours later, the pair had enjoyed cocktails, followed by a light meal, and were now on to the coffees and brandies.

They had asked each other so many questions about their histories. Rumple had tried to avoid the awkward ones about his father, the odious Peter Pan, or his mother, Fiona the Black Fairy. Ariel knew some of his history with Belle and her girlfriend had already told her some things about Milah and Baelfire, so she skirted over the more uncomfortable history. He told her something of the power of the darkness. Of how it overwhelmed him for decades, until he brought it under some sort of control. He'd asked her about her father and mother, King Triton and Queen Athena, and their current strained relationship. Despite the difficult topics, Rumple had enjoyed the red head's company far more than he had imagined. The woman clearly had many hidden depths. She was intelligent and a surprisingly quick learner.

Now, as he sipped at the scolding coffee, he watched Ariel bring the balloon glass to her lips, taking her first drink of the liquid. She gulped a large measure, which seconds later caused her eyes to bulge as she began coughing furiously. "Gaagh! Bloody hell!" she wheezed.

Rumple chuckled softly. "Sorry, I should have told you! Cognac can be quite strong. Best to just sip it?"

"Thanks for the warning! Better late than never, I guess?" she coughed. "It's a lovely taste though."

"Waiter, two more large cognacs please?" He asked the man hovering nearby.

As she calmed, taking a sip of the coffee, the mermaid seemed much more relaxed than earlier. "Angus, thank you for that lovely meal! And for everything you've done. The holiday, the flights, everything. It's been the best adventure of my life, and it couldn't have happened without you!"

He smiled a genuine, friendly smile. "You're perfectly welcome, dearie. I've enjoyed it too. I'm hundreds of years old, so I should have done something like this a very long time ago. I think it's having you, Belle and of course, Henry and Gideon with me? Everything seems so much lighter here."

"I'm glad. You've gone through one hell of a life, Angus, and suffered more than most. You deserve this."

"Thank you. Although now, not having my powers, I'm feeling somewhat tired. Perhaps it might be time for bed?"

"You know, I was thinking the same thing." She smiled, looking not in the least bit tired.

~oOo~

The nerves came back as Ariel went into the bathroom to change. After a brief shower and freshen up, she reappeared back in their ornate bedroom, to find Rumple, now wearing only a pair of black cotton briefs, arranging a pillow and blanket across an adjoining sofa.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Well…I said I didn't want you feeling uncomfortable, so the sofa will be perfectly fine for me. You take the bed."

She smiled at his thoughtfulness, but shook her head, taking his hand instead. "No, Angus. There's no need, I'm fine now, honestly. Please, come and join me in the bed? It's big, comfy and I'd rather that, than you sleep over there." As if to enforce the point, she moved in to give him a soft kiss on his lips.

"Well if you're really sure? As I said earlier, I have no expectations…"

"I know. And it's very sweet of you. Nor do I. Now come to bed?"

He moved between the soft cotton sheets. "Can I just say, that chemise looks wonderful on you? You're an exceptionally beautiful woman, Ariel. I can see how Belle is so smitten."

"She's not the only one, Angus. You're a remarkable man, and I'm beginning to think only she and I know the true you," she breathed into his ear, drawing herself closer into his warmth as he switched off the lights. "Cuddle me?" she whispered. He obeyed, and they silently held each other in the dark. As they settled, Ariel kissed him softly on the cheek, which in turn made him turn his head instinctively, to capture her mouth gently with his own.

"Hmmm," she breathed, as they separated. "Nice."

"More than nice," he agreed, going in for another. Slowly feeling more emboldened, she gently slid her tongue past his teeth, coiling it gently against his, and was more than pleased to feel something hard pressed against her thigh.

Delighted she could be the cause, she whispered in the dark, moonlit room "Do you remember the last time we were together like this? When we were with Belle? I heard everything, you know? I found your secret weakness, Angus. The secret thing that turns you on more than anything!"

Breathing into her ear, he whispered back, "And what would that be, o' devious little mermaid?"

"You love it when she talks dirty! When she says what she wants! I heard her, and I heard you!"

"Oh, you did, did you?" He was starting to enjoy this. "And didn't anyone ever tell you it's very bad form to eavesdrop on other people's conversations? Behaviour like that should be punished! And unfortunately, for you…Belle also told me your particular 'weakness'!"

Ariel gulped, not sure where this was heading. "She…she did?"

"Oh indeed…she did! So, for such a crime, I think some sort of chastisement is in order."

"Chastisement? What sort of chastisement?"

"I think a spanking would be appropriate. Perhaps you need to be put over my knee? Perhaps your lower cheeks should be as red as no doubt your other cheeks are right now!"

"Oh!" It was a good job he couldn't see her face in the dark. She was starting to get quite turned on! However, she could see his face all right, with her enhanced sight. He was staring intently, eyes blown with lust. "Well, I suppose it was a very naughty thing to do!"

"It was indeed. So, I'm afraid, dearie, I need you to remove those undergarments and bend you across me for a suitable punishment!"

She didn't hesitate. Sporting a mischievous grin, she quietly slid her lace panties down and off her legs, before climbing across him, deliberately pressing her abdomen over his now very hard erection, as it pushed against his boxers. It was merely moments before she felt a warm hand roll across her now exposed buttocks, followed by a single, hard slap. "Ooh!" she groaned, feeling herself becoming wet with excitement. The blow was hard enough to sting slightly, but not enough to really hurt. However, he followed it up with a few more slaps, each small buttock in turn, while punctuating them with a single word between each slap.

"You (slap) must (slap) not (slap) eavesdrop (slap) on (slap) private (slap) conversations (slap) that (slap) do (slap) not (slap) concern (slap) you (slap)! Is (slap) that (slap) perfectly (slap) clear?"

Hearing a gentle groan from the mermaid, who continued to lay still, Rumple thought he may have gone too far! That he'd overstepped the mark. However, the mermaid's next comment, as she rose, reassured him.

"Thank you, Mr. Gold, Sir! I will try to remember that – though if that's the punishment on offer, I can't guarantee I won't transgress again!" she rose up to deliver him a kiss on the lips. "Perhaps there's something else I can do towards making amends?" Without seeking permission, she moved her head lower down his body, before sliding a warm hand into his boxers to seize hold of his swollen organ. "It seems fair…"

Rumple quickly realised what she intended to do and placed a hand on hers to stop her. "No, my dear. Thank you but not this time! I think I should return the compliment you bestowed on me back in Edinburgh? Now lie back, please?"

Although he asked, his arms now came around her firmly, to roll her away and onto her back. A moment later, he was up and kissing her mouth before moving his lips down. As they roamed over the delicate silk, he took a moment to lower one strap, easing the fabric below her left breast before his mouth claimed it. Drawing his lips back, he swiped at her now turgid, pink nipple with his tongue before his teeth came around it to give the lightest of bites. "Aah!" she hissed. His fingers had already claimed the other bud as she started to pant. Moving on, he brought both hands under the fabric to remove it from over her head, before moving himself over her. Ariel expected to receive his weight on her, but he clearly had other plans. With his arms now either side to take his weight, Rumple now kissed her stomach, heading lower before swiping his tongue into her navel. Relieved to find that, following her shower, there was no unfortunate taste of body lotion or soap, her continued toward her thighs, distributing his kisses evenly.

Ariel had only ever received cunnilingus from one man before. Eric, her prince. Only once! Whilst he had been initially willing, she could tell by his actions down there he found the process rather distasteful. He had eagerly lapped around, before sliding his tongue into her entrance, rather clumsily. She'd felt awkward at the time, so told him she didn't really get much feeling from it, and she would instead prefer to see his face. He'd taken her advice, without question. It was only later when Belle, having joined her in reading up on the subject on the web, asked for them to try, that she gave it another go. And that was a different experience altogether! Belle had never discussed her sexual past with Rumple, or anyone else, although she'd picked up snippets recently.

One of the first things Belle discovered when her relationship with Rumple had turned physical, was that the Dark One was a surprising master of cunnilingus, and it was often a foretaste to their lovemaking. So, having received some of her most powerful orgasms that way, the librarian was determined that her mermaid should also get to experience something like that. Having never gone down on another woman before, she needed to learn how to give, rather than receive. So, together they read up on the do's and don'ts, the hygiene implications (god, that was a turn off) and watched some very odd pornography, to attempt to learn before they tried. The first time Belle had performed on her, it had really paid off, the redhead almost slamming her groin hard into her face as she came! Ariel had then returned the gift, though it still took a little practice. However, the overall opinion of the mermaid thereafter, was that men were simply not good at it, because they didn't have the parts in question to know how it feels!

However, here was Rumple, lips now kissing between her thighs, nipping her skin and about to go further. So, she hesitated. "Angus, you don't need to! Really, I'm fine! Just…just come here!"

However, he seemed to ignore her completely, lining his mouth up at her entrance before whispering, "I disagree!" Flattening his tongue against her opening, he slid across it very slowly, applying pressure. Ooh, that's…nice! Moments later, she felt his tongue start to turn into a point, before sliding around the side of her clitoris. It curled over the top, with a light flick on the nub, before continuing down its other side. "Oh…yes…that's good! That's very good!" she encouraged him. As her hips involuntary starting to raise to meet him, he placed his lips over the top of the nub itself, sucking gently.

"Fuck!" She gasped, no longer whispering. He knows what he's doing! "Yes Angus, keep doing that!" Moments later though, she was disappointed to feel his lips come off her, as he slid a single finger inside the warm, wet entrance, checking she was ready. Definitely! Sliding out, a second finger now joined the next push. "Ooh, shit! More, more please my…my love!" Obeying, a third finger now joined it slowly, and he started to rhythmically pump them inside her, curling them up towards her spot before again bringing his mouth down onto her swollen clit. This is heaven! She thought, as she felt her imminent release. "FUCK! Angus…just…just don't stop! Don't you dare stop!" she growled, gripping the bedhead strut tightly as she came, a fierce orgasm powering through her "Oooooooooooooh! Fuuuuck!" she gasped as she felt herself sink in bliss.

As she stilled, Rumple slowly rose over her, coming up to her face before delivering a short kiss to her lips. "Was that all right for you, Miss?" he asked, smiling smugly, because he already knew the answer.

"All right? It was fucking unbelievable! Where the hell did you learn to do that? Belle?"

He chuckled softly. "Yes, but don't forget I've been around a good few hundred years! You do get to learn a few things in all that time."

"Well you, Mister Gold, are the first man ever to give me an orgasm like that! And I'll definitely be wanting a few more! If Belle had told me what you can do with that tongue of yours…"

"I'm sure we shall have plenty more opportunities in the future, should you so wish. Belle too."

"Well now, I need to return the compliment! So, on your back, if you please?"

Rumple smiled at her. "Thank you but there's no need, really! Although I'd much rather be inside you right now. If you would like that?"

"Like it? I would fucking love it! Though I wonder if we could perhaps try something? With me facing down and you behind me?"

That was yet another surprise from this astonishing woman! Rumple had long believed that was not a preferred position for any lady, as it implied submission. Like a lord and his serving wench. Or an animal. It was unsuitable for a lady, surely? He had certainly never taken Belle that way, nor had she asked. "You'd like me…behind you?" It was his turn to feel embarrassed, and she smirked at him, knowing what she would say next would affect him. "Yeah. You know, Belle and I bought some…toys recently? We bought a strap-on. I discovered I kind of like it when…when she takes me that way, with her behind me. She prefers missionary though…"

The blunt talk about his wife and her lover using an apparatus, sent feelings straight down to his cock! "Well, um, I have no problem with that. Perhaps you would like to…assume a position?"

Ariel just managed to stop herself from bursting out laughing at the way he'd phrased it, knowing it would kill the mood completely! Lifting herself onto her knees she saw the bulge now straining in his boxers. "Let me help you with that!" she slid both hands into his boxers, pushing them down to release it. As his upright penis sprang out, she quickly seized it with her left hand, bending over and lowering her mouth onto it, giving it a single, hard suck. "Oh my!" he groaned. Releasing it quickly, she rolled over on to all-fours in the centre of the bed, before pulling two pillows under her and raising her ass into the air.

The effect on Rumple was instant!

Slipping off the bed, he quickly removed the boxers from his ankles, before turning back. She was raised up to him now, ready for him. No woman had ever wanted him this way before, but she had insisted. And this gentleman would ever refuse a lady, would he? Pulling a side vanity drawer open, his hand sought out one of the condoms he'd put in there earlier. She spotted what he was trying to do. "No need! I'm on contraceptives, remember?" she groaned. "Now, stop wasting time and fuck me, Angus Gold!"

Oh hell, if she carries on like this, I'll be dead before I even get home! But the sight before him was all consuming, so as he stood at the edge of the bed, he pulled her roughly backward, still on her knees, to the edge, positioning himself. "Ready?" he whispered. She nodded, "Just…" before she finished he slid the dome of his cock between her labia, coating himself in her essence before sliding in. As he felt the tightness give way, they both moaned in ecstasy, groaned in bliss and growled their expletives. The pace slowly increased as she encouraged him. "Harder! Harder, my darling! Fuck me!" And he did. He really did! Within seconds he was slamming hard into her depths, not only feeling the warmth and tightness of her, but also the unfamiliar sensation of small, bare buttocks slamming hard against him. This was wonderful! Why hadn't he had tried this before?

They came within seconds of one another. Ariel first, the fierce jolt rifling throughout her body. She screamed, no longer concerned about other residents overhearing them. Moments later and feeling her tighten around his cock, Rumple's own climax kicked in as he felt the pull from his groin. He growled loudly, almost like a dog, holding her hips tightly against him as he exploded deep inside her.

They collapsed sideways onto the bed, him still inside her and almost unable to breathe, let alone move. It took a while for them to steady themselves, before, softening, he slid out and she turned around to face him. "Good?" she whispered, as his arms came around her.

"Oh, so much better than good!" he was exhausted.

~oOo~

Half an hour later, as they considered a repeat performance, Ariel's phone rang.

"Ugh! Who'd ring at this hour?" she groaned as she leaned to her side of the bed to collect it. However, seeing the beautiful face assigned to the number, she whispered back to him. "It's Belle! So late? Hope she's okay."

"Well you won't know unless you answer it, dearie!"

She picked up, putting the call on speaker phone, "Hi babe! Everything alright?"

Belle was dressed for bed but, not having slept on her own since Ariel had moved in with them, now found herself restless. Having made herself a cup of hot chocolate from the sachets provided, she now stood looking out of the large window towards the up lit Florence Cathedral, taking sips.

"Hi, gorgeous! I was missing you both. To be honest, I was also feeling a little lonely." And horny, though I'm not telling you that! " And wondering how you two have been getting on?"

"It's been wonderful, Belle. We've seen so much! Angus and I even took a boat ride on the canals!"

"Really? I've always wanted to do that! I always fancied a ride on a gondolier!"

Rumple burst out laughing. "I think you mean gondola, dearie!" Chuckled Rumple, from the bed. "A gondolier is-"

"I know exactly what I meant – dearie!" Belle snarked back, causing all three to laugh. "And you know what I mean! I've been itching to find out how you two got on today?"

Ariel gave Rumple a mischievous look back, as she grinned. "As I said, it's been wonderful! However, before all that, I have a bone to pick with you, Mrs. Gold! It appears you told Angus our secret!"

"Pardon? What are you talking about? Secret?"

"That your mermaid enjoys a good spanking!" Rumple called out, making Ariel blush furiously and Belle gasp.

"Angus!" Said the embarrassed mermaid.

"Rumple!" Said the equally embarrassed librarian on the other end of the line.

The pair of them chiding him in unison, only made him guffaw more. But he couldn't resist, crowing, "And I have to agree with you, Belle. She does!"

They both heard the second gasp at the other end of the line. "Oh. Well I guess that answers that question." She chuckled. "So, I'm assuming you've-"

But it was Ariel's turn to shock them, a devilish glint in her eye. "We have! Your husband's been absolutely delightful, and a complete gentleman. He's been entertaining me all day. He wined me, he dined me, he romanced me. And he's just fucked me senseless!"

Belle, having just taken a large slug of the hot drink, now sprayed the entire contents of her mouth out in shock, coughing furiously. Even Rumple's jaw hung open!

"Ariel! I wish you warned me before you said that - I've just spat hot chocolate all over the carpet!"

But the wicked mermaid wasn't done. "And…you never told me that he's the King of Cunnilingus?"

Belle was stunned at what she'd just heard! She'd brought them together! She'd even given them permission to do this, with her blessing. This is what she'd wanted? But now they'd really gone through with it. Her husband and her girlfriend had just had full blown sex together, without her!

After the silence, sensing there was something wrong at the other end of the line, Rumple called across, "Are you okay, Belle? Say something. Have we offended you?"

"What…no, of course not! I said so, didn't I? I'm just a little surprised, now it's actually happened! I'm fine. It's just…well, to be honest, I wish I was there with you. Especially after what you've just told me."

Rumple sniggered. "We wish you were here too! We're both missing you. What are you doing now?"

"About to mop up hot chocolate from a bedroom carpet, I guess? I'm standing by the window, looking out at Florence Cathedral. It's so beautiful, but I wish you were here with me. Both of you."

"Two days, babe." Said her girlfriend. "Tell me what you're wearing?"

Well that was a segue! "Er, cotton yellow PJs. Why?"

"I thought you might be wearing that raunchy red number I bought you before we left Paris."

"I love it, but I'd only wear that if you were here. But you're not, so if I'm on my own I just want comfort. Boring, I know..."

"Pity. I thought that perhaps if you wore that, then tonight I'd wear the purple baby doll number you bought me? Then…I could think about you. And fantasise about you. And you could think about me."

Rumple listened, not saying a word, suddenly feeling invisible as the two women had clearly forgotten he was still there. However, the blatant flirting between his wife and her girlfriend was certainly having an effect. "I could do that," said Belle. "How about midnight? I'll send a message to you, and you send one to me?"

"Would you ladies like me to leave for a while? It seems a shame for me to be here, interrupting your romantic moment."

There was a silence from the other end, until finally, "No Rumple. The two of you have connected today. Just hold her please? Hold onto each other and love each other, and make sure you both get back here early on Monday! And for god's sake do the same for me when you get back! I need you. Both of you! Oh, and Rumple?"

"Yes, my dear?"

"Be a sweetheart and upgrade my room to a suite for the next two days, please? Preferably with a side room for Gideon? And cancel your own?"

Ariel looked across at Rumple, who had a huge grin on his face. "Leave it to me..."

~oOo~