Rumpelstiltskin undergoes his operation, leaving a worried belle and Ariel. Henry arrives back in New York to a family reception.

Storybrooke Sheriff's Office

"You're serious? You're offering me the Sheriff's badge?"

"Yes Emma, I am," Mayor Philip Briar repeated. "The sheriff and mayoral elections aren't due for two years. Sheriff Morgan is going to be leaving at the end of the month, as he and his fiancée are going to move to Connecticut. He recommended you be offered the role, which makes sense. You've done it before, and you know the people here and how the system works. They respect you."

"Hank's leaving? I knew he was getting married, but I wasn't expecting this. I seem to remember Mulan wanted the job, before you became mayor? Shouldn't you be asking her?"

"You're right, and I did. I also told her when I was elected, that I would happily resign, as and when she chose to take it on, as I regard it as a conflict of interest. But she asked me to stay on, so I did."

"She was right. Phil, you've done a great job here; everything's a lot more streamlined since you took office, and you and Hank simplified all the administrative crap you inherited from Spencer. All the new IT and everything! You should be proud. I don't think anyone would really object if Mulan became sheriff, while you're still mayor..."

"Thanks, but I think Mu's had a change of heart. She's also enjoying being a mother and spending more time with Aurora and the children. Rory's occupied with all the social services stuff and managing the old peoples' home, so she said she was happy as deputy but doesn't think a full-time role would give her enough time with the family…"

"I get that. I don't know whether it's because I'm getting older but, with five kids at home, it's different! So, I'll be honest, Mister Mayor, I'm not sure yet whether I can accept it. Not quite a full-time role anyway. Perhaps part-time? I need to talk to Regina and Robin first. Can you wait a few days?"

"Of course. Give me your answer by Friday week, and if you don't want it, I'll understand. Hank's got a few weeks left yet, but he said he'll stay on for a little longer if need be. If you accept, I'd want you to take on the added responsibilities after your wedding and honeymoon. We're looking forward to it!"

"Good. And once again, don't go rushing to resign! A lot of people like you here and trust you, Phil. I wish Regina and I could've said the same when we left office..!"

"Water under the bridge, Emma. Everyone knew you were in a very bad place then; but it's all come right now, hasn't it? You're finally getting your happy ending. Plus, it'll be nice not being the only thruple in Storybrooke. Perhaps a few less people looking at us, as though we're odd, or deviants?"

"I must admit, when I first watched Mulan walk down the aisle to the pair of you, I thought it was a bit weird! It took me a while to understand. And now, look at me? I'm about to have a wife and a husband all of my own!"

"Double the love, Emma, double the love! You do all seem very happy, though, when I've seen the three of you together? When Rory and I married Mu, I got to hear about all the crass comments about me just wanting two women in my bed, or being sex-obsessed! All that kind of stuff. Aurora got some ridiculous comments from the older folk, saying she was just a lesbian who just didn't want to lose her kid in a divorce. Apparently that makes me something called a 'beard'? But it's all died off now..."

"Yeah, we got a little bit of that, but we're good. To be honest, I've never been happier. I'd like Henry home more often, though. Apart from Spencer trying to kill us both last year, it's all been too peaceful. I'm just waiting for the next magical monster or demon to invade..."

"Don't go tempting fate!" he chuckled, "We're good now. And when anything does come, we've got even more magical help. Not just your family, but Robin and some of Merlin's too. Annabelle's here sort of permanently, and I'm told by the Sorcerer himself that his son, young Charles, when he's around, is particularly good in a scrap, if need be?"

"Yeah, I heard that, too. Apparently, Charlie Sage has dark magic, but it's under control, thanks to his dad. You know we're going to be loosely related, don't you? Charlie's engaged to Robin's sister..."

"So, let's face it, most baddies aren't going to want to get on the wrong side of your family now, are they? Plus, you've got young Henry! Quite the powerful magician too, Merlin tells me. How is he doing, by the way?"

"He's been travelling across Europe for the last six weeks, so apart from video calls, we haven't seen him for ages! Regina's getting desperate, so we're all going up and collecting him from the airport Tuesday, and staying there for a few days. I'll let you know about the sheriff job after that, if it's OK with you?"

The following Monday – Rome Airport

After everyone returned to Rome on Friday night, for their last two full days of their long trip, Ariel, Belle and Rumple had been inseparable. After upgrading to a suite, and after leaving Henry following dinner, the trio had shared a bed, and themselves, repeatedly. There was a shift in their relationship, that all three recognised.

With Gideon in a carrier, they'd finally got to see Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum and numerous lesser-known sites. Henry couldn't help but notice a change in all three of them, and the synergy between his grandfather and both women. Once, when he went to order up pancakes from a street vendor, he turned his head back, to ask Belle whether she wanted chocolate sauce, when he saw it. Rumple, his son strapped to his back, had turned his head to receive a kiss on the lips from Ariel…which was definitely more than chaste, without being lewd! Belle was attached to the other woman's side, and seemed to be smiling as she looked at them. Interesting! Remembering the incident with the two pairs of panties in his grandfather's Edinburgh hotel room, it only confirmed his suspicions.

Would he say anything? No. Would he tell his mothers? No. It was his grandfather's business, and he seemed happier than he'd ever seen him before. He couldn't ruin that!

And so, two days later, the four adults and toddler gathered at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Henry's flight to New York was due to leave a couple of hours after the rest of them travelled to London. So, as he stood at the departure gate, he felt rather sad that their glorious vacation had finally come to an end. He hugged both women, kissing their cheeks, before finally turning to Rumple. A good foot taller than his grandfather, he surprised Rumple by pulling him in to a tight hug. "Grandpa, I will never be able to thank you enough for this trip! For being with me for six weeks. I've really enjoyed it, but more importantly, I got to spend the time with you!" he almost croaked the last words.

Rumple, a little overcome by the young man's reaction, felt his own eyes redden. "You are more than welcome, my boy. I've enjoyed it even more than you. Getting to know my Bae's boy properly has meant…so much to me. We will definitely do something like this again, Henry!"

"I'd like that. Now, you get that hospital to fix your leg properly, even if it takes a while? If it drags on, I'm coming out to see you. No arguments! I want you well, grandpa, and I don't care where you decide to live in the end, I'll come!"

"Thank you, my boy. I'm sure all will be well…"

As they separated, Henry saw that Belle and Ariel had moved nearer to check-in, now out of hearing range. So, he leaned, whispering. "And grandpa? I for one, think the three of you would make an excellent 'thruple'. Whatever you all decide, you have my support."

Rumple's eyes bulged in surprise, not sure how to reply. He knows?

"Er…thank you, Henry! That's good to know!"

Tuesday morning – JFK Airport, New York

"HENRY?" Screamed Honour, the first to spot her older brother walk through the arrivals entrance. The dark-blonde girl jumped between the rails, rushing up to him as he pushed his trolley out from the doors.

"Hi Honnie..." He stopped, lifting her into his arms as the rest of the group looked on, laughing but concerned she wouldn't get squished by the other arriving passengers coming up behind him.

"Honour, give him a chance to get out of there, first?" Regina yelled after her, as Henry kissed the girl's cheek before placing her on top of the large trolley full of bags. "You sit on top, Hon, and let's get out of the way first?"

Stopping in a safe spot, as Robin moved to take the heavy trolley, lifting Honour down, Margot immediately did the same, hugging her brother tightly. "We really missed you, Henny!"

"I missed you too, Margie, but I'm back now. We're going to spend some time together, yeah?"

Next up were his mothers. Long practised in their little ritual, Robin couldn't help but smirk when Regina and Emma moved forward together, either side of their son's chest, putting an arm behind each other's back to tighten the space, before pulling him into their conjoined hug and placing their heads on either side of his, kissing his now bearded cheeks in unison. "You've no idea how much we've missed you," whispered Regina.

"Yeah, hairy man, perhaps not so long next time?" Emma added.

Henry chuckled, embarrassed by all the fuss. "I've missed you both a lot!" He gave them each a peck on the cheek. And as they parted, Roland stepped up. "Hiya, fella!" he offered an open palm to his older brother, who clasped it, twisting their thumbs around the other's before withdrawing them and pushing them together again in some sort of weird mock-punch teen ritual, making the others chuckle. "So, what's with the grizzly bear look? Ran out of cash for a decent razor?"

"Yeah, something like that..." he sniggered. "But it works on girls, Ro, you should try it? Oh wait, you can't yet, cos you can't grow it yet, can you?"

Regina looked disapprovingly at the two chuckling boys. "Henry, I hope you've been behaving yourself?" She knew he was popular with girls, but she didn't like to think of him as promiscuous.

"Of course, mum. You know me..." Then he spotted someone else. "Hi Robin, still going to marry these two then? Once they get the dresses, there's no turning back!" Emma gave him a mock-slap on his arm as they released him.

Robin ignored it, instead bringing him into a man-hug, shoulders in and with a hefty slap on the back. "That face-fungus seems to suit you, young man - though a bit of breakfast still I see trapped in there, I see?"

"Oh hell, there isn't is there?" He roamed his fingers through his beard. "I wondered why she wouldn't take my number? I just thought she was-" he looked back at the smirking man. "Kidding, right?"

"Guilty. Welcome back, Henry."

As Emma studied her son's slightly embarrassed, tanned face, she thought he was looking more and more like his father every day.

Back in London...

Belle and Ariel stood away from the bed, Ariel holding Gideon in his sling as they looked on, the nurses preparing Rumple for the operating theatre. They'd arrived at the small private London hospital three hours ago, and watched as the now nervous man moved back onto the bed. Within minutes a bearded, bookish-looking young man and woman, looking officious and in white coats, walked in, the man moving over to shake Rumple's hand.

"Welcome back, Mr. Gold, I hope you had a good trip? I remember you said you would be travelling quite a bit since we last spoke. This is our primary orthopaedic surgeon at the Lister, Professor Grant, who will take the lead on your operation."

The woman, who looked to be only in her late thirties, but with an immensely confident demeanour, stepped forward. "Emilia Grant," she said, taking the Dark One's hand in greeting. "I'm delighted to meet you, Mister Gold. Sir Merlin Sage spoke to me at great length about you! He was originally my tutor at medical college, and after I qualified. I spoke to him last week, and he asked me to take particularly good care of you! Mr. Moseley here will be assisting…"

"I thought he would be operating?" Rumple wasn't sexist, just…nervous.

The white bearded surgeon smiled. "I can assure you, Mr. Gold, I'll be in theatre with you! But Professor Grant here is even more experienced than I am in this particular procedure. I did discuss this with Professor Sage and he thought it a good idea too! You're getting two surgeons for the price of one, and I can assure you, you're in extremely good hands."

Those words reminded Rumple of the other words he'd written on that paper over a year ago. Trust Merlin. "Very well, I'm sure that's in order. How long will I be unconscious?"

"No more than two hours, we hope, but perhaps more if there are any complications. As you know, we're performing three procedures on the lower leg and ankle. The operation itself will take us about an hour and a half, so the rest will be recovery from anaesthetics. Is there anything you'd like to discuss before we proceed?" The woman seemed very succinct and to-the-point, qualities Rumple always admired. "No, thank you. Perhaps a few minutes with my wife and our friend?"

"Of course. If you'll excuse us?" The surgeons left without further ado, leaving just the three of them, with Gideon fast asleep as Ariel transferred him into the buggy. Belle seemed the most anxious. Of all the years she'd known him, Rumple was never fully out of control, apart from that brief week when the darkness passed from him into Emma. And now here he was, with no magic available, about to be knocked out, while someone operated on him. Would he even wake up again?

Seeing her tension, he whispered, "Belle, please come over here?" As she did, he took her hand. "It'll all be fine, I'm sure. Just…just in case, for any reason, I don't recover…"

"Don't say that, Rumple!" she cried.

"No, please, let me finish. It's unlikely but…if something does go wrong, I've left a short letter for you both back at the hotel, and one for Henry. Please see he gets them. I'd rather you didn't read them unless, well, unless it becomes necessary…"

The full force of what he'd said hit her. She'd always regarded him as immortal, but in a land without magic?

"Ariel, please take good care of her? And promise to look after my son? Let him know that, despite all my many failings, I loved...love him so very much…"

Even the mermaid choked at that. This curious, remarkable man who had recently come to mean so much to her. "I promise!"

Moments later, one of the theatre staff came in with Moseley, a small tray in his hand. "This injection will just put you to sleep before we take you through and give you the other anaesthetics, so you go deeper. Mr. Gold, are you ready?"

"One moment, please?" said Belle, stepping to the other side of the surgeon. She leaned over the bed, to place a soft kiss on Rumple's lips, whispering, "I'll be waiting here. Sleep well!"

As Moseley watched her, a smile on his face, he was more a little surprised when she stepped back, her position immediately taken by the other woman, the redhead, who now leaned down to give an equally affectionate kiss to his lips. "We both will! See you shortly, Angus!"

"Now then, Mister Gold. I'll administer the anaesthetic now. If you'd like to slowly count backwards from twenty? Let's do it together. Twenty…nineteen…eighteen…seventeen…"

Rumple's slid gently into unconsciousness before the count even reached ten, leaving a nervous Belle in Ariel's arms.

"He'll be all right, babe. You'll see!" She whispered, not altogether sure, herself.

The Regency Hotel , New York – five hours later

The large family sat in their mothers' hotel suite, surrounded by a huge pile of paper from opened presents. Henry had certainly been generous! Margot had received a junior crossbow and target kit, while Honour opened a children's digital camera. A second present for each girl revealed a pink mermaid's tail blanket for lounging and sleeping in, an idea he had after spending time with Ariel. Emma and Regina received a pack containing two leather cellphone cases, designer sunglasses, and perfumes to match their individual tastes, each selected with great care after a good hour spent in an upmarket, and definitely overpriced, perfumier. Roland was delighted when he opened a box containing a small drone and a walkie talkie set. The babies were given mobiles and luminous stars for their bedroom.

Robin looked on as the delighted children started playing. "Thank you Henry, it's very generous of you. Roland, girls? What abouit a thank you to your brother?" The others yelled their thanks, the girls each giving him a kiss on his cheek.

"Henry, doesn't my papa get a present too?" Honour asked, noticing he was the only one without anything to open. Robin didn't seem bothered in the least, but he was touched at his little girl's thought.

"Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me, Hon! Of course, he does, he's family, isn't he? Or at least he soon will be!" That made Emma and Regina smile, knowing he'd fully accepted their forthcoming marriage. The Author walked over to one of the larger cases, opening it and rummaging around, retrieving a cardboard box. "Sorry Robin, I almost forgot. I had to pack this separately to get it through security..."

"Why thank you, Henry; I wasn't expecting anything." He opened the security sealed edge, which contained some sort of leather pouch. Opening it, he found, "A knife? Why thank you, I-"

"It's a Honkai hunting and throwing knife! For some reason you can't buy them over here. But it's legal to bring one in, I checked! It's some sort of carbon and steel blade. Really strong, and doesn't ever need sharpening, but it's perfectly balanced. I saw how much time you practise throwing your short sword, so I thought…"

The former outlaw had already removed the blade it from its leather scabbard, now balancing it perfectly on the edge of his finger. "It's perfect Henry! It's a very kind thought."

Emma saw the three large cases. "You only went away with that big Bergen, didn't you? What's with all the cases?"

"I did a lot of clothes shopping and stuff. Also, quite a bit of food I fell in love with and can't get here. And proper cheese, mum! Real cheese, that tastes of something! One of the cases is for Sofia. I met her older sister in Strasbourg, and she asked me to bring some things back. I didn't realise just how much!"

"Is Sofia your girlfriend, Henry?" Margot was curious.

"She's my flatmate, Margie. And a good friend of mine."

That sparked Regina's interest. "I've heard you mention this 'Sofia' girl a few times, Henry? Will we have a chance to meet her?" Regina was always concerned when she heard about any women in his life.

"Maybe when we drop this stuff off in Cambridge. But no ganging up on her, alright? I know what you mums are like!" He gave Robin a knowing look, the older man slowly nodding in agreement.

"Right then, Swan-Mills family!" Robin called them to order. "What say we let this young man change, have a sleep, which he probably needs, and freshen up? Your mums here have their fittings at three, so let's leave them be. Who's for ice-cream?"

"Yay!" yelled both girls. "Ice-cream? Count me in!" said Roland.

"Robin, don't go ruining their appetites." Regina cautioned. "We're all supposed to be having dinner tonight."

"Don't worry about that. Gina, you know Roland, the girls and I can manage the babies, until we meet Maria this afternoon? As Henry's already going with you, why don't you both stay here with him? I'm banished anyway, so I'll see you after the fitting?"

"Excellent idea, fiancé of mine," Emma gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Henry, you go take a shower and a snooze. Mum and I will be here, waiting for you."

"Robin, you do know what that means, don't you?" Henry groaned, looking at his mothers. "These two are going to be giving me the Spanish Inquisition about my love life, and I'll be completely trapped! You sure you don't need help with the kids?" His eyes pleaded, making Robin chuckle.

"No, my boy, you can't get out of it that easily! Your mums have been deprived of you for two months now. They need this!"

"A-hem, we are still here, you know?" Regina glared back at her soulmate.

~oOo~

Half an hour after the others left, Henry had showered and now lay, dressed in just a T-shirt and bed shorts, on the top of his parents' hotel bed, trying to get a short sleep before going shopping with his mothers. After closing his eyes, Regina, sitting on a nearby couch, stared lovingly at the now fully grown, tanned, bearded man that was her son. She whispered to Emma, "Just look at the size of him? I can't believe it's been twenty-one years since I brought him back from here, screaming at me! And now, look at him? All grown up. Doesn't really need us any more, does he?" There was a definite hint of sadness to her voice.

Emma was about to say something, when Henry, clearly not as asleep as they thought, breathed in his soft, deep voice, "Don't be so silly, mum. I may be more independent these days, but I'll always need you! Both of you! And I'm not too old for a hug, either. So, come over here and lie with me?" #

Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Regina slipped her shoes off, quickly followed by Emma, before climbing onto the bed and laying her head on his broad chest as she snuggled in. Emma quickly mirrored her on his left side. Smiling, he brought his long arms around their shoulders, hugging them to him, ready for his nap. His blonde mother looked contentedly into her wife's eyes, just happy to have some time alone with their boy.

"This is nice..." Henry said, once they'd snuggled in. "So, it's really all happening? Robin Hood is going to be my stepdad?"

"Yeah, Hen. It is, and he is." Emma smiled up at him. "If you'd asked me that two years ago, I would have said you were mad! But now? You still okay about this?"

"Definitely. He's a great guy, and a good dad. You all fit well together. You know, I'm sorry I don't tell you enough but - I'm very proud you're my mums!"

Regina felt her heart swell with pride. And with that, all three of them drifted off into a light sleep.

~oOo~

Manhattan, two hours later...

Henry found himself inside the bridal shop's parlour, a glass of champagne in his hand, watching a very tall, thin woman boss and fuss around her staff, as both mothers tried on their adjusted dresses behind the thick curtains. The woman, who Regina greeted as Madame Valerie, looked down her nose at him, as he sat thumbing through a catalogue. This one's definitely not got kids! He thought.

One of her assistants, a young brunette, had already flirted with him, and he was just at the point of introducing himself properly and perhaps getting her number, when Emma stepped out from behind her curtain, followed by a girl holding up the back of her skirt. His eyes goggled in surprise. She looked at least three inches taller, as she walked forward nervously, the white silk clinging to her slender waist, the train flowing gently behind.

He didn't know much about wedding dresses, but he knew she was stunning. "Ma, you look wonderful!"

She smiled back. "You're sure? You don't think the top half makes my bust look too big?" She couldn't quite believe she was asking her grown up son for fashion advice.

"It's perfect, ma. I've never seen you look so good!" he offered.

"Well you should see how your other mum looks! Regina - you ready to get out here?" she called back.

Slowly, the curtains parted, and Regina herself walked through towards them, a girl carrying her train behind.

"Hell, you look awesome too, mum! You both do!"

And he was right, the brunette did look ridiculously elegant. She stepped slowly forward to take Emma's hand as they now stood, side-by-side, in their wedding dresses, for their son's opinion. "Fantastic! I like the veil, mum. But…hold on..." It was then Henry noticed something. "You're both wearing the same dress? Not something different?"

"Yes Henry," Regina gave him a cautious grin, looking lovingly at her wife. "Believe it or not, the idea came from something your grandmother said, when we were here last. Your mother and I are already a married couple, after all. So we thought it'd be nice to present ourselves to Robin, as that couple?"

"Yeah, what she said." Emma smirked. "Though what she really means, is we both fell in love with this dress!"

"Well, I've always thought you were both beautiful as it is, mums. But this is something else! Robin's going to be blown away!"

~oOo~

Half an hour later, having paid and arranged delivery of the dresses a week before the wedding, Madame Valerie had insisted they share a last glass of champagne with her.

Henry had already quaffed several glasses while he'd been waiting, spending his time flirting with the assistants. He'd insisted the young girls join them for the drink, much to the owner's disdain. Regina was surprised but didn't object, as they toasted their health.

One of the girls, a slim brunette called Kim, clinked glasses with Henry, before asking, "Sorry, but I couldn't help overhearing what you said earlier. These are your mums, they're already married, to each other, and soon they're both going to be getting married to the same guy?"

Henry chuckled. "Yeah, something like that."

"A polyamorous wedding? I've heard of them, but never seen one before. Sounds cool! Good luck to you both. Whoever he is, he's one very lucky guy!" She raised her glass to them. "Cheers to your future!"

It was the first time their unusual relationship had ever been aired in front of anyone outside Storybrooke, and the young girl's easy acceptance warmed Regina's heart. "Thank you, dear. That's kind of you to say. I hope more people come to accept us, as easily as you do!" She raised her own glass to the girl.

Madame Valerie had remained silent, before raising a glass to toast them. The woman had already told them she had a wife during their first visit, but it was obvious to Emma that she was no fan of the male of the species. "Hmm. Yes, I must agree with Connie, your future husband must indeed be an unusual man, to have you both as his brides?"

"Actuall..." Emma placed her glass back on the table, giving her a steely stare. "He is. Very unusual. You know, two years ago, I couldn't stand him! Now, I can't stand being away from him for too long. And I'm more certain than ever, we're doing the right thing." She winked at her wife.

"As am I," added Regina. "Robin's our thief. He stole our hearts."

"A thief called Robin?" Connie sighed. "You make him sound like Robin Hood!"

The women shared a smile, as Henry rolled his eyes. "Yes, I do, don't I?"

~oOo~

A little later...

Enjoying their first longer break with Henry since he started at Harvard, Emma and Regina each took an arm and led him out to get his own wedding attire. "I'm glad Rob took the wagon; I'm not sure I'm safe driving now!" said Emma. "Now come on kid…sorry, Henry…let's get you kitted out!"

"Actually ma, I was just thinking. I don't know the stores here, but my friend Sofia's grannie runs a store, or two, in Boston. They've got their own tailors there. She could…"

"You mean Gabriella Weiss, your flatmate's grandmother?" Regina remembered him telling her about Rumple's possible love interest when the bookworm found a new girlfriend. "Henry, what an excellent idea! Let's get your morning suit in Boston. Perhaps persuade Robin to get his and Roland's there, too!"

Henry knew his older mother's keenness had more to do with meeting the Dark One's love interest, than him buying a suit for the wedding!

London

"Good afternoon, Mister Gold. How are you feeling?" Rumple slowly opened his eyes to see a young chestnut-haired nurse's face slowly come into focus.

"Dry. May I have some water, please?" he croaked.

"That's due to the tube down your throat, which I just removed. There's nothing to worry about; the surgery's gone very well. Professor Grant just needed to carry out some more remedial surgery on the ankle, so you were under a little longer than anticipated. I've paged her, so I'm sure she'll explain it all shortly. Now, I'll give you a few sips of water, but best not to take large gulps until the anaesthetic wears off, otherwise you'll just feel sick!"

"Granted. How long was I asleep, nurse? And my wife and my son? Where are they?"

"You've been down just over four hours. The two ladies who were with you earlier? They just went off to get coffee. They've been in the waiting room the whole time you were in surgery. I'll get someone to pop down for them? You just rest up." As she removed several monitors from his chest and arm, the lead surgeon walked through the door.

"Hello Mr. Gold, back with us I see?" After exchanging pleasantries, she got straight down to business. "We've repaired the damage to the Talus and Calcaneus bones in your ankle, but the fibula in the lower part of your leg needed strengthening too. You've clearly been walking on this damaged limb for quite some time? Quite extraordinary for a man in his mid-fifties!" Well, he could hardly put three hundred and fifty years old on the forms now, could he? "You must have been in a lot of pain. But everything went well. We've straightened the bones and repaired damaged tissue. I expect that plaster off within about a week, you walking on crutches a week after that and, all being well, you walking normally within a month. Any questions?"

~oOo~

After she left, Rumple returned to a light doze, eventually being woken by an even younger nurse as she checked over the needle in his arm and the connecting tube leading to a pale translucent bag of god-knows-what. He closed his eyes to go back to sleep, when a soft pair of lips pressed down on his own. Opening his eyes, he discovered Belle immediately above him, sporting a worried smile.

"I was worried you'd never wake up. Feeling better?"

"I am now you're here. Though another one of those kisses wouldn't go amiss!"

The nurse looked down at them with a smile, though that changed into a surprised look when a red-haired young woman, pushing a sleeping child in a buggy, joined the other woman's side, taking her hand and interlocking their fingers, before leaning over the patient, whispering something and delivering her own full kiss.

"Glad you're back with us, Angus. Belle and I have been a bag of nerves since they put you to sleep. They had to send us away eventually, so we went walking in the park."

Rumple gave them a tired smile. "You're both a welcome sight for very sore eyes. However, I wonder if I may perhaps ask two small favours?" Belle nodded. "The two, I hope unopened, letters which I left for Henry and yourselves? Could you kindly bring them to me? Also, could you bring me my phone? I need to text my grandson."

New York

After dropping all his bags at the Cambridge flat he shared with Sofia, Henry introduced her to his family. They also met her friend Veronica, an English post-graduate studying in the Harvard Medical faculty, who had stayed over to help Sofia paint the apartment before Henry's came back. Explaining where the family was heading next, the two flatmates had offered to help mind the girls. Regina, seeing the two tall, elegant young women were clearly close friends of he son, was desperate to ask questions; but Emma had railroaded her out of the place, before she could be made uncomfortable.

Sofia phoned through to her grandmother, telling her they were coming to the store, and could she help.

"Henry, lovely to see you again!" the store owner pulled him into a hug. "And you've brought more family this time? How delightful."

"Hi Gabbie, yes, lovely to see you too. These are my mums, Emma and Regina…" he introduced them. Gabrielle shaking their hands firmly in greeting. "They came to shop for a family wedding."

"It's a pleasure," Regina was itching to talk to the Dark One's love interest. "Henry tells me you've already met one of his grandfathers?" She studied the flawlessly dressed older woman. Clearly bespoke tailored clothing, grey hair pinned up into a delicate chignon. The woman exuded effortless grace.

"Why yes. We haven't known each other long, but Angus is now a very dear friend to me. I'm hoping he'll visit when he returns from London. Henry, his operation's today, is it not?"

"Yeah. I'm expecting a text from him once he's out. He sends his love, though."

"Such a delightful man…" She sighed. "Still, let's not shilly-shally. I've asked Maurice, our head tailor, to make himself available. He's already expecting you on the fourth floor. You said someone's wanting to be fitted?"

"That'll be me!" Robin, stepped forward from the back of the group. "Madame Weiss? Robin of Locksley, at your service!" He lifted the woman's hand, to place a feather-light kiss on the back, accompanied by a slightly flirtatious grin, bringing his dimples into action, causing an immediate melting on the part of the older woman. Henryjust about held back a snigger when he saw both mothers roll their eyes, almost as one, at the display. Typical bloody Locksley! thought Emma.

"My son Roland, and I need wedding suits. Rolly, come over and meet this lovely lady?" Roland had been trained for this. Half of the adult women in Storybrooke had told the twelve-year-old that his dimples were his best feature, and seeing how his father used them to make women smile, he decided to give this older lady both barrels of charm too.

"Oh my - what a handsome father and son you make! Hello Roland, I can see you three are going to be keeping my team rather busy this afternoon. Ladies, why don't we retire to the coffee lounge, while the boys do their thing? Your younger girls will be in good hands with Sofia and Veronica, so we big girls can have a gossip while we wait?"

But they were interrupted by Henry's cell phone ringing as a new text arrived. Pulling it out he saw the message:

Grandpa Gold: I woke up! Henry, my boy, you still have a grandfather.

Henry smiled at the news, immediately replying:

Henry S-M: Just as well, I need you around for a long time yet! I'm with Gabriella. She sends her love and is asking after you, hoping you to come visit.

Not expecting a quick reply, as he was about to pocket the phone, when it beeped yet again:

Grandpa Gold: Send her my love, and tell her I'll be walking in a month. Also tell her 'Medici is alive, well and forgives!' She'll understand, but don't ask her to explain! Grandpa x

He pocketed the phone. "That was a message from my grandpa Gold, Gabbie. He agreed to let me know as soon as he was awake from the operation and ok. It went well, and he says he'll be coming to see you when he flies back." He told the woman, who broke into a broad smile at the news. "Oh, and another thing. Apparently, he wanted you to know that 'Medici is alive, well and forgives?'"

At the last six words, Gabriella face morphed into one of blessed relief, her eyes welling up with tears. "Oh, thank god!" he sobbed. That's very good news indeed!" Leaving everyone around her more than confused. What was that all about?

~oOo~