A/N: There's a lot of music in this chapter: (Everything I Do) I Do It For You by Bryan Adams, Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion, Glad You Came by The Wanted, Grace Kelly by Mika, Yeah by Usher, I Know You Want Me by Pitbull, It's Raining Men by The Weather Girls, Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake, This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole, Cotton-Eye Joe by Rednex, Macarena by Los del Rio, The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson, and The Wonder of You by Elvis Presley.
Chapter XII
Robin glances to one of his best mates standing on the raised pulpit with him. Friar Tuck beams back at him before his eyes flicker over the outlaw's shoulder. They were in the forest surrounding Storybrooke with folded chairs set in rows, an aisle going up the middle of the occupied seating. Nearly all the places were taken and quite a number of the townspeople had turned out. Even with all Regina's worries these last several weeks, thinks Robin with a smile as he looks over his shoulder when the violinists begin to play.
Will Scarlet and Little John, standing slightly rigidly in matching navy worsted suits - the jacket single-breasted lapel - along with a waistcoat and tie in aqua to match the women's dresses, their arms linked with Regina's bridesmaids at the opening of the glade they'd chosen for the ceremony. Maleficent's lips purse and she keeps her eyes averted from the aqua-coloured gown Regina had finally managed to persuade her to wear after weeks upon weeks of persistence. Will's dark eyes look terrified as he walks slowly up the aisle, the dragon-witch simmering with anger on his arm. The corner of Robin's eyes crinkle slightly in remembrance of the slightly evil glint that Regina had held in her dark eyes when deciding upon the dresses for her bridesmaids. His smile turns much more genuine when it is Little John and Emma Swan's turn.
The blonde smiles brilliantly, dwarfed beside Robin's large friend who appears rather uncomfortable in the suit. Emma looks quite lovely in the strapless dress with fitted ruched torso. The flowing lower skirt and a short train add curves to the long-legged woman. The beaded bust of intricate stones glimmers in the fading afternoon orange light as the 'couple' reach the pulpit and move to their separate sides.
All the guests sigh and smile as the next up the aisle is the small brown curly boy, cradling a satin pillow carrying the plain wedding bands. Robin smiles brightly as his son carefully walks towards him. The little boy looks most handsome in his four-piece navy suit. The white full sleeve, collar shirt matches his father's; the navy waistcoat with a simple satin finish and three buttons, along with matching tie, the smaller twin (and in Little John's case much smaller) to the groomsmen.
As the music drifts into another piece Robin twitches at and fixes his navy tuxedo jacket, ivory single-breasted waistcoat and the crimson cravat, his gaze fixed on Friar Tuck who smiles joyfully back at him. Robin gives his friend a small thankful smile before glancing back. His breath leaves him as he gazes at his beautiful queen. He cannot believe how lucky he is that only two months ago, when things had finally calmed and been quiet once more, when she'd said a tearful "Yes!" to his ardent question. Her eyes shine as he looks at her, her smile radiant. Giving her away Henry stands tall and straight, his face beaming with pride for the mother on his arm.
Emma lets a few tears slip out as she watches Regina and Henry walk up the aisle. Her son looks incredibly handsome and grown up in his slim fit cut navy morning suit with an ivory cravat and swirl print waistcoat. At his side Regina is beautiful in a tulle gown with silk underlay and capped sleeves; a matching ivory to Henry and Robin's waistcoats. Naysaying the 'traditional dress' it features bright red velvet embroidery, fashioned into the style of falling apple blossoms mostly across her torso, with some blossoms trickling down into the dropped, full skirt. The high round neckline, which fastens behind the neck, and open back show off her slender neck whilst the sweetheart shape of the dress adds to her natural curves.
Regina and Emma share a teary glance as Henry solemnly hands his mother over to Robin; neither of his Moms could be prouder of him. Henry moves back and takes his seat in the front row between a beaming Mary Margaret and a softly smiling Captain Jones. The crowds attention is diverted back to the ceremony when Friar Tuck clears his throat.
"Friends! We are gathered in the bosom of nature this afternoon to witness the pledging of vows between Robin of Locksley - don't look at me like that Robin, it remains your 'legal' name," the Franciscan warns his friend when he appears to interrupt before continuing as if the aside had never been spoken, "and Regina Mills. This day the will pledge themselves to one another before witnesses and, in accordance to ancient law, will be handfast."
"Are you crying Swan?" smirks Killian after the ceremony ends and photographs have been taken.
"It's a wedding. It's natural to cry at them," glares Emma but the pirate merely laughs until she raises an eyebrow at him.
"I apologise sincerely for laughing. Still be my date for the reception?" he asks innocently, lightly rubbing a finger across his lips and trying not to smile at the beautiful blonde before him.
"Come on, I want to change before we got through that hat portal."
"As you wish," he says with a slightly courtly bow.
Emma freezes on her way to the cabin (where she, Maleficent and Regina had all gotten ready earlier) and narrows her eyes at the handsome, confident man clad in a suit, who looks even more seductive - if that's even possible - out of his usual leather and jeans attire. "Killian why did you say that?"
"I saw it in that film you -" he drifts off when he realises he's just admitted to trying to learn more about her world.
"Did I tell you that I love the suit?" she smiles flirtatiously at him letting him away with what he'd just admitted. Her hazel eyes rake over the fitted black jacket, shirt and trousers. "But no tie?"
"You said you liked the 'open collar look'," frowns Killian in confusion.
Emma grins, privately happy that he'd forgone the tie for her, before returning to her previous mission of getting to the cabin to get out of the aqua dress. "Whilst I like this dress and everything, it is a little awkward to walk through a forest in. Maleficent is lucky she was able to just magic her's off and put on the emerald green satin one."
"Then allow me," smiles Killian wolfishly before easily sweeping Emma off her feet and carrying her the remaining distance to the cabin. "And I like the dress too."
The bright white glow of moonlight shines down and illuminates the grove, reflecting off the calm waters of Lake Avalon to dispel the shadows surrounding the party guests. With a little magic woven into the beams of light the entire area is bright enough to see all around, even with the obsidian sky above. Not a single cloud hovers, breaking the bright light pouring down upon the dozens upon dozens of large circular tables, covered with thick expensive white linens, encircling the large empty space that marks the perimeters of the Evergreen Meadow and that of Lake Avalon. Silver cutlery scraping against deep red crockery; the light of the full moon catching and glinting off of some of the eating utensils, bouncing off the shine of the varnished dinner service, creating a truly ethereal feel. All around party goers bathe in the moonlight, laughing and joking with one another as well as enjoying finishing off the veritable feast laid before them.
"Alright, ladies, gentlemen, and the rest of you," calls out Freya into her microphone as she vanishes the leftovers away and creates a glass dance floor in front of the crowd of tables. "Now that we've got the eating and talking and the hilariously embarrassing speeches out of the way, it's time for some music!" she grins from behind the DJ booth she'd somehow brought on to the island in the middle of Lake Avalon. "Please could everyone be upstanding for the first dance of Regina and Robin as man and wife."
Now dressed in a long sleek dark purple dress, with sheer material running from mid-thigh down to the short train, Regina moves into her husband's arms upon the glass stage encircling the shore of Lake Avalon. Unlike with his groomsmen Robin remains in his suit trousers and white shirt, though he has long removed the jacket, waistcoat and cravat. The arms of the sleeves are rolled up to his elbows; the floating flames that appear and bob around the dance floor at intervals shimmer off the golden dusky hair on his arms as he wraps one around Regina's bare back. Everyone watches on as the two waltz, their eyes remaining connected as they smile at one another through their first dance as a married couple. Only Emma is not pulled into the magical moment as she remembers where she heard the song before. She rushes over to a part of the dance floor where no one is standing and waves Freya over to her.
"Something wrong?" frowns Freya when she walks across the water.
"This song. It's from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves."
"Yup," grins the red-headed sorceress, popping the P. "Thought it was perfect for them."
"But it's the love theme for Robin and Marian," whispers Emma through gritted teeth.
"In that film, yes. But Regina and Robin's love suits it very well too. And their love is much nicer to look at. Now I need to go back to announce the 'Father/Daughter' dance."
Emma stares after the fey-like woman in confusion but is pulled from her thoughts when Killian appears beside her with champagne flutes. The captain pulls his arm around her, the cold metal of his hook lightly grazing the open back of her floor-length chiffon and lace dress with black belt that cinched in her waist. Emma shivers slightly at the feel of his hook on her bare flesh, reminiscent of how he'd touched her in the cabin before they'd had to rush to get dressed and head to Regina's house where the hat portal was being opened.
She glances down at her feet, to avoid the satisfied smirk she knows will be on Killian's face, and pulls the sweeping train of the dress closer to her. Her eyes flicker up to Killian's in a glare when he reaches up and lightly fingers the delicate lace of the scoop neckline and the satin ribbon tied behind her neck holding the dress closed, his champagne lazily swirling about inside the crystal glass he still clutches in his hand.
"And now it is traditional for a Father/Daughter dance. In this case however, Henry?" smiles Freya, pulling Emma and Killian from their intimate fog.
Emma watches on as Henry takes Regina's hand and makes a frame with their arms. As Celine Dion's voice swoons through the speakers, Henry begins to lead his mother into a simple dance. Emma feels thankful she's not the only one shocked when Regina's eyes shoot to her feet at their son dancing with confidence. The dark haired woman's warm gaze fires across the lake at her friend and she mouths a heartfelt "Thank you" as she continues to dance with her son. Emma is distracted from watching Henry when David parts through the crowd and holds his hand out to Emma, gently pulling her on to the glass dance floor. Soon other fathers and daughters join the mother and son; and for most watching that saw the change occur in Regina (from Evil Queen to the woman she is now) they know the lyrics to the song are about the love Henry had for Regina that gave her the strength to become who she is now.
"As dictated by Henry, and myself, this isn't a ball to celebrate the wedding. This is a modern celebration like they have in the other world, because without it none of this would be. So everyone get on the dance floor and go crazy!" commands Freya gleefully before flipping on the next song.
The pop beat bounces around the ancient scenery, combining past with present and looking forward to the future. Regina smiles kindly at Roland - who looks shyly up at her from his father's side - and asks him to come dance with her. Emma grabs Henry before he can leave the glass floor and the two of them start bobbing around in time to the music. At first the people from the Enchanted Forest stare at Emma and Henry moving crazily and not at all in the fashion they consider dancing, but then the beat and freedom of moving however you want pulls them in. Regina holds Roland's hands and they sway and bounce, swinging their arms and then shouting out the chorus after they hear it the first time. Robin crushes his new family to him, kissing the top of his wife's head as the song comes to a close. Everyone winces when a sudden rush of feedback echoes through the speakers and turn to glare at Freya. The redhead immediately points to Grace standing beside her in a tea dress, childishly sticking her tongue out at her niece after everyone turns away with a roll of their eyes.
"This next one is a bit of a bouncy one, so all you old timers might want to whisk yourselves off the dance floor. And everyone else we're going to dance the Conga to this one," Freya grins, pointedly letting her gaze linger on Rumple and Killian who are both watching the festivities from the sidelines, making Emma and Belle giggling to one another at how affronted the two men look but their complete lack of menace towards the Lady of the Lake.
"I could be brown, I could be blue, I could be violet sky" they all loudly sing while whizzing around the lake and tables and trees in the form of a slithering snake, with Freya leading the people train. "I could be hurtful, I could be purple, I could be anything you like. Gotta be green, gotta be mean, gotta be everything more, why don't you like me? Why don't you like me? Why don't you walk out the door!"
All that energy expended, the younger kids begin to droop a little. Arthur offers his castle as somewhere for the parents to lay their children down so they can go to sleep. Nearly all those with young children or babies take up the offer and walk along the newly lit path between Lake Avalon and the Citadel of Camelot. Especially as they knew their children would be safe in the confines of the now rebuilt, warm and well-guarded castle. They would also be cared for and under the ever-watchful eye of Hilda, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere's daughter's wet nurse.
Robin chuckles as his young son tiredly rubs at his eyes but defiantly tries to tell his father and Regina that he isn't sleepy, and compel them to let him stay. The outlaw lifts Roland up into his arms and promises to tell him a bedtime story if he'll go to sleep. Regina smiles, her eyes softening, as she looks on the father and son trekking the path to the castle. Her eyes harden though when she catches sight of Rumplestiltskin sitting alone and attempting to watch Belle inconspicuously. The blissful bride storms over to the table Belle is sitting at chatting with Phillip and the Merry Men. Belle begins to frown, seeing the emotional change in Regina but her eyes flicker to where Regina is glaring and stutter away when they fall on Rumple.
"Why is Gold here?" she complains when Freya falls into the chair beside her, panting from the exertion of playing, dancing and tiring out the children.
"Because it was his chance to come back here, and see ickle me."
Regina glares at her friend, unimpressed by her singsongy voice.
"I asked him to come," she tells the bride seriously. "You lot may not think he's deserving of another chance, and perhaps he's not. But I don't take sides Regina. Whether he puts aside the inherent darkness that pollutes his heart and becomes a good man, or if he keeps to his old ways shrivelling his heart piece by piece until he truly dies I will forever be his ally and friend."
"Even though he would kill you if he knew you could have got him to the other world long ago, lass?" interrupts Killian as he and Emma take their own place at the table.
Freya looks over the pirate's shoulder with a crooked smile, resulting in everyone sitting in front of her glancing behind them. Little John and Allan A Dale's eyes had widened with fright the moment Hook had spoken for they alone had seen what Freya had. Whilst the Lady of the Lake had been speaking Rumplestiltskin had gained the courage to approach them and was now stood behind Emma and Belle.
"Even had he killed me or if he kills me where I sit. I would stand Rumple, but those kids wore me out," sighs Freya dramatically, flouncing back more in her seat and throwing her heeled feet up on to the empty chair beside her.
"Ever the dramatist, deary. When Merlin healed my heart so that I might recover, if I so choose, he told me that Freya - and Morgana before her - both had the ability to send me to the realm Bae was."
"And look, I'm still alive. Heart's in my chest too if you want to check," grins the redhead cheekily before once again turning serious and gazing up at Mr Gold with remorse. "I am sorry you didn't get much time with Baelfire."
"I had more than I thought I would ever have. He wouldn't have been the man he was if I'd found him earlier. Neal was a good man and I'm proud to call him my son. I just hope with this new chance I can be someone he'd be proud to have as a father."
"That's all well and good Gold, but it doesn't change everything you did," scorns Regina.
"Regina, it's your wedding reception. Tonight is a night for only good and positive feelings," Belle tells her sweetly.
"Give him time, all of you. That's the only thing I ask," sighs Freya heavily as she pushes herself to her feet. "And I'll have no fighting here," she adds in warning before flitting back to her DJ booth. "Alright everyone, now that the younger ones have all cleared off...I mean departed to the land of nod," she laughs, "let's heat things up a bit! Everyone come on and get your groove on."
"How the hell does she choose these songs?" laughs Emma incredulously at seeing fairy tale characters dancing to Usher's Yeah.
"Freya lived in your world the same length of time as you. She told us Navarre would bring her things and that was how she learned much about your world," Killian whispers in her ear before pressing a soft kiss on her neck. "Want to show me how to dance to this?"
Emma looks suspiciously at him from the corner of her eye at the faux innocence in his voice before rolling her eyes and grabbing his hand, pulling him out on to the crowded dance floor and begins dancing closely. As Ludacris' part of the song starts Happy begins breakdancing and everyone watches as some of the other dwarves join in, stomping in time to the beat and dropping to the floor to do the Worm around Happy.
"Is this English?" frowns Killian, glancing at the speakers as a multi-lingual song starts.
"There's Spanish mixed in, but it's Hip Hop English," grins Emma before pulling her man closer and swaying her hips close to his.
"Seems a bit of a bawdy tune. Your father would definitely not approve," the captain smiles crookedly as she spins Emma and pulls her back in closer, to which Emma responds by dancing to the Latino number and thrusting her hips back at him in a provocative manner.
"Time for a cool down. There's still innocent eyes in the audience. All you heterosexual men get off the dance floor. This one is for everyone else."
"You heard Freya, Robin," laughs Regina as she gently pushes her husband off the glass floor.
"But I've just got back from settling Roland with Nimueh's wet nurse," he complains.
"Oi, you're the groom of this party so I'd like to hope - for my friend's sake - that you're all man for her," Freya tells him off using her microphone to project her voice and making Regina blush slightly at the wink her friend shoots her. "Oh Mal and Lily you're just back in time. Get your butts on the dance floor pronto," she shouts at the dragoness and her daughter as they return from their brief visit to Maleficent's castle.
All the women stare in confusion at the introduction of the song but Emma bursts out laughing as it hits the verse. With her Mom at her side she belts out the words and all the other women join in, letting their hair hang down. Lily, clad in a corseted navy blue velvet and lace knee-length dress, shakes her head in amusement at the song choice but grabs her Mom and drags her into the fray. Maleficent observes the dancing women around her, standing mutely between Regina and Lily her lips pursed before her dark-haired friend finally cajoles her into joining in. Freya watches on with pride as the women of the Enchanted Forest dance in a way that leaves their men enchanted by them, forced to watch standing around the edge of the dance floor.
"It's only fair with the women getting to strut their stuff that the men get to do the same. Lads, take it away!"
Emma's eyes widen the moment she hears the pounding bass beat and electronic chords. She quickly covers her eyes when David begins to rock his hips and body to the rock beat. Regina bites her lip as Robin swaggers up to her, dancing cockily to the chorus. Mary Margaret's eyes light up and she laughs at her husband letting himself loose in a way she's never seen before. She nudges her daughter though when Hook moves to stand in front of Emma. She peeks through her fingers, dropping her hands swiftly when she sees the smirk on Killian's lips and his hooded kohl-rimmed eyes. Her eyes soon drop to his pelvic muscles rippling beneath his black shirt, and the way his hips are swaying with the beat.
Nearing the end of the song however all the women are distracted as an elderly man in bright blue dress robes appears in the middle of the dance floor with an aged wooden stick that he stomps on the glass. Light shoots out around the base of the stick and when the man releases it, it remains upright. Tossing his waist-length white beard and hair over his shoulder he begins to twerk around the stick before grasping it with two hands and spinning round it. Aurora is the first to break and wipes at the tears her laughter soon brings to her eyes. All the men frown, glancing at one another before turning to see what has distracted their women. When the song ends the elderly man gives a bow, pulls out his wooden staff and traipses through the lake, uncaring he's getting soaked before giving the giggling Freya a kiss on the cheek and disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
"The Great Dragoon everyone," cheers Freya, choking back the laughter.
"But who was he?" questions David.
"Merlin in yet another of his many disguises," explains Guinevere, patting her husband's arm in consolation to being upstaged by the man who was once their Court Sorcerer.
The next song is a soul and disco number that many of the couples stay on the dance floor for. Arms locked the couples foxtrot with one another, spinning round the glass floor in an elegant fashion. Emma, from within Killian's sure hold, glances at her parents dancing near them and the loving looks they continually share. Henry smiles at all the romance and love around from where he sits surrounded by some of the Merry Men and dwarves. The couples spin faster and faster as the song closes.
All the loving gazes and contentment is broken when the next track plays without any preamble from Freya. The fey-like woman perches on her island with a childlike grin and waves at them all with two hands. Emma rushes from the shore of Lake Avalon and drags Henry on to the dance floor before starting to line dance with her son to the country folk song. Most of the others watch on bewildered until Freya joins in, seemingly also knowing the dance moves. Laughing at each other Maleficent and Regina follow Emma and Freya's instructions and soon many of the guests join them on the dance floor, moving as one. Heel digging, grapevining, weaving and pivot turning; the grove is infused with the laughter of the guests as some cannot find the rhythm of the dance whilst others catch on very quickly.
"We'll try an easier one," Freya tells them before twirling her fingers to switch on a new song.
"I know this one," grins Henry before starting the dance moves to the Macarena.
As the soulful cries of the king of pop fill the air, Michael Jackson's soulful crooning about being turned on by someone, Emma turns to Henry with a stern look, "Bedtime mister. No arguments. It'll be an early start for us all to go back through the portal."
"But Mom-"
"No, Emma's right Henry. Can you be go to the castle yourself?" Regina backs up Emma.
"I'm pooped myself," sighs Friar Tuck. "Come along Henry m'boy. I'm sure we can have a poke about Camelot before we go to sleep."
Emma smiles ruefully but thankful when Henry agrees with no further argument. She glances sideways at Killian. Frowning at his amused look and folded arms she turns to see what has captured his attention, her mouth dropping in shock as she watched her Dad put one of his legs between her Mom's legs and swivel her.
"Seems your parents are fond of that dance movie we watched a few nights ago too," smirks Killian as the prince does a few moves much too similar to those of Johnny Castle's to be mere coincidence.
The music fades out and in it's place the sound of trumpets, a gentle patter of a drumbeat and the crooning voice of Elvis Presley pours out of the speakers. Listening to the lyrics all the couples feel a need to look to their partner before pulling them into a gentle embrace, waltzing with the music. Emma tries to not smile as Killian expertly twirls around the glass floor, the arm with his hook draped round her back and holding her close. Their legs entwine as they step in time with the music.
On the floor with them Regina and Robin dance in their own world; the once Evil Queen rests her head against her husband's chest and sighs in contentment. Charming holds his own wife tenderly close, though both he and Snow glance happily at their daughter. Tears shine in their eyes at how beautiful she looks and how she fits into this world she'd never had a chance to truly live in. David presses his lips to Mary Margaret's forehead when she glances away; without words he knows her thoughts have drifted to how it would have been if they all could have been together and raised Emma. Other couples are also stood upon the dance floor, in their loved one's arms dancing to the other world song. Phillip and Aurora. Cinderella and Thomas. Abigail and Frederick. Arthur and Guinevere. And one other couple who do not look as free and loving as they dance around the lake.
Belle dances with Gold; her gentle smile not as carefree as it was the last time she had waltzed in his arms on the night of their own wedding. Her blue eyes flicker through the gaps between the hovering flames lighting up the dance floor and across the shimmering lake to where Freya sits perched in her tree, Navarre nestled contentedly on her lap. The redhead gently swings her legs back and forth, making the chiffon material of her dress ruffle and sway as it dangles and drapes down the trunk of the rowan tree. Her green eyes flit over all the couples embracing, stopping on Belle and Rumple and giving the sweet brunette a bittersweet smile.
Belle blinks back the tears that prick her eyes and clutches her husband closer to her. The feel of him next to her, so alive, pushes away the need she had felt well up inside her to cry for Freya. It was because of the letter Freya had written her, and sent with Navarre into the other world, that she felt she could truly let herself accept Rumple into her life again and not try to deny the love she still felt in her heart, even after all he'd said and done. The loneliness and sadness that had been etched into that letter, carved by the black ink on the stark white paper, had made Belle reconsider her own life. She knew who her true love was, and he was alive and he loved her back. She was fortunate, and as Freya had said in her letter she would do well to not squander her chance of happiness.
Rumplestiltskin glances down at the soft woman in his arms, the simple lemon dress she wears - that ruffles in the light breeze as they waltz - enhancing her natural beauty. He is speechless as he feels her hold him close; mute by the knowledge that this silent moment is his chance at a new start. He has no misconception that she has forgiven him for all that he did, and he knows he doesn't deserve such a thing from her either but he silently promises as he slowly whisks her around the dance floor that he will become a better man, one worthy of her love. Feeling her gaze on him, Rumple gazes across the lake at Freya (unknowingly mirroring his wife just moments before) frowning when he notices her glassy eyes and the clear tracks leading down her cheeks. Before he can say a word or halt in his dancing with his wife, the sorceress he'd known since she was but a child smiles and mouths, Enjoy this chance, Rumple. Love her with your whole heart. Let her heal you. Rumplestiltskin freezes, causing Belle to jerk to a stop and look up at him in confusion before darting her gaze to where his is fixed. The music plays on and Navarre sits perched at the very top of the rowan tree. Freya is no longer on the island, only Rumple saw her disappear in the blink of an eye.