Her family's heading for New York, and Snow's organ transplants. Regina and Robin come to terms with a possible issue with her baby. And Rumple's new persona is slowly starting to form as he's introduced to an old acquaintance.

Rhode Island – later that evening

Having told Jerard and Olivia about her plans to travel to New York the following morning, Ruby packed her things straight after her call with Granny. Then, after Belle had had second thoughts about leaving Ruby to travel alone, on public transport, in a land she didn't know, to somewhere else she was completely unfamiliar with, she changed her mind and decided to join her.

Her new friends were more than sympathetic, helping them finalise details for the three-hour train, coach and taxi ride, to the hospital where Snow was due to be operated on the following afternoon.

"I'm sorry you'll both be leaving us. But it's been great having you along." Olivia seemed genuinely sad. "No disrespect Jer, you're wonderful as always, but it's just really nice to have other women to talk to, about, well, everything, while we're sailing? I missed that."

"I know, and no offence taken I assure you, ma petite." He smiled sadly at their two passengers. "I'm going to miss them too. But we all know our friends are important, especially when they're seriously ill? So of course we understand," He stepped up to Ruby, gathering her in his arms, and she hugged him willingly, enjoying his now familiar scent. "I just hope she gets well from her operation soon. Ladies, it's been a delight having you along with us so far. And, if everything goes well with her transplant, you're welcome to re-join us at any time for the next leg? Don't be strangers. Keep in touch, yes?"

As they hugged, Belle could see the sadness in Olivia's watery eyes, in turn moving to wrap her arms around the beautiful woman who'd become a friend and lover in under a week. "Hey you, don't be sad? I may well take you up on it, if you'll have me? Snow's more Ruby's friend than mine, and it's going to be well over a month till I get to see Gideon. So, I'll just be kicking my heels if I hang around in New York after. And I'm not ready to go back to Portland yet. I want to see Havana too!" With that, she rose on her toes to give the taller woman a not entirely-chaste kiss. "I've loved spending time with you. Both of you. You've pulled me out of so many dark thoughts this week!"

"You're always welcome back, whenever you want." She returned the kiss. "Same goes for you, Ruby!"

"Hey. if Snow gets better sooner than later, I'll probably come down too!" Ruby agreed, lifting her head to gaze at the man with whom she'd had sex more times in the last week, than any other man. "And I know it sounds a little crazy, but you, Monsieur Sexy Frenchy, have restored my faith in what real men are like!" She grinned, cheekily sliding her palm over the now familiar bulge in his shorts, in full sight of his girlfriend, who merely smirked as she gave it a small squeeze. "Even if I can't get back before you reach Cuba, I definitely want to see you two again!"

"We'll be waiting, mes chéris." He cupped her cheeks and kissed her, even more fervently than the other couple, who watched with interest as things quickly became more heated, judging by Ruby's moans.

"He's right, we will." Olivia whispered in the former librarian's ear. "You know Belle, you've grown on me? Probably more than anyone apart from him, for quite some time..." She mirrored Jerard, kissing her enthusiastically, this time slipping a tongue between Belle's willing lips to wrestle with her own. She pulled her head back again to look into the eyes of the brown-haired beauty. But just then, she felt a hand curl around the upper arm, turning to find Jerard and Ruby standing closer. And without another word, he gently pulled Belle toward him, as Olivia responded in kind by doing the same with Ruby, in her place. "Same goes for you, Ruby. In fact, I don't think I've never met another girl who's been quite so…how can I put this? Energetic?"

"Must be the wolf in me?" She answered without thinking. A minor slip but the other woman merely grinned before kissing her as enthusiastically and heatedly as she had Belle a minute earlier, the woman in question now receiving Jerard's attention as the atmosphere changed completely.

"Girls, what time are you leaving? Have you packed?"

"All done. Belle's ordered a cab to take us to the central station at five in the morning," said Ruby, as she unsealed her lips from the ardent Frenchman's. "Why?"

"Well it's only eight. That gives us what…nine hours?" She squeezed Ruby's bum cheeks as she held against her. "More than enough time. What say we all have an early night?"

"Sounds like a great idea!" Said Ruby, before latching their lips again.

Mount Sinai Medical Centre, New York – the following morning

"Hi mum!"

Her son burst into Snow's private room, bearing a carrier bag, and what looked like a box of chocolates. "How are you feeling?"

Snow, despite feeling permanently tired, gave him a beaming smile the moment she saw her eight-year-old. He was closely followed in by Charming, carrying a large bouquet of flowers.

"All the better for seeing you, my sweet! Come give me a kiss?" She looked at the IV and the catheter. "Come this side?" He did as asked, stepping around the opposite side of the bed from the tubes and wires going into her body, leaning up to peck his mother's cheek as she held his head. "I've missed you so much, my angel!" She looked up at her husband who smiled back, sympathetically. He followed his son as he stepped back, leaning in to peck her cheek, acting very different to how he would've towards her only a month ago. "Was it a long drive? Where are you staying?"

"Not too bad. We checked into a hotel just around the corner late last night. I asked if we could come over then, but the duty nurse said you were sleeping. She thought it was best to come first thing, so I thought I'd let this guy get a little shuteye?"

"Mum, I've got loads of cards here?" He dug into his bag to bring out a handful of envelopes. "Everyone's told me to send you their love? They all want you to get better. And guess what? Dad just spoke to Emma, and she's NOT going to be going to jail!"

"Really?" That made her brighten. "David?"

"It's true. She texted me just now, so I called her back. It appears old Jeffery's postponed any trial, rather than acquitted them completely. So they're not out of the woods yet but they're to undergo psychiatric assessments with Archie. She's on her way down here, with Hope and Killian. They should be here around three, allowing for traffic."

"Killian's joining her? So they're together? He's forgiven her?"

"Looks like it, though I haven't spoken to him for a few days."

"What a relief! From what she was saying before I left, she thought he'd just about given up on her. When did you see her last?"

"Two days ago, when she came to the farm..." He thought it prudent not to mention his daughter had also found him in bed with Ruby's ex-wife. Ten minutes earlier and she would have found Lily in there too. "Though I know she was worried about the trial. What about you? What's happening here?"

"Merlin's ready to operate, though I made them hang on till I've seen all of you. What they're doing with me is a little hush-hush around here, because it involves magic somehow. He's supposed to be here midday, so I'll let him explain it."

"Merlin's operating on you?"

"Yes. It's…complicated. There's a lot you don't know about him."

Hotel d'Aubusson. Paris, France

In a hotel suite, over three and a half thousand miles away from New York, Rumple threw his bag onto the bed, turning to lay back and close his eyes, exhausted after taking Gideon out for the morning. They'd arrived in Paris by train from London two days ago; and after the morning spent taking him up the Eiffel Tower, then to the Louvre, his damaged ankle was starting to throb, painfully.

That was a big problem with being The Dark One in lands without magic. His limbs were showing their age!

But Gideon had loved it all so far, taking in the sights and sounds of the capital, just as he had London. But when his father told him he needed to go back and rest his leg for a while before continuing, Gideon had surprisingly agreed. Partly because it gave the boy a chance to get back up online, on his brand new MacBook, to research what they should do for the next two days. Like his mother, he was a tireless sponge for all information, especially books, and his access to the online world gave him a vast store of new treasures to plunder. And as he sat researching at the desk in their hotel suite, Rumple had fled to his bedroom, grateful for a chance to rest as he closed his eyes.

But despite his tiredness and aching leg, overall, Rumple felt exhilarated. Because it seemed like once they'd left Storybrooke behind almost nine days ago, despite all the problems in his personal life, his mind seemed to be getting lighter by the day. Lighter, and somehow it made him more...optimistic? Something he hadn't felt for a very long time. He certainly hadn't missed the constant taunting of The Dark One within. A malevolent figure always standing close, criticising him, who no one else could see apart from him. All gold scales, large angry black pupils, and poor vindictiveness. The creature who demanded he kill the wolf girl. The creature who had been the route of all his problems over centuries. He certainly hadn't missed that! Instead, free of that shackle, he loved spending time away with his son, caring for nothing but discovering new things, and new experiences. He felt younger, with far more energy. Perhaps he could have had this centuries ago, had he left with young Baelfire all those years ago, instead of being the coward he was, succumbing to the darkness, and abandoning him. Well he wasn't going to make the same mistake with his second son!

Soon after his eyes closed, he'd almost surrendered himself into the welcome arms of Morpheus, when he heard a loud rapping on the front door of the hotel suite!

"GO AWAY! WE'RE CLOSED!"

Forgetting himself, he yelled at the door without thinking, before remembering where he was. Certainly nowhere near his shop!

"Damn it! Seems there really is no peace for the wicked!"

He reluctantly opened his eyes again, rising to go to the door and get rid of the annoying afternoon disturbance. It seemed the room had already been cleaned and the beds made, so he was just in the right mood to tell them to sod off.

"I did put the 'DO NOT DISTURB' sign on the door!" He barked as he started to open it. "I was trying to sleep! So you better-" But he stopped speaking, his face blanching, the moment he saw the face of the person who'd interrupted his slumber.

"Hi papa. Me again? Mind if I come in?"

"BAE?"

Somewhere south of Hartford, Connecticut

"Are we there yet?" The little blonde in the rear child seat moaned. "I'm hungry!"

"Not yet, lovely. We've still got a couple of hours to go." Emma, currently at the wheel, looked in her rear-view mirror. It was the fourth time their daughter had asked her in the last half hour. "We'll get something to eat when we get there, okay?"

"But I'm hungry!"

"Hope, I just told you-"

"Daddeeeeeey?" The little blonde appealed to her father, sitting in the passenger seat directly in front of her. "I'm really hungry?"

Ooh you cheeky little bitch? Emma thought to herself, rolling her eyes, knowing what she was up to. Hope had always been a daddy's girl, and had him wrapped around her tiny little finger. Killian knew it too, but smirked at Emma, knowing her game.

"Mum's told you already, sweetheart. I'm sure you can wait till we get to the hotel?" Regardless, he reached inside the glovebox, pulling something out. "But if you promise to be good, behave and not moan any more, I'll let you have a little something to keep you going until we get there?" He waved a Snickers bar over his shoulder so she could see. "Now, what do you say?"

Hope's little eyes lit up. She loved chocolate. "Pleeeeeaaasse!"

"And?"

"I'll be good, daddy! I promise!"

"Very well, as you promised. Here you go?"

He passed the chocolate treat behind him, to be eagerly taken. "Love you daddy!"

Cupboard love. Emma was about to object, telling him that she shouldn't be allowed something sweet before she had lunch, when an image of Regina came to mind, telling her how she herself ate like a child. So, thinking better of it, she whispered: "You know, you spoil that girl? I reckon she could make you do just about anything!"

"Probably. Though I could say the same thing about you and Charming? Pots and kettles, Swan?"

"I'm just saying…" She decided not to push it. "I didn't even know she liked Snickers?"

"Acquired a taste for them in Nassau. As well as codfish cakes, ice cream and an odd little soda called Dandelion & Burdock? We had a wonderful few days there before we headed back."

A wonderful few days, due to you deliberately keeping her away from me! She thought, but again, decided not to say anything. After all, he'd been right to keep her away. She'd been out of control, hadn't she? After yesterday's frank disclosure of her past, and his, they'd gone to bed earlier than usual, discussing it no more. They'd slept soundly enough, but she hadn't woken with his arms around her. And god, she never realised how much she'd missed something as simple as his warmth? But it had been on her mind ever since she'd woken up. Even before the Court appearance. And so, an hour later, after they'd switched drivers, and with Killian now behind the wheel, she took the opportunity, looking back to double check their girl was snoozing.

She dropped her voice to almost a whisper. "Killian?"

"Mm?"

"After yesterday…and that bloody stone? We…we are okay, aren't we? We're good?"

He glanced to his side, to see her anxious face, "Aye."

"'Aye'? Is that it? You don't want to talk about it?" No…questions?"

He glanced in the rear view mirror, making sure the infant wasn't listening. "I think we did all the questions yesterday, don't you? No, I think I now know where we stand."

"Meaning?"

"You're in love with me, and you're in love with her, but you love me more than you love her, and that love is…different? That's basically it, isn't?"

"Erm…" It was blunt, but probably no more than the truth. She still wanted to deny it, but the stone had already done its work. "I guess. How do you feel about that? You're…okay with it?"

"I guess I have to be, don't I?"

"Killian…" What could she say to make this any easier. "I'm sorry, okay? But as I said yesterday, and the two days before that, setting aside that stupid potion, I love you and I will never leave you. I will never run away from this marriage! I married you in sickness and in health, to love, honour and cherish, till death do us part. And I meant every word."

"Aye love, I believe you. You don't need to repeat it all over again."

"I know. I just want you to be okay? I…missed waking up with you snuggling me this morning."

"Just...just give me a little time, Swan?"

"Alright." She gave out a loud sigh, resting her head back against the seat, and decided best to change the subject. "Did you see where Henry went? He disappeared before old Jeffery ended the session, and I never saw him after that. Which was odd, because I thought he needed to sign off the extended bail? You were sitting close to him; did he say anything to you? Did you see where he went off to?"

"He didn't say. But I thought he looked quite animated when he received a text from the Hatter? Though I shouldn't, I took the liberty of snatching a peek at his messages over his shoulder. I gather the lad asked to see him as a matter of some urgency."

"Jefferson? Belle told me he was off realm-jumping somewhere. Isn't he supposed to be like, Gold's best mate? What the hell would Henry want with him?"

"I know your boy's still close to his daughter. Grace? But I gather she's still backpacking around the Far East somewhere. Bangkok, I think he said."

She's fine, but Jefferson still gives me the creeps. A matter of urgency, you say?"

"Only telling you what I read over his shoulder, Swan."

Paris

"Bae?"

This was getting ridiculous. His ten-years-deceased son was now standing in front of him, for the third time, in his Paris hotel room. But this time not dressed as an airline pilot or a trolley bearing hotel porter, but in a sharp navy blue business suit, white shirt and tie.

"So, I take it I'm actually not standing here, but lying on a bed, dreaming again?"

"Well, you could start off by saying hello, Papa? Or by giving me another hug?"

It took but a minute to do as he asked, hugging his son tightly in the doorway before bringing him in. This was starting to get confusing. "If I'm dreaming this, that means your brother's currently wide awake next door, on his computer?"

"He's fine. I'm actually talking to him, while I'm talking to you." He noticed the confused look. "Don't worry, it's hard to explain, but he's fine. It's just nice getting to know him? He's currently browsing some website about rebuilding the Notre Dame after the fire. It's actually quite detailed. He's a super-smart kid, you know that?"

"Just like his older brother." And his mother, sadly. "Bae, while having you here again, even if it's only in my dreams, is wonderful, you're clearly back for a reason. Last time you persuaded me not to go back to Storybrooke, or any magical realm, ever again." His older son nodded, with a satisfied smile. "And even though I can't quite believe it myself, I've made arrangements to do as you asked."

"I'm proud of you, Papa. I know that was a huge step."

"Then after you provided a trolley full of food for your brother in London; thank you for that, by the way? Even if I'm still not sure how you did it, you convinced him of the need to build a new life, thus making my job easier."

"What can I say? I'm a great big brother!" He grinned that insufferable but endearing grin, just he did as a child.

"You suggested I speak to Merlin to make arrangements for a life in the world without magic. Well I have. He's already supplied me with a new identity, and he's put me in touch with a law firm in New York, with a view and offer to join them as a senior partner."

"Crowley and Partners? Yes, I know. I spoke to Merlin again. And I also know you've got a meeting over here with their US head, Colette, tomorrow, the day before you fly to Rome. You're a shoe-in for the position by the way? But the formalities matter and they have to be seen to be going through the process. That's partly why I'm here."

How the hell does he know all this?

"It appears you already know a lot more than me. Go on?"

"Crowleys is global, with a London HQ. Their senior partner, the main owner of the business, is a guy called Charles Crowley. Though he's actually not from this realm, but a magical one, and using another persona, like you. Does the name Aleister Crowley, mean anything to you?"

"Aleister Crowley? The occultist? Wasn't he some sort of philosopher?"

"Was. That's what everyone thought, before he supposedly died in the forties. As in…1940's? He was actually a white wizard in his old realm, and centuries old. Merlin met him and set him up over here. He's one of many he's done that for, so they can get away from all the magic crap, and start again."

"And you're telling me this because…?"

"He's dying to meet you! He wants to know what The Dark One's like, when he's not being...dark?"

"So, I'm going to be meeting him? Not this 'Colette' woman?"

"You'll be meeting her too. She's also from the old world. She's been living in Paris for the last ten years, and recently moved to New York to head up the practise. In fact, I think you've already met her, a very long time ago."

"Who?"

The Sherwood Arms

Regina's first night back with her husband had been totally different to Emma's. Thankfully, with a much happier outcome.

When they'd finally retired to bed, in their suite above the large timbered inn he'd created in the forest, with Merlin's help, three years ago, she'd been cautious. Very cautious. After all, he'd said he'd forgiven her all the horrible things she'd done to him over the last month, but he had been a little…distant with her, since yesterday. And then discovering there was even the remotest possibility that the foetus inside her could possibly not be his, made her not just cautious, but wary. She'd hurt him too much.

After her own late father, Robin was one of the kindest, gentlest souls she'd ever known. But you don't get to be the leader of a large bunch of renegades and thieves, and their families, and take on the state and the mighty, by being nice. You do it by being a real leader. Decisive. Merciless, when necessary. Yes, he definitely had a side to him. She knew he'd killed quite a few of her old Black Knights in his past. Yes, he could get angry, but rarely. He always tried his best to avoid anger, or confrontation. But seeing the hurt look on his face when the medic at the hospital said the pregnancy looked like a lot less than seven weeks. Coupled with the accidental slip that in another realm, another timeline completely, Regina had managed to somehow conceive a child with another woman; the same woman with whom she'd committed adultery over the last month in this timeline, left him reeling.

The fresh doubt on his face, coupled with the obvious hurt, was obvious. He never spoke of it after they left the clinic. But she guessed something was brewing.

After they'd settled in bed, Regina was surprised when Robin was the one who started to instigate sex. She didn't mind in the slightest. In fact, she was delighted, partly because she knew it was a major step forward in repairing their recently strained relationship. And party because she'd missed him, and his body, so damn much!

He's taken the lead, as each of them regularly did in the past. But this was different. Because he didn't just take the lead, he completely dominated her. And she'd been more than a willing sub. He'd always been brilliant in bed. Attentive. Caring. And oh, so gifted. And she'd often come at least once or twice from foreplay alone, especially from that gifted tongue, before he even so much as entered her. But this time, he was rougher. Much rougher. In fact, this time he'd unexpectedly dragged her up onto her knees and taken her ferociously from behind. It had been exciting. Thrilling even. And her first orgasm, an unbelievably strong one, came quickly. After her first, he'd often stop and whisper words of love and devotion, making sure she was feeling just perfect and loved, before they continued. But this time, he'd ignored even a hint of foreplay, instead just flipping her over, onto her back, before moving on top and ploughing into her again. It wasn't making love. It was raw, almost animalistic sex. And after she'd come th second time, he'd stopped suddenly, holding back his own release, to growl, almost angrily, above her:

"You're my wife! I love you and you're mine! Not hers! Mine! Never again! Do you hear me?"

"I…" In the years since his return from apparent death, they'd made love countless times. But she'd never once seem him look at her that way before. And it was frightening. "Robin..."

"Do you understand?" He repeated, more slowly, and his voice still carried a hint of menace in it. "Never again!"

'Yes," Regina nodded. "I'm yours and yours alone. I'm so sorry…" But at the last few words her voice started to crack, and she couldn't bear it any longer. "Excuse me…I need the bathroom." She slid out from under him, and him inside her, before jumping up in the moonlight, still naked, to charge into the bathroom, closing her door behind her, without bothering to turn the lights on.

Even from the other side of the door, Robin heard her starting to sob; the sound alone bringing him out of much darker thoughts. And he then realised what he'd done. Something he'd vowed never to do. Even with her consent, he hadn't dominated her, he'd subjugated her. Even frightened her. Something he'd sworn never to do. He had to fix this.

A minute later, sitting on the lavatory bowl with her face in her hands, weeping, she heard the gentle knock on the door.

"May I come in?"

"I'll be out in a minute."

"Please?"

"Robin. Just…give me a moment." She threw the tear-sodden tissues in the bowl and pulled the flush. "I'm not…decent."

"You're more 'decent' than I am, right now." The handle started to turn. "I'm coming in…"

"ROBIN!" She jumped as he stepped inside, holding her white dressing gown, which she immediately took to shield her modesty. "I COULD HAVE BEEN…YOU KNOW?"

"Unlikely. You can hear everything from the bedroom. Unfortunately." He placed his hands on her upper arms the moment she'd tied it. "I'm sorry, truly. That was unforgiveable."

"You were angry. And-"

"But I should never have brought that anger to the bedroom! I shouldn't have treated you like that."

"It's understandable. I've put you through too much."

"No, that's no excuse!"

"I've treated people far worse, for less."

"But not someone who's sworn to love you!"

She sniffled. "Try telling that to my father? No Robin, it's okay, really. It's not like I objected, or even tried to stop you." There was a small part of her that actually enjoyed being manhandled and totally dominated, treating her almost like a whore. "It's alright, really. It just came as a bit of a…surprise?"

"Not good enough! I-"

"Robin, please stop! As I said, I put you through too much. Whatever the reason or excuse, I've treated you abominably recently, and I can understand the anger that must be raging inside you. Heavens, if you'd done the same to me, I'd be far worse, with or without my magic. Yet you forgave me, when I can't promise I would've done the same to you?" She looked into those soulful eyes and could see the hurt behind them. "Then yesterday, I saw that look on your face when that doctor told us I may be a lot earlier than seven weeks? You tried to hide it, but I know you too well. I could tell that, after what Merlin told you, you were devastated."

"I'll admit…after hearing what he said about-"

"Another timeline completely! Another realm! A different Regina, not me! Not here, not…now!" She pulled up his right hand, pressing it against her stomach. "Robin, this is your child! Yours! And despite whatever Merlin said, I refuse to believe Emma, or any woman, could get me pregnant!"

"I desperately want to believe that, Regina. But you were infertile before, by your own hand, before this happened? You and Emma both have powerful magic. And as we saw, you have strong feelings for one another. Merlin insisted he ran DNA tests."

She wanted to argue, but what was the point? If according to Merlin, it was possible, then it probably was. But she wasn't going to let this marriage go down without a fight.

"I don't know what else I can say to you? I'll have DNA tests as soon as I can to rove it to you! Except, And even though I don't think it's possible, if by some miracle this child inside of me has been conceived with anyone but you, I'll have an immediate termination. There's still time."

"NO! I won't let that happen! Whatever's happened, that child is a miracle regardless. A product of love; almost like the gods wanted it to happen? The baby's innocent in all this, and she shouldn't have to pay the price of whatever we do. So no Gina. Regardless of her DNA, I'll be a good father to your baby, and I'll raise and love her as my own."

"Her?"

"I'm pretty certain in my heart you're carrying a girl."

"You'd really do that? Raising someone else's child?" Tears started to return, and she pulled herself into him without warning, her gown falling open, leaving her bare, not that she cared, as he held him tightly, sobbing, her tears falling on his chest. "You should never have sacrificed your life for me in the first place. I really don't deserve you."

~oOo~

She calmed and they talked a little more, until they finally went back to bed. Regina woke repeatedly until, staring back at his dozing face in the moonlight, she felt herself becoming overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, once again, for everything she'd put this wonderful man through. The man who'd shielded her from Hades' crystal, at the cost of his own life. Henry had taught her love, but Robin had taught her how to be loved. And how to put the needs of others above her own. She often used to compare him to her father. Another kind, loving man who died unnecessarily, because of her. But that was an unfair comparison. For Robin was certainly kind, but he wasn't weak, and he had principles he'd never betray, even for her. He'd proved it when 'fake Marian' arrived in Storybrooke. And now he was prepared to father the child inside her, even if it proved not to be his?

In recent years, as her friendship with Henry's other mother became much closer, she'd once ribbed Emma of not just so much loving but 'worshipping' her pirate, dismissing any and all of his faults. But the blonde had instantly retaliated, saying she was just the same around Robin. That despite being the ferocious former queen and autocratic ruler when it suited her, she was putty in the hands of her former outlaw. That she was a 'pussy', as far as he was concerned. It was no more than the truth. She adored him. Even more than she had Daniel, god rest his soul. She could never willingly hurt this man. Even though she had done just that recently. She smiled as she looked at his sleeping face, finally at rest after a difficult day, and wanted to do something for him. Anything to in any way make him feel better. So she waited until he started to stir again, two hours later, before letting her hand roam over his chest before making its way into his boxers. She massaged him, and was pleased to feel him automatically stiffen under her fingers, even in his sleep.

Still only around four in the morning, and lying on his back, he woke to a wonderful sensation. The sensation of Regina's warm mouth around his semi-tumescent cock, sucking eagerly on him, her head resting on his stomach under the sheets.

"Mmmmm. This has to be the perfect way to wake! Gina, let me return the-"

"No," came a voice from under the sheets. "Just shut up, lie still, and enjoy it, thief!" She breathed out before returning her lips over him, sucking harder on his dome, now starting to pump him once she realised he was fully awake.

She'd done this for him many times over the last few years; she actually enjoyed it, and the control she had over him when she did so; and he'd usually more than return the compliment, though she always insisted on using her bidet before allowing him to do the same to her. They'd always had a more than active love life since his return from apparent death, and she was relieved to find, after all the trials of the last month, he could still rise magnificently for her, rather than reject her.

"This is lovely, but I'm gonna come pretty soon if you don't slow down?"

"That's the idea!" Came the hidden voice again. "Stop arguing and let go. I'm ready."

So he did, virtually exploding in her mouth as she held him. And as he gradually recovered, her head reappeared, with a satisfied grin as she reached for the glass of water by the side table, to remove any after taste.

"Better?"

"Words fail me. Now, allow me to return the compliment?"

"No, it's not necessary. It's still early. I just wanted to do that for you."

But Robin was insistent. He returned the compliment, several times over. But this time, although he took the lead again, it was very different to what'd happened earlier. This time he was gentle. Tender, but passionate; without any hint of his earlier aggression. It was almost like old times and Regina loved him for it, coming repeatedly as he worked her body into blissful oblivion. And at the end of their lovemaking (for this time, it was a lot more than sex) as he hugged her, she knew their marriage had a decent chance of survival.

Subject to one very big question hanging over her. She needed answers.

New York

"EMMA!" Snow called out, the moment her daughter appeared, followed by her granddaughter and son-in-law.

"Hi Mum! Yeah, sorry, we got here as quick as we could!" She looked across at her father and brother, sitting in chairs beside the bed. David smiled back at her. "We got a bit…delayed?"

"Your father explained everything. That the Court freed you?" She beamed at the little blonde bearing cards and flowers. "Hello Hope, my darling! I'm so glad you could come see me?"

"Hi Grandma. Yes, Mamma said you were very poorly!"

"But all the better for seeing you, my angel!" Snow tried to fight back the tears, knowing there was a real possibility this was going to be the last time she'd ever see her family all together. "Hello Killian, lovely to see you too. Where's Henry?"

"Hello, love…" He bent over, pecking her cheek. "We're not exactly sure, but before the hearing he did say he'll be driving here a little later? How are you feeling?"

"Oh, not so bad," it was a blatant lie which, even without magic, Emma immediately picked up on. "They've told me I'm going to have to have the operation at four, otherwise they lose the slot." And the donor liver and kidneys, though she thought best not to say anything. "Still, how are you all? What's new?"

The next ten minutes were spent bringing everyone up to date, with any awkward subjects avoided. Emma could tell her mother was in a great deal of pain, even though she was clearly trying her best to hide it. She shared concerned looks with her father, who also recognised the signs. Though they were no longer together, she could see the worry in David's eyes. That despite everything, he still had feelings for her mother. Could they still repair their marriage?

When a nurse came in to check over her vitals before the operation, all the visitors temporarily left the room for the little private reception area, until she'd finished. It was a chance for Emma to take her father aside to talk alone. Knowing she always preferred to know the truth, no matter how bad, David told her that there was a thirty percent chance her mother wouldn't survive the operation, and a fifty percent chance she wouldn't survive the month. That it all rested on the surgery, and the follow up magic that Merlin was planning to perform as soon as Snow could be ferried back to Storybrooke. Naturally, she was devastated. She decided there and then that the moment Henry walked through the door, she'd get him to take that damn magic-blocking cuff off, and travel back with her.

"While that makes sense Emma, let Merlin decide how best to play this? He knows what sort of magic or spells or whatever, are needed. Maybe you can support him some-" But he stopped talking the moment the elevator door opened, looking surprised when two familiar women stepped out of it, Emma turned to see the distraction.

"Ruby? Belle?"

"Emma?" The former waitress looked relieved when she saw the familiar face, but instantly froze when the spotted the tall blonde man standing next to her. "David?"

Ruby looked and sounded absolutely terrified! This was the same man who, only a month ago, had made her swear a wolf vow never to go near his family ever again, on pain of death or slaughter by her own kind. The former close friend who had held a gun to her throat, having caught her in bed with his wife.

Her reaction made Emma look back at him. What the hell had he done to make her, a usually fearless half werewolf-half human, react like that? The tension was overwhelming.

"It's alright Ruby." David still hated this woman right now, potion or no potion. The last time he saw her in the flesh, apart from the dream catcher, was the day he'd caught her between Snow's legs in his bed. "I spoke to your grandmother. I hereby rescind the Lycaon vow I made you take. You can come in. I won't hurt you."

"Thank you." The words came out as almost a whisper. "I'm sorry David. For everything."

"Yeah," he looked away. "Not as sorry as I am." He looked up at his daughter. "I'm gonna grab a coffee downstairs. Call me when we can go back in, yeah?"

"Sure dad," Emma nodded, guessing what must have passed between them, and remembering something Henry had said about her father catching them in bed together. But she looked terrified! And what the hell is a lie-con vow? "Could you get me one, too?"

The tension disappeared the moment he left the room, Emma looking over the new arrivals. Ruby and Belle both now sporting rich tans. "Wow, ladies, you've caught the sun?" Belle's hair was bunched, and she wore a thin patterned block mini summer dress, revealing far more of her now-bronzed legs and shoulders than she'd ever seen before. She looked years younger, fresher than when she last saw her, morose and distraught in that Portland hotel. "Looks like you've been on vacation?" In contrast, Ruby wore a mid-length dress with a boat neckline and houndstooth black and white pattern. "And been shopping?"

"Yeah, well…" Ruby looked at her friend. "Gold kinda threw me out with the clothes I was wearing?"

Shouldn't have fucked his wife then, should you? Emma thought, uncharitably, but didn't say it. Or fucked my mum, for that matter.

"We've been travelling on a yacht, going south. Ruby got the news about Snow yesterday, so she felt she had to come. I kept her company for the ride." Belle explained, noticing how Emma kept looking at how she was dressed. "It's hot…so we needed some new things." She also noticed the former pirate in the corner by the small children's area, playing with his daughter. "So…you and Killian?"

"We're back together." She also looked up at him. "We're…getting there. Have you heard from Gideon?"

"I spoke to him three days ago. They're still in Europe, somewhere. Supposed to be back in a month. You heard about him staying away from Storybrooke for good?" She nodded. "Do you think he's serious?"

"No idea, but Merlin thinks it's a good idea. He's already transferred a bunch of his properties into Henry's. He's even Granny's landlord now! You'd better ask him when he gets here."

"How's Snow?" Ruby butted in.

"Not good. Dad said there's only a fifty-fifty chance she'll last the month. She's-" She was interrupted by the loud ping of the elevator, as two more arrivals walked in.

"Ah, Emma, good! You're all here then? Excellent, that means we can get Snow's agreement and get on with the surgery? It's a rather complicated procedure, and we don't have much time." He turned to the older, shorter man beside him. "I believe you've already met this gentleman?"

"We have…" The mysterious old mystic only known as The Dragon, looked her up and down. "She and the former queen came to me a few weeks ago, asking assistance. How are you, Emma?"

"I'm…" Now she was confused, turning back to The Sorcerer. "Merlin, what's going on? Why's he here?"

"I've asked him to assist me in the procedure. The Dragon is on of very few, medically oriented, capable of performing magic in non-magical realms. We're hoping with his skills, we may be able to treat your mother immediately after the procedures, thus avoiding having to take her to Storybrooke straight after surgery. It could raise her chances of survival significantly."

"You can really do that?" She looked at the mystic, and her cuff. "Yet you couldn't take these off?"

He didn't react to the dismissive tone, instead looking down at the tattoo. "I see you have still to make peace with your son? As I told you before, that is the only way to release your magic. He and he alone can remove it."

"Merlin, is this going to work?"

~oOo~

Two hours later, and they were ready to start.

Merlin told them it was going to take at least eight hours, and another eight before she woke. So, they prepared for a long night, Killian ready to take Hope to their hotel so she could sleep. It had been a tearful farewell to her granddaughter, not even sure whether she would ever wake to see those beautiful little blue eyes, so much like her mother's, again.

And as her son, daughter and ex-husband (although still very much the love of her life) gathered around the bed, all knew what was at stake. Even Neal. So the eight-year-old's goodnight kiss and hug was particularly hard for Snow to get through with crying. Emma's was too, particularly when her mother told her how much she loved her, how much she regretted not having her first twenty eight years with her, to have hope, and always remember she was so immensely proud of her.

"Thanks mum," Emma choked, trying to control her shaky voice, and emotions. "I'm very proud of having you for my mum, too! I love you!"

And finally, it was David's turn, Ruby and Belle having agreed to wait outside until the family had left, so not to disturb them.

"David, no matter what's happened between us, always know that I have always loved you, since the first day we met. You are my one true love, my soulmate, and my heart."

"Don't talk like this is goodbye, Snow." He sniffled. "It's only good night. I'll see you when you wake up tomorrow."

"I know," God I hope so. "But just in case, I want you to know that. I know you'll always love and cherish our children like you always have. But I need to ask one more thing?"

"What is it?"

"Kiss me? Please?"

"Of course," he eased himself down and pressed his lips full to hers, taking his time, and she relished in the sensations she hadn't had for over a month. And as she felt a tear fall from his cheek, Emma had to look away. "I love you too. I'll be waiting."

Ruby waited till the upset family had left the floor in the elevator before walking in herself, to find two nurses moving things around ready to take her best friend down for the operation.

"Snow?"

"Ruby?" Red, tear-soaked eyes stared back at her, and the woman behind. "Belle?"

"Didn't think I'd miss seeing my best mate before her big op, did you?" She tried to smile as she clutched her free hand, the other being taken by one nurse inserting a drip.

"You cut it a bit fine? Belle?" She looked at the former librarian. "I'm not sure what happened with you two, but promise to love and care for her?"

"I'll do what I can…" She gave her a sad grin back. "But you know her? She's a wild one!"

"Oh, I know all too well!" They were interrupted by a nurse telling them they had to take her down to prep for theatre. "Just be there for her, Belle? I love this woman very much and just want her to be happy."

"And she loves you right back," Ruby smiled down at her. "As I always have. Sleep well, Snow White." Then without warning and to Belle's surprise, she lowered her lips over her best friend and former lover's, before pressing down in a warm and earnest kiss. And Snow didn't seem shocked or offended, instead moving her lips in tandem, to relish the feeling, possibly for the last time.

"You know, if I wake up, I'll want another one of those?" She breathed when she drew back.

"Not if, when! And you'll get more, I promise. I'll be here. Sweet dreams, my princess? My rightful queen."

"I'm sorry ladies…" The older nurse was checking her watch. "We need to go!"

A restaurant in Paris – The following morning

"Mr Angus Gold?"

The tall, sightly stocky, grey haired man offered his hand. "Crowley, Charles Crowley. I'm the Principal, or Senior Partner, of Crowleys. I'm truly honoured to meet you, and never imagined this day would never come."

"The pleasure's mine, Mr. Crowley. And this is my son, Gideon. Gideon?"

"Pleased to meet you, sir." Said the precocious four-year-old. "I've been looking you up online."

"Have you indeed?" The old man smiled down at him. "Well it's delightful to meet you too, my boy. Though before you tell us what you've found out, let's go someone more...private?" He looked at Rumple, giving him a knowing look. "I've booked a private room at the back, overlooking the river. My senior colleague, Celeste Moreau, is waiting for us there along with her daughter. They are usually based in Boston these days, but she's on vacation this week, so when a mutual friend suggested we meet with you? Well, she rather insisted?"

Two minutes later, they were ushered by more than obsequious staff, into a private back room, with magnificent baroque architecture and paintings of gods on the ceiling. A table had been laid with fine china and a tiered cake display. And in front of it, waiting, stood a tall, slim and extremely elegant blonde woman, looking to be in her late forties. Beside her stood a young, similar looking girl, clearly her daughter and looking to be around five or six.

"Mr Gold! It's a pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand. "Celeste Moreau," she waited till the last man had closed the door. "Though you may remember me by another name?"

"I never forget a face…" Though he stared at her and tried to look surprised, Baelfire had forewarned him. "I'd thought you'd been killed by Merlin? In another realm, a very long time ago? Hello Morgause."

"As you were meant to. Hello Rumple. It's been a while, hasn't it? You're looking well?"

~oOo~