Belle wakes up in a very unfamiliar bed. Now the guilt kicks in. Henry finally hears from Killian, who knows nothing about Ingrid's potion and Emma's regrets, but does know that two very familiar Storybrooke faces have now appeared close by. And Henry starts to put in motion the plans to save his parents' marriages.

Portland Harbour – The following morning

Belle started to wake to strange sensations.

Was she being rocked?

Before she opened her eyes, she felt the warmth of a body against her. She was clearly resting against a chest. But a hard chest, with soft hair brushing the side of her face; and the unexpected feeling of an arm and shoulder under her head and neck, and a large hand coiled resting on her hip. And for the briefest moment, she imagined she was in Rumple's protective arms. Then the rocking started again. And the sound of people moving around close by?

Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself resting against the chest of a very different, much younger man. A man with whom she'd had sex last night. The same man who was now looking straight back at her, smiling!

"Bonjour, ma petite. Sleep well?"

She instantly stiffened, shocked, pulling her head back.

"Jerard?"

"C'est moi." He seemed a lot calmer than her, considering they were still both very much naked. "There's no need to get up just yet Ruby's in the galley making coffee, and Livvy's out getting milk and bread. Stay and rest if you want?"

"Erm... " Until last night, she'd never been intimate with any man other from Rumple. Yet here she was, sharing a bed with one who looked two decades younger. She felt the beginnings of panic.

"No, I think I'd better get up." She desperately scanned the room for her underwear as she pulled the sheet up a little higher to hide her nakedness. "Would you hand me my clothes, please? I think they're at the foot of the bed. or on the floor?"

He could tell by the tone of her voice she was embarrassed. "Bien sûr. One moment..." He turned and slid out from under the sheets. And as he did, Belle caught herself staring at the tight buttocks and slim waist below a clearly well-developed back. Ruby was right, he really did have a great body! And she had to shake herself out of it as she remembered what she'd been doing with that same body last night. And the body of the man's girlfriend!

Ruby, now wearing just her bikini bottom from yesterday under what looked like a silk wrap, with her chest half-exposed, walked in on them just as Jerard was handing over Belle's bra and knickers, having gathered them up from the floor. "Morning, babe!" She sounded as carefree as ever. "Coffee's made. Livvy should be back with the milk any minute. How are you feeling?"

"Okay, I guess." Seeing Ruby topless, and completely nonchalant in front of him, she resigned herself to just dropping the bed sheet that barely hid her modesty, reluctantly climbing out from under it to put her underwear back on, while he fished for a pair of boxers in a drawer nearby. "Excuse me. I just need to use the bathroom?"

"Brilliant night, wasn't it?" Ruby smirked, winking at him as Belle walked past, admiring the sight as he slipped his boxers on, following by a tight blue T-shirt.

"Incroyable," Jerard agreed. "I've never experienced an evening like it. I'm a truly lucky man Ruby, and it'll remain in my dreams for as long as I live." As he spoke, they could just about hear Belle starting to throw up as soon as she reached the bathroom nearby. "Sadly, I'm not sure Lady Belle would agree? She appears to be having...regrets?"

"Oh, don't worry about it. It's just all new to her? She's just come out of a really bad relationship, and had to leave in a hurry."

"I'm sorry to hear that. She seems an extraordinary lady. And you Ruby? Do you have regrets?"

"About last night? None whatsoever!" She moved closer, wresting her arms on his hips before stroking a hand over his now covered chest. "In fact, I'd be more than happy for a repeat performance at some point? If you and Livvy were...agreeable."

He chuckled, bringing a hand up to stroke through her dark locks before pecking her lips lightly. "I'm sure she'd be more than happy to hear that! Though sadly, we're only here for a few days before we sail on Saturday."

"Where are you heading? What's next?"

"South for the next month, following the coast. We'll call into New York for a few days, as Livvy's always wanted to go there, then on to Norfolk and a few other places, then on to Miami and the Keys? It's beautiful down there. We'll finally wind up in Havana. You ever been to Cuba, Ruby?"

"I've never really travelled far..." Only between five different realms. Oz, Dunbroch, the Enchanted Forest. Places she couldn't mention. " I'd love to see it though. I've read stuff on Cuba. Sounds amazing."

"It is. I've only flown there till now, but it really is. The waterfalls around the Sierra Maestra mountains are perfect for painting. And the scenery's just...breath taking."

"So that's what you do all the time, the two of you? Just travel and swan around? Don't you need to go back to work? Earn some money? After all, this boat must have cost you a fortune."

"Fortunately, for me, that's no longer a pressing issue. I come from a wealthy family. We own several vineyards back home. Sadly, papa passed away three years ago and left the business to ma mere, my older siblings, and myself. That's when I used some of my share to buy this boat? I've always wanted to travel, so I'm taking a three year sabbatical to spend time on the ocean. I'd like to do something in the future. Maybe run a pleasure sailing business? I may have grown up with wine, but I've always wanted to do something...different? "

"And Olivia? Is her family rich, too?"

"Hardly," he grinned. "I first met her a few years ago when she was in a very unhappy marriage. She's a wild soul, never one to be tamed! That's probably why we get along so well. Her own parents are long dead, and she'd basically lived with her grand-mère ever since."

"Sounds like Livvy and I we have a lot in common! I never even knew my parents, and I was brought up by my granny, too. But recently she threw me out, because…well, I was married to someone. Technically, I still am." Her smile disappeared, replaced by a look of sadness. "But things didn't work out. It's my fault, not hers. But, well let's just say it turns out I'm not the marrying type?" As she spoke, Jerard gently pulled her in a little closer, his hand resting her head against his shoulder. "I'm probably not a single-soulmate type of girl, either."

"Sounds like you'd fit right in here, Ruby!" A new voice came from the door steps as Olivia appeared, dropping two shopping bags onto the table. "Neither of us are marrying types either, are we Jer? We both tried. Doesn't work."

"I never heard you come in, ma chérie?" Jerard grinned back at his lover, completely unphased but not letting go of Ruby either, kissing her brow. "Were you spying on us?"

"Now why would I do that?" She sniggered as Ruby, now feeling awkward, eased herself back from his chest. "I just spotted my boyfriend hugging a topless woman from the window as I walked in? A woman with killer legs I would die to have!" But instead of looking annoyed, she merely stepped up to the two of them, pecking his cheek and putting an arm around his waist as she looked at Ruby. "But don't mind me; he is rather delicious, isn't he?" She glanced down at the exposed breasts. "Besides, I was also enjoying the view? Don't stop on my account."

Ruby's awkward moment was interrupted by the toilet flushing in the little bathroom at the other end of the galley. So, she took the moment to undo the silk wrap on her waist, twisting and turning it into a makeshift top, to also cover her upper half as the bathroom door opened.

Belle had woken minutes earlier to the heavy realisation of what she'd done, and her feelings of guilt were overwhelming. Although she'd enjoyed herself just as much as the others last night, a part of her felt what she'd done was just plain wrong? She'd taken part, all too willingly, in an orgy, while technically still married to a husband who'd already banished her for adultery. What sort of woman had she become? She wasn't turning into Ruby, was she? It now seemed her friend would sleep with anyone, screw anyone, for fun. Even though she was also married, to a woman who was supposed to be her true love. Yet Belle never said anything, never condemning her friend for her adulterous behaviour. And why? Because she'd also enjoyed having secret sex with her, on almost a monthly basis, for four years. But she'd always assumed, always imagined, she had a higher morality than Ruby. But she had a son for god's sake! But now she realised that, for all her hectoring of Rumple for his long history of antisocial and unkind behaviour, sometimes even to her, she was no better. In many ways she was worse. She was a hypocrite. Why had she destroyed what was basically a good marriage? For sex? For a thrill? In her heart she knew that Rumple would somehow find out, and be disgusted. But not as disgusted as she was with herself right now.

And it was that self-loathing had made her hurl the contents of her stomach into the toilet, where she stayed clinging to the bowl as she imagined the looks the people she loved would be giving her right now. Hell, even her father would be disgusted at the fact she'd willingly had sex with three people, all together, and enjoyed it. And now, as she left the bathroom after rinsing her mouth, it was to see the same trio staring back at her, Olivia was the first to speak, breaking away from the others.

"Belle, are you okay?"

"I think something disagreed with me from the food last night? Maybe one or two of the moules were off?" She lied blatantly as the concerned chestnut-haired woman rested a palm on her brow.

"Bad luck. Mine were fine, but it only takes one to do the damage, doesn't it? Do you feel okay for coffee and croissants? I remember you said last night you had to get back to your hotel early?"

"Thanks, it's kind of you but I should really get going. We have people from our old place, sort of, bringing some stuff over?"

"Shame. You'll miss seeing this amazingly sexy guy I just met?" Olivia looked across at her boyfriend. "He owns that bloody great brig that sailed in last night? The galleon? She sounded excited, looking to her boyfriend. "He's gorgeous, Jer! Definitely your type! He's got the most lovely smouldering blue eyes, too. Can't tell whether he's married or not, but he's got this three-year-old blonde cutie of a daughter with him. Shame about his left hand, though? What with that, and the ship, Killian's like a really sexy Captain Hook!"

As she said the name, the two brunettes froze, their eyes as wide as saucers, exchanging looks.

"Killian you say?" Olivia nodded. "With one hand? Was the girl's name Hope?"

"That's her. Why, do you know them?"

Storybrooke – Mifflin Street

Around the same time as events in Portland were unfolding, sixty miles north Regina Locksley (provided the divorce papers hadn't yet been served. Another terrible action sh e'd completely forgotten to ask him about last night) stood looking at herself in her vanity mirror. After over three weeks without magic, she now looked at least twenty years older than before she'd left. Grey was starting to show in her hair. Her roots needed doing! Without magic, she couldn't hide crows' feet, and the usual signs of ageing that were starting to appear all over her face. And in her mind, she looked hideous.

Last night she'd broken the news to Robin that she was pregnant, just before she left. Unfortunately, the fact she'd virtually shouted it back at him, meant Henry and everyone in the bar had heard too. So much so, that when she left her still-stunned husband, it was obvious from the hushed whispers outside that she was, yet again, going to be the primary topic of conversation.

She'd barely noticed that Sheriff Hank Morgan had been there. And he promptly arrested her, charging her with Sidney's enslavement, and despite Henry's best efforts, she was driven to the Sheriff's Office for questioning. She'd come quietly without any fuss, and had sat in one of the cells patiently for a good hour before he was ready to take her statement. But what she hadn't expected was for her son to reappear. Henry had pleaded with Morgan that she be allowed to come home after the charge was issued. He'd even stood guarantor for the bail, using funds she didn't even realise he had. He'd pleaded on the grounds that she'd been under the influence of a potion and not responsible for her actions. As had been the case with Emma and Snow. Surprisingly, for a former Knight of the Round Table, Morgan had finally consented to releasing her, but insisted that, in addition to the bail being posted, she wouldn't leave Storybrooke and that Henry would not remove that accursed magic-blocking cuff. So after signing numerous forms and guarantees, she was finally released into Henry's care. After which he promptly drove her home.

"Morning mum!" He called out as he knocked on the bedroom door, before entering. "I've made you some tea? Ma's already downstairs. Come and have breakfast."

"Thanks you, but I couldn't eat a thing, my love. You go start without me."

"Sorry, but I'm not asking, I'm insisting!" He stood in the doorway, arms folded, looking at her as she stared back at her sorry reflection. "You barely ate anything yesterday, or any time since you got back; and you're carrying my little brother or sister in there!" He looked down at her stomach. "So come down? I need you to eat! I'll make pancakes, but I've also got you some fruit, granola and all the usual boring stuff you like, for both of you."

She glared back at him. "Since when did you switch from becoming my son, to my parent?"

"Since you went off the rails and needed me to take over! Come on, I swore to Morgan I'd take care of you when I made bail."

"Oh…very well," she gave him a resigned, sad smile. After almost losing his love, she wasn't going to risk upsetting him again. "It's not like there's much else to look forward to, is there?"

"Well, you did the worst bit yesterday, facing Robin. And while he hasn't exactly forgiven you yet, I know he will. Eventually. Roland will too."

"You seem a lot more sure than I am."

"He still loves you, despite everything. Plus, you're carrying his baby aren't you? He's just got a lot to think about. I can help when it comes to Roland. I got thumped too, remember?"

"All too painfully. How's Emma?"

"In much the same state as you, I guess. She got back late from the hospital. Fortunately for us, Morgan didn't know she was there to arrest her, as he was too busy dealing with you. Once he finds out she's here, he'll probably come over. I just asked her about grandma, but she wouldn't say. Now stop avoiding it and come on? I need to see you eat!"

"Yes sir," She replied sarcastically, arching a brow and trying to be intimidating, failing miserably. "Coming, sir!"

~oOo~

It was twenty minutes later, as he sat at the end of the table, his mothers either side of him eating the food he'd just served, when Henry dropped his bombshell.

"I spoke to Killian last night."

"YOU WHAT?" A large chunk of pancake fell out of Emma's mouth, onto her plate, as she looked up, alarmed. "YOU ACTUALLY SPOKE TO HIM?"

"Yeah." He then just carried on eating, as though nothing had happened. "They came ashore last night. Hope's fine."

"He's here?"

"Not here, down in Portland. He sailed in from the south."

"You knew where he was, all this time, but you never thought to tell me?"

"Robin knew, I didn't. They've been keeping in touch since he left. Robin spoke to him last night, after mum left the Sherwood with Morgan after he arrested her, and told him the latest. Then Killian rang me. I'm heading down there to see him in a couple of hours."

"I'm coming with you! I can-"

"No ma, you can't! I promised him I'd come without you. And after I bailed mum out last night, Hank asked me where you were since you got back and I kinda...lied? I said I didn't know. He said if I saw you to tell you to stay this side of the town line until he's spoken to you. Break that, and you'll definitely get arrested and probably stay behind bars! Besides, Killian has no idea about Ingrid's potion, the dream catcher, or anything that's happened yet. I need to talk to him first."

"Henry, he's got Hope! Your sister? The daughter I haven't seen for over three weeks?"

"Yeah, but be fair, the last time you saw her you tried to choke him to death in front of her, didn't you? What's to say you won't scare her off again?"

That stung. "But I don't have any-" She stopped herself when Regina rested a hand on her arm, giving it a squeeze.

"Emma, let's finally have the good sense to trust our son to do what he has to do? It's probably for the best. And let's face it, we're not exactly trusted around here right now, are we?"

"It doesn't sound like I've got any choice!" She grumbled, knowing she had a point. "So you're going down there on your own?"

"No, Merlin's coming with me. He's helping with Ruby and Belle's new identities. And hopefully this morning we'll persuade grandpa Gold to let us take Gideon to see Belle?"

"I can't see that happening! She can't blame what she did on any potion, and if you're right, she's been carrying on with Ruby behind his back for four years? She should think herself lucky she's even alive!"

Meanwhile, on a schooner in Portland Dock…

"That's them! Why, do you know them?"

The moment she realised Killian had arrived in port, Belle's mind swam. She knew the Jolly Roger was enchanted. It could pass through any magical realm. Could it be her way to get back to Storybrooke? Rumple wouldn't kill her if she did, surely? Ruby, definitely. But her? The Dark One vowed never to harm her, and maybe Henry could somehow persuade him to see reason?

"Yeah," Ruby answered for her "We know him."

"Well, I only had a quick chat as he said he was kinda busy. But Jer, you've have got to come see this ship? It's the best replica I've ever seen. It looks genuinely old!"

~oOo~

No more than a hundred yards away, Killian scanned the area with his binoculars as he drank his coffee on deck, enjoying the warmth of the bright morning sun, as his crew prepared to leave the ancient vessel for the day.

His precious three-year-old had just gone back down below, to get herself something to eat. Once again, she'd woken early, before sunrise, something she'd never done until Emma had left them over three weeks ago. Hope could sleep through a hurricane, usually. But now, every night since, she'd almost insisted on sleeping in the same bed as her father; no doubt fearful after seeing what her mother had done to him. To them. Killian hadn't slept much better in recent weeks, as he replayed everything that'd happened. He'd vowed to himself to keep her safe after Emma had nearly killed him in front of her. And the best way to do that was to get away, and stay away, at least until he figured out what to do. He'd even considered jumping realms at one point, but it was only the thought of keeping her away from her brother that had made him to decide to stay in this one.

But yesterday's call from Robin Locksley, on the satellite phone he'd installed just two weeks earlier, had given him a small glimmer of hope. The line quality was very bad, and the call short:

Last night:

"Where are you? Are you in this realm?"

"The bloody phone wouldn't be working if I wasn't now, would it? I'm about fifty miles south-east of you. Why?"

"They were under a potion! Regina and Emma. But it's worn off."

"Who told you that? The Crocodile?"

"Regina herself. I'm in the pub. She was here just now, in tears."

"And Emma?"

"With her mum, apparently. Snow was under it too. She tried to kill herself this week!"

"Eh?" The line quality was getting worse, but he could have sworn Robin said she tried to kill herself? "Emma tried to kill herself? Repeat!"

"Not Emma, Snow! Emma's with her at the hospital. I can hardly hear you! Just get back in to port and phone me, okay?"

"Just like that? I'm bloody miles away! I'll never get to you before low tide."

"Well get to the nearest port then, and phone me? Or better still, phone Henry!"

"Alright. But I'm not bringing Hope anywhere with magic! It's too risky."

"All right, all right! But call Henry? There's a lot to tell you. The potion's worn off and-" But the line suddenly dropped. He tried calling back at least half a dozen times, but to no avail.

"Bugger!"

~oOo~

Killian finally managed to get hold of Henry when he was only half an hour's sailing from the nearest port deep enough and capable of taking the Jolly.

"Henry, it's Killian! I had word from Locksley. I gather there's been a change?"

"Holy crap, at last! Yeah, not half. Where are you?"

"Still offshore. What's happening?"

"It's a long story, and a bit hard to explain. I've been busy bailing out mum from custody. She got arrested and-"

"Emma's been arrested?"

"No, Regina has. But Emma's going to be very soon, if I don't stop Morgan pulling her in once she leaves the hospital."

"What's a deputy doing arresting the Sheriff?"

"Because she's no longer-" Henry frowned, rolling his eyes as he sat in his car outside the station where his mother's paperwork was currently being processed. "Look, it's gonna be a long night over here, and a lot's happened! A bit too much for a call. You need to get back!"

"No chance. Not till I know it's safe for Hope not being taken from me. I told Robin I'm heading for Portland, and should just get in on the late tide, fingers crossed."

"Portland? You too? Okay, that's just over an hour's drive for me and it's going to be a long night. I'll get over there in the morning, okay? How will I find you?"

It was Killian's turn to roll his eyes. "How many 18th Century British Royal Navy sailing ships do you come across these days, lad?"

"Okay, stupid question." Henry chuckled to himself, for the first time in days. "I'll get there early. But I might bring someone with me."

"NOT EMMA!" He barked. "Bring her lad, and I'll turn away now!"

"Okay, not Emma. Look, just stay in Portland till we've talked, okay? Neither of my mums have magic right now anyway, so it's safe. As I said, a hell of a lot's happened. How's my sister?"

"Missing her big brother. I know she'll be pleased to see you."

"Me too. Just hold on there, keep your phone on, and I'll see you in the morning?"

Portland

That was last night. And now, as the ship lay berthed in Portland Harbour, Killian's thoughts were interrupted by one of the crew.

"Beggin' your pardon, Capt'n?" His faithful old boatswain, Jack Thomson, looked up at him. "Me and the boys are off to find a half-decent breakfast around 'ere? I checked in on our little admiral, and I found her fallen asleep over her grub in the galley! There's no need to worry, as I lifted her into yer cot, after takin' her shoes off. She's sleepin' sound now. Anything else ye need before I leave? Or should I bring summat back for ye?"

"No thank you, Mr. Thomson. I'll pop down there in a few minutes to check on her. You go. But let me know where you wind up, if you would? If it's any good, I may well take her along myself. And do try to persuade young Hawkins to avoid the ale this time? It's quite possible we may have to sail on tomorrow's evening tide, and I hardly need a half-pissed midshipman if we do! I should have my stepson arriving here at ten, so I may be otherwise engaged."

~oOo~

Once Thomson and the men left, Killian sat looking out over the vessels moored up. One in particular. A fairly new two-masted schooner, that a very attractive chestnut-haired woman had walked back to, after talking to him when he first came on deck, twenty minutes earlier. A woman who'd blatantly flirted with him and made it pretty clear she was interested in getting to know him. In earlier years he would have taken her up on her offer to join her for coffee along with her friends. However that was before he found Emma, the love of his life, and married her. He never wanted for anyone else and barely looked at another woman since. But now? Even he could appreciate the interest.

As he looked over the schooner, a woman walked out on deck. Then a second, followed by a third. The first, he recognised as the chestnut beauty from earlier. The second, a brunette, slighter shorter, who appeared to be wearing what looked like a white bikini similar to one Emma used to have. A bikini at seven thirty in the morning? She also sported delightfully long, slender legs and from a distance, she seemed vaguely familiar. The third, shorter woman, also seemed to be wearing a bathing costume of sorts, which also seemed a bit odd when there was a morning breeze. He may be married, just about, but he was still a man with a pulse, so he couldn't resist picking up his new binoculars, a birthday present from his in-laws, to adjust the zoom and take a closer look.

His jaw dropped when he immediately recognised two of the three women, as a fourth figure, a tall blonde-haired man, now came up to join them on deck.

"Ruby Lucas and Belle Gold? Now, what the hell would they be doing out of Storybrooke?"

He kept watching as all four came off the schooner, and onto the harbourside.

~oOo~

"Last night was brilliant!" Olivia pulled Belle into her, giving her a warm hug. "Listen, if you want to join us out in the bay tomorrow, just let us know by eight tonight, okay? Jer and I are going exploring today and we'll find somewhere for dinner tonight. But you're welcome to join us if you like?"

"Thanks." Unlike Ruby, Belle was hesitant. There was still the possibility Henry might help her get back to Storybrooke. "But I've got someone coming down here to see me this morning. Family stuff? It's complicated. So I'll let you know later?"

"I'm gonna hold you to that! Don't forget?"

Then, without asking permission, Olivia put her hands on her cheeks, before giving Belle an enthusiastic, and definitely unexpected, kiss on the lips. For Belle, it came as a shock, but a pleasant one. She'd already had that mouth and tongue all over her body last night, so it shouldn't have come as too much of a surprise.

"Well, you can count me in? I'm keen to go sailing tomorrow, even if she isn't!" Ruby grinned, before pulling Jerard into a similarly keen embrace. "You, Mr. romantic Frenchie, have restored my faith in men. Even if it has been a while!" She followed it up with a kiss every bit as enthusiastic as Olivia's.

"I am delighted to have risen to the occasion, Madame."

"Oh, he's never had any problems in that department, have you Jer?" Olivia chuckled, grinned back at him as she pulled Ruby away from him, while releasing Belle.

"Lady Belle..." But instead of kissing her lips, Jerard instead took her hand, as he did last night, kissing the back tenderly. "I sense you're moving out of a difficult relationship, and may be having regrets over last night? Despite it being…extraordinaire?" He'd already spotted the slightly pale mark on her ring finger. "You take all the time you need, ma cherie, to achieve your…balance." The gallic pronunciation of the word made something tingle inside her. "I know Livvy here felt something, too? If you're able to find peace, I wish you well for the rest of your days. But if not, you and Ruby are always welcome to join us, in whatever form you wish?"

As she smiled up at him, it was Belle this time who took the initiative, pulling herself into him to seize his lips.

~oOo~

While all this was going on, Killian watched through his binoculars in disbelief, even wondering whether he was seeing identical twins? Or doppelg ängers of the Storybook librarian and waitress. It was only after the four made their farewells and the two women in question walked closer to the ship, he decided to call out to them, aloud.

"BELLE? RUBY?"

Both women froze! And it was the embarrassed wave Belle gave him, that told him for sure.

It's them all right! If the Crocodile had seen anyone kissing Belle like they had, they'd be dead in a heartbeat!

Storybrooke - The Nolan Farm

It was the sound of a cock crowing loudly in the distance, that finally pulled Lilith out of her sleep.

Since she'd been diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, she'd gradually grown weaker and slept more every day. Partly the effects of her illness, but also the painkillers and drugs she was constantly being given. But the sleep was often fitful, and she'd usually wake up just as tired, in a never ending circle she knew would only finally end with her death.

But now, having left the hospital yesterday with her mother, supposedly cured, and after having spent a wonderful evening in a pub in the forest; making new friends and feeling lighter than she had in years, she ruined the evening by having far too much alcohol. Everything after that became a blur. So much so, that it took a while to re-orientate herself. The sound of lambs bleating in the distance told her so probably wasn't in her mother's magically-hidden home. The sheets were too soft for a start! And the smell of bacon wafting up from somewhere was another clue. So where the hell am I?

She slowly opened her eyes to find another pair of beautiful brown ones staring back at her, resting on the pillow beside her.

"Good morning. Sleep well?"

"Dorothy?"

~oOo~

In the kitchen downstairs, David was busy making breakfast for his son, who was staring hard at a pancake that was apparently levitating several inches above the others over the serving plate.

"Neal, my boy?" The moment he looked up at his father as he brought his coffee pot to the table, the floating pancake flopped back down, almost landing on the plate. "While that's very impressive, please wait till tomorrow, when Merlin gets back? Then he can teach you how to use magic properly?"

"Sorry dad." His father's requests, rather than his mother's reprimands when Emma, or Regina, used magic in their home, usually had more of an effect. He rarely got angry and his disappointed look usually brought better results from both his children, especially the grown up one. "I can't help it, I'm just tingling all over, you know?"

"I don't, but I think I understand, though I can't say I've experienced it myself. Just hang on a day or so? I remember when Emma realised she had magic, it came as a huge shock, and she needed help. Let's make sure we get it right this time, yeah?"

"Okay. I just wish Em was here now, or Gina, you know? They'd understand this stuff!"

"I know. But I-" He was interrupted by his phone ringing. And the personal ringtone, though he hadn't heard it for nearly a month. He immediately skipped to the worktop to get it.

"EMMA?" At her mention, Neal immediately looked up. "Where are you?"

"Hi dad!" She sounded anxious. "Sorry I haven't been in touch! I've been, erm, busy?"

"So I hear. Henry's kept me abreast of some of it, but I haven't spoken to him for a day or so. He said you had problems getting back over the town line? Did he manage to bring you back, or are you still in Portland?"

"I'm at Regina's place. But she's been put under some sort of house arrest in Mifflin Street? If I go to mine I'll probably get arrested before I get there."

"House arrest? What are you talking about? Who did this?"

"Hank Morgan. I'm suspended, remember? Now I'm just an ordinary member of the public like everyone else. A member who's due to be arrested for attacking Roland and his dad in the diner? Henry's already paid bail for Regina, and he spoke to Hank about me. If I leave here before he's interviewed me under caution, I'll be arrested, and probably put in the cells till this gets sorted out."

"I'm coming over."

"No dad, don't! Please? Get over to the hospital instead? I went there last night and just stopped mum taking another overdose!"

"Again? Holy shit!" He looked across at his son. "Sorry."

"Just get over to check on her, please? I'm scared she'll try to do it again. Can you get them to put her on some sort of suicide watch, or something? Or call Archie?"

"He's due to call her, but I'll see what I can do. Emma, do you know about your mum and me?"

"Yeah, kinda. She said." The line went quiet for a moment. "She still loves you, you know? Despite everything. She loves you. Not Ruby."

"I'll head over there."

Portland Harbour

"PERMISSION TO BOARD, CAPTAIN JONES?"

Killian heard the yell from inside the galley. A voice he recognised but was surprised to hear around here?

"PERMISSION GRANTED!" He yelled back, as he climbed up the steps to meet the arrival, followed a few steps later by his daughter. "Merlin? What on earth brings you here?" As he spoke, he saw his stepson stepping gingerly onto the gangplank to come aboard.

"HENRY!" Hope yelled, breaking into a beaming smile at the sight of her brother coming aboard, immediately running toward him as he dropped the bags, lowering himself to his knees, ready to take her into a hug. At nearly six-foot-five, he was now even taller than his famous grandfather. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too, sis." He hugged her gently, kissing her cheek as he rested her head against his shoulder. "You're looking good!" He looked across at Killian. "How have you both been?"

"As well as could be expected, under the circumstances?" But he got straight to the point, as usual. "I gather you have news of Emma?" And before Henry had a chance to respond. "And why on earth have you brought he Sorcerer with you, if it isn't bad news? And before you answer, you should know I'm not releasing my girl into anyone's custody!"

"Calm yourself, my dear chap!" Merlin rested a hand on his shoulder. "I've actually come to assist Henry in another matter entirely, regarding two of Storybrooke's recent…outcasts."

"Outcasts?" His mind went back to what he'd seen earlier. "Ruby and Belle?"

"How'd you know about that?" Henry looked puzzled. "I know I told you about my mums, but I never mentioned those two? Did Robin say something?"

"No lad. I saw them less than an hour ago, walking off that boat over there..." He pointed to the schooner. "Along with another couple. When I called out to them they seemed rather sheepish and avoided me, as though I'd mistaken them for someone else. Why are they here?"

"Grandpa Gold threw them over the town line. The Dark One's likely to kill them if they go back."

"Both of them? The Crocodile threw Belle out? I don't believe it. Not her!"

"It's true. And Rumple's on his way here now. With Gideon."

~oOo~