Things are moving fast. Regina and Emma have both been arrested but things are going on behind the scenes. Having served his unfaithful wife with divorce papers, Rumple is taking Gideon on a well-deserved break in Europe. Meanwhile, Henry's growing suspicious about Merlin, his presence in Storybrooke, and his motives. What's going on?

Mifflin Street

"You're back already?"

It was almost eight in the evening, when Regina opened the door, surprised to find Emma standing on her porch.

The former Sheriff had only been arrested by Hank Morgan a few hours earlier, and he'd made it clear, as Interim Sheriff working for an Interim Mayor, that, with the rest of the council following his actions closely, he was going to be following the rules to the letter. So after being arrested and taken to the Sheriff's Office, she'd been charged with several offences. Namely for assaulting Robin, Roland and Killian, all of which had been witnessed. Hank was going to follow due process. So after being charged, she'd be held in the cells overnight, ready to appear before a judge the following day. Regina had tried intervening by offering to post bail to keep her out of the cells. But as a defendant herself, her own bail posted by Henry, she was told it wouldn't be acceptable.

"Yeah. Hank charged and held me in one of the cells, but at least he gave me my phone back, to make a call. So I rang Henry…" She stepped inside, flicking off her shoes and jacket. "Merlin was in the car with him at the time. He already knew Hank way back in Camelot, so they spoke together straight after I'd finished. I'm not quite sure what they said, but Merlin posted bail himself, instead of Henry. They're on their way back there now, apparently."

"What about Hook and Hope? Did he manage to speak to him?"

"First thing I asked! He wouldn't go into details but, yeah. He told him about the potion and how we were acting under it, and that it's now worn off. He managed to convince him and told me Killian's going to sail back in on the morning tide. Apparently, he was persuaded when he found out we were wearing these bloody things?" She rubbed at the tattoo like it was an itch. "Henry's filled him in. Told him about the dream catcher, too."

"Well, at least that's something. Hopefully you'll be able to apologise and start from there, like I had to with Robin. You said Merlin's coming back? Any mention of what's happened to Belle and Ruby?"

"No, it was just a quick call, what with Hank hovering over me. But he did say Gold went out there, too."

"The imp? What the hell for? To kill them, knowing him! I'm pretty sure he has no magic outside, but I wouldn't put it past the bastard to find a way, knowing his taste for revenge."

"Just to give Belle divorce papers and see Gideon, apparently. That's it, they're done for good, game over! Merlin said they're sorting out some sort of co-parenting arrangements for Gideon."

"Unbelievable," Regina shook her head. "I never imagined he'd ever let go of the bookworm. Kill her for rejecting him, certainly! But to just let her go, and admit defeat? Never."

"I guess that's what happens when you find out the love of your life has been secretly screwing another woman for the last four years? You don't come back from something like that. Anyway, Merlin told him that Gold and his boy headed off to New York for the airport just before he left. They're taking a flight to London apparently, and are going to be gone six weeks."

"Six weeks away from here? From the source of his power? That doesn't sound like the imp at all! What's going on?"

"No idea. But Henry should be back in the next hour or two. I guess we have to ask him."

Meanwhile…

They were about twenty miles from the town line, Henry at the wheel, as the Sorcerer finished the last of a series of calls.

He'd had been listening closely. So much was going on behind the scenes regarding the lives of people he'd known and grew up with all his life, that even he was starting to get confused. Yet the man sitting beside him seemed to know far more about them than he did, which he found worrying.

"So let's see if I've got this right? You've got people out there, who've already sorted out new identities, new passports, new histories and everything for Belle and Ruby, so they can have new lives outside of Storybrooke? And now I find out Grandpa Gold's disappearing to Europe for six weeks, and he's taking Gid with him tomorrow? I've been talking to him every single day, so when the hell did he decide that? You've got others helping him and Belle with their divorce; and now I just heard you asking someone about his flights? Merlin, forgive my language but - just what the fuck is going ong?" Henry couldn't help noticing a slight smile. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing that need worry you, young man. But yes, many things are changing right now, not all of them for the worst, I can assure you."

"Try telling that to Grandma Snow!"

"Ah yes, I'll admit there's often casualties when relationships break down, self inflicted or otherwise. I'm not sure I can do anything about your grandparents' relationships, or your parents' for that matter, but I can help them move on. I'm also hoping to find a way to repair Snow's liver and kidney damage, if it's at all possible. But while that's happening I need to focus on both your mothers' marriages. In fact, I need you to do something? I take it you have access to where Rumple produced the blood and hair mixtures? The one he created for the dreamcatcher he showed you?"

"I guess. He uses blood magic at home and the shop, so that means I can still get in okay while no one else can. And I also have a key. Why?"

"We both believe your mothers acted under the influence of a faulty potion, but most of the town probably won't believe you, if you try to explain. Together we may have a little more influence, so if we just reuse the images from the dreamcatcher, and-"

"NO!" Henry was mortified at the mere thought. "I can't let anyone else see that! You can't be serious? There's stuff it showed which…well, even I had to leave the room for some of the time when he showed it to Robin and Grandpa David! Can you imagine how bad it was for me just hearing that stuff outside? No, you can't go showing that to people. My mums would never forgive me."

"Relax Henry, I have no intention of doing anything of the sort. I merely want to examine the potion for myself, and this book you mentioned? I may be able to help people accept what's really happened, Killian Jones included."

"Oh, right. Well, I suppose that should be okay. But grandpa will probably have warded the place with all sorts of other magical shit, especially if he was going away for a while. So I-" He then remembered just who he was talking to. If The Sorcerer couldn't break a spell, no one could. "Okay, I guess. But I'd rather message him and ask his permission first? After Belle, I'm probably the only one, apart from Jefferson, that he trusts right now. And after everything he's been through, I'm not going to break that trust!"

"Then do please message or call him, by all means. But first, I need to go somewhere I can sleep, completely undisturbed, so I can talk to someone as a matter of urgency. The convent, perhaps? Also, do you by any chance have something that was once owned by Baelfire?"

"My dad? Why? He's been dead for over a decade! What the hell's that got to do with anything? And what do you mean, 'sleep so you can talk to someone'?"

"It's complicated to explain, but I promise I will do so once I've spoken to someone. Someone who may very well help convince your grandfather about something very important."

Henry shook his head. He'd known Merlin, on and off, ever since that journey they made to Camelot years ago, to find him and rescue Emma at a time when The Dark One controlled her. He'd then been supposedly killed by Killian when he'd been taken over by the malevolent force as well. But several years later, it was revealed that he was merely a Merlin 'clone', a doppelganger devised to protect him ever since he'd been contained inside a tree by the Dark One. Unbeknown to Henry, or anyone else, Merlin had been killed numerous times over the two millennia since he'd first touched the Grail. And Zeus always chose to return him, and even given him the additional ability to split himself into multiple beings. It was that link with the Lord of the Gods, that helped him locate Robin's soul and bring him back. And now he needed to speak to Zeus again, to be allowed to talk to someone who had already passed, as a matter of urgency.

"You know, you don't half talk in riddles sometime, Merlin?"

The ancient wizard smiled back, wishing he could tell him everything.

"I know, and I apologise Henry. But you just have to trust me, and know that I'm doing this in Rumpelstiltskin's best interests. I swear."

Portland, Maine

Belle had managed to hold back the tears right up until the moment the limousine containing her son finally disappeared, on its way to Boston for a flight to London tomorrow morning.

She wanted to plead with her soon-to-be ex-husband not to take him. But seeing the excitement in Gideon's eyes as he told her all about the things they were planning to do and see, she didn't have the heart to disappoint him. Even if it would be at least six weeks until she saw him again. Her beloved boy was old for his years, considerably brighter than all of his peers in school, an obsessive book reader like herself, and desperate to see and discover new things and explore. By rights, she should have been going to Europe with him!

But that was never going to happen now, was it? And it was her own fault. She was the one who destroyed the marriage. Destroyed, until very recently, a mostly happy family life. And for what? She'd pondered that very question many times, ever since she got thrown out the magical town.

Ruby found her in their room an hour later, lying on the bed, sobbing her heart out. Eventually, after she'd calmed down, she told her everything that'd happened. About the divorce papers Rumple brought with him. About the financial settlement which he'd said was more than generous and was not going to be renegotiated. About Merlin arranging a lawyer to act for her. And then finally, how he'd decided he and Gideon needed a long break from everything, hence their trip to Europe, starting tomorrow.

"So that's it, it's over! Not that I was surprised. It's just…I was hoping I'd make him see sense, you know? I know I've lost him Rubes, but there's still Gideon to consider. I can't lose him too, and he shouldn't have to suffer because of me!"

"I know, babe." Ruby held her in her arms, rubbing her back. "You'll find a way. If Merlin's on your side, I'm sure he'll find some way to make sure you see enough of him, even if it means you have to co-parent and split his time between you. I mean, look at Robin and Zelena? He still hates her guts, but they manage somehow to split Margot between them."

"It's not the same. I still can't even get back over the town line! Rumple said the Dark One's taken him over so much now, that he probably couldn't stop him killing me, even if he wanted to! He said any promise he made never to hurt me was negated in The Dark One's mind, by me breaking my marriage vows? Merlin later said he'd find a way to get through to him, but I'm not hopeful."

"Well that's some hope, surely? If Merlin himself is on the case, I'm pretty sure he'll figure something out. You said he's already sorted out your identity, passport and stuff, like he did for me? And you've got real money now, haven't you? That leaves you with six weeks to kill till you see Gideon again. What are you going to do till then?"

"I haven't though that far ahead. What about you?"

"Well, I've been thinking. As well as all the legals, Merlin's sorted me out some money to cover me till I'm on my feet. I kinda want to travel first? So I'm tempted to take up Jerard and Livvy's offer to sail to Florida and Cuba with them. But I'm not leaving you here alone."

"That's very sweet of you," she pulled back, taking Ruby's hands as they sat opposite each other on the bed. "But I'm a big girl, and I've been alone before, as you well know. I'll be fine. You should go."

"Nope, I got you into this mess, so and I'm not abandoning you now. Come with me? It sounds like it could be a lot of fun. We've both got enough money, so if we don't get on with them, or something's not right, we can get off wherever, and fly back here? Or anywhere. But we stick together! What do you say?"

"I can't just up and leave! What about Gideon?"

"You said it yourself babe; They're going to be away for six weeks. Jerard said it'll only take about three to get to Havana, even if we stop regularly. So, that means there'd be plenty of time for you and me to enjoy ourselves, and get back here long before they fly back? We could have some real adventures, after everything we've been through. What do you say?"

"You're seriously suggesting we get on a boat and sail south with a couple we barely know?"

"Well, you said it yourself, we're big girls! We can handle ourselves." Ruby gave her a knowing smirk. "Besides, I wouldn't say 'barely' know them? Not considering the sort of stuff you were doing with them last night?" At that, Belle looked down, trying to hide an embarrassed grin, the first one Ruby had seen on her all day. "You've got moves, girl! Ones even I never knew you had."

~oOo~

And that's how they found themselves, several hours later, back at the same harbourside bar where they'd met the European couple only yesterday, sitting opposite.

Ruby had told them partial details about their awkward meetings earlier. About how Belle's husband had handed her divorce papers and promised limited access to her son. About how he had now taken the boy abroad for six weeks. While Belle sat listening, she'd even implied, without directly saying it, that she herself had been part of the cause of their marriage breakdown, hinting that they, two married women, had been caught being unfaithful. She didn't mention Dorothy directly; only that her own marriage was now over. And while she talked, the couple opposite listened.

"I'm sorry you've been through such a horrible time, mes chéries." Jerard reached out to take Belle's hand, rubbing her knuckles softly with his fingers, before looking back at his girlfriend. "The end of any relationship can be very painful. Something Livvy and I know all too well."

"It's true. It's one of the reasons we decided on an open relationship," Olivia added. "I can do or be with whoever I want to be with, and so can Jerard." She blew him a kiss. "That way, there's no jealousy. No pain, and no misunderstanding for either of us. It works for us but most people just don't understand."

"No, I get it!" Ruby jumped in. "I'm kinda the same way as you? But where I'm from, that's kind of frowned on. For my wife Dorothy and me, it felt like love at first sight. But in hindsight, we never should have got married. And it's all my fault, not hers, but a part of me will always love her. Though I guess we wanted different things?" Probably best not to mention being a human-werewolf hybrid? Or having a werewolf's sexual mores?

"And what about you, Belle?" This time it was Olivia taking the former librarian's hand over the table, giving her a sad look. "You've been very quiet. What do you want?"

"I want my son!" She squeezed her hand back. "I want Gideon here, with me raising him! Not somewhere where I can't easily get to him. I know I was the one who screwed up my marriage, but I just wish Rum…erm, my husband, would see sense and not let him suffer, as a result?"

An awkward silence followed, saved when a waitress came to clear the cups. Jerard used it to propose they move on to drinks and ordered a bottle of wine, after receiving nods of approval from the others. Once it arrived and he started to pour, Olivia took Belle's hands once again.

"Look, you said he won't be back for at least another six weeks?" Belle nodded. "And you're not working yet, so why not come join us on our next stage to Cuba? We'll be there in about three weeks, give or take a day or two, including some stops along the coast. And I'm sure you'll just love Havana as much as I do! We've got enough space onboard for the four of us, and you'll have plenty of time to fly back up here to get back to Gideon long before he comes back. If you find you don't like it, we can always drop you somewhere along the coast, like Boston New York or Miami? Maybe It'll give you enough time to clear your head and think about your own future?"

"Three weeks?" Ruby and Belle exchanged a look, knowing from earlier that this was just what Ruby wanted. "You seriously think you could put up with me and all my moping around, on a boat, for three whole weeks?"

"We both know we do, and I think we'd all get along just fine, don't you?" Olivia grinned back at her, then Ruby, who was already nodding enthusiastically. "We already talked about it after you both left this morning, didn't we, my love?" Jerard nodded, slugging back the remains of his glass. "And I think you'd love it. We're very easy going, and besides, I regard any bookworm like me as a close personal friend. I'd look forward to getting to know you better, in every way, Belle." She raised her glass, clinking it against Belle's, and gave her a look; a heated look which could only be regarded as more than flirtatious. And it definitely had an effect on the former librarian, who'd noticed how Jerard had been looking at her in much the same way. "Same goes for you, Ruby. And I've just realised that, even though we all shared something rather special last night, I don't even know your last name?"

"It's French," she smiled back, taking a sip. "Annabelle French, though everyone calls me Belle. Well in that case, if the offer's open and I can be sure to get back here before Gideon, I'd love to come. Thank you. You could be a blessing."

"Bon, c'est d'accord…" Jerard waved a hand at a passing waitress to order another bottle. "Well, I think that settles it? And Champagne is in order this time! We should toast new friends and new adventures. I promise you ladies, you won't be disappointed."

"I'm looking forward to it!" Ruby downed the rest of her glass in one. "Though I'm jealous I'm the only one around here who doesn't speak French!"

Olivia smiled back at her. "I shouldn't worry Ruby, I didn't either, till I met Jer, who taught me. He's a great teacher. Very patient? I'm sure he'll enjoy licking you into shape."

Ruby looked up at him, catching the innuendo. I sure hope so. The sooner the better!"

The Nolan Farm, Storybrooke

"Shit, that's incredible!"

The pair watched as David Nolan eased the stillborn lamb out of its mother after a particularly difficult, protracted delivery. Lily had seen it happen on documentaries before, but never for real. "Shame the last one didn't make it."

She and Dorothy had been holding the large ewe steady as the light began to fade in the late afternoon sky; a more difficult task than she imagined while, after successfully delivering three healthy lambs, the fourth didn't appear to have been so lucky. David, now on his knees, hot, sweaty and quickly cleaning up the mother, looked up at her. "It's sad, but it happens from time to time. Four lambs in one go is unusual for any sheep, and she birthed last year too. At least she managed three this time. Don't give up on him just yet. Dot, you know what to do, don't you? Would you mind?"

"Sure, hang on..." She let go of the ewe, who was now on her side, exhausted, as she attached each of the healthy new-borns to a free nipple to feed. "Lily, could you go grab a load of that hay, and rub it all over the last one? And don't be gentle, be really rough with it!"

Lily looked puzzled. "But it's dead! Why bother?"

"Maybe, maybe not. Just give it a go? For me? It deserves a fighting chance, like the rest of them. Pull its mouth open and check the airway for any blockage first, then rub it all over, hard, with the hay? Go on! Quickly now!"

David, now exhausted after the multiple births, sat back and watched as she manhandled the tiny lamb. Dorothy clearly knew what she was doing, having been brought up on a sheep farm herself. Lily followed her instructions for a good half minute until, with a sudden twist and jerk of its back, and a twitch of its forelegs, the lamb suddenly burst into life, coughing loudly, much to Lily's surprise.

"I did it! He's alive!"

The other two exchanged a knowing grin. They'd both seen this happen before. "He sure is," David could see the sheer delight on her face. Was this really the same woman, Maleficent's daughter, who'd been magically implanted with Emma's darkness by the Sorcerer's apprentice before she was even born? One of the most shameful decisions he and Snow had ever made, to ensure his wife's future safety and their daughter's. Until last night, he'd never even seen her smile. But here she was, beaming with happiness.

"You did it. Well done Lily, great job."

"I can't believe it! I actually saved something? I've never saved anything in my entire life!" For Lily, this was more significant than they could have ever imagined. She looked at their puzzled faces. "You don't understand. I cause problems wherever I go, and I usually wind up destroying everything I touch! That's why everyone leaves me in the end. But this? This is…" The last words were almost a struggle to get out. "For once I actually did…good?"

"You didn't do good, you did great!" Dorothy could see how emotional Lily she'd become. She's only met her for the first time yesterday, and knew only a few sketchy details of her past, and that it contained a lot of very bad times. "That little ram owes you everything. Now lift him over here, and attach him to the spare teat? He looks a bit weak after all that, and needs to get suckling."

David, still sitting on the straw, bare-chested and covered in dried afterbirth, blood and goo, smiled as he watched the women going about cleaning up the rest of the lambs, who were all feeding desperately from their mother. The excited pair, both around Emma's age, seemed to delight in their tasks, as enthusiastic as any teenager.

"You both did brilliantly. Thanks guys, this would have been so much harder without you. I'm gonna miss you both when you're gone." And he meant it. "Now then, what say we put Cassie and her lassies in that separate pen in the barn, and keep a close eye on her little son? Maybe make up a bottle or two, until he gets strong enough to feed with the rest of them?"

"Cassie and her lassies?" Even Lily chuckled. "Don't tell me, you give them all names?"

"Only the ones that stick around." He watched as she went back to the tiny ram, who was being kicked off his own teat by his overexcited sisters. Lily reattached him, pushing one aside, and began to stroke him lovingly. "You should name that one too, as you saved him?"

"Robbie! Robbie the ram!" She decided. "I'll keep an extra eye on him," she looked back up at David, and could fully understand why, now in his element, Dorothy had admitted some feelings towards him. He was, even covered in sweat and afterbirth, a very attractive guy. Strong, but apparently, sensitive too. "That is…if you don't mind?"

"Of course not, I'm enjoying the company. It's pretty rare I get helped by two beautiful shepherdesses. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm starving? What say we put this little family in the barn, then I'll go get a decent shower, andgo prepare dinner?"

"Sounds wonderful. I could eat anything right now, provided it's not lamb?"

"No chance." Dorothy pulled her new friend to her feet, brushing the remaining hay from her top and easing it out of her hair, like a mother petting and fussing over an untidy daughter. "It's salmon tonight, caught by Will this morning. And David cooked for me last time, so I'll cook tonight. You could help me, though?"

"Sure. Provided I get regular breaks to come check on Robbie?"

David watched them. There was definitely a chemistry between the two women. On the rare occasions he'd seen Lily in the past, she'd always come across as a sullen, moody soul. No doubt he and Snow were partly responsible. But now she seemed like another woman entirely? Revitalised. Happy. And definitely keen on Dorothy. Last night, in Robin's pub, after having far too much to drink, she'd become excessively flirty with both of them and made no secret of the fact she was bisexual, and single again, after having been dumped by a boyfriend back in New York. A boyfriend who couldn't cope with having a girlfriend diagnosed with late-stage cancer? What a pathetic bastard.

And then there was Dorothy, who'd been living at the farm ever since she discovered Ruby had been cheating on her with Snow. She'd arrived devastated and broken. But now, she seemed rejuvenated too, and clearly interested in Lily. He and Dorothy had bonded and drawn closer themselves over the last three weeks, the result of their shared breakdown. They'd shared his bed within a week of her arrival, and even had sex a few times, though he knew it was more for comfort rather than anything deeper. And now, seeing them together like this, he just knew they were a fit. As he'd let them sleep in his bed, as she was at risk of puking and he had an en suite bathroom. It was quite possible they'd even had sex last night, though he wouldn't ask. In fact, if they said they wanted to be together, he'd probably encourage it. After all, he owed it to Lily, especially after what he and Snow had done to her many years earlier.

The Convent

Henry dropped Merlin off at the convent, where he'd been staying since he arrived in the magical town a few days earlier. He'd been surprised at how much Blue and the other fairies had fussed around the Sorcerer, like some sort of conquering hero and celebrity all rolled into one? They seemed to already know what Merlin needed before he even said anything, and quickly led him upstairs, leaving Henry at the foot of the staircase, a little confused as to what was going on. Fortunately, he recognised a friendly face as she walked by.

"Tink?"

"Henry? I'm surprised to see you here? How are you doing?"

"Fine. Look, what's going on with Merlin? I don't get it. He said he needed to get here to sleep quietly, undisturbed, so he could talk to someone important? Then we get here and Blue seems to know what he wants already? And then they're all fussing around him? I can't really stop as I've got to get over to mums, but…what's going on? I'm worried, because I think it has something to do with Grandpa Gold, but he won't say. Then he wants me to do some other stuff, but until I know what he's after, I'm not sure…"

"I understand," She gave him a sympathetic smile, placing a hand on his arm. At six foot four, he was well over a foot taller than her, and her mind raced back to the first time she saw him, as a ten-year-old child, on Neverland, having been captured by Pan and his thugs. "Merlin's a one-off. He's still human, but he's 'evolved' into something far beyond that. He's well over two thousand years old, and he's seen and done just about everything. He's been killed many times over the centuries, but the gods have always sent him back because he's so useful to them, partly in gratitude, but also to carry out their work here on earth."

Henry's wide-eyed look morphed into a confused one. "Their 'work'?"

"You could even say he's Zeus's personal assistant? As a result, he's learnt how to split himself into multiple beings, or doppelgangers as he calls them. His magic, first granted when he touched the Grail, has evolved into something far more powerful. He can move through realms and even travel backwards and forwards through time, even while invisible. So he can see the past without changing it."

"And the future? So, he can see our futures, too?" The fairy nodded. "So he already knows what's going to happen to everyone. Including Snow and my mums?"

"He can. But he never tells people what he sees, just in case they do something to change it. It must be very frustrating, having all that knowledge and not being able to interfere?"

"So, what about this business of going to sleep, to speak to someone…important?"

"That's how he talks to Zeus and the gods. He puts himself into a coma of sorts, and his mind leaves this mortal plane. Or at least, that's how Blue describes it."

"Okay. So, he wants to talk to Zeus before he does something? That kinda makes sense. So how come you all knew and were ready for him? And what's with all the treatment? They were all over him like groupies crushing over a boy band!"

"Oh, that? Well, Merlin's a telepath, and we fairies have our own telepathic link with each other. He can read us, so he let Blue know in advance."

"Wow! And the groupie thing?

"Ah, well..." She allowed herself a bashful smile. " As I already said, he's a one-off, with very, and I mean VERY, powerful pure-white magic." She lowered her voice almost to a whisper. "Now whatever you do, don't tell Blue or anyone else I told you this, but white magic is like a strong aphrodisiac to us."

"Brilliant!" Henry laughed aloud, the first time he had in weeks. "So, Merlin's catnip to fairies? I love it!"

"Shush! Don't tell a soul!"

"I won't, I promise. But what about him and my mums? What do you think he's doing?"

"I've no idea. But Henry, he's every bit as pure and true as the Saviour. Or at least, Emma before she was poisoned? He'll do the right thing by them, I'm sure of it."

"God, I hope so. We need all the help we can get!"

Mifflin Street

Henry had arrived later than planned the previous evening, due to him first calling in on his grandfather's mansion, where Merlin had had no problem getting past the Dark One's magical security. He'd watched patiently as the Sorcerer examined the contents of the dreamcatcher potion, then the book used, and finally the dreamcatcher. Content that he'd seen enough, he threw a magical shroud over the entire room, telling Henry he would need to return to it in due course. Then he'd dropped off Merlin at the convent, and shared a coffee with Tink, before finally heading over to see his older mother's house

They'd been wide awake, despite the late hour, waiting for him. So he told them everything he knew so far, and most importantly, that Killian would be returning with his sister on the morning high tide. He also spent a lot of time with Regina after Emma had gone to bed, reassuring her that he would do all he could to talk to Roland and explain everything.

~oOo~

Unfortunately, he woke up around two in the morning to the sound of his stomach groaning and the realisation that, with everything else going on, he hadn't eaten anything since the previous morning. So, he tiptoed out of his bedroom to head downstairs to the kitchen, wary of waking his mothers, who unsurprisingly, also hadn't slept much since they'd returned.

That's when he'd heard sobbing coming from the spare room that Emma had been using. She'd been, unusually for her until recently, tearful before she went to bed, worrying about facing Killian and their daughter again, and his reaction. Clearly she was still awake. He was about to reach for the handle and let himself in to calm her but stopped when he heard a second voice in the room, talking softly. He could tell it was Regina but couldn't hear what she was saying. However, she was obviously trying to calm her.

Unbeknown to him, Regina had also heard her sobbing earlier and, also unable to sleep, she'd let herself into her room, sitting down on the bed beside her.

"Emma, I'm sure it'll be alright, once you've explained everything." She kept her voice low, wary of waking Henry. "He may not forgive you at first, but I'm sure he will eventually, given time? And you know Henry will back you up. Let him explain all about Ingrid's potion, if he hasn't already. After all, when Robin-"

"But Killian's not Robin! He has a temper. He vowed bloody revenge on Gold and kept the grudge for two centuries! What if he still doesn't believe me? I tried to kill him, after all. What if he thinks the moment this cuff comes off me, I'll…" She didn't want to imagine what he thought. "What if it's all too much, and he wants nothing more to do with me? What if-"

"You can't compare him to the imp!" Regina interjected, again. "Gold killed Milah right in front of him! It's not the same thing at all. No, I'm sure he'll listen. Also, Henry said he'll be calling in on Robin, before talking to you."

"I bloody hope so." She rubbed her now red eyes. "Sorry, did I wake you up?"

"I couldn't sleep anyway." She stood to leave. "I was going downstairs for water when I heard you. Are you feeling any better?"

"No, I'm worried sick. I couldn't bear it here if I don't get Hope back." She looked up into sad eyes, as Regina tried to give her a sympathetic smile. The former mayor and queen had enough of her own worries. "Would you…would you stay? I don't think I want to be alone tonight."

Regina was feeling much the same. It was only yesterday she went to Robin to apologise, and also tell him he was going to be a father. And she still hadn't heard back. She was feeling insecure and frankly, more lonely than she'd ever been.

"Sure. But perhaps you should come to mine? The bed's bigger, after all."

And that's how Emma found herself, five hours later, waking up in Regina's warm bed, the pair cuddled together, the brunette resting on her chest. For a brief moment she'd started to panic, remembering how they'd been together until just days ago. But this was different. This was more about mutual comfort between close friends, nothing to do with sex whatsoever. But she knew in that moment, no matter what Killian decided, her friendship with Regina had changed forever.

Somewhere over the Atlantic – several hours later

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Michael Wilcox again. Sorry to interrupt your sleep or in-flight entertainment, but we're about to go through an area of turbulence. Other aircraft ahead of us have said it lasts about 20 minutes. So, for your own safety we're switching on the 'Fasten Seat Belt' signs. I'd like to ask you to return to your seats, pull them into the upright position, and fasten your seat belts? Once we're clear of the turbulence I'll switch off the signs. Sorry for the inconvenience. Cabin crew, three minutes to buckle up?"

Rumple, trying to get some sleep at last as he lay back on his bed-seat, silently cursed to himself, a mask over his eyes, to help him get some sleep. With his inner Dark One completely incapacitated, he was affected by tiredness just like every other passenger on board.

"Wretched bloody thing," he grumbled, lifted the eye mask, blinking at the brightness. He'd only just started to doze off after waiting for Gideon to go to sleep. "You'd think after paying three times the price for a First Class ticket, they'd at least allow you to lie back and do the damn belt for you?"

"I'm sorry sir, but it's air regulations?" Said a female voice from close by, in a soothing, definitely English, accent. "Applies to all of us, I'm afraid. You also need to bring your seat back up again?" The air stewardess looked at the youngster lying down in the seat next to his. "Would you like me to raise the young man's seat for him?"

"Can't you just leave him be? He's just gone to sleep after all, and he's got his belt on already!" He tried not to sound too curmudgeonly, knowing she was only doing her job.

"Sorry sir, but rules are rules?" The blonde air stewardess gave him a sympathetic smile. "However, I'll try not to wake him."

"But surely-"

"Don't argue with the young lady!" They were now interrupted by a third, new, deeper, definitely-male voice. "She's just doing her job. Do as she says, and buckle up now, Mr. Gold."

"Do you mind? I happen to be talking to the-"

Rumple looked up, irritation clear in his voice, but turned to astonishment the moment he saw the smiling face of a man looking down at him. A man wearing a pilot's dark blue uniform and cap. A man with dark-brown hair and brown eyes, that he'd know anywhere.

And the very last man on earth he expected to see here! Or indeed, anywhere!

"BAE…BAELFIRE?"

As his eyes bulged, his voice almost left him, his breath and heart all but stopping in sheer shock.

"Hello Papa! Have you missed me?"

~oOo~