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.
Meanwhile, Henry has accidentally been teleported to another version of Storybrooke entirely. How can he get back?
Gold's Antiques Shop - In the other realm
As the warm breeze left, and the white mist dissipated, Henry shivered. Both of his mothers had teleported him in the past, so he recognised the sensations. And as he stood, apparently still in his grandfather's old study, with the wand still in his hand, he could still see obvious differences. The walls were a different colour. The tablecloth was different, as were several pictures on the wall and even the light fitting.
"Whoever you are, prepare yourself for a whole world of pain!" Said a familiar voice from just outside the door, drawing closer. "For no one breaks into the Dark One's house without-" The voice in question suddenly stopped, as its owner looked up at him in surprise.
"HENRY? What are you doing here? With that?"
"Grandpa?" He froze as his grandfather looked up at him, just as shocked as he was. Then The Dark One spotted the wand in his hand. "Erm…this isn't what it looks like."
"It isn't? Care to explain why I find you sneaking around my study," He opened his palm. "Holding something that doesn't belong to you?"
"I'm not your Henry!" He blurted out suddenly. "I'm Henry from another timeline."
"Yes, I can see that." With a click of his fingers, the wand left Henry's grip, reappearing in his own.
"You can tell?"
"Well I hardly need my not inconsiderable powers to do so, seeing as when I last saw you, over breakfast this morning, you were sporting not only a very different hairstyle and clothes, but, clean shaven? A light beard in four hours? Now that would be impressive!" Was that a smirk? "Now, tell me what you're doing with this?" He waved the wand.
"It's not yours!" He blurted out. "Well it is. But not the one from in there?" He pointed at the green safe, still locked, then realizing Rumple could see the key in his left hand, caught red-handed. "Erm…"
Giving him a curious look he couldn't read, Rumple twitched his fingers, and the bunch of keys in Henry's hand also transported themselves into his own, as the heavy bolt on the safe clicked, the green door opening itself without them. Rumple stepped over, stooping before lifting a dark cloth from inside.
"How interesting? So we now appear to have two identical wands?" He shrugged the sleeve off, bringing the second wand beside its apparent twin. "So, you may not have stolen from me, but from your grandfather of a different timeline? That's a rather dangerous hobby there, young man? Dark One's aren't exactly known for our benevolent attitude to thieves."
"No gramps! You don't understand, it's not like that. You, or at least my grandpa Gold, doesn't live in Storybrooke anymore! And when I last spoke to him, he said he's staying away from magic completely! He-"
"STOP!" He suddenly barked out. "Don't give me details!" She shook his head. "If you really are from a different time, anything you tell me could have serious…consequences."
"That's just it! I'm not from another time, grandpa, just another timeline? A parallel one, so I haven't interfered with time. I asked Jefferson, but he wouldn't-"
"Jefferson you say?" He looked him over again. "And did he give you this?"
"No, he said I should speak to you first, or my version of you, first. My grandpa Gold's on vacation in France, or Italy. Not quite sure which right now, with Gideon."
"Gideon? Who's Gideon?"
He exhaled loudly. "Your son. Or at least, your second son in my world. Look, I can explain everything! But could we just sit down and talk, please? A lot's just happened in my world, and I got here by accident? I took the wand from the other safe, and just kinda held it? Then I suddenly 'appeared' here?"
As the version of Rumpelstiltskin in front of him listened, a third, softer voice was heard coming in from the kitchen.
"Rumple, why were you shouting? What's-" Belle stopped, looking up in surprise at the unexpected visitor. "Henry?"
"Belle! Sorry, grandma?"
"Not our Henry, dearie; another Henry, apparently?" The Dark One grinned at her. "But this one appears to have quite the story? Come sit down and join us, while I make us some coffee?"
~oOo~
Over the next hour, Henry told the two doppelgängers of his grandparents as much as he felt they needed to know, Belle and Rumple both listening closely, fascinated to hear about this supposed parallel world. After a while, he even started to enjoy telling it, although he hadn't yet got round to asking them about their own lives. He knew there'd be subjects he'd probably best avoid, so he focused on his own life in general, and his mothers' marriages, without too much detail, rather than theirs.
"So, you're saying that in this realm of yours, we, sorry they, call their son Gideon? Not Richard?" Belle was surprised, but at least it made him believable to her. After all, Gideon was the name of the hero in her favourite book and she'd once thought about having the name for her son.
"Yeah, and he's exceptionally bright too! I mean, as in 'prodigy' bright? He even beat me at chess a couple of times, and he's only just turned eight! My Grandpa Gold's planning to live somewhere near New York, and not come back to Storybrooke. Like ever? And he's just found a special school for him outside New York, better suited for child geniuses. So, you call your son Richard?"
"Yes, although most of us call him Richie around here. He's eleven, not eight, but yes, he's also bright. Henry, you said his father's currently travelling in Europe with him, but you didn't mention me?" Belle couldn't fail to notice his smile dim a little. "Sorry, not me but your Belle, obviously. I've always loved the idea of travelling, so we must be very different. Isn't she with them?"
"No. Unfortunately, in my world my grandparents have kinda…separated recently? Probably best I don't go into the details, but they're living apart and Belle's currently sailing down to Cuba, with Ruby Lucas, on a yacht with some friends they've made while they were away? As I said, the split's recent, though I understand Merlin's helping them organise co-parenting around Gideon, so he doesn't suffer as a result?"
"Rightly so," Rumple agreed. "His interests must come first, especially in one so young." He looked down at the second wand. "So, you say you magically crossed into our realm by accident? You're no doubt wanting to get home?"
"As soon as I can, preferably! As I said, Grandma Snow's in a hospital in New York having two big transplants. Emma and my other grandpa David were heading down there when I spoke to Jefferson. He's the one who told me about the wand? I went to the old shop, opened the safe and took it out," he pointed to the second wand. "I just held it in my hand, and thought about my dad. Or at least, what little memory I had of him? After all, I was only twelve when he died, to save all of us from the Wicked Witch. Next thing I know, bam! There's a load of mist and I suddenly find myself here! I I don't know how I did it. It's not like I have magic or anything."
"Well, you must have!" Rumple gave him a puzzled look. "Or it wouldn't have worked. I take it you're also The Author in your own world? So the story books write themselves when you're near?"
"Well, erm…yeah."
"Well, that's your magic right there! You have it inside you Henry, hence the reason the wand responded to your thoughts. Added to which, my wand's tied to my own blood. If your Dark One there's your grandfather, you're of his blood, through your own father. Another reason why it would have responded."
"Well while that explains why, but how do I get back? Do I just…think about going home again? Is it that easy?"
"Not quite. You need to picture someone, or something, very unique to your time. Someone dressed a particular way, perhaps? Or someone important to you in your own timeline? It's fairly straightforward, and I'm willing to help you, but either way, you're not going to be leaving us anytime soon."
"But…why not?" Henry's eyes widened. Was he going to stop him?
"The wand, dearie! It needs to recharge fully, just like a battery. If you use it too soon, it could well leave you stranded in another realm altogether. I would definitely advise against it."
"What? So…how do I 'recharge' it? How long does that take? Could I swap mine with yours?"
"Very risky, and I wouldn't advise it. You always need to use the same wand that brought you here, even if it's identical, as it's now paired with you. And you're looking at three days, minimum."
"THREE DAYS? But Grandma Snow could be dead by then!"
"I'm sorry, Henry." Belle jumped in, seeing the obvious distress in the young man's eyes. "But I'm sure we will help shorten it, if we can." She looked at her husband. "Won't you, Rumple?"
"I'll see if it's at all possible, but I can't guarantee anything, Belle."
"I understand, but at least try? Now Henry, in the meantime, while you're stuck with us, you're welcome to stay here, if you wish?" She looked across at her husband, expecting no argument. "And while you're here, perhaps I should call our own Henry, and get him to come over and meet you?"
Meanwhile - Back in his own realm - Rhode Island – later that evening
Having told them 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 second thoughts about leaving Ruby to travel alone, on public transport, in a land she didn't know, and a realm she barely knew, she changed her mind and decided to join her.
Their recent lovers were more than sympathetic, helping them finalise everything 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 be leaving us. But it's been great having you both along." Olivia seemed genuinely sad. "No disrespect Jer, you're wonderful as always, but it's just really nice having other women to talk to, about, well, everything, while we're sailing, you know? I've kinda missed that."
"No offence taken I assure you, ma petite." He smiled sadly at their two guest. "I'll also miss them. But we all know 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'll pray the lady in question gets well from her operation. 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, ladies. Keep in touch, yes?"
As they hugged, Belle could see the real sadness in Olivia's watery eyes, in turn moving to wrap her arms around the second woman who'd become a friend and lover in under a week.
"Hey you, don't feel sad? I may well take you up on it, if you'll have me back? Snow happens to be more Ruby's friend than mine, and it's going to be over a month till I get to see my Gideon. So, I'll be kicking my heels if I hang around in New York after. I'm not ready to go back to Portland yet, and frankly, I want to see Havana too!" With that, she rose on her toes to give the taller woman a not-entirely chaste kiss on the lips, before pulling back. "I've really loved spending time with you both. You've pulled me out of a lot of 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 back 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 all the other men her lifetime, combined. "And I know it sounds crazy, but you, Monsieur Sexy-Frenchy, have restored my faith in what real men are like!" She grinned, cheekily sliding a palm over the now familiar lump 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 again, more enthusiastically, this time slipping a tongue between Belle's willing lips to wrestle with her own. She pulled her head back again to look deep into the eyes of the brown-haired beauty. But just then, she felt another hand curl around the upper arm, turning to find Jerard and Ruby standing closer. And without saying a word, he gently pulled Belle toward him, as Olivia responded in kind, doing the same with Ruby. "Same goes for you, Rubes. In fact, I don't think I've never met another girl who's been quite as - 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 Belle moments earlier, the woman in question now receiving Jerard's full attention as the atmosphere changed.
"Girls, what time are you leaving? Are you packed?"
"All done. Belle's ordered a cab to take us to Central station at five in the morning. 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?"
"I'm in!" Ruby groaned, before latching their lips once again.
Yes, you always are, aren't you. Belle thought, perhaps a little uncharitably.
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 love. Come give your mum a kiss?" She looked at the IV and the catheter. "But 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 Charming, who smiled back, looking full of sympathy. 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 we come first thing, so I thought I'd let this guy get a little shut eye?"
"Mum, I've got loads of cards here?" Neal 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 after all!"
"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, traffic allowing."
"So Killian's joining her? 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?"
"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 all."
"Merlin's operating?"
"Yes. It's…complicated. There's a lot about him you don't know."
Aubusson Hotel. 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.
"Damn it! It appears 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 get some sleep, so So you better-" But he stopped talking, 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?"
"BAELFIRE?"
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 really hungry!"
"Hope, I just told you-"
"Daddeeeeeey?" The little blonde appealed to her father instead. Killian sitting in the passenger seat directly in front of her. "I'm really hungry!"
Ooh you cheeky little cow, Emma thought to herself, rolling her eyes, knowing what she was up to. Hope was a daddy's girl, and had him wrapped around her little finger. Killian knew it too, but merely smirked at Emma, knowing his daughter's game all too well.
"Mum's already told you, 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 very good and 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've promised me, here you go?"
He passed the chocolate treat behind him, to be snapped up eagerly. "Love you daddy!"
Cupboard love. Emma thought of objecting, telling him that she shouldn't be allowed something sweet before she'd had her 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?"
"She developed a craving for them in Nassau. As well as codfish cakes, raspberry 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...stone? We…we're okay, aren't we? We're good?"
He glanced to his side, to see an anxious face staring back. "Aye."
"'Aye'? Is that all you got? You don't want to talk about it?" No…questions?"
He looked 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."
Well that was ambivalent. "Meaning?"
"You're in love with me, and you're in love with Regina, but you love me much more than you do her, and what you feel for her is...different. That's basically it, isn't it?"
"Erm…" It was put bluntly, but no more than the truth. She still wanted to deny it, but the stone had done its work. "I guess. How do you feel about that? You're still…okay with it?"
"Well I have to be, don't I?"
"Killian…" What could she say to make this any easier? "I'm sorry and I always will be. But as I said yesterday, and every day since I got back, leaving aside that crazy potion, I love you and I'll never leave you as long as you'll have me? I'll never run away from this marriage, I swear. 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 us to be okay? I missed waking up with you snuggling into me this morning."
"Just...just give me some time, Swan?"
"Okay." She gave out a deep sigh, resting her head back against the seat, and decided best to change the subject. "Did you see where Henry went? He disappeared before the judge 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 right behind him; did he say anything to you? Did you see where he went?"
"No, but I thought he looked rather animated when he read a text from the Hatter? Though I shouldn't have, I took the liberty of snatching a peek over his shoulder, at one of his messages. I gather the lad's asked to see him as a matter of some urgency."
"Jefferson? What the hell would he want with him? Belle told me over a month ago he was off realm-jumping? Isn't he still supposed to be like, Gold's best mate? "
"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."
Grace is nice enough, but her dad still gives me the creeps. A matter of urgency?"
"Only telling you what I read, 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 somewhere, dreaming again?"
"Well, you could start by saying hello? Or giving me another hug?"
It took but a moment 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 about it, 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 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."
"Yes, and I'm proud of you. 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 as he did as a child.
"You suggested I speak to Merlin to make arrangements for a life in the non-magical world. 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, so not to attract suspicion. 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?"
"Crowley's is global, based out of London . Their senior partner, the founder, 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, and she's also from the old world, too. 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, but a very long time ago."
"Who?"
Back in 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'd 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 too 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, if he could. But she could see the hurt in his eyes when the medic said the pregnancy looked like a lot less than seven weeks. That, 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 pain, was clear. But he never spoke of it after they'd 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! And she'd initially been more than a willing sub. He'd always been brilliant in bed. Attentive. Caring. And gifted. And she'd often peaked from foreplay alone, just by 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'd been exciting. Thrilling even. And her first orgasm, an unbelievably strong one, came quickly. After her first, in the past 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, mercilessly.
It wasn't making love. It was raw, almost animalistic sex. And after she'd come for the second time, he'd stopped suddenly, still 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-" Since his return from apparent death, they'd made love countless times. But she'd never once seem him look at her that way. And she found it...frightening.
"Robin-"
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" He repeated, louder, more slowly. And his voice carried with it a hint of menace. "NEVER AGAIN!"
'Yes," Regina nodded slowly. "I'm yours. Yours and yours alone. I'm sorry…" But the last few words her voice start to break, and she couldn't bear it any longer. "Excuse me? I need the bathroom." She quickly slid out from under him, before jumping up from the bed in the moonlight, still naked, to charge into the ensuite bathroom, closing the door behind her, not even bothering to turn the lights on.
Even from the other side of the door, Robin heard her start to sob; the sound alone bringing him out of 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. He now felt thoroughly wretched. 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 more 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 around her. "I'm sorry, truly. That was unforgiveable of me."
"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'd put you through too much."
"No! That's no excuse!"
"I've treated people far worse, for a lot less."
"But not someone who's sworn to love you!"
"Try telling that to my father?" She sniffled. "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, a very small part, 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, 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 magic. Yet you forgave me, when I can't promise I would've done the same for you?" She looked into those 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, especially after what Merlin told you, that you were devastated."
"I'll admit…after hearing what he said about-"
"Another timeline! Another realm! A very different Regina, not me! Not here, not…now!" She pulled up his right hand, pressing it to her stomach. "Robin, I just know that this is your child. Yours! And despite whatever Merlin said, I refuse to believe Emma, or any woman, could get me pregnant, magic be damned!"
"I want to believe that, Regina. Desperately. But you were infertile, by your own hand, before this happened. You and Emma both have powerful magic. And as we saw, you have strong feelings for each other. Merlin insisted he ran DNA tests in the other timeline."
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 and paternity tests as soon as I can, to prove 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 arrange to have an immediate termination. There's still time."
"NO! I won't let that happen. Whatever's happened, that child inside you 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 this 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? You'd raise someone else's child?" Tears started to well up, and she pulled herself into him, 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. I never have."
~oOo~
She calmed and they talked a little more, before they finally went back to bed. Regina woke repeatedly during the night until, staring back at his dozing face in the moonlight, she felt herself becoming more and more overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, once again, for everything she'd put him 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, all 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 outlaw. That she was a 'pussy', when it came to Robin. 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, then make its way into his boxers. She massaged him, and was pleased to feel him automatically stiffen under her skilled fingers, even in his sleep.
Still only around four in the morning, and lying on his back, he woke to the wonderful sensation of Regina's warm mouth around his semi-tumescent cock, sucking eagerly on him, her head hidden, resting on his stomach under the sheets.
"God, this has to be the perfect way to wake up! Gina, let me return the favour? I-"
"NO," came a muffled voice from below the sheets. "Just shut up, lie still, and enjoy it!" She breathed out before returning her lips over him, sucking even harder on his brim, now starting to pump him once she realised he was fully awake.
She'd done this many times over the last few years. She rather enjoyed it, especially the control she had over him when she did so; and he'd usually been more than willing to return the compliment, though she always insisted on using her bidet before allowing him to do the same to her. They'd always had an active love life since his return from apparent death, and she was relieved to find, after all the trials and tribulations of the last month, he could still rise magnificently for her, rather than reject her.
"It feels wonderful, but I'm definitely 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 surprising grin as she reached for the glass of water by the side table, to remove any aftertaste.
"Feel better now?"
"Words fail me. Now, let me 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 she loved him for it, peaking several times as he slowly 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 now had a decent chance of survival.
Subject to one very big question hanging over them! She needed answers.
New York
"EMMA!" Snow called out, the moment her daughter appeared, followed by her granddaughter and son-in-law.
"Hi Mum! Sorry we're late, but 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 beside her 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 sure exactly, 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 theatre 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, 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, 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 Granny. 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 utterly terrified! And what the hell is a lie-con vow? "Could you get me a black coffee, 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 a vacation?" In contrast, Ruby wore a mid-length dress with a boat neckline and hounds-tooth black and white pattern. "And been shopping?"
"Yeah, well…" Ruby looked at her friend. "Gold kinda threw me out with only the clothes on my back, so I had no choice."
Shouldn't have fucked his wife then, should you? Emma thought to herself, 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 on the water, so we needed some new things." She also noticed the former pirate in the corner by the children's area, playing with his daughter. "So…you and Killian?"
"We're back together." She also looked up at him. "We're…taking it slow. 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 Rumple staying away from Storybrooke, for good?" Emma 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 assets and properties into Henry's name. 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, Merlin and The Dragon, 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 raised her cuff. "Yet you couldn't take these off us?"
The Dragon didn't react to the dismissive tone, instead looking down at the tattoo on her wrist. "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, minimum, 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 wake to see those beautiful shiny blue eyes, ever 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 without crying. Emma's too, particularly when her mother whispered how much she loved her, and 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.
"Thank you..." Emma choked, trying to control her shaky voice, and shakier emotions. "And you need to know I'm very proud of having you for my mum! 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." Even 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? If only for luck? Please?"
"He nodded, easing himself down to press his lips fully to her own, taking his time, and she relished in the missed sensations she hadn't felt 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 here, waiting."
~oOo~
Ruby waited till the upset family had left the floor in the elevator before walking in, to find two nurses moving things around ready to take her best friend down for the operation.
"Snow?"
"Ruby?" Red, watery 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's 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. "I always have. Sleep well, Snow White." Then without warning and to Belle's surprise, she lowered her lips fully over her best friend and former lover's, before pressing down in a warm and earnest kiss. And Snow didn't seem in the least 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 may well want another 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, slightly stocky, grey haired man offered his hand. "Crowley, Charles Crowley? I'm the Principal, or Senior Partner of Crowleys. I'm 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." The precocious four-year-old offered his own hand to the stranger to shake. "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? 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 early fifties. Beside her stood a young, similar looking girl, clearly her daughter and looking to be around seven or eight.
"Mr Gold! It's a pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand. "Celeste Moreau..." She waited till the last waiter had closed the door behind him on the way out. "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 already forewarned him. "I have to say I thought you'd been killed by Merlin? In another realm, a very long time ago? Hello Morgause."
"As you were meant to! Hello Rumple." The accent changed, as she broke into a wide smile. "It's been quite a while, hasn't it? I have to say, you're looking well?" She looked him up and down, admiring the clothes he now wore, all bought in London. "Clearly time away from all that darkness and magic, suits you!"
~oOo~