Belle comes face to face with her former husband, for the first time since Portland. Snow is finally cleared to leave after her double transplant. And Henry finally gets to hug the father he hasn't seen for over a decade.
Hilton Virginia Beach, Virginia
It was just after ten local time, four in the afternoon in Paris, when the Zoom call connected.
Belle hadn't felt this nervous since that horrible day, almost two weeks ago, when Rumple had discovered the extent of her infidelity. And in the worst possible way. By having it replayed on the dream catcher in front of him.
And now, as she tapped the keyboard to connect, her fingers were shaking. Unlike yesterday, when she'd come face-to-face with Gideon, the figure on the screen when the call connected was very different to the man she'd last seen in Portland, when he'd given her the signed divorce papers.
"Good morning, Belle."
"Rumple?"
"Just so you know, they'll be calling me Angus from now on? Angus Gold?" His face betrayed no emotion, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "I'm sure you'd agree Rumpelstiltskin is hardly a name for this land? How are you?"
Although it looked like Rumple, and sounded like Rumple, the figure on the screen seemed somehow…different? For a start, his face looked far less lined. His hair had been neatly trimmed and restyled. His skin looked not just tanned but…rosier? Healthier? And what he was wearing was so very different to his usual style. There was no black suit or shirt. No tie. Instead, he wore a modern pale tan suede jacket over a cream cotton roll neck. If she was being honest, he looked good, and at least twenty years younger than when she'd last seen him. In fact, he looked great. And relaxed. But now was no time for compliments.
"As well as can be expected, considering my only son's been taken from me without my consent? Plus, I've no idea when, or if, I'll ever see him again?" She answered coldly. He nodded.
"With hindsight, I'm sorry. But, given the circumstances?" Part of him wanted to remind her what she'd done to cause her current predicament. But now wasn't the time. "We'll be coming back to New York the first week of September. You'll then not only be able to see Gideon, but I'm proposing he spends the next six weeks with you, while I make suitable arrangements for our future. I gather you've already spoken to Baelfire?"
"I still can't quite believe it was really him, despite everything he said?"
"I'll admit, I also had doubts when he arrived, courtesy of Merlin and the gods. But seeing how he behaved once Henry went missing, those doubts have now been dispelled."
"Henry's missing?"
"Accidentally portal-jumped, and returned safe and sound, fortunately. I'm sure Gideon will fill you in on the details when he's with you. He's rather fascinated with his nephew's exploits ."
"So you're serious? You'll let him be with me?" She'd already convinced herself there was going to be conflict over their son. But she wasn't expecting this? " No conditions? No custody battles?"
"I don't see why there should? He wants both of us in his life, after all? Despite what you may think of me Belle, I do have his interests at heart."
"And is it true you're never going back to Storybrooke? Neal told me that's one of the reasons he was sent back?"
"That's the intention. And frankly, the longer I stay away from there, the easier it gets. As of now, after nearly two weeks, I'm surprised to find I don't feel any pull towards the dagger. I've stopped missing its power and it's rather relieving. It could be the distance of course, so I can only hope it remains the case when we set foot in New York, four hundred miles away, as opposed to four thousand miles?"
"So, what's next? You said the call was urgent?"
"First, to let you know Henry's going to be preparing a full inventory of everything in the house, the shop and the lockups, once he returns after joining us here. I've asked him to work with Mr. Dove. There's still a lot of things In Storybrooke that I've acquired over too many years to mention. I'm suggesting you also go back there, whenever it's convenient, to check through everything, and take what's yours, or wish to take? Henry can then sell the rest, give it away, or dispose as he thinks fit. Gideon's trust fund will receive half the proceeds. I was going to give the rest to Henry, but now Baelfire's make I'll make an accommodation for him too. I've also asked Jefferson to check for any magical items, which may be dangerous, and remove them accordingly."
That all sounded far too reasonable. So unlike him? "So, you want me to go back to Storybrooke?"
"Well, you can hardly do it from there? There's no rush, and you'll be in no danger from the Dark One once you do. You can even choose to go back permanently, should you so wish? You may wish to wait until Gideon's with you? He still needs to collect a lot of his things, and Henry's offered to help. Of course, you can also liaise directly with Bae on everything you need."
"I'm not planning to live there again either, after, well, everything? But yes, I'll go back there just the once to clear things up as there's still a lot of my personal things there. But you're still definitely letting Gideon stay with me? No conditions? What happens after that?"
"Holding onto him permanently would probably be the only thing that would make me go back there! And I'm pretty sure neither of us want that to happen! No, we'll talk to the lawyers and have him share time his between us equitably, subject to his education. There're several smaller schools catering for exceptionally gifted children like him that I've found, one only an hour drive north of Boston. A boarding school, obviously. I've already discussed the idea with him and said it'll ultimately be his choice. But he seems rather amenable to visiting them when we get back. You'll be able to discuss it all with him. I'll cover all fees, obviously."
"Boston? That's where you're thinking of living?" It wasn't ideal, but it was certainly a lot better than New York, and only two hour's drive south from Portland. So Gideon would only be an hour away?
"Yes. I already have people looking for properties in the Seaport and Back Bay districts. Henry's offered to check them over for me before he goes to Harvard, a short drive away, fortunately."
"So that's the reason for the call? Considering what's happened between us, and how much you hate me for what I've done, couldn't you have got Neal to call me instead?"
"I could, but I wanted to speak to you myself, one last time, before I undergo surgery when I get back to New York."
One last time? "Surgery?"
"On my leg and foot. Bae's persuaded me that I should've had it done years ago. I'm booked in for the procedure only days after we fly back."
"Oh. Yes, he's right, you should have had it fixed long ago." Why's he telling me all this? An awkward silence followed. Until…
"Belle, I know you won't believe me, but since I've been away from my magic, I've…changed. The Dark One can't control me while I'm away from its influence, and it's given me a chance to…reflect." He stopped, gathering his thoughts. "I don't hate you, despite what you've done, and I do realise being married to me was more than stressful. But I can only partly control the darkness buried inside, and recent events allowed it to take over. Well…now I'm away from its malign influence, I can see more clearly what I've put you through over the years? And although I'll never be able to forget how you betrayed our marriage, I do understand why you may have sought comfort elsewhere? So, I wanted to tell you that I forgive you."
The genuine sadness in his eyes told her he was being serious. And that somehow made her feel wretched. She'd betrayed him, repeatedly, and he was now forgiving her?
"Not that I deserve it, but…thank you Rumple. Erm…Angus." Another awkward silence. "Neal told me you've started dating?"
"Yes. It's early days but…well, who knows? It's someone I knew centuries ago, who's also here starting a new life, thanks to Merlin and others."
What the hell does she say to that? That it's nice? That she's pleased for him? Fortunately, he was the one to break the silence again.
"Now I have both my boys back, safe, Bae will be working with Henry to handle things between you and I from now on, as far as Gideon is concerned? And I'll be living under a new identity, so it's unlikely we'll ever meet again in the flesh, as it were? I guess I wanted to see your face, one last time?"
"Rumple, if this is to be the last time we're face-to-face, can I say something?"
"Of course. Go ahead."
"Firstly, thank you for saying you forgive me. Even though I'll admit my forced ejection over the town line was brutal, in a way I can see how I deserved it! And thank you for not letting The Dark One kill Ruby? I know you came very close." He nodded his head, and she could see that he also felt some sense of shame for his reaction. "Rumple, I've said it before, and I'll say it one last time. I am truly sorry for cheating on you! It was very wrong of me and even now, I can say I am thoroughly ashamed for having done so." He was looking down now, avoiding her eyes. "And even though our marriage is over, I can honestly say I never stopped loving you, even while I was doing just that!"
"You don't have to explain yourself Belle, I-"
"No, I do!" She cut him off, making him look up. "I was a married woman, for god's sake! Happily married! And a mother!" She stopped, trying to calm herself, lowering her voice. "You hadn't done anything wrong for once, Rumple, Dark One for not. It was all down to me!"
"You were tempted to stray. Maybe at a bad time-"
"No, I was drunk! At least I was when it first happened. People had already told me about Ruby and her ways, and maybe I was…curious? It shouldn't have happened, but it did. And maybe I became excited by the thrill of being with someone else?"
"Another woman. Had you had those leanings before?"
"Never. Well, nothing more than minor crushes. And I haven't become a lesbian, if that's what you think? Though I'm probably bisexual, in hindsight. But whatever the reasons, it was still wrong of me, and again, I am truly sorry for everything! I wanted to say that, once and for all."
"Well thank you for the honesty, dearie. But as I said, I forgive you and now, we have to move on? Belle, I'm no longer immortal out here, and given my age, there's always a small chance the operation may not go as planned. Or there could be unfortunate…consequences? If anything were to happen to me, you need to know that you will then have full and sole parental rights for Gideon's welfare, until he comes of age, obviously. I'll make all provision for him and Bae will fill you in on the details, in due course; but for me it's now time to say goodbye. Despite everything, I do wish you a long and happy life, and I hope you find someone more worthy of you in due course." Though he hoped to god she didn't think of Lucas as a reliable long term partner. "Goodbye Belle."
"Rumple! I-" But the Zoom call disconnected before she could respond.
New York. Early the following morning…
Killian slowly woke to the morning light streaming in from the side of the curtains, to find Emma close, staring down at him, with a tired smile on her face.
"Swan?" He smiled back. "While it's always nice to see your beautiful face of a morning, it's not like you to be the first to wake? Problems sleeping?"
"Nope, but I only woke half an hour ago. Can I help it if I like looking at my handsome pirate while he's sleeping? You go all baby-faced, even under the beard. That's when you look like Hope."
"I'll take that as a compliment?" He reached out to pull her closer, dragging her almost on top of him.
"Please do," she pecked his lips, but instantly grimaced. "Ugh, morning-breath?" She pulled back, still grinning. "I just looked in on Hope, and she's still fast asleep, so we can have a lie in." She rose out of the bed anyway, reaching for the dark blue silk chemise she'd thrown over the chair, along with her bed shorts, starting to pull them on.
"Shame - I was enjoying that view!" He smirked. "You got back late? I thought his flight was at ten?"
After having another beer in the bar downstairs with Clare last night, Emma had got back to their room just before getting a call from Henry. Deciding she wanted to spend at least a little more time with her son before he left for Europe, she asked him to hang on, and she'd take him out for a quick bite to eat, before going go with him to the airport in a cab, having left his car in a lockup. She finally got back just before one, by which time Killian was fast asleep.
"It got delayed by three hours, till nearly one in the morning and we found out in the taxi on the way to the airport. So, I thought, as I've spent virtually no mum alone with him over the last six weeks, and he's going to be off to Harvard a couple of weeks after he gets back, I'd take him out for an hour or two for a decent dinner instead? I did text to tell you?"
"Sorry, I left the phone on charge and didn't think to check, though the lass fell asleep early after all that walking yesterday, and I was pretty shattered and nodded off early myself. So how is the boy?"
"Definitely a man, not a boy, as he continually reminds me!"
"He's certainly a big one! I take it you asked after his father?"
"I didn't need to – he wouldn't shut up about him! I still can't believe Neal's really back? Part of me wants to phone him, but…" She noticed a look. "Would it bother you if I did? If it does, I won't."
"He is the boy's father. So speaking to him is rather…unavoidable?"
"That's not an answer. Would it bother you?"
"Would my wife talking to the man she admitted to once being madly in love with, bother me?" He sighed, shaking his head. "No, I guess not."
"I may have been once upon a time, but you've no need to worry on that score! Yes, I loved him, but we were over a long time ago..." She climbed back between the sheets, resting her head on his chest. "I love you, Jones. I've said it enough times recently, and I don't need some fucking truth stone to say otherwise? Besides…he's probably not even going back to Storybrooke. Henry reckons he's going to be living with Gold, somewhere between here and Boston."
"I'm not concerned. If he's still the Baelfire I remember, he's honourable. If Henry's already told him we're now married with a child, I'm sure he'd respect it. What about the lad's realm-hopping this week? Did he tell you about his travels in this other Storybrooke you mentioned yesterday?"
Last night over dinner, Henry had told his blonde mother all about the strange 'other' version of Storybrooke, and its character, all living in another timeline. About the other Henry Mills, and a very much alive version of his own father. About that Henry's mothers having fallen in love with each other, got married, and gone on to have two children. But when he told her Merlin's comment about the two children in the photos being conceived by magic between them, without any male donor involved? She felt uncomfortable after that, changing the subject.
"Some of it. He said he saw another version of Neal there, too! I didn't believe him at first, so he showed me pictures. Their Neal Cassidy's alive, married, and living in Philadelphia, with a wife and two kids, apparently? But the relationship between him and Gold is good, so he visits their Storybrooke regularly."
"So, he married someone else? No doubt realising his Swan had fallen in love with a devastatingly handsome pirate, much like yourself?" He quipped cheekily, tongue-in-cheek.
"Oddly enough, no. You, or their version of you, buggered off the moment Cora was killed! Robin wasn't around either, because the second curse, and the trip to Neverland, never happened over there. Only everything up to the trigger in the dwarf mines was the same. So, no Zelena, no Margot, no underworld trip? Snow went on to have another girl, not a boy, but he said their David was killed tragically before she had it."
"How sad. So, without Locksley around, their Regina's no doubt as insufferably arrogant as she was before he rubbed the edges off? And Emma's still…single?"
The way he looked at her as he said it, made Emma sure he knew more? But she was done lying to him, or holding things back, anymore.
"No. Their Emma's with Regina. They got together only months after Henry brought her to Storybrooke. They're married too, apparently."
"Interesting. Odd how the way fates can take very different paths sometimes, don't you think? Speaking of Regina, I was on a call with our Locksley the other day, while Henry went missing. He was telling me she'd only that morning raced off to New York as a matter of some urgency, to seek out the Sorcerer? As she's with child, it seems they had a local scan and found something untoward, though he wouldn't go into details."
"There's something wrong with the baby?"
"I was going to ask you! She drove to see Merlin at your mother's hospital, after all. You must've seen her, surely?"
But Emma had stopped listening, her mind wandering. She remembered how Regina had been acting weird a couple of days ago, when she found her sleeping outside her mother's room. Then later, before having an Ultrasound. She'd said something to Merlin about the baby's DNA results? Why would you have DNA done before the birth, instead of after? Then the way she's declined her offer to join her for the scan? She'd previously attended two of Emma's when she was expecting Hope, so she felt a little snubbed at the time. And the shriek in the room, causing Emma to burst in on her, fearing the worst. She'd clearly interrupted them at a bad time, judging by her and Merlin's faces, the latter immediately closing a folder next to him, to shield it from prying eyes?
They were hiding something. She said she came to see Snow but she didn't believe for one minute Regina would travel three hundred and fifty miles just to see her mother. So, the ultrasound scan must've been important.
Even before Ingrid's wretched potion, the two of them had become closer. And she liked to think that nowadays they were always brutally honest with one another. So why the sudden secrecy? And in the middle of all of this was Merlin. What the hell does he know that I don't?
Fiumicino Airport, Rome - two days later
Henry had landed in Italy early that morning after the nine-hour flight, grateful for his grandfather's inheritance that he was able to afford Business Class, so he could get some sleep. He'd then gone straight to the hotel where his father had told him they'd be staying, showered, changed and rested.
And now, he was back in the airport Arrivals lounge, waiting for the others to arrive. It was a very hot August day in the Italian capital, but that wasn't the reason he was sweating. It was mainly due to him about to come face-to-face with his father, who he hadn't seen in the flesh, for over eight years.
First out into the hall was Rumpelstiltskin, limping slightly more than usual, the result of the centuries-old self-inflicted damage to his ankle, holding on to the hand of his four-year-old son. And he looked totally different to how he last saw him in Portland. The black suit and silk shirt was gone, instead replaced by a white linen shirt under a pale single-breasted blazer, pale cream trousers and light tan shoes. Instead of the demonic Dark One, he looked like just another, albeit wealthy, tourist? Hell, he even had sunglasses hanging off his jacket pocket?
"GRANDPA!" He called out from the other side of the barrier to get his attention. "OVER HERE?"
"HENRY!" Gideon called back, having spotted his uncle over the lines of people waiting to greet their loved ones. The boy said something to his father, Rumple now looking up and smiling, as they headed over to him. But where was his father?
Then he saw him! Following a good ten metres behind, pushing a trolley with three large cases on it, following the others through the queue, Gideon calling back to his adult brother, pointing. And as Neal drew closer, taking a look at his adult son, the world seemed to just stop!
"DAD?" Henry's mouth suddenly felt as dry as a desert.
"Henry," the older man, affected just the same, saw the son he'd last left as a boy, now towering a good six inches over him. But he stepped in front, pulling him into his arms. And in that moment, Henry felt like that twelve-year-old all over again, as the tears welled up.
They hugged, and stayed like that for over a minute, neither saying anything, Neal patting his boy's back as he heard the sniffles, Henry trying to hold himself together. Even Rumple held back the tears as he watched father and son reunite for the first time in a decade.
Hilton Virginia Beach, Virginia
Belle had felt very confused since her web call with Rumple yesterday. What was that word he used to use? Discombobulated?
The man she'd spoken to was definitely her ex. But at the same time, he was so very different to the man she'd married in that little service by the well. For a start he looked younger, healthier, and he dressed a hell of a lot better than he had when he was with her. And he seemed to be looking forward to the future? With not even a hint of the darkness that'd so clouded his adult life. He seemed happier. Much happier. And although it shouldn't, that image depressed her. Not least because he'd moved on from her, after her betrayal. And he now had both sons with him, and his grandson, on a vacation in Europe.
If she hadn't screwed up so badly, she could have been with him.
"Belle?"
She was brought out of her gloom by Olivia, calling her from the doorway.
"I thought you'd be dressed by now?"
She looked up at the chestnut-haired beauty staring back and smiled. Olivia was wearing a white bikini, which showed off her toned frame and suntanned body; and it reminded her of how she looked when she'd first seen her, at the helm of the schooner as she sailed into Portland harbour, less than two weeks ago.
"Sorry Liv, I was miles away." She stood, moving across to the wardrobe, to pull out one of the two swimsuits she'd bought earlier in the week. "I'll go get changed. Be with you in a minute?"
As Belle shrugged off the bathrobe she'd been wearing, Olivia smiled at the sight of her naked upper half stooping to collecting something from the wardrobe shelf. To her, the former librarian was stunning, no matter what she wore. "It's getting hot out now Belle, but there are parasols. Put on a bikini?"
"I never brought one. They're kinda Ruby's thing? Plus, I'm shyer than her, if you hadn't noticed?"
"I had, and it makes you even more adorable…" the taller woman came up close behind her. "Shame, cos with those sexy hips of yours, I think you'd look great! Here, try one of mine?" She bent down beside her, pulling out another spare, purple set. "Go on, give it a try?"
"Oh, I'm not sure Liv? You've kinda got the body for it, and it's not really my kind of-".
"Please?" She held out the bottom half. "Apart from height, we're a pretty similar size. Go on, humour me? And if you don't look gorgeous, or feel really uncomfortable, take them off and I won't say another word."
"Oh, go on then, give it here?" She rolled her eyes, taking the skimpy strips of fabric and turning to remove her panties. Although she was now used to being naked in the other woman's company, she hadn't told her that she'd never actually worn a bikini before. Not ever. In the realm where she came from, no woman would've ever been seen dead outside in so little. But…oh, what the hell? A minute later, the bikini bottom was on, and she took the bikini top in her hands.
"Here, allow me?" Olivia came behind her, helping her with the bra ties at the back. "There! Now then, turn around, let's take a look at you?"
Belle turned to face the taller woman, now standing directly in front of her, inches away, looking her up and down.
"Just perfect!" Olivia let her hands roam over her shoulders, and around her back, pulling Belle against her. "You've got a lovely bod! You know something? Once Jer sees you wearing this, he'll have a job keeping it in his pants!"
"Really?" Belle felt virtually naked in the sheer bikini, but she was enjoying the feel of her lover's warm hands roaming over her back. Over the last two days since she'd rejoined them, she'd become even more tactile before they left. But the former librarian wasn't complaining. "How about you?" Her breathing grew heavier, as Belle's own hands moved from Olivia's shoulders to her chest, blatantly sliding her fingers over the white cotton concealing her breasts. "Think you'll be able to control yourself?"
"No guarantees!" Olivia's hands cupped her cheeks, tilting the brunette's head, as she smiled down at her. "I'm only human?" She pressed her open lips to Belle's, the latter welcoming her as she cautiously introduced her tongue. Until four years ago, Belle had never so much as kissed another woman. And although Ruby had opened her up to new experiences, and her orientation, the woman in front of her had changed her more. Kissing and being intimate with her, and Jerard in turn, had become second nature, and now felt like a hell of a lot more than sex then it had two weeks ago. Now there was a tenderness. A silent understanding. A yearning for something deeper with them?
"Where's Jerard," she managed, pulling back slightly. "Is he down there, waiting for us?"
"No, not yet. He's gone back to the boat to check everything and get more supplies?" As Olivia spoke, her right hand started to roam once again, this time down Belle's left side, over her hip, and around, coasting over the now bare stomach, until she finally reached her purple cotton-covered mound, pressing two of them against the soft fabric. "He said he'll meet us at the pool by eleven thirty, latest."
"Sounds good." Belle mirrored her, bringing her own hand over the other's core, pressing her fingers even harder against the white silk, both women now cupping each other. Encouraged by a deep groan, she lifted them again, before sliding her hand directly into the front of the bikini, to stroke her fingers through already damp folds.
"Yeah. No rush…" It was Olivia's turn to mirror her, both pulling closer. "Seems a terrible shame to ruin a nice bikini? I'd best take it off again, if I were you?"
Mount Sinai Medical Centre, New York
"Good!"
Merlin eased her hospital gown down again, after completing his examination. "Well, that all looks to be healing nicely..." He smiled proudly at the tall blonde woman in the white coat, standing next to him. "Nice work on the stitches there, Doctor Sage? Very tidy."
Snow already knew that the woman was Merlin's own daughter, Annabelle Sage, a qualified surgeon in her own right, who he'd brought in to assist due to the secrecy of the procedure. She'd conducted the kidney transplant after Merlin himself had spent hours working on the liver. It would have been so much easier to do it anywhere with magic, but the medical facilities for full transplants were limited. She smiled back at him, while he checked over his notes on the iPad.
"Thank you, Professor," she winked at her dad, waiting till the nurse changing the dressing on her arm, had left the room. "Yes, I believe all being well, we might be able to release Miss Blanchard from here by the weekend? I think it's safe for Storybrooke Hospital to take over, after that."
"Hear that, Snow?" David had been standing by the window, waiting for them to finish their examination. Snow had already noticed how the young blonde had smiled broadly at her former husband, several times, whenever he looked at her, clearly finding him attractive. She'd also picked up on it yesterday. "That's great news! So much better than we thought?" There was a point before the ambulance took her to New York, that he thought she'd never survive to even have the transplants.
Snow nodded, still sore as she pulled herself up to rest against the pillows. "Yes, it's great. Thanks for everything you've done Merlin. And you too of course, Doctor? You've both quite literally saved my life!" She gave her ex-husband a sad smile. "So…what happens next?"
"Well, I should be able to join you a few days after you get back. We'll use magic to remove the surface scarring, but you'll still need to convalesce for a few weeks. After that, with a modest change of diet and a little medication, you'll be up and on your feet in no time."
"And my life expectancy? I read that for transplant patients, it's limited?"
"Fortunately for you, you live in a magical town, Snow. So, there's things we can do to prolong until the natural end of your days due to old age. Not indefinitely, obviously."
"And what if I decide that I want to spend the rest of my days living outside of Storybrooke? In the world without magic? What then?"
As Merlin exchanged a look with David, the man's daughter answered it for him.
"For someone having had both liver and kidney transplants? Anything from two to five years on average, ten max. If you regularly went back there for, shall we say, magical refresher treatment? It could be a lot longer."
"Snow?" David seemed puzzled. " Living outside Storybrooke? What are you thinking?"
"We need to talk, David." Snow stretched out a hand for him to come over from the window. "Merlin, Anna, would you allow me to speak with my husband alone, please?"
~oOo~
Later that afternoon…
"You're really planning on leaving Storybrooke?"
Emma had just been told about Snow's decision.
"Eventually, yes. Once I'm well. I told your father earlier today."
"What about Neal? And Hope? I want her to grow up seeing her grandma!"
"She will! I promise I won't go too far, so I can still co-parent your brother with your father. But Emma, I want to live somewhere where people don't know me? Somewhere I can start afresh, with the time I've got left? Even though everyone knows about Ingrid's potion by now, I don't think the school board would be too happy to see me back. Nor the council. Not after everything that's happened."
"I disagree! And I should know, I was once the Dark One, for god's sake! And Regina? Think of all the things the Evil Queen did before she changed? But now most people accept us, despite all that, and it's not like you killed anyone, is it?"
But Snow shook her head. Having people know she'd cheated on David and then publicly treated her son brutally in the playground only days later, was bad enough. But getting caught a day later, by two children, doing something inappropriate with Ruby in the little copse near the village pond, was even worse. Added to which, she'd then lashed out at one the unfortunate youngsters who'd found them, smacking him hard around the face. No, potion or not, the school Board of Directors wouldn't accept that.
"I know the people in that town. Besides, I want your father to be able to move on."
Emma's old lie detection superpower could still sense that, although she was being honest, there was something missing?
"Did he actually tell you he wants to 'move on'?"
"Not in so many words, no. Emma, I'm still very much in love with him, but he clearly isn't with me anymore. If I truly believed he could forgive me for misleading him right at the start of our marriage, and he asked me to come home, I would in a heartbeat! But when Merlin repaired the split heart we shared, his feelings for me…changed? He deserves more, quite frankly." She sat up, looking out the window onto the park below. "Besides, it's not like he'll be lonely? After all, he's got you, Neal. And…others."
"Others?" Something still didn't sound right. "You mean Dorothy?"
"She's been living with him, at the farm, since the day I moved out. I asked him if they'd been…together, but he straight out avoided the question?" There was a definite icy tone to her voice. "I'm not stupid, Emma. I know that man better than I know myself!"
"So, what if he had?" Emma remembered how she'd discovered Dorothy in his bed, and Lilly almost naked in the kitchen. She hadn't told her mother about it, for obvious reasons, and to protect Neal. "After everything that's happened, can you blame him?" As she said it, she knew she could have put it differently. "Look, maybe he did, maybe he didn't, but even if he slept with them-"
"My mind's made up! Once I'm better I'll start looking for somewhere not too far away."
Emma knew she was still hiding something?
Mifflin Street – Two days later
Robin looked on proudly as she walked slowly down the staircase, in a figure-skimming cap-sleeve navy gown. As usual she looked effortlessly regal, pausing to check herself once more, in the long mirror that had, until recently, held Sidney Glass captive.
"You look wonderful. But then, you always do."
"Thanks." She turned, smiling, but unconvinced and feeling, unusually for her, self-conscious, as her hands stroked over her abdomen . "Are you sure I haven't put on too much weight for this?"
It was the morning of the christening of Li Briar. Mulan, Aurora and Philip's baby girl, and Robin was asked to be godfather. Unknown to Regina, they'd originally intended asking his wife to be the girl's second godmother, along with Dorothy, but after she'd split up with Robin, albeit drug-induced and temporarily, they'd avoided the subject. Robin was wearing a smart, formal charcoal morning suit.
"Very sure…" he stepped up to her, pecking her on the lips and resting his hands on her hips as he looked down. "I don't know what you're worried about? Right now, anyone who doesn't know you would even guess you're pregnant, let alone two months?" He pecked her lips, taking a hand. "Are you okay?"
"Not really, no. Maybe you and Roland should go without me? Just tell them I'm feeling unwell?"
"But Mulan's of my closest friends. What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry. It's just…I'm feeling a little awkward being out there? It's the first time since…everything."
"Regina, everyone knows you were under the effects of a potion! Certainly, all my friends do."
"Maybe, but I still did it! And it's the first time everyone's going to see me, since. Anyway, why all the fuss? And why's it so large? You said last night all the Merry Men, the fairies and half the town are coming? And there's you in that morning suit? Christenings are usually supposed to be small, intimate affairs."
"Ah, yes, sorry I should have told you. After everything that happened since you left, I clean forgot? They're marrying Mulan before the christening. She's asked me to walk her down the aisle, taking the place of the Father of the Bride."
"Their getting married? When did they plan that?"
"A couple of days after Li was born. Friar Tuck and Archie are conducting both services. I've never seen a three-way wedding before? I'm rather looking forward to it."
Her stomach lurched at the prospect of being seen by most of the town, a month after she'd supposedly left him for Emma, abused Henry by silencing him, and publicly threatened to kill the man she loved if she ever saw him again.
"So, I'm going to be facing the entire town? Do they know I'm pregnant?"
"Well, you did rather blurt it out at the Sherwood last week?" She winced at that. "Still, I wouldn't worry. As I said, everyone around here already knows, Roland forgave you, and Henry and Merlin publicly addressed everyone in Granny's and the town hall, to tell them what they found out about Ingrid's potion! It'll be fine Regina, honestly. Best get it over with now, than never?"
"Never's my preferred option!"
New York – the previous evening
Emma had packed up her and Hope's things, ready for the early start back to Storybrooke the following morning.
"I'm really going to miss you both!" Clare held an envelope containing cash she'd just been given by Killian. "And this is way too much? I only organised a few trips. I was just doing my job!"
They'd left Hope with her grandfather and uncle, David taking them for a final visit to their recovering grandmother before they themselves headed back to Storybrooke the following morning. Snow's ambulance would leave the hospital the following day. This was the first time they'd been alone with the young concierge since she'd climbed out of their bed, after a more than enjoyable threesome, two days ago.
"Take it love. We had two wonderful trips." And an even more delightful night, but that wouldn't have been tactful. "And we're going to miss you too." Killian stepped in front of her, pulling her into a hug, kissing her cheek, Emma standing right alongside. She could see sad tears welling up in the younger woman's eyes.
"I think I've kinda changed because of you two?" She stepped back from him, turning to Emma, the older woman stepping forward to wrap her arms around her.
"You mean dating couples is going to be your thing from now on?" Emma smirked. "I forgot to ask how you got on with that dating app? Do you finally pluck up the courage to slide right on any?"
"One," Clare wrapped her arms around Emma's shoulders. "We're meeting up Friday. There was another couple, but on a web call the guy sounded…creepy?"
"You be careful!" Emma pecked her cheek, Clare returning it with one of her own. "There's a lot of weirdos out there!"
"I will, but I think you kinda spoiled it for me?" Emma gave her a hint of a frown. "I can't see any couple coming anywhere near you two..." She looked down at the pink lips, now only inches away, and noticed Emma doing the same. "May I? One for the road?"
Killian had already spotted the looks they were giving. "Go ahead love, kiss her if you like?"
"Well, if he insists?" Emma smiled, bringing her lips down onto the shorter blonde's, pulling her in. It was the first time they'd kissed completely sober, and as a result it felt somehow even more sensual? More forbidden? After a brief moulding of lips and a short stroke of her tongue against Emma's, Clare pulled her head back.
"You really are amazingly good at that!"
"Don't be a stranger? You have our numbers. Just…look after yourself, okay?"
"Same goes for you. Take care of each other and again, give Hope my love, and say goodbye for me?"
A couple of minutes later, and she'd gone, leaving them to finish packing for the early start tomorrow. Killian with a curious grin on his face which, after a while, seemed to irritate her.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"So why are you looking at me…like that?"
"Like what?"
"You know perfectly well! If you've got something to say pirate, just say it?"
"It's not important."
~oOo~
They checked out of the hotel early, at just after five thirty in the morning, to avoid all the worst rush hour traffic around New York and Boston. With Hope fast asleep in the back, Emma at the wheel, Killian started reading though his phone messages.
"Locksley says if we're heading back early, we're invited to a reception at his pub, for the Briars."
"Reception? After a six-hour drive? I reckon we'll be way too sweaty and tired. What's happening with the Briars?"
"My Swan, you have been out of it, haven't you? They're marrying Mulan. Both of them."
Emma hadn't been close to the former warrior, but she knew Philip Briar. The last time she'd spoken to him was the day she and Regina had been suspended. He was one of the councillors she later learnt had taken over from Regina, Hank Morgan being temporarily put in her own job. She'd previously heard through the Storybrooke grapevine about the usually dour, serious Asian woman being linked romantically to the former Princess Aurora. In fact, when she'd moved in with the Briars, she'd assumed, being fairly sure Mulan was gay, that Philip was an unwitting beard in a probable lesbian relationship. She'd seen the three of them together at functions enough times, but when Mulan had, as a deputy sheriff, told her she was pregnant, it came as more than a surprise. And they're now getting married? Maybe he's not such a beard, after all?
"Both of them? Is that even legal?"
"In their old realm, yes. She gave birth to a girl when your mother was in Storybrooke Hospital, having her stomach pumped, and you were somewhat…occupied in Miami? They're getting married and christening the child the same day. I gather Locksley's walking her down the aisle, and everyone's going to be there."
"Well, not me! We've another five hours to go and I'll probably feel like a bag of shit by the time we reach the town line." She lifted her wrist, showing the tattoo surrounding it. "Plus, it's not like I can use magic to clean myself up once I'm there, is it? Not with this bloody thing on!"
"Aye. Until then I guess you'll just have to live like the rest of us mere 'muggles' who've had to manage without magic, won't you Swan?" The sarcastic tone earnt a scowl. "Which reminds me. Just before you went into court, your boy asked me if I'd consent to having those cuffs removed? He'd yet to ask Locksley. I said yes, but I do seem to recall that old judge making him promise to keep them on till he's done with you both?"
"Yeah, and don't I know it! Regina and I still have to attend court next Friday. And Henry's away for another week after that?"
"Does it matter? Missing all that power, I mean?"
"You make it sound like my magic's a bad thing?"
"No, but not having it certainly puts you on a level playing field with the rest of us! Not being able to whip out hearts, wipe memories, and control people if they don't toe the line? Not being able to teleport whenever and wherever you want?"
She thought it seemed an odd thing for to say, and harsh. Was it jealousy? He'd certainly never mentioned it before. Or was it something to do with her treatment of him on the Jolly Roger, when she'd used magic to lift him by his neck, holding him while he choked, to threaten him, possibly more, in full view of their daughter? She decided not to comment further, changing the subject.
"So you're still going to the wedding? All I want tonight is a hot bath and an early night. I'll need it."
Emma was dissembling. After everything that'd happened since returning to Storybrooke from Miami just over a week ago, she hadn't set foot in Granny's, or anywhere else in town for that matter, apart from Hank's arrest and the subsequent court appearance. The last time she'd been in the diner, she'd belted Roland halfway across the room, and used her magic to launch Robin into the wall! Then, to compound her awful behaviour, she'd slapped Henry, hard, in full view of everyone.
Despite Roland and his father forgiving her, she still felt ashamed. Henry told her he'd later explained to everyone what'd happened, after discovering the potion, Merlin backing him up. But still? Until six weeks ago, whenever she passed people in town, she'd been smiled at, praised, welcomed, and even cheered on occasion. But now? She partially dreaded their hidden contempt. And could well understand why her mother was choosing to move away.
New York
"So they're getting you out of here at the weekend? That's brilliant!"
Snow had just confirmed to Ruby Merlin's plans for her to travel by private ambulance back to Storybrooke, to await him joining her the following week, when he'd use magic to remove the scars and heavy bruising.
"I guess. His daughter told me if I didn't have Storybrooke and magic to fall back on, I'd probably have no more than another five years. I should be grateful."
"'Should'? Forgive me babe, but I don't see any sign of it? You don't wanna go back?"
"If I'm honest, not really, no. I mean sure, I want to be with Neal, and Emma. But the thought of living up there again, knowing what they all think of me? No, I kinda told David and Emma that when I'm fully recovered, I'm strongly considering leaving again, to buy a place and live somewhere not too far away. Somewhere I can travel back regularly so David and I can co-parent."
"Where are you thinking?"
"Maybe…" Snow slowly broke into a smile. "Portland?"
"Portland?" The former waitress had already told her of her plans to settle there after she got back from the trip to Cuba, Merlin having sorted out all of her counterfeit legal status. "Near me?"
"Yeah," Snow reached out, taking her hand, and pulling her closer. "Near you. I thought maybe we could do something together? I've enough spare money to find a place, and I wondered whether you'd be interested in maybe running a little business, a café or something like that, with me?"
"Are you kidding me? I'd love that!" Ruby beamed as she nodded back. "Maybe we could find somewhere with rooms we could rent out? We could live there?" She turned Snow's hand, kissing the back of it. "Together."
"Together."
Eyes welling up, she gave her a teary smile as she pulled herself up close. "You're amazing..." Leaning in, about to peck her brow, Ruby instead deciding to bring her lips down over Snow's. Her best friend and former lover didn't resist, recoil or try to turn away. Far from it. This time, the princess welcomed it, widening her mouth. And Ruby was surprised when she felt a tongue rise up to massage her own, a pair of warm hands moving to cup her cheeks. It almost felt like old times?
If Emma had been there to see, she would have had a blue fit!
The kiss held for a few more contented seconds, low groans coming from both, before she pulled back, smiling. "I will always love you, Snow. You do know that, right?"
The Sherwood Arms
I, Fa Mulan, do take thee Phillip Charles, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honour and cherish, till death do us part." Staring lovingly into his smiling eyes, Mulan repeated the same vows she'd just made to Aurora, minutes ago. And only minutes before that, Philip and Aurora had made their own vows to her, together, as a couple.
The former fearsome warrior wore a bright red cheongsam, a traditional Chinese silk wedding dress with ornate golden dragon print, as she made her vows. Aurora, although already married technically, wore a more traditional ivory, not white, wedding dress, and Phillip a morning suit.
Friar Tuck, one of Robin and Mulan's closest friends and acting priest for the ceremony, stood in front of the trio on the raised dais that had been built in the centre of the large lawn, directly in front of the forest pub Robin had set about building only three years ago. Surrounding them were several hundred seated onlookers, joining them for the occasion. Robin and Dorothy Gale, acting as Mulan's bridesmaid, stood nearby on the thruple's left as the rings were exchanged.
"Wonderful!" Tuck's rich baritone voice spoke into the microphone supplied for the event. "I now declare the three of you all duly married! You may now kiss your bride, erm, brides, er, husband?" Some started laughing as the trio turned in to face each other. "Congratulations, Briar family!"
Then the applause rang out from all around the grounds, followed by cheering, as they watched Aurora and Mulan kiss, followed by Phillip and Mulan, then finally Phillip and Aurora; all looking flushed but happy as they finally faced their audience. It took a while for the clapping to stop, and finally Tuck waved his hands for them to calm so he could be heard once again.
"Well, that was lovely wasn't it? And I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I wish the three of you the very best for your future together." More cheers and clapping as he looked down to where Lily was standing in the front row of the congregation, a young baby in her arms. "Now we move on to the christening!"
"Hold on Tuck?" Mulan rested a hand on his arm as he was about to continue. "We want to make a small change? Could you give us a moment?"
He nodded as she turned away from them, leaving her new husband and wife to head across to Lily, knowing what she was about to do. But instead of taking the baby from her, she stood directly in front of the former Evil Queen, who hadn't even noticed Robin smirking at them.
"Regina, I know we haven't discussed this with you, but as Robin's agreed to be Li's godfather, we were wondering if you'd agreed to be a godmother? Or at least, one of them?"
"ME?" To say Regina looked surprised, would be an understatement. She wasn't exactly close to the Briars, and was a good friend of Maleficent, who'd once put Aurora under a sleeping curse. But she knew the serious looking woman in front of her was one of Robin's closest, most trusted friends. She looked up to find he'd already walked over, grinning back at her.
"I…er…are you sure?"
"Very! I'd trust Robin with Li's life, and I've found he's an excellent judge of character? We'd have asked you a few weeks ago, when we asked him, but you were…away? Would you be Li's godmum?"
"I'd…well yes, of course I would." She gave the new bride an awkward smile, knowing most of the nearby congregation were now directly looking at her. "It's just come as a surprise, that's all. But I'd be honoured."
"Good! Dorothy's also going to be one, and we're doing Li's christening next. Come with me?"
~oOo~