Gold studied her for a moment before moving over a bit and holding out an arm.

"Come here," he said. "Sit with me."

Tina debated for a few moments before she moved over next to him, leaning back a bit but not cuddling into his side yet. She was still learning his limits with touching.

"Good," Gold said. "Now just sit and relax, alright?"

Tina grumbled a bit but settled down there, trying to relax. It wasn't easy, especially since she was more aware of Gold than normal, including his magic.

Gold moved the blanket so it was over her, too, and settled in. Tea and quiet company sounded like a good plan for the moment.

Tina eventually settled in and leaned against his side, getting tired as she finally wound down from the excitement earlier.

Gold managed to stay awake until Tina had fallen asleep, and then he drifted off himself. He would figure out exactly what sort of magic she had once they'd both gotten some rest.

Tina woke first in the morning to find Neil watching them from the kitchen table, eating a banana as he eyed them. She nearly shrieked and instead just flailed off the couch.

That woke Gold, who looked around to see what was going on. When he saw Neil at the table and Tina on the floor, he sighed and reached for his cane so he could get up.

Tina popped up like nothing happened, except she was red and flustered still. Neil snickered at her, and she glowered at him before brushing herself off and heading into the kitchen to pretend that never happened.

Gold rolled his eyes but watched fondly as she went, and then he limped over to the table.

"Good morning, Bae," he said. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon."

Bae shrugged. "They're still rebuilding the town," he said. "And Emma seems to be doing fine on her own." He stretched a bit. "Thought I'd come back here and see how you were holding up." He glanced at Tina and then back at Gold.

"There may have been one or two... mishaps," Gold said. "But nothing too worrisome." He nodded to Bae. "You're always welcome to stay as long as you like."

Bae nodded. "Oh, I did hear that Charming and Snow are thinking of throwing a kind of "welcome home" party," he said. "After they've got their castle rebuilt."

"How lovely for them," Gold said dryly. Charming and Snow White throwing a party wouldn't affect him at all; they didn't like him enough for him to expect an invite.

Bae grinned briefly. He knew better, because Snow had told him they planned to invite everyone. Including the pirate and the Dark One.

"So what brings you back so soon, Bae? I thought you would still be out and about," Gold said as he sat down at the table.

"There isn't much to see here at the moment. The forest seems smaller now," Bae said with a little shrug. "I'm no good with construction work, and I don't want to stay in town at the moment."

"Well, as I said, you're welcome here for as long as you like," Gold said.

Bae nodded and watched Tina for a few minutes before he got up. Someone knocked on the main castle door and he grinned. "Better go get that."

Gold got up, although it took a bit of effort even with his cane, and made his way to the front door. When he opened it, he paused and blinked. "Belle?"

"Rumple," Belle greeted with a little smile. "It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you, too," Gold replied. "What brings you all the way out here?"

"Oh, well, Snow and Charming are having a little party in a few weeks," Belle said, looking at him. "And you and Tina are invited."

That made Gold pause.

"Are you sure it isn't just Tina who was extended the invitation?" he asked cautiously.