"You're wobbling, dear," Gold pointed out. "For my peace of mind, at least?"

Tina huffed but took the walking stick after a few more moments.

"Only until we find another one," she muttered. Though she was steadier when she had that to lean against.

"Don't worry about that," Gold replied. "My cane will suffice for me until we reach home." He barely even paid attention as he waved a couple of fingers and his cane appeared in his hand.

Tina sighed but nodded, starting back towards the house. Bae fell into step a little behind her, keeping an eye on her in case she started wobbling more.

Gold followed them both, picking his way through the trees with his cane. It wasn't as easy as with the walking stick, but he wasn't falling behind, either.

Tina was slower than normal, and she stopped just after sunset, finding a good spot for them to stay the night. By that point she was wobbling a bit again.

Once they stopped, Gold took care of setting up the fire and such. There was a little magic involved, to compensate for his inability to kneel far or carry much, but he managed.

Tina settled down close to Gold, almost content to just go to sleep. Except she wanted food first.

Bae watched the two speculatively, trying to figure out what they were to each other.

Once the fire was built, Gold set about putting together a passable meal. When it was ready, he handed some to Tina and gestured for Baelfire to help himself.

Bae got his food and settled in to eat quietly, more and more surprised as he watched the two. Sure, he remembered (rather vaguely by now) how his mother and Gold had been together, and this was different.

Gold only took some food once he was sure Tina and Bae had some, and settled in to keep an eye on Tina to make sure she was alright.

Tina settled in earlier than she normally would have, curling up next to Gold and falling asleep. She was tired, after all.

Gold put an arm around her gently and let her get comfortable.

That really took Bae by surprise.

"You seem comfortable with her," he commented, looking off to the side.

"I find she has managed to worm her way into my affections without my permission," Gold replied quietly.

Bae snorted. "I wasn't aware anyone did anything around you without your permission," he said dryly.

"Nor was I," Gold replied with a wry little grin.

Bae snorted. "Maybe you have changed," he murmured.

"I like to think I have," Gold replied quietly. "Sometimes, I can almost believe it."

"If you don't believe it, how do you expect me to?" Bae didn't look at him, just relaxing where he sat.

"Bae, I was incapable of change for a long time," Gold pointed out. "A very long time. Goals may shift, focuses may come and go, but the Dark One is eternal." He was quiet for a moment. "It's a struggle every day to be a better man."

Bae stayed quiet at that. That didn't sound like anything the man he remembered would have said. He had to admit he was surprised.

Gold let the conversation lapse. If Bae wanted to talk, Gold would leave it up to him.

Bae ended up just settling in for the night a little while later to get some sleep while he could.

Gold didn't sleep. The Dark One didn't need sleep, although Gold appreciated it from time to time. But this time, keeping an eye on things was more important.