Regina remained laying in her bed, as she did for the past 48 hours. She sank her head deep into her soft pillow, and inhaled the very little oxygen that was available. Another tear accumulated in the white fabric, and she just felt… tired. She was exhausted from the insistent crying, that came without thought, that never gave her a rest. A pounding headache kept her company throughout the days, and her eyes were so swollen that they were hard to open. 

At first, she fought the pain. She had gone home, sat down, and pushed it away with every piece of her being. But after time had passed too slow, the walls that she carelessly built began to fall down. However, she had expected the pain to give her a break. A minute, a mere second, would satisfy her from her aching heart. 

And then she remembered- her heart. The heart that she had put into Robin’s steady, strong hands, and the hands that she foolishly trusted. She remembered how he had fought for it back, the way he made it the most important part of his life. 

Regina laid her hand gently over her chest, and sighed. She deserved a break. With a small grimace, she quickly plunged her hand through her body, and clenched her heart. Giving it a tug, it immediately was out in front of her. It was no longer black with guilt, but it was now blue from heartbreak. 

Slowly getting up and walking across her room, she put it in a silk bag, and hid it in her bottom drawer. She already noticed an improvement. She felt empty, but the pain no longer consumed her. 

After cleaning up and putting on one of her black pant suits (with an excessively plunged neck- line), she headed out into town. Immediately, and undoubtedly, the first person she saw was Robin. 

As he and Marian were exiting Granny’s, she was walking in. Avoiding all contact, she attempted to squeeze by unnoticed. Knowing the politeness of both Locksley’s, she knew her own impending doom. 

"Goodmorning, Regina." Robin said casually, almost too lightly. 

"Goodmorning." Her voice was flat, emotionless. She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked to his left, "Goodmorning Marian."

Marian remained speechless for a moment, and nodded slowly in return. She looked as if she was about to pathetically burst into tears, so Regina found enough decency in herself to continue the conversation. 

"I really am sorry," her voice lowering, "I gave up killing innocent civilians, so you can sleep soundly tonight." 

Marian truly did look relieved, and a bit thankful. Regina was still sickened by her overenthusiastic expressions, and turned her eyes away. They found their way to Robin, and she noticed the appreciation in his upturned lips. He nodded to her silently, but respectively. 

She would’ve felt emotions so strong that she would break into humiliating sobs, but thankfully her heart was elsewhere. Instead she calmly smiled back, and blinked without thought. 

Suddenly, Robin’s eyes squinted as if he had noticed something strange, and tilted his head curiously. His smirk transformed into a frown, and he stopped fidgeting his fingers below him. 

"Goodbye, Regina." Marian interrupted their silent conversation immediately, and began grabbing at Robin’s arm, dragging him away. He walked along with her, but never averted his attention from Regina.

Regina gave a small wave, and felt a twinge of feeling rush through her. She couldn’t identify what it was, but it was strong enough to reach her. Watching the Locksley’s walk away from her, she slipped into the diner. 

——————————————————————————————————————————

That night, Regina had decided to take a walk in the forest. She was wise enough, however, to stay a great distance away from the Merry Men’s camp ground. 

She sat down on the log where she had once listened to Robin read Rumple’s letter, and played with her own hands to distract herself from the memories. Feeling the remains of her pain sink within her, she sighed deeply. She never really could escape it. 

Interrupting her thoughts, rustling was heard from behind her. Without hesitation, she turned immediately. Standing within the trees was Robin, wearing loose pants for sleeping, and a tight t- shirt, showing his well sculpted body. His breath came out in rapid puffs through the cool air, and he stood, staring. 

"Robin?" Asked Regina with a mixture of confusion and concern. 

"Stop. Don’t say another word." He began to quickly move towards her, and froze directly in front of her. 

"What the hell is going on?" She shifted nervously, and grabbed the log to steady herself. 

"After all of the horrid things that I have gone through to protect your heart, you just decided to remove it from yourself due to pain?" Hard lines appeared on his face, and blood rushed quickly to his cheeks. "I felt pain, too, Regina. Every second of everyday I wanted to rip my heart out of my own chest, but I couldn’t. I had to fight the wretched feelings head on, and lying beside my wife, no less!" 

Regina didn’t even attempt to speak, but cringed at each word that came out of his mouth. 

"I almost lost my Merry Men over this heart. I almost lost my sanity over this heart. I almost lost my own life over this heart. So don’t you dare let it out of your sight, because I would do it all again. Every last second I would fight to protect it, and truly, I don’t want to go through that torture once more. I cannot know you are in danger ever again."

He took a breath, and pushed his hair out of his face. Collecting himself, he relaxed his shoulders, and continued in a softer tone, “Please, Regina, let me put it back in. Marian and I are no more. And once your heart is returned within you, I can be yours. You won’t feel any pain, because I won’t let you.” 

Regina felt a tug in her empty chest, and gasped in shock as she caught a tear falling off of her jaw. She shook her head slowly, “It hurt too much, Robin. I can’t ever feel any of that again. I’m not strong enough.” 

Robin knelt in front of her and cupped her cheek gently, “You have the strongest soul that I have ever come upon. You would give yourself up for others in an instant, you would now fight for good, despite your dark past. That’s why I love you, Regina Mills.”

She swallowed the lump that had sat in her throat, and bit her lip, hard. 

"Okay," Regina whispered, "Put it back." 

Robin nodded slowly, and his eyes softened into her. Reaching into the silk bag, he pulled her heart out gently. He leaned into her, and lightly brushed his lips on her forehead. Closing her eyes, she felt him push her heart back into its rightful place. 

Suddenly, everything rushed into her. She gasped from the overwhelming emotions, and grabbed onto Robin’s hand that remained on her chest. She opened her eyes, and met his, staring back at her compassionately. 

"I love you," Regina felt the words fall off her lips with ease, "I love you so much." 

She saw Robin fighting back tears, and watched as a smile grew across his face. Without another second wasted, he forcefully pushed his lips into hers. Opening and losing his mouth around hers passionately, he leaned in closer. He stood from his kneeling position, and dragged her up with him. He grabbed around her waste forcefully, and pushed her back into the nearest tree. She felt his muscular chest press into her, and she opened her mouth wider. Their tongues met, and she wrapped herself around him.

The stars above them shined with pride, for two soul mates had balanced the universe once again.  

He was sitting alone in the forest, playing with the sticks under his feet. He listened to the birds chirping, the frogs croaking, and closed his eyes.

And then he heard the rustling of feet, running in a panic through the dead leaves. 

He opened his eyes to see Regina, sprinting through without any thought. Calling out to her, she stopped right in her tracks, turning to meet him. 

Immediately, tears come to her eyes and a relieved smile grows across her face. Shaking her head in disbelief she says, “Robin, I miss you. I love you.” And she walks over, reaching for his hand. 

Her touch, grasping his hand softly, fills him with her forgotten love, her ability to make him feel whole. He holds tighter and tighter. But then he feels her slipping away, out of his control, and out of his desire. Hopelessly following her, but desperately grabbing empty air, he felt nothing. 

And then Robin opened his eyes, and everything was dark. Lying in bed, he looked beside him to Marian, and sighed heavily in disappointment. It had all been a dream. Robin closed his eyes once again, trying to remember every detail he saw, thought, felt. He needed to remember her, for memories was all he had. 

————————————————————————————————————————-

The next morning, Robin headed out to the camp for breakfast. All of his men were gone, and Marian was sitting alone, cooking something over the fire. Robin began to turn away, trying to avoid the empty conversation and forced smiles, when she said his name. 

"Robin," she called to him, "sit by me for a bit, please." 

He hesitantly walked over, gently sitting on the log beside her. 

"Good morning, Marian." He made a small, half- hearted smirk, and looked at the ground below him. 

"Robin," she repeats, now sounding tired, "you need to start explaining to me what’s going on. You can’t leave me in the dark like this, constantly avoiding me, and building walls. Something isn’t the same, and I want to know what it is." 

Robin defensively shook his head, and shifted the direction of his body towards her, “There’s nothing wrong, Marian.” He clears his throat after the lie, and plays with the gloves in his hands. 

"Look at me." Marian ordered, frustrated. 

He now met her gaze, and fought avoiding it at all costs. 

"Tell me you don’t love Regina."

Just the sound of her name was a blow to the stomach, her beautiful name carving through his ears. He silently gasped, and felt his heart race. He knew that the request was just too much. 

He began speaking, “Marian…”

"No Robin, you need to tell me if you want this to work."

"I- I don’t-" He was stumbling over his words, carefully forming them. 

But he couldn’t say it. Robin realized in that moment he could never say it. He thought about Regina’s laugh, the crinkle in her dark eyes, the way she looked at him like he was someone important, someone worth loving. He thought about her touch, her gentle hands on him. How she grasped him when she kissed him, pulling him closer. The way she wrapped herself in him, luring him in with her confident gaze, open, with no secrets. The way she was so sure of herself, always facing danger with open arms, risking herself for others, without question. Love. She was love. 

Robin looked directly at Marian and said in a sure, steady voice, “I’m sorry, Marian. I can’t.”

She nodded understandingly, and tucked her hair behind her ear.

"That’s okay, Robin," she was now softly smiling, "Please just do me a favor." 

"Anything." He said, and it was true. He would do anything to make it up to Marian. 

"Go to her." She directed her head towards the town, a playful spark in her eyes. 

A smile broke across Robin’s face, and he immediately stood, “Thank you, Marian.” He leaned down, kissing her cheek. She looked at him like a weight had been taken off of her shoulders too, and now she was free. They exchanged, for the first time since she had returned, genuine smiles. 

And then he ran. 

He ran faster than his feet had ever taken him before, flying over rocks and sticks and puddles. He didn’t slow down until he had made it into the center of town. 

Robin began to circle relentlessly, just looking for Regina’s dark hair, and swaying figure. 

And then he saw her, and everything else stopped. She wore a tight red dress with a coat loosely falling over her. She walked quickly, like she always did, constantly ready to face conflict. 

Without hesitation, he made his way to her with urgent, long strides. As he came closer, he reached for her arm, and grasped it firmly. Turning her around, he saw her eyes widen in shock, and her mouth open slightly, trying to find words. 

"Robin, I-" She tried to speak. 

But without thought, without words, Robin crashed into her lips. Taking in as much as her as possible, he leaned in closer, and wrapped his arm around the small of her back, running his other hand through her hair. 

The touch of her was heavenly, fulfilling anything he had ever needed.

And then he felt her tongue forcefully meet against his, as she stepped closer, pressing her body into him. She put her hand on the back of his neck, and pulled him in with the other, taking control as usual. 

He smiled against her lips, and he felt her lips forming a smile against his, too. After the small, heart- filling pause, they dove into each other once again, passionately and desperately.

They both knew they would never have to be apart again. 

"Robin! We need to leave for the diner in 15 minutes!" Regina called from downstairs, "Anabelle’s dress is hanging on the crib!"

Robin laughed at Regina’s panicked, yet adorable, voice. He walked to the crib in the corner of the room, and looked down to the beautiful little girl sweetly dreaming. Ever so gently picking her up, he watched her eyes open slowly, revealing the dark, enchanting eyes that she got from her mother. 

"Well hello, my sweet Anabelle," he cooed, rocking her in his arms. He reached out and lifted the tiny dress off the crib. He couldn’t believe such a small piece of clothing existed, decorated with flowers and delicate beading. It had been a gift from Rumple and Belle, who had just announced that they were expecting. 

"Papa!" Roland entered the room, jumping excitedly in front of his father, "I wanna hold sissy!" 

Robin crouched down to his height, and whispered, “Mother says we’re already late, but I’ll let you put on her crown.” 

Roland widened his eyes in awe, and straightened his back with pride. He ran to his room, and returned with a homemade crown, made out of ribbon and daisies. Roland had made it in his kindergarten class for her, and loved to put it on her everyday. 

He gently laid it on her head, and Anabelle squirmed, lifting her tiny fists. Roland leaned down and kissed her lightly on the forehead. 

"I love you sissy." 

Robin couldn’t help but smile, letting it spread hugely across his face. 

"It’s beautiful, Roland," Regina said behind them, and Robin stood up, turning to face her. Ever since Anabelle had arrived, Robin had noticed that Regina had a glow about her. Her happiness was evident in every movement she made, somehow making her even more striking than before. He was always mesmerized by her presence.

"But now we must dress our little princess for the party," Regina walked over, taking the dress out of Robin’s hand, and off the hanger. Robin lifted Anabelle above his head, and threw her playfully in the air. Squealing with joy, she revealed the tiny dimples that appeared so prominently on her cheeks. He handed her to Regina, and she slipped on the dress quickly, finishing the outfit by blowing on the child’s stomach. Anabelle screamed happily, and Regina lifted her onto her hip.

Robin walked over to Regina, and kissed her lips lovingly. Pulling away, he looked into her eyes, and realized in that moment that he had never felt more complete.

—————————————————————————————————————-

They were now even more late, after giving into Roland’s pleas and letting him stop for ice cream. They all walked side by side, a beautiful, happy family.

Regina and Robin exchanged glances, and they both laughed without any reason. This is how it was always meant to be.

Entering the diner, they said their hellos and made it to the nearest booth. The citizens of Storybrooke swarmed around both baby Anabelle and Neal, enchanted by their magical presence.

They all burst into laughter as Anabelle sneezed, and made the lights flicker around them.

"She takes after her mother," Robin jokingly announced to the others. 

Then Emma walked in, followed by a woman who looked too familiar to him. He felt something drop in his stomach when he recognized her as Marian, his former wife.

Standing up in shock, he made his way to her.

"Robin?!" She said too loudly, causing everyone in the diner to direct their attention on them.

He turned to see Regina, confusion etched in her worried eyes. He nodded to her comfortingly, and returned his focus on Marian.

"You’re back…" Robin lightly spoke, "How?"

"Long story," She replied quickly, "but all that matters is that we are reunited!" Marian hugged Robin without hesitation, and he pulled back the slightest bit, without intention to do so.

She felt the tug, and let go of him. “What’s wrong?” She asked.

Robin shifted uncomfortably, and paused for a moment. Taking her arm, he led her over to Regina.

"Marian, this is my wife, Regina." Both women looked horrified, shifting their eyes, not meeting each other’s gaze.

"Nice to meet you," Regina managed to mutter out, "I’ve, uh, heard a lot about you."

Marian now looked furious, and turned to Robin, “Really?! The best you could replace me with is the Evil Queen?!”

The diner was now dead silent, and everyone looked as if they were being tortured.

Marian’s words had sent anger rushing through Robin’s blood, and he straightened his back defensively. He was about to defend Regina with every piece of his being, when she stood instead.

"I’m sorry," Regina whispered to Marian, and moved her eyes to meet Robin’s, "I really am."

She walked straight out of the diner, Anabelle crying in her arms. Without hesitation, she was gone.

Robin looked to Marian, his eyes furious. The citizens in the diner began to speak again, their volume steadily increasing, expressing their shock to one another.

"You don’t know her. She is one of the kindest souls I have ever been honored to come upon. And I know our past, and I had loved you, but everything has changed now. I thought you had died, Marian. I’ve moved on. You left Roland and I once before, and I never told anyone to protect your honor, but I am shocked that you would ever think I would wait for you. Regina holds my heart, Marian, and I hold hers. So please never talk to my wife like that again." 

And with that, Robin stormed out of the diner, and began to run, searching for Regina. He saw her down the street, walking quickly away from the commotion that just occurred. He called out to her in desperation, and she turned immediately. 

Robin ran until he was only inches away, and gasped out between breaths, “Regina, don’t go,” he cringed at the tears he saw streaming down her cheeks, “I love you. I love you so much,” he looked down to Anabelle and touched her forehead lightly, “I love our daughter more than life itself. And I love our son, too. Love is all I share with you, and I cannot lose an ounce of that love, or else I’ll be nothing.” 

Regina’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. Robin saw as the hard lines on her face melted away, and as her glow started to slowly return to her skin, her eyes, her lips. He stepped closer, and leaned down to softly kiss Anabelle’s hair. Robin then straightened, and held Regina’s cheeks in his hands, wiping away her tears. 

"Regina, you’re my soul mate." 

He leaned into her, and brushed his lips against hers, ever so gently. She sighed against him, and Robin was absolutely sure that their love was eternal. 

The town square had been decorated beautifully: the twinkling lights, the threaded flowers, the ribbon tied through the fence. What else could be expected for the Charming’s anniversary? The thought of the couple still left Regina a bit nauseous, but over the past year she has learned to deal with it gracefully. 

Regina sat in the corner chair, looking out at the party before her. The full moon appeared from above, and left a genuine glow. She held a glass of champagne, and watched the bubbles rise and fall. After a minute or two, she took a sip, and focused on the carbonated drink once again. 

Heavy. 

Her heart felt so heavy. She missed him so much, it pained every inch of her body. Nothing felt okay, and the darkness was slowly consuming her, leaving her neglected from all light. She missed him. She missed Robin. 

She looked up, suddenly bored by her glass, and watched Snow and Charming dance in slow circles. To this day they still looked like love sick puppies, and she couldn’t help but cringe at the sight. 

To their right, she saw Emma resting her head on the pirate’s shoulder. He lifted his hand, slowly placing it on her neck, and pulled her closer to him. Regina rolled her eyes, and decided her drink wasn’t so boring after all. 

Suddenly, she felt a pull in her heart- the kind of tug that awoke her from her sleep each night. She glanced up once more, and felt herself go light headed. 

Robin entered the party, with Marian following him from behind. Regina let out a small groan, and desperately wished that she could crumble into tiny pieces, never to be put together again. But she couldn’t show it- not today. She had been pathetic for too long. 

She held her head high, and called over the nearest citizen she could find. Archie obediently approached her after hearing his name sharply called, and held polite, meaningless conversation with her. As he talked about “the inner consciousness of a lonely individual” Regina decided to slyly focus her attention on the couple who had just entered. 

Looking at Robin, she thought she saw emptiness in him, too. His eyes were lifeless, their shine no longer present. He grabbed a glass of champagne himself, and sat at the nearest chair. 

Marian immediately started a conversation with the second most attractive of the Merry Men, and seemed a bit too enthused. Disgusted by her flirtatious laugh, she focused on Robin once again. 

She observed every line on his face, taking in anything that she possibly could. She watched his mouth twitch into a frown, and felt her heart tear the tiniest, but painful, bit. 

And then, he looked up to meet her eyes. Caught off guard, she looked back to her glass, and felt all of the blood rush to her cheeks. She swallowed hard, collecting herself, and decided that she couldn’t show any weakness. 

Moving her sight to him once more, she saw his eyes still intently on her. His features softened, and his mouth opened the slightest bit as she returned his glance. He bit his lip gently, and stood up. 

Robin started making his way over to her, and Regina felt her body tense up. Her heart pumped vigorously, and she fought to catch her breath. 

When he was standing directly in front of her, he reached out his hand. 

"May I have this dance, m’lady." He shyly blinked his eyes, and waited patiently for her response. 

"I don’t think your wife would appreciate that very much." Regina replied in a bitter tone, crossing her legs and laying her hands in her lap. 

Robin looked behind him to see Marian touching his Merry Man’s shoulder, and turned away quickly. “I doubt she’d mind.” 

Regina nodded, and took his hand hesitantly. The touch of his bare skin sent a shock wave through her, and her hand softened into his. At first, it had brushed against his lightly, but as he led her to the dance floor, his tightly gripped around her palm. 

Robin placed his hand on her hip, and slowly started to sway her back and forth. 

Everything began to overwhelm her: the enchanting music, the lights, the smell of Snowbells in the air around them. She grimaced, and looked over Robin’s shoulder coldly. 

"Is there something wrong?" Robin sounded genuinely concerned, and it felt like a blow to her stomach. She forgot how it felt to be cared for. 

"No, I’m fine," She lied, "Just not much of a dancer." 

He squinted his eyes, obviously thinking, and cleverly replied, “Then you’re not much of a queen. In fact, I remember those awful balls that you held. The only decent part was the food.” He smirked playfully. 

Regina frowned, and returned, “Maybe if you were actually invited, they would’ve been more enjoyable.” She squeezed his hand jokingly, and felt her heart flutter when he squeezed back. 

"I miss you, Regina." He spoke without thought, without hesitation. It sounded as if all doubt had left his voice, and all he was speaking was the truth. 

"I-" Regina stuttered, and felt her eyes widen. Speechless and confused, she struggled to respond. 

Apparently he wasn’t waiting for one, because he intensely moved his eyes to her lips, and focused on them as if they were a precious jewel he was determined to steal. He began to move closer to them, never averting his eyes. Closer, and closer, she felt him moving in. 

"Robin!" Little John called out drunkenly. 

Breaking out of his trance, Robin looked up towards his friend. Clenching his jaw in frustration, he dropped his hands off of Regina. 

"Hopefully another time, m’lady" 

And with a compassionate touch of his hand against hers, he began to walk away. 

Before he turned, he met her gaze, gently, passionately. Regina felt the tears come as she saw his love for her in the corner of his eyes, the saddest, most tragic love. 

She watched as little Roland rested on Marian’s shoulder, gently closing his eyes in her motherly embrace. Cringing with a mixture of jealousy and grief, Regina knew she was being replaced by a much worthier option. She coughed lightly to cover the small sob that wanted to escape her, and turned for the door. 

Regina stepped into the cool night air, and let it engulf her with it’s icy touch. She listened to the rhythmic clicks of her heels, and let her feet move faster and faster until she realized she had been running. 

As she was about to cross the road in front of her, she heard quick, tiny steps chasing after her. Turning around, she saw Roland running, his miniature limbs flailing uncontrollably. 

“‘Gina! ‘Gina!” He called to her desperately as she stopped in her tracks, fully facing the boy as he came closer to her. She crouched down to meet his height, and he jumped into her arms. 

Feeling them as they clenched to her hair and neck, she breathed in his scent. He smelled just like his father, with hints of pine and smoke. She slowly pulled back to look at him, his eyes glinting with tears that were about to fall down his cheeks. 

"Where are you going, ‘Gina? You promised to tell me stories before I go to bed!" Roland reached out to her once again, grabbing at her top. 

Regina felt the tears surfacing, and she clenched her jaw in pain. He was so genuine, so real. He still wanted her in his life, and that simple thought that someone still wanted her filled her with emotion. 

"Sweetie, I’d love to tell you so many stories," she reached out and brushed the tears away from his cheek, "but I’m sure that your mother has even better ones to tell." 

That’s when she saw a shadow moving behind Roland, approaching them cautiously. She looked up, and saw Robin standing before her, hesitant but calm. 

"And your father is here," Regina looked down so that their eyes wouldn’t meet, their eyes couldn’t meet, "it’s time for you to go, Roland." 

"No! I don’t want to go to bed without you, mama!" 

Regina gasped quickly, the word “mama” hitting her like a thousand knives. She moved her hands off of Roland, and stood up urgently. Stealing a glance at Robin’s reaction, she saw his face twisted into an expression full of pain and confusion. 

"Come on, m’boy. Your mother is waiting for you." The words were empty, emotionless. He came to Roland, reaching for his hand slowly. 

Regina began walking again, pushing away every thought that was pulling her down, drowning her. She couldn’t feel, it just hurt too much. None of it was worth it. 

"But ‘Gina!" Roland called, a desperate, shrill cry. Robin, without any effort to restrain him, let him go. He watched as his son clenched onto her leg, and silently wished he could do the same. 

"I love you, ‘Gina. Don’t leave," he was now whispering, pleading, "please." 

Now Robin started moving closer to her, and she couldn’t breathe. Everything around her was in slow- motion, and none of it was real. Why was this happening to her?

She felt a strong hand touch her arm, each finger tingling against her skin. She met Robin’s eyes, and saw their glassy surfaces accumulating with his own tears. 

"I love you, too." He softly breathed out, closing his hand around her arm, "I’m not going to forget you," he began shaking his head frantically, "please, Regina, don’t think I'd ever forget you." 

Without thought, she nodded reassuringly, desperately wanting to comfort him. 

"Okay." She managed to squeeze out of the back of her throat. She bit her lip to stop the tears from falling, and turned around, leaving the two Merry Men she loved behind her. 

Maybe Robin had been right… It was all about timing. 

Regina sat in her office chair, staring at Daniel’s ring, twisting it in her steady fingers. She let it lightly fall onto her ring finger, but left it sitting above her knuckle. She admired the reflections that caught on the gold band, and bit her bottom lip in concentration. 

What would she do if he came back? Daniel was the one thing in her dark past that had shown her love, the truest love she had ever known. But one word continued to tear through her thoughts: past. She was no longer in Fairy Tale Land. She no longer rode horses through green fields, or slicked her hair back into a single braid. She had been young, and far more innocent. 

But Robin, he was her future. He had known all of her darkest secrets, but embraced her with forgiving and comforting arms. He accepted every single fragmented piece of her, old and new. Robin was her here and now. She let a sigh escape her, and only wished to herself that he had thought of her as his future, too. 

That’s when she heard a small thump in the small corner of the room. She stood without hesitation, and shoved Daniel’s ring back into her top drawer. Surely she had known that there were still very bitter citizens within Storybrooke, who would be very eager to take revenge at any moment. 

Then she saw the tiniest feet peeking out from behind a large vase. She laughed lightly, relieved by the small Merry Man’s presence. She began to put on her best fake- evil voice, and held back a growing smirk. 

"Who dares to intrude the Mayor’s very top secret office?" A small giggle replied to her question, and she continued, "If you do not reveal yourself, I shall turn you into a slimy, ugly slug in a mere second!"

Precious Roland jumped from behind the vase, and roared with all of his tiny being, and ran straight towards Regina. She grabbed under his arms, and swung him around her in a full circle, laughing along. Putting him down, she crouched to his level, and she leaned into his face, giving a half- laugh, half- snarl. He laughed until his cheeks turned the brightest pink. 

"Where’s your father, Roland?" she paused for a moment, her smile fading, "And your mother?"

"I don’t want momma or papa, I want ‘Gina!" He flung himself into her, and wrapped his arms around her neck. 

"As much as I’d like to keep such a strong and powerful guard within my home, I believe you need to be returned to your rightful place." She swooped him up into her arms once again, and settled him onto her hips. 

Walking into the forest, she looked for the nearest tent she could find. She wanted to give him to any Merry Man possible, besides Robin himself. 

She heard a stick snap behind her, and turned without a second thought. And there he was, standing before her, his eyes in their most wild state, and his vest half- done. 

"Roland, where on earth have you been?!" He sounded more relieved than angry, and took three large strides to meet them at the bottom of the hill. 

"He learned from his father well," Regina looked down, not meeting his eyes the best she could, "He found a way into my house, and waited for the perfect ambush."

Robin quickly smirked with pride twinkling in his eyes, but soon reverted to his best worried father expression. “Roland, is this true?!” 

Roland hid his face in Regina’s shoulder and muffled, “Yes, Papa.”

"And why would you do such a thing, m’boy?"

"I missed ‘Gina." 

Regina watched Robins hard features soften before her, and he cleared his throat. He shyly moved his eyes to Regina, and muttered, “You’re not the only one, lad.”

Regina felt a blow to her stomach, and her mouth twitched from the emotion that was quickly drowning her. She quickly put Roland to the ground, and straightened her jacket. 

"Well, I have to go." She turned away immediately, and started to move as fast as she could away from the camp without looking like she was partially insane. 

As she  reached the edge of the forest she heard Robin’s voice through the trees, “Regina, wait!”

She composed herself, taking in a large breath, and turned around to respond with a cold, “Can I help you with anything?” 

He continued running, and she watched as his vest flapped over to reveal just a small bit of his bare chest. She rolled her eyes to cover the desire to jump onto him right there, right then. 

"Thank you." He spoke through his heavy breaths, "I-" he paused and ran his hand through his messy hair, and looked to Regina’s feet.

"I haven’t got all day, thief." She spat out. 

Robin puffed his cheeks in frustration and forcefully blew the air out, before he replied, “Let’s not repeat the past, your majesty.”

"It seems like it has already happened." She mumbled, tucking her hair defensively behind her ear.

Robin stepped closer and nervously played with the gloves in his hand, “That’s what I wanted to tell you, Regina. Things with Marian and I, they’re not-” he stopped for a moment, seemingly choking on his own words, “they’re not the same. I don’t think they ever could be.”

Regina’s mouth opened a bit to answer, but nothing came out. She stood in front of him, and as it always seemed to be with him, was speechless. Moving towards him, she closed the empty forest air between them. She slowly reached towards his chest, and rested her eyes, along with her hand, on his heart. Looking up, she met his gaze and saw it searching for hers hungrily.

Without thought, without words, without  hesitation, their lips met. It was natural; everything about them was natural. From the way he grazed his lips against hers, to the way her hand found the way to the back of his neck. 

There was no question: they were meant to be. Always. 

Author’s note: Once again, thank you soooo much for all the love

It’d been a whole week since Robin had seen Regina, and he was starting to get worried. Every time he went to the forest, he wished to himself that she would be there waiting for him. He imagined her beautiful face peeking through the trees, her red lips in contrast to the green all around her. 

He still remembers the first day he met her in Storybrooke, outside of the farmhouse. She had caught his flying arrow, and dropped it back into his hands with amusement. He realized right away how closed up to the world she had been. It started off as a game, where he would see how far he could open her up, but in a blink of an eye it all became too real. He became addicted to her small smile, and her witty remarks. 

Now he was going through withdrawals, and all he wanted was to break down her freshly built walls. 

He was walking out of the forest and into Storybrooke, when he saw Tink walking down the sidewalk. He remembered meeting her in Granny’s, when her and Regina exchanged suspicious expressions in front of him. 

"Tinkerbell!" Robin ran towards her, pulling off his gloves.

She smiled almost too eagerly, and ran towards him just as fast. 

"Robin! How are things? Do you need advice? Maybe on your love life? Or any kind of life actually, it doesn’t have to specifically have to be about love because I mean that would be a strange thing to ask a stranger…" She nervously laughed and crossed her arms, making a sad attempt to look casual.

Robin stood in shock, overwhelmed by her enthusiastic greeting. He shook his head and just replied, “Have you seen Regina lately?”

"Oh well I saw her yesterday. She hasn’t been getting out of bed, with all that morning sickness and all that. It seems like the baby is going to be just as stubborn as her!" She talked so fast, and Robin was positive he must’ve misheard her.

"What?" is all he could mutter out.

"The baby? I thought she told-" Tink paused, and her eyes widened in horror.

Robin didn’t pause for a moment longer, and began to run. The only image before him was Regina, pregnant with his child. He didn’t know whether he was sick from anger, or from overwhelming joy. He no longer had to doubt, because he now knew that they would be connected for the rest of their lives. 

He didn’t bother knocking, and ran straight up Regina’s stairs. He burst into her room, and saw her lying in bed with Snow stroking her hair. Regina turned, and met his eyes. She tilted her head slightly and bit her lip, like she was about to cry from his mere presence. 

"Snow?" Regina turned to the woman beside her, and she slowly left the room, continuously looking from Robin to Regina in shock. 

Robin immediately took Snow’s place, and touched Regina’s cheek gently. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he whispered. 

"You already have a family. I thought I- we- wouldn’t fit into your life." Regina turned away from his hand, and drew in a rattled breath. 

"Regina. Look at me." Robin demanded, all of the sympathy leaving his voice. 

Regina turned back to him, and he saw her eyes shift with fear as they did that night in the forest. Without hesitation, he leaned down and pressed his lips strongly against hers. 

It all felt too familiar: her smell, her breath, her lips. He was brought back to every moment they had spent in each others arms, and he couldn’t stop himself from crawling into bed right next to her, their lips still attached. 

As they faced one another, breathing heavily, he smiled gently in awe of her presence. He looked down to her stomach, and touched it in the most lovingly way he possibly could. He looked into Regina’s eyes, and a familiarly enchanting smile grew across her face. He was home again.