Hello everyone! Thank you so much for following me and others on this exciting new journey! I absolutely cannot wait to hear your thoughts on the start of Robin and Regina's relationship! I have so much planned for them, and I hope you'll enjoy the story as it moves along. Once again, all of you are amazing! Love you guys!
Without any more waiting, here is the sequel to Our Promise!
Promise Me No Promises
It had taken months. Months of love and nourishment and trust. It had taken months for Regina and Robin's relationship to develop to the strongest level it's ever been at. It took months for Robin to truly believe he was the one Regina wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
Regina had no idea how badly her words and actions had effected Robin, and apparently, they left burning scars. Robin had felt like a disappointment, like he would never be good enough for her, and after long talks and loving kisses, Robin finally started to believe Regina's feelings for him were true.
And it was mornings like this, when Regina realized how lucky she was that Robin had stayed through all of it. Regina and Robin were laying in bed, Regina facing Robin, silently watching his chest rise up and down. Regina smiled in the dark, the sunlight starting to creep in through the blinds and curtains. Regina sighed lovingly, feeling like she was complete. Her whole life was finally complete.
The last night was another tough one for both of them. They had came home from work, Regina going to Robin's apartment, when she noticed how quiet Robin had been since they had gone out to lunch. She asked him questions, and once she finally got it out of him, Robin told her she should leave him. That he couldn't give her what she wanted.
He couldn't give her expensive gifts or regular vacations to exotic wonders or even a steady home to live in, and when she heard this, it broke her. They had spent the whole night talking it through, Regina explaining she didn't need any of that, only him. And it had brought a smile to his face.
There were still days, every once in a while, when Robin's insecurities would find a way to sneak in, but Regina had always been there to stop them from growing any further. Robin was all she needed. She loved him.
Regina reached out, her hand traveling to Robin's face, her fingers softly threading through Robin's dark blonde hair. Robin didn't move of shift, but be smiled sleepily, pulling Regina closer to his warm body. Regina let him, willingly, wanting to be as close to Robin as she could be.
Regina's fingers continued to travel Robin's hair, and he made a noise that couldn't help but put a smile on Regina's face. She loved making Robin feel good. He should feel good. He was with her. He was home.
"Good morning, Lovely," Robin spoke quietly as he smiled, planting a kiss on top of Regina's hair. Regina hugged Robin through the sheets, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks, thinking of what had happened the night before.
"Good morning," Regina hummed happily, placing a kiss on Robin's chest. Robin grinned, and before Regina could ask why that stupid smile was plastered on his face, Robin flipped them over, his body now on top of Regina's, but as always, was careful not to hurt her in any way.
Regina giggled as Robin moved them, her hands finding their way to his shoulders, his to her waist. Robin leaned down and pecked her lips softly. Again. And Again. And again.
"You're so beautiful," Robin breathed as he kissed Regina's neck, and the brunette blushed beneath him. Her nails raked across Robin's shoulder blades, and Robin tried not to laugh at how adorable she looked at the moment.
"You're making me blush," Regina smiled lazily, still feeling the sleepiness of the night. Robin chuckled and tilted his head, still not believing this was his life. He got to wake up next to Regina Mills. He got to kiss her whenever he wanted to, and got to hold her in the night. This was everything he's wanted for so long.
"Are you complaining?" Robin asked, a teasing smile glued to his face. Regina shook her head, her eyes boring into Robin's crystal blue ones. There was so much love held in his blue orbs, and she wondered how she had ever let that go. But she couldn't think of that. Not right now, with the way he was staring at her, his affection driving her into overload.
"Not at all," Regina sat up in bed, taking Robin with her. Regina wrapped her arms around Robin's neck, her legs now wrapped around his torso. Robin's arms swung around to hold her back, his legs spread out on either side of her. Regina pressed her forehead to Robin's and for a long moment, they just stayed like that, both feeling the love radiating off the other.
Robin pulled his forehead away, freeing one of his hands to put a few strands of wayward hair back behind his girlfriend's hair. Girlfriend. God, he would never get tired of saying or hearing that.
"You have no idea how much you drive me crazy," Robin muttered in her hair, and Regina smiled, one of her hands playing with the small hair on the back of his neck. Regina pulled him closer, resting her face on his shoulder.
"You have no idea how much I love you," Regina responded equally, and blushed once again when she felt Robin smile on her cheek. Robin moved his head away from her face, and Regina moved hers from his shoulder. They looked each other in the eyes, as if they were the only ones in the world. In the moment, they were.
"Robin, I would move across the whole world if it meant I got to spend the rest of my life with you," Regina whispered, and Robin smiled, knowing he would do the same thing.
"I never want you to feel like you're not good enough, and I never want to hear you say it, either. I love you, and that's all that matters." Regina pressed her lips to Robin's, their kiss long and slow, unlike their previous pecks earlier that morning. Regina pulled away, her eyes still closed, when she heard Robin whisper into her ear.
"I would give away every single thing I have if it meant I could wake up every morning by your side. I would let them take this apartment, and my job, and all the money in the goddamned world, and I wouldn't care. Because I would still have you in my life…. I never intend on losing you, Regina. Never again. I love you too much for that to happen," Robin whispered lovingly.
Tears slid down Regina's cheeks, and Robin leaned down, kissing them away. He knew he hadn't hurt her. Quite the contrary, actually. Regina had never felt this way about someone, has never felt love this strongly, and knowing he felt the same way, it made her cry. She always thought true love was only in movies and fairy tales. But now, she was beginning to realize she was wrong. Robin was her true love.
"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," Regina smiled through her tears, seeing his own smile through her watery eyes. Robin nodded his head softly as he held her close.
"And you're mine."
….
After a delicious breakfast, and a very needed shower, Regina stood in front of Robin's mirror, putting her diamond studs earrings in (the ones Robin had gotten her for her birthday a year ago). She was so busy fixing her jewelry and hair that she didn't notice her boyfriend walking up behind her.
Robin wrapped his arms around Regina's waist from behind, planting a soft kiss to the side of her face. Regina smiled as her hand rose to meet his, holding his strong hand on top of her waist. Robin peppered kisses along her jaw line, and Regina sighed, leaning into him.
"You're not playing fair," Regina whined, and Robin smirked against her skin, pulling his head back up, resting on her shoulder. Regina smiled back at him, her eyes meeting his through the mirror, and Robin chuckled, letting go of his girlfriend.
Robin wandered to his bed, the one where Regina and he had slept in last night, and a goofy smile appeared on his face. He had no idea love would do this to him.
"You know you love me," Robin chuckled, and Regina rolled her eyes with the same goofy smile. She fastened the chain around her neck, the same necklace that's never left her soul since Robin had got it for her, and turned around putting her hands on her hips.
"You know I do," Regina smiled sweetly before going to Robin's dresser, finding her drawer, and pulling out a black, summer romper decorated in tiny white polka dots. It had a small plunging neckline with thin straps, and Robin's jaw fell to the floor when he saw that was what she was choosing to wear.
"Now you're not playing fair," Robin groaned, falling back onto the bed, and Regina laughed, not feeling sorry at all. Looking at the drawer, she smiled, a silly laugh growing. She remembered the day Robin had told her she had a drawer of her things at his place. God, there had been millions of butterflies swarming around in her stomach, and he hadn't even meant to make her feel that way.
But now, that was their new normal. A drawer of her things at Robin's, and a drawer of Robin's things at hers. Most nights they spent together, and it was easier this way than to tend to always run back to their apartments just to go back out together.
"What are you wearing?" Regina asked as she walked around to the other side of the bed, getting dressed into the romper she and Robin had picked in the earlier months. Robin smiled as he put his hands behind his head, shaking his head at the ceiling.
"To a five year old's birthday party? Definitely not a suit and tie…. Sorry to disappoint, Love," Robin teased, and Regina rolled her eyes, throwing her old clothes from the night before into a small pile by the closet.
"You should wear blue. It brings out your eyes," Regina's brown ones twinkled as she said it, and Robin chuckled, loving her happy. He loved he was the one that made her feel the way she did.
"Oh, does it now?" Robin asked cheekily, and Regina climbed up on his bed, laying down next to him.
"Yep," Regina stated, trying not to smile, but failed miserably. She sighed as her hand found its way to Robin's, and their fingers intertwined, Robin's thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of her hand.
"I can't believe Olivia's already five," Regina whispered, as if she hadn't known the day would come. Robin sighed, not believing it either. He's only known Olivia for six months, much, much shorter time than Regina has, and if it was hard for him to accept, he had no idea how Regina felt.
"I know….. But I bet she'll grow up to be just as beautiful as you," Regina put her head into Robin's shoulder, trying to hide the color in her cheeks. After everything they've been through, she should be used to it by now. She's gotten good at hiding every blush he's gotten out of her, but now that they were together, she didn't want to hide it. But it's still new. She's not used to giving herself out to someone so freely.
"You've always been a charmer," Regina mumbled, Robin barely making out what she said. Robin rolled his eyes as he began tickling her, and Regina gave up, laughter from both sides filling the whole room. Regina sat up fast, holding Robin's hands up in the air, allowing herself to breathe some air. Robin laughed at how adorable she was and kissed her cheek before getting off the bed and changing into his new jeans and a nice blue button down t shirt.
As Robin and Regina put their shoes on, Robin's, a nice pair of sneakers, Regina's, a pair of flip flop sandals, they rushed around the apartment, making sure they had everything they needed before going out on the road to see Olivia for her birthday party. Regina had her purse, her wallet, her phone, the present, and Robin carried more bags of presents, for they couldn't help but spoil her. Robin also carried his phone and his own wallet in his pants pockets, and in fifteen minutes, they were on the road.
Regina put her sunglasses on, as well as Robin, and as they drove out of the busy city of New York, they rolled the windows down, enjoying the fresh summer breeze of early June.
As they stopped at a red light, Robin turned his head to see Regina looking out the window, the sunlight streaming through her hair, the slight breeze making her look like she just walked out of a movie. How had he been so lucky?
Robin shook his head with an amused smile, excited to spend the day with his girlfriend, as well as the little girl that had also managed to steal his large, beating heart.
….
"Mommy, when are they coming?" Olivia whined as she leaned against the window sill, her little arms supporting her head as she gazed on into the setting sun. It was the evening before her party, and Regina and Robin had promised to come the night before to sleep over. The little girl had been waiting for this moment ever since she knew she would be having a sleepover with her aunt and her boyfriend, and she couldn't wait any longer.
"Soon, Olivia. You just have to wait a little while longer," Zelena's voice floated from across the room, where she and her husband were sitting, along with Olivia's grandparents. Olivia frowned, but knew her mother would never lie to her.
After what seemed like forever, which was only ten minutes, a black car parked in the Mills driveway, and Olivia's face lit up once she saw Regina and Robin sitting in the car. Olivia gasped as she ran down the hall, opened the front door, and went running towards the car.
Through the glass windows, Zelena could see her daughter had managed to open Regina's car door, sitting happily in her lap as she laughed with Regina and Robin. They hadn't even set foot out of that damn car and they were already making Olivia smile. She would have to thank them for that.
"Well, I guess they're here," Zelena teased, and her parents chuckled beside her. She looked out the window once again to see Robin carrying small bags for both him and Regina as her little sister held hands with Olivia, the little girl's excitement clearly on display.
Zelena shook her head with a smile. Robin was seriously amazing for her sister.
"And then, they sang happy birthday to me! And Skylar and Anna are coming tomorrow! I can't wait for you to meet them!" Zelena heard her daughter exclaim as Olivia, Regina, and Robin walked through the door. Olivia giggled, catching them up, or trying to, on everything that was going on the next day.
Regina and Robin looked at each other with wide smiles, both pairs of eyes shining brightly with adoration.
"I'm sure we'll love them," Regina smiled for both her and her boyfriend. A single blush rose to her cheeks as she thought about the word. Boyfriend. Robin was her boyfriend. Damn, could things get any better?
Regina reached for Robin's hand as Olivia led them to the living room, where they saw everyone waiting for them. Robin rubbed the back of Regina's hand, as if to tell her he felt the same way she did.
Happy.
"Mommy, they're finally here!" Olivia squealed as she jumped into her father's lap, and Zelena chuckled, her hand directed in the direction where her little sister and Robin were standing. Regina and Robin both smiled as they made their way down the small steps to the rest of the family.
"I can see that," Zelena chuckled as the adults rose to greet the couple. Zelena gave her sister a hug as Chad and Robin shook hands, and Robin and Regina took turns giving out hugs to her parents.
Once they were all settled, Regina and Robin sat down on the couch, Robin putting his arms around her, and Regina couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach. After more than a year, he still had that effect on her. God, she was so far deep.
After catching up on everything, talking about jobs and life and Olivia, the time had reached later than anyone expected, and Regina yawned slightly as she leaned back into Robin's her head resting against his shoulder.
Zelena smiled as she discreetly looked over at the couple, loving how happy they both were. She could see the love-sick look in their eyes and wondered how they made it so long without each other just months ago.
"Come on, Munchkin, I didn't realize how late it got. It's time for bed," Zelena whispered to Olivia as she picked her up off the other couch, the lose hair that had fallen out of her pigtails covering part of her face. Olivia mumbled something incoherently, already back asleep in her mother's arms. Regina was expecting to see Olivia later on in the morning, but was surprised when her sister handed her niece to her.
Zelena smiled, noticing the confusion written on her sister's face, "I promised her I would let you guys tuck her in," Regina smiled, loving the little girl in her arms even more. This reminded her of the very first time she had brought Robin home, how Olivia wanted them to tuck her in. It felt like deja vu, but the best kind.
Regina and Robin rose from the couch, Regina carrying Olivia on her hip. Once they got up to her room and tucked her in, Robin and Regina stood out the doorway. Robin smiled as he recalled a momentous event that had happened in there.
A smile rose to Regina's cheeks. She was sure Robin was thinking of the same thing she was. Their first kiss. The time Robin had told the truth. The moment Robin had told her she was the best thing that's ever happened to him. Little did he know, at the same time, he was the best thing that ever happened to her, too.
"Great minds think alike," Regina whispered quietly, and Robin chuckled silently, Regina blushing as she watched his chest heave up and down. Robin wrapped his arm around his girlfriend, the brunette letting her head drop to his shoulder. She closed her eyes, wondering how she spent so much time denying her feelings for the man next to her.
"I meant what I said, Regina. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You always are and always will be." Regina smiled uncontrollably as she moved her head to give a loving peck to his cheek. She used her hand to cup the same cheek.
"Well, that's a good thing, because Robin? You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. And nothing will change that," Robin saw the emotion and truth in her eyes and couldn't help but spin her in front of his, kissing the life out of her. Regina wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, wanting to be as connected to him as ever. They were soulmates, after all.
"We have to be careful," Regina whispered heavily as she and Robin both tried to catch their breaths, "someone might come in and catch us," Robin planted a kiss to her forehead and brought her to his chest, holding her in his strong, muscular arms. Robin rubbed soothing circles all over her back. Challenge accepted.
"Are you sure you can go a whole hour without kissing me?" Robin smirked, using his delicate fingers to brush lose hairs out of Regina's face. Regina smiled and ducked her head.
"I guess we're going to have to find out, aren't we?" Regina asked in the most captivating voice, and with a sway of her hips, she escaped Robin's hold and exited the room, looking amazing as she did so. Robin swallowed and ran his fingers through his hair.
This woman would be the death of him.
….
Regina woke to strong arms circling her waist, Robin's face rested on her chest. Her arms had been tangled by his torso, and their feet had been intertwined messily together. Regina smiled sleepily as she yawned, turning over the slightest bit to see the clock on her nightstand.
2:19 am. Shit.
Regina silently cursed, knowing she had to get out of bed. Knowing she had to leave Robin in their bed by himself. But she wouldn't go the next six hours without a drink. And if there was one thing she hated more than leaving Robin, it was waking up with the driest of all mouths, unable to talk. Regina groaned mentally as she detangled herself from Robin's body, sneaking quietly out of their room as she tiptoed down the steps, all the way to the kitchen.
Regina got a glass of water from the fridge, and sat down at the island, wanting nothing more than to be asleep next to Robin once again. Regina looked around the kitchen, noticing the streamers and balloons that were newly added. She smiled to herself, wondering how much Olivia would love it, on a scale of one to one thousand.
Just as she was about to head back upstairs, finishing her beverage, footsteps groggily stepped through the entrance way, a tired smile glowing in the darkness. Regina looked up and saw her boyfriend standing in the doorway of her childhood kitchen.
Robin's hair was disheveled, completely, the strands popping out every which way, his gray t-shirt was almost to the point where it was wrinkled, and his flannel pants were an inch too big for him. He was a mess.
But he was Regina's mess. Regina smiled as she watched her boyfriend come behind her, wrapping his arms around her.
"What are you doing up?" Regina asked, hoping she hadn't woken him up. She could have swore she was as quiet as a mouse. She didn't hit anything or bang an object against the wall. She didn't make a peep. Regina was about to apologize, but before she could, Robin's answer caught her off guard.
"I can't sleep without you," Robin smiled sheepishly as he took a seat next to her, moving the stool closer to her presence. Regina's mouth parted, half of her knowing the statement was true, half of her thinking he would never say it out loud. Robin must have seen the look on her face, because he chuckled, folding his arms out on front of him on the marble island.
"Is it really a shocker?" Robin asked, his bright smile still glowing in the dark, and Regina smiled smally, embarrassment claiming her body.
"You've never said that before… It's nice to hear," Robin hummed in agreement, and Regina turned towards him, her smile almost as big as his. After a few moments of silence, memory lane greeted Regina.
This was where they almost had their first kiss. When they had made a mess out of the flour. Regina smiled sadly, remembering how hard it had been for her to fight her feelings. She should have seen in. Hell, she was the only one who didn't. But they were here now. Together.
"What is it?" Robin asked, holding Regina's hand under the counter. Regina smiled sadly once again and faced Robin, brown eyes meeting hopeful blues.
"The last time we were here, we weren't really together…. And now that we are….." Regina struggled to communicate to Robin, which was already a red flag high in the air. Robin sat patiently, not rushing her. She would find a way to tell him what was on her mind.
Regina took a deep breath, looking around the kitchen, her mind wondering how she could possibly explain this to Robin without him thinking he wasn't good enough for her.
"When we were here for Christmas, our relationship was based on a lie. I don't want that for us. Not now, and not ever." Robin smiled, finally understanding what his girlfriend actually meant. Robin kissed Regina's forehead, giving her a small hug before pulling back.
"It's not, Regina. I love you, and you love me. There's no lie hidden in the truth," Robin tried to soothe her with his words, but Regina gazed to the floor. That's not good enough, Regina thought sadly, her fingers moving nervously. Regina picked her gaze off the floor and to Robin, taking a deep breath.
"Promise me no promises," Regina breathed, and for the first time in a long time, Robin genuinely had a confused look on his face.
"What do you mean, Love?" Robin asked. Regina smiled slightly when she heard him call her Love, and it only reminded her why this was so damn important.
"The last time we made a promise to each other, we both broke it. Our relationship was fake and we were both suffering….. Promise me no promises. Promise me we'll decide things as we move along. Together." Robin smiled, knowing he would do anything to make Regina happy.
With a single peck of their lips, Robin smiled, nodding his head.
"I promise, no promises,"
…
"Love, maybe it would help if your eyes were directed on the banner," Robin smirked.
Regina and Robin were on decoration duty outside, and now, they were in the backyard, trying to hang a birthday banner for an extremely happy five year old just outside the sliding glass door.
Regina's attention had averted to Robin's arms, his muscles drawing her chocolate brown eyes towards him. Robin had noticed her eyes had traveled to his upper body, and he smiled, liked knowing he had the same effect on her she did him. Regina blushed with a roll of her eyes, turning towards Robin with a goofy smile.
"It seems like something is distracting me," Regina smirked back, raising her eyebrows just so, driving him crazy. Robin chuckled as he shook his head, tilting it in her direction.
"Maybe said distraction needs to go somewhere else," Robin crossed his arms, the banner all forgotten, one side attached, the other left hanging. Regina glared at Robin with a smile. He wasn't playing fair. He knew ever since they've gotten together, she's been enchanted by him. He shouldn't use that against her.
"Or maybe, we should-"
"What the hell happened to that poor decoration?" Henry asked as he walked out the sliding glass window, interrupting Regina's thought, and her cheeks turned pink with embarrassment, very thankful she stopped what she was saying before her father heard it. Robin smirked at Regina, and she saw he was trying to hold back laughter.
Damn him.
"Well, let's just say your daughter is completely rubbish at decorating," Robin smirked, and Regina's mouth fell open with a smile, her eyes wide. She hit Robin's arm, rolling her eyes.
"Excuse me, I am amazing at decorating." Regina protested, but both Robin and Henry sent her looks stating otherwise. Robin chuckled shaking his head, crossing his arms, his muscles only showing even more, and Regina thought she was going to die.
"I'm gonna have to go with Robin on this one, Dear." Henry laughed, and Regina huffed dramatically, smirking at the both of them in defeat. If she didn't love them, she would totally act like a bitch. But she did love them.
"Fine," Regina grumbled, and Robin kissed Regina's forehead. Henry smiled at the sweet gesture, realizing just how much happier Regina and Robin seemed to be. Robin smiled sweetly at Regina before excusing himself, walking into the house, and Regina chuckled when she heard Olivia's happy squeal, obviously ecstatic he had walked in.
Regina shook her head, wondering how Robin had such a strong impact on not only her life, but her family's as well. The brunette sighed, turning her attention to the forgotten half of the birthday banner. Henry chuckled when he saw her eyesight match with it, and with his height, he helped her tape it to the back of the patio roof. They both smiled successfully, Regina having a small smirk light up her face.
Maybe she did need her distraction to leave her alone.
"See, it wasn't that bad," Henry laughed as his daughter rolled her eyes. You have no idea, Regina thought mischievously.
"Yeah, yeah," Regina joked, crossing her arms, rocking on the balls of her feet. Henry chuckled lightly, giving her a warm smile. And even though he looked fine, Regina could tell something was on his mind. It was shining in his eyes. He wanted to tell her something.
"You know, you've never been good at keeping secrets," Regina smirked, and Henry fauxed being hurt, placing a hand over his heart, his mouth agape.
"Well, it's a good thing it's not a secret….." Henry took a deep breath, all the jokes put aside, "Regina, I don't know what or who's responsible for it, whether it's Olivia, or me and your mother, or Robin, but I'm glad you're around more often. It's been nice to see my daughter more than twice a year." Regina smiled, her heart and soul feeling the same way.
The past few years, maybe the past four or five, she's been too involved with her work. She barely came home, only for Christmas and birthdays, and she couldn't believe no one told her how they really felt about that.
She had been so young, but she had also felt free. She had just left home, living a new life in the city, and she thought that's what was important. But Robin showed her that work and New York was the last thing that really mattered in life. It was family. It was being at home. It was being with him.
She was so glad Robin had showed her the light, or else, she had no idea if she would even be here right now. Regina smiled, tears starting to prick the back of her eyes. She gave her dad a hug, laying her head on his chest.
"It's been awesome. I'm never doing that ever again. You guys mean too much to me," Henry held his daughter closer, relieved to hear he wasn't the only one who craved more family time. Regina pulled away slowly, and remembered an important conversation she had with her mother the last time she was here.
"You and Robin don't want different things. Not at all. You guys don't want to be separated, and I think that Robin would follow you anywhere you go. If you wanted to move across the world to a different continent, Robin would follow you. And if you want to move back home to Storybrooke, then I can bet my last dollar that you won't be lonely the car ride up."
Regina sighed, closing her eyes.
"If I tell you something, you have to keep it a secret. This is pretty big," Now, Regina knew her father had never been good at any secret-keeping charades, but if he understood this was something serious, she knew she could trust her father with these words.
Henry nodded his head, sealing his lips with an imaginary key. Regina smiled faintly, walking back towards her father.
"I'm moving back home," Regina whispered into Henry's ear softly, and she could have swore he was going to jump up and down with excitement. Henry's mouth dropped, a smile quickly replacing it. He looked as though he couldn't believe it, and Regina smiled goofily, liking seeing her father so happy.
"And Robin? He's coming too?" Henry asked, his eyes practically glowing with delight. Regina didn't let the hesitation settle on her face for even a second, knowing it would crush her father's mood. So instead of caving into her fears, she nodded her head, a hopeful smile showing.
Regina was so sure she had never seen her father happier. And she was happy, too. She would be back home soon. But Robin….. He said he would travel across the whole world for her. He would move hours away from his life for her, right? Right?
Regina held on to hope as her father pulled her into another loving hug, thinking the whole time, I hope to hell he will.
…..
Olivia's birthday party had officially started, and it was clear to say Olivia was bouncing off the walls. She was rambling, running around the whole house, making sure everything was ready, telling everyone it was time.
And Robin and Regina laughed at how cute she was.
"Aunt Regina! Wobin! Come on! I want you to meet my friends!" Olivia bounced up and down, taking Robin and Regina's hands, pulling them off the couch where they were talking with her parents.
Henry chuckled and shrugged his shoulders when Regina looked over her shoulder bewilderedly, and Robin laughed. Olivia pulled them into the main hallway, and there stood two little girls almost as adorable as Olivia.
The girl on the right had long brown hair, and gentle, soft blue eyes. She was wearing a summer dress decorated in blue and pink flowers, with gold sandals to top it all off. The little girl on the left had blonde, wavy hair, pulled back into a little ponytail, which was braided. She wore a black skirt with a white shirt, imprinted with hearts.
Regina smiled. They seemed like the perfect match for her beautiful niece already.
"This is Skylar," Olivia stated as she pointed to the girl with long brown hair, "And this is Anna!" Olivia then pointed her finger in the direction of the girl with blonde, wavy hair, and both girls giggled and waved shyly. "They are my best friends!"
Robin and Regina both looked at each other, and Robin put an arm around Regina, arm finding her waist.
"This is Aunt Regina and Wobin!" Olivia exclaimed, and immediately, Skylar and Anna's faces lit up. They had heard so much about them. Like how he was Regina's new boyfriend, to how they broke up and managed to get back together. They basically knew everything, and Olivia should have warned the adults, but she was a five year old. She didn't see a problem with it.
"Wow! You really are tall!" Skylar exclaimed, and all three girls giggled. Regina laughed too, looking up at Robin to see he was smiling. He looked at her, as though he was saying, they talk about me? Regina answered with a nod of her head, of course they do. She loves you.
"Olivia told us you're really funny! She also told us that you guys sang together!" Anna shrieked happily, and once again, all three girls giggled. Robin and Regina shared a look, Regina trying to hide the color in her cheeks as Robin laid a kiss to her hair.
"She also said you loooooove each other!" Skylar added enthusiastically, and Robin held Regina closer, as if he was proving a point. Olivia smiled as she jumped up and down around the couple.
"They do! Aunt Regina told me!" Regina smiled as she nodded her head, her attention half on Olivia, the other half on Robin. God, she loved him so much. Even more so when he had his ways with children. God, she loved him and he was hot.
All of a sudden, Zelena came up behind her sister and her boyfriend, and smiled in relief when she was Skylar, Anna, and Olivia all together. She gave an apologetic look to her sister and Robin, as if they had bothered them in any way, and smiled as she bent down to her knees to talk to the little ones.
"Hi girls! I'm so glad you could make it!" Skylar and Anna hugged Zelena and giggled when they pulled back.
"Well, Liv, you want to show them the games out back?" Zelena asked, standing up straight once again, folding her arms in front of her. Olivia nodded her head, and three little kids ran past the three adults in a blur.
Zelena let out a breath she didn't know was holding and turned towards Robin and Regina, a thankful look dancing around in her light blue eyes.
"You two are lifesavers." Zelena sighed, smiling. Robin shot her a confused expression, not quite sure how he and Regina helped any bit in that moment.
"We didn't do anything," Robin shrugged, but Zelena rolled her eyes with a smiled, putting one hand on her hip, smirking.
"You made Olivia happy. And that's all I'll ever want for her," Zelena smiled sweetly before walking away, and Regina smiled goofily, kissing Robin on the cheek. Once she knew her sister was out of the hall, she wrapped her arms around Robin's neck, his hands finding her waist.
"Olivia isn't the only one you make happy." Regina whispered lovingly, and Robin smiled, his eyes glowing with nothing but affection and love for the woman currently in his arms. He looked down, then back up again, almost as if he was shy. But he wasn't. Not with Regina. Never.
"No?" Robin smirked, and Regina shook her head, strands of her brown hair falling in her face. Robin took care of that for her, wiping away the stubborn hairs with his gentle hand, and Regina smiled as she closed her eyes.
"No. You make me very, very, very happy. And you always will," Regina leaned into her boyfriend as they shared a slow, emotion-filled kiss. As she pulled away, she could feel the smile on Robin's lips, and immediately, it was contagious.
"I love you," Robin breathed, and Regina rested her forehead on his.
"I love you too," Robin pulled the brunette in for a warm hug. it was a shame.
If they weren't so entangled or enchanted with each other, they might have seen Cora and Henry in the doorway, smiling as they watched their daughter finally find happiness.
…..
Everyone was outside, the pink streamers and party decorations hung on the back patio, branches of trees, and the old swing-set her Cora and Henry still managed to save for grandchildren. Olivia loved it. So far, she's explained to Robin and Regina it's been the best day of her life at east fifty times, and each and every time Robin and Regina would smile and tell her how happy they were that she was excited.
As Olivia, Skylar, and Anna played around the swing-set, Regina, Robin, and her family were all standing around, talking and laughing. Robin excused himself to get drinks for him and Regina, and eventually, Zelena went to join him.
As Zelena and Robin went to the little table set up across the yard, pouring beverages into cups, Zelena sighed next to Robin.
"Thank you," Zelena said honestly, and Robin stopped his movement, wondering if the redhead was talking to him. He set the pitcher of lemonade back on the table, looking back at light blue eyes, so much different than the chocolate brown ones he got lost in for hours.
"Are you talking to me?" Robin asked, pointing his finger at himself, and Zelena rolled her eyes with a laugh, grabbing the pitcher to fill up the cups in front of her.
"Of course I'm talking to you, Robin," Zelena stated, her eyes leaving his to turn her attention to the cups she was filling. Robin tilted his head in confusion, wondering what the hell Zelena was thanking him for. Zelena saw the complex look on his face and almost laughed. But it wasn't funny. This was friendly and serious.
"Once again, I honestly did nothing," Robin sighed honestly, but Zelena didn't see it that way. Robin was responsible for so many things. So many great, wonderful things that would have never happened if he never met her little sister.
"You might think that, but Robin, what I said earlier? You truly are a lifesaver….." Robin still looked as confused as Regina used to be about her feelings way back when, and Zelena sighed, closing her eyes.
"You saved Regina's life. If she never met you, she would have never came back home as often, she would have still been wrapped in work, and she still would have been in a toxic relationship with that poor excuse of a man." Zelena explained, and Robin's eyes widened, never really thinking about it like that.
He always thought Regina saved his life.
"Regina's never really felt love. Not in the way you give her. She's always had passing relationships, short flings she didn't really care about, and when she met you? She had no idea how to feel. And now that you guys are together, for real, she is the happiest I've ever seen her…. And I've known her for as long as I can remember," Zelena smiled, and Robin let out a shaky breath, realizing just how much he's affected Regina's life, and just how much she's affected his.
"You make Regina smiled, and you make her feel loved. I could never ask for anyone better for her….." Robin was touched by Zelena's words, truly, he was, but he wasn't going to respond anytime soon.
Not when Regina was across the yard, laughing as something her father had said, her smile even brighter than before. She was beautiful. Absolutely, drop-dead beautiful, and she was his.
"For years," Zelena continued, still fixing drinks, as she let out a humorless chuckle, "for a great number of years, I haven't seen my little sister smile like that. And that, Robin? That is why I thank you,"
Robin turned to Zelena, his body overwhelmingly overflowing with emotion. He was proud he was good enough for his girlfriend. He should be. Regina deserved everything in the world.
"You don't have to thank me, Zelena. If just being there for Regina is what makes her smile, I'll never leave her side for the rest of my life," Robin breathed lovingly, picturing a life where he and Regina were always together.
It almost seemed too good to be true. Almost.
Robin looked back over at his beautiful girlfriend, who was smiling broadly, when she turned her head and looked back at him. Chocolate eyes met blue, and as soon as they did, Regina blushed slightly and smiled even more when she saw her boyfriend looking at her.
Robin smiled at Regina, and she placed strands of her hair back behind her ear, biting her lip. Robin chuckled as she turned back towards her family, and he shook his head.
Regina Mills was going to drive him crazy.
He just knew it.
But he wouldn't have it any other way.
…
He was staring at her. Of course he was. If she was over there, she would be staring at him too. God, he was so handsome. It was crazy.
Regina blushed as she smiled back to her boyfriend, knowing the light in her eyes had rose from ten to a million at the sight of him. She brushed her hair out of her face, looking down before placing her attention back to her parents and Zelena's husband.
"Sorry, what did you say?" Regina asked her mother, and Chad smirked, knowing exactly what happened. Ever since Regina and Robin had arrived, they haven't taken their eyes off each other. What would be different now?
"Too busy ogling your boyfriend?" Chad smirked, and Regina glared at her brother-in-law. Honestly, she had no problem admitting it. She loved Robin. She was allowed to admire him. But to say that in front of her parents? Seriously?
"Shut up," Regina muttered with a roll of her eyes. And as if on cue, Robin and Zelena came walking back up to the group, Chad chuckling when Regina gave him another glare.
"What did we miss?" Zelena asked, handing her husband a cup of lemonade, as well as her parents. Regina smiled at Robin, silently thanking him with one look as she took the cup he gave her.
"Nothing much," Chad replied, smirking at Regina. She ignored him, turning towards Robin, smiling at him.
"Jackass," Regina muttered underneath her breath, into her drink, and Robin smirked beside her, chuckling silently. Regina's never been a fan of Chad.
"What was that?" Zelena asked, and Regina smiled, knowing her parents heard her. She looked to the ground and shrugged, all innocent.
"Nothing," Chad rolled his eyes as Regina smirked secretly in victory. All of a sudden, Regina felt her knees buckle, and she put her hand on Robin's shoulder to steady herself. Olivia giggled as she wrapped her arms around Regina's legs, and Regina sighed in relief, happy to know her little niece was the reason for her loss of balance.
"Aunt Regina! I'm sooooooo happy! This is the best day ever!" Olivia exclaimed, and Regina chuckled, knowing if she said that another hundred times, she would never get tired of hearing Olivia's voice.
"I am so glad you love today as much as I do," Olivia giggled at her aunt's response, letting go of her legs and skipping back to her friends. Regina sighed with a smile, starting to crave that kind of attention. The bond between a mother and daughter. Of course, Regina kept these feelings hidden, knowing even though she and Robin were totally, crazy in love, they weren't ready for a child. Hell, they weren't even living together.
But Regina still looked at Robin and smiled, and he did too, holding her hand. Nobody saw it, but Robin ran soothing circles on the back of her hand with his thumb, as if to tell her, It's okay. We'll get there someday.
….
Hours later, after presents and cake and lots of more games, Olivia's birthday party had come to and end, the little girl passed out on the couch next to her new set of Barbie Dolls, thanks to Robin and Regina.
Regina, Robin, Cora, and Henry were in the kitchen, cleaning up and putting leftover food away, and Zelena and Chad were running around the house, trying to get Sophia ready for bed.
"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I am drained," Cora announced in the kitchen, and Regina laughed, nodding her head. Robin handed her a tupperware full of cake, and she placed it on the end of the counter, wiping her hands together.
"I think that is an understatement," Regina took a deep breath, sitting down at the island with Robin and her father, Cora still putting things in the fridge. It was the first time all day she had sat down, and to Regina, it felt so good.
"Please, you didn't wrestle with three little kids today for an hour. I don't even know how Skylar and Anna made it out the front door," All the adults chuckled at Robin's comment, and he grinned, loving every single time he made Regina or her family smile. He felt like he really belonged.
"They all love you," Regina complimented, and Robin smiled, crossing his arms in front of him, tilting his head playfully.
"They do, don't they?" Regina rolled her eyes with a stupid smile as she hit Robin's arm softly, leaning back in her seat. Robin was amazing. He was funny, sweet, respectful, loving, easy to talk to, and he was hers. How did she end up so lucky to have Robin in her life?
"You two staying here tonight?" Cora asked as she took a seat next to her husband. Regina looked at the clock with her eyebrows furrowed, and her chocolate brown's widened in shock.
"It's already ten?" Jesus, the day really did go by fast, Regina thought as she stared at her boyfriend in wonderment.
"It took us a couple hours to clean up….. And I don't really think you want to drive back to New York in the middle of the night," Regina smiled and nodded her head in agreement, looking at Robin.
"I'm not driving," Regina laughed, and Robin rolled his eyes.
"We'll stay here," Robin nodded his head, answering Cora's questions, and if he was right, he could have swore he saw satisfaction in both Cora and Henry's eyes.
"Great. You two can take your old room again, unless you want to stay in the guest bedroom?" Cora assumed, and Regina shrugged her shoulders, not really caring. But then she remembered that a lot of good memories happened in her room, with Robin and Olivia in it, and she knew she wanted to sleep in the bed she and Robin first did when they arrived at Christmas.
"My old room is fine," Both Regina and Robin smiled thankfully, and her parents responded in the same way.
A half hour later, everyone was settled for the night, and all that was left was for Robin and Regina to turn off the bedside lamp and doze off. Regina and Robin climbed into bed after Robin turned out the light, and Regina felt Robin's arms wrap around her middle. She smiled, seeing herself gushing about her amazing boyfriend in the future.
She leaned back into the touch of him, wanting to be as close to Robin as she could be. Robin rested his head by her hair, Regina's head laying on his chest. For a few moments, they just laid there, silence welcoming them.
"Robin, you are the best boyfriend I could ever ask for," Regina smiled, and Robin planted a soft kiss to her forehead, holding her close.
"And you are the best girlfriend….. I love you, Regina."
"I love you, Robin," Regina whispered before they both fell asleep, the events of the day catching up with them. She felt his arm loosen around her body slowly, and she smiled sleepily, knowing Robin was perfect for her.
This was one of her favorite moments with Robin. The ones where he didn't care about making love in bed or just sleeping. All he wanted was what she wanted, and the best feeling was having his arm around her, knowing he would never let her go.
And that was the best feeling. Knowing your soulmate will never let you go. So Regina slept next to Robin, hearing his heartbeat mix with hers, his soft, deep breaths guiding her to sleep, as if she were a moth drawn to the light.
