Author's note: So hey guys, yes, I started another one. This idea got in my head after I finished Everything and wouldn't seem to leave. So now here we go again. Down another multi-fic rabbit hole, only this time I won't be updating as quickly as Everything because well, I just got started with this one. Just and FYI, it will have some trigger warnings in later chapters. Granted, this is me, so it will be full of fluff, unicorns, and rainbow stickers, but in addition to that will have some of the more darker elements I tend to leave out. With that being said, I hope you guys enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day.

Chapter One

The restaurant was crowded and the bar even more so. She found the only seat she could which had been up at the bar underneath a big screen TV where no one sat because of the terrible view. And even more annoying than the volume of the TV was the sound of the crowd. Regina Mills checked the time on her phone for the third time in as many minutes. She didn't know what she had been thinking when she told Emma she would meet her and Neal for drinks and dinner after the hellacious day she had. It was her fifth day in Denver, and while she didn't normally volunteer to go out of town for symposiums and other trainings, she usually waited until they were a bit more local, when Ursula mentioned this latest one would be in Colorado, Regina jumped at the opportunity to have some time in with her god-children who lived just outside of Littleton.

The only downfall had been sitting in an auditorium eight hours a day, and while Emma had been a good sport about picking her up and bringing her back later that evening, the long days were starting to wear on her. Thankfully, today had been her final lecture and she was free for the rest of the night to have one more dinner with Emma and Neal before she flew back to Boston in the morning. As much as she loved Henry and Delaney, she was looking forward to a quick dinner, a couple of drinks between adults, then a nice hot bath at her hotel before an early bedtime.

They were all supposed to meet at seven, but it was fifteen after and she hadn't heard a thing from either one of them. Not that she cared if they were running late but it wouldn't kill them to shoot her a text. Vaguely she wondered if she was even in the right place. Neal had suggested it because it had been close to her hotel, but she really was starting to wonder if it wasn't for whatever it was that was playing on the screen. Whatever it was, had filled the place with a wide age group of men for the purpose of their attention solely on the game that filled the televisions. Soccer or something similar from the look of it, not that she cared. All she wanted was her drink, which was taking a ridiculous amount of time now that she thought about it.

"You look like you're lost."

Looking up from her phone, her eyes narrowed. "What?"

The man with the blue eyes smiled at her. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way but you don't seem the type to be in a pub watching a game of rugby on a day that some would consider the most romantic day of the year."

Clicking her tongue, she glanced around the room before her eyes met his again. He was right, she wasn't. Still, his assertion irked her. "Oh really? Just what "type" do you think I am?"

The man fought a smirk. "The type who would rather be sipping from a glass of red somewhere much quieter."

"Here's your cabernet, lady," the tall red-headed bartender said, setting her glass of wine in front of her.

Her eyes shifted to her glass and then back at the man sitting next to her. "You heard me order it." It wasn't something she needed answered because of course he had.

A smile broke across his face and she tried not to notice how nice of a smile it was. It went well with his closely trimmed beard and dimples. She looked back up into his eyes and tried not to focus on said smile. A girl could get lost in those things.

"Alright, I admit that I did," he said. "But it doesn't take a psychic to see you'd rather be somewhere less…" There was a goal scored on screen and the crowd roared with cheers and jeers. Even his eyes widened, and flicked to the screen. His smile grew into a full-blown grin, and his tongue caught between his teeth. Regina licked her lips, and glanced away when she realized she had been staring, When his attention came back to her a heartbeat later, he finished. "Deafening. A place a little less deafening."

She couldn't help the chuckle that bubbled up at the way he had to shout it to her, proving his point. She shook her head, "Well, I'm not from here so I really wouldn't have known any better."

Just as she was about to pick up her drink, he held out his hand. "Name's Robin."

Her lips quirked up, his British accent more distinguishable with the current lull in the noise, doing things to her in combination with that smile of his. She needed to get a hold of herself, she wasn't a hormone-driven teenager. Lifting her chin, she took his hand. "Regina."

"So if I might ask, what brings a beautiful woman like you to a pub full of loud gents?"

Her stomach flipped at his words and she cursed herself for being so easily flattered. "I'm waiting for someone."

"I hope it's not a date because if it is, I have to say he's a bit of a cad bringing you here."

She smiled to spite herself. He was determined, she'd give him that. And not in the creepster way but the charming protective kind of way. And there wasn't anything wrong with having a conversation with a handsome man until her friends arrived. Intrigued, Regina played along. "Why do you say that?"

"He's bringing you here on Valentine's Day, no less, so he can watch a game instead of taking you out proper. I have to say, I don't like this bloke. Not in the least."

She took a sip of her wine, her eyes never leaving his. Then once she was finished, she turned slightly towards him. Her knee brushed against the side of clad jean leg. "So tell me, Robin, what do you call a proper date?"

Straightening, he leaned in closer to her, as the noise began to pick up once again. "For starters, I'd have driven to your house or apartment, with flowers, something that suited you." His eyes flicked to her lips, and then back to her eyes. "Roses, red ones." Regina felt her cheeks heat, knowing his association taken from the slick of ruby red lipstick she chose in the cab ride over. Smooth. "Then, I would have walked you to the car making sure to open the door for you. And because you're not from the area, I'd take you out to The Fort. Very western and romantic, with open fireplaces and amazing food. After dinner, a walk out in the courtyard, where I'd show you the twinkling lights of the city and then turn you around for an even more breathtaking view of the mountains."

Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip in a failed attempt to keep her smile at bay. Nevermind why she was sitting here in this bar. Why was he? Those dimples. That accent How he was still single? "Is that all?"

He smiled. "No, and I'm glad you asked because I left out the best part. After all that, I would take you back home, walk you to your door, and because I am a gentleman, I would leave you with a kiss and hopefully, if I've charmed you enough, a promise to see you again very soon."

He was so close now that she could see flecks of gray amongst the blue in his eyes. When did she drift so close? When did he? Inhaling, she could smell his cologne, a light scent, with tones that smelled of oak and sandalwood. Nothing about it reminding her of the scent Daniel wore, and she found herself grateful. She let out a breath, letting her eyes fall to his lips, imagining the date he envisioned for them, but mostly she thought about that kiss at the end.

Her phone began to buzz on the bar taking her attention from Robin. Straightening, she glanced down at her phone and frowned. It was Emma and it was about time. Answering it, she held the phone to her ear with one hand and with the other pushed her opposite ear closed with her middle fingertip.

"Hey," Emma's voice said. "Delaney puked all over herself and her bed right before we left. How bad would you kill us if we said we'll catch you next trip?"

Regina's brow furrowed, her concern for her goddaughter overshadowing her earlier annoyance. "No, that's fine. Take care of her. I wasn't feeling like staying out anyways."

"Alright, thanks," Emma paused and then, "God, it's loud there."

"Tell me about it." They said their goodbyes, and Regina put her phone in her coat pocket before looking back over at Robin, who gave her another small smile. Reaching for her glass, she took a sip of wine, thinking about how she was still hungry. Gathering some courage, she asked, "Well my date canceled. Where else would you suggest that has decent food to go along with the quiet?" He frowned, clearly not impressed she had been stood up, making her laugh. "I was just meeting friends."

His eyes widened perceptively and then that grin of his was back, his body turning towards hers, leaning in once again, to ask, "Well what do you like?"

"Anything but sushi."

His lips pursed, and another round of shouting had her grimacing. She was going to have a headache if she stayed there much longer. And then before she knew it, he was on his feet tossing money down on the bar and taking one of her hands, telling her to grab her purse and follow him. It went against her better judgment but she found her hand tightening around his as they made their way through the tightly packed crowd to the door, then stepped outside.

Without letting go of her hand, he turned to her, and she found her heart was beating hard in her chest. They didn't even know one another, and yet here she was letting a complete stranger pull her out of a bar and into an unfamiliar city without a care in the world. His voice was low, in the deafening quiet of the outside. "Regina, I know we've only known each other for..." He brought his free hand up, and shook his wrist so that the material of his flannel shirt pulled back enough to see his watch. "A little over ten minutes or so, and it may be forward and inappropriate to ask but, well if you can't take a chance tonight of all nights, when can you, eh? Sorry, I'm cocking this all up. Regina, will you have dinner with me?"

She raised a brow. Was he seriously asking her out? "On a date?"

His deep chuckle carried across the space between them making her belly flip. Oh, how she preferred the quiet so she could hear him. "Yes, exactly that."

Tilting her head to the side, she teased, "I'm not at home and you don't have any flowers."

His eyes held hers and he closed the distance with few steps that separated them he said, "Next time," he said with such promise it sent a shiver down her spine. She looked down between them, at her hand that was still in his. She wanted to tell him there wouldn't be a next time, but the words stuck thickly in her throat.

This was crazy. She didn't even know him. Looking up into his eyes, she thought about going back to her empty hotel and then her sister's voice was in her head, "You never live anymore, Regina. Not every man is going to be like Daniel."

She wouldn't call it living again exactly because after tonight she'd probably never see him again, but he was handsome, charming, and willing to take a chance on her. And for some reason she couldn't explain, she felt safe with him.

And for God's sake, it was Valentine's Day.

With his warm hand in hers and her most serious expression, she asked, "So that place, The Fort? Is it a real place?"

The Fort sat just southwest of Denver, situated on top of Red Rocks and settled up against the Rocky Mountains. The very rustic, western Spanish adobe was lit with lights which surrounded the fort, and inside, its interior reminiscent of a log cabin. They were seated at a table in the center of the restaurant. A white linen tablecloth, dark red napkins, and a single candle flickered between them. The light buzzing of conversations could be heard around them but nothing close to what they had endured before.

Looking over at her, he couldn't help but smile, still unable to believe where he was and how he'd gotten there. At his boldness, that seemingly had come from out of nowhere. But the moment she sat beside him at the pub, the moment she glanced into his eyes, he'd been captivated.

Talking to her, taking her hand, pulling her from the noise and into the street felt as easy for him as breathing. And when she asked if The Fort was a real place, he couldn't help how his heart swelled in his chest like a small flicker of hope.

He warned her it was a bit of a drive, twenty minutes at least, to which she shrugged and told him she didn't mind the drive if he didn't. He was sure he had been smiling like a fool as he led her down the street and to his truck, where he did just as he had said, opening the door for her before going around to his side.

With a bit of quick organizing, removing all his maps, topography mostly, from the center seat, shoving them in the back seat, with his boots, and gear… Regina, bless her hadn't said a word, but the high arch of her eyebrow and those pursed lovely red lips gave away her thoughts. Yes, he really needed to give this poor beast a good cleaning soon, and he told her as much, enjoying the way she agreed, with a simple hum. And with that, they were off.

They chatted on the way. Mostly about the weather and how warm the week had been. He even told her about the home he just bought just outside of the city and if he would have used his time better, he could have taken advantage of the weather and unpacked. He was babbling and she seemed to know it, that smile of hers doing nothing to hide the amusement in her eyes as he spoke.

When they arrived, her expression was what he hoped for. Her beautiful smile was all the assurance he needed to know he gotten it right, bringing her there. Getting out, he quickly came over to her side, and though she already opened the door, he took her hand helped her out nonetheless. He liked the feeling of her hand in his and it was for this reason he continued doing so even as they walked the short distance to to entrance.

Robin ordered them drinks. A Great Divide Ale for himself, and a Prickly Pear Sangria for her. The waitress brought them over pumpkin walnut bread to share, and they both enjoyed so much it was all but devoured by the time their drinks had arrived. They finished placing their orders and chatted easily enough for two strangers on an impromptu date. Soon his buffalo steak, vegetables, and roasted potatoes looked small in comparison to her plate of BBQ chicken tacos.

He watched her amused and slightly impressed as she ate. Robin thought for sure she would have ordered a salad or maybe even a wrap of some sort. It seemed to him every woman these days was on some sort of a no-carb diet, but not her. She took one look at the menu, those lovely dark eyes found exactly what they wanted and just like that she was ready.

Six small soft-shelled tacos on a hot plate, filled with pico, roasted corn, peppers and cheese, and she was in heaven. It wasn't long that she had three of them put away before he had even finished his steak. Shaking his head, he dug back into his meal.

"What?"

"Hmm?"

Her eyes rolled up to the ceiling before they fell back on him. "I saw that look."

He couldn't help the way his lips pulled up and he held up a finger while he finished his bite. "I was thinking I've never seen a woman eat so much."

He winced the moment the words left his mouth, realizing how they sounded. He very much wished the ground would open up underneath him as he waited for her reply.

Already in the middle of a mouthful, one of her dark eyebrows rose, and she gestured between them with a wave of her finger, until she swallowed. "You don't do this very often, do you?"

"That depends on what you mean by this?" he challenged with a teasing glint in his eyes. Thankfully, she didn't sound nor look angry, and his spirits rose.

Licking her lips, she tried not to smile as she picked up her second sangria. "Having dinner with a woman?"

"Ah." He wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Then you're right, I don't do this often. In all honesty, it's been a long while since I've had dinner with a beautiful, interesting woman."

Her lips pulled up even though it looked like she was trying to fight it. "You're already forgiven for the food comment, you know."

"That's a relief." He grinned at her, making her shake her head, a warm smile blooming. God, she was lovely. He didn't know how many times he'd said that to himself now, he'd lost count. "So, tell me something about you. Something other than your love for Mexican food."

She tilted her head, thoughtfully. "Some weekends I like to stay at home, eat ice cream and watch reruns of Gilmore Girls and The Office."

Somehow it was easy picturing her doing just that. He imagined her free of makeup, dark hair pulled back from her face, pantsuit gone, nothing but perhaps some cotton shorts and a tee. Robin like that image of her very much indeed. Taking her lead, and staying away from getting too personal too quickly, he said, "I admit I'm guilty of the same, although mostly I stick to Expedition Unknown and whatever happens to be playing on the sci-fi channel."

"Somehow that surprises me," she said before sipping her wine.

"Why's that?" he asked, then took the last bite of his steak.

"I expected something else I guess. Something more like the game you were watching earlier." Just as she finished, her brow furrowed and a thought seemed to strike her. "You didn't mind missing it?"

"Na, they'll be another." Not likely one as exciting as this one was, his mind finished, but he didn't voice. "I'm quite happy where I am." Her face softened, her dark eyes casting down to the table for a moment, a beautiful blush brightening her cheeks. Once again he was awe struck. She was stunning.

"So Robin," she began, setting her drink aside and crossing her arms in front of her on the table. "What is it you do?"

"I…" he started, mirroring her actions and then leaned forward, before continuing, "am an ecologist for the Colorado forestry department. Conservation and wildfire prevention mostly."

A smile spread those red lips. "You're a scientist."

"I am," he admitted feeling heat creep up his neck. "A bit nerdy, right?"

He'd heard it all before. In college especially, his love for science and nature ensured that didn't take long before he was considered one of the geeks, as it were. Though he had to admit, his involvement on the soccer team helped score him a bit more than points on the field. He almost smiled at that, and inwardly cringed. Christ, he was a shameless asshole if ever there was one.

Her hand rose, and her finger ran over the brim of her mason glass unaware of his thoughts, thank God. "I think it's charming. And it suits you."

"How's that?"

Her shoulders lifted and fell. Her eyes considering him thoughtfully. He didn't mind, not in the least. "The jeans, the flannel. I could see how well you'd look in the outdoors."

"I'm going to take that as a compliment," he said lifting his drink to his lips.

"You should, because it was," she replied, smiling that smile of hers that had his complete attention.

He moved his hand, letting it fall over hers, and grinned when she looked away. Immensely enjoying the blush the crept back into her cheeks. "And what about you? What do you do for a living?"

"I'm in sports medicine, but I specialize in dance therapy."

HIs brows lifted. Not that he knew much about physical therapists, but he'd had his fair share of spills over the years to know they were very valued in all kinds of sports. "Any specific kind of dance?"

"Ballet."

His brows lifted. "Impressive. Here in Denver or…"

"Boston, actually."

That… was not was he was expecting.

"Oh," he tried but failed to keep the disappointment from his tone. When she said she wasn't from the area he assumed she had meant she recently moved here or perhaps was from somewhere outside of the city. Not, as she was, half a country away. "Massachusetts, I take it."

"None other."

He wasn't sure if it was just him, or did even her smile seem to have dimmed. Swallowing, Robin said, "I hear it's lovely there this time of year."

Regina could tell Robin was taken back and upset by her revelation, and truth be told, she was too. After Daniel she never expected to share such a connection with someone. Not this easily and not with someone she'd known less than a day. There was just something about Robin, something about him that made her feel she had been missing a part of herself. She didn't know if it was him, or them, or if she was just missing being with someone.

Finishing up with their dinner, their bubbly waitress returned asking them about dessert.

"Dessert and one more drink?" he asked. His tone held something of a plea to it, and she found herself not wanting to end their evening just yet.

Her lips pulled up. "I have to leave tomorrow."

"Which is exactly why we should have one more. After all this is my only night to get to know you before you go flying back to Boston and I go back to having dinners alone."

Her face softened. Did the man have to be so adorable? "Alright, one more. On one condition."

"Anything." he told her.

"You tell me more about what you do." She smiled, remembering all the maps and muddy boots.

He smiled, agreeing happily. She listened as he talked through another drink and a shared piece of the chocolate chili bourbon cake. As it turned out, Robin not only helped aid the forest department against wildfires, he also was a part of keeping the streams clean and preserving the health of the Colorado parks.

When she had finally taken her last sip, her eyes met his. Neither wanted the night to end but it was inevitable. When they stood he helped her on with her jacket, his hand at the small of her back as they left.

Once they stepped outside, he took her hand again. She looked up to find him gazing at her, a smile and then a tilt of his head down the path that led around the back to the courtyard. Regina's stomach flipped, knowing what was to come.

She didn't have to wait long, stepping around the side of the restaurant, the view opened to the valley around them, the lights of the city shown from below. It was as beautiful as he described.

"If I had been waiting on a date, yours wins hands down."

He laughed. "I'm glad you had a good time." Turning away from the view, he faced her. "Thank you for this evening. For agreeing to accompany me on our date. I think most people would call us both…"

"Crazy?" she interjected, because it was and because he looked so nervous standing there.

He chuckled and bit his lip. "Yes, exactly."

She still could believe how the night turned out. If she didn't know any better she'd say it was all setup somehow. Emma was clever and meddling but not enough to pull something like this off. Then she thought of fate and almost snorted out loud. If it had been fate they wouldn't be separated by thousands of miles.

Instead of cursing fate, she decided to be thankful for what the were offered. This one night together. "Thank you for asking me. It's been a long time since I've been asked to go out."

"Somehow I find that hard to believe."

"That I don't date a lot?"

"That you're not taken by now." His voice was hushed as if speaking the words would somehow take her away from him right then.

She sighed. That feeling of injustice clawed at her once again. Then she thought about his words from earlier. How he would kiss her at the end of the night. She wasn't sure if he had been but she had thought about kissing him all night. Yet it wasn't until then, until she was looking up into his eyes that she made the decision if he didn't soon, she would cross the line she'd been hoping he would make when he dropped her in front of her hotel. Call her impatient, but Regina found herself not wanting to wait.

They had such a good time tonight. And come to find out Robin was more than just handsome. He was warm and considerate, bold and assertive, and most of all, he made her laugh. Something she lacked in her previous relationship, something she craved now. And damn it, she liked him.

Time ticked by, her remaining hours here were dwindling faster than she liked. But there was still some time, and for the first time in a long time she wanted to feel something again. Something with him.

Licking her lips, she watched as his gaze fell. His own tongue darting out to wet his own lips, and she knew he wanted the same. His hands came up, and her breath caught in her chest as he slowly cupped her face between them, his fingers tangling in her hair. Her eyes closed and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She felt his warm lips on hers. They were slow and gentle at first, then her mouth softened and she parted her lips enough to let him slip his tongue between them and he wasted no time. Greedily he took from her as much as he could.

She gasped at the feel, and soon her hands were on his elbows, running up his biceps and pulling him closer to her.

It wasn't until long moments later, when they broke apart to take in lungfuls of air, foreheads falling softly together, did she give voice to her thoughts. "How close is that new house of yours?"

He leaned back so he could see into her eyes, looking for any sign that he might have misheard her or misinterpreted her words. "Close," he huffed. And just before his head dipped down once more, added, "But before that…"

Her eyes closed, and she could feel the heat pool in her belly, as he kissed her once more.

He'd just bought his home, spent a total of ten nights in it. There are boxes everywhere. One box in the kitchen had been opened just because he'd needed a fork for his take away. The only places which held a semblance of normalcy were his bathroom and bedroom. At least those held towels and clothes and a very unmade bed that he would be ashamed for if he wasn't preoccupied by the woman in his arms.

He hadn't been with many women. There was his first in secondary school, Catherine. They'd been together for a little over a year until they went off their separate ways after graduation. Then Marian, who he had been with since second-year college, except, God help him, that blonde lass he couldn't remember her name, when Marian decided they needed a break while she "found herself" in America. That should have been his first clue, looking back, but he had no desire to rehash old memories. Not now, not ever.

And certainly not now with Regina.

Finally, after so long feeling as though he was missing something. Something he couldn't put into words -something inexplicable, he felt like he found it.

And yet, Robin felt like he knew what that was.

It was her.

When she pulled herself from her heavy sleep it was with his arm around her middle and his warm breath on her neck. The sun hadn't come up yet. She was still on east coast time, used to rising at six to be at work by nine. The seductive pull of sleep tempted her, but if she stayed there with him there would be questions. Questions she wasn't ready to face.

Things like, how much they enjoyed their night together and what were the chances they could do it again sometime. In fact, she was sure if she stayed they would take more time to enjoy each other once more before she had a chance to leave. She knew he liked her, and if last night was any indication she was sure he'd try and find a way to continue with them somehow.

His grip on her tightened, his warm calloused hand on her belly drifted up just below her breasts. Closing her eyes she let herself enjoy the feel of strong chest against her back, of being held after being alone for so long. She felt his lips on her back, kissing her before turning onto his back, and she froze and didn't move until she heard his heavy even breathing once again. She had her opportunity to leave, but for some reason it felt difficult. Which was absolutely ridiculous because she didn't even know him. Maybe this whole thing between them didn't mean to him what it had meant for her. Maybe waking up with her gone would be a relief for him?

Carefully she sat up, blinking into the darkness for her clothes, which if she remembered correctly, were somewhere in the hall. Rising to her feet she paused, waiting to see if he would wake, but when he didn't she couldn't help how disappointed she felt. With one last look at him, she took in his gentle face and his soft snore. She longed to reach out and brush the hair back from his forehead, to kiss his soft lips once more, but deep down she knew it would only make it harder to go.

Swallowing hard, Regina whispered a goodbye, and left the room, shutting the door behind her with a regretful finality.