A/N: I originally wanted to write something similar to this a while ago but never had the inspiration until I stumbled across an AU idea on Twitter (outlawqueenau) and it kind of just clicked. So here's this new FF which I hope you enjoy. Also, y'all need to thank GinaScrive because if it wasn't for her, y'all would've ended up with Google translated sentences that would've made no absolute sense! (Also for the title!).

A/N2: Aside from Operation Creating Hope, other FFs are on hiatus until my writer block for them disappears. I also just wanna point out that I won't be updating as frequent as I used to, I'm a little busy but I'll update whenever I can :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time nor its characters (sadly). However, I do own the idea behind this story and certain character that are unknown to the Once Fandom, also I own my terrible mistakes!

The Rustic Baker.

It was a nice little local bistro, just down the street from his apartment building. He often went there, before and after his long shifts at the Blanchard & Co.

Being a security guard wasn't the easiest job in the world but it wasn't a hard one either. All he did was hang behind a desk, observe those walking in and out, rarely was he forced to get physical. It all depended on the days and people really. Some were easy to deal with and well, others were days from hell. The bistro was his little getaway, a place he would go to unwind and let go of the stress piling up on his shoulders and weighing him down. He would forget about them, momentarily, as he sat and ate his all-time favorite strawberry cheese (it wasn't often that he ordered actual meals) and chased it down with his regular bitter, black coffee. He did that today just like did every other day. It wasn't anything special until she walked in. That mysterious brunette who stole his breath away from first glance.

She stepped inside with the brightest smile curled over her burgundy lips, and my God, did she have the most beautiful smile he'd seen. She walked over toward Ruby, the barista, hips swaying ever-so-slightly and she placed her order with enthusiasm. A cheerful glow in her body language. He watched her shift half her weight from one heeled foot to another as she talked, engaged in whatever conversation she was having with the younger brunette, and he didn't want to eavesdrop but he wanted to listen. Merely to hear her and how she sounded — as creepy as that might seem being said out loud. Being at the very corner of the bistro was never an issue, until now. He admired her silently, her beauty was unlike he'd seen before, it was radiant, extraordinary; was she even real? He had to blink a couple of times to reassure himself that he wasn't imagining figures again.

Her shoulder-length, raven hair curled at the very tips of it; it looked as if it was made out of silk and he had the desire to run his fingers through it. Her eyes — although he sat far — he could tell they were brown. What shade of it was a mystery though, just like her. It created a strong urge inside of him to gaze into them. He moved to the rest of her features, they weren't crystal clear from his spot but when she stuck her tongue out to wet her lips, he found himself so captivated by her that he unintentionally mimicked her.

It wasn't lust, there was no way what he felt was lust. It was more. He could've swore it was love from first sight, if he believed in that but he didn't, and it couldn't be that even if it was true. It must be something else, and he didn't know what it was but then she caught him off guard, throwing her head back slightly and laughing aloud alongside Ruby, and God…she was indeed breathtaking. He held his breath and stared at her, the sound of her laughter faint among the music playing in the background and chattering and babbling of the people he almost forgot existed when his focus fell on her. But it was contagious. He found himself lowering his head and turning away to hide the light snicker that erupted out of him. He didn't know why he laughed, but he did.

He turned and looked at her again, watched her pick up her tray and walked toward the nearest, untaken table and his blue eyes grew wide. She was walking toward him. He pursed his parted lips and thickly swallowed the lump jammed in his throat. He straightened his posture and prepared himself incase she notices him but she didn't. Although she sat on the table right across him, she sat with her back given to him. She didn't notice him, just he didn't notice the handful of people that were still in the bistro.

Well, this had to be the most embarrassing thing he experienced since calling his second grade teacher, Mom. He only hoped no one noticed but of course with a luck like his, of course someone did and that someone had to be Ruby.

"Cockblocked," she scoffed quietly as she walked past him and he glared, sinking deeper into his chair, bashful. His whole face flushed and although the barista was wrong, he wasn't trying to get into the brunette's pants, he did feel as if he was cockblocked, in a way.

"I wasn't trying to lure her into my bed," he spat, keeping his voice low enough only for the two of them to hear. "I was…I was just dumbstruck by her beauty." He confessed.

"She is pretty," Ruby agreed, gathering the dirty mugs and plates from the table beside his. She'd known Robin for about two years now, she sees him here almost everyday. They started out as any staff-costumer would, with that fake politeness and forced smiles but then, only in a matter of few months, it change to him being called by his last name and her by her first. They bantered and bickered like a brother and sister, they were like the siblings neither of them had.

"You know her?" He asked, taking a careful sip out of his steaming coffee.

Ruby hummed to confirm, "She's almost a regular," she explained.

"I've never seen her here before," he frowned, furrowing his brows. He gave the mysterious brunette a swift glance then returned his attention to his friend.

"She's usually here when you aren't, dumbass." She told him and leaned against the table, rolling her eyes at him. "I'm surprised she came this early today, normally she'd be here half an hour before we close." She explained, and he puckered his lips, mindlessly nodding his head. He heard her, every word she said but he couldn't help but get lost in the thought of the brunette sitting infront of him. Ruby scowled, swatting his arm and he winced, "She's out of your league," she pointed out before glancing up at the clock hanging above his head and sighing, "Anyways, I gotta go before Granny flips and starts going crazy."

"I hope she smacks you with the pan across your face," he called out after her and she playfully stuck her tongue out at him, yelling Karma's a bitch and he chuckled, watching her grin and walk back behind the counter.

Robin tried. He tried so hard to mind his own business but five minutes later he found himself standing up on his feet and making his way toward her, leaving behind his long forgotten, now-cold coffee and half eaten cheesecake. It was as if an invisible force was dragging him toward her, and he didn't fight it. (He didn't want to). He stood infront of her but she paid him no attention, unintentionally, he noticed. She was thoroughly observed in the book she was reading. "Hi," he croaked, his eyes widening at how his own voice came out. Pathetic, he thought. He cleared his throat and tried again, "Hi there." He said and this time he grasped her attention, and good Lord in heaven, she was even prettier up close. Her eyes had this sparkle in them, and he was exaggerating, they really did have that sparkle. She smiled at him but didn't utter a single word, "Is—is this seat taken?" He asked and furrowed her brows, tilting her head slightly to the side. She looked at him as if he spoke gibberish, and he was certain that was more than enough to turn him into a walking tomato. "I…can I sit here?" He asked again, this time pointing his finger at himself then motioning it toward the chair across her, and she chuckled, forcing another lump in his throat. One would think he's a virgin by how nervous he was around her. As if he never asked anyone out on a date before.

"Sí"

Wait, what?

Robin gawked, blinking his widened eyes. That…that…was she…oh God, she didn't speak English, did she? He wetted his lips and took the seat across her, forcing a polite smile to hide the fact that he was a nervous wreck. Of course the woman he wanted to ask out didn't speak English, that just his luck after all.

"How are you?" He attempted, hoping that maybe he was wrong and maybe she did know English but he was right. She didn't know.

"¿Perdón?" Sorry? She told him, and he silently cursed himself. His bad luck and all but still, he didn't give up.

"Okay?" He asked, holding up a thumb and it drew a sweet laugh out of her, she gave him an expression of uncertainty and shrugged her shoulders.

"Lo siento, no entiendo lo que dice." I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean, she said, tucking a stray lock behind her ear. She closed her book and slid it back into her back. Giving him more of her attention.

Robin opened his mouth to speak again when Ruby interrupted, bending down and whispering his ear as she passed by, "Did I forget to mention that she doesn't speak English?" She asked, so innocently that if he didn't know her well, he would've believed she's an angel, no halo above her head required to prove it. She grinned at him and responded with a glare.

This was hopeless, and he should really consider letting it go but there was something about this woman that tugged him toward her, an aura surrounding her that hypnotized him. So he gave it another try, what was there to lose aside from time? He pulled out his phone, swiped open the screen and immediately turned to his only hope. Google translate. Of course, this wasn't the greatest idea because he heard things about it, how disloyal this app can be at times but what other choices did he have at this points?

He cleared his throat and gave it his best shot, hoping by doing this he wouldn't offend her or accidentally call her something he truly wouldn't mean. "Mi no…nombre—" He paused, cringing at his own pronunciation before continuing, "es Robin?" He said, quickly mutter an apology if by any chance she found this offensive but instead, she laughed. A wholeheartedly laugh and he blushed but also smiled. He was embarrassed but also proud of himself for making her laugh. He was relieved that his attempt didn't anger her.

"Regina," she introduced herself back.

"Regina," he repeated with a smile, testing the sound of her name on his tongue and it sounded wonderful. More than wonderful if he could think of a word that's better but at this point, he couldn't think straight. It worked, he quietly praised Google Translate and tried again. "¿Có…mo e…estás?" He asked hesitantly and she grinned.

"Bad español," she said, pointing her finger at him and he felt his cheeks heat up. The only thing he understood, he wished he didn't.

"I'm sorry," he chuckled nervously, scratching the nape of his neck.

"Estoy bien, gracias," I'm fine, thanks, she smiled, a big one that bared her pearly white teeth, and he mirrored it.

There was an awkward silence between them after it, for a minute or two they sat staring at one another, unsure of what to say. He was about to excuse himself when it hit him. Ruby, she was talking to her earlier and since Regina didn't speak English, it only meant that Ruby spoke Spanish. He grinned. Jackpot. Lifting his hand, he gestured for the younger woman to come over, he watched her from afar, puffing out a huff and saying something to Granny, probably promising to return in a moment.

"Yes, Locksley?" Ruby gritted, folding her arms across her chest as she stood by their table.

"Grab a seat," Robin offered and she arched a brow at him, "go on," he pressed, flashing her a wide, cheeky grin.

Ruby huffed, she stole a chair from the table beside them and slumped down between them, "What?" She questioned, unamused.

"Regina—" He began, watching his friend's eyes grow wide slightly, most likely surprised that he actually got a name out of the mysterious brunette. Well, he surprised himself too. He continued, "As I was saying, Regina and I would love to have a conversation but as you already know, the only thing I know in Spanish is tacos."

"And what does that have to do with me?" Ruby asked, crossing one leg over the other.

"You see, I'm thankful she won't understand anything I'm going to say now because it might sound a tad creepy." He glanced over at Regina who sat there with confusion on her face, he offered her a smile then turned back to Ruby. "I've been watching her ever since she stepped a foot inside, and do you know what I noticed aside from how beautiful she is?" Ruby shook her head, creasing her brows. "I noticed that you speak Spanish." He told her and Ruby's eyes grew big again, she hurried to get up but he clicked his tongue and smirked, grabbing her hand and tugging her back down. "Oh no, where do you think you're going?"

"Remember that time I lied to Granny and told her you were having a Harry Potter marathon with me when truth is, you were out partying?" He reminded and she froze.

Ruby groaned. Strangling him was too tempting right now. "What do you want?"

"I want you to be our personal translator."

She scoffed, snorted and shook her head, "Nope," she crossed her arms over her chest, "no chance."

"Well then, we'll see how Granny will react once all your lies are exposed." He said, and just as he stood to go ahead with his threat, she jumped up to her feet, ready to follow him.

"Wait," she snarled, her shoulders sagged and she sighed in defeat. "Fine."

Ruby explained the situation to Regina, asking permission and whether or not she was comfortable with this. To her surprise, she was down for it, and almost as eager as Robin. Ruby groaned internally and cursed her luck. Karma was a bitch alright, turning against her instead of Robin. Bastards. She sighed and began.

It started with simple questions. Little things to get to know one another, some were too cheesy, Ruby couldn't help but roll her eyes at them. He asked her about her favorite drink, and while he meant hot beverages, a certain coffee for example, she mistook it for alcohol and began listening the cocktails she liked, cocktails she hated and cocktails she thinks of trying in the future but by far, the apple martini was her favorite. It worried him, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't think she could be an alcoholic. He corrected her and the tables turned, it was her trying to hide her reddened cheeks, and it was one of the most adorable things he'd seen.

She asked about him, and where he was from. "Your accent is funny." Ruby translated, and he told her. He was born and raised in England with a British mother and an American father, they divorced when he was only ten years old. And while he lived with his mother, he didn't lose contact with his dad and eventually when he was done with school, he decided to move to New York and make up for the lost time with his old man. He asked about her, teasing her by claiming her accent was just as funny when in reality, he loved it. She spoke in Spanish, and while he barely understood a thing, he was mesmerized by the way she talked, her voice, the way the words left her mouth. Everything about it made it hard for him to pay attention to anything but that and when she attempt to speak in English, she sounded almost like that actress…Gosh, what was she called? Sofia! Sofia Vergara! Yes, she sounded like her, it was funny yet cute at the same time. He definitely wouldn't tire of listening to her talk.

Regina told him. She was half Puerto Rican and half well, unknown. Her father had a one night stand with a woman once and nine months later there was a knock on his door, and behind that door was a basket with a crying baby swaddled in it. Her. He could've given her up, threw her away because he was in no condition to take care of himself, let alone a baby. He was a drunk who lived in a filthy one bedroom apartment but instead he took her in and tried his best to change his life around. And he did. For her.

Everything was great and wonderful but they didn't have much. They often went to bed on empty stomachs or a simple loaf of bread or sometimes even stolen leftovers from restaurants. She owned a couple of outfits, most were sewed and resewed with patches of different fabrics and children made fun of her when she walked down the street or went to the park. And although she brushed it off, her father felt guilty for not being able to provide her with more. Unfortunately, his liver failed and he suffered a heart attack when she had just turned thirteen and that's where she stopped her story with a sad smile but he could tell, it was just a mask to stop herself from crying because tears swam in her glassy eyes. It was hard not to notice.

To lighten up the mood and ease the tension in the air surrounding them, he told her about the incident that happened just a week ago when he was out with his two friends, John and Jefferson to celebrate the 5th birthday of Jefferson's daughter, Grace at the zoo. To him, it was rather boring but he promised the little girl and he was an honorable man, he never breaks a promise. They made their way toward the llamas and that's where things took a turn to the better. John excitedly stood close by the railing and urged him to snap a picture as one llama approached, he grinned and just as Robin was about to take the picture, the llama spat on his friend's face.

This made Regina laugh, Ruby too. And it made him smile.

"Ask her if she would like to go on a date with me." Robin pulled his lower lip between his teeth, nervously shaking his leg under the table. It was unhealthy and irritating, he knew it but he couldn't help it.

Ruby was shocked, a date? She'd known this man for almost two years and not once did he ask a girl on date without being pressured by someone. She licked her lips and looked at Regina, "¿Te gustaría ir a una cita con él?"

Shifting her gaze from the younger brunette to the blue eyed man infront of her, Regina found herself blushing at the thought of it. She was hesitant, uncertain of whether or not she should agree to this but she did enjoy speaking to him, so what's the harm in giving it a try? She wetted her lips and sucked the lower one between her teeth, giving him a bashful smile, she nodded her head, "Sí."

Ruby opened her mouth to translate for one last time when Robin interrupted her, "I know what she said," he beamed, he was grinning so big his cheeks were starting hurt but he was happy. Oh he was so happy.

They set the date, three days from now on Saturday night where they both were free. The location wasn't hard to settle on, it would be in the bistro of course. Where else would they find a free translator? Ruby groaned at her bad luck again, murmuring some curses as she walked away, hurrying behind the counter before either of them stopped her again.

They parted outside but not before he wished her a goodnight and planted a kiss to her knuckle, and in return she pressed her lips over his stubbled cheek and murmured, "Buenas noches," before she left. Shooting him one last glance from over her shoulder.

And God, maybe he was in love after all.

A/N: Don't forget to review, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.