On the day it was announced that Sean was coming back to ONCE someone shouted this out on Twitter and yet again … this will be a challenge that I'm taking on. I'm thinking it will be about three parts. I believe the prompt went something like . . . ghosty, smutty, #OutlawQueen. I ended up changing it b/c how the hell can a ghost get it on with a live person? So, you'll see. Hope you guys like. I'm stoked about Sean being on screen again – I don't care if it's just flashbacks. I want #OutlawQueen closure. I hope this isn't lame . . . Let's get to work.
IN MY SLEEP
PART ONE
Regina's eyes opened quickly and she sat up in bed. She placed a hand over her heart and realized that she was having trouble breathing. She attempted to catch her breath and it took a minute or two. This started happening a few nights ago. She would fall asleep and then wake up in a panic. It was because she was hearing and seeing Robin in her dreams and they were becoming more vivid and intense. The first night; she saw his face – just his face. His eyes were smiling at her and he would bite down on his lip as he stared at her. Then, the next night she heard his voice; whispering her name, telling her she was beautiful and declaring his love. Tonight, was completely different though. Tonight, he touched her. He reached out; grasped her hand in his and it was as if she actually felt his fingers holding hers tightly in his palm. Sometimes, when he was alive; he would run his fingertips over her palm and then she would turn his hand over and do the same to him. They would do this when they were bored or watching television or in the afterglow of lovemaking. Before she woke; he'd leaned down and kissed the top of her hand. He had glanced up one final time and said softly "This is real. I miss you so much Regina but you have to believe – this is real. I'm here." Then, she'd woken up. This was the most vivid dream she'd had of him. Especially, since his words couldn't be true. Robin was gone. He was dead and even though Henry believed Hades had lied; part of her figured this was how she was grieving. She wasn't ready to let him go. He was her soulmate and she just wasn't ready to be without him. So, she saw him in her dreams and that was completely fine with her. She took a shower to prepare for the day but noticed that she was moving quite slowly. But, Regina didn't want to think about that right now – she just needed to get through the day.
She was exhausted. Issues all over town, new people, and something far worse than she'd ever expected . . . The Evil Queen. She didn't want to think about it anymore. Her back hurt, and there was a headache forming. She decided to do something she hadn't done in a while - she drew herself a bath. Henry was at Emma's, so she was completely alone tonight.
She needed to try and relax but the minute she closed her eyes in the tub; she remembered her dream from the night before. Robin's fingers gliding over hers, his lips pressing against the top of her hand; she cleared her throat and opened her eyes. She missed him. Regina didn't realize losing her Soul Mate would be so painful. She knew it would be difficult, but she didn't know she would feel actual physical loss and pain. Losing Daniel was agonizing but this . . . this was ten times worse. Tears were rolling down her cheeks and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. After a few slow, deep breaths she decided she better get out. Regina stood and carefully stepped out of the tub, drained it and then once she was dried off she tossed a black nightgown over her head. She was physically exhausted and knew that sleep would take her easily. She prayed for a dreamless night and when she finally got into bed and laid down . . .
Regina sensed someone in the room and for a moment was somewhat frightened. She sat up quickly and realized she was still in bed and dressed in her black nightgown. Everything seemed normal but when she glanced over at the door; her eyes widened because Robin was standing with a huge smile on his face in the doorway. She shook her head "Not again. I can't keep doing this," she said somewhat angrily as she lay back down and forced her eyes closed.
She was startled when she felt the mattress dip and when she opened her eyes Robin was still smiling at her and sitting on the bed "Stop being stubborn. I told you . . . I'm really here," he said.
She let out a breath "No, you're dead so this is not real."
He reached down and took her hand "If this weren't real . . . would you feel this," he asked as his lips coasted over the top of her fingers like the night before. She looked at his clothes and he was wearing exactly what he'd been wearing the morning after they made love in her vault. Secretly, she'd always loved everything he wore but those clothes – were her favorite. Mostly, because of the night they'd shared "I can hear you thinking. Why don't you believe me," he asked.
She ripped her hand away "Because, I saw you. Robin, you died. We buried you. It's been awful and this must be my way of coping because I miss you so much. This can't be real," she said as she finally sat up and leaned back against the headboard.
"I know," he whispered as he moved closer to her on the bed. "I've seen everything and I'm so sorry," he said as he placed a hand on the side of her head. She closed her eyes as his fingers drifted through her hair "There are so many things I want to say to you. But you must believe me; I was not obliterated into nothingness. Hades lied about that. I'm somewhere else. I can't really say . . . or explain it. But, I wanted you to know that I've seen everything and that I'm with you."
Regina opened up her eyes and he was still carting his fingers through her hair "I cut it," she said softly.
He smiled "I know. It's lovely," he said as he leaned closer and placed his lips on the side of her face.
She was somewhat startled "Robin, how can I feel all of this? Am I dreaming? What's going on here?"
He whispered into her ear "We're soulmates. We will always be connected. I can't explain this," he said as his lips began to move down her cheek and then she turned her head slightly and his mouth began to graze down her neck.
She closed her eyes, bit her lip and couldn't help the moan that escaped her lips "This can't be happening. This . . . it can't," she said softly.
Robin chuckled and pulled back to stare into her eyes "I'll have you believing sooner or later," he teased.
"How long will we have this," she asked.
"I don't know," he admitted.
"There are some things you need to know. Roland, he went back. I miss him. I wish they'd stayed. I wish they'd all stayed," she said.
"I know," he said. "It's alright. You did what you thought was best. You're a wonderful mother Regina."
"Robyn . . . she's with Zelena."
"I know," he said.
"I tried. I tried to have them here but . . ."
"You don't have to explain my love. I know," he said softly as he finally pulled her against his chest. She wrapped her arms around him and they held one another. She couldn't believe this. Regina knew in her heart she'd wake up and he would be gone but would he come back? How much time did they have? Was this a gift? She had so many questions. Robin kissed her forehead and she couldn't help that her eyes were watering "Don't cry," he said. "It'll be alright. You are the strongest woman I have ever met. Everything will be fine."
She stared into his face and said seriously "I love you."
He rubbed his nose against her "I love you . . . so much. You are the great love of my life Regina." Tears were now running down her face "Please don't cry. I'll see you soon," he said. He kissed away her tears and she wiped her face.
"Do you have to go now," she asked.
"Yes, you should get some rest or you won't be able to function tomorrow." She lay back against the pillows and Robin continued to hold her hand "We'll talk more. Just rest," he said as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. She smiled up at him and he made a face at her "What is it?"
"You owe me a proper kiss . . . thief," she teased.
He smiled "I think that can be arranged," he said softly as he leaned down and finally took her mouth. Regina couldn't help but moan as Robin's lips moved over hers. It was like coming home again. She opened her mouth slightly and his tongue coasted and sucked and she couldn't help herself; she pulled him down on top of her. Robin laughed as his lips nipped and licked on her bottom lip and her arms encircled his neck. She heard him groan as their kisses became heated; she felt her nipples tightening against her nightgown and when his fingers touched her exactly there – she pulled back slightly and whispered his name "God, you are so beautiful," he said as he placed his forehead against hers "This is getting a little intense."
She smiled "Well, we are soulmates," she teased as she kissed him one more time.
Robin pulled back and she pouted "Go to sleep. I'll see you soon. I don't know when but . . . I promise we'll see each other again."
"Alright; I love you," she whispered.
"I love you," he said as he kissed her forehead and then walked toward the door of her bedroom. She continued to watch him "Regina; go to sleep," he said somewhat sternly. She nodded and lay down and then turned on her side. She closed her eyes and then . . .
Regina sat up quickly. She immediately placed her fingers over her mouth. She didn't feel anything but when she stood to get out of bed – she was dizzy. She went to the bathroom and then downed a glass of water. She knew it was silly but then she walked around the house. She remembered the entire dream. From the moment Robin entered her bedroom until he kissed her and then left. Regina remembered every single moment. She was confused but at the same time ecstatic. How was this possible? They'd visited different realms and lands before but in the dream world . . . and Robin died. He is truly dead . . . unless he isn't and he's somewhere else? But, he wouldn't tell her. Or, he didn't know? She had a long day ahead of her; so she took a shower, got dressed and ready for work and then headed to the diner to meet Snow for breakfast.
Four nights . . . Regina hadn't seen Robin for four nights. She wondered if it was because Henry was in the house or if it was because he was concerned about her health. After the last time she saw him; she hadn't felt well. She was lethargic for a whole day and her magic was wavering. Since Robin said he could see what was going on; that's probably why he wasn't coming around. It was so like him. To be concerned and worried; to treat her carefully and tenderly but she missed him and she hoped he'd be back soon. A few people had noticed that something was off about her but she couldn't admit what had happened – just yet. She assumed they'd think she was crazy. So, for now she was keeping all of this to herself. She was fine with it though. Regina got ready for bed. She dressed in a red nightgown tonight. She was actually tired. She snuggled under the covers and let out a breath – she needed sleep . . .
There was no way it was morning already. She groaned and then heard someone chuckling beside her. She glanced to the right and Robin was lying next to her "I hope I didn't startle you," he said as he kissed her cheek and reached for her hand. She laced her fingers with his and nodded "You're tired tonight. I shouldn't be here," he said softly.
"I missed you. I wondered when you'd be back," she replied.
He shrugged "I could tell after the last time you were drained. I don't want this to affect you Regina. People rely on you."
"I know," she said as she turned on her side and glanced into his face.
"What is it," he asked.
"I'm just curious about this still; how is this happening and where exactly are we? Is this really a dream? Or, are we in another realm perhaps?"
He smiled "You are brilliant. You know that right? Always so inquisitive and clever," he said as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"Robin, I'm serious. Is this dangerous? Are you really dead or are you somewhere else?"
He pulled her next to him and she was now lying against his chest; his fingers continuing to drift through her hair and he let out a breath "To be completely honest; I don't know the details. Yes, my body is gone. So, technically I am dead but . . ."
"But . . ."
"My soul . . . it's not gone. I believe the reason we can do this; is because we are connected. Soul Mates have the strongest bond of anyone. So, I've been told. That's how I am able to be here with you like this. I can't explain it. I don't know how long this will last. But, Regina no matter what happens; I didn't go away. I'm alright," he said softly.
"It's just so strange," she whispered.
"I agree."
"What else do we need to talk about," she asked. "Who are you talking to? What do you know?"
He chuckled "Well, if we are being completely honest. I'm not really in the mood to talk," he said. "But, I know you're tired and if we . . . you'll have a difficult day tomorrow."
She sat up on her elbow "If we . . . what exactly," she said carefully.
He smiled "I don't know. I have no idea how this works."
"I think you're right . . . Thief. I think we should stop talking," she said as she leaned down and began to kiss his neck.
He laughed "Yes, milady. Whatever you say," he said as he turned his head. Regina wasn't sure how this would work but she decided just to focus on Robin. Her lips moved down his neck and he groaned as she straddled his lap. He always wore the same thing when she saw him and she wasted no time in saying "I want this tank top off." He lifted his arms and she took it off and tossed it to the floor. Finally, she kissed him and she could feel Robin instantly harden beneath her. It was slightly alarming but she shook the thought from her head and continued kissing him. She was already wet and ready but could they really do this? He flipped her over quickly and she laughed "It's your turn. Lift up your arms," he said. Regina did what he asked and Robin's eyes roamed over hers as she was now naked before him "My God, you never cease to amaze me," he said seriously as he gently cupped one of her breasts in his hand.
His lips kissed and sucked each of her nipples. He moved back and forth and Regina ran her hands through his hair as he continued caressing her.
His mouth coasted up to her neck and he couldn't help it – he sucked harder. Regina knew he would leave a mark but she didn't care. God, he felt good. So, good; she didn't even care about the pain. It was going to bruise and she didn't care. His lips came off her neck and he hotly pressed his mouth against hers. He grabbed her hands and placed them above her head and she moaned as his kisses slowed and then became tender "I love you," he whispered against her mouth. "I will love you forever; wherever we are." She glanced up into his face and he leaned down and rubbed his nose against hers "Regina, I wanted you to be my wife," he admitted as tears began to actually fall down his cheeks.
She was staring into his eyes "Oh' Robin . . ."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it like that but I needed to get it out."
She motioned for him to lay back down and she put her head on his chest "This isn't fair," she said quietly. "I know I should be grateful for the time I have with you but we could have built a life together. We already had." She gripped his hand tightly "I would have said yes. I would have married you."
He sat up quickly and she scooted over and back onto her elbow "Truly? You would have?"
She smiled "Of course Robin. I love you," she replied. "We belong together." He kissed her quickly and lay back down and she snuggled against his chest again.
He groaned "It's getting late. I've been here too long. You'll be very tired and drained tomorrow. I really should go."
"Are you sure I'll see you again?"
"Yes, I promise. Don't ask me how I know. It's just a feeling. Don't be upset but I'm going to wait before I come back again. I want you to rest. I've seen what's been going on," he said softly.
"The Evil Queen," she said as she gripped his hand.
"You're stronger than her Regina. You just have to believe. I have faith in you. I must go." He stood and kissed her forehead.
He turned to leave and she pulled him back down for another kiss "Wait," she said against his mouth as her tongue moved over his. He laughed and then kissed her a few more times and then finally stood up and walked toward the door "I love you," she said.
He smiled "I love you. I'll see you soon," he said. She watched as he walked out her bedroom door and she somehow managed to closer her eyes . . .
Regina opened her eyes and looked around the room; her alarm was blaring and she finally rolled over to turn it off. She glanced at the clock and it was nine. She'd overslept. Her head felt heavy as if she was suffering from a very bad hangover and she was thirsty. She'd waited for ten whole minutes and was finally able to get out of bed and go to the bathroom where she slowly, showered, eventually dressed and headed down to the kitchen. It was then that she realized it was Friday and for the first time probably . . . ever she decided to work from home. After eating a hearty breakfast of eggs and whole wheat toast; she managed to make a few calls and then take a moment in the kitchen to herself. Robin was right. Her and Robin being together was really starting to affect her physically. She felt drained but part of her didn't care. He'd kissed her, held her in his arms and . . . it was then she realized that she hadn't looked for the mark on her neck. She went to the bathroom and when she looked in the mirror; she couldn't help but laugh out loud. Regina just didn't have one mark on her neck – she had several. She decided she'd better get some work done. So, she was lost in paperwork for a few hours and then finally it was lunch time. Her stomach was actually growling and very hungry. She assumed it was another side effect; her body was experiencing. She was making her chicken salad when the doorbell rang. Regina was surprised to see Snow on the other side "I'm sorry to bother you but you weren't at your office," she said.
"Is anything wrong," Regina asked.
"No, I just wanted to know if you wanted to have lunch together."
"Come in. I'm making chicken salad," she said as she moved out of the way for Snow to enter "I'll make you a sandwich and I have fruit also."
They entered the kitchen and Snow leaned against the counter "You're sure it's no trouble?"
"No, of course not; I overslept today and I decided to work from home," Regina explained.
"Have you ever done that," Snow asked.
Regina smiled "No, I can't say that I have." She fixed her step-daughter's sandwich and passed it over to her and began making one for herself "There's iced tea in the refrigerator. Help yourself."
Snow grabbed two glasses out of the cabinet "Are you feeling alright? You look a little tired."
"I'm okay. I am tired," she admitted.
Snow was staring at her and Regina realized she hadn't covered her neck "What is that?"
"It's nothing," she replied.
"Regina is that . . ."
"I can explain. It's not what you think."
"Are you seeing someone already? You can't be," Snow said.
"No, I'm definitely not seeing anyone. Maybe, we should sit down in the living room," Regina suggested. They grabbed their plates, glasses and Snow couldn't stop looking at her neck "Stop staring. I can explain." They sat on the sofa and Regina cleared her throat "I guess I need to tell someone what's been going on. It's just . . . I'm going to sound crazy."
Snow smiled "Try me," she said.
Regina let out a breath "Alright, I've been seeing Robin in my dreams but . . . they aren't really dreams."
"I don't follow."
"He's been able to talk to me, touch me and kiss me," Regina said carefully.
Snow peered at her "Are you saying that . . . Robin left that hickey on your neck."
"Yes," she replied softly.
"How is this possible," Snow asked.
"I really don't know but Robin says it's a Soul Mate thing." Regina grabbed Snow's hand "Henry was right. Robin wasn't obliterated into nothingness. He's alright. His soul survived but for some reason he can visit me in my dreams. We've talked and I don't know how long it will last. He says eventually he'll have to leave but for now . . . we're on borrowed time."
Snow as in shock "This is incredible. Is that why you look so tired?"
Regina nodded "Yes, spending time with him drains me. That's why he doesn't come every night he says he's seen everything that's been going on. He could be here now come to think of it. But, it won't last forever and . . . we have a lot going on right now. I should be trying to figure out a way to defeat . . ."
Snow cut her off "Yes, that's true but Regina . . . Robin is your Soul Mate and if you can have this time with him – you should. You don't know how long it will last."
"So, you believe me?"
"Of course I do. You're glowing. It's obvious you've been with him."
"I don't know if I want anyone else to know Snow," she said somewhat sternly.
"If that's what you wish . . . I won't tell anyone but maybe you should. This is a lot to carry around."
"This could end tomorrow for all I know. Once I know he's gone . . . then maybe I'll share. But, for now I need this time."
Snow squeezed Regina's hand "This time . . . I promise," she said seriously. They hugged, finished lunch and then Snow said she'd talk to Henry about coming over for the weekend. Once she was gone and the kitchen was cleaned she got back to work. She still had paperwork to go over.