Hello all new readers! Welcome to my Outlaw Queen holiday fic! This idea popped up into my head a little while ago after I saw this amazing piece of fan art titled "Warm Hearts" by FaithandFearCollide. And I just had to write it! If you follow me on Twitter, you've known it was coming for a while! To all of you that have come over from my OQ one shots series, thank you and welcome! To any new readers! HELLO! Cannot wait to share this one with you! I shall try to update it on Wednesdays through December!

Do enjoy the fluff & feels and I look forward to your comments!

Ruffles

Let It Snow

Snow fell lightly as the brunette made her way through Pikes Place.

All the tree's in Seattle were decorated. Lit with hundreds of small lights, creating a overall white glow in the otherwise gray city.

She had come to the Pacific Northwest over the holidays to visit with her beloved parents. She hadn't seen her mother and father since she had begun serving as Mayor of the small town of Storybrooke, Maine over 3 years prior. And she was way over due for a warm hug and loads of her mothers famous holiday tapas. She could feel her mouth begin to salivate at the thought of the skewered meats and cheeses that would be donning the Mills family table come Christmas.

The snow flurried and she wrapped her gloved hands around her extra hot, tipple shot Starbucks espresso turning onto Pine.

It was November 29th, the day of Seattle's famous Christmas tree lighting. The whole city would turn up, wrapped in various blankets and scarves to protect them from the chilling breeze of the Pacific Ocean and gather under the massive Christmas tree that sat dead center in the middle of the city. Bundling up to count down as the tree was lit. Santa would make his appearance, massive quantities of Starbucks and Frans salted chocolates would be consumed and all would have a merry start to their Christmas season.

It was truly a magical event. Regina had gone every year as a child, wrapped up in her Seahawks mittens and scarves. It was a tradition in the Mills household, and she had missed it every year since she left the rainy city. So this year she wouldn't miss it for the world.

She made her way past Nordstrom, seeing the crowds already gathering by the blue trees across from the mall.

She stopped once she was deep in the middle of the crowd. She knew that the best place to stand was over by the side of the department stores, because they offered a direct line of sight to the star atop of the tree. And that was the best part. When the star was lit the fireworks would shoot out, back behind the buildings, lighting up the Seattle skyline with bright sparkling colors that reflected beautifully on the ocean.

That was her favorite.

The clack of hoves stomping on the pavement distracted her and she turned seeing that the horse drawn carriages had arrived. The lighting was about to begin.

Just then, a rush of people moved and a family of four made there way in front of her. They were decked out in their large North Face jackets and beanies and Regina suddenly found that she couldn't see a thing.

"Wait, excuse me! I'm sorry - I can't see." She spoke, but no one seemed to hear her.

"Excuse me," she said using her best diplomatic tone. Not a budge.

Only then did she find herself wishing for the intimidating Mayoral presence that she had developed in Storybrooke. In her town, a raise of her voice would send the grown men running but it didn't seem to make a seagull fly in Seattle.

She turned, trying to find another spot with a good view to move to, when the cry of a child's voice distracted her.

"Papa!"

The mother instinct in her flipped on immediately. Her eyes searched the crowd for the child who was missing his father. Though she didn't have any children of her own, her good and long time friend, Emma Swan had let her babysit her son Henry from time to time, officially naming her his god mother just a few weeks prior. As well, the residents of Storybrooke provided just as much of a handful, and were just as much, if not more temperamental than children.

She spotted the source of the frightened scream. It was a little boy, dressed in green, with hints of red making his adorable woodsman like outfit look festive. His mop of brown curls were mostly hidden under the heavy knit cap that he wore, as tears ran down his dimpled face.

Regina felt her heart go out to the little one. And before she could question why, she found herself rushing towards the sobbing boy.

"Papa!" He yelled again, his small eyes frantically searching the knee caps of the tall adults surrounding him.

Regina pushed through the crowd, dropping down in front of the small boy. Realizing that she probably looked pretty odd to him, she sat there for a moment, letting him register her before she spoke.

"Hi there, my name is Regina," she began. When the boy quieted his wails, stopping to focus on her she continued. "I see you've lost your father, can I help you find him?"

The small boy sniffled, giving her a once over before nodding.

Regina smiled and asked, "Okay, so what does he look like?"

The little boy only stared. She tried again.

"Is he tall or short?" She said, making appropriate hand gestures along with to symbolize the height difference.

A nod.

"Yes?" Regina questioned. The boy nodded. "Which one is it, tall or shot?"

Another nod.

Realizing that he might be to young to grasp her question she switched tactics.

"Okay, how about this. Does he have dark hair like me," Regina pulled a loose strand of her hair, waving it up and down, causing a small smile to form on the boys dimpled face, "Or light hair like..." Regina turned, trying to find an appropriate example of a light haired man. To her dismay however, she only saw beanies and ball caps covering the heads of nearly everyone. Did anyone know about any other kind of head wear in this city?

She huffed turning back, "You know what, I just realized, I don't even know your name. What's your-"

"ROLAND!"

"Daddy!"

In a flash Regina watched as the small boy went hurdling past her, sending water flying as his boots splashed in the puddles by the curb, slightly clumsy under the weight of his heavy puffer jacket.

She whipped her head around just in time to see the small boy being picked up, hoisted into the air in the arms of a faceless stranger throwing him into a fit of giggles.

When he was lowered however Regina nearly did a double take.

If she had thought the little boy was cute, the man now holding him was beyond attractive.

He was indeed tall, but not too tall to be overbearing. His light sandy blonde hair matched the slight stubble that was groomed just enough around his jawline to look classy, yet untouched to keep the appearance of being manly.

He definitely came from money. And if his attire was anything to go by, there was a lot of it. He wore a plain white Henley that hung loose over a pair of nice jeans and bundled into a thick slate grey wool coat, it's grand collar was popped up effortlessly around his face. From the detailed tailoring of his clothing down to his leather shoes, everything about him was expensive. He probably smelled like he had walked out of a Burberry ad. To her, he looked like a British multimillionaire playboy, one that had definitely inherited a comfortable sum of wealth in his youth and probably hadn't worked a day since then.

And he was built. Regina could just make out the outline of some very prominent muscles currently concealed under the thick layers of clothing, being accentuated by the lifting of the little boy.

But his eyes were the best.

They were blue, but not just any blue. Not like the overly Photoshopped, crystal clear as a water droplet, blue. No. They were more subtle then that. They were a deep, enticing, cerulean blue. Like the sea before a storm. Regina felt like she could drown in them.

It was only when those eyes found hers however that she became aware of how long she had been gawking.

Quickly she looked away, realizing that she was still squatted down from being at eye level with the small boy from moments before. She stood, only then noticing the big water mark on the chest where the boys boots splashed her. She quickly shed her jacket, leaving just her tan turtleneck that fit snugly if not suggestively around her, shivering in the cold breeze.

"You saved my son."

Regina looked up to see that the blue eye'd man had turned, now facing her fully and staring attentively.

"Uh- no, I just found him."

"Nuh-uh, Miss 'Gina saved me," came the slightly lisped voice of the small boy.

Regina looked at the little boy who was shaking his head adamantly in the mans arms.

"I really did nothing more than anybody else would have," She began, but the man's eyes darted back and forth between her and the boy, making her lose her train of thought.

"Well, regardless my son is safe and all thanks to you." He grinned making his eyes sparkle, "You're my angel."

If she had been one to, Regina would have blushed.

"Er- not angel. My hero, well not my hero... just a hero," The man stuttered, taking in a shaky breath. Regina looked up and would have sworn that she had imagined seeing him lightly biting his lip as he ran a hand through his hair, but she hadn't.

"Daddy, introduce." The little boy said, tugging on the mans coat.

"Ah! Yes my boy, how very rude of me!" He said, shifting his son in his arms so he could pull off his glove before holding his hand out, "Robin. And I'm so very sorry but I think I missed your name, was it Gina?"

"Regina." She said, taking his outstretched palm in her own mitten clad one. "Just Regina."

"Regina." he repeated.

She couldn't help the smile that blossomed up on her face when he said her name. He smiled back.

He had one of those uneven smiles, where one side curved just a bit more than the other, giving him a slightly off kilter appearance. Regina found herself wondering what he had had to do in his care free, catered-to lifestyle to give him such a look.

She didn't have much time to ponder however for the crowds had filled in again, her view of the star now completely lost.

"Damn," she cursed under her breath.

Robin followed her line of sight. "Why don't you stand with us?" He said absentmindedly.

Regina must have looked at him like he were crazy for he backpedaled immediately.

"Well, I mean, if it's not to forward to ask... you did save my son's life and all. I would be honored if you would stand with us."

Regina was stunned. There was no way this gorgeous man, with the worlds most adorable son, was asking her to spend more time with them, much less watch an entire tree lighting. Was there?

"Oh- No you don't have to-"

"Papa has a special spot! It has a tent!" The little boy named Roland beamed.

"That I do my boy! It's covered as to avoid any unwanted chafing from the wind, huh?" the light hared man said, tickling his sons nose making the boy giggle before turning back to her, "I insist you join us. It would be the least we could do to repay you."

At that moment it was as if the universe decided to intervene because just then the frigid ocean wind picked up, chilling her straight to bones.

Regina shivered, her teeth clattering. Suddenly the promise of a covered area to watch the festivities sounded like to good a deal to pass up. She subconciously scanned her eyes down to his ungloved hand, finding no trace of a ring and she found herself speaking before she could stop herself.

"I'd love to!"

The man smiled. Roland cheered.

"Well then. Right this way m'lady."

xxx

It was no tent.

Regina held her breath as she walked out onto the private rooftop patio. It was massive. There were dozens of little bistro tables, each lit with a candle in the center and there own private umbrella covering the top, protecting them from the harsh wind.

Robin shut the door to the patio behind them, taking his son by the hand.

"Well, what does m'lady think?"

Regina couldn't believe there wasn't anyone else up there! The venue was spectacular. It was warmed by a few fire heaters and there were lights strewn around the metal railings. She was amazed but she actually felt her breath leave here however when she saw the view.

The rooftop patio was in direct alignment with the department building that the massive tree was in front of. And from where she was standing at the edge, she had a spectacularly clear view of the Christmas Star.

Regina felt her breath leave her in astonishment, swirling in silvery wisps in front of her face in the wintry breeze.

"I can't believe this view!" She exclaimed as she felt the man and his son come up behind her, the little boy going straight to the railing and poking his head between the bars. The boy giggled as he thrust his hands into the air and Regina smiled while watching him. He was adorable.

"Does it suffice?" Robin asked.

"More than suffice! I suffice it to say," Regina laughed at her own hilarity. "How did you manage to find this?" she questioned, turning to see the man cracking his slightly lopsided smile.

"Oh I just-I know the owner."

Regina narrowed her eyes at the mans odd tone, it was as if he were trying to push the subject under the rug and move on quickly. She began to ponder his sudden change of mood but at that moment a quick gush of ocean breeze whirled around her before the heat of the fires warmed her back up and she was instantly glad that she was not down below in the crowd, so she let it slide. "Nice hook up."

"Yeah," Robin responded.

The sound of bells ringing and small fireworks crackling from the crowd behind them brought them back.

Regina turned back to see that the speakers had made their way to their podiums, talking and sharing the history of the tree lighting, narrating as the rows of lights began to flicker on one by one.

She smiled as the grand tree began to come to life. There were bright strands of red and white lights, strewn meticulously around every ornament, weaved through every branch. With each sentence the tree was lit more and more.

She shivered animatedly as another blast of the cold air hit her.

"Are you alright m'lady?" Robin asked.

Regina nearly jumped when she heard him. She hadn't realized how close they had gotten. A moment ago he had been just walking up to her and now it was as if he was standing directly behind her. She felt his warm breath invitingly on her neck and another shiver ran down her spine, as she leaned back instinctively, but this one was not due to the cold.

"I'm fine."

"You're shivering," Robin pointed out.

"No really-" she began, but it was pointless. The man had already moved, shrugging off is heavy wool jacket and wrapping it around her chivalrously.

The first thing she noticed was not it's warmth. For it was large on her and very structured, nearly engulfing her in its size, wrapping her up like a warm blanket. No, the first thing she noticed was it's scent. It smelled just like freshly cut grass and a crisp autumn breeze. Like the ocean before the dawn. Like the tall, tall trees in the forests. It smelled almost heavenly. It smelled like him.

She closed her eyes for a minute, breathing in and letting the sensation of the jacket roll over her.

It wasn't until she felt his hands on her sides, lightly gripping her to keep her steady as she swayed a little off balance in the wind. She opened them again.

The lights on the tree had grown a little as more strands were now lit. Slowly, the glow was making it's way up the Christmas tree. The silent anticipation of the crowd was nearly audible. Nearly one quarter of the way there.

She felt his hands move a fraction of an inch lower and her mind paused.

Half way there.

Her breath hitched as they found purchase on the small of her back. Rubbing small circles on her soothingly, threw the coat, the sensation making her heart jump and her face flush.

Three quarters to the top.

She turned her head ever so slightly, taking in his parted lips a baited breath, and a look that she couldn't exactly read on his beautiful face. He leaned in just minutely and her breath caught in her throat.

Nearly there.

His lips brushed her cheeks and her eyelids fluttered shut as the sensation rippled through her body. Was he going to kiss her?!

Three quarters to the top.

She could feel his hands circling around her. She leaned back into his embrace, her back now pressed to his broad chest. His breath tickled her lips, sending shocks through down her spine. She parted her lips.

It hit the top!

Suddenly a loud roar of applause erupted from the crowd below. If anyone had looked up, they would have seen the couple on the balcony both jump apart simultaneously, snapped out of whatever trance they had been in seconds before.

Regina snapped her head back round.

Had he been about to kiss her!?

And was she about to kiss him back?!

He was a complete and total stranger she reminded herself. And an attractive one at that! Regina scolded herself for momentarily loosing any grip on reality that she had and getting caught up in a moment. His warmth had engulfed her and the feeling of his hands on her had made her body tingly and brain fuzzy. She knew that they had only met moments ago. She knew that there was no reason for her to be kissing a very unfamiliar man, even if it was the most romantic set up to do so that she had ever been in. Despite the fact that she had not been any sort of romantic relationship for God knows how long, nor felt any kind of physical touch that her body longed for. But no, there was no good excuse, not even if he looked so good, it should be illegal. There was no excuse for her to kiss him.

But she had wanted to kiss him, and kiss him she would have had it not been for the booming ruckus from the crowd that startled them.

As she closed her eyes she could just see him leaning in, his eyes closed as his soft lips met hers. She could feel his stubble brushing up against her check, slightly eroticly, sending more shivers through her, her hands coming up and moving through his golden hair. If the kiss were warm and welcoming she might even be bold enough to stick out her tongue, running it along his lips, making him gasp as she slid it into his mouth...

She felt her face light up, a warmth that did not come from any of the fire heaters, spreading through her rapidly.

She could feel the beating of his heart, uneven and fast like hers, his warm puffs of breath on her back.

His hands snapped away from her as if he were coming to the same conclusion that she was, and he stepped back. Regina pulled the warm jacket tighter around her.

It was the little boy who broke the spell.

"Look, papa!"

"Yes my boy!" Came the slightly accented voice from behind her. Regina noticed, with some satisfaction that she was not particularly proud of, that it seemed a little out of breath as his spoke.

And then, the tree before them was fully lit, the speakers ceased their talking and the music began.

As the crowd sang along to the holiday classic that was projected through the speakers encompassing the square, she watched as the man picked up the small boy, hoisting him above his head and onto his shoulders.

The tune faded out at the end and the moment had come.

The lights twinkling from the tree were nothing compared to the brilliance of the Christmas star as it glimmered, coming to life. It lit fully and another round of applause echoed as the fireworks went off behind it creating a glittering light show.

Regina fought hard to focus on the festivities but her eyes kept being drawn to the man in front of her, holding his child.

He was strong, of that she had no doubt. But he was also kind and chivalrous. She fantasized for just one moment that if she had indeed kissed him, it might not have turned out as bad as she had feared. He seemed to be attracted to her just the same, though what he saw in her she wasn't sure. But he had been the one to lean in first. Maybe he had wanted that just as bad. Maybe this attraction wasn't just a one sided thing?

The fireworks ended with a loud bang! And then the debris came plummeting down, mixing with the snow in the sky.

She looked up as it fell.

The square was now completely lit. Street lamps and corner posts all boasting bright lights that gave the city a warm glow. The blue trees with the lit up snowflakes strung through them in the center of the square, finished the look. It was Christmas time in Seattle.

The man and the little boy above him turned back.

"Well," Robin began, "it looks like the holidays have begun."

"That they have," Regina agreed.

"Yay! Presents!" Chimed the little boy from above. His stubby hands ran through his fathers hair playfully, making a mess of the once perfect strands.

"No, no not until Christmas Roland," the man reminded him, tickling the boys sides, making him shriek, "so you must be good until Santa gets here or else I know someone who will be getting nothing but coal in his stocking!"

The dimpled boy pouted as he giggled, but it was soon replaced with a gleeful smile as small snowflakes caught on his cheeks.

Regina looked up seeing that the skies had indeed opened up more. There were small white flurries everywhere, not heavy enough to stick but big enough to catch on ones tongue.

The boy laughed as he tried to catch one and she smiled at the sound.

She watched for a minute as father and son both shot there hands out in the hopes to capture the tiny white flakes before they melted.

And then it was over, and the man began to move again.

"Well, this has been fun. Shall we?"

Regina nodded, knowing that she had no clue how to find her way back from the secret patio alone.

"What do you say Roland," the light haired man said, lowering the boy down gently, "will you lead the way?"

The boy nodded before sprinting off towards the door they had came out of. He unlocked it and the adults followed.

Robins hands only slightly brushed hers as they walked in silence, and the same feeling of shivers from before tingled through her.

Once they made it back to the street, now lightly covered with the dusting of snow. They bid their adieus. Robin offered to give her a ride home but she turned him down kindly saying that she preferred the walk.

They both smiled, less awkwardly then before. He said it was a pleasure to meet her and she stated likewise.

"Good bye Miss 'Gina! Thank you for saving my life!" Roland beamed as their taxi arrived.

Regina couldn't help but smile at the adorable dimples that appeared in the little boys face, "Good bye Roland!"

Robin ushered his son into the waiting car, mumbling an address to the driver and then telling him to wait. He turned back around, sticking his head out of the door.

"Are you sure I can't offer you a ride?" He said.

"I'm sure, you've done more than enough for one day. I'm indebted to you."

"No my lady," he spoke, "it was I who was indebted to you. You saved my son."

Regina felt a blush creep up her cheeks, "Well, you offered me the best view of the city. This was the best tree lighting I have ever been to thanks to you."

She felt her blush fully take over as she yammered, unable to stop herself. A strange feeling for her as she never blushed.

The man lowered his head smiling and biting his lip, Regina watched the motion and felt her body respond in the most delightful of ways.

"Well," he said, "it looks like we're at a stand still."

He looked up at her and she once again was pulled in by his deep blue eye.

"I do hope to see you again."

Regina only smiled, unable to use her voice right now for she wasn't sure if she could manage to have it not shake if she did.

Robin took that as the final sign of farewell. He grinned again, one last time, his brilliantly lopsided smile dazzling her and making her feel warm all over again.

And with the soft click of the lock and the roar of the engine the little taxi sped off through the city.

Regina watched until she could no longer see the yellow cab as it blended in with the street lights the distance.

"Me too." she whispered.

xxx

The walk that would have normally taken her fifteen minutes took her an hour as she stopped at every corner and let every car go past on her way to her parents apartment.

She couldn't help but replay the events from the day in her mind.

The little boy, the handsome stranger, the candle lit patio, the almost kiss.

It had been perfect, despite the awkwardness that had settled in in the end.

She had decided that if the chance ever arose again, in which she rescued another strangers child, if they were half as good looking as him, she wouldn't waste the opportunity and she'd kiss them right then and there.

Regina smiled coyly to herself.

But that moment probably wouldn't ever come up again.

She tried not to focus on the disheartening feeling that washed over her that she had blown off a very good looking and good smelling man, as she walked up the steps and entered the house, shutting the door behind her.

Her senses were immediately attacked with the smell of her mothers home cooking. Her mouth began to water, but there was another smell in the background. It smelled like the forest.

Robin... She was still wearing Robin's coat!

Regina nearly smacked herself for forgetting.

"Well," she said to no one other then herself, "It looks like I will be seeing you again."

And with that she walked into the dining room to find her parents, with a bright smile emblazoned on her face.

do leave your thoughts and comments as they fuel my writing! And if there is something you are just DYING to see in the next chapters leave that as well, I tend to take requests from my readers since you all are so imaginative! And if you like Outlaw Queen i'd implore you to check out my one shot series, "The Queen and Her Thief" which you can find on my page! Happy reading and happy holidays! x