Chapter 1
Things had a way of sneaking up on you if you weren't careful. That truth was the story of Robin's life now. Here he was in Storybrooke, a land he never imagined existed. His world had definitely turned upside down but in good ways. The best part of it was that he found love in Regina and Henry.
They managed to worm their way into his heart. Roland was particularly fond of Henry. He chuckled at how close the boys were now. They had become inseparable. He was glad Roland had someone to look up to.
Robin looked up at the clock at Granny's. His partner in crime should be here by now. Another five minutes went by when he felt soft hands cover his eyes.
"Guess who?" a silky voice asked.
He purred. "I would say the queen has made herself known." He heard her giggle. A sound he never got tired of hearing. She let go of him and sat across from him in the booth.
"Sorry I'm late," Regina said. "Our budget meeting ran a little long. How has your morning been?"
"Boring without you," he answered and winked. She laughed at his boyish charm.
"I'm sure it wasn't that boring," Regina said tilting her head to the side. He grabbed her hand bringing it up to his lips.
"Yes it was that boring but seeing you has done my heart wonders," he responded and kissed her knuckles. She retracted her hand and rolled her eyes.
"Flattery will only get you so far," she countered before looking at the menu. She felt his foot going up her leg. She pretended not to be affected by it.
"If you insist on distracting me, it's only fair that I show you the same courtesy when we get home," she said peeking over her menu.
"We still have time," he said. She closed the menu and narrowed her eyes. That smug look that she found adorably infuriating was there.
"No we don't," she clipped. She knew if she was late for another meeting, gossip amongst her co-workers would start again. All they would do was grin at her like idiots. Furthermore, they would stare at Robin a little longer than necessary.
They ordered their lunch. Robin watched her enjoy herself. There was a time when he thought he would never see or hear her laugh. For a long time, she was determined to live in isolation.
"Do I have something on my face?" she asked breaking him out of his thoughts. He looked at her confused. "You're staring."
"That's because you're beautiful to look at," he replied smiling. She felt her cheeks reddened. She promptly averted her eyes to hide her embarrassment. He reached across the table and titled her chin up.
"You don't have to be embarrassed," he said. She blushed even harder. Thankfully, the moment was interrupted when Snow came over.
Suddenly Regina remembered her plans with Snow. "Shopping," was all Regina said. They were going to shop for baby clothes.
Snow became aware of what was happening in front of her. "I interrupted lunch."
"It's okay. We were just finishing," Robin interjected. He looked at Regina. "Go."
Regina made her way out the booth and kissed the side of Robin's head. "See you later."
"See you later," he said. He glanced back to see Snow give him a thumbs up. He grinned as she walked out. He turned around satisfied that his plan worked.
He pulled out his phone and called his friend. "It's Robin. I need to see you. Meet me at Granny's."