Huff.
Robin sighed aloud. He was driving Regina crazy. They'd been at this apartment for just about an hour and he'd been nothing but a nuisance. She could already sense the ensuing nightmares to come with him as her partner. But she had to hold her tongue. She had to tough it out.
Huff.
There he goes again. Regina took in a hefty breath and huffed out herself. "So," she forged her most polite voice, "How come I've never seen you before?" Regina attempted to busy herself with the drawer she was pillaging so that she seemed relatively uninterested. She really wasn't all that interested anyway and she hated pleasantries but she couldn't listen to him huff again.
"Just moved here actually," he answered plainly.
"From England?" Regina queried, acknowledging his accent.
He chuckled, "No, actually, I've lived in the states most of my life. I just moved here from Maine."
"Hmm," she mused, "Needed a change of scenery?"
"Something like that," he twirled the pen in his hand that he picked up. That tone. She caught it. It was quite brief but it was there. It was eerily familiar and she could feel her heart echoing the same sentiment. But she didn't bother to question it because she didn't care that much. Besides, she didn't want to have anything in common with him; or, God forbid, a bond with him.
Regina forcefully closed the drawer she was looking through and made her way over to some shelves that were also likely to be a dead end. She began to pick up and examine the miscellaneous items on the shelf.
"So, what about you?" Robin broke the silence, "You from here?"
"Brooklyn girl. Born and raised."
"Ah, so is that where that pretentious, hard ass demeanor comes from?" He teased.
Regina turned around at that point. There wasn't anything valuable on the shelf anyway. "Excuse you but I will have you know that I'm the farthest thing from pretentious. Hard ass, perhaps, but when has it ever been a bad thing to be strong and forceful? Sorry that you're too scared to take charge when needed. But that's not my problem so…"
Robin had checked out. He was still looking where Regina was standing but instead he was staring right past her. So, he wasn't just annoying but insensitively rude. Another good reason to request a new partner but for now it was only another reason to make him miserable. Maybe if she got lucky, she could convince him to change partners. Too concerned with the sabotage plans in her head, Regina failed to notice that Robin was advancing toward her. As he got close to her she took in a sharp breath and held it. She could feel this breath coming out of his nostrils and grazing her forehead. She could practically taste his musky smelling cologne. There was just enough space between their bodies that they weren't touching. It reminded Regina of when she was little and her older sister Lena would hover her finger just above Regina's skin and yell 'I'm not touching you!' But surprisingly, it wasn't for pure annoyance this time. Was he making a pass at her? Surely not. He knew he'd be shot into the next dimension and they just met.
Just as she was about to push him off and threaten a harassment suit, he muttered, "Well I'll be damned."
"What?" Regina finally breathed out when he moved.
Robin held the bottle out towards her that he was examining, "Do you know what this is?"
She could tell it was whisky but she would only consider herself a sort of wine connoisseur and Daniel had been a beer drinker, "Um…"
"This," he shook the bottle demonstratively, "Is a Macallan."
Regina shifted her eyes to the side to indicate that she was still unaware of the significance.
"This is one of the most expensive bottles of whisky you can find," he was getting excited. He moved back to the shelf reaching across Regina to grab two of the glasses.
"Wha-" she started, but held her breath as he moved into her personal space again. She hated the idea of breathing on people, especially if her breath was questionable. Realizing what he was doing, she looked at him quizzically, "What are you doing? You want to have a drink right now?"
"Well I think it's as good a time as any to celebrate our new partnership. And since our friend so graciously left this here for us, I say why not. Wouldn't you?" He smiled, rolling up his sleeves.
Regina was taken aback as he began to unscrew the bottle, "We can't drink that."
"Why? You think it's evidence?" He rolled his eyes at the last bit, hinting that he thought she was being ridiculous.
"You know what go ahead and drink it. Hopefully, I'll be right and it'll be poisoned," she crossed her arms.
"Ouch," he playfully tried to look offended.
Regina rolled her eyes, this time, in response, "Besides, I don't daytime drink."
"Ah," he nodded, "Fair enough. Perhaps some evening then, huh?"
"Yeah will see," she said dubiously.
"Would it kill you to have some fun?"
"Look, I'm glad you're embracing life to the fullest because you have no commitments or responsibilities and you can just up and move to New York City when you feel like it. But some of us don't have that luxury so excuse me if I'm not too keen on 'having fun' when I'm busy being concerned with this killer and the wellbeing of my child as well as everything that comes between the two." Regina didn't intend to be so harsh in that moment but she was overwhelmed by emotion and Robin had plucked her last nerve.
This time Robin was offended. He sat there stunned for a second, taking in her words and taking them to heart. He put his tongue in his cheek and then closed the distance between them. Looking her dead in the eye he said calmly but with each word accented, "You know nothing about me."
Robin's words shook Regina and she couldn't help but feel guilt pang in her stomach. Before she could utter out an apology he stomped his way over the door like a four year old that was told he couldn't have candy. Without even looking back, Robin stormed out in dramatic fashion, slamming the door behind him.
"Wait!" Regina called after him. She stopped then, realizing that she was getting too tangled in this man's life. It was none of her business and she most certainly wanted no part in it.
She scanned the room. Her eyes finished their tour of the room on the bottle of whisky. She grimaced. It was his fault. He shouldn't have provoked her. Robin should have left well enough alone. Regina was not the villain here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Regina had continued to search the apartment for another half hour in hopes of finding something worthy to bring back to Sheriff Swan especially since she was going back with her tail between her legs after her disagreement with Robin who did not return. She hoped that he didn't expect her to apologize for her honesty. At least she wasn't sugarcoating her feelings towards him. They were adults. If he couldn't handle that then he had a whole plethora of problems waiting for him.
Ring.
Regina's heart begged for it not to be Sheriff Swan ready to yell at her for her misconduct. She was not going to deal with a little tattle tale. Pulling out her phone to look at the caller, she felt relief as she read Mary Margaret Blanchard but only for it to be quickly washed back over with fear. Mary Margaret was Henry's teacher and if she was calling something was wrong.
She clicked answer and tried to sound relaxed when she delivered her hello.
"Hey Regina," Mary Margaret replied cheerfully but it was tinged with concern. "I know you're probably busy but Henry has to be picked up from school. I'm afraid he has head lice."
Regina breathed a sigh of relief. At least it wasn't serious, "Well that's just great," she joked lightly, "Don't worry I have it handled. Thanks."
"No problem. Hope to see you soon!" Mary Margaret paused, "Well for something good anyway."
Regina snorted and smiled, "Maybe one of these days. Thanks again Mary Margaret." Then Regina hung up.
Regina then navigated through her contacts to find Greene's name. Greene was Regina's best friend. Her name was actually Pixie, Pixie Bell Greene. She moved from Alabama to Baltimore when she was seven and people were relentless about mocking her name. So when she moved to Brooklyn at 11, she demanded that people called her Greene. Regina didn't even learn Greene's full name until they were freshmen in high school. But Regina liked calling her Greene. It was unique.
It was funny because Greene and Regina were total opposites. Greene was blonde with bright green eyes and had a bubbly and bright personality to match. Regina, on the other hand, was brunette and had brown eyes with a serious and gloomy demeanor. But they were drawn to each other. They became the best of friends almost immediately. Perhaps, it been because of their desire to help others which is why Regina became a cop (along with a few other contributors) and why Greene became a therapist with an unofficial matchmaking business on the side. Regina wanted to bring justice to people that needed it and Greene wanted to bring solace to those who needed it.
Regina dialed Greene who picked up immediately. Regina was so grateful for Greene's friendship. She'd been there for Regina all through the loss of Daniel. Greene had basically become Daniel; she helped cook, clean, take care of Henry, and various other chores that were easier with two people rather than one. Regina wasn't even sure if she could express her gratitude.
"Hey Reggie," Greene said with a laugh.
Regina cringed on the other side. She hated that nickname and Greene knew it. But Regina couldn't honestly say it didn't cheer her up given the recent circumstances, "Hey there Pixie Bell."
Greene was aghast, "Take it back right now."
Regina snickered, "Sorry I'll take it back if you do me a huge favor."
"Oh yeah and what's that?"
"Well, I was hoping that if you don't have a client right now that maybe you could go pick up Henry from school because he has lice," Regina pleaded.
Greene playfully groaned, "That is a huge favor. You're not only asking me to pick up your kid but subject myself to those disgusting bugs. But since Henry is my favorite kid in the world I guess that I can let it slide this time. But I have a client at two"
"That's fine. You can just bring him by the station. But stop by the store and get some caps so he doesn't get it everywhere. Pretty please."
"Sure thing. See you in a bit," Regina could feel her pity smile through the phone. It wasn't that Greene really felt sorry for Regina in some superiority complex way but she did sympathize with the situation and sometimes it made Regina feel weak and inferior; but she'd never tell Greene that.
"Thanks, you're a lifesaver! See you soon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
About an hour and half after returning to the station, Regina went to deliver a report when Greene and Henry came barreling through the door.
"Special delivery," Greene motioned to Henry in Vanna White fashion.
Thank you, Regina mouthed and fluttered her eyelids. She then turned to Henry, "Alright pal, get to my office and get started on that homework. No touching the candy jar until you finished at least one assignment. And no touching or scratching that head of yours. Capiche?"
Henry groaned but nodded, "Fine."
Regina tilted her head in the direction of her office, "Better get to it."
After Henry was gone, Regina looked back at Greene, "Thanks again. I seriously don't know what I'd do without you Greene."
"You'd be hopelessly lost, duh." She raised up her arm to emphasize the obviousness of the answer.
"Come here," Regina rallied Greene into a hug.
In mid hug, Greene blurted, "Who is that?"
Regina turned to see to whom Greene was referring. Robin. Of course. She waved him off turning her attention back to Greene, "Nobody. Just the new guy I'm supposed to be working with."
"Regina he's so cute!" If hearts could take the place of eyes like they do in old anime shows, it would have happened to Greene in that moment, "But why does he look so down in the dumps?"
"Don't know, don't care," Regina answered simply.
"He's your partner though."
"I don't care about that. I didn't even want a new partner. He just showed up uninvited and keeps getting in my way."
"Regina…" Greene gave her the look; the one that says 'you know exactly what I'm thinking right this second and it basically has to do with my disapproval of your behavior.' Regina knew that Greene was about to go full on therapist on her. "Look, I'm not saying you have to marry this guy but you can't just disregard him because he's taking Daniel's spot. It's not his fault that your husband died and it is not his fault that he got chosen to take his place. Besides maybe a new friend is exactly what you need."
"You want me to replace you?" Regina teased.
"No," Greene smiled, "But I do think you should give this guy a chance. You never know, you might like him."
"We're going to be partners that's it," Regina retorted.
Greene smiled again, looking away from Regina, "If you say so. But you said that about Daniel."
"But-"
Greene cut Regina off, "I know. It was different with Daniel. Look, at least try and be friends with this guy. It'll be good for you."
Regina sighed, "We'll see."
"That's the spirit," Greene clasped her hands together. "I have to go now but I'll swing by for dinner time." Greene hugged Regina once more and then headed for the door.
Regina waved goodbye and wearily shuffled back to her office.
On her way, Leroy was passing by and stopped Regina, "Did'ya hear? The boss lady got that fancy whisky from that thief's house. Go to her office and get some, if ya want. It tastes like magic."
Regina wasn't a whisky drinker and she didn't plan on becoming one but it didn't mean she couldn't use this opportunity to make amends so that he would look good to Sheriff Swan and Greene.
Regina headed to Sheriff Swan's office.
"Officer Mills," Swan greeted her, "Here to retrieve a drink?"
Regina looked at her doubtfully. She said she wasn't going to ever question her boss but she had to this time. It just seemed fishy and Regina didn't want anyone including herself to get into trouble for something like this or fall into a trap that maybe the sheriff was planning, "Sheriff Swan, I'm sorry but isn't there some kind of violation against this kind of thing?"
Sheriff Swan chuckled, "Not when it's mine."
Regina answered with a quizzical look.
"Neal is my ex-boyfriend. He stole this from me a few years ago. Figured it was time I got it back," Swan took a sip from her own glass.
Questions began swimming in Regina's mind, "Wait, so you dated a criminal? Isn't there some violation in your involvement in this? And did he actually have anything to do with the Peter Pan killer?"
"I didn't know he was a criminal at the time. I didn't question him. I technically had no involvement. And we still aren't sure. We don't have enough to hold him but I believe that other man might have something to do with our killer. And we'll find out soon enough," Sheriff Swan responded purposefully, "Now here take this drink and then take a break and take care of your kid. Your work for today is done, Mills."
Regina knew there was no sense in retaliating. So she took the cup and nodded, "See you tomorrow then."
"Tomorrow," Swan answered.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Glass in hand, Regina knocked on Robin's office door. He permitted her entry but looked disdainful when he realizes it's her.
"I come in peace," she raised one hand in Boy Scout fashion.
"What do you want?" He spoke tersely.
"I came with a peace offering. And an…" She paused hating to utter out the words which would admit that she was wrong, "apology. I was way out of line earlier and I didn't mean to offend you. You're right, I don't know you and I shouldn't have assumed. I apologize," she then offered him the glass.
He sniffed it, "Is this?"
She nodded.
Robin smiled a genuine, eye-crinkling smile, "Well that's incredibly kind of you."
"Let me be clear though," she interjected before the moment got friendly or sappy, "I don't know you and I don't plan on getting to know you. I want to know you in a strictly professional sense, nothing more, nothing less. I don't want to be your friend or anything of the sort. You stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours. And then whenever we work together, we cooperate and get the job done. But that's it. Sound good?"
Robin was grinning, "I'm going to become your friend if it's the last thing I do Regina Mills."
"Yeah we'll see about that," she scoffed. "Goodnight Officer Locksley."
"Goodnight partner," He put heavy emphasis on the last word because he knew that no matter how much Regina wanted to resist it, she'd basically accepted him as her official partner.
Regina surrendered this time, staying silent. She smiled and closed his door. He'd won this time but there was much more to come and Regina wasn't going to continue being that submissive. He won this time but it was only the beginning.