A/N: THANK YOU for the follows, faves and kind words. It really keep me going! A not about this story - it is in response to an AU Lost Year prompt for OQ I got on tumblr. It's not tied to the other stories I've done in this series, but probably the sweetest thing I've written so far IMO. And there are sexy times because, well, I'm me and that tends to happen. This one felt different for me. Let me know what you think!

Robin was tired. And he was fairly sure that he smelled like the back end of a horse that had been run hard. He was fit to drop. The Wicked Witch had been defeated, but the process had torn a swath of destruction through countless townships, leaving villagers helpless and afraid. Rebuilding the surrounding villages was worthy work, and he and his Merry Men enjoyed digging in to the task.

But he had been away for far too long. Robin found that he truly missed a certain sharp-tonged Queen. Although their relationship had been caustic to begin with, as they had worked alongside one another Robin had found that he enjoyed her company. He more than enjoyed it. Robin found himself teasing her out of dark moods that could have terrified a lesser man, and in time she had begun to seek him out as well. One night on the eve of their final showdown with the witch Zelena his Queen had sought him out. Regina had rolled in like thunder through the trees, grabbing his leathers and pulling him in to a kiss that told him more than words ever could.

As Regina had moved against him, it was like a revelation. Her body rolled and sighed, fingers clutching, questioning. Robin's head spun as they broke apart, panting. As they had stared in to each other's eyes he had known then that this was far more than a flirtation. He needed this woman more than he needed his next breath, damn the consequences.

They had made love that very night.

Regina had seemed spooked the next morning, though he could not discern what had frightened her so. For the next few weeks Robin pursued her, patiently and carefully as a man hunting wary quarry. Regina was a special woman who had been through much. If what she needed was space or friendship, then that is what he would provide. Yet he knew she felt what he did. He was certain of it. Robin would show his affection for her through simply being there when she needed him. But then he had been called away by duty. The people had needed him and he could not ignore their pleas for aid. But even heroes need a break, and after months away Robin was finally home.

Funny, he had always considered the forest home, but returning to this castle just felt right. Or was it the castle he was returning to? Perhaps it was a woman. The thought made his lips curl at the corners.

Robin found her sitting beneath her apple tree. Gods she was breathtaking he thought as he approached her from behind. Regina's dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and he could just glimpse her profile as she stared off, deep in thought.

"We have to stop meeting like this," he said, breaking in to her thoughts.

"Robin!" she exclaimed, standing in surprise. Regina smoothed a nervous hand down her gown.

It was a far more conservative style than Robin had seen her in before, still an ornate creation made of burgundy velvet and jewels, but with an empire waist and a sweetheart neckline that revealed a swell of perfect olive skin.

Her mouth twitched at the corners as he approached and he knew she was happy to see him. He could see a hint of worry around her eyes, but mostly he saw a gladness that he hoped was for him.

"My lady, it has been too long," he said with a slow smile.

"I am… pleased by your return," she allowed.

They stood there, saying nothing. Robin shifted his weight side to side, feeling more like an untried youth with his first crush, than the man that he was. But he was no boy.

Enough of this, he thought.

"Regina let us not stand on formality. In my time away from you I have realized some things. I am through wasting valuable time."

His deep blue eyes met her curious dark ones.

"I know that we have had a, well rocky time between us. You challenge me, that is true," he said, enveloping her hands in his large warm hands. "And it is magnificent. You are a light to me. I feel more alive in your presence than I have in a long time. We both bring old scars, and second chances can be scary. But you can run all you want; I'll be here when you're ready."

"You talk too much," Regina replied, stroking her hand over the soft bristles on his chin. "I'm not running anymore."

Regina raised her face to him, and they kissed softly. Robin could feel a weight he hadn't realized was there lift instantly. He deepened the kiss, plundering Regina's parted lips and drawing her closer to his body. She met him with equal measure until they broke apart a few moments later, resting their foreheads against one other.

Robin ran his thumb gently along the side of her jaw.

"It was along and dusty road back to you, and I am a little worse for the wear I fear. You deserve a bit better than this sorry state your Majesty," Robin said, lightly teasing her with an undercurrent of genuine apology.

"Somehow, that doesn't bother me right now. I'm just glad you're here," she said, breaking in to a dazzling smile. "But don't make a habit of it," she cautioned, eyes sparkling. "I thank you and your men for looking after the people. I know you're weary. Go, have a bath. Rest. Join me in my chambers when you're ready," she instructed. "I trust you still remember where to find them," she said, looking up through black lashes.

"I couldn't forget," he murmured.

"Don't keep me waiting," she cautioned playfully.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

When Robin found her an hour later, Regina was sitting at her vanity, clothed in an empire waist dressing gown made from layers of soft white silks. She rose and walked leisurely toward him, predatory in her own right. Their eyes locked as she trailed a hand down his chest. Her fingers curled around the leather belt at his hips, and jerked him forward.

"Is this what you want?" she asked, eyes darting to his lips. But Robin instinctively knows she means something far more precious than a single night together.

"More than anything," he said, biting his lower lip

"What do you see in me?" she questioned, tilting her head to one side as if she could not comprehend him.

Robin looked at her for a moment.

"My future. My home," he said. "I would be the same for you," he added almost shyly.

She seemed to decide something then, the air shifting almost imperceptibly.

Regina slipped the straps of her nightgown from her slender shoulders, revealing her breasts to his hungry eyes. His gaze trailed lower as the fabric pooled on the floor, revealing the gentle curve of her stomach, heavy with child. Robin felt his heart leap.

"Do you still feel that way?"

Robin was grinning like a fool, he knew. He swept her up in his arms, bending to lift her in to his arms and carry her to the bed.

"There is no one I would rather have by my side as we raise our family," he told her firmly. "You and I, Roland, and this new blessing."

Robin could see her face relax, a small smile playing around her lips as she sank back into the pillows. Regina ran a hand through his still damp hair.

"Let me take care of you," he said sliding up beside her on the bed.

Robin nipped lightly at her lips, curve of neck, then scraping her ear softly with his teeth. His warm breath left a trail of goose bumps as he worked his way down her body, stopping to trace loving hands over her belly. Robin stopped to place a gentle kiss at the swell and Regina laughed. It was a good sound, he thought. One he would work to earn every day for the rest of his life.

He grinned up at her, before continuing his decent, running calloused fingers over the delicate flesh of her thighs. He brushed a palm over her sex before running strong fingers through her wet folds. His eyes never left Regina's face as he began to stroke her, entering with one finger followed by a second while his thumb strummed her. Her thighs began to tremble and Robin could see her face begin to contort and she cried out his name. He could not fight his smirk. Robin moved behind Regina to wrap her in his arms, burying his face in the sweet smell of her hair and letting the cool strands run over his face.

He draped an unconsciously protective arm over her, the one with the lion rampant. Regina began to trace the black mark.

"Tinkerbelle told me it was possible, that I could love again," she said after some hesitation. "She led me to this tavern; to a man she said I was destined to be with. I never saw his face, but I did see his tattoo."

"It was me?"

Regina shifted on to her back to look at him. "Yes." She said simply. "I was just too scared to approach you.

The stupid grin is back, he could feel it.

"Well maybe things work out when they're supposed to. Maybe it's all about timing."

"Make love to me," she asked breathlessly, eyes bright.

Robin answers with a kiss. He guided Regina so she was on her side once more, rising on to one elbow to run his hands over her breasts, caressing down her waist and back to the juncture of her sex. He slid the questing hand under her knee, lifting it to hook behind his own. Regina naturally tilted her hips toward him to accommodate this new position as he brought the head of his arousal to press against her entrance.

Robin paused, overwhelmed by the moment. Here was everything he wanted.

Sensing his hesitation, Regina reached back to squeeze his taunt backside, spurring him forward. "I'm pregnant, not made of glass," she purred, but the smart retort was cut off as he surged forward. Robin filled her and Regina's body clenched wildly around him trying to bring him even closer. Regina braced her hands on the bed, throwing her hips back to match his rhythm, meeting him as he thrust powerfully in to her, driving their bodies to fulfillment. The room filled with rough pants and cries as they sought completion in the joining of their slick bodies.

Regina shivered as waves of pleasure pulled her under. Robin grunted his release shortly after, the evidence splashing hotly in to her as they both reveled in the aftershocks of their lovemaking.

Robin pulled Regina back in to his arms, settling his head on her chest. As he listened to her heart settle back in to a steady beat, his hand came to rest on her abdomen, cupping the small life that grew there. There was so much ahead of them. Together.

Tears burned unshed, and he felt complete.