Even though it was Regina who kissed him first, she felt weak on her knees. And thanked to him for having his hands on her hips. Otherwise, she would have fallen down on the floor and embarrassed herself even more. He was still stunned when they broke apart. Her glistening eyes were dancing in confusion while his were searching for her true feelings. She avoided his eye contact but looked at his lips. Her lips opened to form a word "sorry" when she felt his hands cupping both of her cheeks, tilting her face up before putting his lips on hers once again.
Regina felt magic again. She felt this stinging feels seeping through her body. Her heart beat faster and she swore if it had lasted longer, she would have exploded. Luckily they both needed air, so they pulled back. Their foreheads touched, lingering and didn't want to let go. His hands fell down to wrap around her waist instead.
"Did you feel that?" Robin was the one who broke the silence.
"Feel what?" Regina asked. Not sure what he was referring to.
"Magic. It felt like magic. You felt like magic"
Regina smiled and nodded slowly. "I thought I was the only one who felt it."
Robin tightened his embrace, "I don't know how crazy it sounds but I think I'm falling in love with you…" He looked into her eyes intensely now and continued, "Do you… feel the same?"
Regina couldn't help it when a lone tear rolled down her cheek. It was so long ago that someone told her they were falling in love with her. After Daniel died and once she was married to Leopold, all her hope had gone. She closed her eyes tightly, confused about her feelings. She couldn't tell if she was happy or scared. Yes, a part of her admitted that she had the feeling for this guy too. She felt warm and safe with him. She knew deep in her heart that she could trust him and they would be happy together. However, another part of her was scared that when tonight ended, everything she had and felt now will be..gone.
"Regina?" Robin calling her name pulled her back from her thought.
"Yes. I feel the same.", she murmured.
Robin's smile broadened. He gave her a quick chaste kiss but he had to frown later when he saw her sobbing.
"What is wrong, Regina?" he asked worriedly.
"I never thought I'd have this. It's too good to be true. What if this was all a dream, a good dream that would disappear when I wake up tomorrow? What if this was the fairy's trick? I don't think I can handle it again. I just..cant." with that, she started to cry uncontrollably.
"Hey hey.. listen to me" He lifted her chin to look at him. "I can assure you what happened here and now is real and I promise I won't go anywhere when you wake up tomorrow or any day after. You trust me, right?"
"I do.."
"Good." He gave her an assuring smile and nodded, "So how about I take you to my place so you can rest? I know it's been a tiring night for you."
"But Leopold…he will search the land when he learned I'm missing." That thought scared her. She was worried about Robin's safety and they just couldn't run away that easily.
"Don't worry about him. Well..actually I haven't told you who I am." Now it was his turn to avoid her eye contact but he continued, "My name..is Robin Locksley. But people call me Robin Hood."
Regina's eyes widened. "You are Robin Hood? The king of thieves?"
"Yes, I am." He smiled sheepishly.
Regina chuckled. She heard about him from Snow. People at the palace didn't like him and they had been searching for him for years. Yet, nobody was able to catch him. No wonder why he was so confident about hiding her away from the king.
"I hope I didn't scare you. Even I'm a thief, I have my code. I just.."
"Steal from the rich and give to the poor", Regina cut him off and finished the sentence before he did. She smiled and it her sweet smile made him smile too.
"I guess you heard about me."
"Yes I did and I admired you for doing that to poor people."
He felt his heart grew bigger. Not only did she not afraid of him, she admired him. He didn't expect any people to understand what he was doing especially a royalty like her.
"Thank you." He bowed to her and held out his hand. "So, shall milady follow me back to the camp now?"
"With pleasure." Her smile broadened as she placed her small hand on his.
When they arrived at the camp, his crew had already been there. Most of them had gone to their tent. Only some were still drinking in front of the bonfire. The big guy she saw was one of them.
"Oii Robin. Where have you been? We were waiting for you but…. Oh?" His words trailed off when he saw her.
"Little John, can you make another tent for the lady?" Robin cut him off before he said something more. He knew he and John would need to have a long conversation about this. But not now. He needed to make sure Regina rested well and comfortably first.
"Alright…" Little John walked away to prepare her a place to sleep. Her tent was built next to Robin which was a little but away from others'.
Once it was settled, Robin took Regina there, showed her where the stuff was and told her to call him if she needed anything.
"Thank you, Robin."
"That was the least I can do. Well.. this might not be as comfortable as where you have been but I do hope you enjoyed your stay here."
"Oh..don't talk about it. I love this place. At least… this feels more like home than where I used to be."
"It is your home now, Regina." Robin smiled. "You're safe here and you can stay as long as you want, with me."
Warmth spread though her body. The word home made her heartrate increase. She felt right. A home should be the place where you know you are safe and be loved. She didn't care about the comfort or luxurious stuff. I meant nothing compared to what she was having now.
"I couldn't thank you enough for your kindness to me." The feelings overwhelmed and she couldn't help it when her eyes were watery again.
"You don't have to. Just be happy for yourself and for me…please?"
Regina saw things in a blur. Her eyes were full of tears. Robin's hand caught it before the tear rolled down her cheek. He cupped her cheek and kissed her forehead and pulled her to his chest.
"Don't cry my dear. I'm here for you. Always."
Regina nodded to his chest. She could stay here forever in his embrace. She felt a little lost when Robin pulled back just to let her go to bed.
"Alright. Good night, milady. Sleep tight and you shall see me in the morning."
"Good night Robin." She smiled back. A small pool of tears was still in her eyes.
