Regina and Robin go on their first date
Regina's nervous, ridiculously so. She looks hot, she knows she does, in a black shirt that's really more of a sparkling corset that makes her boobs look fantastic. It's mostly covered by a tailored black jacket, but the important part, a tasteful amount of the insane cleavage the shirt gives her, is still visible. Then she's in tight black pants, ones that accentuate her best feature, her ass.
Her makeup is more dramatic than usual but sexy (or at least she hopes anyway) and finished with a red lip, the only real pop of colour she has on. She'll wear her grey coat, throw on a blue scarf, just so she's not in black head to toe. Black is her colour, but black top, pants and coat would be excessive.
She's tempted to pour a glass of wine, something to calm her nerves but they'll probably drink with dinner and she gets… flirty and… passionate after a couple of glasses. This is a date, a first date, and that won't be happening tonight. No matter how attractive he is, and how long it's been -and it's been a while- she's not going to put out on the first date, even with a conveniently empty house.
She'll be taking it easy on the alcohol, he's already far too attractive and she's seriously lacking in self control. She'll kiss him at the end of the night, outside though so she's not tempted to take it any further. Then she remembers the date has even begun and she shouldn't assume he'll want to kiss her.
She fluffs her hair, fingers through the loose curls that fall onto her shoulders, sprays some perfume, then heads downstairs. He should be arriving any minute so she puts on her boots and grabs her coat, leaving it unbuttoned as she throws on her favourite long blue scarf.
She sees his beat up truck coming down the street and she can't help but smile. The truck is just so him, fits perfectly with that 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' country boy thing he has going on. He's so more than that of course, kind, generous, a gentleman and, according to Mal, amazing in bed.
Tink had been asking about the date over lunch on Thursday, when Mal walked into the restaurant and joined them while she waited for Katherine. Mal had of course chosen to share that fact with Regina, and had recommended she find out for herself. Tink had excused herself to the bathroom when Mal started talking about his talented tongue, something Regina wishes she knew a little less about (and wants to know more about, experience it herself).
Mal's shameless, it's one of Regina's favourite things about her. Regina knows from experience Mal's not easy to please, and so she was intrigued by that information, but didn't ask for details because while Mal was speaking quietly, they were still in a restaurant.
Also, getting details about how the man you're trying to date is in bed would odd, especially from your own ex-lover.
She watches as he gets out of his truck, reaches for something and oh, he brought her flowers. That's so sweet and aw, she's touched.
He knocks and she opens the door cheeks flushing and eyes watering as he explains they're Hellebores, the Christmas rose. They are beautiful and she doesn't know what the say, thank you isn't enough for such a thoughtful gesture.
"These are stunning," is what she settles on as she grabs a vase and places them gently in it.
She's on her way to the kitchen to pour some water in with them when he says, "As is their new owner." She's glad he can't see how hot her face gets at the compliment. She feels light and giddy, can't stop smiling as she pours in the water and sets the vase down onto the table.
She buttons her jacket on her way back into the foyer where he's waiting. She's can still feel the flush in her cheeks as she returns, but it's gone down a bit. She shouldn't look like a tomato anymore, hopefully not anyway.
He asks, "May I?" with his right hand extended, she grabs it with her left, interlacing their fingers. If he keeps up like this her face is going to hurt from all the smiling.
They walk out the door and he pauses, letting her hit the button on the keypad lock she got after Henry lost his 3rd key last year. She hears the whirring sound that tells her it's locked and walks toward the truck, still gripping his strong and surprisingly smooth hand.
He walks her to her door, letting go of her hand as he opens the door for her. It's a big step up and he offers her his hand again to help her get into his truck.
When she's in he shuts the door and walks around. His truck smells like him, like Christmas trees, coffee and campfires. She knows he has a woodstove in his home, one that he uses often and must be the cause of that delicious smell. It's outdoorsy, which is not her at all, but suits him so well.
When he starts up the truck Baby It's Cold Outside is playing, and not the awful pop version Henry likes. She doesn't really like this song, too many rapey undertones for her taste, but it is a classic.
"You know I'm really not a fan of this song," Robin remarks as he pulls out of her driveway. "I've always found it a bit, uh… creepy to be honest."
"I think so too, but at least this is the good version."
He looks over at her for just a second before returning his focus to the road. "You like the classics?"
She nods. "That's the only Christmas music I enjoy, I don't get why there has to be so many remakes and new songs. Henry likes the pop Christmas so I unfortunately hear a lot of that in my house."
"Mm Roland's too young for that, I just get asked to play Rudolph or Let It Go for the twentieth time that day."
"Are those his favourites?"
"Yes, and Frosty the Snowman, but we only have to listen to that ten times a day."
And oh she remembers that, vividly. Henry's favourite had been Jingle Bells and they had to sing it over and over and over, even though neither of them could carry a tune.
"Henry listens to his Ariana Grande Christmas albums on repeat, but at least he plays it in his room."
"I didn't know she had a Christmas album." he says as he turns onto the main street.
"I didn't either, but last year Henry developed a bit of a crush on her and so we just had to have her albums, and there's two."
"I'll admit I don't even know which one she is, they all sound the same to me."
"Have you heard that annoying Thank You Next song? It's all I heard for all of November until Henry decided it was time to switch to Christmas music earlier this week."
She hears his Ahh of recognition as he pulls into a parking spot, just outside Linguini's, Storybrooke's Italian restaurant and premiere date spot.
"I'm surprised this thing made it the whole way," she jokes, unable resist a barb at his truck's expense.
"I'm just surprised you got in it."
"What can I say, I'm full of surprises."
"Mm that you are," he responds, looking at her with heat in his gaze as he unbuckles his seatbelt.
And it's suddenly too warm in the truck, she fumbles undoing her seatbelt, and almost misses the door handle as she opens her door. He comes around and grabs her hand again and they walk from the parking lot to the restaurant.
They get seated in a booth and she hangs her coat and scarf on one of the convenient little hooks on the side.
When she sits Robin's staring, can't quite draw his gaze away from her ample cleavage. She smirks, this shirt was a good call.
"See something you like?" she asks innocently, leaning forward to grab the drink menu.
He looks at her, sheepishly, then surprises her with a husky, "I see lots of things I like."
That tone, it does things to her, and shit she walked herself right into that comment but she hadn't expected him to be quite so bold.
She meets his heated gaze and delights in how he checks her out. He makes her feel sexy and wanted, not uncomfortable or too on display. She likes him and she desperately wants it go well, and it is, at least for her.
They are just looking at each other, taking the other one in and it's comfortable. This is already ten times better than any date she'd ever had with Sidney. She's not watching the clock, or convincing herself that she should be interested or flirting, it just comes naturally.
She fiddles with the menu in her hand and reluctantly breaks the eye contact so she can pick a drink.
"Will you be having wine?" he asks as she peruses the menu.
"Yeah, I prefer a red but if you wanted to split on a half litre I could do white as well."
"Red's fine by me, and why not the bottle."
Is he trying to get her drunk? It's not like she can't drink most of a bottle, she'd have a good buzz but there's already too much tension building without alcohol bolstering it.
"Well you're driving so there's max two glasses because if you were planning on having any more I'll be taking a cab home, as will you, and that leaves about four for me to drink."
"Oh true, and I wasn't planning on having more than two, I wouldn't, I don't drink and drive."
And good, so it's settled then. "Any preference?"
"I'll drink anything."
Since he doesn't have a preference she settles on the Chianti, just as their waiter, a young man who introduces himself as Kristoph, comes for their drink order.
She orders the wine and they discuss food options while they wait.
When Kristoph returns with the wine they order their food, splitting the bruschetta to start. Robin orders the lasagna and she the spinach gnocchi, she has a weakness for that creamy gorgonzola sauce. Kristoph compliments them on their good taste and she can't help but laugh at the awkward, bumbly, but somehow still charming thing he has going on.
"You know," she says once Kristoph is out of earshot, "Lasagna is my specialty, and mine is better."
"Better than the fancy Italian restaurant?" Robin arches his brow in disbelief, taking his first sip of the wine.
She nods, sipping her wine as well. It's very good, and he seems to like too.
"Well I guess you'll have to make it for me sometime, so I can be the judge."
"I will and then you'll see that I'm right."
"I look forward to it."
She smirks as she realizes they've basically committed to a second date.
He's staring at again, this time at her face, looking deeply into her eyes. His gaze is mesmerizing she wants to lose herself in those baby blue eyes.
Then he's apologizing. "I'm sorry, you're just so breathtakingly beautiful, it's very distracting."
She warms at the compliment. This is going so well, and he's not the only who is getting distracted. That button up light blue shirt brings out those soft inviting eyes.
Their appetizer arrives and they dig in. It's too many carbs but it's delicious and she'll run off this meal tomorrow morning. They chat about their sons for a while. She makes another joke at Henry's expense and then her insecurity flares. Robin laughs, but she's made an awful lot of complaints about her son in his presence and she wonders if he thinks she's a terrible mother.
She loves Henry deeply and they enjoy playfully making fun of each other. She's been told it comes off as unloving (by Sidney, mind you, but she can see the truth in that) and she doesn't want Robin to think that.
Then he's telling a story that ends in both of them laughing over Roland's ridiculous antics, so maybe it's okay. To be safe, she strays away from any more jokes at Henry's expense.
Kristoph brings their main courses and almost dumps Robin's on him. She stifles a laugh, but Robin's an absolute sweetheart about it. The food smells amazing and her mouth waters before digging in. The conversation effectively ends for the first couple of minutes while they eat. She's able to enjoy her food without worrying about either having to speak with her mouth full or do the awkward pause while she swallows.
The food is incredible and this is the best date she's been on in years, possibly ever. It's so easy with him and nothing feels uncomfortable. Though she doesn't want the date to end she's also very very excited about the end of the date, finally kissing him like she's been dreaming about for the last month and a half.
Robin's finished his meal and she's still going. She's a slow eater, always has been and this portion is huge, she won't finish it.
"I'm not going to finish so please have some if you want."
He waves her off, "Take it for lunch tomorrow then, you'd better save room for dessert, the tiramisu is amazing here."
"There is no way I can eat a full dessert myself. I'll explode."
He smirks, "Well I suppose we could share then, but only since you are almost full."
"Maybe I suddenly have an appetite."
He chuckles warmly. "Then I'll guess I'll just have to restrain myself and let you have most of it."
"How gentlemanly."
"Why thank you, I do try."
She takes a couple more bites of her gnocchi, even though she needs to stop, but it's there and is just so good. Their waiter needs to come and take it away before she eats more of it.
She's midbite when Robin remarks, "I love this song." She hadn't been paying attention but now she does and catches, Oh, ho the mistletoe, hung where you can see, somebody waits for you, kiss her once for me.
"This is a good one."
"In truth it's my favourite, I'm always singing it when it comes on at work."
He probably has a lovely voice. "It's a good one, but I prefer White Christmas, it reminds me of my childhood and wishing for a snowy Christmas."
He's about to say something but then Kristoph interrupts asking about how they're doing. Robin orders the dessert, a coffee too, and she gets the rest of her dinner packed up.
Robin pours the last of the wine into her glass over her protests. He's barely had any, a glass and a half maximum and she's already feeling warm and tipsy.
She takes a sip then stifles a yawn. She looks down at her watch, it's 9:30 pm, she's usually getting ready for bed at this time, even on a weekend. When did she become such a grandmother?
"Perhaps you should have ordered coffee."
"No, then I'd be up all night, if I have caffeine after five I can't sleep." There was a time she could have a coffee and fall asleep an hour later but she was younger then, less affected.
"Oh, well we don't want that."
"Clearly it doesn't bother you." She keeps the 'it may in time though' to herself because she'd rather not draw attention to the fact that she's a bit older. She thinks he's 35 but if he's younger, he can keep that to himself for now.
He smiles, "No, and thank god because Roland's an early riser and I need it to get through some nights at work."
Henry's the opposite, it's like pulling teeth to get him out of bed, always has been. "I'm the early riser in my house."
"Oh, and what ungodly hour do you wake up at?"
"6 usually."
His eyebrows shoot up. "6 am? Are you mad?"
She laughs at his reaction. "Well I leave for work at 8 and I run for a bit most mornings."
"A real run or a treadmill?"
She rolls her eyes at real run, of course he's one of those. "Treadmill, it's freezing outside, no thank you."
"You are missing out, I don't run all that often, but when I do always outside," he pauses to thank Kristoph who's just dropped off their dessert, "It's so much nicer to be outdoors, inhale the fresh air and just be one with nature."
"Yeah, I'm not an outdoorsy type."
"Well it seems it seems I'll just have to convince you."
"Good luck with that," she says, spearing a bit of the tiramisu with her fork, and wow it's good. She mhms a little too loudly and she sees his eyes darken, and oh, he liked that. She does it again on her next bite then licks the remnants off her lips as he watches intently.
He blinks then grabs for his coffee, looking away as he ruins the moment by pouring, ew, three packages of sugar and two milk into it.
As he takes his first sip she remarks, "Do you want some coffee with that sugar?'
He chuckles but then ignores the comment, diving into the tiramisu. She grabs her wine, there's still half a glass left after all, and she's not one for wasting good wine.
They eat and sip in comfortable silence for a minute. Then Robin asks, "Aren't you glad I talked you into dessert?"
And yes, yes she is, but she can't resist a tease. "Mm, it's passable."
He looks at her in disbelief. "The sounds you were making earlier suggested otherwise."
She purses her lips but says nothing, opting to finish off her glass of wine instead. God, this is just going so well, she's waiting for the other shoe to drop, for something to go wrong but it's perfect, he's perfect. She hasn't had this much fun out with someone since, well since Daniel.
"You okay?" Robin asks, and damn he's perceptive.
Though she doesn't want to be she's honest, "More than okay, I was just thinking I haven't such a good time on a date in a long time, since Daniel."
He smiles at that, "I'm having a good time too, really I-"
The moment is interrupted by Kristoph bringing the cheque. She makes an attempt to grab for it but Robin's already has his card out.
When he leaves the moment is gone and she doesn't want the date to end just yet.
Robin seems to agree. "What do you say to a quick walk? It's beautiful out."
She laughs, "Is this a part of your convincing me I should like the outdoors plan?"
He chuckles good naturedly, "It was my plan all along but once you said that I knew it had to happen."
"If it has to happen then lead the way."
He gets up, throws his coat on and then grabs hers, holding it so she can slip into it. His hands rest on her arms for a second and she sighs. It's nice, it's totally innocent but it's nice to have another person touching you.
She starts buttoning her coat as he grabs her scarf and asks, "May I?" She nods, probably too eagerly but oh well. He gets oh so close, she wants to lean in, close that distance, kiss him senseless in this restaurant but it's not the time. He's looking at her like he'd enjoy that immensely, like he wants to devour her. God he's attractive, even more so this close.
She drops her eyes from his heated gaze so she doesn't do something stupid. She finishes buttoning her coat, throws on her gloves and then grasps his hand.
They chat all through the walk and she has to admit the walk is nice. It's been snowing lightly all day and so there's a nice clean coating of snow. It makes everything look pretty.
She admires the view, both the snow and the attractive man on her arm. Along the way they shifted from walking hand in hand to arm and arm, her head resting on his shoulder. Every inhale she gets a whiff of that pleasant Christmas tree scent she associates with him.
They walk toward his truck and she's sad, she doesn't want this night to ever end, but knows that it must.
He opens the door for her again, she can't help but smile up at him before getting in. He's such a gentleman and it makes her heart flutter every time. It's so sweet and she can tell it's not something he's doing to impress her, it's just who he is.
She remembers seeing him with Marian and thinking what a great guy and couple they were. Mostly nicely, though with a bitter jealousy for a couple of years after Daniel's death. She had been absolutely devastated when he died and though she had to time to prepare it didn't help at all. She had seen Daniel sick before, he relapsed when they were first dating but then he passed that five year mark and they really thought they were safe. So much so that she didn't harass him to go to the doctor when he wasn't feeling well, let him stew in his denial for far too long.
But that's the past and she's determined to stop living in her past, determined to enjoy the present. The present where she's being driven home by an attractive man who is clearly interested in her. She likes him, she likes him a lot, and she doesn't want to screw this up, she will, she knows it, but for now it's good.
He pulls in her driveway and she's suddenly nervous. What if he doesn't get out of the truck, what if she's been reading him wrong this whole time. But no, no he's been enjoying himself, she's just being crazy. This isn't a game, he's not drawing her in to break her down, not purposefully giving mixed signals, he's not Sidney.
Sure enough he jumps out too, to walk her to her door. She's so tempted to invite him in, but she wants to let this evolve into more. Inviting him in is not the way to do that, that's what she would do with a hook up, and this isn't that, no matter how much she wants him.
He walks her to her door, holding her hand again. When they reach the door and there's that moment, it's weighted but not awkward. They both know what's coming but he doesn't move so she does. She leans in so their lips are a breath away, pauses just for a second in case she's somehow been reading this wrong then brings their lips together. It's a good kiss, it lingers and then he pulls her in for a second and a third, his hands sliding around her waist, drawing her in closer.
She sighs pleasantly against his lips and that must spur him on because he's kissing her deeply, open mouthed now, in a way that makes her warm and giddy. She wants him, wants more but lets herself enjoy this, enjoy the wanting.
He pulls away, brushes her hair out of her face and she melts at the way he's looking at her.
They stare for a second before he says, "When can I see you again?"
Thank god, not that there was really a question but still she's relieved. The kiss could have changed things for him, made him realize he actually didn't want her.
It's a busy week, Whale's fallen off of the wagon again and she's trying arrange accommodation and treatment and because it's Whale it's complicated. Then she needs to finish her Christmas shopping, has almost everything for Henry but has been avoiding buying for her mother, and that will be an ordeal.
So regretfully she responds, "The weekend?" His face falls and she hastily clarifies, "Sorry it's not you, it's a busy week, I would love to see you sooner but can't."
He nods, "What about Friday night?"
She feels like she has something Friday, but what is it?
"Oh wait," he interjects, "I can't do Friday, I've been invited to a party."
That's what it is, the hospital's Christmas party, a thing she had been dreading but now not so much. "The hospital's Christmas party?"
"Yes," he says his face lighting up, "I trust you are going then?"
"I am."
"Well then, I guess I'll see you there."
They just look at each other for a second and at the same time they both lean in. The kiss starts out chaste, soft open mouthed kisses, his one hand resting on her hip, the other wrapped around her back pulling her close.
She brings a hand to his face, feeling his rough stubble under her palm it as its slides down and then she's gripping his shoulder, feeling the hard muscle underneath her hand. His hand on her waist slides, so it's resting on her lower back, as his other hand reaches for her arm, sliding up her elbow.
It feels so good, him pressed against her, his lips on hers. She sighs and then deepens the kiss, her tongue tentatively seeking out his bottom lip. His hand reaches for her face, holding her there, holding her close as their tongues meet. His fingers tangle in her hair and she shivers at the sensation, a nice counterpoint to the warmth that's flooding her from his embrace.
They kiss fiercely for several minutes, making out on her front porch like they are sixteen. Now she really wants to invite him in, but no, not tonight, she has self control. With that in mind, she draws herself away slightly.
His hand is still in her hair but his thumb moves across her face caressing it, and it's nice, comforting, reminds her she's doing the right thing.
"So I guess this is good night." Her voice is shaky and gravelly, but it's the best she could manage after those kisses, and will have to do.
"Goodnight Regina." He tells her in a sinfully sexy tone before kissing her once more, this one softer, but just as passionate.
He pulls away fully this time and slowly makes his way back to his truck. She hasn't gone in yet, she's watching him and then he turns back to her. "So I'll see you Friday then?"
She smiles back, "Yeah, I'll see you Friday."
Then she finally opens her door then closes it on the best date she's had in years. She spies the flowers he brought her resting on the table and smiles, knowing every time she looks at them she'll think of him, and this wonderful date.
I'll be posting the rest on the actual day that part of the story is set on, next is December 14, 2018. If you don't want to wait head over to the Advent site (onceuponanadvent . com) I'm day 9 and be sure to check out the rest of the Advent site, there's some amazing stuff there!