A/N I am so amazed by the response this story has received! I wasn't going to post again until Friday, but you all have been so great that I had to give you another chapter!

Thanks to all who read, followed and reviewed!

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Regina watched as Aurora slept and could only hope the woman would be able to get in touch with Snow or David. Henry had wanted to go into the netherworld as well, but Regina refused. She still wasn't happy about the fact that her son sometimes went there in his sleep. She sure the hell wasn't going to allow him to do it on purpose. Especially when he was not nearly as practiced as Aurora at controlling himself while in there.

She had given Aurora the message. She was to tell them that she and Henry were safe and also that Emma needed to begin to look for ways from their side to bring them back and Regina would look here. She knew that portals were hard to come by, but Regina suspected that because there was someone on each side that had powerful magic that maybe they would somehow be able to do something from each end to create a way home.

She looked around the room and saw her son and Roland chatting with each other. Henry was probably reliving another one of his adventures for the young boy to hear. She smiled as she watched Roland hang on every word.

She glanced to Robin who was talking quietly with Phillip. She still couldn't explain what it was that had happened between the two of them when he'd helped her from the horse. All she could say was that jump in her stomach was something she hadn't felt in a very long time. She studied him while he was unaware of her watching. He was an attractive man. He had beautiful blue eyes and when he looked at her she couldn't help but feel as if she could drown in them. He had very broad and strong shoulders. She imagined that he would be quite cut beneath his shirt.

She shook herself out of the thought. Now was most certainly not the time to be wondering what was beneath the shirt of anyone. Her number one priority now was her son. She laughed a little at herself, evidently it had been way to long since she'd been with anyone if she was getting this distracted.

She shifted her focus to Mulan who was standing by Aurora, watching over her as she slept. She narrowed her eyes a bit as she watched the woman's face. She'd certainly seen that look before. That was the look of love, but also the devastation of not having that love returned. Despite having just met the woman Regina instantly felt for her. There was nothing worse then loving someone with all of your being and them not loving you back. She'd certainly been there. Her mother hadn't truly loved her until the day her heart had been replaced in her chest and then had only lived a few seconds afterward. It hadn't mattered how much she'd loved her as a child…how much she'd done right, the love she'd had for her mother had never been returned.

Regina imagined that being "in love" with someone who didn't feel the same would be even worse. She started to walk towards Mulan when Aurora awoke from her sleep.

Mulan started to reach for her when she woke but pulled her hand back when Phillip came racing back over.

"Did you see them?" Henry asked running over to them.

Aurora nodded. "Both Snow and David decided to go into the netherworld hoping to reach you." She told him then turned to Regina. "I gave them your message about Emma trying to find information about the two of you creating a portal from each side. They said they would see what they could find out and meet me back in the netherworld in two days." Aurora smiled "And the best part is…they succeeded! Pan is now unable to leave the island. They didn't give me a lot of details, but they said it was done!"

Regina let out the breath she hadn't been aware she was holding and took Henry into her arms. He was safe…no matter what else happened Pan would not be able to get to him again. She smiled at Aurora. "Thank you so much!"

Aurora couldn't help but return the smile. Whatever this woman's past may be, the fact that she loved her son with all her heart was completely obvious.

Robin watched she the smile spread across Regina's face. What was it about this woman that caused his heart to race every time she smiled? Why did he find himself simply wanting to look at her? Why did heat shoot into his gut when he was close to her? Sure it had been a long time since he had even thought about a woman, but it wasn't as if he hadn't seen women since his wife died. He'd seen plenty, but none had given him the feelings that this gorgeous brunette was currently stirring in him.

He continued to watch as she smiled down at her son. The love she felt for him was clear on her face. He couldn't help wondering what it would feel like to be on the receiving end of such love. She leaned in and placed a kiss to her son's head then knelt down to say something to Roland. Robin sat mesmerized…She was beautiful…how was she even real?

"Robin?"

He snapped out of his thoughts to see Mulan standing next to him with a knowing smirk on her face. "What?"

"I said we should probably be heading back. It's getting late and we are half a days ride away from the castle." she told him.

"Oh, you could stay the night here." Aurora who had overheard interjected. "It would be nice to have children around." She laid her hand on her stomach. "For practice." She smiled.

Robin looked at Mulan who gave the other woman an uncomfortable smile. He and Mulan had spent a lot of time together, and although the woman had never come out and said it, he knew that she was in love with Aurora. He also knew how painful it was for her to be around the princess and her prince. He shook his head, wanting to make things easier for his friend. "We probably should be getting back." He stated.

Mulan looked at him with relief.

Regina had began to approach the group, but instead found herself watching the exchange. Apparently Robin was not only a good father but also a good friend. Even though it would have been more comfortable to stay the night here in the warmth of the castle he was choosing to spare his friend the pain of seeing her love with someone else. In her experience men were rarely that thoughtful.

It also surprised her that Robin knew the truth and still accepted her. Things in the Enchanted Forest were quite different then they were at home, and people who were attracted to the same sex were rarely accepted.

This place was archaic in it's belief systems. Here women were thought to be little else then a bargaining chip, offered as a wife to a family who had something to offer, then forced to live with her husband no matter how awful she was treated. Women here did not have options. Her and Henry's world may not be perfect, but it was certainly more progressive then this place.

That is why Robin's treatment of his friend Mulan was all the more surprising. Not that he should be given a medal for being a decent human being or anything, but he was raised here in this land under these horrid belief systems and yet he didn't seem to buy into them. He didn't talk down to Mulan and it was obvious he respected her opinion. The fact that he'd offered her a place among his men proved this even more. Not only was she a woman who took on what was considered a "man's role" but he also took her in knowing that she was attracted to women. Most people in the Enchanted Forest would shun her if they knew.

What was it that was so different about Robin?

She looked down when Robin looked up at her. He grinned as he caught her watching him. Maybe he wasn't the only one who was having trouble keeping himself focused. He smiled as he walked towards her. "Are you ok with heading back now?"

She nodded her head and had to clear her throat to speak. "Of course." He smiled at her once again before she felt a tug on her hand. She looked down to find Roland standing beside her.

"Can I ride with you this time Regina?" He asked a little shyly.

She smiled down at him. "I don't see why not…" She looked back at Robin. "As long as it's ok with your father."

Robin grinned at his son before scooping him up into his arms and tickling his side. "So this is how it's gonna be then?" He asked as the boy squealed with laughter. "You're gonna abandon me for a beautiful woman?" Regina blushed a bit at his words, then turned an even darker shade of red when the man looked back into her eyes and said "Not that I can blame you."

The boy straightened in his fathers arms "I like Regina dad…she's nice and she knows how to ride and she looks really pretty when she smiles."

"Indeed she does." Robin smiled at her.

"You're going to have to excuse them Regina." Mulan spoke up from beside her. "Obviously they don't get out much and rarely have the opportunity to see a beautiful woman. I do my best to keep them civilized…but it's a full time job." She smirked as Robin turned a little red himself.

"I think you're pretty too Mulan!" The four year old boy spoke up.

Mulan grinned at him before plucking him out of his father's arms. "And you are the most handsome young man in all the lands!" Mulan told him placing a kiss to the side of his head.

Robin turned to look at Henry. "What do you say Henry? Are you up for riding with the winner of this morning's race?"

Henry's eyes widened. "Sure!" He said with some excitement.

"Perhaps you'd be up for a rematch?" Robin asked with a teasing grin. "After all you now have the lighter child with you."

Regina returned his smile as she took Roland into her arms. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."

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"You do cheat." Regina stated flatly as they walked back into the castle. She was still holding Roland in her arms and wore a scowl on her face.

"I told you." Mulan stated as she walked by them.

"No way!" Henry took up for Robin. "We won that one fair and square Mom!"

"No." Regina stated simply. "No one has ever been able to beat me."

"Yeah Dad cheats!" Roland spoke up causing Regina and Mulan to both laugh. He smiled a little shyly and wrapped an arm around Regina's neck causing her to cuddle him closer.

"Fine take their side" Robin ruffled the little boy's hair then turned his attention to Regina. "Perhaps you are just out of practice." He teased "I could give you some refresher lessons if you need them."

Regina blinked offended. " I certainly will not be needing lessons from you."

Robin grinned. "Just thought I would offer."

Regina sat Roland down when he wiggled. "Dad can we introduce Henry to Joe?"

"Joe?" Regina and Henry both asked at the same time.

Robin smiled. "His goat."

Regina raised her eyebrow. "He has a goat?"

Robin nodded his head. "We found him about a year ago. At the time he was just a baby. Roland fell in love with him and begged to bring him home. He named him Joe."

Henry smiled down at the little boy. "I would love to meet your goat Roland!"

"Ok!" The little boy said with enthusiasm thrilled that he may have something that would impress his newest hero. He took Henry by the hand all but dragging him out the door. "Let's go!"

Robin shot one more grin to Regina. "It appears I'm off to spend time with a goat."

Regina smiled fully. "Have fun with that."

She turned to find Mulan standing by the fire attempting to warm up. She walked up beside the woman and held her hands up to the fire. "How long has it been since you've been with Robin and Roland?"

Mulan shrugged. "About a month I guess."

"The three of you seem close…for it being so short a time." Regina commented.

Mulan nodded her head. "I suppose when you find your family…It just fits." she paused for a moment. "Robin and I aren't together…if that's what your thinking."

Regina nodded. "No I wasn't thinking that." she paused wondering how far she should take the conversation, but then she was never one for subtlety. "How could you be with him when your heart belongs to Aurora?"

Mulan's eyes widened and she turned to look at Regina with her mouth slightly open. "How did you…" She stopped herself. "Of course I care about Aurora…she's my friend but I don't…I…We're friends." She finished awkwardly.

Regina smiled a little. "I know love when I see it Mulan." She laid a gentle hand on the girls arm. "You don't have to worry. You're secret is safe with me."

Mulan eyed her a bit warily. "Why?"

Regina shrugged. "Because I know what it's like to be shunned for something that you have no control over."

When Mulan only lifted an eyebrow in doubt at that statement Regina explained. "My mother…growing up no one ever wanted to be around me because of who my mother was. Everyone was afraid to be near me. I wasn't worth being friends with and I certainly wasn't worth saving. I didn't have one friend until Daniel…and she killed him." Regina let out a breath "Come to think of it I still don't have any friends, but I suppose that is more my doing."

Mulan looked back at the fire feeling strangely relieved that someone knew her secret. "I knew I was different from the other girls at a young age." She said quietly. "While the other girls were playing with dolls and dreaming of their weddings, I wanted to learn how to use a sword and ride a horse." She smiled. "I think my parents thought it was a phase and eventually I would settle down and want what all the other girls wanted…a husband and a family." She smiled. "It never really happened…not that I don't want a family, I just…" she hesitated.

"Don't want a husband." Regina finished with a grin.

Mulan laughed. "No…no I don't want a husband. I was a teenager before it really occurred to me that I wasn't attracted to men. Up until that point I was so focused on learning to fight that I never really thought about it one way or another, but once I realized…" She let out a breath. "There was this girl, that had always accepted me, she'd always been my friend even though others didn't understand me. I starting thinking that maybe she was like me. I began to fall for her and when I finally worked up the nerve to tell her…well, lets just say she didn't feel the same." She shook her head. "That was when I joined the army. I just needed to get away from there."

Regina nodded. "Has there been anyone else?"

Mulan shook her head. "There have been a few women along the way…a warm body, meaningless sex, but never love…not until now."

Regina nodded. She knew about that as well. Trying to heal your loneliness by having a warm body in your bed. It inevitably ended up making you feel more alone then you were to start with. "Mulan, I know what things are like here in the Enchanted Forest, how women are viewed here." She paused for a moment. "I just want to let you know that you would be welcome to come back to Storybrook with us."

Mulan shook her head. "It's the same people Regina…just in a different place."

Regina once again shook her head. "It is and it isn't. It's true the people there are from here, but you have to keep in mind that they've been in that world for nearly thirty years and that world is different then this one." She sighed. "It's not perfect by any means, but it's getting better…and it's not here. People there are more accepting and there are certainly more choices for women…Just think about it."

Mulan once again eyed her. "Why do you want to help me?"

Regina shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe because if someone had helped me I wouldn't have turned into the monster that I became." She glanced up as she heard the voice of her son coming back down the hallway. "Just think about it." She repeated.

Mulan nodded as Regina began to walk to the door to great the others. "Regina?" She paused when the other woman turned to look at her.

"I'll be your friend." She gave the woman a genuine smile.

Regina smiled back. "And I'll be yours."

"Regina!" Roland bounced into the room. "Joe chased Henry!"

Regina smiled and put an arm around her son's shoulders as he grimaced. "I do not want a goat Mom." Henry stated making all the adults in the room laugh.

"Don't worry Henry." Robin told him. "That goat hates me too."

Mulan walked up to the group. " I believe I am going to turn in for the evening…I'm pretty tired."

When everyone bid the woman a goodnight Henry looked up at Regina. "Mom can you like…magically charge this?"

Regina looked down at him. "You have your Ipod?" She laughed.

Henry grinned a little sheepishly. "Can you believe it?! It's survived two portals and a lost boy war! The battery died weeks ago though…can you fix it?"

She took the Ipod from him. There was a time that he would object to her using magic…fearing that it would make her evil. It was good to know that he had enough faith in her to know that wouldn't happen now. "I suppose." she held the device between her hands and Henry watched as his Ipod once again had life.

He grinned. "Thanks Mom! Hey Roland check this out!"

Robin watched as Henry showed the strange device to Roland. "What is that thing?" He wanted to know.

Regina smiled. "An Ipod, It plays music and you can play games on it."

"Ah." Robin said getting an idea. "So there is the small matter of settling your debts…I believe you have now lost two races."

Regina laughed. "Well Robin the joke is on you, because I came here with nothing."

"Oh but I have already thought of something." He grinned. "Do you know something I haven't done with a woman in a very long time?"

Regina raised an eyebrow. "I can only imagine, but before you share that thought allow me to inform you that a horse race will not win you sex with me."

Robin waited for a beat. "Damn."

Regina let out a throaty laugh at his comically fallen expression.

He once again grinned at her. "Actually Your Majesty what I was going to say was that it has been a very long time since I have danced with a woman, but it's good to know that your mind jumps straight to the gutter when you think of me."

Regina smiled at him. "A dance? That is what you want?"

Robin smiled. "I think a dance with you would be quite lovely." He grinned and took a step closer. "Henry, how about playing a song that your mother and I can dance to."

Henry raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna dance with my Mom?"

Robin shot the boy a look and grinned. "It's her payment for losing the horse race."

Regina raised an eyebrow at Robin. "Is it that hard for you to find a woman to dance with you that you have to win bets? Are you that terrible of a dancer?" She teased.

He smiled. "Well I'm not the best, but you should still have your toes by the end of it." The truth was he just wanted a reason to hold her close again.

Henry thought for a moment then grinned. "I have just the song." The fact that his mom had laughed more in just one day with this man then he'd seen her laugh in a long time was not lost on him.

Regina refrained from rolling her eyes when the song came on. Henry had chosen "Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum. She looked over at her son the matchmaker and he grinned.

She took a breath as Robin placed an arm at her waist and took her right hand into his. It had been a long time since she'd danced with a man as well. She struggled to keep her breathing under control as once again the feel of being close to this man sent her heart racing.

She fit perfectly against him as they swayed together to the music. His hand nearly swallowed hers. It still amazed him that the larger then life queen he'd heard of for so many years was actually so petite. It made him want to pull her into his arms and protect her forever.

He listed to the music that Henry had chosen for them to dance to.

I've never opened up to anyone
So hard to hold back when I'm holding you in my arms
We don't need to rush this
Let's just take it slow

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight

He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "The music of your world is quite beautiful."

Regina felt her breath catch when she felt his breath against her ear. "It is," She agreed.

He pulled back to look into her face and simply got lost in her eyes. He'd meant this to be a fun dance, something light to make her laugh again, but this…this he hadn't expected.

She couldn't look away. She felt as if she were drowning in him and she didn't much care if she ever had air again. She felt she could stay like this…in this moment forever.

They moved with each other as if they were the only ones in the room. Robin desperately wanted to lean in and place a kiss to her lips. He wanted to pull her closer and wrap his arms around her. He wanted to hold her close forever.

"Guys." Henry said in a flat tone. They looked away from each other to look at their children who for just a moment they'd forgotten were still in the room. "The song's over."

They turned to each other in confusion for a moment before Robin smiled "I suppose I got a little caught up."

Regina blushed slightly and nodded. "Me too."

"Roland asked if we could have a sleep over in his room Mom. Is that ok?" Henry wanted to know.

Regina pulled back from Robin's arms and nodded. "Sure sweetheart. That's fine with me."

"We probably should turn in I suppose." Robin stated.

The four of them left the room and walked towards Roland's bedroom. Once there Regina leaned in to place a kiss to her sons head and hugged him. "Goodnight sweetheart. I love you."

"Love you too Mom." Henry kissed her cheek.

"Can I have one too Regina?" The little boy held his arms up to her with tired eyes.

She smiled down at the sweet little boy. "Of course you can." She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to Roland's forehead. "Goodnight Roland."

"Night Regina, Night Dad." the little boy rubbed his eyes as he turned over in his bed.

When they exited the room they looked at each other a little awkwardly for a moment before Robin cleared his throat. "I'll walk you to your room." He told her.

"Robin that's really not necessary, I know the way." She gestured.

"I don't mind." He stated and held out his arm for her to take.

After a moments hesitation she took it and fell into step beside him. "Thank you…for all your help today. I really appreciate everything you are doing for us."

He smiled. "It's no problem. Glad I can help."

They arrived at her door and she turned to face him. "Well, goodnight."

He simply looked at her. "Goodnight." He tried to tell his body to turn and leave, but it just wasn't obeying him. "Do you need me to start a fire for you? These old castles get pretty drafty."

She shook her head. "I can do it." she smiled. "I have magic, remember?"

He nodded. "Right, If you need anything…I'm just a few doors down." He gestured to his room.

She nodded. "Ok. Thank you."

He started to turn towards his room, but she stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Thanks again…for everything." She didn't know what possessed her to do it, but she leaned in and placed a soft kiss to his cheek.

He couldn't move. The feel of her soft lips against his skin made him want to pull her to him and taste those lips with his own.

Why did she do that?! Regina scolded herself in her head. What in the hell was wrong with her?! Had she completely lost her mind?!

They sat and stared at each other for one shocked moment before Robin lowered his head and lightly brushed her lips with his. Regina brought her hand to his cheek and they lingered there for just a moment. It was just a soft brush of lips but it sent both of their hearts racing.

"Goodnight Regina." He whispered.

She gave a hint of a smile. "Goodnight Robin."

She turned to walk into her room as he walked towards his, When she closed the door behind her she had to lean heavily against it.

What in the hell was that?!

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A/N Ok I really hope you all enjoyed this one! :)

I gotta be honest I am a little nervous about the Mulan/Regina talk. I hope I did it justice. Considering that the Enchanted Forest still forces women into marriage and the way that Regina always seemed to be "property" I can't imagine that the people there would be very accepting of Mulan. For one because she refused to conform to the traditional "woman's role" as wife and mother. Then add to the fact that she is a lesbian, I just don't see this place as being accepting of her. With the way women are treated there I can't imagine this place is very forward thinking. So again, I really hope I did it justice. Mulan is going to play a pretty big part in this story not only as a friend to Robin and Regina, but she will also have her own story line as well. I just love this character and watching her walk away from Aurora broke my heart.

I know...everyone is wondering when the big reveal of Robin's tattoo is gonna happen. I promise it is coming. I'm pretty excited about them getting to know each other without the pressure of being each others true love though, but it will happen soon...very soon...perhaps even the next chapter ;)

Ok so obviously you have figured out that reviews get you the next chapter faster so please, let me know what you thought of this chapter!

Look me up on tumblr. I'm the queenstolemyheart there too. I have recently been fangirling over my Queens flawlessness...oh wait...I do that everyday on tumblr not just recently lol.