She stepped into her first class at Harvard University. She could feel the tingling sensation in the tip of her fingers as she held her textbook for her first class. Introduction to Romanticism. 6:05am. She'd make sure to pin this moment in her mind for future reference. She had to remember this day. A new beginning.

She was not worried about the load she was taking on, double majoring in addition to a minor. To any average student her load would be stress inducing, but to Regina Mills it was the norm. With a mixture of online and in person classes already on her schedule she had to get dean approval to add this early morning class since she had already maxed out her allowed credits per semester. In high school she was already set at a 4.5GPA because of her added college courses so the dean did not hesitate to approve. Regina was smart and everyone knew it. Whatever she took on, she excelled in.

The class was set up lecture style. She walked down the steps choosing to sit in one of the middle rows, three seats down from the aisle. This would be her spot. It had the perfect view of the projector, and what it seemed to be in good view if she got the misfortune to sit behind a crazy haired student. She liked sitting alone in class, too. So it was a perfect spot in the perfect seat where no one would want to sit right next to the aisle or too close to her. They would have to find another seat.

A few students had already showed up and were intently typing on their laptops. She opened up hers and began to get ready for her first class to start. After a few minutes, students began to trickle in and take their seats. She was hoping that no one she knew would be taking the class. This class was not part of her requisits, she chose to take this class for pure enjoyment. So she choose the earliest possible in hopes that all the people she knew would not want to take it. This of course was a little secret of hers. A little indulgence of sorts. But if she was quite honest, she was embarrassed. Embarrassed to be that girl to take a romanticism class because she loved all things epic and tragic love stories of galant handsome men, risking it all for the loves of their lives.

As she was entransed in her work, she heard movement of someone stepping into the same row as her. She looked up to see who the dreaded person looking to sit next to her would be.

"No." She said as she caught eye of the person who was was now sitting next to her.

"No, what? Not attending this class?" He replied with a smug smile. "I do believe I am."

"What are you doing here, Robin?"

With that smug smile still plastered on his face he says, "Well, taking Introduction to Romanticism, ofcourse. What are you doing here, Regina?"

She rolls her eyes. She's not going to give him the joy of entertaining him after what happened at the kick back. She had not seen him since then, and that was going on two weeks. That night she was all riled and enamoured with him. She went to Emma's room that night and told her everything that had happened.

"Forget about him, Regina. He may be dreamy and all, but he doesn't seem to be very honest from what you're saying." she recalls. They had talked it over for about an hour or so in whispers between the two of them. Regina frustrated and angry from her behaviour that night. She had never acted like that before. She had been disrespectful to Marian and all because of Robin. She had felt possessive and jealous if she was being honest with herself.. That was not her. She was too prideful for that. She talked sense into herself and convinced herself that it was just not going to work. Even so, Robin had lied about his relationship with Marian and she was not here for romance. So no matter how weak in the knees she got with him, she was not going to pay attention to him.

"So, I haven't seen you at any of the get togethers since the one at the dorm." he says apparently intent in making conversation with her.

"I've been busy." she states blanky. Her eyes not leaving her computer as she works on her organic chemistry homework..

"Busy doing what? School just started today."

"My online classes already posted their syllabi, so I got a head start on stuff. And Daniel and I we-" she stopped and looked at him. Her face formed into a scowl. This was what his hold was over her she now realized. She could open up to him. Even if she didn't realize it, conversation with him had come easy the times they'd intereacted. She caught herself this time. She was about to tell him how her and Daniel went to see her parents in New York this weekend and how she was actually going to try be with him and give their relationship a real try.

"What's that look for?" he asks tilting his head trying to catch her sight.

"You just.." she sighs. Once again, the comfortableness eases in. But she halts it before she can say more. "Nothing."

"Tell me." he states and without hesitation he holds her hand and beings to thumb her knuckles. She feels a warmth and excitement begin to fill her core. The sweet sensation of his skin against hers.

No, she cannot be doing this.

She removes her hand from his grasp. She is now frustrated. What is this guy doing to her? She has to tell him to back off.

"Look, Robin. What happened at the party was a moment of weakness and nothing more. I am not interested in anything with you. We will be seeing each other at parties that's apparent... so please, why don't you just stop trying.." she paused. She wanted to kiss him. Sitting next to her, she could smell his fresh pine scent and see those eyes that made her melt. She swallowed hard making sure to remind herself of what she was supposed to be doing. What was she supposed to be doing, any way? Oh, yes, making him back off, right.

"Just stop trying to do whatever it is that you are doing. I am not interested in you like that." her face was as serious as she could possible make it. She had to make her statement believable. He believed her, right?

His smile grew wide, "You're such a bad liar, Regina Mills."

She sighed in resignation with a roll of her eyes.

"But, I try to be a gentleman. And I accept it when a lady says, no." He began to take out his books and laptop. "Why don't we just be friends, yeah? Better than nothing."

He gave her another smile, one that showed his teeth and his heart quenching dimples. This man was going to be the death of her. Blue eyes, dimples and now that damn smile. But being friends was somewhat of a halfway point, right? He'd stop doing whatever it was that he did to her. Hopefully that would work.

"Fine."

And that was that. The class began and both stayed silent the rest of the 2 hours. Regina, focusing on the lecture while Robin couldn't help but look at her from time to time. It was like he needed to recharge every few minutes from his need of her. God, she's beautiful, he thought to himself.

Once class was over they both stepped out into the courtyard.

"So, I guess I'll see you for next class?" Regina asks.

"Or, would you care to join me for breakfast?" Robin smiles, "Just, as friends of course. I don't quite fancy these early morning classes. I don't get to eat breakfast and Will and Killian are still in their mathematics not go have a bite with my new friend."

Regina smiled, he was trying to hard to just be friends it was too cute. "I've got biology in 20 minutes and it's all the way across campus, sorry."

"It's 8am and you've already got another class? God, how many classes are you signed up for this semester?" he teased.

"Eight." she replied.

"What?! Are you seriously trying to drive yourself mad?" He asked in disbelief.

"I can handle it, I'm used to being busy and school has always come easy so..."

"Smart girl." He said with a flirty smile. She felt the flutter in her stomach again. She shook her head slightly and gave him a smile. For the first time, someone complimenting her intelligence did not make her uncomfortable, on the other hand it boosted her. But, of course, it had to come from the dashing blue eyed Brit.

"Well, you owe me a breakfast date then. Just, as friends." He said with a reassuring smile.

Regina simply nodded,"See you next week, Robin."

*.*

And that's how it went on. The rest of the month and the two months after that. Robin did keep flirting with her, but it was not as apparent and it never went further than that. A sweet compliment here and there that would make her blush. He was a sly one when it came to keeping up appearances. And she found that she looked forward to their scheduled meetings primarily because it revolved around her favorite subject, and Robin for some reason just made her time so much more enjoyable.

Regina only saw him that one time a week and at some get togethers here and there. But she didn't go to many once school got into full force. Mary and Emma would bug her to come along but she wouldn't budge. But Daniel was always there with her keeping her company when the girls went out. They had grown up together either way, so they had a really good friendship. She had decided to give him a real chance and it was nice for the most part. He was a great boyfriend. He was caring and doting with her.

When she went to the get togethers she went with Daniel. She found that she was beginning to care for him, a bit romantically. He was all things a perfect boyfriend would be, how could one not swoon a bit over him? It wasn't strong, or passionate or full of lust but it was there. She loved Daniel, of course, they grew up together and had been lifelong best friends of sorts. But she was not in love with Daniel. But what she had with him was good, safe, sweet and Regina quite liked.

Mary and David had been official by then. Both disgustingly smitten with each other, they had already professed their undying love for one another. Regina could not be more happy for them. They had gone on a couple double dates which Regina tried multiple times to get out of but still went for Mary's sake.

At the get togethers Regina could tell Robin was not very happy with her and Daniel together. Even when Marian was around him trying to kiss him and be affectionate with him, he didn't reciprocate the affections. His jaw would clench when Daniel would wrap his arm around her waist and Regina would lean into the touch. Or when he would kiss her, in any form, he would become tense. At times, to the point where he would take a couple shots and then storm out of the party with Will and Killian on his trail. There never were any comments on either of their parts in regards to his behaviour. And that's how it stayed. They were in a good friendly relationship with a once a week class.

Regina had confessed to Emma about their class together and how they would spend time together after. She warned her it was dangerous, especially if she was trying to make it work with Daniel. But Regina told her that they had agreed to be just friends and that it was nothing to worry about. Even then, Emma's warning remained.

They had gotten into the habit of walking Regina over to her next class after theirs finished and they got to get to know each other well on their morning walks. They found that they were similar in many things. They got pretty close, and they started talking about everything and anything and complained about what they wanted as well. The laughed and bantered. They both found that they tried to drag along the moment they had to part as much as possible. Maybe this was a bit dangerous Regina would think. But she would remind herself that nothing would happen, they were just friends.

During their walks, Regina found out that he had two sisters Belle and Tink (real name Grace) and youngest brother named John who was 15. They all currently lived in Nottingham with their mom was ill at the time. Robin would always be vauge or avoid the questions when Regina would ask exactly what she was sick with.

Everytime he talked about his family he got somber and a bit detached which caught Regina's eye. He always was full of wit and charm but when he began to talk about his family something would shift in him. To get him back to feeling more himself, Regina would lace her hand in his. Something she knew was dangerous for the both of them but she knew it eased and centered Robin. Everytime she did that, a slow smile would appear on his face. It was intimate and sweet. Their eyes would meet and they both knew this was the extent of their relationship so they would take it all in. Every walk.

*.*

It was now nearing the end of November, and students were leaving for Thanksgiving break. Mary and Regina were set to leave the next day to Grandmother Mill's estate in Hartford, Connecticut for Thanksgiving. They had invited Emma, telling her she was now automatically invited to any and all family events. David had left already to the Nolan Estate for his family's thanksgiving but would be meeting the next day for a quick get together. Mal and Ella were going to Mal's home in New York City. It seemed the entire group would be in the same city for the holidays.

As they exited Romanticism class, Regina asked. "So, my biology class is cancelled because of break. Is that breakfast offer still available?"

Robins beamed at the mention, "Of course! Have a specific place in mind?"

"There's this new cafe called 'Egg-celent' that apparently serves the most amazing eggs-benedict. Want to try them out?"

"Why not? Let's have a whack at those eggs." So both began walking through the school, crossing a few street lights having light fun conversation. It came so easy to them.

Once they arrived they were seated and ordered two orders of eggs-benedict. Regina had coffee and Robin an english tea.

"So, what are you doing for Thanksgiving?" Regina asked as she sipped her coffee.

"Well, the entire Thanksgiving concept is new to Will and me so we just stay here. Brits don't celebrate and either way we haven't the money to travel all the way to London and back for just 4 days."

"So, you and Will are staying here? That's no fun."

Robin nodded. "Like I said, it makes no sense to go for just four days, but even if it was for a longer trip, we haven't the money. So we'll just raid the fridges in all the nearby dorms and snatch all the fancy food all you rich kids let go to waste."

Regina shook her head at his humor. He was always making comical remarks at how rich they were and Regina loved it. They would make fun of how pompous rich culture was. Regina loved it, he understood her. Without realizing it, Robin knew Regina quite well... because he was just like her.

"How long has it been since you last saw your family?"

"Too long for me." He sighed and his shoulders dropped. "Since I left to come to uni here. I haven't gone back."

That was going in a year and a half. Regina could not imagine not seeing her family for that long. She knew she'd go insane if that was the case. So she wanted to help him, she wanted to see him happy and be able to spend time with his family. And she had the means to make it happen.

"Well let's go. I'll pay for it. Well we can take my family's plane. Will can come as well so he can see his too." Regina said excitedly.

"No, Regina." Robin replied quickly and without hesitation.

"Robin…come on, we can leave after Thanksgiving dinner and be back early morning for class. You can see your family!"

"No." He stated firmly.

"Why not?"

"I won't accept charity, and trust me, neither does Will."

"Robin, do you really think of me like that? You're my friend, are you not? So, I want to do something nice for my friend. And I'd like to meet your family. I know you miss them." Regina said softly. He could see the honesty in her eyes. This woman, this beautiful, amazing woman. She had such a good heart. She was full of fire and passion, but she was also kind and tender. Something that he quite loved about her. She was both and it suited her so well.

"No, Regina." he stated in a pleading tone, begging her to stop insisting.

"Please, Robin. Say yes." She pressed her lips together as if almost in a slight whimper attempting to give him a sad puppy dog face. He wanted so bad to say no, because it was embarrassing for him and he didn't feel right about it. He would not accept something that expensive, not from her. But looking at her with that cute face, begging him, how could he deny anything to this perfect woman.

"Fine." he said in resignation.

"YES!" she raved in happiness. Which Robin loved to see. He reveled in the fact that he had caused this. He loved to see her like this, bursting with joy and giddy. It was too adorable not to love. Hell, it was hard not to love any part of her.

"I have one condition" he began, "I'd like to keep this between us. I just… I don't want people to think I'm taking advantage of your wealth and well… I'm not I hope you know that… just..."

"Of course I know that, Robin. I wouldn't be offering if I thought differently." she said giving him a reassuring smile. "I won't tell anyone. I'll just say I am in the mood for a bit of London culture. You know, me being so rich and pompous and all."

Robin rolled his eyes and chuckled, "Let's hope they believe you. You're a horrible liar after all."

"I am not!"

"You are, no use trying to denying it."

"Well you're a horrible liar too. You expect me to believe that Introduction to Romanticism is part of your major? And that you of all people would be interested in that type of class?"

"I am wounded, milady. I do have a heart, you know. And I actually quite like the class. One thing in particular that well… I find… breathtaking." She knew what he meant. He knew what he was referring to. Her. He gave her those eyes - that look that just made her believe he only had eyes for her. She was without words.

They looked at eachother. The Romanticism class had brought them together. They were very much glad it did. They both understood each other quite well and found that they had a special connection that they just didn't quite know how to put into words.

She wants to know, she just wants to know. So she asks, "Why did you really take the class?"

He smiles at her question. "Isn't it obvious, Regina?"

"No, actually." she crosses her arms and waits for his response.

He shakes his head and smiles in disbelief, "You."

"Me?"

"Yes. I was quite taken by you, and well still am. And I respect that you want to be friends. I have quite enjoyed our company. But well, in the beginning I wanted more - but still do.. - just well, you know where we're at - but I wanted to be with you.. - not that I still don't!" He was babbling. She chuckled at him. It was getting nervous and it was quite sweet.

"I get it, Robin. Don't worry. But my question now is, how did you know what class I was taking?"

He blushes at the question, 'I charmed a girl in admissions. Got her to give me the lists of your first class. I wanted you to be the first thing I saw in the morning. So I took the class, signed up and now we are here."

She was stunned. Shocked, and well she liked it. He went to all that trouble just to be with her for a class. Once a week. Early in the morning. Just to be able to be the first thing he saw. She blushed and his grin grew. He pretty much had declared he had feelings for her and still did. But here they were… just friends.

She decided to move on to another subject, this obviously was having her feel things for this man that she had just barely started learning to somewhat control.

"I'll call Martin to have the plane prepared."

"Not for Thanksgiving." He halted her before she could send instructions to Martin.

"What? Why?"

He paused and looked at her. Her face full of concern. He didn't want to talk about it, none of it, only Will knew.

"My mum's really sick right now. I know I told you she was sick, but it's not a bug… it's… much worse." He looked down at the table, not wanting Regina to see his eye start to become glassy with hot tears trying to push themselves out.

She reached to lace her hand with his. Once again, attempting to center him. "You don't have to tell me, Robin, if it's difficult for you."

"No, it's fine. I want to tell you. You are much closer now to me than most people, honestly. But maybe once we leave, yeah?" She smiled at that, she liked that she was one of his closest friends. Remembering something David had told her few days ago, she got an idea.

"I got an idea. Hold tight, okay?" She stood up and went towards their waitress. He was unsure of what was going on, but she talked to the waitress for about a minute or so. Then the waitress would go in and out of the kitchen and into an office. She spoke to Regina one last time before she looked over to Robin and waved him to come over with her.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"You'll see." she said with a smile from ear to ear.

"Alright, ready you two?" the waitress asked.

Regina grabbed hold of Robin's hand once again and laced their hands together. "Yes." she said firmly.

They followed the waitress down past the kitchen to the back of the store. They walked down a narrow hallway where it lead to a narrow staircase that ended at a door. The waitress opened the door to the roof of the building. There was railing lined about around the perimeter of the building which was decorated with various vines and lights hung across the building which at night would be quite romantic. There was low picnic table decorated with flowers at the center and soft cushions for chairs. There was a huge oak tree that shaded the entire roof. It was peaceful.

He looked towards Regina who had satisfied smile on her face. She motioned for them to take a seat. As they walked over to take a seat, the waitress let them know the food would be up soon.

"David told me about this place a few weeks ago. He's planning to bring Mary here for their 3 month anniversary. It's a lot better to talk here, don't you think?" He merely nodded and smiled at her.

"It must be quite romantic at sunset." He stated.

"Well it's romantic now in daylight, so yeah, it must at night." They both realized that they were in the a very romantic setting for them being just friends. They chuckled a bit, as if reading each other's minds. There was a moment of silence. It was comfortable. They stayed there, taking in the sun warming them, and the cool breeze of November. Both were bundled up quite well, and snow was yet to fall so it was bearable.

The waitress then brought over the food and they began to dig in. It was quite delicious, they both agreed this was a go-to place for eggs benedict. They chatted about many things while they ate. Mostly small talk. Robin had told Regina that his mum made the best eggs-benedict. But this were almost up to par.

As they relaxed and comfortable silence once again took over and Regina spoke. "So, if you don't want to go for Thanksgiving break, when do you think your mom will get better so we can go?"

"I honestly don't know." He raked his hair with his fingers and gave a distressed sigh. She could tell this was difficult for him, she knew he wanted to tell her and talk about it. So, she would be his support. She moved over to sit next to him. She laced her hand in his and stroked with her thumb. She cupped his cheek and turned him to look at her.

His eyes were glassy once again. His blue eyes looked distressed and sad. So sad.

"Hey, I'm here, see? It's okay. I'm not going anywhere." She lightly stroked his scruff to reassure him he was safe. Her voice so sweet and angelic to his ears.

"My mum's got a tumor in her heart.. It's malignant." Hot tears fell down his face. He had never felt this open with anyone, ever. But with Regina, it was so easy to be open and to let his heart to so vulnerable. Somehow, he knew that she would would not hurt him.

She wiped the tears away with her thumbs and he began to try and compose himself to continue explaining. She scooted closer to him and made sure that he felt her closeness. She wanted him to know he was there for him.

"They found it my last year of high school. They say it's difficult to remove so they won't operate. They keep trying to find different expert opinions to see what might work. So, were just waiting. But the longer we wait, the more at risk she is of dying."

"That's horrible. I'm so sorry, Robin. I can't imagine how it must feel, to be going through this and you're over here… so far away from your family." She wraps her arm around his back, stroking it softly, trying to give him all the comfort she can. She then wraps herself around him and gives him a tight hug which he reciprocates. The slightly break apart but she keeps one arm still wrapped across his waist she she continues to soothe. One of his arms remains as well across her back holding her close as if he let go of her he might fall apart.

"It's a bloody nightmare, but me being here is the reason why she can get the help." Regina grows confused.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Marian's father, he owns a bank in Essex where I was interning for a summer before coming to Harvard. I had decided not to go to Harvard, and we would use my college fund to help start my mum on treatments. But the money wasn't enough."

She continued to stroke his back softly and hold her hand to his tight.

"My dad is a no-good father. He divorce my mum a few years back and we asked if he was able to help with something but..he's a drunk, abusive, and well, of course he wasn't going to help. So, since I was working at the bank, I tried to see if I could get a loan one day. I was denied. A few days later I met Marian, she tried coming on to be and I rejected her. But, she wouldn't take no for answer."

He sighed again, "So, what happened?" Regina asked.

He looked at her with a seriousness in his eyes, "What I'm about to tell you, you have to promise to keep between us, Regina. I am not allowed to talk about it, with anyone. Will knows, because he was there when I was asked by Marian's father. I'm telling you this because… bollocks… I trust and care about you Regina. So, I want you to know. It's easy to talk to you. And this will explain to you why I lied to you about Marian that night at the kick back."

"I promise." she said nodding.

"Marian found out about my mum, I honestly don't know how. And so, she had her father make me a proposal. He pays for my mother's hospital bills, and I become Marian's boyfriend. I move to Harvard and be with her, and my mom gets the help she needs and I am able to pay for school with my college fund."

"Oh, Robin." Regina said in disbelief. That was an insane arrangement she thought. Disgusting and low from Marian and her fathers part. Using his sick mother to be his girlfriend. Regia was furious at Marian. She wanted to go find her and grab her by her hair and smash her head against a wall. But she remained composed, because Robin was distraught and opening his heart to her.

She then realized as well, that explained why Robin said he wasn't her boyfriend. It was pretty much an obligation, for his mom! But, Marian, that bitch! How could she be that low of a person to take advantage of Robin's desperate need. It was apparent now why her and Zelena were best friends.

"I know, I stooped that low to pretty much sell myself off. But I was desperate, Regina." He says trying to explain himself.

"Oh, Robin, I'm not judging you. In fact, I think it's quite an admirable thing. You're sacrificing a lot of yourself, for your mom. It's honorable in my books." She cleared new tears that formed his cheeks. "I would have done the same thing for my parents."

"It wouldn't be as hard if… if…ugh... if Marian just…" he couldn't find the words through his frustration.

"Wasn't such a bitch?" Regina finally said.

"Now, that's an understatement." they both chuckled.

"It makes sense now why she's best friends with my cousin. Both are just.. Just plain wicked." Her face grew with anger and brows furrows. She seethed at the thought of Zelena and Marian.

He smiled at her, "I've got to meet this cousin of yours that get you this riled up."

"No. Never." she said sternly as Robin chuckled.

He reached over and cupped her cheek sweetly. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. The first time she felt his lips on her skin. It was riveting. The bit of his scruff scraping her skin along with the softness of his lips. It sent electricity all over her skin.

"Thank you, Regina... for listening."

"Always. We're friends, right? Dare I say, almost best friends?" She chuckled.

"I wouldn't mind being your best friend, your majesty." she rolls her eyes at his comment.

"I told you not to call me that." She slaps his arm.

"Hey, so, I was thinking you could come with us for Thanksgiving. Will too. So you guys spend it with me and my family. Then we meet up whole group together, yeah?" she asks as they being to stand up and get ready to leave.

"Are you sure? We don't want to impose on-"

"Honestly, you won't impose. It's honestly, more for show than anything. My mom and dad, hate going to it and so do I. But, grandmother calls the shots." she says jokingly. "Either way, there's a room sitting room for "youth". Mary and I always hang out there and make fun and criticize all of the pompous airheaded boys and girls our age. Well, mostly I do. Mary just gasps at my comments." They head out the cafe and being walking to Regina's dorm building.

"Well, you're got yourself a partner, then." Robin says.

"I don't remember asking for one." She replies looking at him with a coy smile.

"You didn't." He winks at her. He smiles in return and gives him a slight push, playfully trying to get him off balance as they walk.

"Oi! Careful there, Mills." Robin then responds with the same push towards her.

"You push like a girl, Locksley." She gives him one hard push and has him almost falling over but he steadies himself in time. He's shocked at what she just did. Before he can say anything, she looks at him with a smirk and winks at him and she is off - running and giggling.

Robin is off behind her catching up as they approach her dorm building and grabbing her by the waist and grunts I'll show you, Mills. He picks her up giving her a whirl that has her yelling in delight. Her arms wrapped around his neck to keep her secure and it's bliss.

He gives her a good three whirls when she starts yelling through her giggles to stop. He's grabbed her pretty tight and lowers her a bit - the tip of her toes barely feeling the ground. They're both breathless from the excitement now trying to catch their breaths. Robin's still got her wrapped tight from her waist and Regina held on tight on his neck.

His hands are all over her, wrapped around her waist and one hand slightly grabbing the top of her ass. She's so close to him, she can smell his pine scent, shes come to get accustomed to. She feels him all up against her and she just wants him, to lunge herself on his lips and feel him, finally.

They're close. The closest they have ever been. He has her so close that as he looks into her almond brown eyes he finds hues of yellows and reds that suit her quite well. Her lavender and vanilla scent filing his senses. God he was never had her this close, her body against his, and his arms wrapped around her damn perfect lips of hers. He wants to kiss her - bad.

But he remembers what she asked him the first day of class. He tries to be a gentleman and honor her wishes.

So he sets her down completely - eyes still locked on one another - he slowly moves his hands away from her body. He tries to memorize the feeling of every curve his hand goes over. He knows this will most likely never happen again. He wants to memorize this - the closeness and her scent and her lips and the little scar that's on her lip.

"God, I want to kiss you so bad." he's stunned at his own confession. He did not realize he actually said it aloud but by the wide eyes on Regina's face he knows he has.

"Robin… we talked about… this." she says with a whisper.

"I know… I just… it came out." His forehead meets hers. "I'm sorry. You just… drive me bloody crazy."

She looks up to him and and cups his face. He is so damn perfect she can't imagine how she had not already kissed him. She knows she can't so she does the next best thing.

She nears her lips to his face and give him a tender and slightly lingering kiss on his cheek. "Friends kiss on the cheek, right?" she states with a small smile giving him a better than nothing look.

He smiles and moves his lips to kiss her forehead with the same tenderness he kissed him. "I'll only ever kiss you this way. You are not just my friend. You're Regina."

My Regina. He thought.

The stay standing, close to one another. Taking in the sweet moment that this is. They want to remember it. But they also have to part.

"I'll uh… see you tomorrow, then?" Regina says.

"Uh.. yeah… just give me a call when you're coming over. We'll be ready." He says taking a gulp, trying to regain his senses.

"Martin, will… pick us up. I'll text you tonight what time he's coming."

"Sounds good."

"Thank you for, the breakfast, that well turned to lunch." Regina says nervously.

"Anytime." He smiles back.

"Bye, Robin." She doesn't want to leave, she wants to stay here, looking at him - being near him.

"Bye, Regina." And they both part ways.