Today was the day. The therapy appointment was scheduled and Tuck had the car ready to go.

Mist Haven Rehabilitation Clinic. Wednesday at nine am.

The bedroom double doors creaked open revealing David moving a grumping Robin to his wheelchair.

"You look very excited for your day today," she quipped.

Robin grumbled as he looked at her with annoyed eyes, "I'll get you back for this, Mills."

"I won fair and square, Locksley, no use trying to threaten me." She defended with a grin stemming from ear to ear.

"Probably… cheated," He grunted.

Mouth wide open with a mockingly shocked face she replied, "I did no such thing. I was right in front of you, no secret moves."

He gave David a slight glare who had chuckled at Regina's mocking defense.

"It was your womanly wiles that got you the win," Robin jested.

"Alright, that's my cue to leave," David said raising his hand as he sniggered and stepped out of the room.

Her eyebrows raised challenging his statement, "You want to rethink that statement?"

"Not really. It's the truth after all."

"I am more than just a pretty face." Her tone was serious and he knew it very well.

"I know you are. I quite like your smart wit. One cannot ignore that you are beautifully distracting, though. I certainly can't," he replied with a definite voice. He was serious in his reply that it caught her off guard. Her inaudible gaze was not questioned. He saw it in her eyes; her earthy browns that he had taken to like very much. He had memorized them. He memorized the way they glinted with she was her happiest, the way they squinted when she was fervently thinking about something or the way they veered to look away from him when she became overly shy at his flirting. This time, though, it was different. He couldn't place an emotion in her eyes and that intrigued him. What was she feeling?

Then the look was gone and replaced with an eye roll, "You have an appointment, Locksley. No use flirting your way out of this one."

.*.

They rarely went out of the estate together. The once a month doctor's appointment was the only reason why Robin left the estate. Aside from that, Tuck drove Regina everywhere. Picked her up and dropped her off from home or anywhere she was. During their car rides, he noticed she'd change. She'd become quiet, she would not look out of the window whilst the car moved – not for a second. Only when the car was in park was when she would stare out to the road slightly.

He had wondered before why she didn't drive, why she would always have people giving her rides. He had recently found out why, learned a horrifying event of her past, and a lot of her strange mannerism in the moving car made sense now. This time was no different.

They were about five minutes into the drive when Regina began to play with the skin of her cuticles. She picked at her skin slowly, in a pensive manner as she stared aimlessly into the back of the front passenger seat. The Mercedes van was modified so that two of the passenger seats were taken off leaving space for a wheelchair to fit snuggly. There was a seat left on the right-hand side of the car which Regina sat in. He looked at her and for the first time he understood what was going on, she was trying to hold back a panic attack.

"Hey," he whispered.

She forced herself to look up, knowing that when she did her eyes would catch the speeding cars moving. Her hands fiddled stressfully, he noticed as her eyes met his that she bit her lip nervously.

She didn't say anything, she looked at him, and she was complete, utterly frightened.

For a moment, her eyes veered to the window, highway and speeding cars in clear view and the fear in her eyes grew, "Hey, hey," he whispered, "Eyes on me."

She didn't move, it seemed like all audible noise was unable to get into her ears and all she saw was speeding cars.

"Regina," he raised his voice slightly.

No response.

Her eyes were glued to the window, hypnotized by the horrifying memories.

"Regina," Robin attempted once again, "Regina, look at me."

Her eyes struggled to rip themselves from the window, but she did, "That's it darling, eyes on me."

He couldn't move, he cursed himself, was angry at himself for his lack of ability when she was on the verge of breaking down and he couldn't shield her from anything.

Her eyes still in his line of vision he attempted to soothe her, "It's okay. You're okay," he nodded reassuringly and trying to give her a helpful smile.

Almost hypnotized, she gives him a very weak nod, but only for a moment and then her eyes attempted to move back to the window, like magnets that she couldn't help to turn from.

Before she could completely look away he halted her, "Look at me, babe, not the window."

Her brows furrowed and her slightly lips constricted struggled, "You're alright, Regina. Just stay on me."

She finally listened, finally seemed to calm down just a bit but she was still having a difficult time maintaining her stress. She needed reassurance, something to center her, to feel safe somehow.

"Give me your hand, love."

She looked down to his hand and up to his blue eyes, "It's alright," he assured.

Her warmth was wonderful, that was his first thought the moment her skin touched his for the first time. His senses were very receptive to her touch, he realized the few times after she had held his hand or helped him move. His skin tingled, his senses heightened even more at the touch of her. He liked feeling her touch. He started feeling it more and more in the passing time and he began to memorize her touch. How it felt, how her pulse ticked on her wrist. He liked her touch.

He felt her warmth again, soft velvety skin lacing over his palm. Her stress left her in a single breath and her eyes calmed, "You're alright, darling. You're safe."

Her breathing was steady, slow and calm for the first time, "Thank you," her voice small and gentle at the gratitude.

He didn't need to say more. She knew she didn't want to speak about it now and he was more than understanding. It was all difficult for her; experiencing something traumatic like what she had, one did not simply move forward without a scar to bear.

.*.

Robin Locksley did not have an underprivileged life. He was the son of Andrew Locksley, rich Brit, and owner of Locksley Investments. His mother, Rachel Lockley, was the daughter of a general in the British Army and grew up in a well-off family all her life as well. Robin grew up in a loving happy family where they were provided with the best of everything life could offer. He grew up knowing that he would inherit Locksley Investments once his father decided to retire. At a young age, he realized that his brother John did not have a single care in the world for business and would pursue a music career. He knew then, that he would take reigns of the company all on his own. Eventually, if she wanted to, Emma would join as well.

He did not mind though, he liked the work they did. He'd always found mathematics and economics fun as a teenager and always wanted to follow his father's work day to day during his summer vacations. He had found his professional calling that was evident. Before his accident, he was being groomed to take over the company after his father's retirement that would soon arrive. His car accident changed that.

In his love life, Marian had been so perfect. Marian's father, Francis Leaford, and Andrew Locksley were business acquaintances for many years. When the Locksley's moved to the U.S., a few months after, Rachel gave birth to Emma. On the day of Emma's christening, there was a grand party made in Emma's honor. That was the day Robin met Marian. At the age of fifteen, young Robin was head over heels in love with the only Leaford daughter. Robin pined for Marian maddeningly. After a time, Marian said yes to a date with Robin. Robin was completely and utterly in love for the first time in his life. He completely believed, at the very ripe and naïve age of eighteen, that Marian was the love of his life. His young love blinded the reality of Marian's spoiled habits and privileged whims. He did everything and anything he could do to make her happy. Anything Marian wanted she got. Robin's loving and giving nature was selfishly abused for years. For their entire relationship, Robin was clouded by his love for Marian, that is until Roland was born.

To the outside world, Robin and Marian had always been the perfect loving couple. For some time, it was true, but slowly, Robin grew up, he became a man, a husband, then a father. He thought he knew love when he was with Marian but when his son came into his life, his life changed completely. His whole world became Roland, his light and his reason to live. His son opened his eyes to the true meaning of unconditional love. He began to see Marian for who she truly was. She'd hand her son over to nannies and remain indifferent to anything that had to do with motherhood. He couldn't understand how she did not embrace parenthood. As Roland grew, Marian became more distant. Robin would argue constantly with her over the needs of their son but to no avail. Robin was completely torn; he loved Marian but loved his son far more than anything or anyone else. Their marriage struggled greatly, and it was apparent Marian was no longer happy with the life they had.

For a long time, he blamed himself; he thought, perhaps, he wasn't giving enough to Marian. He blamed himself, found faults in himself that Marian would point out and believed that it was his fault she was unhappy. After his accident, he thought Marian would be there for him; perhaps, even the accident would cause a change in Marian that would better their marriage. Was he ever more wrong. He lost all hope for himself, all hope in his life. Of all the people, he believed Marian would be there, and she was the first to walk out.

For a long time, he was going through the motions of his paralysis. He'd lost his wife, the woman who he loved with all his heart, and he believed what she had said to him, that he was weak, hopeless, and a failure. When Marian found out he was paralyzed, that very same day she asked for the divorce. It broke him into a million pieces, and it ruined him. Her excuse, as selfish as always, was that she needed to think of herself first. He laughed now, at then her saying that she needed to make sure to be a good mother to Roland first – that woman was never a good mother to Roland. Marian loved Roland, but Robin knew she loved herself more.

Regina was different. He knew it the moment he gazed at those brown eyes of hers, and it was confirmed when she had snapped at him for speaking to his mother harshly. She had snuck her way into his heart without even realizing it. He'd purposefully marginalized himself for a long time and when Regina came in, she snuck in and decided to sit right with him. She was witty, too smart for her own good, and impossibly beautiful. He had told her she was his type a few months ago, but it was a lie of sorts. Robin thought he had a type, but when he set eyes on Regina, he knew he'd found the only type for him. He loved most of all to see her with his son, she was so loving to him. Roland just adored Regina and they were both thick as thieves. After his accident, Regina was one of the first people to put Roland's needs before anyone else.

This gorgeous, kindhearted woman had found a place in his heart and he had found himself a few months later, flirting shamelessly with her and accepting to do something he told himself he would never do – physical therapy. He knew he had lost the chess game on purpose, he knew he wanted to try to get better. His fear glued him to his seat, but then came Regina with handmade coloring books, thunderstorm popcorn, devilishly perfect smile and an accepting heart that he found himself at a crossroads that had only one direction. She had come into his life and made everything new and bright and good. She became the breath of life he needed, her smile welcomed him and bid him goodbye every day. Her lovely laugh filled his days with meaning and he wanted to see it more. She was strong, the strongest person he knew, and he admired her for her perseverance and will to keep living even after so much pain and loss in her life.

He didn't see it coming. She had reeled him in, reminded him he was good enough – worthy enough – and told him to just try. Her reassurances reminded him that it would be okay to not be great or perfect, as long as he tried. So, that's what he would do. He would do it for himself, for his son, and for Regina.

"Alright, Robin, just try to give me one more squeeze," the physical therapist said, "Just focus on what you want to do, and your body will do it."

He sat on his wheelchair in the silent room, the therapist, Ariel encouraging him throughout the entire time. It was a basic thing, so simple, squeeze a stress-ball.

The appointment had started out fine, they gave him a warm massage to relax his muscles, stretched his legs and arms, gave him a set of new routine exercises that Regina or David would do with him. He was surprisingly relaxed and at ease until he had to squeeze the stress ball.

His teeth grinded together and brows smashed as he fought with himself to simply squeeze. His fingers trembled, "I c-can't." He let out a defeated breath.

"Yes, you can. It simply takes time and practice. Believe it or not, the mere fact that your fingers were shaking trying to close is great progress. Don't sell yourself short, Robin," Ariel encouraged.

He looked to Regina who sat at the corner of the room the entire time. She'd been mostly silent, letting Ariel do her work. He looked to her and in turn, she smiled at him proudly, "She's right, Robin. You made great progress. You maintained movement for a long period of time. Other times you only managed for a second or two, you kept moving your fingers for minutes at a time."

He nodded at her reasoning, she was right, he had made progress even if small there was a glimmer of opportunity that could lead to more.

"How about I give you some time to take a break. I'll be back in ten minutes." Ariel said leaving the room. Robin turned to Regina who began to walk towards him. She sat at the chair Ariel had occupied. She took Robin's hand and began massaging softly, soothing his worked muscles.

"You've done really great, Robin." Her smile filled her face.

"I didn't squeeze the ball."

She shrugged as she says, "So? You did something today, that counts."

"I just… I can't fucking do it, Regina."

"Yes, you can Robin," she insists. She halted her movements on his hand and looked at him curiously.

"What?" he asks brows furrowed.

"I want to try something."

She moved forward a bit until both their knees met. They were a few inches apart and her smile grew as she saw his confused face.

"If you wanted to kiss me you could just ask," he jested, and she rolled her eyes attempting to hold down a smile.

"If I wanted to kiss you, I wouldn't ask. I'd just do it," she quipped, and he raised his eyebrows in surprise and gave her a single nod. This woman was something else.

"Just feel," she murmured moments later. She placed her hand on his palm with her fingers wrapped around his thumb as her thumb grazed his skin softly, "Do you feel me?"

Clearing his thought, he swallowed thickly at the sensation of her warm touch, he nods, "Yes."

"Close your eyes," he does as she asks and hears your sweet voice say, "Tell your brain… to tell your muscles… to tell your fingers to grab my hand."

"I… I can't."

Her warm voice doesn't hold back, "Yes, you can. Now, feel my skin on yours. Tell your hand to hold mine. Tell it you want to hold my hand."

He wanted to hold her, god if he could, he'd crash his lips on hers and take her against the wall and ravish her. Her sweet heavenly voice reassuring him, all he wanted to do was hold her hand, squeeze it tight and feel her skin soft and sweet on the tips of his fingers. Soothe and run his skin over hers, he wanted -

"You did it!"

His eyes opened, and he saw it. He had not realized, but he was holding onto her hand tightly. His thumb, absentmindedly running over her skin, doing what he yearned to do. His imagination, his want became real.

"I did it," he replied in disbelief.

She stood slightly and crashed against him, hugging him tightly congratulating him and repeating over and over how he had done it. He smiled incredulously and excited at his own achievement. He couldn't hold it in and his cheeks spilled with wet tears. When she released from his embrace, she wiped away his tears and he noticed that she had cried as well.

It was a long road ahead of really difficult and painful work, but he knew Regina would be alongside him with her beautiful smiles and encouragements to help him get through it. He could walk again, for the first time he believed he could.

It seemed like whenever she looked at him, there was always some semblance of a smile on her face. Pride swelled in him, knowing that a smiled grazed her face when she looked at him.

"Thank you, Regina."

"Always."

.*.

The appointment had gone well and Ariel was confident that Robin would be able to have full motor functions quite soon if his efforts and optimism continued.

"So, how did you feel today?" Regina asked as she strapped herself in the car.

"Good," he replied, "I think I can do it if I'm honest."

"You will Robin, you just have to believe in yourself, it will happen."

He nodded and turned his attention to Tuck who was turning on the car engine. "Tuck, would you mind taking a detour before heading back to the estate?"

"Of course, sir, where to?"

"The office."

Tuck nodded and began to head out the parking lot when Regina turned to Robin, "You want to go to work?"

"Yes, I'd like to speak to my father. Is that okay with you? I hadn't realized, sorry, perhaps you'd like to go somewhere else."

"Oh, no, it's okay. I'd actually like to see where you work."

"Worked, you mean. I don't anymore."

"No, you work there," Regina insisted, "You just haven't been there for a while. You'll be back soon."

"If you say so."

"I do say so. Now, take me to this place where you make all your millions." She winked at him with pearled white teeth on display.

"As you wish, Mills."

.*.

The building was located in Downtown Mist Haven. It was a skyscraper like building, shining among the rest of the busy city.

Regina wheeled Robin into the main lobby where a young girl stood and greeted Robin excitedly.

"Mr. Locksley! Oh, it's so great to see you!"

"Hello, Alice," Robin greeted, "How are you?"

"Just great, Mr. Locksley! Learning and getting work done as always!"

"That's always good to hear. Alice, meet Regina. Regina this is Alice Jones."

"Nice to meet you," Regina said shaking her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you. My, you are beautiful. Where'd you find her Mr. Locksley?"

"She actually found me," Robin said winking at Regina.

"So, now you're going to get your staff to try and flirt with me too?" she replied in a jest.

Alice raised her hand showing her diamond ring, "I've got my girl already. Even so, doubt I could compete with your boyfriend. The way you two look at each other, that's real love there." Alice said smiling.

"Oh, were not-," Regina stuttered, "We're no-no not together."

"Shit, sorry, here I go sodding things again," Alice grumbled.

Before Regina or Alice could say anymore Robin asked quickly seeing where it was headed, "Alice, do you know if my father is available?"

"Let me ring his secretary." She dialed the number as she smiled to Regina and back at Robin. She appeared to be about twenty years old. She was a bit wild-eyed but seemed to be a good worker.

He looked to Regina and noticed her uncomfortable expression. It was clear she did not know what to make of the girl's comment. He wanted to ease her tension so he decided to make other conversation to make light of it, "Alice is part of the internship program we have with the local college. She's been working front desk since she started college." Robin told Regina.

"That's great. What other positions do you place students in?"

"Anything they are interested in. As long as we have the occupation, they are more than welcome to learn. Alice is one of our star interns, a bit scatterbrained but she gets the job done no matter what."

"I'm a mighty good front desk if I got any say in it!" she interjected, "Mr. Locksley -er, I mean your father, the older Locksley is available to speak to you."

"Thank you, Alice," Robin said as he motioned Regina to the elevator.

"It was nice meeting you, Alice," Regina said bidding her goodbye.

"Same to you!"

Once they got to the executive floor, everyone left and right was greeting Robin. The entire way up and across the top floor staff alike greeted Robin excitedly and congratulated him on his recovery and let him know that they wished him well.

Robin joked and talked happily with everyone. He was obviously very well liked by all the staff and every missed him. She saw a new side of Robin that she had never seen before. It was apparent he was a great boss and would run the company very efficiently and peacefully whenever the time came.

It was a complete change that was made in Robin. He was happier, more hopeful and open to life. She wondered if this was the Robin before the accident.

She met more of his work friends along with some that she had already met that had started to visit him recently.

One of them being Will Scarlet. He was his close cousin and the COO to Locksley Investments.

"My, my, my, look who had decided to let us feast our eyes upon." Will said walking over to greet the couple, "Regina, stunning as ever. Again, when can I take you out for that drink?" Will asked giving her a wink.

"Hello, Will, it's good to see you."

"Cousin," Robin responded firmly, "I've told you to stop flirting with Regina. You're going to have her run off."

"She doesn't seem to mind."

"Yeah, I don't mind," Regina chimed in, knowing how riled up Robin got at Will's playful flirting. A few times before, Will had told her the only reason why he flirted with Regina was to rile up Robin as he obviously was territorial of Regina. Will was already engaged to Ana Wonder and was madly in love with her.

"Mate, just let my father know I'm here," Robin ordered.

Will chuckling at Robin's' obvious displeasure as he made his way down the hall to Andrew's office.

"You know, you don't have to be like that with him. You're not even my boyfriend so…," Regina didn't really know what to complete her comment with because he knew what she meant.

"You're my friend."

"I know I'm your friend. But I can defend myself if it comes to it."

"I know you can. It's just… I don't like when he acts like that with you." He confessed.

With a raised brow, Regina stood in front of Robin holding back a laugh, "You're jealous?"

"No."

"You are jealous. You're jealous that someone other than you tries flirting with me."

"I haven't any idea what you're talking about." Robin defended not looking at her eyes. By now she knew when Robin was lying, and he knew if she looked at her eyes, she would know the truth. Because yes, he was jealous plain and simple.

"Mmhhm."

He didn't respond. Simply looked off the distance away from her gaze.

Once Will returned, Robin was moved into his father's office and Will waited with Regina.

"So," Will began with a devious smirk.

"So?" Regina prompted sitting down as she scrolled through her phone.

"You and my cousin."

She sniggered as she shook her head. Here they go again. It was always the same conversation with Will.

"You are one insistent guy, aren't you?"

"Got me my fiancée, so yes, guess I am. No use changing subjects, when are you two getting together?"

"We are not together because there is nothing there. We are just good friends and I work for him. We banter a lot and enjoy one another's company. That's it."

"So, those doey eyes you give him mean nothing?"

"I don't give him doey eyes."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do." Will pressed.

Regina rolled her eyes. She was not going to have this same conversation with him again. Every time Will came over, it was without fail that Will would let Regina know that she and Robin needed to be together. She took it as him being silly at first but now, it was clear he was serious and not backing off.

"Will, drop it."

"Regina, have you not noticed the change the bloke has made? He bloody went to physical therapy after how many years of saying no to everyone! Here you come and he's all sunshine and unicorn stickers." A snort escaped Regina as the metaphor and simply shook her head in denial.

"We played a game of chess and I won, Will. We bet on it."

"Yeah well he bloody lost on purpose I bet you that."

"He didn't."

"Blimey, you are one stubborn bird, I tell you that." Will huffed. He looked at Regina and simply chuckled at how stubborn both her and Robin were.

"I bet you there's thick as hell sexual tension." Will said and Regina quickly swatted his arm.

"Shut up, Will!"

"Alright, alright, sorry." He said, "Now, do you know what my cousin wanted to talk to my uncle about?"

"No clue," Regina said.

"Bet that he wants to start working again. Start small then once he's better to get back into everything full-time."

"That could be it," Regina replied, "It would be really good for him to have something to look forward to. Some kind of purpose, you know?"

Will smiled at Regina, "Lass, he's already found his purpose. She's got killer legs, brown eyes and quick-wit to boot. He's probably wanting to get back into work so he can start saving up for the destination wedding you'll end up wanting," Will winked.

"Okay, you need to shut up now," Regina glared at him. Will gulped at the stare she gave him, when Regina was pissed she was pissed.

Before he could apologize, the door to Andrew's office opened and he was wheeling out Robin.

Once goodbyes were exchanged, Robin, Will, and Regina walked down the hall towards the elevator.

"So, what you talk to Uncle about?" Will asked.

"I want to get back to work as soon as I can. It's time."

Will gave Regina a knowing smirk and Regina would not look at him. She knew Will was going to drill it in as much as he could because he knew he was right and Regina was not going to give him the satisfaction of letting him know he was.

"That's really great, Robin. It's good to have something to look forward to." Regina said.

"It is. I've got to start getting back into the groove of things. Start planning for Roland's future, my own. Make sure we have income for our future."

"The future, huh?" Will said smiling.

Regina looked at Will with brows furrowed, he better shut up or she was going to give him a stronger punch and she did not care what Robin would say.

As the elevator doors dinged open Regina began to push Robin out with Will behind them, "Say, mate, what you think of destination wedding. Anna and I are thinking of that but I'm not exactly set on it yet."

"I've got no problem with them, whatever Ana wants, you should do your best to give it to her."

"So, let's say that your bride wanted a destination wedding. Would you do it? Perhaps, plan for the future for that if you thought it was in the cards?"

"Will," Regina growled with fire fuming from her eyes

"What's wrong?" Robin asked her completely oblivious to the actual subject at hand.

"Nothing," Regina replied.

"Answer the question, mate. What would you do to give your bride the wedding she wanted." Will asked eyes still locked to Regina.

"I mean, money being no object, I'd give her whatever she wanted. Big or small wedding. Didn't matter as long as we got married. Why are you bloody asking me this?"

"No reason," Will said to him. He turned to look at Regina, "I suggest you start scrapbooking, lass." With a wink, he sniggered of to the elevator.

.*.

Just like that, Robin's progress was like a domino effect. In a manner of weeks, Robin was able to perform multiple reps with the stress ball and recently was able to lift his arm for longer than ten seconds. This meant that he was soon able to eat by himself and would begin to work on movement in his legs.

Regina was gleaming at the progress. The Locksley family constantly thanked her over and over at the change that Robin had made in his person. They all reminded her that it was because of Regina that Robin was now opening to the possibility of new and better things.

Roland could not be stopped in his claims that Regina was magical. He repeated over and over how Regina had cured him with her magic just like she had once cured him the day they met.

"Isn't it true Papa? Regina cured you!" Roland jumped up and down in the physical therapist's office.

It had been a half-day at Roland's school and it just happened that Roland arrived just as Robin and Regina were about to leave for the weekly appointment. He insisted stubbornly that he accompany them.

As Ariel propped Robin onto the machine in which he would begin his first rep for leg movement Roland was giddy as he sat on Regina's lap.

"Yes, son, Regina has magic," Robin replied as he gave Regina wink.

"Your father is just saying that so I can make him apple turnovers when we get back."

"Is it working?" Robin questioned.

"Not even close." She smirked playfully.

"Alright, Robin, Sebastian and Flynn will hold you on either side of you for extra support. Your hands aren't completely strong to hold onto yourself but they are getting there. You will do your best to hold on to yourself as well and move your legs. Got it?" Ariel instructed and Robin nodded.

Robin was lifted by both Sebastian and Flynn who prompted him up. His feet placed flat on the floor. It was the first time he had stood up in many years. Roland was already standing a few feet away from the exercise bar watching intently at his father.

Regina stood mesmerized at his stature. He was tall she realized – six feet tall to be exact. She stood slowly alongside Roland and looked at him, he was struggling to stay standing even with the help of both the assistants.

"It… it hurts," he grunted.

"It will hurt for a bit, your muscles have been used to being in the same two positions for many years, it will be sore but it will go away eventually," Ariel said.

Robin stood between to wooden beams as Ariel instructed, "Now, placed your hands on the beam and grab on to them." He did as instructed and he felt his own weight grow. He looked to both the assistants with eyes wide, they'd slightly let go of their hold on him.

"W-what are you doing?" he asked fearfully, "I'm going to f-fall."

"Robin, look at me," Ariel tried to focus him, "You're going to be fine, you can use your strength. You're holding on now, you can keep holding on. Sebastian and Flynn will be there to support you and catch you."

"You can do it, Papa!" Roland said as Regina hoisted him to her hip.

He looked to his son, he saw the pride in his smile. A pride that he did not want to tarnish if he did not do it. What if he fell? What if he fell and disappointment Roland?

"It's okay, Robin," he heard her voice. Regina. He looked at her and a warm smile washed his fears away. Sweet almond browns soothing his fear-stricken blues, "You can do it."

He knew it was okay. Every time he looked at her, her eyes reminded him it was okay. It was more than fine if nothing happened just as long as he tried his best. He would not fail if he tried. She would be proud of him.

His hands clamped slightly, but his grip tightened on the bar, "Just on step Robin," Ariel encouraged.

He was even more aware of his muscles now as they flexed in pain. He looked down to his feet, they weren't moving even when he was putting all his force into it.

"Just one step, Papa!" Roland wriggled out of Regina's hold and walked over to him smiling ear to ear and placed his hand on Robin's. His son's innocent smile, he truly did believe he could do anything and everything.

"Listen to your son, Locksley," he saw Regina smiling as well. Arms crossed and a slight smirk forming on her lips. She stood in between the beams opposite of him almost as if she was waiting for him. He wanted to reach her.

His legs stiff, he was sure he could hear the grinding of his stiff bones as he pushed himself forward – forward to Regina.

"That's it, Robin!" Everyone cheering him on and Regina remained with a warm smile. All the cheers and encouragements were muffled and fading into the distance all he saw was a cherry-lipped smile, cream-colored skin and earthy brown eyes calling his name.

He pushed forward, ankles limb and feet dragging forward. He pushed and pushed and all he saw was her smile awaiting him. Next thing he knew he was looking down at her, his feet aching unbearably but all he knew was that she was there in front of him welcoming him with a smile just for him.

"Hello," he whispered as he stood towering over her.

"Hi," she replied meekly, "You walked more than one step."

"I did."

"Robin, that was incredible!" Ariel congratulated.

"Papa, you did it! Papa, you were amazing!"

"Thank you, Roland. Just you wait until we can play soccer football together."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Roland cheered as he pranced around the room.

.*.

When they returned to the estate, Robin groaned at the sight of Marian's car parked in the driveway.

She stood at the entrance of the house speaking to Belle who looked paralyzed with fear at Marian's barking.

When the car came into park, Tuck hurried to get Robin out of the van as Regina unbuckled a sleeping Roland and hoisted him on her hips. His arms hooked around her neck and she gave him a kiss on his forehead as he nuzzled on her neck attempting to doze back to sleep.

"Ms. Leafword, I'm s-sorry, he went with his f-father," Belle stuttered.

"Marian, what's going on?" Robin asked as Tuck pushed him up the ramp to the door.

"I came to pick up my son, but it's apparent his father decided to kidnap him."

"I did not kidnap my own son. He wanted to join me for an appointment, so, I let him come along."

"And what appointment was this?"

"An appointment," Robin responded definitely.

Marian turned to look at Regina who had Roland nestled in her arms, "And you. Give me my son."

As Marian stepped forward, Regina instinctively tightened her hold on Roland as Robin spoke, his eyes fierce as he looked at Marian, "Marian, stop. Roland is sleeping. He's had a long day. Let him sleep and Tuck can drive him over to you when he's well rested."

"I'm his mother, Robin. He goes with me."

"Yes, you are his mother, and mother's make sure their children have looked after. That includes rest. Let him rest."

It was the first time Regina had seen Robin stand up firmly to Marian. Knowing what route this conversation would take, she decided it was best to remove herself before their yells woke up Roland. She looked to Robin as she said, "I'm going to go lay him on his bed. I'll be upstairs."

Robin nodded as Regina began walking into the house but Marian stepped in front of her, "I'm taking my son with me."

"Marian, step away for fuck's sake." A demanding growl escaped Robin.

"She is not his mother, I am."

"Bloody hell, Regina's just taking him to his room so he can finish sleeping. We went to eat after the physical therapist and he just knocked out. Let the boy be. What the hell are you trying to prove?"

"Physical therapist?"

"Bollocks," Robin mumbled. He turned to Regina with a grimaced look in his face. She knew he was avoiding telling her because if she did, Marian would have a field day with the news.

He looked to Regina as he said, "Take Roland to his room, love." She nodded and stepped inside the house before Marian could speak another word.

"Love?" Marian said sarcastically, "Don't tell me you've got a crush on the help now."

"Sod off, Marian. Tuck, please wheel me into my room. I'd like to salvage what's left of the evening."

"How long, Robin?"

"How long, what?"

"The physical therapy."

"A month."

Marian scoffed, "You think that that will get our marriage back?"

"Are you seriously that self-centered? I am not doing this for you. You are the last fucking thing on my mind. I'm doing this for myself, for my son."

"And for that girl."

"Her name is Regina." He corrected, "And it's none of your concern why I do anything. Not anymore, might I remind you."

"I want my son at my doorstep by tonight," Marian ordered and she marched off into her car and drove off.

By the time Tuck had moved Robin to his room, Regina had already placed the pre-made apple turnovers in the oven. The warm smell of apples and cinnamon filled the small suite.

The stressful and irritating conversation with Marian had him worked up but at the smells that filled the room and the melody of her voice greeting him his stress subsided and a smile grew over his face.

"How'd it go with her majesty?" she asked pouring them both a cups of coffee.

Robin grumbled in response, not wanting to talk about it, "I'd rather talk about those apple turnovers."

"I thought we'd celebrate. You deserve it," She replied wheeling him into the table.

"I should walk more often if it gets me some of your desserts." He told her as she sat on the chair next to him.

"Yes, you should. I'll give you any dessert you like."

"Any?" Robin smirked.

She leaned in to whisper at him, "Only the ones that you can eat."

"I know one in particular that I'd like to eat," he replied devilishly.

"Is that so?" she replied crossing her arms and leaning against the chair. She attempted to hold in the growing smile over against his sexual innuendo's but Robin saw right through her.

"You like when I flirt with you, don't you?"

She rolled her eyes, ignoring Robin's questions and decided to switch conversation, "I'm proud of you, you know?"

"For what exactly?"

"For valuing yourself and your son. For standing up to Marian."

"I'm tired of her walking all over us. It should have stopped a long time ago, and I honestly don't know why I let her drag it on this long."

"You loved her, Robin. It's difficult to end things with someone you loved for such a long time like you two were. Not just that, you were young."

He nodded at her reasoning. She was right, he was young and stupidly in love, he was not able to look at the situation with Marian objectively.

"She's a good mother," Regina began. Robin was about to interject when she halted him, "She is, Robin. She may be selfish and extremely self-centered, but I see the way she cares for Roland. She loves her son. She just grew up rich, it's a fault she has. She thinks tossing your kid off to a nanny isn't a bad thing. It's just the world she lives in. She's not horrible or abusive to him."

"That's because you see the best in people. She's not the best of people, trust me."

The oven dinged, letting her know the desserts were ready and she walked over placing them on a cooling rack, "Maybe I'm wrong," she began as she sat back down next to him, "but one thing I do know is that you are a great father, Robin. I want you to believe that you are because I know that you are."

"There you go again trying to find the best in people. It'll get you kidnapped one day, milady."

Her laugh bellowed out in waves bringing a smile to his face, "I love to hear you laugh."

Her laughing subsided and a shy smile took over her expression, "You really like flirting with me, don't you?"

"I like anything that has to do with you."

Her bashful smile forced itself unwantedly over her face, god he loved that smile. She licked her lips slightly, breathing in quickly looking at him, pausing, thinking a bit, and her grin never fading. She bit her lip as she simpered at his gaze, "I like anything with you too."

Yes, I know… it's been a while. After a slight writer's block in addition to a busy schedule I finally was able to sit and devote good time to this chapter. I've got other chapters outlined or semi started and I am hoping to really sit and dive in once my summer class ends next week.

Thank you all for the support, comments, likes and any and all feedback provided to my fics. I try love reading your comments and honestly makes my day to ready them!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope you all enjoyed it… things will start getting a little more intimate with our OTP very soon. Stay tuned!

Btw, I am still recovering from the badassery that was Lana's sexy outfit at SDCC. Did anyone see her this weekend? You are a lucky little bird!

Nan xx