Chapter 6: Public

Belle carried in a tray, smiling when she saw Rumple sitting at the table she set up in their room. "You got out of bed," she said.

"It seemed pointless to stay in it." He rubbed his leg.

She took his hand. "Whale said exercise will help with the pain."

"Magic would help better," he growled.

Belle crouched down in front of him. "I know this will take some getting used to, but maybe it's for the better? Magic created more problems for you rather than solved them."

"I guess. It's just…I've had it for so long."

"I know," Belle said. "But I'll help you. For better or for worse, right?"

He nodded before gazing toward the window. "But is that thief really the new Dark One?"

"Yes. I saw the dagger with his name on it."

Rumple turned back to her, eyes shining. "You've seen the dagger? You know where it is?"

"No. I purposefully told them not to tell me where it is." Belle stood, crossing her arms. "And I did it for this reason. I knew you would attempt something like this."

"Like what?"

"I'm not the naïve girl who walked into your castle, Rumpelstiltskin. I've done a lot of living and a lot of loving. And I figured it would be difficult for you to stop being the Dark One, that you might try something like this."

He rubbed his leg again. "I hate feeling weak."

"You're not weak," Belle said. "You're stronger than you know. You just have to find that strength without your magic and the Dark One."

"And you'll help?"

She nodded, taking his hand. "Of course."

Letting go, Belle placed the bowl of soup in front of him. "Now, eat up. You need your strength."

"Yes, I do," he said, picking up the spoon. "I want to go to Regina's later."

Belle frowned. "To see Robin?"

"To talk to Regina," he answered.

And Belle knew it was the truth. Perhaps he could get Regina to understand everything Belle had been trying to tell her.


Emma nibbled on a pop tart as she reviewed some of the reports for the last week. A few disorderly conduct arrests, a person needing to sleep off a night at the Rabbit Hole and Lily accidentally setting fire to a car while practicing how to be "a scary dragon bitch" with her mother. For Storybrooke, that was actually a pretty quiet week.

Their only major open case was Will's attack. Emma sighed, hoping she had done the right thing and that Hook wasn't right about her coddling Regina. She felt guilt that her former foe was in this situation, even when common sense told her to blame Merlin for starting all this Dark One nonsense.

"Coffee?" David held out a cup and Emma took it with a smile. He stirred his own as he looked over the papers on her desk. "Anything good?"

Emma shook her head. "Not until Regina makes good on her promise to get Robin to come in."

"You think she'll be able to? He's been like a ghost for a while now."

"She said she got him to stay past the morning on Saturday. Maybe she can do it again," Emma said.

The door opened and David looked up to greet the person. "Can I help…"

When his voice died away, Emma looked up as well. It took her a few seconds to realize the man standing in the sheriff's office was Robin Hood. Regina had told her that he admitted his appearance had changed as the Dark One but Emma hadn't expected something like this. One part of her mind—the sarcastic side—wondered how he hadn't burned just walking outside given how pale he was now.

His hand tightened around Regina's and Emma watched as she whispered something to him—reassurances no doubt. Robin closed his eyes, nodding, before opening them again. "I'm here to answer your questions about what I did to Will."

"Right, of course. Have a seat." Emma pulled up a chair, watching as Robin took it. "This shouldn't take too long."

Robin nodded and Regina sat down next to him. "I'll be right here, don't worry."

"We're not going to hurt him," David insisted. But he backed out when both Regina and Emma glared at him.

"So, Robin, can you tell me what happened?" Emma asked, pulling out a notepad.

Robin sighed, admitting his memory wasn't the greatest. "The Dark One took over. Whatever I know is what it's showed me and what I've been able to piece together."

"Well, tell me what you know and we'll go from there."

"It started when I was watching Regina's house. I do…did….that often, just to make sure everything was okay for her and Roland. And to see them, to be honest." Emma nodded and Robin continued. "Will dropped off Roland and he was inside for a while. When he came out, he and Regina hugged. That's when I blacked out."

He continued to explain what he could about the attack as Emma took notes. "So," she said when he finished, "you think the attack was because the Dark One was jealous?"

"Not jealous. Protective…possessive." Robin nodded. "Yes, I would call it possessive. It didn't want Will around Regina because it wants her to itself."

Emma raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, she closed her notepad. "Well, I guess that's it. You can go."

"Wait, that's it?" Robin's brows furrowed in confusion. "You're not going to lock me up? I admitted to putting a guy in the hospital."

"Everywhere else, yes, you'd be arrested for assault." Emma sighed. "But this is Storybrooke and you're currently possessed by a great evil. So, yes, you're free to go."

Robin still looked confused as Regina thanked Emma and pulled him out of the station. Emma tossed her notepad on her desk and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"You okay?" David patted her back. "You want to knock off early? I've got things covered here."

Emma shook her head. "If anyone should get out of here early, it's you. You have a wife and a child to get back to."

"I think your mother and brother will understand." David perched himself on the edge of the desk. "Want to talk about it? Why you didn't lock up Robin?"

"How could I? Yes, his body was the one that beat up Will but he wasn't the one controlling it. And that's the thing about Storybrooke—I can't apply the same laws here because the town is several shades of fucked up."

"Language, Emma," David chided, though with a smile on his face.

She returned it before letting it fall again. "I could lock him up for a day just to make him feel better. But I feel he's already punished himself enough for it. And he's in a prison of sorts."

"True." David sighed. "Why don't we just lock up and head out for the night?"

Isaac sat up in his cell. "Wait, what about me? Don't I get a meal?"

"Oh, right." Emma pulled out a pop tart from her desk and tossed it at him. "Enjoy."

He held it up, scowling. "I'm not expecting French cuisine, but I think I should get something more than this."

"Take it up with my boss, the mayor," Emma said, picking up her keys. "But something tells me she's not going to care very much."

Isaac sat back down, nibbling his pop tart as the two locked up the sheriff's office for the night.


Robin clutched his son's hand tighter as they entered the pool deck. Roland didn't seem to notice, letting his arms swing as he held both his father's and Regina's hands. He beamed as his instructor approached. "This is my papa," he said, proud.

It didn't escape Robin's notice that her smile faltered a bit when she saw him. But she held out her hand and he shook it. "Nice to meet you," she chirped.

She then crouched down to look Roland in the eyes. "You ready for another day of fun in the pool?"

Excited, Roland took her hand and turned to his parents. "See you later, Papa! Mom!"

"Have fun, sweetie!" Regina called out, waving to him. She then took Robin's hand. "Let's go get our seats, okay?"

He hesitated. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea. I…I don't think I'm ready yet."

"Okay," Regina said, holding his hands as she faced him. "You can go home if you want. Roland and I will meet you there when he's done."

Robin glanced over at the pool, where Roland was splashing around with his new friends. He had been so excited when Robin had agreed to go to swim lessons with Regina. Could he crush his son's heart again?

"Robin?" Regina turned his head back toward her, understanding in her eyes. "I can explain it to him."

"No. I told him I'd watch him and I'm going to do that. No more hiding." Robin laced his fingers with hers.

She led him over to the stands and they took their seats. He could feel people watching him and hear their whispers. Instead, he tried to focus on Regina's head on his shoulder and the feel of her body pressed beside him. Focused on Roland as he swam in the pool, looking more like a fish than a little boy.

"He's really having fun," he murmured.

Regina hummed in response before lifting her head. She frowned as they watched Roland get out of the pool and head to the diving board. "What's he doing?"

"I think he's going to jump in, love," Robin replied.

"He's not ready for that." She straightened up, craning her neck as she tried to get the instructor's attention. "It's too dangerous…He's sometimes too adventurous for his own good."

Robin laughed. "It seems safe enough to me. And the instructor is right there. She'll be able to make sure he stays safe."

"He takes after you, doesn't he? You were just like him as a child, weren't you?" Regina glared at him, making him laugh harder.

"Yes, I was," Robin said. "I'll confess to a few misadventures as a boy that may have given my mother some gray hairs before her time."

She shook her head as Roland jumped in. He felt her grip tighten on his hand and how she held her breath until he resurfaced, smiling and looking quite proud of himself. Robin kissed the side of her head. "See? He's fine."

"You sound so proud. Wait until he breaks something," she muttered.

He tilted her head up to look into her eyes. "Then you or the doctors will heal him. It happens. I broke my leg falling out of a tree."

"I broke my arm when I fell off my horse," she confessed.

"And did you get back on it?"

She nodded before sighing. "I get it. Children are going to explore and be adventurous and they may get hurt. Doesn't mean I can't worry about him."

"Of course. I worry about him too. But I also have to let him try new things," Robin said, kissing her forehead. "And as I said, he was perfectly safe."

"I know…I'm a mother."

He nodded. "A very good mother."

Roland waved to them as he climbed out of the pool to dry off. Beside him, Regina stood. "You up for another stop? I usually take him out for ice cream after his lessons."

"I can always go for ice cream," he said with a smile. Robin stood, leaning close to press his lips to her ear. "And later I can show you how my adventurous side has…evolved."

She gave him a coy smile as her eyes brightened. "I look forward to it."

Wrapped in his towel, Roland walked as fast as he could without breaking the "no running" rule toward his parents. He looked up at his father with shining eyes. "Did you see me, Papa? Did you see how I jumped in all by myself?"

"Yes, I did, my boy." Robin picked him up, kissing his cheek. "You were very good out there. And now Mom says it's time for ice cream."

As Roland cheered, Robin took Regina's hand and they walked out of the pool area. He smiled as she called Henry, inviting her boy to join them at the ice cream parlor. For a few precious hours, Robin forgot he was the Dark One and could pretend he was just himself.


Regina stood at the window, watching as her boys played in the yard. Once again, Robin was helping Henry with his archery skills. He was confident and certain as he corrected the teen's posture and gave pointers every so often. She watched as Henry let an arrow fly and let out a cheer when it hit the center of the target Robin had conjured up.

It was almost a week. Robin had stayed for almost a week. She still felt a rush of panic before she opened her eyes every morning, afraid that this would be the day that she would find Robin had left again. But she would find him lying there beside her every time. He knew, she believed, because even though he was awake before her, he never got out of bed until she did.

He was also starting to get more comfortable being back around people though she knew the stares affected him. If she was honest, they affected her as well. She had to use all her will power to not incinerate the fools who gawked and whispered, like just the night before when ice cream had also included dinner at Granny's.

The Charming clan (and Regina realized she was starting to lump Hook with them more and more) came with Henry and the large party settled into a table at Granny's. The waitress assigned their table brightened up when she saw them, no doubt anticipating a big tip. She took their orders, chatting with everyone. Even Robin, telling him that he had raised a sweet child as she smiled at Roland. At that moment, Regina swore the waitress had already earned her tip.

As everyone ate, they fell into light and easy conversations. The heaviest matter was the food provided to the prisoners. "He's saying it's severely lacking," Emma said. "What's so wrong with pop tarts?"

"Besides the fact that they have little to no nutritional value?" Regina sighed. "But I'm not increasing your budget for him. So, just find something a bit more nourishing but just as inexpensive."

Emma sighed. "Fine. I hate shopping though."

Regina rolled her eyes as the bell above Granny's door tinkled to let them know another customer had entered. It was a small family and the father's eyes scanned the diner before landing on their table. He put out his hand, keeping his wife and child behind him. "We should go somewhere else," he declared, loudly. "It's not safe here."

She tensed up, certain they were talking about her. But her anger flared up when she realized he was staring directly at Robin. Her hand immediately went to his and she squeezed as she felt him shrink back.

"Maybe you should go," David said, standing. "But you don't have to announce it like that."

The father wasn't about to back down though, pointing to Robin. "Do you know who he is?"

"Yes."

"And you're asking me to leave?"

"You're the one who said it." Emma stood next to her father, arms crossed. "So are you going to make good on it?"

His wife tugged on his arm. "Come on. There are other places like you said."

"No. It's now the principle of the matter." The man stood his ground, glaring at the two sheriffs as if he had forgotten he was confronting a prince and the Savior.

Perhaps he had. Well, he wasn't going to forget he was talking to the Evil Queen, Regina decided as she rose from her chair. Robin stood as well, catching her arm. "You don't have to anything," he said, voice low. "Not for me. I can just leave and meet you at home."

"No need to do that, mate." Using his hook, the captain applied enough pressure on Robin's shoulder to get the man to sit back down but not puncture him.

Regina walked over to the angry patron, ice in her eyes as it flooded her veins. She felt her Mayor Mills mask slip on as she gave him a cold smile. "Sir, you are causing a public disruption. Please leave before I have our sheriffs escort you out. I'm sure you don't want your child to see that."

The man glanced at his family before stepping closer to Regina. "You two deserve each other. The Evil Queen and the Dark One. It's a match made in hell."

"Sheriff Swan, Sheriff Nolan, please see this gentleman out." She could feel the Evil Queen coming out, itching to make the fool suffer for his words. Her right hand twitched, eager to conjure a fireball.

Henry took her hand. "Come on, Mom. Roland wants you to cut up his food. He says Robin is doing it all wrong."

She didn't move until Emma and David escorted the man out of the diner, his wife and child following. Then she let Henry lead her back to the table, where they settled back into their dinner.

A strong pair of arms wrapped around her, disturbing her thoughts. "Penny for your thoughts, milady?" Robin whispered.

"You don't want to know them," she whispered back.

He hummed. "Thinking about that man from yesterday?"

"Kinda," she admitted. "I was thinking more about me yesterday."

"What about you? You handled him well."

"I almost didn't. The Evil Queen almost came out and flambéed him."

Robin turned her in his arms, kissing her forehead. "But you didn't. You resisted."

"But she could've come out."

"I know how terrifying that is. Now more than ever," he said, eyes fixed on hers. "But every day you prove stronger than the darkness and so you are my role model."

Touched, she kissed him, stepping closer to him. She broke the kiss but remained in his embrace, head resting against his shoulder. "You know, you never got to show me your adventurous side last night."

He chuckled. "Don't worry. I have something special planned for tomorrow night."

"Why tomorrow night?"

"Because the Merry Men are taking the boys camping tomorrow night."

Regina pulled away, smiling. "You saw them?"

He shook his head. "I ran into Little John when Roland and I went on our walk to the harbor this morning. He invited me back to camp but…I still can't go. Not when they are expecting their leader, not the Dark One."

"They're your friends. I'm sure they'll accept you no matter what."

"And then there's Will," Robin said. "I…I can't face him yet."

She nodded before dropping her voice. "So, what are we going to do tomorrow night?"

"That, milady, is a surprise." He smiled, pulling her close again to kiss her.


After dinner, Regina had planned for a family movie night. Just a quiet night in, lounging on the couch with her boys and a bucket of popcorn. Unfortunately, they got to the video games before she could suggest it. The three of them crowded onto her couch, jostling for controllers and yelling at each other as they played. Robin and Henry both had competitive streaks but Roland's presence seemed to keep their fights friendly.

Henry did look at up at one point with a sheepish smile as he held out his controller to Regina. "Do you want to play, Mom?"

"No, that's okay. You boys have fun." Regina dropped kisses onto each of their heads, though Roland had to stand to get his. "I'm going to go get some work done."

"Don't work too hard. We'll still have a family movie night after this," Robin said, looking up at her with a smile.

She returned it, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Okay, but you all better not fall asleep on me."

"We won't," Henry said as Roland nodded beside him. They turned their attentions back to their game as Regina slid from the room.

She knew that Roland would conk out within minutes of the movie starting, no doubt sprawling across all three of them as they sat together on the couch. Henry would put up a fight but succumb about halfway through, no doubt with his head on her shoulder. The only wild card was Robin, though she wouldn't be surprised if she lost him before the end credits.

Knocking interrupted her trip up to her study and Regina frowned, wondering who would be visiting them so late. It then turned into worry and a fear that their days of quiet had finally come to an end at last. She prepared to find one of the Charmings at her door as she opened it.

Instead, Rumpelstilskin stood on her stoop as he leaned heavily on his cane again. "Good evening, dearie. I hope it's not too late for a visit?"

"No, of course not. Please, come in." Regina stood aside, letting Rumple stagger into her house. She closed the door behind him, smiling. "Belle told us you woke up but I didn't think you'd be out of the house so soon."

"She didn't think I should leave yet either, but I wanted to come and see you."

Regina nodded. "I'm guessing you've heard then?"

"That your thief is the new Dark One? Yes."

"If you've come here to harm him anyway, I will not hesitate to hurt you," she said, stepping closer to him.

He held up his hand. "I am not here to see or hurt him, dearie. I'm here to see you."

"Me?" She pulled back, frowning. "Why?"

Rumple glanced around. "Is there a chair, please?"

Regina nodded, pulling out a chair for him to sit down on. He eased down, rubbing his leg. "It hurts worse now. Not even when I was out there with no magic did it hurt this much."

"Have you seen Whale?"

He chuckled. "And what good would he do?"

"This world has some marvelous advances on pain management." She crossed her arms. "Is that why you're here? You're hoping for a magical solution to your pain?"

"No, no. Not yet anyway. I'm here because of Robin."

She tensed again. "I thought you were here for me?"

"I am here for you…because of Robin," Rumple clarified. "Your soulmate's now the Dark One. That's quite an adjustment."

"He's already made that adjustment. You're four months late for that talk."

Rumple smiled. "You think he's done? It's a process, becoming the Dark One. First, it takes its measure of you and lets you believe that you can control it. Then it starts to twist your desires and what makes you you but you don't realize it. You think they are your own decisions, your own wants. And then one day, you wake up and realize you can't find where you end and it begins. You're one. You're the Dark One."

During his speech, Regina found her legs had gone weak and she collapsed into a nearby chair. Her body shook—though she wasn't sure if it was fear for what was to come for Robin or anger at Rumpelstiltskin. He had played her their entire relationship, manipulating her into becoming the Evil Queen so she could cast the Dark Curse. What if he was doing something now to make her turn Robin over to him so he could become the Dark One again?

"Get out," she hissed. "Just get out of my house now."

His face fell and he did seem to feel bad. "I'm sorry, Regina. But I want you to go into this with both eyes open. Not with some rose-colored filter from Snow's constant hope speeches."

"If you think I would be led astray by one of those, you were in the coma too long." Regina stood, pointing to the door. "Now, seriously, get the fuck out of my house."

Rumple stood, shaking his head. "Be careful. Little ears all around now."

"Mom? Are you okay? We heard shouting." Henry appeared in the doorway, his eyes widening as he saw his grandfather there.

She took a few deep breaths. "I'm fine. Mr. Gold was just leaving."

"If you need anything, Regina. You know where to find me." Rumpelstiltskin nodded before startling to hobble out of the house. As he passed by Robin and Roland, the boy hid his face in his father's leg while Robin glared at the man.

Once he left, Robin rushed forward and she collapsed into his arms. Her body was still shaking and she found his embrace both warming and steadying. "Did he hurt you?" he asked, voice almost a growl in her ear.

She shook her head. "He just was trying to play mind games again. I wouldn't let him."

"Are you sure? It seems he's rattled you." Robin held her face in his hands, forcing her to look him in the eyes.

Love and concern shone there and Regina relaxed. Rumpelstiltskin was trying to manipulate things to suit his own purpose, she knew. The darkness wasn't going to take over Robin. Not completely and not while she could do something about it.

She smiled, reaching up to run her hands along his bare arms. "I'm fine. All I need is movie night and a good cuddle."

"I can do that!" Roland piped up, latching onto her waist as he stood on his tiptoes. She laughed, cupping his head as Robin's hands left her face.

Henry wrapped his arm around his mother. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Henry. Now, why don't you go pop some popcorn with Robin while Roland and I pick out a movie?" She patted his cheek before taking Roland's hand. As she walked off, she felt Robin's eyes on her.

When he returned with Henry and their bowl of popcorn, he settled next to her and pulled her close to him. Roland had to adjust his position so he was cuddling with her again but didn't complain. Henry settled into his spot and they started the movie.

Her eyes started to droop and she recognized Robin's now familiar magical signature too late to stop him. Regina felt her head roll against him as he carded his fingers through her hair, letting sleep carry her away.


Rumpelstiltskin returned to his shop the following day, despite Belle's insistence that he stay home and rest. "You shouldn't have gone out to see Regina last night," she admonished him. "I could've brought her here."

"It was better I went over there. And I am fine. The sooner I return to my normal routine, the better," he insisted, limping toward the door.

She let him go and he sat in his store, surrounded by all the knick-knacks and trinkets he had collected over the years. All had stories behind them and he had collected all of them for various reasons, all for their inherent magical qualities.

What was he to do now? His magic had fled with the darkness, now residing in Robin Hood's body. The thought alone made him sneer, knowing such power would be lost on the archer. What would he do? Steal mere trinkets? Not likely, as it seemed he had gone straight for Regina. Or rather, Regina had created a place where Robin didn't need to steal—all before even knowing who her true love was.

Rumple paused as he felt a shift in the air, a chill suddenly descending upon him despite the summer heat outside. He smiled without turning around. "I was wondering when we would speak," he said. "Come for advice?"

"What did you say to Regina? She was upset last night."

Sighing, Rumpelstiltskin turned around to face the man leaning against his countertop. He paused, taking in the physical changes Robin Hood had undergone as the Dark One. "Nasty scar. Can't heal it or won't?" he asked.

"Won't," Robin replied, "but do not change the subject. You were going to tell me what you did to upset Regina last night."

"I was just trying to tell her the truth. She didn't want to hear it."

"The truth about what?"

"You. And what you will become." Rumple tilted his head. "What you may already be."

Robin straightened up, tensing. "I am not a monster."

"Not yet. But I bet you already feel the transformation starting. Tell me—does it still talk to you?"

Narrowing his eyes, Robin pushed away from the counter to point at Rumpelstiltskin. "Stay away from Regina. I won't have you hurting her."

Rumple laughed. "We both know if anyone hurts her, it'll be you."

"Never," Robin vowed.

Oh, how he remembered when he thought he'd never hurt those he loved with his darkness. Yet Baelfire had gone to a land without magic just to escape what he had become. And Belle had to banish him to keep him from hurting her and others. Rumple believed there might come a day when Regina would have to do the same to Robin.

He believed more though that Storybrooke would see the Evil Queen again.

"You can't make that promise," Rumple said. "And you know it. You can't stop it. All you can do now is stay away from her. For her sake."

Robin growled before Rumple flew back against one of his cases. He slumped to the floor, clutching the back of his head. A lump already started to form as Robin stood over him. "You need to stay away from her. She is not yours to control anymore, Imp."

As a cloud of dark blue smoke took Robin from his shop, Rumple started to chuckle.


Regina's phone buzzed as her alarm went off. She silenced it with a smile, closing her folder for the day. It was time for her date night with Robin and nothing was going to keep her from it.

Her door opened as she stood from her chair, watching as Robin stepped into her office. He wore a nice green shirt, this time wearing short sleeves so she could see his tattoo, paired with dark pants. A bouquet of black roses was clutched in his hand and he held them out as she approached. "For you, milady."

She ignored the flowers, grabbing him by the nape of his neck and pulling him in for a long, passionate kiss. He wrapped his free hand around her, laying it flat on her back as he pressed her closer. As he rocked her, he let out a content hum.

They broke apart but he nuzzled her hair. "Well, that was quite the welcome," he murmured.

"I missed you," she said. "You weren't in bed this morning."

Regina fought back residuals of the panic she had felt that morning when she had awakened to find his side of the bed empty. It hadn't receded until she found his note under her favorite mug, saying he had left to run some errands and that he'd see her for their date that night.

"Sorry to worry you, love. But I thought you needed your sleep. I dropped the boys off with Little John and then got ready for tonight."

She hummed. "Yes, we're going to have to talk about you using your magic to put me to sleep when you think I need rest."

"I know you, Regina. You'll push yourself when you shouldn't," he said, running a hand through her hair. "So now I found something useful to do with my magic. Take care of you when you won't."

He kissed her before taking her hand. "And now, we need to go if we're going to make our reservations."

"Reservations?" Regina raised her eyebrow as Robin led her from her office. "You're going all out tonight."

"I do have a lot of lost time to make up for."

"You don't have to make up for anything."

He stopped, pulling her close. "I have every intention of wooing you properly, milady, whether I am the Dark One or not. You are a queen and deserve it."

"Well, then," Regina started, her smile growing wider, "woo away."

"My pleasure." Robin wrapped his arm around her waist this time as they continued their walk to Tony's.


Night had long fallen by the time Regina and Robin left Tony's, where they had been given a private booth in a far corner of the restaurant. While it had been nice to have some privacy, Regina knew it was because of who Robin had become. She tried to feel indignant but it had been hard with Robin's lips sucking on just the right spot on her neck. Instead, she had melted into him and they spent their dinner giggling and kissing like two teenagers.

She leaned closer to him as he wrapped an arm around her. "Cold?" he asked.

"No," she replied. "Everything is perfect."

"Well, we finally get to finish that walk in the moonlight. And this time, nothing will happen."

"Don't tempt fate," she said, half-teasing and half-serious.

He kissed her head. "I'm the only evil in town right now. I don't think we have much to worry about."

"Don't joke about it," Regina said, stopping. She hugged herself, fighting the dread as she recalled Rumpelstiltskin's words. "You're not evil. As long as you are you, you can never be evil."

Robin wrapped her back in his embrace, letting her rest her head against his chest. "Sorry. I won't speak of it anymore tonight."

She knew they would have to talk about it soon, but she could accept his promise for this night. Regina pulled back, smiling. "So what else do you have planned?"

"I promised to show you my adventurous side," Robin said, smiling. "Time to make good on that."

He stepped away from her, approaching a locked gate. Regina took notice of their surroundings, frowning. "The pool? That's where you're going to show me your adventurous side?"

"Yes." He put something back in his pocket as the gate swung open, the lock dangling from his fingers. "You coming?"

"You want us to trespass?"

"Is it really trespassing if it's public property? Especially when you're the mayor?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Yes, it is."

"Come on. Be adventurous," he said with a wink.

Regina sighed, letting him pull her inside the pool deck. "I don't see how breaking into the pool is adventurous."

"This is just the start. Next, we go swimming."

"Oh," she said, realization hitting her. She smiled, turning her back to him. "Care to unzip me then?"

He did so, chuckling as he leaned close so that his breath hit the back of her neck, warming it. "And here I thought I was going to have to convince you to do this."

"You're not the only one with an adventurous side." She leaned back, pressing her lips to his as her dress pooled at her feet.

Regina swayed her hips as she walked toward the pool, submerging herself as slowly as she could. His dark eyes followed her every movement until she was treading water in front of him. She tilted her head. "Well? You coming?"

He shed his clothing, leaving it in a trail on the pool deck's concrete floor as he hurried toward the diving board. She watched him climb, confused. "What are you doing?"

"Diving in." Robin curled his toes around the edge of the diving board. He bounced a few times before pushing off, body arching as he dove head first into the water. She followed his dark form under the water until he emerged in front of her. "I've been waiting a long time to show off for you."

"You don't have to do anything to impress me." She wrapped her arms around his neck as they floated together.

He pouted. "You know how to wound a man's pride."

"Let me fix it then." She kissed him, slow yet passionate. As she pulled away, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled. "Did it work?"

"Oh, yes," he breathed, eyes closed.

Laughing, she swam away and he gave chase. They took turns catching the other, crossing the pool several times as the night wore on. Every time they wrapped arms around each other, they shared kisses that grew more heated with each lap.

Regina wrapped her legs around Robin, letting him hold both their weights as they floated in the water. "Is this the extent of your adventurous side?"

"Of course not," he said, pushing her wet hair from her face. "I just didn't want to overwhelm you."

She rolled her eyes. "Right. That's it."

Robin lifted her out of the pool before hoisting himself out of the water. He gave Regina a sheepish look. "Do you think you could conjure up some towels? I don't think I can do it just yet."

"Why don't I teach you?"

He hesitated. "I don't know. My magic…I could still hurt you."

"I doubt it." She pulled him over to a nearby chair. "Go ahead. Concentrate on two large, fluffy towels. When you've got the picture clear in your mind, wave your hand at the chair."

Robin sighed, closing his eyes. She stood close to him, running her hand down his arm. "Do you have the image?"

"Not really. All I can see is you."

She laughed. "Do you want me to step away then?"

"No. I think I can do this." Robin smiled, waving his hand.

Regina felt a tug in her stomach, as if someone had lassoed her. She was pulled forward as dark blue smoke swirled around her, depositing her in a laying position on the chair. Grabbing the armrests, she stared at Robin with wide eyes. "What just happened?"

"Well, I didn't conjure up anything but I did manage to transport another person for the first time." He smirked as climbed over her, heat radiating off his body. "So let me thank you."

His knee slid between her legs, opening them until she was almost straddling the lounge chair. She gripped the armrests again and her toes curled against the ground as his tongue flicked over her clit. Her head rolled back as her mouth parted to let out a soft gasp.

Regina slid a hand down his back, running her nails along his shoulders as his muscles flexed with his every move. As he sucked and licked her, she rubbed against the plastic strips of the lounge chair. The friction created between her legs tried to overpower the one building against her back, but the pain was too much for even the pleasure.

"Robin, stop," she groaned, tightening her grip on his hair. "I need you to stop. Please."

He pulled back, frowning. "Is something wrong?"

"My back…" she said, peeling herself off it.

As she sat up, Robin was able to look at the red splotches on her back and pulled her close to him. "So sorry, lovely. Why don't you take us back to your room?"

She shook her head, pushing him away. "Just let me stand and I'll make it more comfortable. Then you can go back to…thanking me."

He chuckled as she waved her hand over the chair, covering it with a soft white towel. Robin wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his bare front. His erection pressed against her ass and a wicked smile formed as she got an idea.

"Take me like this," she whispered.

Robin had been trailing kisses down her neck but he paused, frowning against her skin before lifting his head. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "I trust you, Robin."

"Okay, but you can change your mind at any time. I won't mind."

Regina leaned back, craning her neck to kiss Robin on the lips before kneeling on the lounge chair. He ran a hand along her ass, humming in approval. "You're so beautiful," he told her.

"Now is not the time for flowery sentiments," she said, huffing. "Shut up and fuck me."

He chuckled. "Yes, my queen."

She sucked in air as his finger ghosted down her stomach, finding her clit. Her arms went taut as pleasure crashed down over her again, already keyed up from his tongue. She knew she was wet enough, could feel herself dripping. But Robin knew how to draw the most from her.

His thumb kept rubbing as his cock poked at her entrance before he inched himself in. Her arms shook from all the sensations swirling in her, fingers digging into the plastic edging. A moan passed her lips as her breathing quickened in time to his thrusts.

Robin's hot breath hit her neck in puffs as her hair stuck to her neck. She raised a shaking arm to move some hair stuck to her face. Through her hazy vision, she thought she saw someone at the metal fence, watching. Stars though filled her eyes as he groaned her name, spilling into her. Regina careened over the edge, shouting his name.

They collapsed onto the towel, Robin's arms tight around her, panting as they came down off their respective highs. She snuggled closer to him, letting his warmth wash over her as looked to where she thought she saw their spectator. No one was there. Maybe she had just imagined it.

The night air grew chilled, causing bumps to rise on her skin. "We should go someplace warmer," she said.

He nuzzled her. "Can you? I don't think I can transport both of us."

"Okay, but we're going to work on that. You're starting magic lessons in the morning."

"Morning?"

She chuckled. "Okay, maybe the afternoon."

"Much better." Robin turned her in his arms, making sure to keep her close as she transported them back to their room. They collapsed onto the bed, limbs tangled together, and fell asleep in seconds.


A/N: I'm back from vacation! And I must say, I really am glad to be so. We squeezed way too much in the first days, running between Disneyland and the D23 expo. I did go to the Once Upon a Time panel, which was awesome. Lana, Ginny and Josh were so sweet and funny. Adam and Eddy were funny too, especially as they seemed to realize they weren't revealing a whole lot about next season. But it was a lot of fun and now I really want a curse that causes everyone to burst into song.

I also saw Lana last week on Space Mountain. So that happened and it was cool, even if I feel I may have seemed a bit of a creeper. Her rocket arrived at the unloading station just I was getting into my rocket, so I was watching it as I did so.

I'm not moving the update day to Sundays, I just really didn't want to get my schedule knocked off. So I'm posting this now and Chapter 7 should go up on September 4th.

Also, for fans of my story "All That Was Me," I had an announcement before I went on vacation and when I came back. First, the sequel will start to be posted on September 6th. Second, it won't be called "Once Upon a Time" anymore. Now it'll be called "The Land Without Magic" and will focus on the years leading up to Emma's 28th birthday rather than jumping to the events of the series.

You can keep track of what's happening with the sequel on Twitter with #AllThatWasMe. And you can keep track of this story on Twitter with #DarkRobinSaga.

Okay, I'll shut up now.

-Mac