I'm a sucker for Christmas, what can I tell ya? Thanks again to Grace for the beta xx
Robin is new to all this Christmas malarkey. It's far from anything he's ever experienced before, the concept puzzling. At first he perceived it to be quite the nuisance, the very thought alone of draping twinkling lights, glimmering baubles and shimmering tinsel around a tree that already encased such beauty was beyond him.
Roland's smile, though. That did it. All three of them, Henry, Roland and Regina just had this glow about them, dazzling smiles that could right any wrong, peacefulness and joy dancing through the room so naturally. So he gave in to the festive gimmicks. He hummed along giddily to overly jingly tunes and sickly sweet lyrics, wrapped thin sheets of paper around toys (not with ease, let it be known) and even dragged heavily packed boxes filled with tinsel and other decorative treasures into the sitting room, continually shooing Regina away at her every attempt to help.
As the tree decorating was underway, he winked at Regina after catching her sneaking the popcorn meant for stringing around the tree from the bowl when the boys weren't looking. He smiled brightly as Henry walked Roland through the significance of each dangling ornament; the Hulk figure that Regina only allows because of Henry's unyielding affinity, the shining round baubles with years scribbled on them beautifully, a golden horse - Regina's favourite - and Robin's heart fluttered without warning when she wrapped her arms around Roland to hoist him high to place the brightest star atop their festive creation.
For the most part, Henry tried to fill him in on all the small traditions at this time of year; the decor, the music, the foods, the gift exchange and it began to grow on him with time. The overall spirit around town was marvellous - clearly the magic of Christmas that Henry spoke about.
Everyone was in the most giving of moods. Their smiles beyond compare, their families the main focus. The fashion catches his eye too. It's not necessarily Christmas-like, but he'd be a fool if he didn't acknowledge how he loves the sight of Regina in her navy woollen coat, the fabric hugging every curve that he worships, her neck bundled up nicely within a gorgeous patterned scarf. She always looks so warm and content and that's all he wants, after all.
Then there's Regina's recipes, perfected year after year. Peppermint bark, gingerbread houses (that raised a few bouts of laughter when recalling her more evil days), an absolute overload of sugar. Her eggnog, though. Good lord, it's heavenly. After the boys go to bed, she spikes the thick, gooey goodness with whiskey, always whiskey for him, and her eggnog to rum ratio is generous to say the least. It leaves his belly warm, his mind buzzed, similar to the glorious mixture of feelings he has when he positively ravishes her. They are due another bout of adoration soon, obviously without the close call like the one they had this morning thanks to a very excited young man; it was just seconds after he slid her silky night dress back down her body as she caught her breath quietly, as he was kissing up over the fabric, when Roland knocked a playful tune on the hardwood of the door. She laughed when he growled, playfully frustrated, as his forehead thumped lightly just below her sternum before they scurried around to ready themselves properly to go downstairs.
Roland was so enthusiastic, he tugged on Regina's hand all the way downstairs while Henry slumped behind them, rubbing at his tired eyes. After everyone woke up completely, the boys were as happy as can be, bouncing off of each other, and they laughed so easily, joking like they've forever been brothers. Henry is immeasurably great with Roland and both Regina and Robin find themselves staring in awe, completely content.
As wrapping paper was ripped from the parcels under the tree, Robin gathered Regina in his lap. His legs circled around her hip and stretched in front while she sat comfortably between them, her back pressed flush against his torso. The position was perfect for him to tuck his chin into the curve of her shoulder and stifle sweet laughter against the skin of her neck as they watch the boys. When when he finished gulping down his hot coffee, she could very easily slip her mug into his own hand to share what she had left.
It was utter perfection.
It still is.
Regina made breakfast while Robin and Henry tried to decipher the cryptic instructions on a toy Roland so desperately wanted to play with. They got it eventually, but not until after Regina giggles at their frustration, offers her magical abilities only to be politely declined and after brunch, the boys sit together and play, Robin finally getting to breathe, spending his undisturbed moment to watch Regina scrub away at the plates and mugs that she refused to let anyone help her with.
It's time. The gift he and Henry have spent weeks trying to procure is finally in the yard, yearning for its unveiling.
"Do you think we can let the dishes rest for a moment?" He asks, creeping up behind her and dotting the softest of kisses just shy of the neckline of her red cashmere sweater. It feels like heaven on his fingertips as he brushes down her sides to her hips. She's only two plates more to do but she gives into his request, turning to face him with the aid of his hands swivelling her hips around.
"Thank you," he smiles brightly, dropping a tender smooch to her lips.
"What is so important that I couldn't finish?" She quizzes as her eyebrow arches and her lips tighten into a cheeky grin.
"I have a surprise for you." He hums into a second kiss to her cheek, leaving the utmost splendid of smiles on her face to gaze into.
"You do?" Her question is breathless, almost disbelieving and her arms stiffen slightly. His heart aches as her eyes reflect something close to fear when he realises that she has never received a pleasant surprise for the most part of her life.
He lifts both of his hands to cup her face, his thumbs caressing the smooth skin of her cheeks. "You're going to love it, I promise." Her eyes regain some light, the worry melting away into the chocolatey brown and she smiles tightly. "But, I need you to close your eyes." Her face scrunches playfully, then he laughs, "Come on," while he circles his fingers around each of her wrists and lifts her hands to cover her eyes. "I'll guide you. Do you trust me?"
He waves his hand in front of her covered eyes, a final measure to make sure she's not peeking. He could have easily opted for a loose scarf around her eyes, but he knows all too well her fear of being blindfolded. He never had have to ask why - he'd read that part of her story with clenched knots in his stomach - his love bound and sightless, the very weapon he relies on aimed at her mercilessly, her only saving grace being Princess Snow's last second decision.
"Always," she sighs forward into him slightly. She's relaxed, so he's excited, but also nervous, butterflies swirling around in varying waves of magnitude. His arm loops around her back and he navigates the way for her. She moves tentatively, like anyone would without a clue what is in front of them, and she's trying to imagine where she is based on memory, but that only works for so long.
He tells her to stand still but keep her eyes covered. That's when she hears the familiar squeaking of the door to their backyard. Her interest piques, but she follows his strict orders and keeps her hands clamped over her face. When he's back at her side, he drives her forward again, telling her to watch the step down to the gravel, then again when her surface changes to snow-covered grass.
There's a familiar scent in the air, something she just can't seem to pinpoint and then a familiar sound, a comforting snort of air and movement. She gasps ever so slightly, recognising it all of a sudden, then asks in a whispered squeak, "Can I open them?"
"Yes," he watches her face intently as she peels away her hands and as her thrilled eyes begin to sparkle.
Only a few feet from them is the most magnificent thing she's seen in a long while. A majestic mare with strong posture and confidence seeping from its powerful eyes. It's a gorgeous chestnut colour, an exquisite copper that reflects in the bright sunlight and contrasts vividly with the thin sheet of snow on the grass. Its mane is soft, she can tell just by looking at it, not matted or coarse.
Robin's watching her closely and he doubts himself when he notices that there are tears gathering in her eyes, but they aren't sad. They are gracious, not the ice cold droplets that would form after the kind of surprise Cora would toss in her lap. No, her face is warm, her cheeks a blossoming pink, cheery and radiant.
She tries to speak but the words lodge in her throat, caught on the tearful lump there. Robin reaches over and tucks her hair behind her ear. "I know it's not Rocinante, but-"
"She's perfect," her words break free finally, breathy and overwhelmed. "Robin…" she whispers, turning to look at him and completely devoid of words, her heart beating so fast she places her palm over her chest.
"You keep talking about maybe riding again," he explains, "I thought this might help."
She smiles, shaking her head admirably, amazed yet again at how easily can surprise her. 'May I?" she asks, looking back to the strong beauty only a few feet from her.
"Absolutely," he steps aside but he isn't getting anywhere without a tight hug, a proper show of thanks. She throws her arms around his neck and pulls herself in close, mumbling her an emotional thank you into his shoulder. "You're more than welcome, my love," he tells her back, as happy as can be when she draws away and creeps over carefully to the horse.
The creature lifts its head, noticing as Regina shyly approaches and it's interested, eager, almost challenging her to come even closer. Regina is holding her breath slightly, her chest full of anxious air and she reaches out slowly to the horse's long face. Her movements are slow, testing the the mood. It doesn't flinch and when Regina's palm presses flat against its soft hair, she sighs a thick, shuddered sigh and she can finally relax entirely. She tosses Robin a tearful smile and he returns one with a heart filled to the brim with love, before she focuses back on the animal again.
"Robin…" Henry hisses from just inside the house, craning his neck from the back door, "Now?" He asks as quietly as possible, looking left to right to make sure his mother can't hear, but Robin shakes his head and waves the boys over to stand next to him as Regina continues to admire the horse, entirely in her own world ahead of them.
They watch easily as Regina's wide smile warms their hearts, a toasty feeling warming up their chilly cheeks. "Do you need it now, papa?" Roland tugs on Robin's trouser leg, whispering as lightly as he can given his level of excitement.
Robin holds his finger up to his lips, shushing the questioning, He reaches down and ruffles Roland's hair, throws his arm over Henry's shoulder. "We ought to give her this moment, don't you think?" He asks happily and then smiles toward Regina. Henry reaches inside his pocket and carefully gives Robin the small box he had been entrusted with.
Robin had been full of nerves the evening before when he so graciously asked Henry's permission to ask Regina to share the rest of their lives together. Since the moment Regina first rolled her eyes at him in the Enchanted Forest, he knew that she was meant to be in his life.
Once upon a time, a Not-So-Evil Queen sassed her way into his dreams, audaciously infiltrated his daily thoughts and entrusted him so calmly with her heart all whilst unexpectedly seizing his own in the process. They've been to hell and back with each other - separations, unexpected comebacks, their own personal demons - so five more minutes with the ring he chose for her in its box rather than on her finger is hardly a challenge.
Five minutes. It's nothing during those seconds he is allowed to watch the love of his life rediscover a part of herself she thought she would never get back. Before, everything had always been about timing, but now it feels like all they have is time; Time to wait, time to take the scenic route home, time to ignore the last few dishes in the sink for a surprise and all the time in the world to love each other.
