Red Ambition

by PeroxideMermaid

"Would you believe me if I tell you I didn't kill them? Would you trust me that all I ever wanted was to see you happy. Daniel was your happiness. Why would I take that away?" Regina looked striken with grief as she uttered the words that would cause them both pain. "Because I was your happiness." Repost of a story I wrote a few years ago and never finished. Rated M for blood.

10. Chapter 10

A/N: Happy thanksgiving. Managed to finish editing and adding to this chapter. I hope you all have a good day with all your friends and family. Enjoy this chapter. Don't know when I'm gonna update again. May be a while…

Xoxo, Janice.

|xXx|

Robin couldn't recognize the person looking back at time. Yes, the reflection didn't lie and Robin Locksley stood in the bathroom, gazing at himself in the mirror but there was something about him that had changed in the past few months. Other than the obvious, long beard, hollow cheeks and pale skin but his eyes, they no longer reflected the glee of life in them. He had lost all hope of ever being free, of ever seeing his son and enjoyed the sun again, but here he is outside the asylum, standing in his best friend's house and waiting for Regina to bring him clothes. That was another part of this story he did not believe, Regina being in Storybrooke again. Locked inside the four walls that had been his home for months, it was easy to pretend that she wasn't there even if her kiss had burned him to the very depth of his soul. But now he can't pretend that she isn't there, what's worse? He can't pretend that his heart felt like it was beating for the first time in a very long time. Robin sighed softly and picked up the razor. His hand were trembling, but he managed to get a grip long enough to shave his face with minor cuts. By the time he was done with his task, there was a knock on the door.

"Can I?"A tentative voice asked, Regina's. Robin looked at the door through the mirror and released a small come in. Regina slowly opened the door and walked inside closing the door behind her afterwards. "You look like a decent human being again." She muttered, placing the clothes she was holding on top of the closed toilet. Robin chuckled, but he didn't turn, didn't say anything. He just kept staring at himself, waiting to recognize some part of himself there.

Still nothing.

"You know…"Regina began, arms crossed, intently watching him. Her gaze was like fire over his skin and he fought really hard to not allow it to get the best of him. "The beard suits you."At that he finally turned to Regina. He touched his jaw, and grimaced at little. Robin had gotten so used to the longer one that the little he had left made him feel lighter, like he was about to float away, drift off into nothingness.

"It is weird." Robin muttered, turning fully so he gave his back to the mirror while leaning against the sink. "Even before Marian I never allowed it to grow so much. The beard makes me look like my father."

Regina hummed her agreement. If there was someone who knew him well it was her. His entire life was spent alongside her, well his younger life that is. After she left, there was no one else left for him to share his hopes, his insecurities, his regrets.

And there were a lot of regrets in his life. Even now he regrets not fighting for Regina. Even now he regrets that their relationship deteriorated with the passage of the years. Maybe if they kept in contact, maybe if they talked more than all of this wouldn't be happening. He dared to imagine that they would be together back in New York. He didn't have qualms with leaving Storybrooke for her. But Regina never asked him and Robin never dared to be bold. That was something that both of them were to blame for all that had gone down between them.

"You father wasn't that bad." Regina countered and sure, not that bad for her. Robin loved his father, he cannot deny that but there were time where he wanted to smack that man's face. God forgive him for it but his father had his moments where he was just cruel. Unlike his mother who was the greatest woman to ever live. He misses her now more than ever.

"With you." He shot back crossing his arms. "That man adored you and John, and virtually everyone in Storybrooke except his older son." Someone once told him that bitterness is a sure way to poison once self and he was starting to understand those words at that very moment talking about his father. It wasn't hate, it never got that far because at the end of the day Robin wasn't someone who could easily hate but there was a negative feeling in his heart that was feeding from his grief and the pain that was inflicted to him day by day and his father was the catalyst for all that.

"Robin you know that's not true." The brunette took a step towards him, the first real closeness since they left the school two hours ago. Her hand grasped gently his arm and that was incentive enough for him to look at her. "I know you and him had your differences regarding on the life that you wanted but he did love you." He tried, really he tried to not scoff at that but he did and it made Regina pull back her hand and he instantly missed her touch over his bare skin. Actually he should dress; the only thing that was covering him was the towel over his lower section.

"And in the end he got his wish." Robin finally turned to her, a sad smile on his face. "I got stuck in Storybrooke running his shop, instead of pursuing my dreams and…"For a moment he stopped himself from talking. It was too much to handle too fast. He wanted to fully express himself, not that he hasn't done it before, but there was no way for Regina to run away from his words and deep inside he wanted her to run without him being able to run after her. That was the only good things that dreadful Asylum provided him, an excuse. The first time he didn't go after her, and when he actually did it was too late, Regina already had made a life, a name for herself, now if he convey his feeling into words once more, she'll walk away through that door and he will go after her and make the rejection even worse. He is over thinking this. Now was the time to leave those fears behind and see what's beyond the end of the tunnel. He had been in darkness for such a long time that he fears the light. He fears burning out of existence like a damn vampire.

"Me." She finished for him and Robin rolled his shoulders.

"You." He confirmed. His heart started beating frantically in his chest even more so with the look Regina was giving him, a look that made him question everything about his life. "For a very long time I thought that I might never see you again. I made myself believed that it was for the best because chances were you were happy in New York. Seeing you again that day made all of that a big fat lie. I wanted to see you, I wanted to see you smile and laugh and complain about the little things that annoyed you. Made me think of all the moments we shared together and how simple things were before Daniel." There it was his resentment with Daniel. Robin never really hated the guy. He was honest and good and wanted to make Regina smile. How could Robin hate someone that wanted the same as him for Regina? He just hated the fact that Regina chose him. But eventually Robin learned to live with it. Still, when Regina left, Robin actually began truly resenting Daniel, only in death did Robin harbor negative feelings for the man. For one simple reason, he was the why Regina left.

Regina shifted from one leg to the other, her eyes everywhere but on him and Robin had the slight feeling he had struck a nerve there. The woman before him always told him to be truthful and always been even now if the truth stings a little. It certainly made him feel like a douche even though he knew he wasn't being exactly that. "I don't know what you are expecting from telling me this." And Robin had the bad sense to laugh at that to which he was rewarded with a glare that oh boy if looks could kill he'd be dead in that exact second.

"I'm not expecting anything. I'm just being honest just how you like it." Robin walked around her and picked up the clothes she had brought him. Robin had the slight feeling this conversation won't go any further, it was for the best.

"There's honesty and then there's this. Whatever this is." Regina dropped her arms to the side, face stony just like he remembered Cora's. Wow, those two were really alike.

"Yeah, whatever this is." He motioned between them, "That's a good way to explain you and I." And before she said anything, Robin left the bathroom. He wasn't ready to hear whatever Regina was about to say, he wasn't ready to hear her shot down whatever is it that they had, if they had something.

|xXx|

In the end, Robin went alone to the school. As soon as he was dressed, he left Jefferson's house. After his not so helpful conversation with Regina, he knew that the woman didn't have the tolerance to be beside him so he spared her the torture of his company and went along. Seeing Roland for the first time in months made him happy but at the same time his nerves reached an awful peak. He wanted Regina right by his side for this moment but he knew that this was something he needed to confront alone; maybe that's why their conversation took a turn for the worse. His subconscious was telling him he needed to grow a pear and do this. Robin stood before the school, people filtering in and out, giving him strange looks. Some of pity, others of disgust, there was no middle ground. "Alright." He muttered, taking a step towards the school. "Here it goes."

Robin walked around the school, searching for Mary's classroom. If he remembered correctly, it was at the end of the corridor, right beside the fountain. It had been a while since he entered the school. Marian usually was the one going in and out of it, her friendship with Mary giving her more of an excuse to spend days in an out of the place. He was glad for it. Robin didn't like going into the school. The hallways were filled with memories that were too painful to even remember and there were still a few teachers still were around, teachers that had given him class. But for today he made an exception, for today and every day afterwards he would walk in and out because of his son.

Upon reaching the classroom, Robin's hand became sweaty. He tried to dry them on his jeans but it was no use. His nerves were on fire and apparently so was his skin. Locksley took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down long enough to place his hand on the handle and push it open he wouldn't budge. He shouldn't have come here all alone. Now he really needs Regina.

"Don't be stupid." Robin said under his breath, shaking his head.

"You are stupid." A female voice replied and when he turned around Regina stood there with a raised brow and arms crossed. "You should have waited for me." Her voice was softer than it had been in the beginning. Most likely because she took in his pitiful expression.

"Honestly? I thought I needed to do this all on my own." Robin turned, to the door taking three steps back until he was standing right next to Regina. "Turns out I'm a coward."

Regina shrugged, dropping her arms to the side. "I could have told you that." And Robin sent a glare her way. "It is good that you are self aware though." Mills half turn, getting a better glance at his profile. "You know what's your problem?"

When Robin turned to her, all ears trained on her words. Regina was never the type to hold back, not when dropping a heavy dose of honesty, and he didn't expect any less. "Enlighten me." Was all Robin managed to say.

"Your problem is that you want to take every problem you have and resolve it in one go instead of going piece by piece trying to identify what's wrong." She placed a hand on his arm, squeezing it softly before letting go. The touch was comforting, to the point that it cut through his nerves leaving behind a sense of calm that made him see things more clearly. If he could live in a moment, in an action forever it would be there, in her touch.

"This feels like you are lecturing me." Robin countered and Regina smirked.

"Wasn't I always doing that?" She arched a brow.

"Good point." There was no lie there.

"Will you allow me to help you in this?" Her eyes searched his face. Robin couldn't tell what she was looking for in that moment. All he knew was that at least her eyes didn't hold any type of resentment and he could live with that. "I may not be a mother but I've been learning new things ever since I met your son." The smile on her face made Robin's heart beat a different beat, a joyful one and he wondered, not for the first time, how much have Regina and Roland have bonded. He cannot wait to see how that relationship had developed; no doubt it was a wonderful one. "So will you trust me?"

Now that was a stupid question. Robin trusted this woman before him with his entire being. Years of separation have never really destroyed that. Sure, there are new things to learn, new patterns, likes and dislikes but Robin pride himself in knowing her soul. He took comfort on the fact that his very own reacted to hers with the same weightless and light it had a decade ago. They made have been distance to one another but their essence was pretty much the same which in turn brought and unlimited comfort to Robin.

"Always." The replied came out without any type of delay. The feeling in his chest when Regina exhaled and smile was enough to make him know he was doing the right thing here.

"Good. Now I'll go inside and get Roland." Regina grabbed his hand softly, and the final know inside him finally loosen. "Don't leave again."

|xXx|

She could tell Robin was nervous. It was only natural, after being locked for so long, being out, interacting with other people might be a challenge. It was the reason why his fear of seeing Roland had rooted deep within his heart. After all, Roland was the only thing left he had from Marian, and the fear of being hated by his son was big. Regina knows better though. All this time she had spent with the little boy had allowed her to see that the boy misses his father, which made her promise to him the more important. Now that she was finally about to fulfilled that promise, Regina felt a bitter sweet feeling in her heart. All this time spent with the boy had made her a happier person and well there was a possibility that time might be cut short with the appearance of his father. Don't get her wrong she is happy, for the both of them, but at the same time there's a nostalgia in her that grew every day more.

She didn't think it possible, but motherhood was starting to grow on her.

Regina shook her head softly, the thoughts rattling in her mind as she took the necessary steps towards the door, knocking softly. After a few seconds, Mary opened the door a slight smile on her face upon seeing Regina but when she looked a few paces back, eyes landing on Robin, her eyes widen.

"Robin." The pixie haired brunette said in tandem with the surprise on her face. "It is nice to see you." Her voice was low, no doubt to not distract her students, though if Regina strained her eyes more she could make out the sounds of giggles and squeals inside the classroom.

Robin, finally, stood closer to the door trying to look inside but with the angle he was standing he probably couldn't see anything.

"Where's Roland?" Regina finally asked. Mary stood aside, allowing Regina to walk in but Robin stayed outside. The brunette looked around the room until her eyes landed on the messy mopey head. Her smile was instant. "Roland." She called softly and the boy looked up quickly his own smile matching hers before he got up from the floor and ran straight to her legs.

"Gina!" He exclaimed and the brunette felt her heart soar. There was something about the way he called her name that made her truly happy.

"There's someone who wants to see you." At her words the boy paled. Regina had come to learn that interacting with people was a hard task for the boy. Not only because of what happened to his mother in his presence but because he wasn't a person that easily trusted and it was understandable. "I promise you'll love this visit." Regina picked up the boy from the floor and stepped outside Mary closed the door behind them. The boy's head was instantly hidden in the crock of her neck, arms around her tight almost as if she were to disappear and it broke her heart to know he was afraid. "Roland sweetie." She called out, trying to make him see his surroundings but nothing. Regina looked at Robin and mouthed 'say something.' Locksley took a deep breath.

"My boy." Robin said and she swore Regina felt Roland stiffen in her arms. It was slow. First, he released the tight hold he had on her then, slowly; the boy raised his head eyes closed still. Regina could read in his face the apprehension, the fear that voice wasn't real but when he finally opened his eyes, and saw that Robin was there in the flesh, Roland released the loudest wailed she had ever heard. Putting him on the floor quickly, the younger Locksley ran to his crouching father and put his arms around his neck.

"Papa!"

Regina's eyes watered at that precise moment. Robin's was already crying by the time Roland made it to his arms and the boy was a mess of emotions. When she first arrived to Storybrooke, her only intention was to attend Elsa and Jefferson's wedding and leave quickly. Attaching herself to a place that no longer felt like home wasn't something that ever crossed her mind but watching this reunion between two beings that had suffered so much had made Regina rethink everything she thought she knew. Home, no matter how much distance she put between herself and this small town, this was home. Where she grew up, where she made friends for life, where she loved and mourned and suffered. This was home and no matter how hard she tried to erase it from her mind, it was tattooed to her soul. The revelation hit her squared in her chest just like the sight before her, father and son holding each other tight.

"I'm here…" Robin whispered into Roland's curls. The boy was crying. Sobs wrecked through his tiny body and it made Regina's heart ache even more. "…And I'm not leaving you ever again."

That was a promise Regina knew well Robin intended to keep, forever.

|xXx|

Waking up to the squeals of his son was something he was looking forward to everyday of his seclusion in the asylum. Hearing Roland cried out 'Papa' in happiness and glee was filling his heart exponentially with a type of love that could never die down. In all honesty, Robin didn't think it possible finding freedom , and what surprise him the most was the fact that Regina helped him out of that hellhole. Finding himself playing with Roland was a kinda like a dream, a dream filled with laughter and happiness but for some reason he felt that something was missing. It was a void impossible to fill no matter how happy he felt. For a flicker of a second he thought it was Marian's absence that made that void grow but he knew well what was missing, who was missing.

"Are you okay daddy?" Asked Roland when Robin all of a sudden spaced out.

Robin looked at Roland and smiled trying to shake off the thoughts that had plagued his mind for the better part of his night and morning. "Everything is perfect buddy. You are here with me and that is all that I need." Roland looked at his father skeptically, trying to decipher what was really going through his mind. When he was not convinced of his father words he sat down In front of his father legs tucked together and arms crossed in front of him. He looked so much like Marian in that particular moment that Robin couldn't help the slight little laugh that left his mouth but it only fueled Roland's determination to know what was bothering his father. Robin could tell by the way his son's pout grew and his arms tighten over his chest.

"Nah ah." He simply stated, still holding his sitting formation. Robin looked at Roland and bite back a chuckle. Roland's serious expression made crinkles appeared on his forehead and the pout seemed a bit funnier than it should have been.

"Oh!?" Robin exclaimed, crossing his arms over his chest as well. Locksley didn't know what to tell the younger boy, though he was rather amused by the situation.

Roland bite the inside of his cheek. The action so Robin now that the man fought valiantly the need to chuckle again. Here was his son all serious trying to get to the bottom of Robin's thoughts and his father was trying hard to not laugh.

What a pair.

"I know what is going on." Roland informed, giving a cheeky grin. When he didn't say anything else, Robin was sure that his dearest son wanted him to ask what exactly was going through his father's head.

"So what is going on?" Robin knew how smart Roland was to the point that it surprised him on daily basis. He missed how well his son could read him even in such a short age.

"You are thinking about Gina." And there it was Roland didn't disappoint.

"What makes you think I was thinking about Regina?" Robin questioned.

Roland moved to sit on his papa lap taking one of his hands.

"Because you got that silly look on your face you had the other day when you went to school with Gina." It was almost a week now since Robin got out and it surprised him that Roland could distinguish so well facial expressions. Robin was about to say something as well but Roland's voice cut him off. "Gina had that silly face too." At that, Robin's bubbling emotions began to rise to the surface.

"Did she?" When Roland nodded, Robin smiled.

"I think she likes you daddy." Robin began to tickle Roland until his laughter was loud enough to be heard all around the house. After a few minutes they both sat in silence.

"Do you like Gina daddy?" The answer to that question was an obvious one. Of course he did, more than like anyway, he love Regina with all his heart about that he was certain. Robin made sure that Roland was looking at him directly in the eyes before he gave the young boy his answer.

"Well buddy…" He began shifting in his place to get comfortable. "I like Regina very much. She and I have known each other since well we were really little. She always has been my best friend." Roland hummed contently to his father words. Robin could tell that his son liked Regina a lot. Maybe it was his way of coping, to fill the empty space his mother left behind. It made Locksley sad that Roland was trying to find some sort of comfort meaning to all that is happening around him. He certainly doesn't deserve all the sadness that has surrounded the boy, even before Marian's death. Robin and her weren't on the best of terms, they fought a lot and even though they tried their best in front of their son, Roland knew. His boy is way too smart for his young age.

"How come I never met her before?" And that was the question Robin dreaded the most.

"Because she left many years ago to study and she found a job so she never returned." Telling Roland the other part of that story didn't seem wise. Regina ran away from the truth of Daniel's death, from the memories Storybrooke gave her and ultimately from him.

"Daddy I don't want her to leave." Roland said with a pout on his face. Robin felt his heart constrict in his chest. He knew well what his son was feeling because he wished with everything he had that Regina could find a reason to stay, even if it wasn't him, he just wants to be close to her and if that meant being only friends well he'll take what he gets.

"Me either my boy."

Robin made a promise to himself in that moment. He vowed he would not let Regina escape from him. That he would fight for her. He let her go once because he thought that she would find that happiness she deserve even without him, disregarding how painful it was for him to see her go. But now he knew with all the certainty in his heart that they could be happy together and he would not stop until she could smile more freely and even if she didn't find it wise to be together than, friends. As long as she is in his life and in his son well, he won't complain.

"What do so say if we go to Granny's and have ourselves a big breakfast?" Roland nodded enthusiastically in response and it made Robin grinned. Spending the day with his boy only brought happiness to his life.

|xXx|

The diner was peaceful when Robin and Roland entered. Only a few tables were occupied but he couldn't focus on anyone else the moment Regina laughter filled the air. She was sitting with Rose in an apparent conversation of catching up after almost thirteen years of not seeing each other. His gaze fell on the soft olive skin woman that had his heart in her hands. In her deep chocolate eyes that held all of the secrets of the universe, in that dark hair that made her look even more goddess like. He was absolutely awe struck by Regina. Nothing else matter in that moment. His heart leap out of his chest when her eyes fell on him and his mouth went dry like the dessert. Words became superfluous and he scolded himself for being so susceptible to her. If it wasn't for Roland sudden tug of his hands he was pretty sure he would have turned into stone just by staring at Regina.

"Daddy I'm hungry." Roland stated. Robin crouched to his level and tapped his nose lightly.

"Why don't we say hi to Regina and then we can order all the food you want?" Roland grin was so huge Robin was pretty sure it shone brighter than the sun. Roland turned around and ran to Regina's direction.

"GINAAA!" he exclaimed in full glee.

Regina look at his direction and the smile appeared almost instantly. Her face was an art of work, beauty in oil canvas. Robin felt his heart go warm and thought that she had the most beautiful of smiles.

"Hello my little knight." Regina was going to stand up so she could lower herself and hug him but Roland beat her to it and jumped into her laps releasing a few giggles while doing so.

Regina was startled by his sudden action but couldn't help on smiling even more. That little boy somehow knew how to surprise her, how to make her smile with the most littlest of actions.

"How was your first week with your papa?" Regina asked genuinely curious to know. The little boy looked up at her with the smile still plastered on his face.

"It was so much fun." He began to look around for his daddy. "He promised me lots of food today." Robin approached the table where Regina and Rose were sitting.

"Good morning Rose." He looked at the brunette after abiding good morning to the blonde. "Regina." The way he said her name was almost in reverence.

Watching Regina was like watching a movie. Many emotions played out on her face as she struggled for words to speak to him. He quite couldn't understand why, though after a week of barely seeing each other and how stupid he acted the last time they had seen one another it was only natural. Though the one who should be having problems speaking was supposed to be him, not her. After all, she did nothing wrong. Rose apparently noticed Regina's struggle because she was the one chirping in her answer to his good morning.

"Good morning, Robin." Rose countered giving time to Regina to compose herself. "Say Roland why don't we go to the countered and start ordering all that food your father promised?" Roland was hesitated at first but the moment Rose (Well, Roland had taken to call her Tink like the fairy) mention chocolate pancakes he was to convinced. He gave Regina a sloppy wet kiss on the cheek and wiggled out of her lap. Regina sent an almost death glared at her friend for leaving her alone with Robin. Tink sent her a mischievous grin and ran off with Roland.

There was an awkward moment of silence dropping slowly between them. Robin didn't know if he should just follow Tink and Roland or sit down and talk to Regina. It was obvious by the way she had been avoiding him that Regina didn't feel like talking but he needed to know, to make sure there wasn't any bad vibe between them. Robin then made his mind and motion to the chair in front of Regina when she nodded he sat down. Up close he could admire her beauty even more. Regina was avoiding Robin since the day they last spoke at Roland's school and he knew well that this was his only chance he had to talk to her.

"Regina I…" Robin started. But Regina raised a hand to stop him.

"Robin please don't. I can't do this now." She was about to stand up but Robin grab her hand and she froze.

"Can you at least listen to me? You don't have to say anything. I really need to get this out of my chest. This whole week I've been trying to do so but you made pretty clear that it wasn't the time to talk and I respected your wishes." His heart was beating so fast and he slightly wondered if Regina's heart was feeling the same way? Were their hearts in perfect sync going 'tun, tun, tun, tun' like the beating of drums? He wants to believe that yes, they are in sync, he needs to believe it to not lose hope for them.

"You are not going to give up if I say no now aren't you?" Regina question was more of a confirmation to herself. Robin was always a persistent fellow. It was true that he gave her space but that didn't mean that he would stop. Robin nodded but didn't let go of her hand. "Okay fine, talk." Robin gave a brief smile.

"Well…" He began but he couldn't find the words to speak. It was weird. He had this speech in his mind all planned out but seeing her made everything go blank. It was almost as if nothing could ever come to describe what really lies in his heart. All the memories they have together, all the memories he wants to create with her, everything about Regina Mills managed to make him putty. What could he say? What set of perfectly crafted words would ever let her know what he wants to convey? There was only a sentence he could speak that would ever come close and even then it wasn't enough. "I love you Regina." And with that he has done it.

Regina opened her mouth as if to speak but not a sound was released.

"You don't have to say anything, just listen to me." Robin said when he noticed that Regina was most likely trying to shut him out again. "I never stop loving you that much you already know. I am not waiting for you confess your feeling for me. I would never make you do something you don't want to. You are really important to me just like Roland is. You are the one person in this lifetime I have love with everything, heart and soul…" He grasped tighter Regina's hand when some unshed tear gather in the corner of her eyes. "You are all I can think off every waking moment. All I want is to make you smile and laughed like nothing else matters in the world. I want to make you feel loved because you deserve it, I want to take care of your heart forever and always grasp your hand like I am doing right now but the difference is that I don't want to ever let go."

There was conflict in her face clear as day. His honesty, his devotion was lay down for her to see and feel. Even if she couldn't fathom that he was there, that he loved her with his entire soul, she couldn't deny the feelings that were sent into the universe. If she were to correspond, blessed be he but if not, if she didn't want anything to do with him well tough break for him. At least he was honest with her.

"I know what are you thinking, I know you so well. I know that you are thinking how you broke my heart when you left. And you did and I fell into a dark period in my life but I also learned that I could never hate you because I understood well what you were going through." Robin released a breath remembering so many things that he wished he could forget. After she left, he was lost for a very long time and there was a time he didn't think it was possible to be better but Marian came into his life and the Roland and that dark period was a mere stain in his life. Even if there were times his mind wandered off to those years, he knows better than to let those memories haunt him forever.

"All these years I wanted to go to New York and tell you how much I missed you but I was reminded that you would never return, not even to be with me so I gave up. I met Marian and well my life began to move forward. I really believe that I forgot about you, it gave me a false sense of happiness…" He trailed off. There was no need to repeat it once more. While Robin pretended to play happy family, his heart was bleeding out thanks to a woman that was thousands of miles away oblivious to his inner turmoil.

"Robin…" Regina whispered when a tear fell down his cheek. With the hand that wasn't in Robin's she whipped away the tear. "Maybe we should talk about this in a less public place." Regina finally said.

"How do I know you aren't going to avoid me again?" He questioned her. Regina exhaled audible.

"I won't I promise."She began to ponder in her head and had an idea. "Why don't we meet tonight in that clearing?" Robin looked at her perplexed.

"You wanna meet there?" When Regina confirmed with an 'uhum'. He almost grinned at her.

"Of course what milady wishes." Regina blushed at his words.

"Good. Now with don't you go with Roland and have breakfast for what I can see he is going for a second stack of chocolate chips pancakes and Tink is actually considering them for herself." Robin tilted his head to see his son and the blonde. Roland was jumping up and down the bar stool.

"Yes I suppose I should. Care to join?" Regina was taken aback with his request.

"I don't think I should these are your moments with Roland I don't think you should share them that much." Robin shook his head.

"I am most certainly happy to share new memories with my two favorite people in the world. Besides all that Roland has been talking about this week is about you and the three of us spending time together." Regina smiled a beautiful magnificent smile that made to Robin want to gather her in his arms and never let go.

Robin stood up and offered her a hand. Regina accepted and they were on their way to the bar. When Rose saw them she excused herself and left.

"Gina do you want pancakes?" Roland offered her a piece that was dripping syrup all over the place. She gladly obliged and ate it.

"Umm this is delicious. But I prefer apple pancakes." Roland tilted his head.

"How can chocolate chips not be someone favorite?" He questioned seriously as if Regina said something ludicrous to him. Regina chuckled and sat down at his side. Robin took the stool on the other side of Roland and started ordering something. He asked Regina if she wanted apple pancakes she said yes and told him with bananas as well.

"Well I am a really big lover of apples." Regina began trying to explain why she love apple pancakes. "I tended to an apple tree when I was little, actually the tree still stands do you want to see it sometime?" Roland took another bit of pancake.

"Yes please." He answered with his mouth full of food. Regina chuckled a little.

"Roland sweetie don't speak with your mouth full."Regina said sweetly. Roland swallowed and sent Regina an apologetic look.

He had a little syrup dripping out of the corner of his mouth. Regina reached to clean it with a napkin that was on top of the bar. Roland gave her a cheeky grin to which Regina carelessly returned.

Robin watched their interaction silently. They way both of them treated each other with so much love and care. It was amazing to him since they didn't know each other that long and they were clicking life they spent a life time together. It mesmerized him to no avail.

Regina glanced down to her wrist watch and opened her eyes wide.

"I have to go." She announced. Roland's face fell to her words.

"Why?" he pouted. Regina felt her heart swell by this face.

"I have to go and see Mulan." Roland's confuse expression made her laugh a little.

"Who is Mulan?" Roland questioned.

This time was Robin who answered.

"She is a pretty lady that is helping daddy to keep out of that awful place." Roland looked at his father in question. Regina felt a little surge of something in her heart when he said 'pretty lady' the same type of feeling she felt the first time Robin and Mulan.

"Is she is prettier than Gina daddy?" Robin gaze fell on Regina who was slightly red. He couldn't help muttering the word 'apple' at her.

"Mulan is certainly beautiful…" he began and there it was that little scowl on Regina's face, he could see it clearly. "But Regina here in the most beautiful woman in the entire world. No other woman can compare to her." And there it was that deep shade of Red creeping on Regina cheeks, the type of red that gain her the nickname Apple from him in the first place. Regina had to look down to the floor.

"Gina is really, really pretty daddy." Roland said smiling brightly.

Regina stood up and kissed Roland's forehead. As a good bye, she really didn't know what to say. When she was about to turn to leave Robin grab her hand gently and placed a kiss there.

"See you tonight?" He asked. Regina couldn't trust her voice so she nodded and left.

"I think we made her blush daddy." Roland said with a certain type of victory tone that didn't escape Robin. When he turned to see in front of him Ruby was in front of him with a mushy smile on her face. "I'm glad to see you guys together again." She smiled and Robin shook his head but couldn't help smiling a bit. "We aren't together just…" But Robin wasn't able to finish talking when Ruby spoke once more.

"You should at least give her the pancakes." She said motioning to the now packed food. Ruby, like Rose, always been on Team Robin, or so John explained once. They both like Daniel a lot but in the end it was Regina's decision the three of them knew that they needed to respect Regina's wishes. No matter how much it hurt Robin.

He nodded. "Would you mind watching Roland while I go to her?" Ruby said yes and he was off through the door.

"REGINA." He yelled. She stopped and turned around watching him reaching her.

"What is wrong?" she asked baffled by his sudden outburst of the diner.

"You forgot this." He handed her the bag.

"OH." She said disappointed that it wasn't something else.

"I know they are your favorites and I am almost sure you haven't had anything to eat but like at least 3 cups of coffee." Regina raised a brow in his direction.

"What makes you think you know me so well?" she asked playfully.

Robin closed a little the distance between them. "Well for one you always had a coffee addiction and when you don't eat you get these little wrinkles in your forehead…" he softly touched her forehead and it took Regina everything not to close his eyes and let his touch spread throughout her body. "Announcing that you are hungry, plus you don't have a really good poker face."

"Yes… well thank you." She said taking the bag out of his hands. He said good bye and turned around, he took one step but some impulse made him turn to her.

"Regina wait…" Robin cried out. He closed completely the space between them, cradled her face and planted a kiss on her lips.

She felt dizzy and warm and all the feeling she was trying to bury resurface once more. She didn't fight it. She dropped the bag and rounded her arms around his neck giving in into the sensation of his lips on hers. It felt right and amazing. Everything around them disappeared and in that instant they were alone in the whole world. It was a clash of tongues and bite lips. It was a fight between the past and the future. Something clicked at that moment. Everything made sense to Regina once more. Who was she kidding? All that she wanted, all that she needed was express in that kiss. They parted for air, none of them willing to open their eyes and leave their embrace. It felt safe, a warm cocoon of beautiful feeling and sweet kisses.

"Regina I love you." He said in a whisper. He then opened his eyes to see her beautiful features. She still had her eyes closed but her soft expression let him know that she finally was accepting his love for her.

"Robin…" she started but Robin didn't let her continue. He placed a peek on her lips.

"You don't have to say anything now." He hugged her tight into him. She buried her face on his chest, on top of his beating heart. "I am going to wait. I've waited for 13 years for your return and I'll wait for you as long as it takes." He rounded her around her shoulders to coax her closer to him, she obliged without a second thought. "I'll see you tonight and we will talk." She nodded and smiled into him. Robin could feel her heart beating and he knew that it was possible for them to be together he just needed it to be patience, and she deserve all the time in the world.

When they broke the embrace Robin didn't want to free her hand.

"Robin you need to give me back my hand I am going to be late." She said with a smirk on her face. Robin sighed.

"All right." He crouched to pick up the back that Regina dropped. "I sure hope so the pancakes didn't suffer any permanent life altering damage." Regina rolled her eyes.

"You were never a very good comedian Robbie." Robin bites his lower lips and gave him the most handsome smirk he could.

"Point taken." He said. "So see you tonight?"

"I already told you yes, why do you keep asking?" Robin caressed her face with his other hand.

"Because every time you say yes my heart leaps a million miles an hour and I quite like that feeling." Regina lower her face to hide her warm blush that was about to creep on her face but Robin move her head up to see her. "See you tonight Apple." Robin kissed her forehead and turn to leave. Regina was feeling weak in the knee at that moment.

"What did I get myself into?" She walked to her car, opened the door and sat inside.

Both Robin and Regina were clueless of the person witnessing the whole event. They were clueless of how much it made their blood boil. Seeing the person that their heart belong to embrace and kiss another was taking out those suppressed urges, the urge to feel red, crimson blood running through the fingers. To see life fade out of someone's eyes. It was time for action, it was time to feed the monster inside their soul.

0o0

Nightfall came slowly and torturous for Robin. After seeing good bye to Regina he felt anxious and nervous, thing that didn't go unnoticed to Little John. Robin remembered his earlier conversation with his brother and hoped to heaven that his words were true.

"Robin why are you so nervous?" John asked clasping his hand to Robin's shoulder, who was sitting at a park bench watching Roland play with his favorite toy his wooden sword and bow.

"I am supposed to see Regina tonight to talk. I was pretty sure I had everything under control but right now I am actually terrified." His voice was low, whether it was for what he was feeling or prevent Roland from listening, Robin couldn't tell.

"Terrified of what?" John encouraged him to voice out his fears, he knew that once they were out a feeling of relief will surely take place.

"To how she feels about me. One thing is to kiss her and feel like she feel so much for me as I do for her but the other is that I may be misreading things." Robin threw his head back to look at the sky. "I guess I am afraid of being wrong."

"You just have to take that leap of faith." John began, "Besides I am pretty sure that Regina is in love with you…" John laughed heartedly as a memory crossed his mind. "Remember she has always been the most of stubborn woman. All you need is patience."

"How can you be so sure?" Robin finally looked at his brother.

"The same way you were sure to kiss her this morning at the parking lot in Granny's." Robin eyes widen comically which only added more to John's amusement.

"You saw that?" Robin was flustered at that moment.

"Of course. Me and other 5 or 6 people more. You guys pick a rather public place to kiss." Robin was about to questioned who exactly were the other people that saw them but John almost ready his mind and began to list people. "Zelena, Rose, Jefferson, Elsa, Keith and- " Robin stooped his brother there.

"Keith? Are you serious?" John clasped his hand on his lap.

"I am quite serious and by the look on his face he didn't look happy about it so if I were you I watch my back." Robin nodded.

"I knew the moment Regina returned he was going to be all over her again; seriously that man doesn't know how to take a hint. To this day I still can believe Regina went on a date with that guy." John laughed at his brother words.

"Yes well Regina might have accepted but she had other plans about that particular date…" Robin arched a brow to his brother, he didn't understand what he was talking about. John was really amused. "Oh come on Robbie. You didn't notice at all?" Robin shook his head. "She was trying to make you jealous. That was by the time Zelena started to round you and you took her for lunch one day and you forgot that you were supposed to have archery lessons with her." Robin gasped and released a heavy sigh.

"Regina did always know how to torture me." He said looking at his hand in shame, "I really didn't think she would mind me missing a lesson." Robin in that moment felt awful.

"Robin you really were clueless. That was the only time of day you two had for yourselves." John shifted on the bench to look at Roland who was yelling gibberish he couldn't understand. "Besides this isn't the point of this conversation. The point here is that it's obvious Regina loves you but she needs time to process everything."

"I hope that you are right."

The forest always calmed him down. The movement of the tree branches, the cold breeze that collide with his skin and the way that grasped his whole being and relaxed him. It had been such a long time since he last visited the clearing. The place where he taught her how to shoot, the place where he got his heart ripped out of his chest. When he reached his destination he noticed it has changed, years of absence would do that. What was funny to him is that the same changes happened to him as well, he became a different person since the last time he was there. He thought about all the things – good and bad—that he did when Regina left and it was so surprising how a simple good bye that shattered his heart had been the culprit of so many things in his life.

"I can hear you thinking loud and clear." Regina voice played at his back. When he turned around he was surprise to see her. She had a grin on her face. "I think you are losing your touch I was just behind you when you entered the forest but since you didn't say anything I just followed you. Whatever you are thinking about must be really loud because you didn't hear my footfalls." Robin shook his head.

"Is nothing really." Robin tried. But Regina wasn't having it.

"When was the last time you were here?" she asked but for some reason she already knew the question.

"They day you left." Regina took a deep breath and started walking passed him.

"Maybe I shouldn't have told you to meet me here." Robin followed her with his gaze, now hearing clear as day her steps.

"No is fine. I had to come eventually." Regina sat on a log and watched him intently.

"Robin this was the place where I told you to forget about me, to find another person to make you happy, like you deserve to be. I practically told you I would never love you, how can you say you love me when I broke your heart in the most awful of ways?" Robin reached her in three longs strides and crouch in front of her.

"I realize that my happiness is you Regina, no one else. I tried so hard with Marian. And it took me some time but I understood what you were feeling my only wish is to see you well and happy." Robin took a deep breath looking for some words of reassurance to give Regina.

"Robin c - can I ask you something?" she shuttered.

"Anything." He simply said.

"What did you mean that you went through a dark period in your life?" She felt Robin go stiff for a moment. His handsome features fell almost immediately to a sorrowful face. Regina had been thinking about it all day and it wasn't going to leave her alone.

Robin swallowed hard, he didn't know how to begin to explain, but he had to somehow, somewhere was the beginning to his darker story. He took a deep breath and sat at her side, never once breaking contact with her hand, the only thing that was anchoring to the earth.

"When you left I entered into a severe depression." He started and Regina was already cringing. It was her fault he was suffering that was hurting her. "I tried twice to harm myself… it seems so stupid right now but I was so blinded by the hurt in my heart. I began to think that I hated it you with all my heart because you left me alone." Regina felt tears going down her cheek and even more when Robin tighten her hold on her it was painful but she didn't say anything at some level she felt like she deserve it.

Robin was trying not to scare her with his revelation but it was beginning to bring back memories that were spitting out of his mouth like bullets to the heart. When he fell silent Regina nudge his shoulder to let him know she was listening that he can continue talking, she could take it. He took another greedy deep breath and continued.

"Dad was so worried that he started to take me to some therapy. He finally cared enough to help me out." He shifted to straddle the log they were sitting and motioned Regina to do the same; he wanted to look directly at her eyes while confessing. When she complied he resumed. "At first I used to skip sessions, go into the forest with a bottle of whiskey and drink until I was numb. Until one day I got home and heard John sobbing into my father chest because he was scared that his older brother would one day disappear." That broke Regina's heart. Not only was Robin suffering because of her, but also John who didn't have anything to do with the situation.

"Robin I…" Robin shook his head.

"Let me finish please. I fear I will never be brave to open up about this ever again." Regina understood all too well so she became quite and Robin gave her a silent thank you.

"The day I saw John crying I realize I wasn't doing all of that because you left. I was doing it because I was being selfish, only thinking about my feelings and never got to look around me and see I was hurting everybody else. I wanted to be with you, to kiss you, hug you and constantly remind you of how much I love you that I was going down a dark path. I realize that you wouldn't be proud of me, that I let you down and my family. I wasn't acting like myself; I was acting like a soulless monster." Robin gave her a watery smile. "So I started to take the sessions seriously. I began to help around the shop more and I tried my best to give back all the months of darkness I was in. Everything eventually became normal so to speak. I missed the deadline to start studying so I was waiting to the next semester so I could enroll and then many things happened and I never go to do it. I stayed here, took care of the store. It was almost a year and John was leaving for college." Robin scooted a little more close to Regina. "I was tempted to go to New York and visit you. I had an urge to see how you were and how life was treating you but your last words kept playing in my head so I never pursued my nagging heart wanting to see you." Robin was crying freely and all Regina could do was wash away his tears.

"Everything else after that I already told you. I stopped believing in love. I had occasional encounters with women, nothing serious at hand. That was until I meet Marian." Regina was touched and hurt at the same time. Touched that after all this time Robin could be the most honest person she knew – forgetting the fact that he and Jefferson tricked her, but for some reason relief that they did- but hurt because like it or not it was her fault he went through so much.

"I am so sorry Robin, I truly am. It was never my intention to hurt you, well maybe it was but all I wanted is for you to open your eyes to see that out there were other people that could make you happy because I have never deserved you." Regina cradled his face. "I… didn't think that leaving would put you in that state. I could never forget myself if you were really gone." Tears began to fall down from Regina's chocolate orbs and Robin heart began to hurt.

"Hey…" He mimicked Regina's action and cradled her face in his hands. "I don't blame you for what happened. I stopped blaming you a long time ago because I realize then that it was my will breaking and not your departure."

"Wait I don't understand."Regina said.

"What I mean is that all of this…" He motioned between both of them. "Made me stronger. I will never forgive myself for not going after you when I had the chance but…" he took one of her hands and placed it on top of his heart. "I will try my best to gain your love and trust again."

"Robin I don't deserve this. Ever since I got here all I've been doing is doubt you and be mad at you." Robin smiled at her and that confused her even more.

"Well I did deserve you being mad at me and about the doubts well we all have our moments Regina it's inevitable." Robin's hold on Regina tightens.

"I will never understand that blind faith you have when it comes to me." Robin took one of Regina's lose hair strands and tucked it behind her ear.

"The only thing you need to understand is how much I love you."

Regina looked at him like he was crazy and maybe he was. Heck all these years have been a rollercoaster of emotions that took him into unexpected places. Robin never imaged to get married but he met Marian. He never thought he would have kids and now Roland is the most important person in the world. He went through the motions of life, every possible outcome and managed to live through them. Robin became a strong man because of everything, maybe now he can finally be worthy of her.

"You are impossibly optimistic." Regina countered and Robin smiled.

"I'm glad I am now."

|xXx|

Somewhere in Storybrooke.

There was an eerie sound clashing against the walls. The cold air gave away goosebumps and the scene around felt like a moment from Nightmare on Elm street. Ruby was silently walking back home after a long shift at Granny's diner. Every time she had one of those shifts she swore to herself to do something more interesting with her life but then things happened and she was back in the same routine all over again. For some reason she felt things were going to be different, that maybe this time she will turn her life around and leave this town. There was so much to do and she wasting her life away in a place where he talents and good looks weren't appreciated.

This night for Ruby felt oddly different like a bad omen was creeping all over her skin. She shrugged the feeling off like a coat the moment she arrived at her apartment door. Ruby fumbled for the keys in her purse and when she finally found the she unlocked the door. Ruby went through the door frame and closed it behind her and started reaching for the light switch. The light didn't turn on.

"Great lights out." She muttered to herself walking through the darkness to reach her room. She noticed a dim light beneath the closed door and got a little nervous. When she opened and saw who was sitting at the edge of the bed her face automatically scowled. "What are you doing here?" She asked walking to the other side of the room to put her things down. "I told you to scram."

"Well dear I am not the one to take no for an answer." The voice behind her said. She never turned around, never got the opportunity because she was out like a light.

The next thing Ruby saw was herself in the mirror on top of her bed almost naked and strap on hands and legs to each of her bed post. Her eyes were opened, she tried to move but her body was none responsive. She felt helpless.

"Did you know that there are 4 types of transfusable products that can be derive from blood?" The mysterious voice said while cutting a large gash on Ruby face. She felt the pain deeply. Her senses where all on but her body was practically on shut down.

"Red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecitate." The strange figure cut below her breast, making a large puddle of blood dripped down to her belly. "Usually 2 or 3 can create a pint ready to be donated." The knife began to run up and down the valley of her breast hollowly creating scratches with the tip. "But I what I find so interesting is how blood can look so beautiful outside the body. The crimson color, the odor it fuels the most of obscure desires I have deep within my twisted soul." The knife began to tear her skin apart on her thighs just above the major artery. "When I was little, I was so fascinated by the biology of every animal, it was fun to play doctor rip them open and see the blood spat out." The person released a manic laughed that could scared even the most of evil villains. "It's ironic you know. Your name is Ruby and you are going to die bleeded out of everything inside of you…" The person gave a wicked grin and slashed Ruby jugular vein, struck deep within the Renal vein and finally arch of aorta in the middle of her chest. "Blood is my ambition, so that is why I am so done with you my pet."