Week 7: POP! (Part Two)
Disclaimer: I use lyrics from Sean Maguire's song "Now I Found You" in this chapter.
The producers understood that Robin and Regina were in no condition to make it to the studio for rehearsal on Friday. However, they still managed to get some practice in when Regina finally got rid of her headache and didn't feel like death warmed over. She drove over to Robin's house and they rehearsed in his private dance studio. Claire hovered over them both, making sure they didn't push themselves too hard and continued to nurse their hangovers.
Regina returned to the studio on Saturday morning, feeling much more herself as she sipped her coffee. She ran through some warm ups while waiting for Robin, who texted that he was running a bit late due to an accident. Once she felt her muscles had been properly warmed up, she headed back to the table to for some water.
Bang! She jumped as the door to her studio hit the wall. Looking up, annoyance filled her as Gold angrily limped into the room. He threw down a tabloid magazine that had a blurry picture of her standing really close to Robin at the party the other night. It probably was from the moment they kissed but it was still too blurry to confirm. Still, she knew what he was there to say.
"What the hell is this?" he asked, jabbing a finger at the tabloid.
She sighed, deciding to act nonchalant. "It looks like someone got a picture of me hugging Robin at his party. Or maybe wiping something from his cheek. It's kinda blurry. May not even be me."
"Don't play games with me," he hissed, fire in his eyes. "I saw the pictures. You were the only one wearing white at the party. And don't think I didn't notice how provocative that was."
"Oh, please. You had me in outfits just as bad as that for competitions. Especially if you thought it would give me an edge with the judges," she replied, not in the mood to deal with his faux indignation. "But if you really have a problem with it, take it up with wardrobe. They dressed me."
He sighed, shaking his head. "I also heard about your little dance with Robin at the party. My source said you were practically having sex with him!"
She let out a snort. "Your 'source'? I didn't realize you and Mother were still fucking each other."
"Now's not a time to be so glib, Regina," he growled. "All the magazines are talking about you and Robin being in love."
"And what if we are?" she asked. "What is so terrible about that? It's not going to hurt my career."
He banged his cane on the floor. "You don't get it do you?"
Anger took over Regina and she slammed her water bottle down. "You know what, Gold? Ever since I got here I've had the feeling that you've had a grand plan for me. However, you can't get mad at me for messing it up IF YOU NEVER TOLD ME WHAT THE FUCK IT IS!"
She panted as she stared him down. He nodded, stepping closer to him. "Fair enough. I want you to win and prove to the producers, to the fan and to that poof Killian Jones that traditional dance is far better than his non-traditional shit."
"And how does me falling in love with Robin ruin that?" she asked, almost nose-to-nose with him.
He closed his eyes, shaking his head. "Because if you two fall in love, we will never know if the audience voted for you because of your romance or because of your routines. Or worst, your romance could turn them off and they don't vote for you."
"Well, it seems the audience likes it," she pointed out, annoyed. "And I don't like being a pawn in your game. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
Gold smiled. It was cruel and sent a chill down her spine. "As many times as it takes until you realize what you need to do to stop being a pawn. Here's a hint-romancing the so-called Outlaw of Pop isn't it."
"That's not how it works," Robin said, drawing their attention. He strolled into the room, casually tossing his duffel bag down. "Regina has said she doesn't want to be pawn. So you leave her alone. Let her live her life."
"You're both fools," Gold replied. "You two deserve each other. Just not on my show."
She shook her head. "This isn't your show."
"Keep telling yourself that," he told her. "But remember what happened last week."
"I would tell you the same," Robin replied, standing close to her. She bit back a smirk as she remembered how the audience nearly rioted when their names were called out as being in jeopardy.
Gold nodded, gripping his cane tightly as he no doubt remembered the same. "Right. Well, here's what it boils down to, dearies. You have three options. You can end this foolish affair right here and now, you can figure out a way to bow out of the show or I can have you eliminated. Your call. Choose wisely."
They didn't say anything until he had limped out of there. Regina's nails dug into her palm and she was certain she was about to draw blood. "I hate that bastard."
"And you have to marvel how the camera crew that is around us almost twenty-four seven is never around when he threatens us," Robin said, voice strained. "How bloody convenient."
She tried to take a calming breath but she was too teed up for it to work. Instead, she started pacing. "I'm not giving into his demands."
"We're not going to," he assured her. "We'll figure something else out, Regina. We have so far."
That made her stop and smile as she realized that the two of them had found another option when it came to their relationship. If they put their minds together, she knew they would find a fourth option to Gold's challenge.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, taking advantage of the lack of a camera crew. "You're a genius, you know that?"
"I like to think of myself as an outlaw," he joked, crinkling his nose.
"So tell me, Outlaw, what exactly is our other option?" she asked, leaning against him as he continued to hold her.
He kissed the top of her head. "We might have to get our managers involved."
"Mal would love to get her hands on Gold," Regina replied, smiling. "And I would love to watch."
"Then it sounds like we have a plan."
She nodded, stepping away. "Well, then, why don't we work on our routines since it's apparent our camera crew isn't coming any time soon?"
Robin followed her to the middle of the room. "I'm ready to cha-cha."
They were halfway through their routine when the camera crew entered, breathless. Apologies were offered as they explained a production meeting had gone longer than expected. Robin and Regina paused so they could be mic'ed up and then continued rehearsing, everything once again caught on film.
Knocking interrupted Regina's reading that night. She looked up, frowning. "Emma? Is that you?"
The door opened a crack and she saw Henry's face in it. "No, Mom," he said. "It's me. Can I come in?"
"Of course," she said, marking her place before closing her book. She watched her son pad across the room and hop into her bed with her. "What's wrong?"
He leaned against her shoulder, looking up at her with his wide hazel eyes. "Can we talk? About you and Robin?"
Regina's heart started to beat faster as she nodded. "What do you want to talk about?"
"Are you two dating?"
She paused, considering her answer. Regina didn't want to lie to Henry. "We're not dating due to the show but we are together," she replied.
"I thought so," he said, nodding. "It looked like you two were going to kiss the other day when we were at Robin's."
Regina recalled the moment after Robin first saw her in her dress and how close they had been to kissing, nodding. "Are you okay with it? Me and Robin, I mean?"
Henry nodded, smiling. "I like Robin, Mom. He's a great guy and it's clear he really likes you. And I think he really likes me too."
"He does," she assured him, wrapping her arm around Henry to hold him close. "I wouldn't spend time with someone who didn't."
"I know." His smile melted her heart.
Regina kissed the top of his head. "I love you, Henry, and I still love your father. But I can love Robin too. Dad would've wanted that."
"Would...Would Dad be okay with me considering Robin to be like a father?" Henry asked, leaning closer to her.
She nodded as a lump formed in her throat as she thought about how close Henry was getting with Robin. "Of course he would, sweetheart. Your father just wanted us to be happy."
"Good. Because I really like spending time with Robin. And when I'm with him, it almost feels like I have a father again," Henry admitted. "Do you think he'd want to come to scouts with me one day?"
"I think he would love to, if you asked him," she said, squeezing Henry's arm.
He beamed, nodding. "Then I'll do just that."
They sat there together, just enjoying being together. Regina knew she needed to cherish these moments before her little prince was a little man and then a man with his own family. She loved it when it was just him and her, her heart full of love for him.
"Are you and Robin going to get married?" Henry then asked.
She paused, a smile tugging on her lips. "I think it's still a bit early to consider that. We should probably go on a date first."
"Wasn't Robin's party a date?" Henry asked, a teasing tone to his voice.
"No," she replied, shaking her head. "That was work."
"Not according to all the magazines and celebrity gossip shows. They say you two were all over each other and that you even kissed after sharing a steamy dance," Henry continued to tease her.
Staring down at her son, open-mouthed, Regina saw Emma in the smug yet teasing look he gave her. It certainly was a point in the nurture corner of the nature vs. nurture argument as it was clear he had spent far too long with her blonde friend. Part of her wanted to deny it or to tell him that it was none of his business.
Yet she knew it was true and she didn't want to hide anything from her son, to make it seem like there was anything about her relationship with Robin she was ashamed of. So she closed her mouth and nodded. "Yes, we danced a tango. And yes, we kissed. That doesn't mean we're going to get married."
"But do you think you could?" Henry pressed.
She raised her eyebrow as she began jokingly feeling him for a recording device. "Is someone paying you to get an interview? Why all these questions?"
Henry laughed, squirming as he tried to get away from her fingers. "No one! I just want to know!"
"Why?" she pressed, smiling.
"Because I really think we could be a family with Robin and Roland! I'd really like it!" he confessed between laughs.
Regina stopped tickling him as his words sunk in. She tilted her head. "You want to be a family with them?"
He nodded, once again cuddling against her. "You and Emma are great...but it would be nice to have a dad, a brother and a grandmother. And Robin's a big music star, so that would be even cooler. Especially going on tour with him."
"School still comes first," she told him. He groaned as she kissed his head. "Any other questions?"
Henry shook his head. "I think I'm good for now. Though...what makes a dance steamy?"
"That is a question I will gladly answer...when you're older," she told him, giving him a pointed look.
"Fine," he said with a petulant sigh. He then kissed her cheek. "Thanks for talking with me, Mom."
"Always," she assured him, kissing her forehead. "Now, go brush your teeth and go to bed. It's getting late."
He nodded, climbing out of her bed. "I love you, Mom."
"Love you too, Henry," she replied. "Always."
Sunday was the dress rehearsal at Dancing With the Stars. Everyone gathered on the dance floor as Ingrid approached them. They figured they were going to practice the opening number but she didn't order them to places. Instead, she stopped in front of them and smiled. "Before we begin, I have an announcement. We've just gotten word that David won't be able to make tomorrow's taping."
Everyone gasped and Regina grew concerned. Tink was the first one to ask: "Why?"
"Mary Margaret is in labor," Ingrid announced, "so naturally David is by her side. He's not sure how long it's going to take but I think we can all agree he needs to focus on his wife, not the show."
Joy spread through Regina and she made a note to send flowers to her stepsister to congratulate her on the birth of her child. She knew their reconciliation and fresh start was still new so it was going to take some work. Regina found herself wanting to put the work in this time around.
"Wait, who is going to be judging in David's stead then?" Killian asked, frowning.
Ingrid's smile widened. "You'll all find out tomorrow before the show. But I will tell you it's a familiar face."
"What does that mean?" Regina asked Ursula, who stood next to her.
The other dancer shrugged. "On such short notice, it's probably either a former contestant or a former pro. The show likes to bring them back to judge."
"My money's on Jefferson Hatter," Walsh said, leaning closer to them. "I heard he's back in town and the producers love him."
"He's just so unpredictable, though. Who knows how he would judge," Ursula replied, crinkling her nose.
Ingrid clapped her hands. "Okay, okay. Now let's move on to the opening number. We don't have all night."
Robin sat next to her in the audience as Tink and John practiced their routine. He bumped shoulders with her, giving her a reassuring smile. "You okay?"
"Yeah," she said, motioning to the empty judges' table. "Gold's not here."
He nodded. "That is a plus. I wish he was the one that was going to be absent tomorrow."
"That would be nice."
Robin paused, glancing around before leaning closer. "I've talked with Tuck. Have you talked with your agent?"
She nodded. "Mal wants to talk to Tuck too. I think she wants to present a united front to the producers."
"Makes sense," he agreed. "I think they'll do it after Monday's show. See what Gold does on it."
"Hopefully nothing too bad. I don't think I can take another visit to the bottom two," she mused.
Ingrid approached the edge of the ballroom, looking up at them. "You're up. Then we can practice the dance off."
Robin stood, holding out his hand to Regina. "Let's go, milady. They're all waiting for us."
Monday afternoon found them back in the studio, rehearsing one more time. Robin had stumbled a bit when they rehearsed their dance-off cha-cha and she wanted to tighten it up. She knew that if they didn't get immunity, they would be the ones picking their opponents. Which meant that their opponent would get to pick their dance. Regina figured they would probably choose either the jive or the cha-cha since she and Robin had been strong with the rumba. That meant their second cha-cha had to be on point.
They finished with one last New York and heard applause coming from the doorway. Emma, Henry, Claire and Roland all standing there, clapping. Robin and Regina laughed before giving them a little bow. They approached their family hand-in-hand.
"Majesty!" Roland latched onto her legs, hugging her tightly.
She crouched down in front of him, noticing he only had buttoned a few buttons on his shirt. Confused, she asked him: "Why didn't you button your shirt all the way?"
"It's fashion," he told her and she laughed, nodding.
Claire sighed. "I can't convince him otherwise."
Regina leaned closer to Roland, scrunching her nose. "It is fashion, but I think you look cuter with your shirt buttoned. And maybe a tie."
"Okay," he said. "Can you help me?"
"Gladly." She knelt before him, buttoning up his shirt as Henry moved closer to Robin.
Robin hugged him. "How are you?"
"I'm good," Henry replied. "You nervous about dancing to your own song?"
"A bit. But your mother has choreographed a wonderful dance to it, she's made sure I know it frontwards and backwards. I believe in her," Robin told her.
Henry smiled. "I believe in her too."
"Me too," Roland chimed in, causing her to gently bop his nose with her finger as he giggled.
Regina grinned at them all. "I have quite an impressive fan club. You all are my favorites. Don't tell the royal court."
"The who?" Emma asked, confused as Robin just laughed.
Henry smiled as well, leaning against Emma. "I'll tell you about it while we wait for the show to start. I'm sure you'll spot them."
"We need to report to wardrobe for our final fittings," Robin said. "Do you all want to come with us?"
"Yes!" they all said together, Emma's and Claire's eyes growing wide.
Laughing, Regina took Roland's hand and wrapped her other arm around Henry's shoulders. "Okay. Then let's go."
While Regina certainly didn't take any inspiration from the choreography for Robin's video, she did take some when it came for their costumes. She asked wardrobe to dress them in the best 90s outfits they could find and as she stood there now, she was not disappointed. Her costume was made up of a red crop top and a black skirt with two thin suspender straps attached to it. She grinned as she took in her appearance. "I feel like I'm caught in a timewarp."
"You and me both," the stylist said, sighing. "There are a couple other requests for 90s inspired outfits, a few 80s inspired and one from the 1960s. And that's not counting the opening number where you all dance through the history of popular music. One couple has a modern look and I'm so grateful for them."
"You've definitely been tripping through time," Regina laughed. "I'm sure you're glad all our dance off costumes are probably generic."
She nodded. "You have no idea."
"You look ridiculous." Regina sighed, looking over to the doorway. Gold stood there, leaning on his cane as he judged her outfit. He frowned. "I guess it will have to do."
Scowling, Regina crossed her arms and glared at him. "What do you want, Gold?"
"Take a walk," he snapped at the stylist.
The woman glared at him, crossing her arms. "You may be a judge, but you have no power in this room. I will not be ordered around like a dog."
"Fine," Gold said hotly. "Please take a walk."
She glanced over at Regina, who realized the woman was waiting to take her cue from her. Part of Regina wanted to beg her to stay, to witness what Gold was no doubt going to demand from her or perhaps to keep him from doing so. Yet she wasn't going to show any fear before the man. Regina nodded. "I'll be fine."
"Okay. But I won't be long. We have a show to do," she said, directing that last part at Gold.
Once she was gone, Regina crossed her arms. "She's right. We do have a show to do. So make this quick."
"Do you remember what I told you the other day?" he asked, leaning on his cane with both hands.
"You mean your threat?" she shot back. "Yes. Why?"
"Have you and Robin made a decision?"
She held her head high, nodding. "We're staying on the show. And we're staying friends. Tomorrow, our managers will be having a conversation with the producers about your ultimatum."
"Is that so?" Gold asked, almost taunting her.
Regina nodded again. "So be very, very careful."
"I doubt that conversation will happen, though."
"Oh? And why's that?" She knew she shouldn't engage him anymore and hated that her curiosity drove her to keep the conversation going.
Gold stepped closer. "I think it's time the producers know about the bribes you and Robin have been giving me."
Anger swirled inside her and she resisted the urge to strangle him. "The what?"
"Yes," he said, sounding quite sad. "I didn't think much of them at first since you and Robin were decent enough. I wrote them off as gifts from a former student to her mentor."
"I haven't given you anything! I wouldn't!" she protested.
Gold continued as if she hadn't spoken. "But then you and Robin came to me. Your trip to the bottom two scared you and you wanted me to give you a really good score. You reminded me of all those gifts…"
"You are delusional! No one is going to believe that," she said.
He smiled. "Are you sure about that? I assure you I can be quite convincing. And you happened to be around whenever there were no cameras."
"Which is true about you," Regina realized. They were no doubt gearing up for a tense he said-they said battle.
"Who do you think the producers are going to believe? I would advise that you and Robin think of something quick to say and withdraw from the competition. Isaac will be so ga-ga over the ratings and publicity, he won't ask many questions," Gold said.
Before Regina could respond, he left the room. He nearly collided with the stylist, who gave him the stink-eye before hurrying over to Regina. "Are you okay?"
"I need to find Robin," she said. "Now."
"What about your other costume?" the woman asked, frowning.
Regina sighed. "I'll be back. I just need to talk to him. Do you know where he is?"
She nodded. "Three doors down. But be quick. The show starts soon."
By the time the show started, Regina was a bundle of nerves. She knew that Gold would no doubt make good on his threat, especially as she and Robin had once again agreed not to give into his demands. Robin had gotten on his phone the moment Regina told him what had happened in the dressing room, talking with Tuck. His agent had promised to reach out to Mal and they would see what they could do.
Regina feared it would be too late to do anything and that Gold would put his plan into motion before they could get there. She felt like she was going to throw up as she paced in the wings as everyone prepared for the opening number.
"It's going to be okay," Robin assured her, halting her pacing. He rubbed her arms as he smiled at her.
She wanted to smile back but was too upset to even try. "How can you be so sure?"
"Because I believe that the good guy always wins," he told her. "And we're the good guys."
"Real life isn't like a fairy tale," she reminded him.
He nodded. "I know. But trust me, I'm pretty sure us good guys are going to win this time. Okay?"
"Okay," she said, relaxing into his hold as he hugged her. "I can trust you."
"Good." He kissed the side of her head before they were forced to step out of the shadows.
Ingrid clapped her hands. "I need my turn of the century couple first. And I need everyone on point. Stars, please be in your spots. This is going to be one continuous shot, so you must be perfect."
"They send Ingrid on vacation after each season, right?" Regina asked Killian, her partner in representing the 40s. "So she unwinds?"
He laughed, nodding. "I'm pretty certain she retreats to a cabin in the mountains for a week and doesn't focus on dance at all.
"But what about you?" he asked. "You seem pretty tense."
She sighed. "It's Gold."
Killian made a face. "He giving you trouble? Because I can give you some tips as one of his favorite targets."
"Has he ever blackmailed you?" Regina asked, wondering how many boundaries her former coach had crossed in his time as a judge. Especially with someone like Killian, whom he loathed completely.
His eyes widened, telling her that this was new for him. "Bloody hell. Have you told anyone?"
"Our managers know," she said, lowering her voice. "Mine and Robin's. They're on their way to storm the producers."
"Isaac wouldn't want the stars to be upset or for it to get out a judge is threatening competitors. Would be bad for business," Killian said.
She nodded. "I'm hoping Gold is just power-tripping and is all talk."
"He usually is. I wouldn't worry too much." He winked at her as the ballroom darkened. The band began the first song and the show went live.
Regina and Killian had a Lindyhop to go with the 1940s. She was grateful for it as it required her to keep her mind on the tricks rather than Gold's threat. Killian easily guided her through the steps before they gave way to Walsh and Ursula dancing the jive to represent the 1950s.
"I saw the guest judge," Robin whispered when she met up with him backstage to wait for the introductions. "It's Merlin, who used to be a judge."
"What kind of judge was he?" she asked, concerned.
"A very fair one," Robin assured her. "He's a good balance to Gold."
She nodded. "Good. Now, one and two and three and…"
They stepped off into their entrance dance as August announced their names. Pausing on the top of the stairs, they waved at the camera before joining the others on the dancefloor. Regina refused to look at the judges' table as she didn't want to give Gold the satisfaction of knowing he had rattled her. Instead, she focused straight ahead while Robin wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her close. It was comforting.
August and Belle took their spots on the floor, smiling at the camera. "Welcome to Dancing With the Stars' POP! Night," August said.
"Tonight our stars will be dancing to some of the biggest hits of popular or pop music," Belle said. "The couple with the highest score at the end of the individual round will receive immunity, meaning they are safe from elimination tonight as well as having to participate in the dance off."
"First, though, you might recognize a familiar face at our judges' table. We are proud to announce that David Nolan and former contestant Mary Margaret Blanchard are now the parents of a healthy baby boy, whom they've named Neal Leopold Nolan," August announced as a picture flashed on the giant screen. It showed Mary Margaret in her hospital bed holding a pink-faced, sleeping infant swaddled in blue while David sat next to her, still in his surgical gown and beaming.
Once the cheers and applause from the audience died down, August continued: "Since naturally David is with his family tonight, we are pleased to welcome back Merlin!"
Regina finally looked over at the judges' table to glimpse their guest judge. He was a young man, probably around David's age, and he had a pleasant demeanor about him. The dark purple suit he wore stood out on his dark skin and gave him a dapper appearance as he waved to the cheering crowd.
Merlin sat back down and the attention turned back to Belle and August. The latter turned to Belle. "I believe this is where we part so you can head up to the skybox," he said.
"Yes, it is." Belle turned to face the stars and their partners. "I'll see you soon."
She walked off the stage as most of the others, Regina and Robin included, followed her. John and Tink stayed behind, mugging for the camera as August introduced their package and announced they were dancing to a Taylor Swift song.
Robin wrapped his arm around her. "Everything will be fine," he assured her again. "Okay?"
"I wish I could believe you but Gold has screwed me over one too many times," she replied.
"This won't be one of them," he told her, kissing the side of her head as they lurked in the shadows. "I promise."
She wanted to believe him as he hugged her tightly but she had a gut feeling it was a promise he wouldn't be able to keep.
Robin and Regina were the last to dance in the first round. Killian and Ariel had scored a 29 in their dance, leaving it almost impossible to beat. "With all his threats, there's no way Gold is going to give us a ten," Regina argued as she studied the scoreboard. "The best we can do is tie with them."
"That still won't do us much good," Robin explained. "In cases of a tie, they go with the couple with the better record. That would be Killian and Ariel."
She groaned. "So we're going to be the dance off no matter what."
"Come on. You two have gotten better each week. And your rehearsal last night was fantastic. You might just get the first perfect score of the season," Ruby said, plopping down in a chair by them.
Regina bit her lip, not wanting to talk about Gold's blackmail when they were surrounded by so many people. So she let Robin give the more diplomatic answer: "I think we're good but not quite that good. Yet."
"Robin, Regina, we need you on deck," a stage manager called out. "You're up next and we need to film the outro."
They nodded, taking each other's hand as they followed her to the entrance to the staircase. Regina stood on a lower step as Robin leaned over her, hands on her shoulders. Lights blared overhead and a camera panned over to them as they did a silly dance to the music the band was playing.
"After the commercial break, we finish the individual round with our resident pop star," August announced. "Will Robin and Regina be dancing to one of his own songs? Find out!"
Once the lights returned to normal and the cameras pulled back, Regina motioned for Robin to take his spot. "We won't have much time between the end of the package and the start of the song," she told him.
The truth was she just wanted an excuse not to look over at Gold. It was hard as she realized that once again their family was sitting right by the judges' table and she wanted to at least wave to Henry and Roland before they started.
As if reading her mind, Robin leaned forward and whispered: "Gold stepped away for a moment. We can look without seeing him."
Regina looked toward the judges' table to see he was right. Merlin and Cru still sat in their seats but Gold's was empty. She relaxed a bit before looking to the left, easily spotting her family. Roland stood, jumping from foot to foot as the Merry Men chuckled. Henry and Emma sat with Claire, the three waving when they spotted Regina and Robin looking. They waved back, happily.
Then something strange happened. Emma and Henry stopped waving "hello" and started waving as if they wanted her to come closer. It was almost frantic, as if it was important. She frowned, unsure what they would need with her, and shook her head. The commercial break was almost over and the troupe dancers were ready to give way to August as Gold returned to the judges' table.
"Welcome back to POP! Night," August announced as the lights went up again. "We finish with Robin Locksley, the Outlaw of Pop. This week, he gave his partner, Regina, a taste of the pop lifestyle."
The screen flickered to life, showing the moment where they found out the song they were dancing to and showed some footage from rehearsals. But most of the package was devoted to the welcome party thrown by Mist Haven. Regina had to admit she and Robin looked amazing together in the footage from the red carpet, including the moment where she glanced back to give a photographer a smirk. It really showed off her silhouette, she thought.
Relief filled her when it was clear they weren't going to show the steamy dance and kiss she had shared with Robin. Instead, there were shots of the two of them with his band and footage of her dancing with David. Voiceovers she and Robin had recorded had given platitudes about the pop star lifestyle and how much fun the party had been.
Now I found you/I found a new way of living baby/Now I found you/the way you do what you do to me…
The music started as Regina and Robin began with an open basic movement. It was simple but there was no need to start with the complicated moves, Regina had figured. She wanted to build it up to the bridge's more complicated choreography.
Several members of the troupe danced around them, filling the roles of the back-up dancers from Robin's video. They were partygoers celebrating Robin's new relationship with Regina as he led her through some side steps into a fan and then an underarm turn.
It led into the rope spinning where Robin spun her before she danced around him, his hand moving to her back before grabbing her hand again as she crossed in front of him. She admired how much his hip action had improved and hoped the judges-especially Cru-noticed as well. She smiled as they returned into a closed hold, going into the spiral. So far, they were hitting every beat perfectly.
After a few more moves, she heard them start to approach the bridge. "New York," she whispered, though she doubted Robin needed the prompt. He broke hold with her, turning from her as she did the same, arm in the air.
They then went into the Cuban breaks, dancing side by side before Regina started to dance away from Robin. He followed in the chase, just right behind her. As the bridge started, Robin caught up with her and they turned it into the follow my leader move, mirroring each other's steps.
Now I've found you/Glad I found you, baby/Glad I tracked you down/Now I've found you, baby/Never let you down/Glad I found you, baby/Glad I tracked you down
Robin took her hand and she went into the Turkish towel, the two of them moving in opposite directions while their hands remained clasp. It was to look like Robin was wiping his back with a towel, only she was the towel. They looked at each other, giving each other goofy smiles as if they were newly in love.
Which, of course, they were.
From the towel, Regina moved to the front for the sweetheart move. It was similar to the towel in that they switched side to side but they stayed a lot closer, bodies almost pressed together. They moved together as one, their legs never once tripping each other up. It was perfect.
They were perfect.
When they finished, the crowd stood up and cheered wildly for them. Robin hugged Regina and she felt really good about their scores, even as they prepared to face down Gold. He couldn't fault them for a near flawless routine nor try his false claim of blackmail, she believed. They were too good.
"I think the audience's reaction is breaking decibel levels," August said, giving an exaggerated wince as Robin and Regina laughed. He then turned to the judges. "Cru, we start with you."
Cru grinned at them. "At last, you two have found your stride. You've perfected a mix of fun and sexy that works wonders for you. Also, the hip boot camps have paid off, Robin. Bravo."
"Merlin?" August prompted as Robin wrapped his arms around Regina, rocking her gently.
The guest judge smiled warmly at them. "I have to confess you two were the ones I was most excited to see in person. And I am not disappointed. I love how you take these traditional ballroom dances, Regina, and breathe new life into them so that they are refreshing while still being traditional. Robin, you are very talented and I am just blown away by your routine. Great job, guys."
Robin gave her a squeeze and Regina mouthed thank you to Merlin. It was time for Gold to give his critique and as she turned to face him, she wasn't sure what he was going to do. He stared back at her stony-faced, no hint of his thoughts visible.
"I wish I could echo my fellow judges," he started, motioning to Merlin and Cru as Regina's elation began to ebb. "However, I feel we were watching two different routines."
Her stomach plummeted as she berated herself for forgetting what a master manipulator Gold was. Even with recorded footage of their dance, she had no doubt he would be able to convince the audience-and the other judges-that their near perfect routine had been a giant mess. She should've been more nervous after all.
"Oh, don't start that bullshit," Merlin said, shaking his head. It was clear he knew Gold's game too. "That was an almost flawless routine."
"But you admit it had flaws," Gold countered. "Robin was behind on the beat."
Cru let out an indignant cry. "Not even once. I was watching."
"You were watching his ass, not his feet. I'm sure of it," Gold shot back. "But I was watching his feet and they were a mess. And that was hardly a cha-cha."
"Has your vision gotten worse in old age? That was chock full of cha-cha content!" Cru argued.
Merlin nodded. "They went from a Turkish towel into the sweetheart! It was amazing! I loved that whole bridge."
"Well, I didn't like any of it and didn't think it was a proper, traditional cha-cha. And if you'll let me explain why…" Gold trailed off.
August jumped in. "We do need to wrap this up so we can stay on schedule. Can't really run over, you know."
"I remember," Merlin said, "but I'm not about to let Gold do that thing where he tears apart a perfectly good routine so well that everyone walks away thinking it was a horrible routine. Robin and Regina's cha-cha was too good for that."
Gold glared at him. "I have never done that and I resent that comment. Please let me give my honest critique of the routine."
Dread filled Regina as she waited for Gold's no doubt harsh words and perhaps even start suggesting that she had been bribing him. Yet his critique never came thanks to the force of nature known as Roland Locksley. He barreled into August's legs before anyone realized he had gotten loose from their friends and family. "LIAR!" he yelled, pointing at Gold. It was picked up by August's microphone, which he was holding by his side.
Everyone stared at Roland in shock, but the irate preschooler was not done. "He is a meanie who doesn't like that we're now a family so he's lying about Papa and Majesty."
"Roland!" Robin finally snapped to, picking up his son. Roland pouted, crossing his arms as he glared at Gold.
Before Robin could apologize, Regina felt someone collide with her and glanced down to find Henry standing there. "It's true," he said. "We heard Mr. Gold threatening to lie about my mom unless she and Robin dropped out of the competition because he doesn't like the press they are getting where everyone thinks they are dating."
A gasp rose up from the audience as Merlin looked ready to kill Gold and Cru shook her head, muttering about a "new low, even for you." Then a roar came from the audience, a cacophony of boos and cries calling for Gold to be removed.
"Okay, some serious allegations have been raised," August yelled over the din. "We're going to go to commercials as we sort everything out."
The lights went down and the cameras pulled back as August shook his head. He patted Robin's arm. "I'm sorry, man. Gold really crossed a line there."
"Aren't I allowed the benefit of the doubt?" Gold asked, face turning red. "Innocent until proven guilty?"
"This isn't a courtroom. And you've pulled a lot of shit the producers have let slide, Gold. So don't act all indignant that people believe you can sink this low." Merlin stood, pushing in his chair. "I think I need to walk this off."
"Don't go too far," Isaac said, jogging up to them. The band started up some music and the very confused troupe dancers began a routine to try and entertain the agitated crowd. Isaac motioned for them to head into the wings and they followed them.
Gold started as soon as they were out of sight. "You cannot believe the word of two children. They clearly have fanciful imaginations."
"They aren't imagining it," Regina said, holding Henry close to her. "Gold has been threatening us for two weeks now. Why do you think he got the idea to send us to the bottom two last show?"
"And we heard him too. He didn't see us in wardrobe while Regina and Robin were getting fitted," Emma said, approaching the group. She glared at Gold as well.
Gold scoffed. "If I've been threatening them, how come they haven't complained? Have you heard from their agents?"
"I have," a female producer said. She had long brown hair with bright green eyes, wearing a crisp black suit with a blue shirt under the jacket. Mal and Tuck followed her as she approached the group.
Isaac grimaced. "Nimue, what are you doing here?"
"You have let Gold get away with too much over the years, Isaac, and have cleaned up too many of his messes. We've lost some great dancers because of him and now he might cost us credibility," she replied.
Gold shook his head. "It's their word against mine."
"Not really," Nimue told him. "It's your word against your own. You may have sent the camera crew away-and they have confirmed you've called a number of conferences for them the past two weeks-but this time, Regina was already mic'ed. I heard the audio from earlier today, Gold. I heard you threaten her and Robin."
"God damn it, Gold." Isaac groaned, rubbing his face. "Okay, okay. How quickly can we get Ingrid through wardrobe, hair and makeup?"
"What?" Gold barked.
Nimue nodded. "She's already there. They think they can have her out before the dance off, but not before we have to go back on air, which we need to do soon or the network will start to worry."
She then turned to Robin and Regina. "You should head up to the skybox and your family should head back to their seats. We'll handle everything else."
It felt like Regina was in a dream as she kissed Henry and Roland before heading up to the skybox. Had Gold really been found out? Were the producers really on her side? Could she have really triumphed over her former coach at last? Laughter bubbled up inside her and she let it out as they walked up the stairs.
"You okay?" Robin asked, concerned.
She nodded, feeling giddier than she had early Friday morning when they left the party together. "I think we won. We beat Gold."
"Hell yeah you beat Gold!" Tink yelled as they reached the skybox. The other dancers and stars stood around, applauding them.
Belle motioned for them to stand by her. She leaned forward, guilt in her eyes. "I am so sorry for whatever Edgar did."
"Don't be," Regina assured her. "It was not your fault."
"Feels like it," she muttered as the show returned from what had no doubt been an extended commercial break.
August stood in the middle of the dancefloor, a spotlight on him. "Welcome back. Before the break, allegations of impropriety were raised against our head judge Edgar Gold. An initial investigation has confirmed that Gold did initiate improper conduct with dancer Regina Mills and that this conduct was intimidating in nature on his part."
His speech was cut off by loud boos and hisses. People in the audience were shouting and Regina glanced at the monitor, which was now focused on Merlin and Cru. They both looked outraged and shook their heads, pointedly not looking at the empty chair between them.
Once the crowd was brought under control again, August addressed the empty chair. "Gold will not be judging for the rest of tonight's show and his score for Robin and Regina's dance has been scrapped. Instead, we have received a score from Ingrid Winter, our resident choreographer, and she will be joining the judging panel for the dance off."
People cheered at that, including everyone in the skybox. The cameras then turned to Robin and Regina, with Belle poised to ask them some questions.
"I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that we're sorry you went through that," Belle said. "You didn't deserve it."
"Thank you," Regina said. "Robin and I have always let our dances speak for themselves and trusted the judges and the audience to judge us based on our talent. We have never stooped to the level Gold was going to accuse us of."
"He wanted to use our friendship as a weapon against us, even after encouraging us to get know one another better and form a connection. No one should be punished because they care about someone else. That's just wrong," Robin added, hugging her.
The crowd applauded, as did the people in the skybox. Belle smiled. "Well said. I believe we have your scores so let's go back to the judges."
"Merlin," the announcer said. Regina guessed the judge only went by one name, like Cher.
"Ten," Merlin declared, holding up the glitter-covered paddle emblazoned with the number 10 on it. The crowd cheered his score.
"Cru DeVil," the announcer said next.
She held up her own glitter-covered paddle and smirked. "Ten, darlings. That's what I want to see more of!"
Robin held Regina tighter as she held her breath. Depending on Ingrid's score, they could either tie Killian and Ariel or beat them. As much as they've practiced for the dance off, she would've preferred to skip it.
"Ingrid Winter," the announcer's voice boomed.
Since Ingrid was still in either wardrobe or hair and makeup, August held up the paddle for her and declared: "Nine."
They tied Killian and Ariel.
"We have a tie," Belle announced for the viewers at home as Killian and Ariel stood on the other side of her. "Per our rules, the couple with the better cumulative score will be declared the winner. That couple is Ariel and Killian. Robin and Regina, you are in the dance off."
Regina nodded before hugging Ariel as Robin shook Killian's hand. "Good job, mate," he said.
"You definitely gave us a run for our money," Ariel told them as she pulled away from Regina.
Belle motioned for Robin and Regina to stay with her as Killian escorted his partner away. The brunette cohost smiled. "Robin and Regina, before we send you to change for the dance off, I can now reveal that although you didn't win immunity, you are safe from elimination this week."
A roar went up from the audience as relief filled Regina. The dance off was still a factor for next week but it was nice to go into it knowing they would be around for next week.
"Thank you," Robin said, arms holding her until p as she realized her legs had gone weak. "It's been a trying week but our fans, our families and our friends have supported us and gotten us through it. We thank them all."
"Lovely words. You two go get ready and we'll go back to my cohost downstairs. August?" Belle looked right into the cameras as Regina and Robin slunk out of frame.
They got into the hallway and Regina took a deep breath. Everything seemed brighter and the air felt fresher. It was like waking from a dream. She knew Gold would no doubt try to get back at her but for now, she had won.
And she was going to relish it.
Within minutes, Regina was out of her 90s-inspired costume and in a red sequined dress with a short but flowy skirt. Her hair was pulled into a bun and sprayed with glitter to catch the lights. She stood in front of Robin, who wore a red shirt and black pants, as they waited for the dance off to begin. The three couples participating in it were lined up on the steps, with Robin and Regina on one side and Tink and John on the other.
The troupe dancers cleared the floor as August hit his mark. "And we're back for our dance off. We'll start with the couple with the best overall scores and they will pick who they want to challenge. The couple they challenge will then pick from these three dance styles: cha-cha, jive or rumba. We start, then, with Robin and Regina."
Lights shone on them and Regina looked up at Robin, trusting him to make the right choice for them. He nodded before answering: "We're going to challenge Dorothy and Walsh."
"Dorothy and Walsh," August said as some applause came from the audience. "Please pick your style."
Regina turned her head to watch as Dorothy and Walsh conferred. If they were smart, they would pick the jive. So far, it had been her and Robin's worst dance. But if they followed Robin's thought process, they would then try to challenge them with the rumba, which had been one of their best. It would be honorable to try to beat them at that then.
Dorothy lifted her head. "We pick the cha-cha," she announced.
"I think they might be hoping we're going to mix up our dances," Robin whispered. "Or are too tired from our first cha-cha to dance it again."
"Or it's Dorothy's best dance and they want a fighting chance," she added, figuring that was closer to the truth.
While they were conferring, Clorinda and Jacob chose to challenge Scott and Merida, who picked the jive. That left Ruby and Whale up against John and Tink in the rumba. Regina leaned over and squeezed Ruby's hand. "Good luck," she whispered.
"Thanks," the other dancer said, heading off stage as Regina and Robin took their places on the right side of the dance floor. Lighting had rigged up a line to illuminate down the center of the dancefloor to make sure the couples stayed to their assigned section.
Behind them, the screen was also divided. Robin's and Regina's names appeared on the right side while Dorothy's and Walsh's appeared on the left. August then addressed the viewing audience: "Okay, America, go to the Dancing With the Stars website and click on the section that says 'Dance Off.' When the music starts, you can start voting for the couple you think does better. Let the dance off begin!"
The music started up, cueing Robin and Regina to go immediately into the Cuban breaks before turning into a closed promenade. She did her best to ignore Walsh and Dorothy as they danced on the other side of them, putting all her energy into making this cha-cha just as good a their first one.
"Hockey sticks," Regina called out as Robin spun her out. At this point they were the only ones of the dance floor, Dorothy and Walsh yielding the floor to them for their solo. She and Robin made the most of it, go through a variety of cha-cha moves while they still had the spotlight.
They finished their solo with the promenade again, Regina's back pressed to Robin's front as the lights went down. She sagged against him, using their down time during Dorothy and Walsh's solo to catch her breath.
Robin hugged her. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," she said. "You?"
He nodded. "I feel fine. And it seems America thinks we're doing fine."
Glancing up at the screen, Regina found he was right. Their side was almost completely full, with only a few lights lit up on Dorothy and Walsh's. She frowned though. "Do you think those are pity votes?"
"While I think Dorothy and Walsh deserves a few more votes, no, I don't think they're pity votes. I think we earned those," he assured her, giving her a squeeze.
She nodded, realizing the solo part was almost done. Regina took his hands. "Okay, let's finish strong."
The lights on them came back on and the finished the last thirty seconds of the dance off once again dancing side by side with Dorothy and Walsh. Regina finished pressed against Robin while Dorothy ended in a dip as the audience cheered for them.
"That was a great start to the dance off, you guys," August said as they gathered around the judges' table. Regina hugged Dorothy and Walsh before standing in front of Robin. The judges-now including Ingrid in a simple black dress with her hair pulled into a French twist-all smiled at them.
"We don't have much time if we want to get through the other two couples, so I'm going to ask the judges' to keep their comments brief," August continued. "Merlin, we'll start with you."
Merlin nodded. "I think you both excelled in the cha-cha and I give kudos to Robin and Regina for doing it twice in one night. One couple stood out a bit more than the other but I want to stress that both were good."
"Ingrid, welcome to the judges' table," August greeted the middle judge. "Your thoughts?"
"I want to say that both cha-chas were unique and showed off each couples' distinct styles. I agree with Merlin that one stood out a bit more but in the end, both delivered great cha-chas," she said, hands clasped on the table.
August then turned to Cru. "And Cru. Please keep it short."
She sighed. "I would have loved a little more steam from either couple but that's one of the drawbacks of the dance off. Both presented fun and creative cha-chas but like my fellow judges have said, one couple did have an edge over the other one."
"Thank you," August said, turning to them. "Why don't you head up to Belle and we'll reveal the winners?"
They nodded, heading upstairs together. Belle clapped for them before picking up her microphone. "Way to go, you four. That was a great way to kick off the dance off!"
"Thank you," Robin said. "And thanks to Dorothy for being great competition. Well done, you two."
"Congratulations to you and Regina," Dorothy replied. "You definitely danced your heart out."
Belle nodded. "Well, let's see who the judges picked as the winner."
Each judge was announced one by one and each one raised their paddle to announce the same choice: "Robin and Regina."
"There you have it," Belle said as Regina and Robin hugged Dorothy and Walsh. "Robin and Regina get three points added to their score, meaning they now have thirty-two points and are in the lead."
It sent a jolt through Regina and she smiled. They were now at the very top of the leaderboard and not just tied with Ariel and Killian. She believed that had to put them in a good position for next week.
Scott and Merida danced next against Clorinda and Jacob. Dorothy and Walsh stood at the railing, watching the two, but Robin led Regina to one of the couches. They collapsed against it and she let out a sigh of relief. "Another week over," she said.
"And we brought down Gold," he replied.
"Yes." She paused, though, as she wondered if they brought him down or just slowed him down. "Well, we did something to him. I just don't know what or what the ramifications for us will be."
With all the attention on the dance off, Robin took advantage of their privacy and kissed the top of her head. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll face whatever he tries to do to us together. And we'll sic Mal on him."
She chuckled. "Mal would love to chew him up and spit him out."
"I'd love to watch." Robin patted her leg. "Come on. Let's go see Ruby, Whale, Tink and John in their dance off."
Regina let him help her up and they headed over to the railing as Scott and Merida came up the stairs with Clorinda and Jacob to talk to Belle. After some banter, they cut to the judges. Merlin and Ingrid voted for Clorinda and Jacob, which aligned with how America voted, while Cru voted for Scott and Merida, so Clorinda and Jacob won the extra points. Regina spotted Whale and Ruby as well as John and Tink on the floor. She tried to give them a thumb's up but they didn't seem to notice as their dance off began.
Despite winning the dance off between them and John and Tink, Whale and Ruby were eliminated. Standing in the shadows, Regina grimaced as she realized Henry was in the audience to witness his favorite dancer get kicked off. Maybe she would make him hot chocolate when they got home to cheer him up.
Whale and Ruby's goodbye was very brief so that August and Belle could sign off at the right time. The cameras were soon off and the lights were raised as the audience was escorted out of the studio.
POP! Week was over.
Everyone started to hug Ruby and Whale, wishing him the best of luck now that he was off the show. "It sucks but it feels like a weight is now lifted off my shoulders, you know? The writing's been on the wall for some time and I've been worried about it," he admitted to Regina and Robin. It was a rare moment of honesty and sincerity from the cocky doctor.
"You should be proud of what you've done," Ruby told him, rubbing his arm. "You made it to week seven! That's a big deal."
"It is," Robin confirmed as Killian and Tink nodded.
Whale chuckled, hugging Ruby again. "Only because you made me look good. And trust me, I know that's not very easy."
"Wow, who knew eliminating him would make him humble?" Ariel teased before hugging Whale. "We'll miss you."
"Well, at least I got to see Gold get owned by two children. That is a memory I will treasure forever," he said.
Everyone laughed as the children in question ran up to the group. Robin scooped up Roland, holding his son close. "There's the hero," he said, bouncing the boy a bit.
"And here's the other one," Ruby said, pulling Henry in for a hug. His cheeks turned an amusing shade of red as she continued: "You were brave, sticking up for your mother."
Henry pulled away, looking down at the floor as he replied. "I couldn't let Gold continue hurting my mother. He's done that enough."
"Come here." Regina stepped away from Robin, holding out her arms. Henry threw himself into them and she hugged him tightly, kissing his head. "I love you, sweetheart."
"Love you, too," he murmured.
Roland held out his arms, leaning against his father's arms. "What about me, Majesty?"
She laughed, opening her arm to take Roland. Regina rested him on her hip as he wound his small arms around her neck. "I love you too."
Robin rubbed her back as she held onto their boys, deciding this was the best end to the week ever.
Until about an hour later when she found herself straddling Robin on his deck as the ocean waves crashed below them. She had sent Emma and Henry home before following Robin to his place with Mal so they could have a group conference with him and Tuck. Both agents had spent the rest of the show in conversations with Nimue and Isaac. They weren't sure if Gold would come back to the judging table and there wasn't much else they could give Robin and Regina to apologize for what he had done (though Mal suspected she would be able to renegotiate Regina's contract to include a nicer sum of money). At this point, the best they could get was probably a proper onscreen apology and official orders that Gold was to stay far away from them outside of filming.
Regina, though, let that go as Robin's tongue slipped into her mouth. She moaned into the kiss, digging her fingers into his hair and gently scratching his scalp. His hands roamed up and down her back, pushing up her shirt so that his fingers grazed her skin. This was the snog her one drink too many had denied them after the party and she relished every second of it.
He broke the kiss, panting slightly as he tucked some of her hair behind her ears. "God, you're beautiful," he gasped.
"And all yours," she told him, kissing his neck.
"Just like I'm yours," he replied, tilting his head to give her better access. "I can't wait until this bloody show is over so I can take you to bed."
She chuckled as she sat up to look him in the eyes. "Just three more weeks. Think you can make it?"
He pouted. "No. But I guess I'm going to have to."
"Don't worry. I promise to make it worth your while when we're done." She gave him another long, passionate kiss and shamelessly grinded against him for emphasis.
Robin pushed her away gently, panting even more now. "Christ, Regina, if you keep that up, I might come in my pants like a schoolboy."
She bit her lip as she moved off him, curling next to him on the lounge chair. "Well, we wouldn't want that? Maybe some stargazing while we cuddle will be better."
"Sounds good to me," he said, wrapping them in a nearby blanket. They only ended up gazing at the stars for a few seconds before his lips were on hers again and her hands were under his shirt, tracing his muscles.
It was a great end to a stressful week.
A/N: Here it is, the exciting conclusion to POP! Week. Gold's learning that sometimes, kids just say the darnest things. Is this the end for him? Or does he have something else up his sleeve for Robin and Regina?
Next time is Week 8. If you watch Dancing With the Stars, you know that's when nearly all the remaining competitors seem to have a collective breakdown under the stress. Will it happen to Robin? Find out!
Some of you may have seen my notice that my laptop, Old Blue, has given out on me. My IT guy at work is doing his best to recover the data on my hard drive but I am facing possibly rewriting entire chapters of both "The Nanny" and "Comfort Food," so I don't know when those will next be updated. This was not affected as I write this story on Google docs so that the wonderful glindalovesshoes can beta it. Thanks for catching all my spelling errors, Eva!
And thanks to all of you for reading!
-Mac