Eleven

Henry and Killian sat in the booth at Burger Time and couldn't get the big goofy grins off their faces. Emma smiled, "So kid, how did you enjoy the movie?"

Henry's face lit up, "It was awesome. I can't believe it; I want to see it again." Killian laughed, "Not so fast mate, when it comes out on DVD we'll get it."

"Promise?" He held out his hand, "Shake on it." Firmly they gripped hands and shook sealing the deal. "Yes!"

Henry excused himself to the bathroom and Killian looked up at Emma, "You made his night, love."

Joining hands, she admitted, "He needed a good night after all that's been going on with Regina. I just wanted to see him let loose."

Killian understood, "Aye, but you know you'll have to face it when we go back." An uneasiness took hold of her.

"I know, I just wish that she'd heal and get over herself already. She holds on and doesn't let go."

Raising her chin with his finger, he looked at her, "Just be there, she just needs your support. No matter how much you want to disagree, you are friends."

Emma scowled, "I hate to admit it, but we are and I care about her. I don't want to see her or Henry get hurt. Especially him."

"I couldn't agree more, so just keep it up and things will work out in time. Now, let's try and enjoy this time before driving back to all that. I believe you had a surprise for us."

Emma grinned, "I did. You'll have to wait a little longer for that."

.~.

Mary Margaret and David sat on the porch swing admiring the early morning dew and feeling accomplished.

Their house was painted, which made her happy and David loved to see a smile on her face.

"Too bad the weekends over. I could sit here all day." David wrapped her close, "I know. It went by pretty fast."

"Too fast. We need a vacation." David turned to her, "You okay?"

"David, something is bothering me." Her tone of voice told him it was, "What is it?"

"It's Regina." David tried to comfort her, "What about her?"

"I feel like I'm leading her down a road that won't end well. What if pushing her towards Robin isn't the right thing? What if it makes things worse?"

"You can't think that way. All you did was try to make her a new friend. Anything that happens beyond that is between them."

Marg was concerned, "I guess you're right, but I hope things don't get complicated. Regina has a way of shutting people out."

David turned to face her, "I know, but it's not on you. You have to let her make her own decisions. If Robin and Regina are supposed to be together, it'll happen. With or without your help, it'll happen."

"If they get hurt because of it?" David shrugged, "Something tells me that Regina can take care of herself."

"I know and that is what worries me. She knows how to ice herself in. Robin is sweet and could be good for her. I just hope things don't get ruined because of me."

"I told you, it's not your fault. Relationships are complicated, even platonic ones. Regina needs to figure out what she wants. It'll take time. All we can do is be there if she needs us."

Marg looked at him, "Us? You haven't spoken to her either." Nodding, "I know and maybe that needs to change."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Come on, time for work."

With dread, she readied for her day and hoped that her feelings were just fears and there was no merit to them.

.~.

Robin sat in the lounge with his coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other when Marg walked in.

"Morning." Glancing up he gave a nod, "If you could call it that."

Marg shifted her gaze, "bad night?" Robin sighed, "Roland got a stomach bug and was throwing up all night. John and I took turns watching him but I just couldn't close my eyes."

"How awful, how do you feel? Are you sick?" Sitting down she kept her distance. "I'm fine. I hardly ever get sick."

Relieved, "That's good to hear, the last thing we need is a school full of kids getting sick." A bright smile spread across his face, "You always seem to know what to say to make me feel better."

Taken aback she laughed, "Teacher's gift, I suppose." Robin rested his hand on hers, "What is it? Is something troubling you?"

"What makes you think that?" He shrugged, "You look it." Marg furrowed her brows, "I do?"

He chuckled, "My gift of reading people. I'm not sure it's such a gift though."

Marg looked him in the eye, "Honestly, I'm just thinking about Regina. I just don't know how to help her and I feel responsible."

Her honesty was refreshing, "I understand. John wanted to help me at first. I turned inward and isolated myself like she's doing. It's hard and she deals differently with grief than I."

He paused and pondered something she couldn't understand, "How did you get out of it?"

"Honestly? I didn't. It still comes and it rushes in. I just deal with it and push it aside to take care of Roland. I also have John there who knows when to get me out of the house and out of my head."

"I guess that's my problem, she doesn't let me close enough to know when she needs anything." Distress painted her features and set into her face.

Dark under eyes and frown lines etched into her forehead, "Marg, just keep showing up. It's all we can do."

Turning she asked, "We?" Did he care for her, she wondered? More than what he let on and admitted?

He shrugged, "I guess, I'm her friend too now. I can relate. I might be able to help her like John helped me."

Marg took his hand, "Just promise me that you'll be careful." Brows wavered and he looked confused. "I don't understand."

"It's just, Regina is…" Marg couldn't form the correct words to describe her so she continued, "delicate. I don't want for things to get complicated."

"You mean with me?" Nodding she gave a small smile, "I can see something brewing there, and as much as I want to see her happy, she's easy to break."

Robin understood, "I can't lie and say there isn't a little chemistry there, but I assure you, I have no intention on playing on it. I promise."

Unbelieving she smirked, "You can't keep that promise, Robin. I don't expect you to." Looking down he sighed, "I'll be careful, she's not the only one with something to hurt her."

Eyes raised and Marg could see that same vulnerability she saw in Regina's eyes. Resting her hand on his, "I know. I'm sorry. I just worry about her and you. I don't want to see you get hurt."

Robin smiled then, "I'll be fine. At least when Regina's concerned, now these girls? Not so much."

Laughing she stood, "I can't help you there. They scare me." Smirking his famous smirk, he replied, "You and me both."

"Okay. I better get to class; the kids should be coming in soon. I'll see you later." Robin watched her walk out and couldn't help but heed her warning.

Robin wasn't ready to move on, no matter the spark that could ignite with Regina. Especially in her fragile state, it would be taking advantage.

Only he felt just as fragile as her, maybe it was fate to be friends with her. They could both help each other.

A friendship that could turn into something more, there was potential.

It just wasn't the right time and his son came first. Regina had a lot to deal with, the only thing he wanted to be to her, was a friend. At least right now.

So, he stood and went to work putting all thoughts out of his mind. Well he tried.

.~.

Regina sat in her office at the end of the day finishing up her paperwork and filing it away. The day had been typical and she was happy to have Henry back home.

The weekend had gone quickly and it was back to work as usual. Henry had gotten home at almost dawn.

Furious with Emma, she decided to ream her later and just usher Henry off to school. All she looked forward to was meeting him at Granny's for dinner.

She glanced at the clock and smiled, it was time to go home. So, she put her files away and locked the cabinets.

Logged off her computer and put it in the desk. As she did she heard a knock and looked up to an unexpected face.

Mouth hanging open she sat up and pressed her lips together. "Did I startle you?" Regina stood from her chair and pulled her coat from the stand near.

"I…no. I was just on my way out. What's up?" For something to do she put her coat on and adjusted it to hug her as she buttoned it.

"I wanted to see if you'd like to take a walk with me?" Her eyes met his and she wondered why she'd never noticed them before.

Blue as the sky with just the faintest hint of green mixed in with sincerity around the edges. "A walk?"

Caught off guard she watched him, "Yea. Would you join me?" Unsure of what to say she gave a nod and followed him out.

They walked out the back towards the trees and he seemed so sure of where he was going. In silence, she followed filling her pockets with her hands.

They walked for a few minutes with no words and enjoyed the smells, the sights, the sounds.

The breeze brought smells of pine and flowers, a perfect subtle smell that filled their senses.

Unable to stand the silence she asked, "Where are we going?" Robin turned to her, "Just walking. You like the forest?"

"What?" It was an odd question to her. "Do you like to be out here? I love it. The isolation, the quiet."

Regina looked around and found she did, "I guess I do." He smiled, "You guess? You are surrounded by it and you don't ever come out here. Do you?"

Licking her lips, she looked down, "Not much anymore. I used to come out here a lot when I was younger."

A sadness lingered there and he asked, "With him?" Her eyes met his and saw the tears forming and her willpower to keep them in was admirable.

An ability to shut down what she was feeling seem to be a talent she'd acquired. "Yes, but also with my father and my friends. It used to be my escape."

Slowing he turned and faced her, "So why is it not now?" Regina looked out into trees not willing to meet his gaze.

Questions she didn't think anyone'd ask or care to. "I guess it's easier to get buried in work then take a breath and come out here. I'll admit, I missed it."

Glancing at him she gave a small smile and continued walking down the trail. "I get it. It's easier to busy yourself with other things than to think about it."

Her face shown pain but she wouldn't allow it to take hold, not now. "You still think about your wife?"

"Every day, but once I admitted that she was gone, I had to move on. It's all I can do for Roland. Regina."

Stopping she turned to face him, "I know how easy it is to close yourself off. To give in and push away the people around you. It's easy, but it's not living."

Staring at him she crossed her arms around her, "It's life." He took a step towards her and she tensed.

"It doesn't have to be. There are people here who care about you. They want to see you happy. Emma, Marg, your son."

The mention of Henry had her sucking in air, "I don't know how to…" Breaking off she looked away and composed herself.

Continuing, "it's not that easy." Robin nodded, "I know that. More than anyone. It's hard but it does get easier. Trust me, If I can come back from it, you can."

Judging there was more to the story she nodded, "somehow I believe you." It was his turn to look away, "I'm not perfect, far from it. I've made my share of mistakes in the past."

Something told her he wasn't in the mood to share, "Haven't we all?" Gazing at her he felt it, that pull.

It was a surprise to him, but he didn't intend to act on it. Yet, he was looking at her and could see that vulnerability peeking from under the surface.

"I'm here for you. I understand." It was all he could give her. Regina turned and continued walking.

There was too much pain underneath to respond to that statement. Too much to say and not enough strength to do so.

When they returned to the office she turned to him, "Thank you." Before he could respond impulse took him and he wrapped her in a hug.

Regina was shocked and unable to think as he made the move. Unaware that it was what she needed, she allowed herself to hug him back.

After a few moments, she relaxed and closed her eyes. Just for a moment she enjoyed the contact.

When it broke, she met his eyes and then looked away. "If you need to talk, you know where to find me."

With a nod, she walked around and got into her car feeling completely dismantled.