Thank you all for the lovely comments! I'm so glad you are enjoying this. I took a little break posting because I'm writing a Valentine's fic and unfortunately my Uncle passed away. I've feeling better now and I hope you all enjoy the next chapter. Xoxo!

CHAPTER 12

Regina took a bath and went to bed but she couldn't sleep. She was aggravated. Graham had shaken her and she hated it. She was surprised she was up front with Robin about the altercation but she didn't want to hide anything from him. She loved him. It scared her a bit but it was good. She needed someone like this in her life after all the heartache; after all the tears and disappointment. Graham; being one of them; she hated that he'd said those words to her about Robin. She could tell her boyfriend was seething mad but he was taking care of her; holding her in his arms as he ran his fingers down her back in David's office. He was always doing things like that for her; he genuinely cared and loved her. She could tell. She cleared her throat and grabbed her phone off the nightstand. It was three o'clock in the morning and she was still awake. Regina didn't hesitate; she grabbed her phone and dialed Robin. It rang three times and then he answered "Baby, is everything alright?"

"Yeah' I can't sleep," she said softly.

"Have you slept at all," he asked.

"No," she admitted.

"I'll come there when I finish."

"Robin . . ."

"You're calling me for a reason. I'll come there when my shift ends."

Regina couldn't help the tears that rolled down her face "Are you sure," she asked.

"Yes, I'm positive and don't cry honey. I know you're upset and I'll hold you when I get there. I just need to finish up some paperwork and then I'll leave," he said.

"Thank you," she replied wiping her face.

"Now, rest your eyes for a bit and I'll call you when I arrive."

"Alright," she whispered. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replied. Regina let out a breath and placed her phone on the nightstand. She couldn't believe she'd become this needy . . . thing. It pissed her off. She blamed Graham. Seeing him really put a damper on things and she couldn't let it affect her relationship with Robin and Roland. She cared too much for them. A little while later; her phone went off and she quickly answered it "I'm here," Robin said into the phone. Regina disconnected and then went downstairs to meet him; once they were up in her room he stripped all his clothes off "I'm not even showering. Come on," he said as he crawled into bed. He opened up his arms and she snuggled close to him "Just close your eyes," he whispered as he let out a breath and then kissed the top of her head.

"Robin I'm sorry . . ."

He grabbed her hand "Do not apologize. Just get some rest," he said. She closed her eyes and in minutes Regina was asleep in her boyfriend's arms.

She woke up to a phone ringing – Robin's phone. He cursed and then stood from the bed to answer it. Regina glanced over at the clock and it was eleven. At least they'd gotten some sleep "What's wrong with him? Yeah' I need about an hour and a half or so. Have you tried Humbert? That's convenient. I have to call my son. No, don't call her in. She's working the overnight. I'll see you soon." Robin placed his phone on her dresser "Shit, this never ends," he said angrily. "Will you take a shower with me," he asked as he held out his hand. Regina stood from the bed and went with him into the bathroom. They got undressed and into the shower and when she started to ask him something he smiled and shook his head "Not now. I need time with you," he whispered as he gently pushed her against the wall. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he placed his hands over her head and kissed her. He was keyed up and annoyed. She could tell. He was kissing her hard, fast and she loved it. After the night she'd had she just wanted to feel. She hated he was leaving but this was part of the deal when you dated a cop. She moaned as his fingers gripped one of her nipples and she spread her legs a little when she felt one of his fingers reach down and begin to stroke her. She sighed and placed her head back against the wall "You're so beautiful. I want to be inside you," he said as he pulled back and looked into her eyes. She reached down and stroked his cock a few times and he groaned "Regina, I love you," he said as his mouth took hers once again. She kept stroking his cock as their kisses grew heated. She shoved her tongue inside his mouth and gripped his hair. She lifted her leg and he grabbed her and then easily slipped himself inside her. He gripped her hips and she wrapped her leg around his waist as he began to move in and out slowly. She pulled her mouth away and closed her eyes.

Regina placed her forehead against his "I love you too," she whispered.

"Does this feel good," he asked.

She bit her lip "Yes, don't stop," she said. He ran a hand over her ass and squeezed; she moaned as he continued thrusting in and out. She knew it would be fast, hard and intense and she didn't care. She ran her hand down his arm and then back up again. Her nails dug into his shoulder as he pulled her closer and then he placed his arm behind her head "Fuck," she whispered.

Robin kissed her neck and she cried out "Tell me baby. Tell me how good it feels when I fuck you," he said against her ear as he nuzzled her neck.

She wasn't used to him talking this way to her and it turned her on even more "Yes, so good," she said as she gripped harder onto his arm. He took the hint and slammed into her even more "Fuck, Robin. Oh' my God. Don't stop! I'm going to come!" He carefully picked her up into his arms and she moaned as he started fucking her against the shower wall. It was risky and probably dangerous but he didn't care. She watched his arm muscles flex as he held her. Part of her was afraid he'd drop her but she tried not to think about that as the orgasm swept over her body. He leaned his forehead against hers as he kept thrusting and then finally he released himself inside her and Regina whimpered and bit the side of his neck. It hurt but he didn't care. Robin carefully pulled out and placed her down. He was surprised when she turned him around and pushed him against the wall. She kissed him – hard. He groaned as her mouth took his. She was biting and sucking on his lips and he couldn't help it that he was hard all over again. She did amazing things to his body.

He pushed her back a bit and turned off the water "Fuck this," he said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her out to the bedroom "I don't care how long it takes me to get there." He fell down hard onto the bed and Regina rode him. It took Robin two hours to get to work . . .

January came and went. The weather had been somewhat mild but the beginning of February arrived bringing bitter cold and a few inches of snow almost every day. David must have spoken to Graham regarding his behavior because both Robin and Emma said he remained professional and cordial to everyone. He even volunteered for an event at the elementary school one Friday afternoon. Emma still didn't trust him and watched him like a hawk. Regina couldn't shake there was definitely something more going on with Graham but it was none of her business and she'd barely seen him since the altercation at the club. School was busy and she felt as if she were constantly grading assignments and essays. She saw Robin a few times a week and their relationship was blossoming. Regina hadn't felt this way – ever. It was difficult to explain. She'd been in love before but Robin was special. There was an indescribable connection between them every time they were together. It frightened her somewhat. She knew he felt the same way based on the way he looked, touched and kissed her. Regina Mills was head over heels in love with Robin Hood. She was pretty sure he was head over heels in love with her as well. One Friday afternoon she wanted to surprise him at the station after school. She knew he was finishing work around six. It was five o'clock when she strolled into the police station. Regina smoothed down her skirt and fixed her hair as she walked inside but when she looked toward where he usually sat – she froze. A woman was sitting on the edge of his desk; leaning over and laughing with him. She showed him something on her phone and he laughed, wiggled his eyebrows at her and she slapped his arm. Regina could feel her heart pounding in her chest and she began to sweat. She was seething. The woman was beautiful. She had long dark hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a dress and what man wouldn't look at her. Regina kept watching as they laughed together; she couldn't take it anymore. She had to get out. She turned around and slammed straight into David. He was holding a stack of papers and they went flying into the air "Oh' my God. I'm so sorry," she said as she dropped to the floor to pick up the pile.

He smiled "No harm done. Are you looking for Robin," he asked as he bent down to help her.

"I was but . . ."

She was startled when Robin bent down and was now helping as well "Hello gorgeous," he said.

She passed the rest of the papers to David and stood "I wanted to surprise you on my way home," she said softly.

He reached for her hand but she yanked it away and Robin had a confused look on his face "Baby, what's wrong," he asked.

David walked back into his office and Regina cleared her throat "It's nothing. I'm just tired," she said. She glanced back over at Robin's desk and the woman was still sitting on the edge and obviously waiting for him "I need to go," she said as she headed toward the door. Robin ran in front of her and blocked the doorway and her path from leaving "Robin, please . . ."

"Look at me," he said softly as he stepped closer to her. She looked into his eyes and she couldn't help that her cheeks were flaming hot and probably bright red "That woman sitting at my desk is David's new assistant and her name is Jasmine. She was showing me pictures on her phone of her and her husband Al at their wedding a few weeks ago," he explained. Regina bit her lip and rolled her neck. She was mortified. Robin placed a hand on the side of her head and pulled her in quickly for a kiss on the mouth. He rubbed his nose against hers "I missed you today," he whispered.

She smiled "I missed you too," she replied.

"I finish soon. I can come over," he said.

"Roland . . ."

"Mr. Popularity is at a friend's tonight," he explained.

"I could make dinner," she suggested.

"That sounds lovely," He said as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be. We'll talk more a little later," he replied as he leaned in for another kiss. Regina smiled weakly when they parted and then headed out. Robin waited until she was in her car and driving away and then went back over to his desk.

Jasmine smiled "Was that Regina? You should have introduced me," she said as she stood.

Robin sat back down "She was out of sorts and in a hurry actually."

"Oh' alright but please talk to her about double dating. Al and I don't really have any friends here yet," she said.

"I'll talk to her," Robin promised. David called Jasmine into his office and Robin started his paperwork. He had a date with his lady and they needed to talk.

Regina tried really hard to calm down about what happened at the police station. She was embarrassed because she had been jealous. She'd never had this reaction before with Robin. She'd jumped to conclusions and he noticed. He knew her too well. Regina decided to make tacos for dinner but when she got home she made a batch of double chocolate chip muffins first. He had a sweet tooth and she knew he'd appreciate them after a long day. She hadn't even changed her clothes; she was browning the meat when the doorbell rang. She answered it but before she could say anything; Robin had it closed and Regina was pinned against the door. His mouth took hers and she moaned as his fingers gripped her hips and pulled her close. His kisses were hot, fast and desperate. He groaned as her arms came around his neck. They kissed for a few more seconds but then she pulled back slightly and she licked his bottom lip "God, we are so good together," he whispered. She hummed and then took his hand "What are you cooking," he asked as he took off his shoes and then followed her into the kitchen.

Regina walked to the stove and started stirring the meat "Taco's and there's muffins in the oven baking," she explained.

"Roland will be upset he's missing all of this," Robin said laughing as he held her around the waist from behind.

"There will be enough muffins leftover," she said.

He nuzzled his nose against her cheek "Are you feeling alright" he asked.

She cleared her throat "Yes, will you get the toppings out of the fridge?" Robin did what she asked and then she drained and finished the taco meat. She took the muffins out and then placed the shells inside to crisp for a few minutes.

He leaned against the counter "You made the muffins from scratch?"

She shrugged "It was nothing. There's a bottle of wine in the fridge if you want to pour us each a glass," she suggested. He did that also and then set the island to eat dinner. Regina took out the shells and then they began to build their tacos. They started eating and she couldn't help but notice he was staring at her "What is it," she asked.

"You amaze me sometimes. You've made a batch of muffins from scratch and our meal. You haven't even changed clothes yet."

She bit her lip "It's just tacos Robin."

"Are we going to talk about what happened earlier," he asked rather suddenly.

She took a sip of her wine and cleared her throat "I'd rather forget about it. I'm embarrassed," she admitted.

"Alright, but I'm just going to say one thing; you have absolutely no reason to be jealous. I'm sorry if it looked . . ."

"Robin, it's okay," she said. "I jumped to conclusions and I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize and I know but Jasmine wanted to meet you. She'd like all of us to double date. Her and Al don't have many friends yet," he explained.

"Oh' that would be lovely," Regina said and then she continued to eat.

"Great. I'll talk to her about it," he said. He moaned as he finished his first taco "So good," he said. "I didn't eat lunch today. We were too busy."

"I'm glad you like it," she said. "Is everything alright at work," she asked.

"Yes, much better. Emma seems more relaxed."

"I'm glad," Regina replied. He finished eating before her; so he started cleaning up "Thank you."

"It's no problem," he said as he started washing the dishes. She didn't want to talk about what happened earlier with Jasmine but apparently Robin had wanted to. She was lost in thought and he picked up her plate "What's wrong," he asked.

She shook her head "It's nothing. I was just thinking."

He turned around and rinsed her plate "Rumor has it we're getting a huge storm over the weekend. Did Emma talk to you yet about Henry and Roland staying here with you? David needs all hands on deck," he explained.

"Of course; it's no problem," she said. "How much are we supposed to get?"

"A foot – at least."

"Wow, they can stay with me anytime. You know that," she said.

He kissed the top of her head "Do you want to go upstairs with me?"

She smiled up at him "Already?"

He took her hand "I want to spend time with you. Once the storm comes in a few days I'll be busy." Regina stood and grabbed a plate. She placed two muffins on it and then took his hand. They started up the stairs and he couldn't help but laugh "Dessert is very important; especially if it's something you've made," he said seriously.

"It is," she said chuckling. Once they were in her bedroom; Robin moved fast, grabbed the plate put it on her dresser and lifted her into his arms. Regina wrapped her legs around his waist "I'm sorry," she said seriously as she placed her forehead against his "I shouldn't have assumed. . ."

He sat down on the bed and she straddled his lap; he ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her cheek "Stop apologizing. You have every right to get territorial once in a while. Trust me; when we're out – men look at you," he said as he ran his fingers down her arm.

"Do they really?"

"Yes, and maybe you're too caught up to notice but I do. Even women look and I'm not joking. I don't like it but I keep my mouth shut. Plus, I think you're forgetting that I work with one of your exes and that's not at all comfortable at times," he admitted.

"Robin . . ."

"It's alright. I'm dealing with it. It's harder for Emma. She really can't stand him. Now, I think we've discussed this long enough," he said as his mouth slowly takes hers. Regina sighed as Robin began to kiss her and in seconds all embarrassment was out the window . . .

The Weather Channel was right for a change. By the time the weekend arrived a huge Nor Easter was on its way and school closed early on Friday. They had an early dismissal and Regina was informed by Roland that Emma would be dropping them off around five o'clock. That gave her enough time to run home and make lasagna for everyone to enjoy. She'd send Emma to work with a serving for her and Robin and Regina and the boys would have dinner. She'd gone food shopping on Wednesday and stocked up on the essentials just in case she lost power. They were calling for wind, and over a foot of snow; so odds were they were going to have to hunker down. She made sure they were stocked with batteries for the flashlights and plenty of water and snacks. Regina Mills was always prepared. When the boys arrived; they decided to get started on homework because they wanted to get it over with. Even Henry agreed with this and they spread their notebooks out on the dining room table and started with math. They were both struggling in this subject and Regina tried to make herself scarce as she gave them each a glass of water and then headed back into the kitchen to heat the lasagna and prepare the salad. She heard their voices getting loud at one point and finally Roland begged Henry to call Violet "This shit doesn't make any bloody sense," he said. Regina couldn't help but laugh and a few seconds later; Henry's girlfriend was on speaker phone and she was attempting to help them solve several problems. She came out to the living room to check on them and looked outside. Sure enough; the snow was sticking, the walkway and the roads already covered and the wind was starting to blow. She was afraid they were going to lose power sooner rather than later. So, she announced she was showering and changing and that they'd eat when she came back downstairs.

The boys agreed and Regina took her time so they could get some more work done before they ate. When she came back down she heard Roland say "What a nightmare! Are we really ever going to use this shit?"

Regina made her presence known "Language and it doesn't matter you still need to know it," she said.

"We've finally finished with math so maybe we should eat and take a break," Henry suggested. Roland nodded and they tossed their notebooks to one side of the table and helped set up the plates for supper. Regina brought out the lasagna and cut them all a slice and served salad.

Roland was acting as if he hadn't eaten all day "Alright, slow down," she said.

"It's good," he said.

"I'm glad," she replied.

"At least mom and Robin got to have some too," Henry said.

"They'll probably be stuck there for the next few days. That's what happened last time and I stayed with Pop at the station. It was actually good though because they have several generators. It's definitely warmer. They have heaters, blankets and it's actually really comfortable. The showers were cold so you had to be quick though."

"You're probably right it would be warmer there but they could come here. Mom leaves clothes here all the time. Does Robin have clothes," Henry asked looking over at Regina.

She cleared her throat "Actually, he left a few things here recently," she admitted.

Roland laughed "He has a drawer," he teased.

Regina looked shocked "He told you about that?"

"No, he needs to learn to lower his voice when he's on the phone with you at night," Roland said.

"Noted," she said as she stood and grabbed her plate. The boys helped clear the table and then went right back to doing homework. They worked on Social Studies which didn't take them long, a few Science questions and then Roland said he needed to work on Regina's assignment so Henry went upstairs to take a shower and change. She sat at the table with Roland and noticed her phone was blinking – there were a few text messages from Robin. She read them and couldn't help the smile that spread across her lips "I wish I was there with you. I miss and love you. I hope the boys are behaving," he said.

She replied "They are fine. We just finished eating. I miss and love you too. I'll try to call you before bed." She went to the kitchen to make them hot chocolate and when she came back in a few minutes later; Roland was already upstairs and Henry was setting up the living room with blankets and pillows "What's going on," she asked.

"We thought we could watch a movie before we lose power. I'm just setting up the floor for Roland he said he didn't mind sleeping there and I'll take your recliner. The couch is yours," Henry said.

"Alright, I suppose we could have hot chocolate and cookies out here. I'll grab the tray. What movie are we watching," she asked.

"The first Avengers one; it's been a while since we've seen that," Henry said. She smiled and went to get their snacks. Secretly, she actually enjoyed all the superhero movies and shows but she wouldn't admit it to them. Regina turned the radio on when she went back into the kitchen to listen to the most recent weather report. She gathered the mugs and cookies and leaned against the counter to wait and sure enough a few minutes later it was announced that they were under a state of emergency. Everyone was to stay off the roads indefinitely and they'd already cancelled school for Monday. This storm was no joke. She went back into the living room and Roland was downstairs and finished with this shower. Henry started the movie and they began to watch and have their dessert.

Halfway through the film the lights flickered "Shit," Henry said.

"Language and will you go get the flashlights please," she said to him. As soon as Henry came back into the living room – everything went black.

"Wow, that was lucky," he said as he handed each of them a flashlight.

"Crap. I don't think my phone is charged," she said.

Roland got up quickly "It's no problem. I brought USB chargers for the phones. I never leave home without them." He was digging through his bag and finally he found them. He plugged Regina's phone into one and Henry's into the other.

"Now what," Henry asked.

"Now, we die of boredom Mate," Roland teased. Just then Roland's phone rang "It's Pop! Hi, Pop," he said enthusiastically as he answered his phone. "Yeah we lost power about ten minutes ago. Is it all over town? Oh' man . . . whoa seriously? Alright, do you want to talk to Gina? Yes, I love you too and be careful," he said.

He handed his phone to Regina "Hello," she said.

"Hi baby. Is everything alright there?"

"Yes, we're fine. We were watching a movie though and now we're not," she explained.

"Listen, power is out all over town. There are downed wires and there is a pole that fell across the end of your road. So, no one can get in or out of the cul-de-sac," he said.

"Oh' that doesn't sound good," she said.

He sighed "It's not. They can't come out and start to fix it until the storm passes which won't be until tomorrow afternoon. I was hoping to come get all of you out of there but I'm not sure if I'll be able to," he said.

"It's alright. I have plenty of supplies here," she said.

"Yes, but I'm sure you'll want a shower; even though it will be cold and a warm place to stay by tomorrow night. I'll figure it out and you all can stay here. It's been relatively quiet so Emma and I have been taking turns sleeping. Gabe and his family are coming tomorrow and so are Mary and David."

"Well, if you're sure but if you can't get to us – don't worry," she said. "Is the heat working?"

"No, we lost power also but we have a generator and plenty of heaters. I wish I was there with you now," he whispered.

"Me too," she admitted.

"Get some rest and I'll talk to you tomorrow. I love you."

"I will and I love you too Robin," she said. Regina handed Roland his phone "Well, we're stuck here."

What's going on," Henry asked.

"Downed pole," Roland explained. "I wouldn't worry. Pop will find a way to get to us tomorrow. But, I bet you won't have power back for several days. It takes forever to fix a pole. It happened to us one winter."

"Are we staying at the police station tomorrow," Henry asked.

"Looks like we might have to," Regina said.

"No offense but by the time tomorrow night comes you are going to want too. It's going to get cold here," Roland said. "It will be cold there also but not as bad."

"I'm sure you're right," Regina replied. "Maybe, we should try and get some sleep," she suggested. She decided to stay downstairs with them so she grabbed a few blankets off her bed and cuddled on the couch. Roland stayed on the floor and Henry insisted he was fine on her recliner. After about an hour of talking and giggling everyone somehow managed to drift off to sleep. Regina had text Robin one last time and said "Goodnight. Be safe and I love you."

She never saw his response until she woke up the next morning "I love you more. Goodnight my love."

When Roland Hood was right – he was right. Mifflin Street was completely blocked by the downed pole and it was estimated that power wouldn't be back on until Monday night. Everyone was out of power but the hospital and police station had several generators. By the time three o'clock came the boys were restless. They'd shoveled the walkways around the house and the driveway at least three times. But finally, Henry called Emma and begged her or Robin to find a way to pick them all up. She told them to be ready and to only bring one bag each. Regina was stressing. She wanted to bring clothes for both her and Robin, but she also wanted to pack snacks for the boys. So, she broke the rule and packed two bags instead. By four o'clock Emma was outside with a 4x4 Jeep Police Cruiser and told everyone to get in. She glared at Regina "I said one bag," she said.

"I know but I brought clothes for Robin too," Regina replied.

"Mom how the hell did you get down the street," Henry asked.

"Language and you'll see because we are going back that way. I had to drive very carefully over a few lawns," she explained "So, everyone make sure you are buckled and hold on." There was complete silence while she drove and Roland has his eyes glued to the window.

Henry was looking out the other side "It's crazy out there," he said.

"It really is. I took a chance coming out but I was curious and I missed my kid," Emma admitted.

"Have you been able to rest," Regina asked.

"Yes, actually we've all been taking turns sleeping. It's been mostly Robin, Gabe and I because Graham conveniently is out of town for the weekend and won't be back until Wednesday."

"What an asshole," Henry said.

"HENRY," both women exclaimed.

"He has a point," Roland said. "He's a complete git."

"Please stop with the language you two," Regina said. "Is Mary at the station?"

"They were but David took her to the hospital because she was having cramps but hopefully it's nothing serious. Gabe's family is there also and Killian walked last night from the Marina when power went out in town." They'd all been chatting and hadn't realized that Emma had driven across three lawns in order to get passed the downed pole. There was complete silence as they all held onto their bags.

"Are you all on call then," Roland asked.

"Right you are Hood," Emma said smiling. The boys laughed and finally a few minutes later; they arrived at the police station. There were a few cars parked in the lot and a plow was clearing snow on the opposite side. Emma pulled up directly in front of the door "Go inside and Robin will get you settled. I'll be in shortly," she explained. They all got out carefully and Roland took Regina's extra bag for her. They headed inside the police station and Robin was sitting at his desk on the phone.

The boys quietly went over to him and Roland placed the bag down on the floor. He told Regina they were going to the showers and a minute or so later Robin finished with his phone call. He was out of his chair as fast as lightening and pulled her into his arms "Hello gorgeous," he said softly against her ear.

She smiled and took a step back "Hello, how are you," she asked.

"I'm fine. I'm glad you're here. I missed you," he said.

"It was starting to get cold at the house. So, I'm grateful," she admitted.

"When the boys are finished showering; go back. I've set up a few cots in David's office for you and the boys," he said. "There are a few heaters in there too."

"Have you been resting," she asked as she squeezed his hand.

He smiled "I love that you worry about me," he said as he gave her a quick kiss.

"I'm serious," she said.

"I've slept but I set up an extra cot next to yours; just in case I decide to take a nap with you." Just then Emma came inside "Everything alright," he asked her.

"Yeah I'm going to shower and try to sleep again. Regina, come with me and I'll show you where the showers are," she said. They grabbed their bags and headed back to freshen up. The boys were finished rather quickly and they headed to David's office to hang out. Robin asked Henry to set up another cot in David's office for Emma and just then his other partner Gabe; came out and offered to take over. His wife and kids were set up on the other side of the building and they were already sleeping. They'd had a stressful night and were exhausted. It was a small station so it felt quite crowded at the moment but Robin didn't mind because his family was safe. His family . . . he shook the thought from his head and A minute later; Killian came inside shaking snow off his coat; he'd been outside helping one of the other officer's shovel the sidewalks and looked like he was ready to pass out. Robin told Henry and Roland to set up another cot for Killian next to Emma's. In the midst of all this Robin's phone went off; it was David.

He'd been waiting to find out what was going on "David what's up mate," he asked as he answered his phone. They talked for a few minutes; it appeared Mary was fine but since the storm was still going strong they were staying at the hospital just to be safe. Once Regina and Emma came out of the bathroom; Killian headed back to shower and everyone was huddled in David's office chatting. Gabe was already sitting at his desk and after a few final checks; Robin went to join his friends and son. Roland had passed out extra blankets and pillows and everyone was settling down already. Regina had passed out the snacks she brought with her to the boys and they were chomping away and drinking water. She lay down and Robin sat on the cot next to her "Tired," he asked as his hand drifted through her hair.

"No," she replied as she pulled him gently to lie down next to her. He pulled her into his arms and then placed one of the blankets over them. They listened as the boys chatted and it didn't take long for Emma and Killian to fall asleep. They were obviously exhausted. It was really early but everyone had been working hard. Henry had finally been able to check in with Violet and her family was safe and it appeared Roland had also spoken to Alice and everything was fine on their end. Regina could have sworn she heard her boyfriend's son say he missed his girlfriend and her suspicions were correct when Robin looked down at her. She shrugged and smiled "I didn't know," she whispered.

He let out a breath "I'm scared. He's growing up," he said softly as he ran a hand down her side.

Regina whispered "It happens. Try not to worry." The boys were laying down now and it appeared they were falling asleep as well. She gripped his hand "Go to sleep Robin. You've been cooped up here for a while now."

He groaned and then said softly "Now, that you're here I can sleep." She smiled and a few minutes later she drifted off as well.

When the storm finally stopped; the real work began. The town worked diligently to get the streets, sidewalks and businesses plowed. But Monday came and clean-up still wasn't finished so school was closed. The power on Mifflin Street was still not restored due to the downed pole so Sunday night Regina and Roland went to the cabin and Robin promised he'd be home Monday morning. Henry stayed with Emma and he was fine with that. Mother and son needed to spend time together. The entire department worked straight through the weekend and David had stayed home with Mary just in case. The doctor said it was a false alarm but Robin didn't blame his boss for being concerned. Regina really needed clothes but it still wasn't safe to travel to her house however she hoped her boyfriend would take her at some point on Monday because she'd need clothes for school on Tuesday. They would definitely be opening. Plus, she needed her briefcase and she still had homework assignments that needed grading. Now, that there was power Roland was busy doing laundry and cleaning the house. Regina baked a chicken and rice casserole for dinner on Sunday night and there was enough for leftovers for whenever Robin came home on Monday. The Hood boys had enough ingredients in their cabinets; so she made cookies from scratch and Roland was helping when Robin walked through the door at one o'clock Monday afternoon. He looked tired but was ecstatic when he heard them laughing in the kitchen. They hadn't even heard him come in and they both jumped when they noticed he had been lingering in the doorway "Crap! Pop! You scared the heck out of us," Roland said as he went over and hugged his father.

"Sorry, what's going on here," Robin asked.

"Gina and I are making cookies and there's leftover chicken and rice casserole from last night. Do you want some? I'll heat it up."

"That sounds really good. Yes, please but I'm going to shower first."

"I'll make a pot of coffee too," Roland said.

"Thank you son," he said.

Regina was spooning cookie dough onto the sheet when Robin hugged her from behind "Can I talk to you," he whispered into her ear.

"Yes, I'll be in shortly. I just want to put these in the oven and I'll set the timer," she replied. Robin nodded and then went straight to the bathroom where she knew he was probably going to shower and take his time.

Roland put on the coffee and scooped a serving of the casserole into a bowl for his father "Are you coming back here or are you just going to ask Pop to take you home," he asked.

She hadn't thought of that and stopped dead in her tracks "Oh', I'm not sure. I suppose it just makes sense for him to take me home," she said softly.

She put the cookies in the oven and he shrugged "I suppose," he replied.

She leaned against the counter "Or, we could get Chinese for dinner tonight and I can come back here," she suggested.

"Go on I'm loving this idea already," he teased.

She laughed "Then, I could drive you to school tomorrow morning."

"Sold!" They both started laughing and continued chatting again. She had forgotten that her boyfriend wanted to talk to her. She'd lost track and several minutes later; Robin came into the kitchen dressed in sweat pants and a t-shirt. He gave her a look and she told Roland to take the cookies out when the timer went off. He had showered faster than she thought he would. Robin grabbed her hand and told his son to hold off for a few minutes on heating his food.

He pulled her toward the bedroom "What is it," she asked. He didn't say anything but then he closed the door quickly and backed her against it "Robin . . ." she whispered as he slowly began to kiss her.

He groaned "God, I missed you," he said between kisses as his mouth roughly took hers "I hated being away from you," he said as he placed his forehead against hers. She began to kiss him again and he grabbed her hips on either side and she couldn't help but grind against him.

She pulled back slowly "We can't," she said.

"I know."

He sat on the edge of the bed and she joined him "I have a favor to ask and I know you're probably exhausted but I need to go home."

His face fell and she noticed his demeanor changed immediately "Oh', I just assumed you were staying," he said.

"Well, I need clothes for tomorrow but Roland and I were talking and if you take me home to get them; we could have Chinese for dinner later – my treat and I can drive him to school in the morning."

"You want to stay here with us tonight," he asked as he cupped her cheek in his hand.

"Yes, well Roland seemed to want me too and I'm sure you do as well," she said winking at him.

He laughed "Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?"

"No, but maybe tonight you could show me," she teased as she turned toward him and rubbed her nose against his.

He bit his lip "That can definitely be arranged," he said as he glided his fingers through her hair.

"Good," she said as she kissed him quickly. "Now then, your son made a pot of coffee and I don't know about you but I'd like a cup," she said. Robin stood and took her hand and they went out to the kitchen. He watched as Roland and Regina took care of the cookies and he couldn't help but bask at them. He was the luckiest son of a bitch in the world – things just kept getting better and better.