author's note: Hey my lovely people hope everyone is fine and thank you so much for your lovely comments. This chapter took some time, law schools takes its tool and I rewrote everything. I also have the headcanon that Maleficent and Regina might have been more than friends ;)

I hope you'll like it and please tell me what you think. As usual I own nothing and I'm responsible for all mistakes made.

PS: So in case any of you want to discuss the story or have questions I can be find on Twitter (SophiiSunshine) or Tumblr(onceuponahappytime) and would love to chat with you.


It had hurt so much just thinking about it, thinking about love and to know it would never be something she would have. Somebody who would love her with all his heart, who would put her first, who would be hers. Somebody like Daniel. But Regina knew that it was too late, Daniel was gone and even if she would believe in second chances in life they certainly didn't apply to a woman known as the Evil Queen. She already let go of that idea, the idea of being loved and happy, living a life in loneliness for years now with the only thing remaining she had left, revenge. Then this damn thief strolled into her life.

All his wonderful words sounded too good to be true. Simple statements from a hopeful fool nothing more. Nothing she could ever believe not even from him looking at her so sincere. Her heart was dark and black, incapable of love and not worthy of a second chance. Then this damn thief kissed her.

Regina was too caught up in her own self-loathing thoughts that she at first didn't even reacted as Robin came closer and closer, then his lips touched hers and everything changed. His lips pressing gently, the kiss lasting mere a few seconds, no tongue, no wild passion only soft tenderness. Caressing and affectionate but no heat, no pressure. Still implying so much more.

Regina couldn't breathe anymore, couldn't think, everything was spinning (and this time she couldn't blame it on the poison). Her heart fluttered and it was balm for her shattered soul. The pain was less, instead everything felt warm and nice and safe as his lips had crushed onto hers.

Regina had closed her eyes, scared if she opened them she would realize that all was a dream. Equally terrified that it would be real and the archer had actually kissed her, had her made feel things. Because right now Regina didn't know what would scare her more.

She still could feel his touch even as he carefully retreated, one hand still in her hair. Regina took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes and looked at him.


Robin felt how he became more and more anxious, afraid that he had still done the wrong thing. Maybe it had been too much for her to take in, maybe it had been too soon after all or at worst he had misinterpreted all her signals (which could've happened Regina was sometimes a difficult woman to read) and she had no interest in him at all and he just made her feel even more uncomfortable then she had already felt. So he increased the distance between them waiting patiently for her reaction.

But when Regina finally opened her dark eyes Robin's heart skipped a beat. There were so many emotions in those big and beautiful eyes. Confusion, pain, joy, surprise and for a moment just a few seconds so much vulnerability. For mere moments Regina was open almost raw. The sight of that almost knocked Robin from her bed.

The way her eyes lighted up, how her lips curved into a small smile, elusive but breath-taking, Robin couldn't stop starring at her, that stunning and intriguing woman in front of him. It was like magic and Robin didn't want this moment to end. So gently stroke through her hair, her wonderful silky hair (god he loved her hair) his eyes not leaving hers. It was silent in the tent, only their breathing was to hear, no one daring to move, Robin just kept petting softly her hair not sure what to say if he even should say something.

It was probably for the best to give her some time so Robin (not without sighting internally since the last thing he wanted was to leave her now) said quietly:" I hope you can believe me know milady" A soft grin appeared on Robin's face as he leaned forward again ,noticing how she shivered for a moment, not knowing if it was out of desire or fear, he wanted to be sure which of both it was so he pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, mumbling to her:" I know you are scared Regina and you don't have to say or do anything alright? I'm not going to push, press or force you to do anything, do you understand?"

After saying those words Robin once again searched for her eyes, trying to make sure he didn't overstepped. But as openly she has looked at him before, now she tried everything to avoid his gaze. Robin was about to lift her chin but after having second thoughts he decided to let her be so she could figure out for herself what just happened. Robin took a few steps back, smiled and said:" Get some rest Regina, I'll be back later." Throwing another glance at the still silent Queen, Robin realized with a concerned frown that she hasn't moved an inch since their kiss broke. He sent a prayer that she wouldn't shut him out again. It always seemed one step forward two steps back with Regina, Robin thought frustrated as he left the tent.


Regina didn't know what to do. There was only chaos inside her, in her mind, in her heart and it was driving her crazy. Glad that Robin had finally left the tent so she could think, trying to figure out how the hell to get out of this mess.

Regina kissed before, passionate and rough, sweet and innocent but this kiss was different, oh god so damn different. It had meant something, something beyond satisfy sexual desire (images of Graham flew by) or mutual enjoyment and respect (she really had savoured her forbidden nights with Maleficent). It wasn't just the kiss itself even though it had been a rather breath-taking one, it was the implication of it.

At first she thought Robin was only kissing her to proof some stupid point but then she saw the way Robin had looked at her afterwards. There had been so much affection in his eyes, true and honest.

Waking up in that damn tent a few days ago Regina had been sure Robin either was an overly helpful fool or just enjoyed looking at her with the intended to warm her bed at some point. Sure he had looked with desire at her from time to time, his eyes wandering over her body, getting stuck at her rather impressive cleavage but it always had been more. And that was dangerous.

Sex was alright and she would've lied if she would say he wasn't quite handsome. Those blue eyes, those strong arms and those dimples and well she wasn't dead. But what those eyes were showing, the words he chose to say to her. Reassuring her that he wouldn't force her to do anything (oh god just the fact that he knew enough about her to recognise her fears so easily) giving her space and time just showed once again what kind of man Robin of Lockley was.

A good and kind one (definitely not one for a woman whose heart was dark as coal) who still believed in true love, in second chances (damn he probably even believed in unicorns and rainbow stickers, Regina thought with a frown). He was the kind of man who would want something serious, he would want more. More than Regina was willing to give, never again, the stakes were just too high, the chances to get hurt to great. It was just not worth it, Regina told herself trying to ignore the voice who whispered the words love, home, family.

Regina shook her head vigorously, those things were for other people not for her. Besides if there was something she had learned over the years, that her mother had been right, love was weakness.

But you were so happy with Daniel maybe mother was wrong, the voice in her head whispered again. Regina let herself fall down on the bed trying to shake off the image of her and Robin, his arms around her, kissing her temple softly, Roland to their feet happily laughing. A family, a home. The thought of finally being not alone anymore, to have somebody to lean on.

No, no that was stupid, that would never happen and even if you would destroy everything, Regina thought, trying to reason with herself or rather her traitorous heart. Robin and her that could never happen at least nothing more than having a little fun but she knew that wasn't what he would want (and a part of her knew that if she would be honest with herself neither would she). They didn't have a future together no matter what she was feeling for the archer (she wasn't feeling anything, she didn't even liked him right?)

So yes in Regina's head was only chaos and her head hurt(oh but that pain was nothing compared to the one in her heart). Exhaustion finally took over and Regina fell asleep a silent tear rolling down her cheek. She would've liked to be happy so much but in the end no one would ever love her and the sooner her damn heart realized that the better.


Robin was sitting on the ground listening to his son's stories or rather pretending to do so. He loved it to listen to Roland but at the moment his thoughts always wandered back to a certain Queen. The kiss had been amazing but he knew he might had broken down the first wall but there were many to come and like many times before Robin was scared that whatever they were feeling for each other (and he knew she did too not matter how hard she denied it) wasn't strong enough to overcome whatever was stopping Regina.

Robin continued talking and playing with his son, taking care of some of the things in the camp trying to avoid his men who all looked at him with a concerned frown till the sun was about to go down. It was dinner time and he had given Regina enough time to compose herself again (at least he hoped he did, he was serious when he had told her that he didn't want to push her) so he grabbed some food and walked to the tent.

As Robin entered he heard the even breathing of Regina, she was asleep. Robin came closer, thinking he might should let her sleep, she needed the rest and she looked somewhat peaceful. So he let his glance wander for a few moments over her sleeping form and then was about to turn around as she surprisingly spoke up.

"Robin I want to leave tomorrow," she said her voice barely above a whisper. It was like somebody threw a bottle of cold water over Robin as he heard her words, trying to understand them, understand her. He knew the kiss might upset her but leaving? Robin stood still as she turned to face him, her expression blank, the mask perfectly in place.

It took some time till Robin found his word again:" Why Regina? If the kiss was too much or really not wanted I sincerely apologise for it but I'm asking you don't rush into things. I know it might be a bit much, a bit scary but I'm not expecting anything from you. But I know that I'm not the only one who is feeling it. We just have to…"

Whatever Robin waned to say was cut off by Regina as she looked up, eyes dark and cold again:" The problem isn't that that it is too much or scary thief the problem is that I do not feel the same for you what you apparently feel for me." Robin inhaled sharply at her words. She was lying right? She was only afraid, burned to many time before but what if he had been wrong. What if he had interpreted too much in her looks, her touches? What if she was playing him all the time?

No, Robin thought with a shake of his head, he was right, he knew what he had seen. He didn't know Regina very well but good enough to get that the things which scared her most weren't monsters or assassins shooting poisoned arrows at her, it was giving her heart to somebody, open herself up, showing vulnerability.

At least he (really, really) hoped that he read her right. So he only came closer and said to her as calm as possible:" I think you are not telling the truth milady. You can say you don't feel the connection between us, deny it as often as you want but your eyes betray you milady. They have from the moment we met. I know after losing everything opening up seems dangerous if not impossible but don't you think sometimes in life there are risks you have to take even when you are scared?"

"You are a fool, a naïve fool Robin Hood and that will break your neck someday. And I already told you I'm not afraid and I'll not deny that I find you rather attractive and if I wouldn't be in such a poor condition I would love to invite you into my chambers showing you what I'm really capable of. No sounding so scared anymore do I?" Regina hissed at him her looks suddenly seductive.

Robin wasn't uneffaced but not really impressed by her tactics. Seduction might work by weaker men but not with him. "Oh I'm sure you would but the thing is Regina I want more than your admittedly very tempting body. I want you, I want to get to know you, all of you. The dark and broken parts as much as the snarky and kind ones. I want to get to know the real Regina, the one behind the mask and like you I don't scare easily. So unless you look me straight into my face and tell me that you feel nothing beyond physical attraction towards me then I'll let you go and won't bother you anymore." Robin told her holding her gaze.

"I don't feel anything for you thief," Regina said the mask perfectly in place again, well almost. Somebody else might not have noticed it but Robin heard how her voice trembled for a second, how her dark eyes showed the lie she was telling, betraying her once again. But he also knew that he would be able to get through to her in time, if everything went well the fever should be broken by tonight and even though she still would be very weak and sickly she would be strong enough to leave.

He wouldn't force her to stay, never but Robin Hood was a clever man. You don't escape law enforcement for such a long time if you don't know a few tricks. Yes the Queen wasn't ready to admit what she, what they were feeling (whatever they actually were feeling Robin was cautions to label it) her love for Roland was clear and he knew she would loath to know she ruined his birthday party so he said as neutral as he managed trying to ignore the sharp pain in his heart:" If that's your finale answer milady I'm going to accept it. Even though you promised my son that you would attend his birthday party and I would hate him to be hurt because I seemingly misinterpreted some things. So I'm asking you to stay at least till that, after that you a free to go and I'll make sure you have a save arrival at your castle You Majesty." Robin looked at expectantly hoping she wouldn't disappoint his son.


Regina's dream had been full of imaged of a future, her and Robin, them and Roland. Happy, content, a family. For the first time in years Regina didn't want to wake up from a dream. Till everything changed.

Flashes of Daniel dead, her mother crushing his heart, her whispered "Love is weakness Regina" made her wake up with cold sweat and a heavy heart. She knew what she had to do, she had to leave, get away from Robin and his tempting offer, far away from getting hurt.

So she put up her mask as Robin had entered and told him her wish (she wanted to leave right? Why did everything hurt just thinking of leaving all this behind?) He didn't gave up at first (but she was sure she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes) but then agreed and Regina sighted in relief, well till he brought up Roland. She knew the boy would be devastated if she wouldn't come , the child wasn't talking about anything else and somehow she didn't have the heart to do so, to let him down.

So she looked at the thief and nodded:" Alright outlaw I'm going to stay till Roland's birthday and not a day longer am I clear?" Robin expression was blank Regina couldn't tell at all what he was thinking. "That's all I'm asking Regina, " he then came closer and put food in front of her , smiling softly, sitting next to her and said:" I brought you dinner, eat up you need your strength. After that you should go back to sleep, if Tuck is right your fever should break tonight."

Regina looked at him surprised as he handed her the bread. He didn't make a move to leave her and they ate in silence. Regina was confused she had imagined he would storm off after her declaration that she would leave but here he was. Still taking care of her. When she was done Robin took the empty plates, whispered a soft "Good night milady" and left the tent. If her eyes wouldn't get heavy again Regina would be trying to figure out what that damn thief was up to. Sleep took her again and thankfully a dreamless one.

As Regina woke up it was still dark and she felt sweaty and weak but realising something. Tuck had been right her fever broke. She still felt like hell but better. Regina looked around in the tent till she saw to her surprise that Robin was lying besides her sleeping soundly like he had done every night. He was still here watching over her.

Regina tried to get up she needed some air but her body wasn't ready yet to do so. Regina lost balance everything was spinning and she fell. Expecting the impact with the ground Regina prepared herself for the pain but it never came. Once again strong arms went around her and prevent her from falling Robin looking at her concerned:" Are you alright Regina?" Regina nodded then fought herself out of the hold and Robin gently helped to sit on the bed. "I'm fine thief I only needed some air but apparently my body decided that was a bad idea." Regina replied annoyed and angry at herself.

Robin only looked at her thoughtfully then put out his hand. Regina threw a confused glance at him so he mumbled:" You said you needed some air and I'm offering you assistance. Unless you prefer to try it again by yourself but I'm not sure your body would welcome it to add more bruises to it than you already suffered. So milady may I have you permission to show you by far the most beautiful place in the woods to see the stars?"

Regina wasn't sure what to say. On the one hand she really needed to be outside again, three days in a tent took its tool but on the other hand she knew it would've been an impossible task without Robin but what would he interpret in her yes? More than it was? (Damn it was so much more but Regina knew she needed to push her foolish desires away)

"My intensions are pure I assure you Regina. I respect your wishes I only want to help," Robin told her noticing her hesitance.

The wish to have some fresh air won in the end and Regina nodded and let Robin help her up. Again everything was spinning, she felt dizzy and for a moment feared to fall again but Robin held her up. Oh did her heart clench as the put his arms around her. She felt her body shiver and when their eyes met she felt the stupid urge to kiss him but she told herself to get it together. She told she didn't feel anything for him so she turned away from him and signalled him that she wanted to go.

So they left the tent together his arms gently around her waist and when they arrived a few minutes later at the place, seeing the stars Regina knew Robin had been right. The stars never have looked more stunning then they did now as Robin helped Regina to find a comfortable position on the ground. So they were sitting next to each other in silence only watching the beauty of nature and for a moment Regina let herself imagine that it could be like this every night. She and Robin and the stars.