Chapter 14
"Are you freaking kidding me?! You told me how important it was to stay in touch with home, and you won't even be there?!" Regina put her hand on her hips as she walked down the busy sidewalk, screaming into the phone to her best friend.
"R, you need to chill," Mal's voice floated through the phone, and Regina gritted her teeth to together. This day was not going how she expected it to go. At all.
She woke up half an hour late because her alarm clock didn't go off, she skipped breakfast, finished notes for a stupid presentation she had to do later on before driving to work, then had to park three blocks away from her building because for some god damned reason, every single spot had been taken,
And now, here she was, walking through the February cold in her pea coat, the wind going right through her. Her heels were clicking against the pavement loudly, her hair surely out of place, her bare legs freezing. The one day I wear a damn bodycon dress, Regina thought as she rolled her eyes.
"I need to chill? I can't believe you right now! Why aren't you going?" Regina asked, and sighed in relief when she saw the familiar outline of her building.
"Never mind. I'll see you in a minute," Regina hung up the phone quickly and walked faster towards her work building, smiling thankfully when she opened the doors. Heat welcomed her existence, and she shivered, already wanting to crawl back in after a very stressful morning.
Regina closed her eyes and let go of a breath she didn't even know she was holding. She opened her eyes and began the walk to the stairs, leading to her and Mal's office, when someone bumped into her, papers and belongings flying every which way.
Regina was going to lose it. She swore she would. That morning had been nothing but trouble, and this was just another thing to add to the endless list of misery. Regina groaned, and almost didn't hear the sing-songy voice apologize in a frantic hurry.
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking," Regina looked at the blonde in front of her, and tried to hide the annoyance in her facial expressions. God, she hasn't even known this blonde girl for a day and already hated her.
Shit.
"It's fine," Regina mumbled, bending down to pick up her papers she had worked so hard on and her cell phone. Evelyn bent down to reach for her own cell also.
Regina knew she was being a bitch. She needed to get out of this funk. Whatever curse the world put on her would be happening throughout the day, and she might as well get used to long, miserable days.
Trying to be nice, Regina received Evelyn's phone for her, but she froze when she saw the screen. Because now Regina knew why Evelyn hadn't been paying attention.
She hadn't expected this. Not from her, or from anyone. She thought she knew better. She thought she knew him better.
Evelyn was talking to Robin.
And he had called her Milady.
Regina was going to be sick.
So very, very sick.
Evelyn took her phone from Regina and smiled thankfully, as if she hadn't saw Regina's mental break down.
"Thanks," Evelyn smiled before walking away, flipping her hair over her shoulder, her full attention back to her screen, giggling as she sent a text back to the blue-eyed man Regina's been in love with since the very beginning
With a hurt heart, Regina made her way up the stairs and cringed when she looked down the hall, seeing Robin and Evelyn together, both smiling.
Just like she and Robin used to be.
But this time…
This time, Robin looked like he was in love.
And Regina knew Evelyn wouldn't walk away if she ever got the chance...
Today was going to be a horrible day.
…
Robin took a sip from his cup of coffee, stirring it a bit in a circling motion with his hand. He didn't know what it was. Maybe the weather, or the way he felt, or the way something as little as a camera reminds him of it, but he missed the little girl he met months ago.
He missed her bubbling excitement, her enthusiastic energy, her loving and warm smile, and most of all, her laughter and giggles. Robin knew Regina's absence in his life would haunt him for the rest of his life, but he never imagined it would be as painful as this.
He wished Olivia was right here, in his arms, catching him up on every single thing he missed. He wanted to know how she was, how her family was, how she was doing in school, if she made any new friends…..if she still remembered him.
She probably didn't.
But he hoped to hell she did.
Robin's phone buzzed in his pocket, and when he looked at the screen, he smiled the tiniest bit, if you could even call it a grin.
He and Evelyn had exchanged numbers the night before, just in case, and it appeared she was saying good morning.
Robin texted back a simple response, good morning, nothing more, nothing less. He knew that Evelyn probably had a crush on him, if her giggles and hair flips had anything to do with it, and he hoped he could get the message across that he wasn't interested in anything more than friends.
Another held his heart, and always will.
And that was the problem.
I hate this, Evelyn typed to Robin, and his eyebrows knitted in confusion.
What?
Waking up at the crack of dawn just to be late anyways. I hate traffic. Robin chuckled with a roll of his eyes.
Welcome to New York.
You know I've been here forever, right?
Then maybe you should know you're way around. Robin smirked inwardly, watching three little bubbles pop up on the screen almost immediately.
Are you mocking me? This time, it took fifteen minutes for a response to come through, and Robin assumed she had finally made it into the busy building.
Robin sighed, looking off into the distance. Something was different.
Robin drummed his fingers on his desk, his mind wandering to a different place. All of this seemed too…..familiar. The quick banter, the smiles, the laughs. It was all too familiar.
This was exactly how his and Regina's relationship had started. Her quick remarks, beautiful smiles, excruciatingly perfect laugh…. And when Robin closed his eyes, letting his feelings consume his body, he went back in time. Because he wasn't talking to this blonde he met a day ago. He was talking to the woman he's loved forever.
He imagined Regina being the one on the other end, making him chuckle beneath his breath, just imagining how pissed she must be. He imagined her walking into the building, thanking god for the warmth.
And before he could stop himself, he did something he regretted immediately.
Never, Milady.
Robin froze.
He was frozen.
He couldn't move.
Or speak.
Or even feel.
All he could do was remember.
The remembrance bringing a wave of guilt he couldn't help but feel he deserved…..
Regina and Robin were at a business dinner with Gold and some other co-workers, until only the two of them were left. The restaurant was fairly empty, vacant tables surrounding them.
They didn't even notice.
Regina was too busy laughing at something Robin had said, and she was glad Gold had left with the others. This was all she needed.
Daniel had just left her, for the very first time, and Robin was trying to make her feel better. And partially, it was working. They haven't known each other for too long, maybe a month or two, and after she accepted his apology of spilling his coffee on her, which took more than several days, they had become what you could call friends.
They weren't best buds. Not anything of the sort. Not yet. But it was happening. Regina could sense Robin would be one guy in her life that wouldn't just pass by. He would be there for her. She knew that already. And it worried her.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Regina asked suddenly, when she saw Robin staring at her, his emotion-filled smile painting his features. Robin shook his head and folded his hands in front of him on the table.
"Like what?" Robin asked, and Regina rolled her eyes.
"You're beautiful, Regina," Robin smiled, and Regina hoped he couldn't see the color in her cheeks in the dim lights. Robin smiled broader, proud of making her feel happy. Regina fidgeted in her chair, playing with her fingers.
"It's been a long time since someone had said that to me," Regina whispered, and Robin reached across the table to hold her hand. She was hesitant at first, but he let her, the feeling of his palm in hers welcoming.
"Well, I'm sorry you've waited so long to hear the truth," God, this man was just full of surprises, wasn't he? One second they're professional, not even giving a second glance to each other, then the next, they're dropping compliments and sparking feelings.
"Are you flirting with me?" Regina smirked, and Robin smirked back.
"Never, Milady," Regina smiled, her pearl white teeth showing through her beautiful smile. Robin had no idea what he ever did right in life to deserve to know this woman in front of him, but he did, and he wouldn't let it go to waste.
"Is that what you do? Call girls 'Milady'? Or am I just special?" Regina's eyes twinkled in the dim lights, and Robin swore there was something between them. Between their playful banter and shameless looks, sparks were flying. But they weren't. They couldn't.
She couldn't. Her boyfriend had just left her.
Stupid bloke. If Robin even had the chance to be with someone as beautiful and smart and talented as Regina, he would never let her go.
"You're the one and only," Regina smiled with a faint blush, brushing the hair out of her face. She looked at Robin with a grin he couldn't help but notice she never had with Daniel.
"I'm special," Regina joked, rolling her eyes with a laugh. But Robin didn't laugh. At all. Robin reached across the table to hold her hand, and Regina's breath hitched at the sudden contact.
Robin was looking at her like never before. He looked at her with care in his eyes, and Regina realized how long it's been since she's seen it. And it wasn't even from someone she knew well. It wasn't from her mother or father, or Zelena or Mal, or even Daniel.
It was from Robin.
He cared about her….. And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to notice she cared about him too….
"You are, Regina. You're special," Regina let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, and tried not to show how shocked she was. Sure, people have told her she's pretty or smart or hard-working, but no one has ever told her she's special.
Robin was the first, and she was glad he was.
"I think I might have been wrong about you, Locksley," Robin smiled warmly with a slight chuckle, rubbing his thumb on the back if his hand.
"I think you might be right,"
Robin missed Regina.
So bloody much.
But there were a few things his parents had always taught him.
And one of them was,
You can't miss something you never had.
So why did he miss Regina? Why did he still want to be with her? Why was he holding on to someone who didn't want to stay?
…
"What the hell are you talking about?" Mal asked as she and Regina were shopping at a nice dress store in the city. They had taken a half day just for this, just to get ready for the Valentine's Day Ball in Storybrooke, and Regina couldn't have wished for a better friend.
But as they were looking for dresses, Regina and Mal had started talking. And Regina saw what she saw.
"Regina, Robin is not in love with that bitch," Mal rolled her eyes, going through the rack of dresses, trying to find one Regina would like. On the other side of the rack, Regina sighed, too distracted by Robin to give a damn about any of this ball nonsense.
"M, I know what I saw. And, and he was looking at her like….like…." Regina struggled to finish her sentence, but she didn't need to. Mal already knew.
"Like the way he used to look at you?" Regina's head snapped up from the rack of dresses to her friend's blue eyes, and she could tell Mal meant no harm. But, why did it feel like it though?
"There is no chance Robin loves that girl, Regina. You can't love someone you just met," Mal sighed, and Regina froze.
I've loved her since the moment I laid eyes on her.
Robin's words replayed in her head, the same words Robin told her father. The same words her father used to calm her nerves. The same words that's haunted her dreams ever since she left Robin.
"You don't believe in love at first sight?" Regina asked, looking at Mal with determination. Mal sighed in frustration, putting all of her attention on Regina.
"Do you?" Mal asked, putting a hand on her hip, continuing to look at different types of dresses. Regina looked down at the ground, asking herself the same question.
Did she believe in love at first sight? Did she believe in love at all? The answer was yes. Because she loved Robin. And that was something she learned too late.
"What makes you think Robin is even interested in Evelyn?" Mal asked, coming over to Regina's side to scour the dresses. Regina brushed the hair out of her face, her cheeks growing color.
"You wouldn't understand, Mal," Regina whispered, and Mal stopped. She turned to look at Regina, really look at her, and she could tell something happened. Something that made Regina feel betrayed Robin.
"You're right. I probably wouldn't understand….. But what I do understand is he's in love with you. And Regina, Robin's been in love with you for the longest time. That's not going to change over night….. I don't think it ever will." Mal placed a hand on Regina's arm, giving her a small smile.
Regina looked back up and tried to smile back, but she couldn't. Not when she knew Robin was spending every second of the day with Evelyn. Because eventually, Robin would start to feel something towards the blonde.
And someday, Robin wouldn't hide his feelings. He wouldn't be afraid of his feelings. Not like Regina was.
"I know you've been through a lot, and I know it's going to be hard, but can we just forget about everything for a few hours? Just be us? Two best friends looking for a beautiful dress for a beautiful woman," Mal suggested. Regina grinned, nodding her head. She took a deep breath, realizing it's been a long time since it's just been Mal and her.
"That sounds nice," Regina nodded her head, both of them going back to looking for dresses.
One thing was for sure. Regina did not want to wear a ball gown. She already told Mal, and Mal understood. They've both seen too many ball gown in their lifetime. But then again, they lived in Storybrooke for eighteen years. In their opinion, there has been too many balls to count.
And Regina did not want to wear another poofy, fancy ball gown.
After a half hour of wandering through aisles of dresses, Regina finally found one she loved. It was in the last aisle, the last dress, but nonetheless, she found it.
It was a bodycon, off the shoulder dress, in her signature color. Black. It had a semi sweetheart neckline, the perfect look for her. The long sleeves would be perfect for the cold, and Regina could just imagine herself wearing it.
Mal came over in awe, gasping at the dress.
"Regina, you have to try it on. Like, now," Regina rolled her eyes with a smirk as she took the dress and went into one of the dressing rooms. Once she slipped the black wonder on, she looked in the mirror and smiled sadly.
She looked beautiful.
And she didn't deserve to.
Regina walked out to show Mal her dress, and Mal's jaw dropped to the floor.
"Jesus, R. If you ever get tired of working for Gold, you could always be a supermodel," Regina rolled her eyes as she spun slowly in her dress, letting it all sink in. She looked good. She liked how she looked. She felt good.
Regina closed her eyes and thought about how the ball would go down. Everyone would be dressed up in beautiful dresses, fancy hairdos, elegant makeup and shoes, and she would just be Regina.
The small town girl who grew up too fast. Who wanted to escape Storybrooke and never look back. Who wanted the house on the hill with the picket white fence and a perfect family. Who wanted a life full of excitement and adventure.
Who would've thought all she wanted to do now was move back home, to the torture chamber she described as in her teenage years.
"Mal, I don't think I should get it," Mal froze, her eyebrows raising as high as the roof, thinking she heard her best friend wrong.
"What? Why?" Mal asked, crossing her arms across her chest. She didn't get it. Regina looked beautiful. Maybe she was having self doubts. Or, or maybe….. Mal sighed in defeat, realizing exactly why Regina was unsure.
"You deserve to be happy, Regina….. You're not cursed forever."
Regina frowned and looked in the mirror. She wanted to be happy. She really did. She missed every smile and laugh and joke she had not too long ago. But she also missed Robin.
Maybe instead of feeling sorry, she should do something about it…..
"I'll take it," Regina sighed, looking at herself in the mirror. Mal smiled, and for the first time in months, they both seemed relaxed.
Regina smiled in the mirror, knowing this wouldn't last forever. When she got back from Storybrooke, she would find a way to get Robin back. Because she couldn't live without him.
"Now, don't you have somewhere to get to?"
…
Officially, it's been the longest drive of Regina's life. The music hadn't helped, and neither did the scenery. But finally, at last, she was here. Storybrooke. She was finally back home.
She had just passed Granny's, and a sense of deja vu washed over her. The last time she had passed by here, Robin had been there with her. He had reassured her everything would be okay, and she wished that would have been for longer than the trip.
Now, more fears clouded her head. Because she was home. But it didn't feel like it. Not anymore. Not without Robin.
How would she be able to enjoy being with her family when all she could think was that it wasn't home without Robin? How were her parents going to react? Or Olivia? God, she shouldn't have come.
Regina parked her car in her parents driveway, letting out a shaky, nervous breath. She closed her eyes and hugged herself for a moment, knowing in the end, it really would be okay. Her parents couldn't hate her forever. And neither could the rest of her family.
She was going to get Robin back.
Somehow.
Regina got out of the car, going to the trunk to receive her luggage, and sighed as she prepared to walk up the walkway to the front door. And just like any other visit she's made, the door opened wide, a little girl running out to her, little pigtails flying everywhere.
"Aunt Regina!" Olivia giggled happily as she ran towards her aunt, and Regina smiled as she bent down, Olivia leaping into her arms. Regina rubbed her hands up and down Olivia's back, realizing just how much she really did miss her.
Olivia pulled away, giggling away, jumping up and down in her little Minnie Mouse jacket, hiding her footie pajamas underneath. Olivia put her little hands on Regina's shoulders, smiles galore.
"Aunt Regina! I missed you so much!" Olivia leaned in for another hug, her arms wrapping around Regina's neck. Regina let out a giggle of her own, the sound coming from her mouth foreign.
"I missed you too," Regina breathed as Olivia pulled away again. Olivia looked around Regina, not satisfied with what surrounded them. Olivia backed away a footstep, looking all around her, but still no sight of the one person she needed to see.
"W-where's Wobin?" Olivia asked, and Regina could hear the worry in the little girl's voice. Regina held her hands, and Olivia walked closer to her. Regina raised one of her hands to cup Olivia's face.
Olivia could see tears in Aunt Regina's eyes, and she didn't understand. Where was Robin? Wasn't he and Regina like her mommy and daddy? Weren't they in love? Where was Robin?
Regina closed her eyes and let out another shaky breath, her hands shaking.
"He's not coming, baby," Regina whispered, and she could practically hear Olivia's big heart breaking. Olivia froze in fear, her smil turning to a frown, her eyes that were just filled with happiness and excitement moments ago now filled with sadness.
"Wobin?" Olivia asked, tears finding their way to her blue eyes. Regina nodded solemnly, a tear of hers escaping, dropping down the side of he cheek. Olivia frowned, not knowing what to do.
But what she did know was that Aunt Regina looked bad. She looked like she needed love. She looked like she needed a hug.
Olivia jumped into Regina's arms, resting her head in the crook of Regina's neck, and Regina welcomed her, thanking Olivia silently for the comfort she desperately needed.
Regina looked up for just a moment and saw her parents standing by the door, looking at them, and Regina looked back to the ground, her attention now back on Olivia. She held Olivia tighter, Olivia not fighting back at all.
It seemed like they both needed a big hug.
…..
They were disappointed. Regina knew they were. Even though they weren't showing it or saying it, she knew her parents were disappointed in her. How could they not be? She let go of the best thing that's ever happened to her.
Regina was unpacking her luggage in her old room, and noticed the sheets hadn't changed. At all. They still had the outline of her and Robin, and she could have sworn the room smelled like forest. Regina ran her bare hand along the outline of Robin's body lined into the sheets, and she could feel his soul.
It felt like he was still in the room. The memory of them together was too much now. If he wasn't here with her, it would never be the same.
Regina sighed sadly and took a break, carefully sitting on the edge of her old bed, careful not to disrupt the figures dancing along the sheets. Regina looked up at the ceiling, knowing it would never work, but hoping Robin would somehow hear her.
"You were right," Regina whispered, her hands gripping the material of the bed, her breathing out of pattern. Regina closed her eyes, imagining Robin sitting on the bed next to her, holding her hand. He was there. He would listen.
"Of course you were right…. You're always right about everything," Regina laughed sadly, "I lied to you. I told you I never had feelings for you. I told you I never loved you. I told you my heart belonged to Daniel….. It was all a lie, Robin. Everything."
"And now, I have to live with my mistake. I know you will never be able to forgive me, and I know you've already moved on. Mal said you could never, but I know you, Robin. And you're falling for her…. And it's okay. I want you to be happy. I don't even care about my own happiness anymore."
"But I need you to know that I miss you. I miss the way you held my hand when I was nervous, or how you made me laugh when I was sad, or how you made me dance with you when you knew I needed it. Well, guess what? Now, I need you. I love you…."
A teardrop hit the comforter, blending in with the room in seconds. Regina opened her eyes and looked next to her, and thought she was going crazy. Because could feel Robin. She felt like he heard her, and she felt him smile down on her.
Maybe it was a sign. Maybe she was just missing him so much it made her crazy. But she knew now that she got that off her chest, she would be able to continue living life. And hopefully, Robin would be a part of that once again.
…
Regina had gone upstairs to her room, and Olivia could tell she was still sad after the hug she gave her. But she was too. Apparently her mommy was wrong. Hugs and kisses didn't fix everything.
She wanted to cry. Cry that it was a mistake. That Wobin would walk in at any moment, just waiting to surprise her. It couldn't be. Wobin had to be here.
Olivia sneaked away upstairs, leaving her parents with her grandparents in the living room. Olivia quietly climbed up the stairs, not even acknowledging the tears dripping down her face.
Olivia walked into her makeshift room, closing the door with a peep. She tore apart the room searching for it, and when she finally found what she was looking for, she held it close to her heart. This needed to work. Or else she would never be the same.
Olivia took out the phone she borrowed from her mother for a second, and typed in a number she's memorized from the heart.
One ring. Two rings. Three rings.
"Hello?" Olivia gasped, more tears flowing from her eyes to the ground. She missed the voice so much. She couldn't stop crying from relief.
"W-W-Wobin," Olivia cried into the phone, gripping the case like her life depended on it. And it did.
"Olivia?" Robin asked, shock clear in his voice. Olivia cried even more, not even caring if anyone heard her now. She missed Robin. She needed him. She needed him here with her. Not just over the phone. It wasn't enough.
"Olivia, are you alright?" Robin asked hurriedly, and Olivia cried even more.
"W-where are y-you, Wobin?" Olivia cried into the phone, and she could hear the hesitation in his voice. She might only be four years old, but she was a smart toddler. She knew there was a situation. But she didn't care. She just needed Robin.
"I'm right here, Sweetheart. I'm right here. It's okay," Olivia could almost see Robin trying to calm her down, but it wasn't helping. Not at all. He wasn't here.
"But you're not! You're not here, Wobin. I need you," Olivia cried.
"Olivia, I miss you so much. I miss you so much it hurts, but I can't come….. You have Aunt Regina with you, Liv," Robin explained, but Olivia wasn't listening. Aunt Regina should have brought Wobin with her.
"I don't care! I want you! Aunt Regina misses you! She was crying and frowny faced forever! If you come home, everyone will be smiley again!" Olivia exclaimed over the phone. Robin sighed.
"I wish I was there, Sweetheart. But I can't….. Aunt Regina wouldn't like it," Olivia frowned, now growing hysterical.
"Y-y-y-you can't l-leave me-e-e. I c-can't live-e-e without-out you-u," Olivia hiccuped, her stomach hurting from crying so much. She tried to wipe away her tears, but it was no use. They kept coming.
"I-I can't live without y-you either, Olivia. But I promise, I will always be here for you. I don't know what the future will bring, but always know you can talk to me and I will always be there." Robin hiccuped on his own, and Olivia could tell he was as upset as she was.
"Then come home! Come tomorrow at the ball. Make me smile and I'll be happy for the rest of my life!" Olivia exclaimed with passion, and even though Robin hated disappointing her….
"I wish I could….. It's complicated, Olivia. It's grown-up stuff you wouldn't understand-"
"I don't care, Wobin….. Aunt Regina is wrong. She loves you soooooo much, and she isn't the only one….. Please come home," Olivia whispered through the phone, and as she heard footsteps approach her room, she quickly (but reluctantly) hung up the phone, tossing it onto the bed without a second thought.
Now, she was even more sad. Now, she wouldn't know what Robin would say. Or do.
Zelena walked opened the door slowly, preparing for the worst. She knew her daughter like the back of her hand. She knew when Olivia needed something or was about to say something or how she would feel when she felt it. And now was no different.
She had seen the solemn look on her face, her smiley expression replaced with a not-well hidden smile. She knew what was wrong, and she wished she could change it. She wished someone could change it.
"Olivia?" Zelena asked quietly, seeing her daughter with tear streaks coating her face. Olivia whimpered and ran to her mother, Zelena holding her in her arms, feeling Olivia's tears on her shoulder.
"M-Mommy," Olivia cried, burying her face further into Zelena's sweater, "I miss Wobin,"
Zelena held her daughter close, wrapping her arms around her small body frame. Zelena rested her chin on top of the little redhead's head, closing her eyes with a sigh.
"I know, Munchkin. I miss him too," Zelena whispered. Olivia held on tighter to her mother, afraid she would disappear as well.
Every person she's ever loved had always managed a way to leave her once. Like her aunt Regina. She never came home anymore. It was rare Olivia saw her right after Christmas.
And her parents. Sure, they had only left for a small one week vacation, leaving her to stay with her grandparents, but they still left.
And then, there was Robin. God, she hasn't even known him for as long as she's known her family, but he meant the same to her as Aunt Regina did. Olivia always wondered why she had felt a special connection with Robin, but now, he understood.
It's not blood what makes you family. It's love. And she loved Robin so much. And hopefully, if he loved her as much as he claimed he did, he would make it in time for the Valentine's Ball the very next evening.
….
Robin was wide awake. If he was honest, he had been since Regina had spoke her true feelings. But now, now, this was different. Because it wasn't just Regina taking up every single inch of his mind. It was Olivia too.
She wanted him. She wanted him to come home. Home. Where your family is. Where love is. Robin knew she was only four years old. He knew she didn't understand. And even though he didn't want to break Olivia's loving heart, he was afraid he would have to.
Because he would never feel at home again. His home was with Regina. When they were working together or just talking or even comforting each other. That was when he felt at home. Anytime he was with Regina.
Robin was lost. He loved Regina. But he hated her. But he loved her. Robin knew it was love. Because no matter what, Robin could not hate Regina for breaking his heart. If anything, he felt bad for her for spending so much wasted time on someone like him.
He should have known Regina Mills was out of his league. And in some ways, he did. There was always this sliver of hope, though. And just like that, it had vanished in mere seconds.
Robin rubbed his head as he shifted in bed. Her squinted when something shiny caught his eye, drawing attention to the suitcase he had packed all those months ago. God, it felt like centuries.
Robin groggily got out of bed, careful to keep quiet as Will was soundly asleep next door. He silently reached for the glinting material, and froze when he came to grips of reality.
In his hands, he held a photograph. He had no idea how it showed up, no idea where it came from. But it was beautiful. It was him and Regina. It was the night they had gone out with Zelena and Chad, dressed in fancy suits and dresses, smiles on every face.
Robin flipped the photo over to the back and noticed messy scrawl written, and smiled sadly as he read the message he never knew he received.
Thank you for making her smile - Henry
Robin shook his head, feeling guilt rush through his body. If only Henry knew the truth. He didn't make his daughter smile. Not really. Not ever. It was all just for show. Regina never cared about him. So why did it feel like he was disappointing Cora and Henry right in that moment?
Robin placed the picture on his desk as he crawled back to bed, putting a pillow over his face. Sometimes he wished he could just suffocate. But then, who would be there to tell him if Regina had ever truly found happiness in her life?
How would he know Regina finally made up for the mistake of wasting her time with him?
Silence.
…..
A tear escaped Regina's eye, dripping down the side of her face, taking as long as a time to drop than her heart. They hadn't talked about it yet. She didn't even know if they were going to. But it happened. They should. Regina should tell them everything.
She should have known there would be absolutely no way she would be able to sleep in the same bed Robin used to keep her warm in, his strong arms circling around her. She should have known she would be up at two o'clock, missing him like hell.
The hell she would gladly fall into if that meant she could spend a single second with the man who stole her heart.
Regina rested her head in her hands, the darkness surrounding her. She was in the kitchen, sitting at the island, too much a mess to care about turning on a single light. She deserved to sit in the dark, eerie silence. She deserved so much worse than that.
Regina looked up as she heard the kitchen door swing open, and froze when she saw how stood there. Her mother was in a navy blue robe, her hair in a messy bun, her slippers making just the tiniest squeaking sound.
Cora turned and noticed Regina's figure in the dark and sighed, turning on the light above the stove with a few small strides. For a while, Cora just stood against one of the kitchen counters, watching her daughter.
Regina's head was up right, but her eyes continuously wandering to the ground. Her figure was slumped over, the circles under eyes dark. She hasn't gotten a lot of sleep. Probably not since the last time Robin had been with her, which she didn't even really know how long ago that was.
Cora slowly walked over to her daughter, taking the seat next to her. She could tell Regina was broken. She could tell Regina was lonely, and she could tell she was regretting whatever happened with Robin.
Cora took a deep breath and blinked long and hard.
"You can't sleep?" Cora asked, and Regina shook her head. It was so much more than that. She couldn't sleep, she couldn't think, she couldn't live. Living without Robin with her seemed useless. She hoped she could change that.
"Regina," Cora sighed, and Regina closed her eyes, knowing her mother wanted to talk about it. Maybe Cora was ready, but she wasn't. She didn't know if she ever would be. And that's what worried her.
"I know," Regina grumbled, wanting to throw something against the wall. Everything was her own fault. She screwed things up. She came home with Robin. Realized she loved him. Told him she wanted to start something between them. Then, treated him like a piece of shit on her shoe. She kicked his heart around, yet, funny how hers was the one that was bleeding constantly.
"You know what, Dear?" Cora asked, confusion evident in her voice. Regina raked her hands through her hair and fought the urge to pound her fists against the table.
"I'm a disappointment," Regina stated, as if it was clear as day. As if everyone had known it her whole life. As if it was written in permanent marker on her forehead. Some days, she felt like it was.
Cora's face dropped, hating how Regina described herself. She crossed her arms across her chest and looked seriously at the young woman in front of her.
"Regina, you are not a disappointment. Just because some relationships don't work out does not make you a disappointment," Cora explained, but Regina felt guilt gnaw at her insides. Because she was a disappointment. Why couldn't her mother see that?
She wasn't a little girl anymore. She wasn't the teenager who wanted her own freedom. She wasn't the young woman in her first year at college who was as clueless as ever. She was Regina. She grew up. Moved on. She couldn't keep making mistakes that ruined everyone's lives, including hers.
"It wasn't just some relationship, Mom. Robin…. I love him. And I pushed him away. I said words to him that he can never forgive, and I'm going to have to live with that burden on my shoulders for the rest of my life." Regina looked away from the elder pair of brown eyes she's looked into so many times before, trying to hide her vulnerability.
Regina brushed stubborn hair out of her face, tying it back into a loose ponytail, something she never does. Her legs were shaking, afraid she was about to come face to face with that harsh reality of the world.
"And I didn't only ruin my damn life," Regina chuckled darkly, "I ruined Olivia's, and Zelena's, and Mal's, and yours, and dad's, and Robin's. I can't go back in time and change things. I can't change anything." Regina made fists with her hands, so tired of standing in the way of her own happiness. Happiness she'll never feel, now.
Cora frowned, not even close to understanding how Regina felt. She's never dealt with this kind of pain or loss before, and the only thing she knew how to do was be there for the ones she loved. And now was her time to shine.
"Regina, look at me," Cora ordered, and sluggishly, Regina turned her head to face her mother. Her brown eyes bled into the older ones that have learned so much more over the years than either of them could count.
Cora held Regina's hands, rubbing the back of them with her thumbs, and a sense of nostalgia washed over Regina. To think, months ago, Robin hands were the ones holding hers, putting all her troubles and worries at ease…
"Never think you are a disappointment. Ever. You are so much more than what you give yourself credit for, and you have to remember something…. Everybody makes mistakes. You can't hide or run from them. It's human nature." Cora took a long, deep breath.
"And…..whatever happened between you and Robin, I know you're wrong. You might have said or done things that you regret, and you might think he will never forgive you, but Regina, Robin is in love with you. And when you're in love, you get every single side. The good and the bad, the wrong and the right, the fights and the make ups. I know it doesn't look like it now, but Robin will forgive you."
Regina looked to the side, her eyes glistening with tears threatening to spill over. There were millions of thoughts going through her head, but the one that stood out the most was how much she wished her mother's words were true.
Her mother didn't know anything about her and Robin's relationship. And, sure, Robin could forgive her if they just got into a heated fight, but this was more than that. It was something that couldn't be salvaged.
So, Regina sat in silence, staring at the clock on the wall, wondering if Robin has been kept up at night, wondering if she was silently telling him to come back home…..
…
After a troublesome night, the evening of the Valentine's Day Ball had finally arrived. People all over town were getting ready for it. Kids had the day off of school, as well as elder students, adults had the advantage of missing work, and even Granny's had been closed, Ruby and Granny preparing the food for the special event.
The Mayor's Building had been cleared for the day, the main hall decorated head to toe in red and pink balloons, streamers, flowers, and table cloths, the tables sectioned off around the dance floor. The grand staircase at the entrance overlooked everything, and it was pure beauty. The sight was breathtaking.
Regina knew this, even if she wasn't there yet. It was like that year after year, so what would change now? Exactly. Nothing.
Regina stood in her old room, in front of the mirror, putting on her small diamond earring studs. She wore the black off-the-shoulder dress with part of her hair kept back in a tiny, flower patterned barrette. Regina looked herself over in the mirror and sighed. Something wasn't right…..
And that was when she realized what was missing.
The necklace.
Robin's necklace.
Regina fought back painful memories as she carefully reached into her luggage, to the last pocket hidden from all, as she pulled out the glistening piece of jewelry that meant the world to her.
She hadn't worn it. She hasn't worn it since the day he drove away, brokenhearted. She's been filled with guilt, too much guilt to ever put the chain back around her neck, but now, she needed it.
Because it was proof. Proof that she and Robin had happened. Whether or not under certain circumstances, it happened, and she loved every second of that. His necklace was now a part of her, and she was beginning to understand that it was weaved into her soul.
Just like Robin.
Regina fastened the chain around her neck, smiling smally when she saw how the light reflected it, the beauty shining bright. The only thing she wished was that Robin was there to witness it.
For a few long, silent moments, Regina just stood there, admiring her necklace. She didn't even notice someone stopping by the doorway, staring in surprise.
"Your wearing his necklace," Zelena stated, as if she wasn't surprised at all. Regina turned quickly, her older sister's voice startling her. And if Zelena wasn't shocked, Regina sure was.
She hadn't expected Zelena to talk to her while she stayed, and if she was honest, she was glad her predictions were wrong. She needed her big sister.
"It looks good on you," Zelena complimented as she took a few short strides, making herself welcome in the room. Regina looked down, once again feeling the longing of having Robin in her arms.
"You don't have to baby me, Z. You were right," Regina sighed as she walked slowly over towards her bed, sitting on the edge, not much later, Zelena joining her. Regina put her hands in her lap, playing with her fingers, the nervous energy radiating off of her.
"About what?" Zelena asked, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Regina took a deep breath and looked to the ceiling, finding it harder and harder each time she had to admit how miserably she failed.
"I don't know a good thing when I have it…...that I made the biggest mistake of my life….." Regina whispered, feeling the ghost of Robin dancing around her.
She never wanted much. She had always been grateful for what she had, how she was brought up, how her life had turned out. She's never wanted a different life. She's never wanted anything more than just enough.
Regina's never wanted much.
But right now, she would give anything if Robin walked through the door that very moment. Her heart was pounding, thinking of how he would look at her, what he would do, what he would say. But she knew she would waste no time. She would tell him how she really felt.
And he would break her heart (just like she did his) when he told her he could never forgive her. That he could never take her back. That his heart had already moved on.
But Regina thought about it, and she'd rather live her life knowing Robin knew the truth than living her life knowing Robin knew nothing. It would be better that way.
"What about Daniel?" Zelena asked quietly, and Regina shook her head, her eyes falling back to the floor. God, he was such an ass hole. But, it took one to know one, didn't it?
"That mistake is a close second," Regina rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in front of her body, almost feeling like it somehow protected her from all the shit happening around her.
After a few moments of unsettling silence between the both of them, Zelena wrapped her arm around Regina, and the brunette rested her head on her older sister's shoulder.
"I don't know what to do," Regina mumbled, and Zelena smiled sadly. She knew her sister. Knew how she liked her breakfast, how she liked to dress, what she liked to do or watch or even talk about. She knew every little detail about Regina, and this was the only department she couldn't help her with.
But she could try.
"Tell him," Zelena breathed. She could feel Regina wince, and she wondered just how bad her sister had hurt the man she loved.
"I can't, Z. He'll never forgive me," Regina remembered her conversation with her mother last night, and the truth was, it hadn't helped. Maybe a little bit, the tiny part of her relieved that her parents weren't disappointed in her, but not much. She still felt like a failure. A failure that ruined more lives than just her own.
Zelena sighed with a small shake of her head. Regina and Robin were both stubborn people. But they also loved each other more than anything. Zelena didn't know what happened between them. Not a clue. But she learned that nothing can stop true love.
Robin would eventually forgive her, even if they never could be anything more than friends.
"That's not true, Regina. I only know Robin from what I saw, and what I've seen? Sis, Robin will always forgive you. It doesn't matter how badly you hurt him, or what the circumstances are, Robin will always forgive you and be there for you….." Zelena spoke, and Regina let go of all her thoughts.
She didn't want them anymore. There was only one thing she wanted now, and it could never come true. She was ready to let everything go.
"I want Robin," Regina whined, tears threatening to spill over.
"I know, Regina. I know," Zelena comforted her as she rubbed Regina's back, realizing her sister had finally grown up. She was finally living in the real world. And she had found her.
…..
Robin sighed as he looked out the window. It all looked the same. The trees, the streets, the lights, the decorations, it all looked the same. He needed a change.
He needed a change…..
….
Finally, after the Mills household was ready to leave for the Valentine's Day Parade, they entered the double doors to the Mayor's Building. Cora and Henry were in front, Zelena and Chad following, with Olivia and Regina in the back. Olivia's small hand was clutched in Regina's, and Regina could feel the nerves radiating off of her niece.
But why would she be nervous? Shouldn't she be excited about this ball? It was still only one of her first ones.
"Olivia, are you alright?" Regina asked quietly, and Olivia looked up at her aunt, nodding, her temporary curls bouncing, just like Regina expected Olivia to be.
"Yep," Olivia smiled, and Regina did too. Things were almost feeling normal again. She was talking to her sisters, her parents weren't pissed at her, Olivia still loved her, maybe things would stay good.
"I'm really glad you're here, Aunt Regina. Thank you for keeping our promise," Olivia giggled before she scampered off, seeing her kindergarten friends playing princesses in the far corner.
Obviously, Olivia was just a little kid. She didn't understand or even know those two words would have on her. But Regina was frozen inside, putting on a show for everyone in the outside world.
Our Promise.
"You have to promise me something… No feelings. It is just us, best friends, who are pretending to be a couple for a week. No strings attached. Nothing real,"
"I promise, Love,"
Regina shivered as the ghost of Robin's words filled her memory once again. He promised. He gave up everything just to be with her (but not really) and she gave him every ounce of heartbreak she could manage.
And he wasn't even the one to break their promise. She was.
Was Robin suffering as much as she was?
Was he happier without her?
Was he already moving on, completely forgetting about her?
Regina sighed, feeling her heart crumble, as she walked down the grand staircase, finding her father standing to the side while her mother talked with a friend.
Regina walked over to her dad, and as if a sensor had gone off, Henry turned around on que. Regina smiled, truly, and looked down. Her father always had the best timing.
"There you are. I was beginning to worry you didn't show," Henry smirked, and Regina rolled her eyes with a grin, giving her father a hug. Regina pulled away, looking at the dance floor just to the left of her.
People were everywhere. Smiling, laughing, talking, just having a good time. But that wasn't what really stuck out to Regina. What did….. Everyone had someone. Someone that looked at them like they meant the world to them. Someone who loved them.
"You wanna dance?" Henry asked, and Regina snapped her head back towards her father. She looked at him, his soft, kind features, and nodded her head. Father and daughter strolled out onto the dance floor, Henry's hand holding hers, his other wrapping around to her back.
As they danced to the rhythm of the music, Regina's thoughts started swirling through her mind again. And that's when she realized a vital detail.
"You knew," Regina whispered, and she could feel the nod of her father's head. Regina closed her eyes. How did he know?
"I knew," Henry confirmed, and Regina pulled closer to him, needing to feel the warmth of love. She used to feel it everyday with Robin, and she noticed that as soon as she lost him. He wasn't there to make her smile anymore.
"How?" Regina asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Henry kissed his daughter's hair, knowing how horrible she must feel. But she shouldn't. She had her family. She had a home that she could always run back to. She had him.
"One conversation goes so much further than anyone realizes," Regina winced as she understood what he meant. He had heard their conversation in the hallway the first night they arrived.
"You didn't tell anyone," Regina gasped, surprised. Henry knew the whole time. Knew that she and Robin were not a couple, but friends. And he didn't spill the tea. He kept it to himself. He observed them together, knowing everything he thought he knew was false. Why didn't he tell her?
"I didn't….. I thought you two would make it in the end," Henry whispered, a part of him knowing Regina thought the same.
"You're not the only one," Regina pulled her head back to look her father in his eyes and saw respect. God, how long has it been since someone she cared about has shown respect towards her? Far too long.
"Regina, when you asked me how you know when you're in love…." Henry took a deep breath, preparing his words, "I didn't want to rush you, and I didn't want to scare you, but Sweetheart, I knew you were in love with Robin. And I tried to point you towards him. I tried so hard, And I feel like it's my fault." Regina's eyes widened in shock, then, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"Dad, this is not your fault. If anything, it's mine. And now, I have to find a way to make everything better again….. And you were right, by the way. I am in love with Robin," Regina admitted, and it felt so good to get it off her chest. It felt good to stop lying to her parents. To everyone.
Henry smiled, "I'm glad you figured it out,"
….
It had been a long night. A very long, hurtful, tiring night. The ball was almost over, and Regina could have sworn she had heard every song in the history of music. People had come up to her, asked her how she was, how Robin was, and even though she knew it wasn't right, she didn't have the heart to tell anyone else her relationship had failed. So she smiled through every painful question, remembering Robin would want her to be happy.
She had danced with her father a few more times, then Zelena, and Chad, and of course, Olivia. Graham had asked for a dance, but she didn't accept, and he completely understood. The rest of the night, Regina stood silently, watching happy faces twirl into the night. She listened to every lyric of every song played, noticed the smallest details in all of the decorations, complimented every beautiful dress she saw in her head, and watched others preparing the food and serving it.
It wasn't a total disaster. She hadn't spent the whole night in her own head. She had some fun, caught up with old friends, and talked with her family. Everything had went well. Regina was pulled out of her thoughts on the subject when she heard a high pitch squeal, her eyes instantly going towards her adorable, breathtaking niece.
Regina was facing the dance floor, smiling, watching Olivia and another little guy dancing with her. She was sure she would hear all about it, how she was in love and how she couldn't wait to see him again. And Regina couldn't wait. She loved being an aunt.
Regina sighed as she crossed her arms lightly around her body, allowing herself to close her eyes, to just let go for the first time since she had left Robin. Maybe if she came to peace with herself, she could come to peace with the situation. And then, she would try to get Robin back.
Regina was on the opposite side than her parents, and maybe, just maybe, if her attention wasn't so focused to Olivia, across the room, she would have seen her mother's wide-eyed expression, looking as if she was in disbelief, and her father's proud smile behind her.
…
Cora and Henry were talking, talking about what would happen with Regina after this, when Cora stopped, completely shocked at what she was seeing. Her hand traveled to Henry's wrist, squeezing it a bit, making sure she wasn't seeing things herself.
"Henry," Cora gasped, and her husband followed her line of eyesight to the very man he and Regina had just been talking about not even hours ago. And all Henry could do was smile.
….
He didn't know what he was doing. All he knew was that the change he needed had lead him here. He hadn't thought about the consequences, or the reactions, or the talk that would spread. All he thought about was Regina.
He didn't think when he set foot in his car, or when his phone had went off like wild, or when he crossed the townline. He didn't think at all.
Robin walked down the grand staircase, searching for the beautiful brunette that still had his heart after all the things they've been through. He was dressed in the suit he had bought for him, and it still reminded him of her. Maybe tonight, after some amazing miracle, he could convince Regina he was good enough for her.
Robin frantically started looking for Regina in the big crowd of fancy dresses and poofy ball gowns, and that's when he remembered the night when Robin had called him, complaining .
"If I ever go to another damn ball, I am not wearing a ball gown. I've seen far too many that anyone should have to,"
Who knew late night talks would come in so useful at such an amazing time?
And that's when he finally found Regina, standing all alone, at the side. He made his way to her and stopped just shortly before her. He stood behind her, smiling brightly.
He was nervous. Scared out of his mind. But finally seeing her again, not in a forced work area, it was exhilarating.
Here goes nothing.
…
Regina smiled as she watched Olivia dancing around in circles, her eyes wide and excited and full of magic. She was glad this was a good experience for one of them.
Regina let her arms fall to her side and let go of a breath she didn't know she was holding. Somehow, in just a second, she felt so much…..better. More alive. More like when Robin was around.
Regina was just about to turn back around, get ready to leave, when a voice behind her made her stop.
"You never were much for dancing,"
Regina froze on the spot, the English accent she's craved more and more during the past months putting her at ease at the same time it made her heart beat out of her chest. You're just imagining things, Regina. He's not here. He's not really here.
Regina turned around slowly, waiting for disappointment, waiting for Robin's presence to vanish before her. But instead, she wasn't greeted with the teasing ghost of him, but Robin himself.
He was here.
He was really here.
"Robin," Regina breathed, her mind still in disbelief that her best friend (if you could still call him that) was standing in front of her, smiling as if she had done nothing to break him to pieces.
Robin smiled sadly as he took a step forward, holding his hand out to her. Crystal blue eyes met mesmerizing chocolate brown ones, and without a word, without a single conversation, Regina took Robin's hand as he led her to the dance floor.
Regina was sure everyone was talking. She was sure everyone was talking and staring, but she couldn't care less, for the only ones in the world now were her and Robin. How was he here? Why was he here? How did he know? How did he still look at her like she held his world in the palm of her hands? Why did she wish he did hers?
Robin and Regina found the middle of the dance floor, Robin's hand finding his way to hers, his other placed on her waist. Regina let out a shaky breath as she laid her head down by Robin's shoulder, him holding her close. Closer than he's ever held her before.
In the background, Regina could partially make out the lyrics of Ed Sheeran's Give Me Love, but didn't care. All she could hear was Robin's heartbeat mixed with her own, and it made butterflies swarm in her stomach just thinking about it. A love shared with Robin. God.
As the chorus ended, the second verse starting, Regina couldn't stand the silence anymore. Robin had traveled all this way, and she didn't even know why. Was he still in love with her? Did he forgive her? Or did he come to tell her it was okay? That breaking his heart was for the best? Or even worse…...was this goodbye?
"Robin….. What are you doing here?" Regina's voice cracked at the end, Robin hearing all the emotion and vulnerableness flowing out of it. And he pondered if their split was effecting her as much as it was affecting him.
Robin held Regina close, his voice so close to her ear, she got goosebumps.
"I wasn't going to come….. Not when….." Not when you're with the person who left you with nothing, when I would have given you everything. Robin closed his eyes, pain filling his heart once again, and Regina could feel the amount of hurt he felt. It shattered her every bit of hope just like that.
Robin sighed and regained his thoughts, composing a sentence he knew he could get through.
"Olivia called," Robin whispered, and Regina closed her eyes, letting them open seconds later. Olivia had called Robin. Of course she had. Olivia did exactly what she should have done from the very beginning. Olivia talked to Robin.
Moments of potential silence passed, and Regina pulled her head away from Robin's shoulder, looking him in the eyes, her glassy ones almost unreadable. But after so much time of doing so, Robin would never not be able to read the person he loved the most.
"Robin, I'm so sorry," Regina cried, a tear falling down the side of her cheek. Robin looked down, the words stinging his soul in the worst way possible. He wanted to wipe that tear off her cheek. He wanted to tell her everything was okay. That he still loved her. That everything could go back to normal.
But it couldn't. It wasn't Robin's job anymore to comfort her.
"Regina," God, she just realized how much she missed her name rolling off his tongue, "Please, don't say that just because I'm here….. I can handle it." And those words hurt even more.
"I, I don't care about what happened. I just want you to be happy….. I've always wanted that," Robin added, and more tears spilled from Regina's eyes. She wanted to be happy. God knows she wanted to, but that wasn't possible. Not without Robin.
"I'm not with Daniel," Regina blurted out before she had a chance to stop herself, and she could feel Robin tense at the mention of her ex's name. If only he knew it made her sick to her stomach to even think about the time she spent with Daniel.
"Don't lie to me," Robin pleaded, putting a little space between them now. Regina frowned, wondering how hard she must've hurt him to make him think he wasn't good enough for her. God, maybe everyone was wrong. Maybe, maybe Robin would never forgive her.
"I'm not," Regina croaked, her voice giving out on her when she needed it the most. She felt Robin wince, and she wanted to cry. What had she done?
Robin tried. He tried so hard to keep it together. But he was sure he would lose it eventually. Regina didn't know he knew. She didn't know he knew she had finally made things work with her true love. Robin was going to be sick.
"I saw you… I saw you with him, Regina," Robin whispered, and before he could put any more space between them, Regina closed the gap, once again feeling his heartbeat mix with hers. She chuckled lightheartedly, and Robin's heart stopped. She was laughing. At him. He was such a fool.
But Regina's next words surprised him.
"Robin," Why did his name have to sound like heaven coming from her, Robin thought as he felt Regina's hand wrap around his neck. "It's not what you think…. It was goodbye."
"Why?" Robin asked, the insecure part of him coming out for a bit. The one that knew he would never get a chance with Regina, but wished it to be false one hundred percent. Hope filled his body, and he thought he could feel in deep in his lungs, breathing in the fierce emotion.
"I don't love Daniel," Regina whispered, Robin spinning her around, following everyone else on the dance floor. When they came back together, they were closer than ever. Regina missed this. So damn much.
But she also hated this. She used to be so close to Robin. She used to know what he was feeling and when he would feel it just by looking at him, and now, his crystal blue eyes were unreadable to her. She had no idea how he was feeling, what thoughts were going through his head.
Robin's heart was pounding. He was sure it would give out in any given second. He stared at Regina, not letting himself get too close once again. Last time, he got attached. And Regina, she definitely did not. He needed to remember he needed to keep his distance.
He needed to remember he was leaving the very next morning, leaving town, leaving the painful memories, leaving Regina. But all he could think about was how Regina had gone from being in love with Daniel to not in a matter of months.
He was afraid to ask. He didn't want to ask. He needed to get out of here.
"You don't?" Robin asked stupidly, not believing her. Regina closed her eyes, shaking her head. She knew she shouldn't have, because as soon as she did, Robin closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh, but it was a force of habit. Regina played with the hair on the back of Robin's hair, trying to calm him. God, she was so far gone.
"I never did….. It just took me longer than it should have to realize that….. But," Regina took a deep breath, and once again, blue eyes met brown. She could practically see the anxiousness radiating off of Robin, and she felt better knowing she would make it vanish soon enough.
"But?" Robin asked, their bodies so close together. Closer than they've been in months. Closer than they've been since their parting. Regina breathed in and almost lost her mind when she inhaled the scent of forest. The same scent that never left her childhood room or apartment. But it wasn't the same. Because Robin was actually here. It was even better.
"I'm in love with someone else," Regina's voice trembled at the end, her eyes looking back and forth between his, trying to find a hint of anything in them. Robin's mind was racing. What was happening? What did she mean? Had she already found a new love in another? Had she already replaced everything in her life so effortlessly? Or…..
"Regina," Robin sighed, about to tell her he was wrong, that he couldn't handle it, couldn't handle hearing he would never be good enough for her or her heart, when Regina spoke quietly.
"I love you. I'm in love with you, Robin," Regina finally admitted the truth she's been so afraid of letting go. But it was true. She was in love with Robin. She's always been.
Regina saw Robin's body internally going into overdrive, and she tried everything she could to get him to understand. To understand he was the one she wanted. No one else. Ever.
"Robin, I'm in love with you. I've been in love with you since I met you, and I can't believe it took me this long to figure it out, but the past months without you was living hell, and I can't do it anymore. I just can't. I need you. I love you." Regina was desperate now, the pain of not knowing how he felt killing her slowly.
Robin stood there, holding her close to him, almost as if he had never been there at all. Regina's nerves were beginning to get the best of her, and she was about to plead him to be with her, to not leave her, when Robin crashed his mouth to hers, their lips pressed together, Regina letting out a relieved sound as she wrapped her arms around his neck, Robin hand's going to her waist.
Regina pulled Robin closer to her, and when they needed breath greatly, they pulled apart, Regina resting her forehead against Robin's, holding his face in both her hands. She rubbed her thumbs across his stubble and smiled to herself, missing the feeling of it. Missing him.
"I don't want to be just another guy, Regina," Robin breathed, the hot air so close to her lips, If we're going to do this….. If we're really going to do this, you have to be sure about it….. You have to be sure I'm the one you want….. The only one you want." Robin breathed, his grip on her waist growing stronger, and Regina craved to be in his arms.
Regina nodded her head, kissing his cheek.
"You're the only one I want, Robin…. And I'll do anything it takes to make sure you know that." Robin smiled. Regina did too. For the first time in such a long time, they were both happy. A feeling that has been vacant to both of them for quite a while.
Robin smiled even more, using one of his hands to tuck her hair behind her ear, and she blushed, the feeling of him so much better than anything else she's ever felt.
"And Regina?" Robin smiled, and Regina grinned, humming in response. Robin leaned in closer to her, his words just ghosting her lips.
"I love you too," Regina chuckled lovingly as she kissed Robin, holding him like her life depended on it. And it did.
That was something they would both realize as time went on. They were in love. They were happy. They were everything everyone wished they had.
They weren't perfect though. And even though they knew there would be ups and downs, they would go through it.
Together.
That's it guys! Our Promise is finally finished! Thank you so much for all the love and support this story has received. I couldn't have asked for better fans! :) And now... How about a sequel?
Please let me know if you would like me to write a sequel! I have so much planned already for our favorite couple, and I would love to see if you guys are interested in continuing their love story! Once again, thank you guys so much! I hope you fell in love with this story as much as I did! :)
- Outlawqueen86869