A/N-To the guest review, you have your opinion on Robin and I have my own. Nothing wrong with either. This is and angst story and things will soon take another turn.
Regina plunged into the heat of Robin's kiss, seeking his tongue with hers, and he obliged her with strong, heated licks. His arms tightened, crushing her against his torso, aligning their hips. Need soaked her senses as his hard ridge nudged her. She moved one of her hands to cup the back of his neck as his hand snaked around the small of her back, settling on her butt, cupping it lightly.
Their mouths were perfectly aligned, open and fed on the other. Eagerly, she slid her tongue along his, inviting him deeper. He delved willingly, exploring leisurely because this was Regina finally opening herself up to him. The taste of her sang through his veins and instead of weakening him, she gave him strength. Enough strength to fight for her, to make sure she would never again doubt that she would always come first with him.
In Regina's mind, she was weightless in his arms, he always made her feel weak in the knees. From their first kiss to this one, a feeling of calm and security surrounded her. Her baby. Their baby. It had recognized it's father from the beginning, and now was not any different. How was she going to be able to fight against Robin and their child wanting to be near him. She had to put an end to this or she was going to loose her heart to him again, and now with Daniel...Daniel!
Regina pulled back from his kiss and looked up at his penetrating blue eyes as he looked down at her. "This can't happen again."
"Regina, why? I know you still care about me, and I know it's only the hurt that is keeping you from letting me back into your life. I love you Regina. I have loved you for such a long time, you sneaked into my heart so quickly and even in the missing year, you were always in my thoughts, you were basically in my veins and I do not want to let you out." Robin said.
"It doesn't change anything," Regina said. "You can't take back, telling another woman that you were in love with her. How was that even fair if Marian had been Marian? Do you know what it's like for someone to tell you that they love you when in fact they don't? And let's not forget that line of yours you used on me, how that the best example you could set for Roland would be to live truthfully? So tell me was living with Marian living a lie or was it the truth? If she had been Marian, I have no doubts whatsoever you would be back in New York with her. You only come crawling to me when you're confused, when you don't know what to do."
Robin listened to her words, really listened to her words. And as much as he hated to admit it, some of them rung very true. He had been foolish to think he could rebuild a life with Marian, how it would be the honorable thing to do. Yes Marian had given up everything to be with him way back, but was it right to tell her he was in love with her when he wasn't? Was it fair to anyone? His heart belonged to Regina, and he should have been man enough to tell Marian about loosing her, about meeting and falling in love with Regina. But instead he had taken the easy road and hurt Regina, tremendously in doing so. He hadn't called her, he had almost called her one night but stopped. He hadn't even called her to let her know that they were settled in the apartment in New York.
"You're right. I'm sorry, I screwed up immensely. If I had it to do over again, I should have talked with Marian, who I thought was Marian. I never should have try to rebuild a relationship where I wasn't in love with the other person. And for that I will regret what I did, to you and to both of us," Robin said as one of his hands lowered to her stomach. "If I had listened to my heart, this child might be mine."
"Well it's not, and the sooner you accept it and move on, the better you will be," Regina said as she pulled his hand from her stomach. She felt a jump of magic going through her veins and knew her child was not happy with her.
"That's just it, Regina. I can't seem to move forward in my life. I can't imagine a life without you in it. I want our lives together, our future together. If you didn't want me in your life then you wouldn't have responded to my kiss like you did just now," Robin said.
"It's just attraction, maybe that was what it always was," Regina said.
"Don't like to me, and more importantly don't lie to yourself," Robin said as he took her cheeks in his hands to get her to look at him. "I love you. You. I'm going to tell you every day for the rest of my life. And I'll never let you ever doubt this ever again, I'm going to always put you first, you and our children, our family."
"We're not going to be together, I finally have the love of my life back," Regina said, thinking about Daniel.
"I know you loved him, I know you only brought him back because you wanted to hurt me," Robin said.
"How dare you! I love him, we're going to have a life together finally," Regina said.
"Does he know about the baby you're going to have with Jefferson?" Robin asked.
"Yes, he does. And he's going to be the father to my baby," Regina said pulling away from him, her temper getting riled up again.
"And what does Jefferson think of this?" Robin asked.
"That's really none of your business anymore," Regina said.
Robin was so frustrated beyond belief. He wanted her to let her walls down for just a little while, just enough to get her to see reason. "Regina please let me prove that I can be the man that you want, the only one who will put you first always."
"I already have that now," Regina said as she turned from him to see Daniel standing on the staircase. He slowly made his way down the stairs to stand beside her.
"I'm sorry," Regina said to Daniel.
"It's alright, I know he meant something to you at one time," Daniel said as he looked at Robin.
"Might I have a word with you? Alone?" Robin asked.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Regina said.
"It's alright, I'll be in a minute," Daniel said as Regina reluctantly went inside the house, leaving the two men outside.
"You know I'm in love with her?" Robin asked.
"Yes, I'm aware," Daniel replied.
"And you know she's in love with me too?" Robin asked.
"I can sense that," Daniel said.
"Then you also know she's just fighting her feelings for me, because I messed up our relationship?" Robin said.
"That may very well be true, but if I know Regina, she's not going to give in very easily," Danie said.
"I know she loved you, but I'm not going to give up fighting for her," Robin said.
"I have no doubt you're not going anywhere," Daniel said.
"I just wanted you to know where I stand on this," Robin said.
"Thank you for the clarification then," Daniel said. "Now if there is nothing else, I need to go back inside." Robin stared at Daniel a few seconds before he turned and walked down the walkway.
Daniel watched till he was gone before going back inside the house. Regina was standing in the hallway as he came in.
"What happened?" Regina asked.
"He just wanted to make sure I knew about your feelings for one another," Daniel said.
"He had no right to do that," Regina said.
"He had ever right Regina," Daniel said. "Regina, you're in love with him. You know it, and he knows it, and even I know it. Somehow I can feel it."
Regina lowered her gaze from Daniel before she said anything. "It's because you have a part of my heart...literally. To bring you back, when I cast the spell, I tore out a small piece of my heart to put inside you. You evidently can feel my emotions. I'm sorry."
"There is nothing to be sorry about, I begged you that day in the stables to love again. I never wanted you to mourn me forever, I wanted you to find a love and be in love. I feel very blessed that you did," Daniel said.
"Daniel, I do love you," Regina said.
"I know you do, as I love you. But we're not in love with each other anymore. You fell in love, and while I will love you forever, I know that your heart finally found the right one," Daniel said.
"So what do we do now?" Regina asked.
"Regina, I know you brought me back to put a barrier between you and Robin, you didn't have to tell me. But I would like to build a life here in this town, and have you as my very close friend again," Daniel said as he opened his arms to her.
Tears were in her eyes for this man, this man that she had once loved very much. She closed the gap between them and went into his arms and hugged him back. "Always."
A couple of weeks passed by, Regina had found work for Daniel, working at the stable. He was a riding instructor, he also had a room at Granny's where he now lived. He didn't feel right living in Regina's house now. They had lunch a few times a week together, usually in her office. Regina's pregnancy was thriving, if you call thriving throwing up every morning, sometimes even in the afternoons. But now there was a small bump on the lower part of her belly, she would often have her hand there rubbing it, as if to make sure it was there.
Robin was still trying to get back with her, but for now she was able to keep space between them. The baby on the other hand had other ideas, whenever Robin would come by, either at her office or at her home, the baby would sometimes makes its presence known. Like one time it had caused fireflies to appear in her office, hundreds of them, only to disappear moments later. Then there was the time when Robin had brought Roland by to see her, they had been in the backyard when bubbles had appeared out of nowhere, Roland had enjoyed chasing after them, popping them.
"It's the baby doing this?" Robin had asked.
She had nodded and said, "Yes."
"Is Jefferson supporting you through this pregnancy?" Robin had asked.
"Yes, between him and Daniel, I'm well supported," Regina said.
"I could support you as well, if you would only let me," Robin had said. Regina had not replied that night, with Roland there he had not kissed her good night. Not on the lips anyways, but instead on her hand before he left her house.
Today she was on her way to see Doctor Whale for a check up with the pregnancy, she was still in her first trimester, about to enter into her second. Daniel was with her today, for support. As she was called back to the back by the nurse, she almost bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry, I-" Regina said as she looked into those blue eyes of his, Robin's eyes.
"Hello, Regina. Is everything alright?" Robin asked as he looked her over, making sure she was okay as far as he could tell.
"I'm fine. We're just here for a check up is all. Why are you here?" Regina asked.
"Roland, he fell and hurt his arm a little bit," Robin said.
"Where, where is he?" Regina asked, clearly alarmed.
"They just took him into a room for an x-ray," Robin said as he then only noticed Daniel there.
"I want to see him, can I see him?" Regina asked.
"You don't have to ask. They should be bringing him into the room any moment," Robin said as he motioned where their waiting room was.
"Go into my room, and I'll be right there," Regina said as Daniel nodded before leaving. Regina then followed Robin into the room.
"It's good to see you. I do have to say, you look a little pale. Have you been sick?" Robin asked as he put a hand on her arm.
"Just a little morning sickness, actually a lot, but it's worth it," Regina said as she put a hand on her stomach.
Just as Robin was about to say anything, a nurse came in carrying Roland back into the room. Upon seeing Regina he yelled. "Regina! I hurt my arm." He said as he put his arms out for her to carry him.
"Roland, Regina can't-" Robin was saying.
"I can, here." Regina said as she took Roland into her arms. He slightly cried into her shoulder, his arm was hurting so much right now. He was growing up so fast these days. She walked over to the table and put him down on it.
"The doctor will be in to put a cast on it," the nurse said as she left the room.
"No reason for a cast," Regina said as she put a hand up over Roland's arm but stopped and looked at Robin. "That is if you don't mind."
"I trust you," Robin said as Regina then continued and used her magic on Roland's arms, his slight sniffles going away.
"You healed it! It doesn't hurt anymore," Roland said as he put his small arms around Regina's neck.
"Of course I did, anything for my little knight," Regina said.
The door opened up behind them and in walked Doctor Whale. "Regina, Daniel told me I could find you here. Is the little boy alright?"
"I'm all better! Regina healed me right up," Roland said.
"Well good. Now I would like to get started on your check up Regina," Doctor Whale said as he left the room.
"Are you sick, Regina?" Roland asked.
"No, not at all, sweetheart. I here just to get a monthly check up for my baby," Regina said as she saw Roland's eyes dart to her stomach.
"You got a bump there now, is that the baby?" Roland asked.
"Yes, yes it is," Regina said as Roland put a hand out to touch her. What was it with these Hood men and her belly? She gently placed it on where the small bump was.
"I can't feel anything, isn't it moving?" Roland asked.
"Not for some time," Regina said as she smiled at him. Just then the room filled up with a white glowing light from above them, it slowed then started to fade.
"Was that the baby as well?" Robin asked.
"I think so," Regina said.
"Your baby has magic?" Roland asked.
"Yes, it does," Regina answered.
"When will it be done cooking?" Roland asked, causing both Robin and Regina to laugh.
"Well, Roland, it's not going to be ready for several more months. But I promise that as soon as it's old enough to play with you, you two will," Regina said as Roland lowered his head and nodded.
"Roland, what's wrong?" Robin asked.
"I just wished it was my brother," Roland said. His words causing his father to agree with whole heartedly, if only it was Roland's sibling, their lives would be so much easier. Robin knew that if the baby was his, Regina would have him in her life, he would be the one in there with her for her appointments, he would be there holding her hair as she was sick in the mornings.
"So do I, Roland," Robin said quietly.
Regina could feel the weight of her guilt bearing down on her for keeping this from not just Robin but Roland as well. She had to get out of here before she broke and told them the truth.
"I better be getting to my appointment, you take care Roland," Regina said as she kissed his forehead before turning to leave. As she left the room, she felt Robin's hand on her elbow.
"Regina, I would love to come to one of your appointments, please," Robin said.
He looked so...so in love. He was practically begging her to be there for her. How could she tell him no, that he couldn't? But if she gave in, then it would start the bonding process for them. And she was already bonded with their child, everyday it was a blessed reminder of it's father.
"It's really not appropriate, I couldn't let you take the place of Jefferson or Daniel, since they'll be acting as the baby's father," Regina said, hating herself for lying like this to him. But she had to protect her heart from him hurting her again.
"So both of them will be the baby's father?" Robin asked, crushed because he so wanted the job. And the only job. He knew he wasn't the father, the test results confirmed it. But his heart still ached to be the father to her child, he didn't know how it would ever stop aching. He wanted that baby so bad to be his little boy or his little girl, a little brother or little sister to Roland.
He wanted to be angry at Regina for sleeping with Jefferson and by doing so, making Jefferson the father. But he couldn't, he knew he would be a hypocrite if he did after Regina had had to go through his suppossed sleeping with his Zelena. He still had to wonder if them being soulmates, of finally finding one another and maybe sharing a true love kiss or even he guessed making love with their soulmate, had unbroken Regina's potion of infertility on her. If it had, then shouldn't he be the father?
"Jefferson and Daniel, have talked and the three of us will work this out," Regina said, feeling very guilty.
"Regina, I know I'm repeating myself, but I love you and I love your baby. I'll never stop giving up on us, not even the day I die," Robin said as Regina could only nod and head to her room. Once inside she leaned back against the door, and closed her eyes and broke out into tears, the guilt was tearing her apart.
"Regina, are you alright?" Daniel asked as he came to her and gathered her in his arms.
"I can't keep this up, Daniel. It kills me to lie to him like this," Regina said.
"Then you should tell him the truth, he will be hurt yes, but if I suspect he will forgive you," Daniel said.
"He'll hate me," Regina said.
"No he won't, the man could never hate you," Daniel reassured her.
"Yes he will, keeping his baby from him is not something he'll just get over," Regina said.
"Regina, you have to trust him. Tell him the truth," Daniel said as a few moments later, Doctor Whale entered the room and performed some tests on her, he did an ultrasound of the baby.
"It's so tiny," Daniel said as he looked at the picture, he was blown away with what they could do now with medicine.
"It's going to get bigger," Regina said laughing as she wiped away some tears as she looked at her tiny baby.
After the appointment was over Daniel walked Regina home, and told her to rest for the evening while he went to finish at the stables. On his way he ran into Robin.
"How is she?" Robin asked, not wasting any time.
"She's tired, she's had a long day. How is your son?" Daniel asked.
"He's fine, Regina healed him. How is the baby?" Robin asked as his heart skipped a beat as he thought of the child growing inside of Regina's womb.
"It's fine, growing very strong like it's father," Daniel said as he pulled out a picture that Regina had given him. He then handed it to Robin. He watched the other man's face light up as he saw where the arrow was drawn to indicate the baby's location. He watched as Robin's finger touched where the baby was on the picture. Robin then took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"They's both healthy?" Robin asked.
"Mother and child are very healthy, she's sick in the mornings and sometimes in the afternoons, but that will pass as the baby gets older," Daniel said.
Robin was getting upset as he thought of everything he was missing out on. Not being there for these appointments with her, not physically being there as she was sick, not seeing her stomach grow as the baby got bigger. He turned and quickly left Daniel standing there, he still had the picture in his hand as he made his way to the Rabbit Hole for a drink.
An hour later, Robin was in the process of getting drunk, very drunk. Will and Little John found him in the bar, and were trying to get him to go home.
"I'm fine, so why don't you two leave me alone," Robin said as he slurred his words.
"Robin, you're not fine. I've never seen you like this," Little John said.
"I've never felt like this, that should be my baby," Robin said as he pointed to the image on the picture.
"Mate, doesn't it help that as long as they are both okay-" Will was saying.
"Nothing is ever going to be enough! I lost the love of my life and the child that should have been mine! Haven't you ever felt like you've just lost the world?" Robin asked loudly to Will.
Will looked at him as he thought of how he had felt when he had lost Ana. He turned to the bartender and said. "A shot of whiskey for me."
"Not you too," Little John said.
"When you get your heart broke mate, you tell me how to act, until then," Will said as he took a drink. Half an hour later, Robin and Will were propped up against the bar on the floor as they toasted their drinks.
"To finding the love of your life, only to loose her," Robin said.
"I'll drink to that," Will said as they clinked glasses. Will refilled their shot glasses. "To queens who fall for thieves but are too damn stubborn."
"And I'll drink to that," Robin said as they took another drink. Robin then refilled their glasses."To queens who take your breath away."
"Along with your heart," Will said as once again they took another drink.
Little John could just shake his head as he looked at them both, both sloppy drunk. He knew in the morning, they both would feel the after affects of this night.
"To...to...to Ana and Regina, may you both come to your senses soon and give your thieves another chance," Will said as both men clinked their glasses and took another shot. Will then refilled their glasses.
"To queens who had a beautiful smile, that you think about every time you close your eyes," Robin said.
"And a deadly one," Will said as they took one last drink before both men passed out. The bar's door opened and in walked Friar Tuck.
"Well it's about time you got here," Little John said as Tuck lifted Will over his shoulder while, Little John got Robin. They slowly made their way back to the campsite, Tuck got Will into his tent, while Little John was putting Robin in his. Roland was safely asleep in Little John's tent, blissfully unaware of his father state.
A few hours later, Robin woke up still slightly intoxicated, he decided to go for a walk to try to clear his head. He grabbed his bow and arrow as was his habit and started to walk, he came to a clearing and he leaned up against a tree, closing his eyes as his head pounded.
He opened his eyes as he heard the sounds of a horse's footsteps, Robin looked into the clearing at the edge of the forest and saw a man on horseback riding. He saw the man dismount and when he turned, Robin saw that it was Daniel.
Here was the man who had been Regina's first love, the man who she cast a curse for, for revenge. The man she brought back from the dead recently, the man she still had some feelings for. The man who was there for her when she had doctor's appointments, and held her hand or touched her belly where Regina's child lay.
Before Robin knew what he was doing he had an arrow knocked and was pulling the arrow back, he had it aimed at Daniel's back. One release of the arrow and the man would be out of Regina's life...out of their lives...