CHAPTER 21

It took two difficult weeks and finally Dr. Horowitz told Robin he could go home. It was the last week of school as well so Emma volunteered to pick Robin up and bring him to the cabin late Thursday morning. His favorite nurse Philip walked them out and helped him get into Emma's cruiser and told Robin he'd see him in a few days at the house for physical therapy. They'd become fast friends and Robin was already looking forward to Philip's visit. He was happy to have another man to talk to because there were so many things constantly going through his mind. He was lucky Philip had been assigned to his case. So far, he loved all his doctors and that also included Dr. Archie Hopper as well. Once they were on the road; Emma started talking immediately "I miss you at the station. I hope you can come back to work part-time. It's so boring without you," she admitted somberly.

Robin chuckled "I'm sure you're surviving."

"Yeah I guess," she said shrugging.

"I am thinking of coming back part-time but I'm not sure where. I'll have to speak to David about that in a few weeks," he said. "How's Henry?"

She smiled "He's in love with photography. I'm so proud of him." They chatted about the boys and then finally they pulled up to Robin's cabin. Emma helped him into the wheelchair and got him inside and then went back out to the car to retrieve everything else. He went into the kitchen immediately and she offered to make them something for lunch "Regina went shopping. So you have everything you need. I can make soup and sandwiches," she suggested.

"That sounds good," he said as he pulled up to the counter and watched her start fixing the soup. She put the cold cuts on the counter and Robin started making the sandwiches.

Once they were sitting down at the dining room table she cleared her throat "So, is Regina going to stay with you? Have you guys talked about that yet?"

"No, not really but we'll probably just keep doing the same thing. She'll stay here once in a while but I'll make sure she gets alone time."

"Between you and me; she is over the moon that you are home."

"I feel the same," he said softly.

"I'm going to take Roland for the weekend so you two can spend some time together. I'll come back tonight after dinner and pick him up."

"Don't they have school tomorrow?"

"Only a half day. I'll drive them."

"Well, alright if you're sure," he said as he sipped his soup.

"I'm sure."

"Does Regina know," he asked.

"Yes, so you have her to yourself for the whole weekend."

"Okay . . ."

"What's wrong," Emma asked.

"Nothing at all; I appreciate it. I'll bring my bowl to the kitchen," he said as he left the room. Emma shrugged and finished her sandwich and then cleared the rest of the table. She stood in the doorway and watched Robin; she couldn't help but think he looked upset but she didn't want to push or smother him.

She leaned against the counter "I'm going to head out but I'll be back later to get Roland," she said.

"Okay, I would walk you out but . . ."

She shook her head "Bye partner," she said as she leaned down kissed his cheek and gave him a quick hug.

"Be careful," he yelled after her.

"I will," she hollered back. When Robin heard the front door close he hightailed it to his room . . . he had an important call to make before Regina and Roland got home from school.

When they walked into the cabin Roland called for his father and he yelled that he was in his bedroom. Roland walked in and started talking to Robin immediately but Regina had to lean against the door jamb in order to avoid falling over. He was doing crunches and only wearing workout shorts. She bit her lip and ran a hand through her hair. Robin sat against the bed and wiped his forehead "Pop, I'm going to Henry's tonight but I'm staying for dinner."

"Oh' yeah I thought maybe we could order Chinese since it's my first night home," he said as he glanced into Regina's eyes. He smiled at her and she nodded "Will you go order the food Son?"

"Sure and I'll take a shower too. I have to pack a bag also," he said as he ran out of the room.

"You know . . . I can't help but notice that you kind of have a staring problem milady," Robin teased as he motioned for her to sit with him.

She laughed "Stop being so cocky," she said as she sat in front of him.

"So, I heard I have you all to myself for the whole weekend," he whispered as he placed a hand on the side of her face. She smiled and he didn't wait; he leaned in to take her mouth and their lips met. As they kissed his fingers drifted into her hair and their tongues clashed. It was the most intense kiss they'd shared in weeks and Regina moaned and scooted closer. Robin roughly pulled her onto his lap and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She couldn't help but move her hips slightly and he groaned as she deepened the kiss. She was startled when she felt him get hard and she pulled away from him "What is it," he said softly as he stared into her face.

She licked her lips "Oh' I wasn't expecting you to get excited or rather . . ." She looked down at his lap and so did he "This is going to be interesting," she said as she placed her forehead against his. He nodded and she scooted off his lap and stood "Do you need help," she asked.

"No, I'm going to change and I'll be out in a few minutes," he replied as he lifted himself up carefully onto the bed. Regina went out to the kitchen and set the dining room table and Roland finally emerged from the bedroom dressed in pajamas carrying his bag. A few minutes later; the food arrived and Robin came out and sat at the table with them. Roland plated everyone's food and began to chat about school and working at the YMCA over the summer. He was excited to be a counselor and Regina assured him she'd drive him. She couldn't help but watch her boyfriend. Regina noticed how much happier he seemed to be home – he was practically glowing. Again he caught her staring; he always did and she scooped rice into her mouth and then took a sip of water. When she glanced up again he was still smiling at her and she bit her lip and smiled "Is that good," Robin asked her.

"Yes," she said softly.

Roland shook his head "Thank God I'm getting out of here for a few days. You guys are being way too mushy," he teased.

Regina stood and began to clear the table "Smart ass," she whispered as she headed to the kitchen.

She heard Robin say "Don't tease us. We've been lonely and miserable for weeks," he said seriously to his son.

"Sorry Pop. I'm only joking."

"I know. It's alright. There is going to be a lot of adjusting going on in this house."

"I know but Gina and I will help."

"Yes, we will," she said coming back into the dining room. "Will you finish," she asked him.

"Sure," Roland replied as he went into the kitchen.

"Will you do me a favor and get my walker from the bedroom there is something I want to try," Robin said. She did what he asked and then he went next to the sofa and Regina put it in front of him "I want to try an exercise that Philip taught me. All you have to do is hold the walker and I'll try to pull myself up." She stood in front of him and Robin tried standing up a few times but didn't have much luck. He took a break and then tried again. He managed to partially stand and then had to sit back down "I'm done. That's tiring," he said. She sat on the sofa and he stayed in his wheelchair until the doorbell rang; Emma and Henry had arrived. They all talked for a few minutes and then finally the three of them left and Robin sat back and closed his eyes – they were alone. For the first time since before the shooting they were completely alone and he was terrified. He couldn't stop thinking about being with her but he was nervous. It's what he had talked to Archie about earlier. He'd promised the doctor he'd talk to Regina about his feelings and he meant it. It was just a matter of timing and he knew he had to have a conversation with her tonight.

She reached for his hand "Do you want to take a shower? I can try to help."

"Well, I can't wheel myself in there so I'll have to take a bath."

She smiled "I can take a bath with you – if you want."

He cleared his throat "Yes, but it won't be pretty. I'll have to climb in and out of the tub."

"Okay."

They were both startled by Robin's phone ringing on the living room table and he picked it up "Hello, Doc. How are you? Everything is good. Yes, I will. How about you stop over on Monday perhaps? Alright, that sounds good. Thanks for checking on me. Have a good night." He closed the phone and put it back on the table "Doctor Hopper; I called him earlier and he was just confirming a session," he explained.

"Oh' is everything alright," she asked.

Robin smiled "Yes, baby I'm sorry I don't want you to worry. I had to talk to him about . . . something private."

"Oh . . . I see."

"It's not like that; it's just a delicate subject and I needed advice."

"Is this about . . . us?"

He groaned "Yes . . ."

"Robin, you can talk to me about anything. Tell me what's wrong. Is this about . . . us being physical?"

"Yeah . . ."

"I see. Do you not want to," she said softly.

He glanced up into her face "What? Babe, of course I do. But, I'm just nervous."

"I understand. We'll take this slowly," she said as she knelt on the floor in front of his chair.

"Alright; yes that sounds good," he replied. "I'm afraid I won't be able to . . . please you," he admitted.

"Robin, that's not true," she said as she reached up and hugged him "But, we'll figure it out slowly."

"I think I would like to take a bath. Will you help me," he asked.

She smiled "Yes, most definitely." Once inside the bathroom she leaned against the wall and patiently watched as he got undressed and then put on the water. He carefully got into the tub and Regina only had to help him a little bit. Once he was comfortable he motioned for her to get in with him.

He put up a hand "Take those clothes off slowly," he teased. She laughed, shook her head and did what he asked. He carefully made room for her and she sat in front of him and leaned back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and she sighed "Alright," he whispered as he kissed her shoulder.

She reached for his hand "Yes, this feels good but I meant what I said; we don't have to jump back into being physical. We can take our time." He hummed and ran a hand down her arm and began placing kisses on her neck "Robin . . ."

He chuckled "I can still take care of you," he whispered as he hands began to move beneath the water. She shifted slightly and he pulled her back even closer "Do you want that," he whispered as he sucked on her ear lobe.

She shook her head "You don't have to. We just talked about it. We're going to take this slowly."

He kissed her neck again "So, you don't want me to keep kissing you," he whispered.

She moved her neck and giggled "I didn't say that," she said breathlessly. He ran a hand over her breasts and pinched each nipple. Regina couldn't help but part her legs for him and he immediately reacted by reaching down and stroking her clit "Robin . . ."

"Baby, let me do this for you," he said as he kept touching her. She responded by gripping his hand and nodding her head "Good, just relax." Regina bit her lip and closed her eyes as Robin continued to touch and tease her with his fingers. His strong, soft hands were moving over her breasts, down her belly and gently touching her clit – it felt glorious. She couldn't help the moans that emerged from her lips as he kissed her shoulder "Do you want it harder," he asked. When he pressed a finger deep inside her she gripped his thigh tightly and moaned his name "You sound so sexy. Do you like this," he asked as his fingers began to move faster inside of her. She responded with a breathy "Yes and please don't stop." Robin was happy to oblige her request and kept going. She wrapped her arm behind her head and around his neck to give him more access to her body. Regina lifted her leg up higher and he continued pounding into her with his hand. She whimpered and ran her fingers though his hair "Robin, Oh' God . . ." He squeezed one of her breasts and she moaned again; he could tell she was very close.

Her breathing was becoming labored and when she whispered that she was about to come he turned her head to kiss him and her body shuddered in pleasure. He slowed his finger and let her come down from her high. He pulled her against his chest and held her as she caught her breath "I love you so much," he said softly as he kissed her shoulder and gripped her hand. She wiped her face and he wondered if she was crying "Baby, are you alright," he asked. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, not at all," she said softly. She unwrapped herself from his embrace and turned around and sat on the other side of the tub. He grabbed her feet and began to rub them. She cleared her throat "I've never been so scared in my whole life," she admitted.

He nodded "I'm sorry."

She smiled "Don't apologize. You're right. This is very overwhelming and . . . I love you so much," she said as she wiped a few more tears off her face.

"And I you," he replied as he grabbed her hand and kissed the top of her fingers. "Now then; I have to attempt to get out of this tub. Would you like to help," he asked. Regina smiled and got out first wrapping a towel around her body. Then, Robin emptied the tub and waited as she quickly got dressed and then came back to assist him. They were learning and he truly believed . . . together they could accomplish anything.

Robin woke in the middle of the night around three and desperately needed the bathroom. He made it by himself not bothering to put clothes on but when he was finished and tried getting back onto his wheelchair he was unable to move. To put it bluntly – he was stuck and he wasn't sure what he should do. This had never happened before and just when he was about to yell out to Regina she beat him to it; knocked on the door and then walked in "Babe, are you alright," she asked rubbing her eyes.

He let out a breath "I'm stuck."

"Do you need help cleaning up," she asked seriously.

"Jesus, no," he said somewhat embarrassed.

"Stop, whatever you need I can help," she said.

"I just need to get back onto my chair so you might have to actually lift me a little bit."

"I can do that."

"I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"I won't. We'll take our time," she said. He nodded and began to rub his legs. He hoped it would get the muscles working or something. It didn't. It took about ten minutes but finally Robin was back in bed and Regina was helping him to flip onto his stomach. She insisted on wiping him down with the warm, wet wipes from the hospital and then the ointment for his sores. He argued with her at first but when she raised her voice and told him to "Shut the hell up," he placed his face onto the pillow and let her get started. She was basically massaging him and he felt bad about arguing with her. He couldn't help the moans and she laughed "Does that feel good?"

"Yes, thank you," he said softly. She rubbed his legs, back and then once he was dry she applied the ointment to his backside. He groaned and she shook her head and giggled "You have magic hands," he said. When she was finally finished; Regina lay next to him and helped him flip over onto his side. She grabbed the blanket placing it over him but stopped dead in her tracks "What is it," he asked.

She smirked "I guess you really enjoyed that massage," she teased.

"Why do you say that," he asked. She motioned for him to look down and he followed her eyes "Oh . . ."

"Do you feel that," she asked.

He shook his head "No. I didn't think that would happen."

"I've been doing research," she admitted. "I think when I pulled the blanket over you; it stimulated something."

"Really," he asked. "You've already been researching all of this?"

She shrugged "I happen to care a great deal about you."

"My God; you are so amazing and beautiful," he said as she pulled her toward his chest. She snuggled against him and he kissed her quickly. "We should get back to sleep," he said. Robin didn't know how he was so lucky but he thanked the Gods for Regina because he had no clue how he would be going through all of this without her.

The next morning; his mood was definitely better because she woke to lazy kisses and soft touches that stirred butterflies in her belly. They lingered in bed together for twenty minutes and then finally she got up to cook them breakfast. It didn't leave much time for her to get ready for school and she was grateful it was only a half day. It was also the last day of the school year and she was ready to have free time with Robin and Roland too.

She'd be home around one but just because they had a half day that was no excuse to be late. After a quick shower; she kissed Robin goodbye and ran out of the cabin. He decided to get a workout in while he had the house to himself. So, he went to his bedroom, stripped off his shirt and got on the floor. For forty-five minutes he conducted several of the exercises Philip taught him and by the time he was finished he was dripping with sweat. He went to the kitchen to hydrate himself and to have a snack. He rested for about a half an hour and wondered if he should chance taking a bath when he was alone in the house and decided – he wanted to go for it. It took a long time because he was trying to be careful but an hour and a half after that he was sitting in his wheelchair catching his breath. He dressed in gray sweat pants and a white tank top and rested. After a few minutes; he heard the door open and Regina yell for him. Robin glanced over at the clock on his dresser. It was already one o'clock. She came in carrying an overnight bag and dropped it on the floor "Robin, did you take a bath? Your hair is wet."

He shrugged "I did. But, nothing happened."

She placed a hand on her hip "But, something could have."

"I worked out and I really wanted to wash up."

"You could have fallen down. Why couldn't you just wait until I got home?"

"I wanted to see if I could . . ."

"Just don't do it again; I stopped at the deli and bought sandwiches and macaroni salad. Are you hungry?"

"I'm starving," he admitted. "But I'd like a kiss first," he said smirking as he reached out for her. He pulled her down onto his lap and kissed her. Regina moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck and when he nibbled on her bottom lip she pulled back and placed her forehead against his "Why don't you change before we eat," he suggested.

"Yes, but only if you promise to never take a bath without someone in the house again. I'm serious because if anything happened to you Robin . . ."

He grabbed the side of her face and kissed her again; his tongue swiping against hers and he groaned as her fingers coasted through his hair "I promise," he whispered as he kissed each cheek and then pecked her lips once again. She stood from his lap and Robin went to the dining room. He would do what she asked but was determined to get better . . . sooner rather than later.

She loved having time alone with him. They cooked, baked, watched a few movies, talked, kissed and he'd taken care of her twice already. He insisted on it and she didn't want to deny him. Regina thought it would feel different but it didn't. Robin was still amazing, sweet and attentive. He always made a point to touch or kiss her and she loved it. She wondered if it was because of everything that had happened or if it was something else. Sunday they cooked a traditional chicken dinner with gravy, green beans, stuffing, biscuits and Regina baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Roland was due home around five and they wanted to hang out with him before he started camp the next morning. Robin set the table at four-thirty and then joined Regina in the kitchen to help with whatever she needed. The chicken was already on the counter resting and she was finishing up the sides "Baby, what can I do," he asked.

She waved and then said "Oh' can you get the cookie dough out of the fridge and do you think you could start forming them on the baking sheet?"

"Yes, I can do that," he said. They worked together and then finally the door opened and Roland yelled "In here," Robin said.

"I smell food. Hey, you two," Roland said. He hugged them both and went into the fridge for a bottle of water "Making cookies Pop?"

"Yeah but I can't quite reach the baking sheet," he admitted.

Roland helped Robin while Regina continued to get the sides plated and then pulled the biscuits out of the oven "Those can go right in" she said motioning toward the cookies. When the table was set and the chicken carved by Roland who was shown by his father; the cookies came out and she turned the oven off. When everyone was seated Regina motioned for them to start eating and Roland immediately began talking about his weekend with Henry and the YMCA. He asked how his father was feeling and again he asked Regina if she minded driving him in the morning "its fine. Actually, I thought your father could come with us and we could have breakfast out after we drop Roland off," she said.

"Yes, as long as we're back by noon because Archie is coming for a session," he replied.

"Oh' I didn't realize. Will you want me to sit in," she asked.

He smiled "Sure. I'd like that," he said smiling.

"Are you sure," she asked."

"Yes, baby. It's fine. I'd like that." When dinner was over; Roland offered to clear the table "I'd like to help," Robin said.

She rubbed his shoulder "Ro and I can get it. Why don't you sit down in your chair? Maybe, we can all watch a movie together," she suggested. He nodded and she watched as he transitioned onto the couch instead of his recliner and Regina helped Roland finish in the kitchen. He came out a few minutes later saying he wanted to shower, change and get a bag ready for camp the next morning.

Regina joined Robin on the sofa and they searched for a movie to watch but she wasn't sure what they were both in the mood for. Roland came out not too long after and "What do you want to watch," she asked.

He shrugged "Pop, can I sit in your recliner?"

"Yeah, I'm good here," he said smiling as he motioned for Regina to lie back against his chest. He wrapped his arm around her as she breezed through the movies on the Firestick.

Roland motioned with his hand "Gina, can you go back? Can we watch Fantastic Beasts again? It was so cool!" She nodded in agreement and the three of them settled back to watch it. Robin held her close and at one point he wanted to swing his legs up on the sofa so she could lie between them. She grabbed the throw off the back of the couch and covered them with it. Even though it wasn't cold; it was still comfy. Halfway through; Robin said he needed the bathroom so they waited patiently while he went and she gathered tea and cookies in the kitchen and then brought them out.

They checked their phones while waiting for Robin and that's when Regina remembered she needed to ask Roland something "Did you ever talk to Alice?"

"Oh' yeah, I forgot to tell you what happened. She's going away for vacation to a musical summer camp. She didn't know how to tell me and she was upset. She doesn't really want to go but her father is making her."

"Wow. That's a lot," Regina said.

"Yeah, but I'm going to be busy all summer and so is she. I told her not to worry and that I definitely want to be with her."

She smiled "That's sweet Ro. I'm glad it worked out."

"Yeah, me too; do you think we should check on Pop?"

"I'll go," she said as she stood from the sofa. Regina knocked on the bathroom door "Robin, are you okay?"

"Yeah baby; I just need another minute and I'll be right out," he yelled.

"Alright," she replied. She went back to the living room and sat down "He's fine."

"How is he doing really," Roland asked.

She smiled "I'd say better. He's really trying and I have faith that he'll be alright."

"Me too," he replied. Five minutes later; Robin emerged from the bathroom and insisted he was fine. They re-started the movie and had their snacks. When Fantastic Beasts was over; Roland yawned and explained that he wanted to call Alice and then turn in early. They bid him goodnight and Robin shifted in his seat.

Regina noticed and turned to face him "What is it?"

"My sores," he admitted. "I want to try and sleep on my stomach tonight."

"I'll help with your medicine," she said. He nodded and moved into his wheelchair and then headed toward the bedroom. Regina wanted to finish cleaning up but said she'd be in shortly. Robin heard Roland on the phone with Alice so he entered the master suite and began to get undressed. Regina entered a few minutes later and closed and locked the door behind her "Alright," she asked.

He nodded "Yeah, I'm not wearing anything to bed. I want the sores to get air," he said.

She smiled "Get comfortable and I'll tend to them. I'm just going to change quickly."

"Why don't you take your time," he said smirking. She laughed and shook her head and let him watch her change into shorts and a tank top. Then, he got into bed and rolled over onto this belly. She began to rub the ointment over his backside and he felt immediate relief "Thank you," he whispered. Regina continued to caress him and Robin almost fell asleep until she lay next to him and turned onto her side "Much better," he said.

"I'm glad."

"Have I told you how amazing you are lately," he whispered.

She couldn't help but notice his eyes begin to water and she replied "Don't, it's alright. I know."

"If I didn't have you . . ."

"You do and you're getting better at things already. Robin, you took a bath with no one in the house. That was very brave."

"I just . . . I'm cop. I'm not used to feeling this . . . needy."

She ran her fingers through his hair "I get it. I really do. But, when two people are in love and in a relationship this is what they do for one another."

He let out a breath "But, we haven't been together that long."

"It doesn't matter. You have been an amazing boyfriend since the day we met; loving, attentive and generous. Why wouldn't I want to help you? You've helped so many people through the years." She wiped a tear from his cheek and he sighed "I'm with you . . . Always." He pulled her close and kissed her quickly and she pulled the blanket over them "C'mon lay on your belly. I'll sleep like that too," she said as she reached for his hand. He smiled and closed his eyes and Regina couldn't help but watch him as he fell asleep. She meant everything she'd said and he was right because they hadn't been together that long. But, it didn't matter to her. Robin was the first man in a very long time that made her feel special and loved and she wasn't going to give up on him.