Robin spends practically all of Tuesday avoiding his asshole of a boss, with a mild hangover. Perhaps he had a few too many beers last night (courtesy of his best friend) but, truthfully, he needed them at the time. Not because he was worried about Regina (he knew he was being overly insecure and perhaps a little over dramatic over the situation) but because of Nottingham. That man knows just how to get under his skin and if Robin doesn't love his job as much as he does, and if the industry isn't as competitive as it is, he would have left Arrowhead a long time ago.
Luckily, the headache and staleness of the hangover fade into the afternoon and all Robin focuses on is seeing Regina later tonight. They left the phone call on a good note but he just wants to make sure he hasn't put his foot in it by letting Nottingham do exactly as he intended and meddle in their relationship. Robin should have known better than to let his anger with Nottingham cloud his judgement, but this is a learning curb, something he won't ever do again.
It's 6pm when he gets home from work and prepares his apartment for when Regina is due to arrive half an hour later, so he changes from his work clothes into something more comfortable; a white t-shirt and sand-coloured chinos. Then he's preparing the dinner, chopping up mushrooms, pieces of chicken breast and garlic before setting them aside as he warms the stove. All of the ingredients are in the wok and simmering away quietly when the doorbell rings and Robin wipes his hands on a towel before heading to the door to answer it.
Regina's smile lights up her face when the door is pulled open and Robin cannot help but return it. Slung over her shoulder is a small overnight bag, which he quickly takes from her as he invites her in. "Hello, Love. How was work?" he asks her, bending to press a quick kiss to her lips before she can answer.
He feels her hand come up to cup the back of his head as he pulls away, keeping him close, "It was alright. Though, I was eager for the day to be over with so that I could see you again." She inhales deeply before grinning. "And eat whatever it is that smells so delicious," she adds, dropping her hand before slipping from her heels. He finds it so adorable how she shrinks a good few inches without those heels on.
"Chicken and portobello mushroom risotto," he answers, "It's almost ready." He gestures towards the island in the kitchen. "Take a seat, there's a glass of wine on the table and I'll be right with you after I've put this," he holds up Regina's overnight bag, "in the bedroom."
The brunette smiles and nods. "Thank you," she replies and he watches her pad over towards the island and slip gracefully onto the bar stool before reaching for her glass of wine.
He quickly slips down the hallway and into his bedroom where he deposits his bag at the end of his bed before returning to the beautiful woman who awaits him in the kitchen. "About yesterday—" he begins but she cuts him off, swivelling in her stool to face him.
"Kathryn has cancelled my account," she assures, bright brown eyes wide with, what Robin can only imagine is, wariness.
He shakes his head, frowning. "No, that's not what I want to talk about," he replies, "I want to apologise for doubting you—especially after what you had said to me—it's just… I couldn't stand the mere thought of anyone else having you," he says with a sigh as he returns to the stove, keeping half an eye on the wok and the other on her, "Of Nottingham having you." He hates how jealous and possessive he sounds but it's true. "Those photos of you are just so bloody gorgeous and the thought of his beady little eyes on them—"
Regina laughs, cutting him off. "Robin, it's fine," she assures, slipping from the stool and padding over to him where she slides her arms around his neck and pulls herself close. "Just remember that I'm with you. I'm always with you."
Robin's breath catches in his throat. "Always?"
"Well, until you get tired of me," she jokes, shrugging her shoulders with a small smirk.
He shakes his head vigorously. "I would never. I could never!"
The brunette chuckles. "Good," she replies, then he watches her chocolate orbs drop to his lips and that's all the invitation he needs as he leans down and meets her lips in a sweet kiss. "So I'm forgiven?" he mumbles against her lips.
"Mm," she hums and he can feel her smirk against his lips before she is kissing him again and teasing, "Let's see how good your risotto is first."
Robin grins, reluctantly pulling himself away from the warmth of Regina's body. "Well luckily you won't have too wait long," he says before turning back to the wok, "This should be just about ready to serve up." He grabs a wooden spoon from the draw and dips it into the risotto, spooning up a few grains of rice before lifting them to his lips and testing to see if they are soft.
"And?" Regina's standing behind him now, on her tiptoes and peeping over his shoulder.
He looks back at her with a grin and offers her the few pieces left on the spoon. "I think it's ready, don't you?"
Regina takes the offered spoon between her lips and hums softly. "I'd say so," she replies before looking back up at him and smirking, "I'll go and take my seat."
"I won't keep you waiting," Robin promises, smiling as he watches her retreat and return to her seat. Then he's pulling the wok from the heat and grabbing two bowls from the cupboard before dishing up two decent-sized portions and sprinkling the top with parsley. "I've only cooked this a few times before so hopefully it's alright."
"From what I've already tasted I'm sure that it'll be better than alright," Regina reassures and Robin smiles brightly at her before carrying over the two dishes.
"Bon appetit," he presents, taking his seat on the other side of the island to face Regina.
Robin can't help but watch with curiosity as the woman in front of him tries her first full taste of the risotto and his eyes light up when he hears her hum and nod her head, her soft mahogany gaze lifting to meet his. "You can really taste the garlic in the jus. It's delicious."
A warmth spreads over his chest as pride blossoms beneath his ribcage like sweetbay magnolia in the summer. "Thank you," he replies earnestly before tucking into his own meal. He has to admit that he has indeed nailed the flavours, thank God.
"So, where do you keep all of your prints that aren't on display?" Regina asks, causing his attention to switch from his fork to the beautiful woman staring back at him.
"I have some in storage but my favourites are here, in my study," Robin answers.
The brunette nods, chasing a piece of mushroom around the side of her dish before stabbing it with her fork. "I'd like to see them. If you don't mind showing me," she says, popping the utensil behind her lips.
Robin is surprised yet delighted by this request, he's very proud of his work, inside and outside of his job, and he likes to share it with those around him. Strangers and acquaintances. And his girlfriend. "Mind?" he repeats, blue eyes wide and smile beaming, "I'd love to show you a few of my prints."
Regina smiles at him through another mouthful of risotto, her lips closed but her eyes bright. "Great. Perhaps after dinner?"
"Of course."
Dinner is marvellous. Robin really is a fantastic cook, and an excellent host. Conversation flows as it usually does and Regina is finding it easier and easier to relax and completely be herself around Robin. Their relationship is flourishing and it becomes more promising with every moment they spend together.
She helps him load the dishwasher (despite his protests) and then they are carrying their glasses of wine through to the study after Regina had reminded Robin it was next on tonight's agenda to be visited.
She adores his work, loves the composition, the meaning and the messages behind each image. And she particularly loved the portraits, the delight in the protagonist's eyes and the detail that can be missed upon first glance. Robin certainly has the eye for photography and Regina is more than proud of him for following his dreams and doing what he loves most for a living.
"Excuse the mess, I hadn't really been expecting you to come in here," Robin chuckles, ushering her inside and passed the numerous tripods that jut out from behind the door.
Regina smiles and shakes her head. "I've seen messier," she offers kindly, and it's the truth. Graham's apartment was always appalling when she hadn't visited for a few days. He always made sure to look smart, clean and pristine, but he focused too much on that and not the housework that desperately needed attending to.
"I keep the ones I don't display under here," Robin announces. He's by the window, pulling a dust sheet from a pile of neatly stacked frames. "I only wish I had more space to put them up."
Regina approaches Robin, eyes falling from him to the first frame. It's a photo of a mountainous background surrounded by hundreds of butterflies. "Wow," she whispers, crouching to see it properly, "Surely this is photoshopped?" she asks, looking up at Robin who is smiling at her.
He shakes his head. "It looks like it's too good to be true, doesn't it?" he asks before adding, "But it's not. This was taken at a small cove off of the coast of Olu Deniz, Turkey. The place is quite aptly named Butterfly Valley, and there are literally hundreds of butterflies that fly to and fro between the rocky perimeter of the Valley. I went there with some friends a few years ago."
"That sounds amazing!" Regina gasps, looking back to the photo in awe. It's amazing(and rather sad, too) that she had barely set foot outside of America before she came to London and Robin was out there visiting stunning locations like this one in the meantime. "You really do have perfect timing, this photo is so well composed."
"It's all about timing," Robin replies with a small smirk, "I have quite a few similar to this from my visit but this one is my favourite."
Regina shakes her head. "I can see why." She slides the photo to the side and the next one is revealed; another landscape.
"Another photo from Turkey," Robin offers.
Regina hums, her mind suddenly distracted when she realises that she has yet to see any posed photos. Neither here nor in Robin's portfolio, which she had browsed through before they took him on for the London brewery project. So, as she takes a look at the next photo in the stack, she's asking, "Do you ever take photos of like, really beautiful models?"
Robin chuckles at her question and it has her blushing as she slowly stands straight to look at him. "I am just curious," she justifies, tucking a strand of raven hair behind her ear.
The photographer grins, flashing his dimples at her as he shakes his head. "No, I'm not that kind of photographer."
And for some reason his answer has her feeling incredibly relieved. "It didn't appeal to you?"
Robin smiles, his hand rising to cup her cheek and the warmth of his palm spreads through her entire body. "No. For me, that's not what photography is all about. It's not about posed lighting or flattering angles, it's about being in the right place at the right time and capturing a once in a lifetime moment." He steps closer. "Besides, why would I want to look at other women when I have you?"
Regina blinks. "I-"
"The answer is I wouldn't," he replies, his thumb moving to and fro over her cheekbone, before slowly he is moving in, and Regina closes her eyes as his lips meet his. Oh, how she loves the feeling of his lips pressed against hers, of her body flush against his. She can't help but press herself closer, lose herself in his kiss and she instantly misses his warmth, his touch, when he pulls away.
However, when she opens her eyes she is most certainly not expecting the flash that welcomes her. "Ah! Robin!" She blinks a few times as she steps back. "That was far too close! Delete that!" she chastises, scowling at the camera Robin has just fetched but as she reaches for it, he lifts it from her reach. "Robin!"
His finger closes down on the shutter button and the movement is followed by another flash and a hearty laugh from the man in front of her. "Now let's have one of you smiling, shall we?" he teases.
Regina begins to grow frustrated as her frown remains imprinted on her lips. "Robin," she whines, "I don't like having my photo taken! Delete that!"
"Delete what?" Another click. Another flash.
"Robin!" She jumps to try and get the camera from him but he only holds it further away. "Don't make me hurt you," she threatens, narrowing her gaze and smirking slightly.
Robin laughs aloud at that. "Hurt me? Regina Mills, am I about to see your mean streak?"
He's teasing her, and instead of being annoyed, she's enjoying it. She raises a brow, crossing her arms over her chest. "You will if you don't give me that camera."
Robin frowns, pretending to think it over before he shrugs. "Sorry, no can do."
Another click of the camera has Regina launching herself at him, only for him to dart out of the way and towards the door. She glares daggers at him, purring his name lowly in warning but as she steps forward he is backing out of the study and running into the main room.
The chase is on.
Regina follows after him, and she finds him standing in front of the sofa, camera poised as he snaps yet another photo of her. It only makes her more determined to get that blasted thing from him. But she has to be clever. "Okay, before we do this," she says, slowly approaching him before glancing down at his feet, "Your laces are undone and I would hate for you to trip over them."
"But I'm wearing slippers-" Robin begins, glancing down, and Regina uses this split second as her moment to throw herself at him. She can't help but chuckle as they both go flying backwards onto the sofa. "Hey! That's cheating!" Robin chastises through a laugh, reaching his hand above his head, trying to keep the camera out of her reach.
However, Regina clambers further up his body and snatches it from him as she takes a seat on his chest. "You're just saying that because I have one," she announces with a grin, "Smile!" She raises the camera to her eye and snaps a few photos of the defeated expression of the man below her until she feels his hand around her wrist softly coaxing the camera away from her face.
Then he smiles softly at her and the camera is almost instantly forgotten as she lets it fall gently to the pillows beside them. "Kiss me," he tells her, still holding onto her wrist as he guides her hand down to his face.
"Okay," she agrees easily, shuffling further down his body before leaning down to close the distance between them.
There's that familiar feeling of completion that settles within Regina as their lips mould and move against each other. Neither of them wants to pull away, and so neither of them do. She lets her hand slip from Robin's grasp, along his jawline and into his hair as she holds him closer, parts her lips for him and welcomes his tongue.
She can still taste the faint taste of mushroom and garlic on his tongue, but it's not unpleasant. His hands are on her back, one moving to her side in a soft pass as it slips down to her hip and hesitates before groping her ass. She smiles against his lips, using her teeth to then latch onto his lower lip as she presses her hips more snugly against his.
She's just gotten comfortable when suddenly Robin's landline starts ringing and their lips part with a soft pop, dark eyes meeting. "Let it ring," Robin murmurs, lifting his head back up to continue from where they left off but just as she meets his lips again, ignoring the ringing, the answerphone cuts in.
"Robin? Hello? Are you in?"
Robin rolls his eyes, laying back against the arm of the sofa. "It's my mother."
"Obviously not if he hasn't answered the phone, Liz. He could be at the house of that woman he is seeing."
"And my father…" Robin murmurs, and she can see a blush slowly begin to creep up onto his cheeks. Regina raises a brow at the man beneath her, sitting up so she can hear the message properly despite Robin's obvious embarrassment.
"Oh! Are you at Regina's house? If you are, don't do anything we didn't do when we were your age."
"We were married when we were his age, dear. He's probably doing exactly what we were doing at his age."
"Christopher! I hope that wasn't recorded. Sorry, Robin, your father is being inappropriate."
Robin visibly pales underneath Regina and she simply snickers… well, his father isn't wrong. Or he wouldn't be if they hadn't interrupted her and Robin with their phone call.
"When is he not being inappropriate?" Robin grumbles before Regina is shushing him as his mother continues.
"Anyway, your father and I are hoping we could come and visit you and perhaps meet Regina next week?
"It's all your mother has been going on about since you told her!"
"Oh, Christopher, will you stop butting in? Go and read that book you picked up earlier or something."
Regina laughs quietly, shaking her head in amusement. Meeting Robin's parents is going to be a lot more fun than she had first anticipated it would be.
His mother sighs before continuing, "There's an exhibition that we would like to see at the Tate Modern that weekend so we'd like to pop in then if you aren't busy? Let me know. Sending you lots of love, dear and we look forward to hearing from you soon. Goodbye."
The line goes dead and Robin groans, throwing an arm over his eyes. "As you can tell, my parents are quite the comedy duo."
Regina grins at him. "They seem lovely," she says with a smirk and she really means it. She just gets such a warm and loving vibe from them and it makes her less anxious at the thought of meeting them. In fact, she's looking forward to it. "You should tell them to come," she tells him, looking at his chest as she draws lazy patterns over his shirt.
Robin's eyes light up and he sits up a little more, making her slide further down his body, "Yeah?" he asks, "You would like to meet them next week?"
Regina nods, chuckling softly. "Of course I would."
"I can promise you they aren't like that all the time," Robin replies with a small crooked smile as he scratches the back of his neck. "Dad likes to be a little too literal sometimes and says things how it is. My mother is the complete opposite."
Reaching down, Regina runs her fingers through Robin's hair, pushing it back from his forehead. "I can tell they adore you. I only hope they approve of me."
Robin's eyes grow wide as he sits up fully taking her into his arms. "What do you mean? Of course they are going to approve of you—they are going to love you!"
Regina feels herself blush slightly as she drops her hand to the base of his neck and plays with the little hairs there. "You think?"
"I know."
A small shy smile curves the edges of the brunettes lips. She isn't used to approval, is used to always having to be better, always having something that her mother disapproves of. But with Robin that's different. He always makes her feel like she's enough, that she's perfect the way she is. Reaching up, she runs her fingers back through Robin's soft locks and whispers, "Take me to the bedroom."
The man grins, nods and then presses a quick kiss to her lips. "Alright." Then, before she knows it, he's slipping two hands beneath her ass and standing with her still wrapped around him.
She locks her ankles around the base of his back with a chuckle. "I didn't mean you needed to carry me," she murmurs, wrapping her arms tighter around his neck as he begins out of the living room and towards the bedroom. "But I like being this close to you," she adds, tilting her head as she leans in and bumps her nose with his.
"We are about to get a hell of a lot closer," Robin replies cheekily, kissing her again as he steps through into his room and kicks the door closed.