A/N : Alright guys, I almost delayed this update because work happened and it's currently 1.01am and I have to get up in 5h45, but I promised some of you an update today, so here I am. First, this chapter is for three people. Three women who asked me for special scenes. Gabbi (even if you've read it already), Kardelen and Eva, this one is for you girls! Hoping that you'll like it ;-) Second and important thing, there's few sentences a character reads in this chapter. It's not mine at all. It comes from a story I found online, called Robin of Sherwood, and written by Michael Morpugo. So yes, somehow, it's a version of Robin Hood's life XD Maybe you'll disagree, but I liked the idea, even if, of course, everyone ignores it's about Robin. Third, thank you to my betas, especially the one with who I had a talk tonight ;-) You know what I mean here!

Present

Regina looks around, spotting the child running in the clearing at the bottom of the hill where she's sitting. It's almost the end of the day, and they've traveled a lot over the last days, still have a long journey ahead of them tomorrow, but the endless energy coming from him will never fail to amaze her.

"I told you how close from Connor I was, especially after his mother's death. He always askedfor me, even when Amelia was alive, but when she disappeared it intensified. Except at some point, with everything going on, I didn't have as much time for him as I wished I had. I don't know exactly what was going through his head, Little John didn't either, but one day was particularly hard on him. And of course, the timing is always odd and counteracting our initial plans..."

Five months earlier

Robin and Regina are sound asleep, she's sprawled on her belly, he's on his back, their hands linked, when they're suddenly startled, awoken abruptly by loud calls of their names, and someone storms into their tent when they don't answer. They roll over to get a better look at the intruder, eyes still sleepy and blinking against the daylight, suppressing a yawn.

"Regina, Robin, you need to come quickly!"

"What is it?"

"It's Connor." Vanda explains. "He woke up in tears, asking after his mother. Little John tried to calm him, but he hasn't succeeded so far, and he's losing his patience. He's on the verge of breaking down, he won't hold on very long if his son keeps crying like he is."

Before she finishes her speech, Regina and Robin are up, pulling on their boots and throwing their cloaks over their shoulders without bothering to change their night clothes. They follow Vanda to Little John's tent, and thank her before entering it, Connor's shouts and cries already resonating in the calm and silent morning, a rude awakening for the closest inhabitants.

They face a powerless and teary Little John, still attempting to appease his son, and a very agitated young boy, sitting on his bed, in tears, his bed-suit damped from it, his face red from screaming. John looks up at them in despair, shaking his head and sighing deeply, and Regina takes a step forward. She rests a hand on his shoulder, murmurs "Go for a walk, get some fresh air. I'll take it from here."

He nods gratefully, glancing sadly at his son, gets up to follow Robin outside, while Regina crouches next to the bed to be at eye-level with Connor.

"Hey, Connor?"

"Mo... mmy... I want... I... Mo... mmy," he hiccups, clearly lost and in distress, unable to calm down. She takes his hand, and cups his chin with her other, but he pushes at her hands, surprising her and making her frown deeply. She sets her hands on the edge of the bed, but doesn't move from her crouched position, keeps talking to him kindly despite the pang of hurt in her chest at seeing him so shaken.

"I know, sweetheart. I know. But your mommy is not here anymore, remember?"

Connor's nod is followed immediately by a shake of his head. "I want-"

"Sweetheart-" She reaches for his knee, but he moves away and pushes her again.

"Mommy!" He screams. "I want-"

Taking a deep breath, Regina sits on the bed, grabs one of his hands and cups his chin gently but firmly enough that he's startled and can't swap at her again, forcing him to look up at her.

"Connor, look at me!" When he finally does, his wide and puffy eyes facing her, she softens her tone. "What happened? Why do you need your mommy?" The cries stop for a second, as he stares at her with a frown, his body still shaken by small sobs every other second. "Are you hurt? Did you have a bad dream?"

This time, he nods frantically at her, burying his head between his shoulders.

"Alright. I know I'm not your mommy, but do you think a hug from me could make the bad dream go away?"

She knows it always has before, only asked to reassure him, but the shrug he gives her is unsettling, because it's the first time he doesn't willingly jump into her arms even before she mentions it.

"Let's try, okay Connor?" This time he nods shyly, but doesn't move, as if hesitant, so she opens her arms for him. "Come here, sweetheart!"

Regina lifts the boy to sit him on her lap when he starts scooting closer, and she holds him close, his knees folded against his chest, his hands gripping her cloak, his head resting under her chin. She rocks him back and forth, one arm wrapped around his body to keep him against her, the other hand weaving in his hair, soothing. She murmurs sweet and kind words to him, sometimes kisses his forehead, and waits. Regina waits for a while, because it takes him a long time to fully stop crying, but at least he's not screaming anymore. She blinks back her own tears, swallows hard despite the lump in her throat, closes her eyes to focus only on the child clutching to her with everything he has.

Even when he's stilled against her, she keeps up the calming movement, the soft words, the caresses, the motherly touch, even if she's not Amelia.

It's not the first time he's been so upset since his mother disappeared, but it's the first time it takes both her and his father so long to calm him down, the first time he doesn't let her in and fights her instead. She's not certain as to why, has an idea, but now is not the time to question him. She just hopes it's not related to the decreasing amount of time she's been spending with him since Snow and David showed up at the camp and since she fully welcomed Matthew into her life.

When he sniffles for the umpteenth time, she looks around, bends slightly to the side to grab a clean cloth from his bedside table, and helps him blow his nose, before wiping his face with another one. All the time, he refuses to let go of her, refuses to move from her lap, presses himself further into her embrace, obviously looking for physical contact, and she thinks she might be right. Maybe she's the reason why he reacted so violently this morning. Maybe she should have this conversation with him after all.

"Connor?" She questions in a low voice, earning a little tug on her nightgown in acknowledgment of her call. "Does it bother you that I'm not spending as much time with you now as I was?" She looks down to see him frown at her, so she rephrases. "Do you want us to spend more time together? Like before?" At his eager nod, she sighs, kisses his forehead, bringing him against her again, reassuring. "Okay. I promise you that we will."

It's only when Little John comes back that she lets go of the boy, letting him jump in his father's arms, the man hugging him tightly. She gives a wry smile to Robin, before turning her attention to Connor.

"You get dressed with your daddy, Connor. I'll see you for breakfast, okay?"

"No!" He answers immediately, clutching to his father's neck but shaking his head and holding out a hand for her. "With you, Gina!"

She's surprised by the almost authoritative tone she's never heard coming from him, glances between Connor and Little John.

"Connor, Regina needs to get dressed too," John reasons gently. "She and Robin-"

"No!" Connor cuts him. "She sayed she spend more time with me."

Before his father can scold him for his behavior, Regina puts a hand on his forearm, catching the man's attention.

"I did," she admits. "I haven't been there for him a lot lately." Turning to the child, she smiles. "You're right, Connor. I said I was going to spend time with you today." she can't help but correct the language mistakes. "I'll help you put your clothes on, and then we'll spend the day together. How does that sound?"

"Yaaay!" He yelps, wriggling to be put down, running across the tent to the small dresser where he knows his clothes are.

Regina chuckles, uses that time when he won't hear to explain to the two men standing next to her. "I think he's having trouble dealing with the fact that I'm not as present as I was when it was just us. There's never been a problem with Matthew, but now there's Snow, David, Ruth, my sister. We're planning the next attack, are trying to find a way to get to my mother. I barely have time for him."

"But you're not forgetting him," John reminds.

"I'm not. I won't. But it doesn't matter to him. All he sees is that I'm putting him second."

"You're only trying to be there for everyone, Regina."

"I know, Robin. I do. But Connor isn't even four yet, he doesn't care about all this. If anything, I think maybe he needs me more than them." She looks over at the boy, her voice tainted with sadness and resignation. "I'll spend today with him, and I'll make an effort starting tomorrow, I'll try to arrange my schedule so I have time for him every day. Perhaps it will pass. But I don't want to see him that upset again because of me."

She walks to Robin, kisses him softly. "Go bathe without me. I'll see you for breakfast." When she turns around and goes to meet Connor to help him put on his clothes, she misses the look that passes between the men. She doesn't hear them speak low, nor exchanging a nod as Robin walks out.

xxx

Connor's little scene is forgotten by the time breakfast is served, but Regina gives him all her attention, not very keen to repeat it. She plays hide and seek, builds a fort with pieces of wood and tells him an animated story which has them both and Little John laughing like madmen, while waiting for lunch to be ready.

He's straddling her lap, his hands tucked in hers, drinking her words like fresh water in a desert. His mouth is open wide with excitement, revealing a toothy grin from ear to ear, mirroring the one on his father and Regina's faces. His eyes are shining, his face radiant, like it hasn't been in a long while, and Regina realizes that she indeed was the reason of his crisis this morning. So while she tells the story of the fierce thief who managed to steal the heart of a princess and took her away from a boring life with a king, she promises herself that she will find time for Connor everyday. Not only will she put him to bed for his nap or at night. She will make sure to share these treasured moments that bring happiness to all three of them on a regular basis.

A hand lands on her shoulder, making her jump, her grip on Connor's hands instinctively tightening to steady him. Regina cranes her neck to see Robin looking down at her, his face a bit sheepish. She's barely seen him since breakfast, noticed him with Matthew in the early morning before they disappeared outside the camp.

"Robin! You scared me!" she exclaims, before questioning. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you around for a while."

He bends to drop a kiss to her lips, his fingers finding her neck and stroking lazily.

"You'll find out soon enough." He gives her a mischievous smile, and she raises an eyebrow at him, gaze roaming over his body from head to toe. He's wearing his finest linen white shirt, and a green trouser with black cleaned boots.

"You changed your clothes from breakfast," she notices. "Why are you all cleaned up?"

"I know you have other plans today, but I'd like to steal you for a couple of hours," he asks shyly but with a cocky smile, crouching next to her and speaking lowly while Little John distracts his son with his wooden horse, giving them some resemblance of privacy while they talk in hushed voices.

"Robin, I can't." Regina sighs. "I promised Connor to take care of him today. I can't leave-"

"Please, Regina!"

"Robin, I-"

"Regina!" he insists, and she rolls her eyes in annoyance.

"I can't, Robin! You know I love spending time with you, but right now I have more important things to do. I owe that to him."

"You should go, Regina," Little John steps in, drawing her attention. "I can handle a few hours."

"I know you can, John. It's not you I'm worried-"

"Go!" Her friend urges, exchanging a glance with Robin. "Enjoy some private time with your husband. You two need it."

She gives him a doubtful look, one which is quickly replaced by a concerned one. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"You don't hesitate to come to me if-"

"How many times will I have to repeat myself?"

The firm voice surprises her, leaves her speechless. But she arches an eyebrow, challenges, nodding towards the little boy focused on the toy in his hands. "There's one more person to convince."

Robin gets Connor's attention, smiling as his round and happy face is grinning at him.

"Hey, little man! Do you mind if I borrow Regina for a moment?"

He earns a deep frown, the child reaching for the woman's shirt and gripping it possessively, leaning forward in her embrace.

"She play with me!" He argues.

Robin doesn't miss Regina's low chuckle and the amused glance she shares with Little John, but keeps his mask serious, a bit pleading.

"I know, buddy. But there's something I have to show her, you see? And it's only for today, if I wait until tomorrow, it will be too late."

"Why?"

"I can't tell you," Robin whispers on the tone of confidence. "It's a secret." He pokes his nose playfully. "I promise I'll give her back to you this afternoon. You will have lunch with your daddy, and then go take a nap, and when you'll wake up she'll be right there by the side of your bed." Holding his hand in front of him, he asks, "What do you say? Do you agree to share your Gina with me?"

Connor gives a doubtful glance at his hand, looking up at Regina, who's smiling softly at him, runs an affectionate hand through his blonde curls, nodding slightly. He hesitates, tugs a bit more at her shirt, leans against her chest for a second. But, against all odds, his little hand reaches for Robin's, the man's fingers closing over the child's as he nods shyly, but buries his nose in Regina's neck in the process.

The woman rubs his back, brushes his hair, kisses the top of his head, holds him tight until she feels him ready to let her go. She pulls away slightly, looking down at him, drops a kiss to his nose, earning a giggle in answer.

"Be a good boy for your daddy, okay, Connor?" He nods shyly, reluctantly letting go of the fabric of her clothes, so she assures, tilting his chin up. "I'll be back really soon! You won't even have time to miss me, I promise."

It's with a heavy heart that she lifts him from her lap and deposits him in John's arms, leaning in one more time to kiss his forehead, finger caressing his cheek tenderly as she lets Robin get a hold on her other hand and take her away.

They're heading to their tent, and she frowns, asks him what is on his mind, but he stays silent until they've reached it, stops in front of the entrance, turning her so she's facing him.

"There are clothes for you on the bed. I want you to change into them, and then meet me at the camp's entrance."

She gives him a raised eyebrow, to which he answers with a cocky smile and a kiss on her forehead, walking away before she can even utter a protest or a question.

Regina watches him leave with a puzzled look, but she shakes her head, enters her tent and gazes over to the bed, her eyes opening wide when she finds the blue dress Amelia made for her months ago, the one she'd wanted to wear for a special night with Robin. She walks slowly to it, contemplative, fingers brushing over the fabric, memories washing over her, forcing her to close her eyes for a second.

She opens them again, starts to remove her own clothes, wondering what the hell her husband is up to. She smiles at the thought of a few private hours, despite her guilt at leaving Connor, because Robin and her spent so much time taking care of the children, the camp, the training and everything else that they've barely had time for each other lately. She misses having time alone with him, when they could just go for a walk together. Of course, they still have their baths every morning, thankfully, but with the increasing amount of things on their to do list, they've become more rushed now than savored.

She fastens the lace on the front, pulls on the top a little, freeing her hair from her braid and letting it fall in waves over her shoulders. She doesn't know what's going on, but it for sure involves some kind of romance, and just the thought of it brings butterflies to her stomach, a reminder of the child who lies there, a proof of their love, waiting to be discovered. She covers her abdomen with her hands, murmuring as she smiles absentmindedly. "Soon, my little thief. Soon, you will hear your father's voice talk to you. He's going to be so excited to meet you. You're going to be so loved. You already are."

Pulling out of her thoughts, she walks out of her tent, spotting Robin at the door when she's close enough to see, noticing his appreciative expression when he gazes up and down at her.

"I will never grow tired of seeing you like this," he admits, gathering her in his arms, pecking her lips. "You are absolutely stunning."

"Thank you. You're not too bad yourself, you know? But I want to know where we're going," she answers playfully. "Care to enlighten me?"

"Uh uh!" He shakes his head. "It's a surprise." And then, before she can argue, he turns the paddle three times, nodding at Gilbert standing guard above him before dragging his wife outside. She follows him closely, clutching to his hand, to his arm, leaning in even if she's not in his arms. He makes small talk, asks her about her morning, about Connor, about Snow and Matthew's archery lessons, and she's so focused to answer that she doesn't notice where he's leading her. She doesn't realize he stops their pace as he keeps listening to her, waiting. When she notices, she frowns, turns away from him to look around, and her jaw drops.

She's facing a small meadow, one that she knows very well and loves particularly for its privacy and beauty, and there is a large blanket sprawled on the floor, a basket in its center, on top of which rests a large bunch of wild flowers.

"What is all this?" she breathes, still staring ahead.

He comes behind her, winding his arms around her waist, whispering in her ear. "Happy anniversary, my love."

She stiffens as realization hits her suddenly. It can't be! He must be mistaken! It hasn't been a year! Not already... But she does the math in her head, remembers the Sheriff's attack and her injury, her reunion with and confession to Robin, their shared feelings, his proposal, their wedding, everything that happened since. Admitting her own mistake, she moves in his arms, turning to face him, resting her hands on his chest, looking up at him sheepishly.

"I... It's... I-I'm sorry, Robin. I totally forgot."

"I noticed," he tells her with a comprehensive smile. "And I understand, you have a lot on your mind. But I think we deserve a break. I know you want to take care of everyone, especially the children, but we need some time just for the two of us. This is the perfect opportunity. Despite how difficult this last year has been, marrying you is the best thing that ever happened to me."

Her arms slide around his neck as Regina chuckles, raising on her toes, whispering against his lips before kissing him. "I couldn't agree more."

They sit on the blanket, Regina taking the flowers and humming their scent slowly, sighing contently at the wild and fresh smell, a small smile forming on her lips. She notices Robin looking at her with a smirk, so she ducks her head to the side, lowering the flowers.

"What?"

"Nothing! There's just no way I'll ever get enough of your beautiful smile, that's all."

She leans in, taking his chin between her fingers and leading his face to her, pressing her lips to his for a lingering kiss.

"And I will never be tired of you surprising me like this," she answers with a wide grin. Looking down between them, she pulls back, talking excitingly, "What did you cook?"

Robin opens the basket, chuckling at the beaming face of his wife when she discovers the roasted turkey with potatoes and fresh fruits -her favorite meal.

"Ruth helped me with the turkey, Matthew gathered the fruits." He admits sheepishly, before adding proudly."But I bought the wine and picked the flowers myself!"

Regina shakes her head, her smile wide and bright. "This is perfect!"

She plunges her hands in the basket, takes the plate with the turkey along with a knife, that she hands to her husband. He slices a piece for her, and one for himself, and they start to eat, silently at first, just looking at each other with all the love they share.

But soon, they start to talk. About Matthew, his addition to their family, the happiness he brings them, the way he changed their lives. About the camp, how busy it's become, how much of a refuge it is for so many. About how David grew up, how Snow turned to be a kind young woman instead of the brat Regina met years ago.

And they talk about themselves. What they've been through since they met. All the ordeals, the pain they inflicted to each other, the pain others caused them. How it made them stronger.

They eat while they talk, finish their meal while still in the middle of their conversation. So for a little bit, they just sit next to each other, until their needs get the best of them.

It's been a while, several days, about two weeks maybe, but they've been so exhausted when they are finally alone in their tent at night, that they usually fall asleep almost immediately.

Now, on the contrary, they're wide awake, and alone, energized by the food and precious time they just shared. When Robin pulls Regina onto his lap, pressing her against him, his hands start to wander on her curves, his mouth closing over the skin of her neck, she chuckles, however she doesn't attempt to move away, closes her eyes and enjoys his attention instead.

Robin pulls back to look at her, one hand removing the hair from her flushed face.

"Here?" She asks with a lifted eyebrow, biting her lower lip.

"Can you give me one single reason why we can't do this right here and now?"

Regina stays silent, but the small smile forming on her lips gives away her thoughts.

"I've wanted to take you in that dress since the first time I saw you wearing it," he admits, his palm rubbing her thigh gently.

"I see..." She smirks, bucking her hips forward, earning a low groan from her husband in answer. "I can't really deny your wish, can I?"

She stops him when he attempts to lay her down, her hands reaching for his belt as her thighs tighten around his.

"You want to lead?" Robin questions, but there's no complain in his tone.

However, Regina can't help but ask, "Do you mind?"

He pecks her lips slightly, "Never."

She stays in her dress, but removes her undergarment, then his shirt, the need to feel his strong body under the tip of her fingers too strong to be ignored. She reaches for his cock, eases it out of the pants he's still wearing, stroking lazily, smirking at the way his eyelids flutter and close, his head dropping back slightly. She scoots back on his legs, pushing at his chest to make him lean back, her mouth tracing a slow path on his chest, peppering kisses along his abdominal muscles, feeling him shudder and exhale, groaning as her chin brushes the tip of him. She pulls back enough to guide his shaft to her mouth, and closes her lips over the tip of it.

"God, Regina..." She hears him breathe, swallow hard, supporting himself on his elbows.

She swirls her tongue around and along him, sucking the part where the head joins his foreskin, keeping up the suction a little longer before finally taking him in eagerly, a loud grunt slipping from his lips. She moves up and down, her hand circling the base and following her mouth, stroking at the same time, making him stone hard quickly. She sucks hard as she draws back, licking the tip of him before pulling back, ducking her head to the side and fluttering her tongue against his base immediately, thumb rubbing the head as she circles his length, his moan echoing in the clearing around them. And then, she does what she learned he loves the most, stays at the edge of his cock, and swirls her tongue around the head several time, making it turn in her mouth, a more than loud moan of appreciation shaking him as he enjoys her ministration, the warmth of her mouth surrounding him.

"Reg -my love- Regina, stop! -God- Stop!"

She eases off and releases him with a smug grin, leaning forward to press a kiss on the crook of his neck, making him shiver despite his heavy breathing, the way his chest moves up and down quickly, his breath labored, his eyes still closed.

She leans back and looks at him, waits for him to come back to her, to pull her closer, hands moving under her dress, one heading south between her thighs, the other making its way up to her breasts, mouth closing over her pulse. It's her turn to close her eyes, to enjoy his ministrations, his touch, the way his thumb and forefinger play with her nipple while his other hand sinks two fingers into her, palm coming flat against her clit, making her jerk and cry out suddenly. She winds her arms around his neck loosely, gripping his shoulders, rocking against his touch. Her breath becomes heavy, her fingers flexing and opening over his skin, her thighs trembling, the moans coming from her louder and throaty now.

Regina pushes at his hands when she is close enough, takes a second to recover, and raises on her knees, takes him in hand and sinks onto him, pressing her forehead to his as she exhales sharply, pleasure overwhelming her once more. She's so close that she has to take another breath, another moment. Then, she starts moving, up and down, Robin's arms winding around her waist, pressing her to him and guiding her at the same time. His mouth is against her collarbone, her neck, sucking at her pulse, pleasure blossoming in her, spreading from her core to her entire body as she rides him at fast speed.

She comes a moment later, her rhythm faltering, so she lets him lean back just a bit on his hands and pushing up into her, finishing within a few seconds, his head falling forward on her shoulder with a last groan. She presses her cheek against his temple as they're both recovering from their peak, evening their breath, her hand leaving the ground to cup the back of his head tenderly.

"We need to do this more often," Regina admits, her voice almost a whisper.

She hears Robin's chuckle before he recedes to meet her gaze. "Making love in the middle of a meadow?"

Regina laughs softly, shaking her head, fingers stroking the base of his nape. "That too, but it's not what I was thinking of," she says lovingly, nuzzling his cheek. "I meant taking time just for ourselves."

"Why do you think I insisted so much to come here?" Robin teases, kissing her.

"Ok, you win!" Regina exclaims with fake annoyance, sliding off of him. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you the way I did. You were right, this was a wonderful idea."

She lets Robin tuck himself back into his pants, puts on her undergarment as she speaks, and when she's finished he grabs her at the waist, making her shriek in surprise as he pulls her to him again, mouth covering hers.

"Apology accepted, my love. Next time you'll listen to me instead of arguing." He gives her a little squeeze to mark his words.

"Absolutely."

As promised, when Connor wakes up from his nap, half an hour later, Regina is sitting by his bed, wearing a smile from ear to ear.

xxx

Two days later

Regina turns the bow in her hands slowly, studying it. She runs her finger along the string, pulling on it a little, releasing, examining the weapon carefully.

"What do you think?" Snow White asks warily, biting her lower lip nervously, twisting her fingers. She's keeping her chin up and spine straight, but Regina knows she's impatiently waiting for the verdict.

She finished creating her first bow the previous day, after several failed attempts and tons of care and focus. She asked for help from Matthew, and Jonas, and of course David. She never thought she would, but she's grown close to the older boy. They still have their fights, but everything they both lost and the closeness they lived in for months helped create a special bond between the two teenagers. He's been really patient with her, his kind and gentle nature easing her somehow stormy although dreamy temper. With time, she discovered a sweet and protective boy with a fierce code of honor and need to help others. One who reveled at the Merry Men's camp, where he can be useful in so many ways. Including helping her built the bow Regina showed her how to make.

"That's pretty good," Regina admits, nodding and smiling at the young girl. "I saw you work on it. You took it to heart to make something of quality. I'm actually quite impressed."

Regina chuckles as she watches Snow White release a relieved breath, so she brings a hand to her shoulder and squeezes slightly.

"I'm being honest, Snow. You did a good job." Knowing what will come out of the girl's mouth, she cuts her before she begins, "Even if it wasn't your first try, and you struggled a lot!" She gives a reassuring look to the sheepish eyes facing her. "No one succeeds the first time! You can talk to Matthew about it, he has quite an experience in this field." She informs with a small laugh and a playful roll of her eyes.

"I know," Snow confesses, chuckling softly. "He already mentioned it when he saw how frustrated I was."

Regina smiles, pride blossoming within her as she thinks of the boy and how much he grew up since she met him. She catches herself, focuses on Snow again.

"See? Trust me, if Matthew is the one who told you that, then it is true. You have much more confidence than he did when he started."

There's a shy smile on the princess' face, but it slowly fades, silence settling between them, Regina understanding quickly that there's something unspoken hanging above their heads when Snow looks away and purposely avoids her gaze.

"What is it?"

She lowers the bow to the floor, takes the girl's hands between hers, waiting for her to speak willingly.

"You really like him, don't you?"

Regina lets out a sigh, understanding where this will go. "Yes, Snow. I do."

"That's why you chose him?"

"I didn't choose him. The circumstances were different." She explains calmly.

"How?" Snow questions honestly, genuine wonder in her tone but not one hint of anger or bitterness. Just incomprehension and sadness. "I understand why you sent me to Ruth's, and I'm grateful, I had a great time there and she and David are really kind. But I needed you. Not just through letters. I needed you, Regina. When I came back here after we had to run away from the farm, I'd convinced myself you weren't ready to take care of someone. It's then that I found you acting with Matthew as I had wished so hard for you to be with me."

Regina stays silent, watches as the girl struggles to open her heart without being hurtful. She squeezes her hands in reassurance, because Snow is right, and she actually expected this talk to come sooner between them.

"When we first met," the girl continues, "I felt like I had found a new mother, someone to take care of me, to love me. I wanted you to be that person. You explained why you ran away, and I think I understood. But I missed you, Regina." Snow admits with a bit more force than intended. "I missed you, and I never forgot about you. When I heard that father had finally found you after all these years, I was in heaven. But because you were married, I knew things couldn't be like I hoped they would. As I expected, you left again, went back to a life I wasn't a part of. Then," Her voice grows more serious, eyes glistening and filling with tears at the memory, "Father... He..."

She swallows, closing her eyes and letting a tear escape. Regina is quick to wipe it away with her thumb, cupping the princess' cheek at the same time, stroking gently, encouraging, soothing.

"He passed away," Snow manages "And I found you again. You were the only person I wanted to stay with, the one I needed the most, even. But you sent me away, left me yet again. It was hard in the beginning. Losing my father, my home, my habits, the hope to see you look at me like a daughter..." She whispers the last word, shrugging shyly, as if ashamed. "Thankfully, Johanna was there," Snow resumes immediately in a sturdier voice, "but life at the farm hasn't been easy every day. Getting used to Ruth, David and the huntsman. To live in such a small place. Having to do so many things by myself. But," She pauses, inhales deeply "I'm glad. Because Ruth has been exactly what you promised me she would. She's acting as my mother, treats me like a daughter, and I love her, Regina. I really do. David too. You gave me a new family."

She turns her hands in Regina's, gripping the woman's tightly.

"But in my head, in my heart, you will always be my family too. You were the first person I could picture in place of my dear mother. For so long I hoped I could hold such a place in yours. Except when I came back, I saw you with Matthew. You gave him what I wanted you to give me. And I've tried to understand why. Why you chose him and offered him what you denied me. But I couldn't come up with any answer. I asked Ruth and Johanna, and they said it was something I should ask you, that it wasn't their place to tell me. So," She lifts hesitant and pleading eyes at Regina. "I'm asking. Why did you give him what I could never get from you?"

Regina's eyes are tearful, chest heavy with feelings, strong emotions fighting against each other, because Snow has been right on a lot of things, and how can she explain to the girl the real reason? That it was all about timing. What really happened to her all those months ago after her encounter with Cora. That Snow reminds her of Daniel, of her previous life, of how everything began. That she loves the girl but couldn't find the strength to overcome her deepest and oldest wounds, what's left of her old life despite Robin's healing.

"It's... complicated," Regina begins slowly, searching for the right words. "I've never... I wasn't ready. For a long time, I wasn't ready to be a mother. Four years ago, I was too focused on Daniel to think about anyone else. I'm sorry, Snow," She waves her hands in the girl's hair. "I know how you felt. I've always known. But every time we met, I wasn't in a state of mind to allow a child in. It's not until recently that I opened myself to the idea. Matthew..." She lets out a deep sigh. "It's not that much that I chose him. It just happened. I... When I finally was ready, he was there, needed me as much as you did, and I spent so much time with him, it just felt... Natural?" She watches the pain brimming in Snow's eyes, clutches at her hands once more. "Don't take it wrong! When you lost your father, I wished I could've kept you here with me, believe me. But if I made the decision to send you to Ruth, it was because I knew it would be the best thing for you, that she would be a better mother to you than I ever would. I think what you said earlier proved me right."

She nudges Snow's shoulder with her own playfully, earning a small smile in answer. Regina turns more fully to face the girl, finger tilting her chin up to lock their gazes.

"I'm not going to be your mother, Snow. I'm sorry, but I won't." In front of her evident disappointment, the woman continues in a gentle tone. "It doesn't mean I don't love you," Snow's eyes widen with surprise. "Or that I won't be there for you if you need me. I think we will always be part of each other's lives. A family isn't defined by parents and their children. It goes deeper than that. I think we can be a family, Snow. Just not how it was initially supposed to." Regina ducks her head to the side, glances down at the bow resting on the ground. "I will be your teacher," she waves a hand in the ebony locks, "your friend," leans forward slightly "your confident, if you want me to. Do you think this will be enough?"

It takes a second, but Snow White nods, shyly at first, then firmly, Regina's smile getting to her and widening her own. The woman brings a hand to her neck, and pulls the girl to her chest, hugging her tightly. When she pulls back and meets Snow's eyes, they are shining with the joy of a fixed relationship, and the hope of a better life to come.

Present

"Snow and I grew closer from that day on. With our feelings out in the open and things cleared between us, we could move on. She used the bow for the first time after that talk, and honestly?" Regina chuckles slightly, "She didn't succeed in hitting the target, as expected, as every student the first time, but... A bit of the exasperating spoiled girl came back to the surface at her failed attempts. I don't know if she was testing me, or if it was caused by our conversation, or something else. I was quick to temper it though, and she apologized, but I ended the lesson, told her we would try a couple of days later. I didn't want to trigger anything else, preferred to see the complaisant young woman she was becoming instead of bringing too many things to the surface so quickly.

As soon as I released her, she went to help Granny and Ruby. The two had decided to stay with us, given how unstable the situation was in the Kingdom. Granny was a rude, but really nice woman. Not too bad with a crossbow, actually. She asked to be taught when she saw them, told us it reminded her of her youth. For someone who hadn't practiced in years, she was pretty good, best than most students, although we didn't have many. The crossbow was a weapon we kept only for the adults, but even among us not a lot were used to it. But it fitted Granny perfectly.

As for Ruby... Snow White took a liking to the girl, decided to look after her. It was sweet to watch them together, the princess focusing on someone other than herself, and the little girl eager to listen and learn from her new friend. They really bonded.

I also noticed the closeness that had developed between Snow White and David. They were constantly arguing, but there was no meanness in their words, it was mostly teasing. It reminded me of Robin and I in the beginning," she chuckles, shaking her head. "They were young and caught in the middle of a war, they needed the fun they were having together, they needed to have someone around their age they could rely on. A deep affection had grown between them, a sibling bond, and it made me happy. I knew they both needed it, and seeing two people I loved whom I brought together getting along so well, even if the beginnings were chaotic, warmed my heart and eased my fear, because I knew they had found a family in each other."

Regina leans back, resting her weight on her hands, alleviating the slight discomfort and pain growing in her lower back with the effort of maintaining the same position for so long. She sighs as she moves slowly, folding her knees beneath her, bringing a hand to support her large stomach, straightening her spine the best she can.

"But in the middle of new friendships, we still had to fight a war. Things sped up suddenly, when the Blue Fairy brought us a hopeful news. Something that was going to allow us to take things in hand..."

A week later

"The... There," the boy corrects, "had never been a storm like it. The wind ro... rar... r..."

"Roared," Henry corrects gently, enunciating it clearly.

"Roared." Matthew repeats slowly, as if printing the sound into his mind, before looking down at the book opened half on his lap, half on the old man's. "The wind roared in from the... the West one evening in e... er... early?" He glances up to see Henry nod at him, before resuming, "early October. No one was ex... expecting it," he jams against the word, but manages to pronounce it the right way, "least of all the..." The boy frowns, staring at the next word in question, earning a gentle nudge on his shoulder and encouragement from the man he now considers his grandfather. So he focuses, his brow knitting as he attempts, "f... fore... forek... foreca... forecasters!" He exclaims in victory, relief too, letting out a deep sigh that makes the old man laugh.

"I knew you could do it!" Henry congratulates.

"But it was a hard one!" Matthew answers joyfully.

Sharpening the blade of her daggers at a table a little further, Regina watches them in silence, smiling at the sight, at the growing relationship between her father and this boy she loves so much. Henry is so good with him, attentive, caring, affectionate, and Matthew returns the same love he is granted with. She can see he enjoys this time as much as her father does.

"...trees were like cli... clip... clippers in full sail caught in a... a... a u... a..."

"A hurricane," Henry says softly, noticing the struggle.

"A hurricane," Matthew repeats, before looking up from the book. "Grandpa, what's a hurricane?"

Regina jumps slightly as large and warm hands land on her shoulders, lifts her head to meet Robin's eyes and his kind smile. He bends forward to press a kiss to her lips, before straightening again, his front against his wife's back as he tilts his chin towards the two people she was observing a moment earlier.

"How is the lesson going?"

"Good. Matthew is making a lot of progress. This reading ritual is really helping him it seems. Offering him this book for his birthday was an excellent idea."

"Perfect! But I need you for a moment."

Regina lifts a playful eyebrow at her husband, smirking, "Oh, really?"

Robin chuckles, squeezes her shoulders, shaking his head "Not like that, my love, although I wouldn't mind." His tone grows more serious on the next sentence, "The Blue Fairy just arrived. She wants to talk to us."

"Okay, just let me take this," she answers, gathering her tools and shoving them into a satchel, tucking the weapons at her belt.

She gets up and follows Robin across the camp, smiling when she notices Tuck, Alan and Little John standing next to the fairy, but the frown on her forehead gives away her surprise.

"I asked them to attend this meeting," Robin explains. "I thought it'd be interesting for other people to hear what she has to say.

Regina smiles at him, at her friends, at the fairy, "Of course. Hi, Blue!"

"Hello, Regina! I have good news."

Blue flies in front of the small group, explaining how she managed to have a breakthrough. It took time, because the place was concealed from people's sight, so many fairies flew in front of it without knowing it was there. How they discovered it was a fluke, actually. A fairy fell into the place, and only then the enchantment appeared to her. That's how they found it.

Cora's heart.

It's hidden in the woman's vault in her old house, among all the hearts she stole. Regina's eyes open in realization as she remembers that location, mentally kicks herself for her lack of memory, it could've spared them so much time. Even if, technically, she had no idea Cora's heart could be specifically there.

"But there's a problem," Blue announces solemnly.

"I'd be surprised if there wasn't," Regina sighs, clutching to Robin's hand.

"It's protected by magic."

"You have magic. Can't you do something about it?" Alan questions.

The fairy gives him a sad smile. "I'm afraid not. Cora's dark magic has grown incredibly stronger with all the power she's taken, and even I am not a match now. She casted so many and different protection spells. I fear if I try to get past it blindly, I'll be hit before reaching the bottom of the stairs."

"Even with your fairy size?"

Blue ducks her head sympathetically, "I need to be in human size to transport the heart."

"Oh!" Alan realizes. "That makes sense."

"We can't ask you to risk your life for us anyway," Tuck reasons, earning the nod of his friends. "You might be helping, but this is our war."

"I understand," she answers calmly. "But if we don't find a way to get to this heart, I'm afraid sparring Cora's life won't be possible. And we need to stop her. As long as she's in this realm, she's a threat to everyone."

"She proved more than once that nothing and no one would be able to stop her," Little John reminds. "That there's no limit to what she can accomplish."

"I'm starting to think I was wrong the whole time," Regina lets out in a breath, looking down. Her resigned tone draws the attention of everyone around. "If I hadn't decided to-"

"Regina, no!" Robin cuts her, lifting her chin so she's looking at him. "You made the right call."

"But you-"

"You were the only one who wasn't blinded by your anger and hate for her. I don't say I wish her to stay alive," he admits with a shrug. "But I understand why you didn't want to kill her. I want to stick to our first plan. We will find a way to get to her heart and send her away."

"I agree with Robin, Regina," Tuck speaks again. "Showing mercy is the best form of strength and intelligence. It proves how much of a better person you are."

She gives her friend a wry smile, nods firmly, her voice steady. "Then how do we do it?"

The answer is unexpected, comes from somewhere behind them, from someone they didn't think was listening.

"I can go."

They turn around to see Zelena's slim figure standing awkwardly behind them, twisting her fingers nervously, but looking more determined than ever.

"You were spying on us?" Little John asks forcefully, on his guard, accusative.

"No!" Zelena exclaims in a defensive tone, before lowering her voice, not wishing to sound aggressive. "No, I... I didn't mean to snoop. I just wanted to bring some water to the training field," she holds a bucket in front of them as a proof, "when I heard your conversation."

"What did you hear?" Robin questions warily, but it's kinder than his friend.

"That you need my mother's heart, and it's hidden somewhere protected by dark magic."

Regina steps away from Robin's arms, walks to her sister, giving her a frown.

"You don't even know why we need it."

"To stop her," Zelena guesses with a shrug. "That's all I need to know."

"Zelena," Regina speaks slowly, giving her sister a shy smile. "There are a lot of deadly traps there. It's dangerous to-"

"Where is it?" Zelena cuts her. "Where is it hidden?"

Her sister sighs, relents, "Do you remember the fireplace in the main room of my old house?" At her sister's nod, she adds, "It hides stairs that lead to a vault. She keeps all the hearts she's stolen in that place. I had forgotten about it, only went there once a long time ago-"

"I remember!" The red-haired woman cuts. "I remember before we hurried to leave, when the King's soldiers were at our door after they managed to pass the magical shield, she waved her hand in direction of this place. I didn't understand it then, but now..."

She leaves her sentence hanging in the air, because there's no need for explanations.

"So that's where I'll find her heart?" Zelena resumes almost immediately.

"Didn't you listen?" Regina outrages. "It's full of magical traps! You could barely set one foot inside before God knows what happens to you!"

"But you need her heart to get rid of our mother?"

"Yes, but-"

"Then I'll go get it for you!"

A deep and dumbfounded silence falls over the group. Regina stares at her sister with bewilderment, but she's not the only one. Every single man behind her wear the same face. Only the Blue Fairy's features are unreadable.

"You'd risk your life for me?" Regina manages to voice, still a bit shocked.

"You're my sister, Regina," Zelena states matter-of-factly, as if it was enough of a reason. "You lost so much because I didn't listen to you in the first place. I think I need to do more than just transport us somewhere in the forest to fully redeem myself to you."

A lonely tear escapes the younger woman when she reaches for Zelena's hand, holding it between hers.

"Thank you." She swallows hard, still overwhelmed. "But I won't let you go alone."

"I think everyone here agrees that you're safer at the camp," Zelena reasons.

"I'm going with her!"

Regina looks behind her to see that Alan has taken a step forward, giving a nod to Zelena. "She'll have her magic, and I'll have my weapons and the ability to sneak in." Before anyone can argue, he adds, "And my decision is final. We'll leave in the morning."

Regina looks back at Robin. She meets Tuck's smile, and Little John's still doubtful but surprised eyes. She knows this is unanimous, so she nods at the Blue Fairy, who answers in kind.

"It's settled then! I wish you luck." Looking over at Zelena, she ducks her head to the side before flying away, "to both of you."

The next morning, after having hugged Alan tightly, Regina forgets her inhibitions, and takes Zelena in her arms, earning surprised looks from almost everyone who was watching, even startling her sister herself.

Zelena hesitates for half a second before reciprocating the hug. When she closes her eyes, and feels the sincerity in the younger woman's gesture, the real fear behind the whispered words of luck in her ear, she can't help but compare it to the briefs embraces she received from her mother. A spontaneous and warm hug against a cold and distant, almost forced one. It's then that she realizes that what she thought was a honest sign of affection, in reality was nothing else than obligation and lies.

On the contrary, this moment she's sharing with Regina, feels more like love than anything she's ever known. And as she pulls back to gaze deeply into her sister's eyes, Zelena wishes with all her heart to do everything in her power to preserve and protect this precious and growing relationship and the woman facing her.

Alright, I'm not watching the show anymore but from what I understood on twitter, most of you are pissed with a certain red-head in OUAT, especially after last sunday's episode. Hope you'll like my version of her more.

And yes, things are moving forward! There's a war to win after all!