A/N : I knoooow, it's been forever! I'm sorry! But it's finally here, and I hope you're still interested with this story.

Thank you everyone for your review, you know they fuel my motivation to write!


Her family

"Here you go!" Edith drops a set of clean sheets on the desk. "I'm sorry, you'll have to sleep on the pull-out couch until we can buy you a real bed this weekend. We'll make some arrangements to give you more space too," she adds, eyes scanning over what used to be her husband's study, with a desk, a large and uncomfortable looking sofa, and many unnecessary items like old trophees, hunting guns, and several golf clubs neatly stacked in a corner.

Daniel gently squeezes her shoulder, smiles and shakes his head. "Don't apologize, Edith. This," he waves his hand around the room, then points at Regina, Robin and Tom, "is much more than what I hoped for after my uncle died. I'm so happy to be here that I wouldn't mind sleeping on the floor if I had to"

Regina laughs softly while looking at her cousin with bright eyes and a wide smile, one that hasn't left her since they've started preparations for Daniel to move in. With every new event leading to this day, she felt like her heart was mending a little bit more every day. Knowing her better than most, her cousin must have noticed her state of mind because his tender gaze focuses on her, his hand cupping her cheek almost immediately.

"This smile," Daniel says, Regina leaning in his palm, "is worth every sacrifice."

The moment lingers, Regina savoring the feeling, his presence, this reassurance and comfort she's always felt around him. If only they could go back to their younger years together, with her father, those happy family moments that she misses so much. But then, she wouldn't have Robin, Edith and Tom. She wouldn't have her new family, one she's grown attached to more than she ever believed possible after her father's death.

She's pulled away from her thoughts by Daniel clearing his throat, tearing his gaze away from her to address Edith again. "So it's certainly worth the back pain for a few days," he says in a teasing tone, triggering a general laugh in the group.

"Thank you for your help," Daniel resumes before looking at his watch. "It's getting late. I'm going to finish unpacking, and then I'm done for today."

Edith nods. "Alright. In the meantime, I'll start prepping dinner."

Tom's phone rings as his wife is speaking, and when he sees the name on the screen, he heads for the door. "Excuse me, I have to take this."

Edith follows him, leaving Regina alone with Robin and Daniel.

Looking at her boyfriend, the young girl smiles. She'd like to spend some alone time with her cousin, she needs to have a talk with him, the way they often did when she was younger. He's always been her confidant, her best friend, the person she could always turn to. His natural calmness and wise advice have always appeased her doubts. And, with all these changes after everything that happened, they haven't really had time to talk since he's been back, at least not the way they used to, but now is the right moment. So Regina walks over to Robin, grabs his hands and squeezes softly.

"Can you wait for me downstairs? I'll join you in a minute," she whispers.

Robin gently puts his forehead against hers, nuzzles her nose. "Of course." He grins at her and winks. "Take all the time you need."

His lips press a kiss to her brow, lingering for a little while, a soft warmth spreading through her skin, making her exhale softly. When he pulls away, Regina can't resist stealing a kiss, her hand cupping his cheek tenderly. Robin's always so understanding, so attentive to her needs, she really doesn't know what she did to deserve him.

"Thank you."

Regina lets him walk away backward, holding his hand until distance forces her to release him, grinning like an idiot even after he's gone. Her heart is still fluttering, her fingers itching from the recent contact with his skin, her breath short from his kisses.

The sound of someone clearing their throat behind her startles her. When she turns around, she finds Daniel smirking, but his eyes reflect satisfaction and contentment, a wonderful and warm sensation that envelops Regina, reminding her of her late father's soothing embraces, whispering words of comfort in her ear on feverish nights when she was a little girl.

"You have no idea how relieved and happy I am to see you like this."

She blushes, shrugs and walks closer.

"He makes me happy."

Daniel nods firmly.

"I can see that. I'm grateful for him, for everything he did for you and the way he treats you. He's a good guy."

"He is," Regina confirms.

"And he was there for you when I wasn't… well, more like, when I couldn't." he scoffs, looking down, his guilt reflecting in his eyes.

So Regina grabs the sheets and unfolds them, intending to make the bed as they talk to change the subject, and Daniel follows her lead, reaching for the other end.

"So…" He starts, and Regina recognizes his small smile, curious voice. She knows where this is going. "you and Robin… I know it's still new, but do you think it's serious?"

She shrugs, glances up, but focuses on her task. "I hope so. I'm more comfortable with him than I probably ever will be with anyone else. He knows and understands me, he accepts me despite what I went through, and…" she pauses for half a second, her face lighting up when she admits, "he makes me feel safe."

"He's also completely smitten with you."

Regina's eyes widen in shock at the truth spoken so freely, but the confident smirk on Daniel's lips makes her laugh softly. She bites her lower lip, before admitting her feelings out loud for the first time.

"I am too, you know?" Daniel's eyes brighten at that, a curious look on his face and Regina smiles gently as she continues. "He asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes. Even if we still hide it at school, our relationship means a lot to me. I'm not with him just for fun. I'm really invested in this."

"Do you have feelings for him?"

She arranges the pillow, then sits on the mattress. Daniel sits down next to her when she confesses, "I do. I really do."

He bumps his shoulder against hers. "Henry would be happy and proud."

Regina looks up at him hopefully. If only Daddy had met Robin, she thinks. "You really think so?"

"Yes, I really do," Daniel confirms. "You're a beautiful and talented young woman, princess. Despite all you've been through, you still are the kind and cheerful girl I've always loved. You found a new family, one that's beyond anyone's expectations, and your boyfriend is a nice young man who treats you with respect and would gift you the moon if you asked him to. I can't dream of a better place for you to be in right now."

"It wouldn't be the same without you though."

Daniel doesn't argue, just smiles down at her. He knows very well how much she loves him and needs him in her life. She doesn't have to say more. However, she rests her head against his shoulder and adds, "I'm glad you moved in with us. I didn't realize how much I wanted it until now."

His arm wraps around her shoulders, and he kisses her head when she snuggles closer in his arms, breathing him in, his familiar scent bringing back memories.

A picnic in a meadow after a horseback riding lesson.

Ice cream with Daniel and Daddy after school.

An afternoon spent doing her homework in Daddy's office, overhearing him and Daniel discussing business matters with employees in the hallway.

Looking through family albums, all snuggled together on the couch, drinking hot milk and eating cookies.

Daniel's soft voice brings Regina back to Earth, washing the memories away, but his words remind her that they are making new ones. "I'm glad too, princess. We're going to have a good life here, all of us."

Regina smiles, but inside, she can't help but feel doubtful. She wants this so bad, this new, happy life with Robin and his family. However, there's this tiny, tiny voice in her head whispering to her the things she's yet to share with Daniel. A fear that has consumed her since it was brought up a few days ago. He's the only one who can truly understand.

After a moment, Regina takes a deep breath and swallows hard. When she speaks again, her tone has entirely changed, comes out concerned and thoughtful.

"I only hope Mother won't be opposed to signing over custody to you."

Daniel stiffens. Regina knows that he hates Cora, always has, and that her mother felt the same way about him. That's never been a secret to anyone in the family. And that's exactly the reason why Regina dreads her reaction.

"We'll deal with her when the time comes, Regina. We always have. She's not going to win this battle."

"I hope you're right, Daniel. I really do."

xxx

He feels it Thursday morning, a tickle in the back of his throat and a dry cough. They pay no mind to it, but by the end of the day when he comes back home from school, Robin is feverish, beads of sweat clinging to his forehead, his body trembling.

Edith urges him to go to bed early, and he disappears without even a hint of protest, something unusual for him. When Regina checks up on him before going to bed, he's out for the night, exhausted.

His attempt to go to school the next morning is a complete failure. After Edith's promise that she's going to take Robin to the doctor, Daniel drives Regina to school, where she spends the day with her friends, filling them in on the situation when she receives a text assuring her it's nothing more than a virus. Robin will be fine after a few days of rest. With that reassuring knowledge, Regina can finally focus on getting through her day and really pay attention in class.

That afternoon, Regina finds him in bed, half asleep, but he finds enough strength to have a conversation with her about her day, lying about feeling better when she can clearly see that he's still coughing his lungs out and suffering from the occasional fever spikes.

She spends the evening with his parents and Daniel watching one of those old western movie, one she barely pays attention to as she misses Robin's presence more than anything else. Even the comfort of Edith's arms around her isn't enough.

So, before going to bed, Regina stops by his bedroom again, stays next to him for a few minutes, caressing his forehead, watching him sleep for as long as she can. It's her turn. The thought causes her to smile, aware of the fact that he always lingers a bit longer after she falls asleep, and today the roles are reversed. As she gently slides her hand through his blond locks, making sure not to wake him up, the goosebumps flare on her skin and take her breath away, causing Regina to close her eyes in order to savor the feeling. Truly, she's never felt what she's feeling for Robin with anyone else, that, she's certain of.

On Saturday she wakes up a bit late, well, later than usual. Robin is still sick, she heard him cough several times during the night. But he joins her downstairs to have breakfast, is greeted with a worried look from his mother, her hand touching his forehead to check his temperature. The older woman breathes a sigh of relief as finally, her palm isn't met with scorching skin.

"I'm thirsty," Robin's voice is raspy, and just saying a few words triggers a cough fit that shakes his whole body.

Edith rubs his back soothingly, waves a hand in his hair. Daniel and Tom are watching him as if he's about to faint, almost ready to support him in case he really does.

Regina jumps off her seat and heads for the fridge, grabbing the orange juice and pouring him a large glass, then handing it to him, waiting until he nods before releasing it. It seems to ease the tingling a little, because Robin empties the glass in one go and sighs contently when he's done, smiling -not his usual smile, but it's something- at her. But the blue in his eyes is more clouded than usual, and his face wears the signs of the exhaustion that comes with being sick.

"Eat something, Robin," Tom recommends. "You need your strength."

"I need to stop being sick," Robin mutters, to which Tom only rolls his eyes.

Regina and Daniel exchange a frown. Since when is Robin so… grumpy?

Edith answers their silent question before they ask. "Robin's always in an awful mood when he's sick. He hates it."

"Do you know anyone who loves it?" Her son replies harshly.

"No, but I know someone who needs to watch his tone," Edith's voice stays warm and motherly despite the sarcasm she received. "Take a shower after breakfast, it should help you feel better."

"If you say so." Is the only answer he gives her, and then the rest of breakfast goes by quietly, with Regina rubbing Robin's back and him trying his best to suppress the cough fits that shake his chest regularly.

He returned to bed a while ago, claiming that he doesn't want to bother them with his awful mood. Regina has been studying in the living room for hours now, finishing her homework, then practicing for the SATs. The exam date is getting closer, and everytime she thinks about it she's completely terrified. If she gets a good score, she'll have more chances to go to the college of her choice and escape this town for good.

But as much as she wants to keep studying, her headache is too intense, she needs a break. Letting out a loud sigh, she wipes her face with her hand and closes her books.

Tom catches it, looks up from the book he's reading.

"Everything ok?"

Regina relaxes her face a bit when she meets his eyes. "Yes. I just have a strong migraine that won't go away."

He points to a drawer in the kitchen. "There's some Excedrin in there if you want."

Regina thanks him and rises on her feet, pouring herself a large glass of water before opening the drawer and grabbing the medication.

"Honey?"

The girl turns to face Edith, the woman coming downstairs and joining her in the kitchen.

"Robin's still asleep. I planned to bake some sweets for this afternoon. Since you're finished studying, do you want to help me?"

"Of course!" The girl replies excitedly. The prospect of spending some quality time with Edith delights her. Robin's mother is everything Cora never was, or will be. Loving, affectionate, comforting, an excellent cook, warm, eager to spend time with her and teach her new things. "Just let me go put my books away and I'm all yours."

She comes back with her hair up in a ponytail, and her sleeves rolled up, clasping her hands together with enthusiasm. The prospect of this new activity has tempered her migraine more effectively than any meds could have.

"I'm ready! What are we baking?"

Edith points to the ingredients she already took out. "Apple turnovers."

Growing up, Henry always tried to teach Regina how to do things by herself, to which Cora constantly protested, claiming that her daughter was too refined to do house chores. What's the point of learning how to cook when there are maids you can pay to do it for you? She'd often say, her words cutting through the small bubble of comfort Henry had helped create around his daughter. So her experience only consists of stolen moments between her father and herself while Cora was out, or while they were in her cousin's apartment.

But today's different.

With expert advise and a motherly tone, Edith guides her through every step. Regina makes the dough from scratch, cuts the apples and turns them into apple sauce. She listens carefully to everything Edith has to say, enjoying herself tremendously, her thirst for knowledge and desire for a female role model stronger than ever. This moment, as simple as it is, warms her heart. It's everything she's always wanted, but was deprived of by her own mother.

As soon as they close the oven door, Tom's deep voice breaks their bubble of comfort.

"A word of advice, make sure that they don't burn."

"You're one to talk!" Edith retorts, mechanically wiping her hands on her apron. "Regina showed stronger baking abilities in the last hour than you or our son ever have."

"I never said we were great cooks," Tom replies with an innocent shrug.

"And thank God for that, because that would be the biggest lie."

Regina observes the exchange in silence, wary at first, then more relaxed when she catches the amusement in the tone of their voices. Something must have definitely happened, and she has a feeling she will soon learn what it was.

Almost as if on cue, Edith soon realizes her confusion, and she starts explaining, not without shooting an amused glance at her husband. "Once, back in London, I was spending the evening with some of my friends and didn't have time to prepare anything for them. Robin and Tom decided that, instead of ordering take-out like they were used to, they should improve their cooking skills. Believe it or not, but what was supposed to be a simple pasta became a giant fire in the kitchen."

Regina's jaw drops, her eyes widening in shock as Tom bursts out laughing.

"One of my best and worst memories with my son."

"Well, don't even dare approach this kitchen," Edith warns. "It's brand new and I have every intention to keep it like this."

Her arm wraps around Regina's shoulder, leading her outside the kitchen.

"Would you be a dear and go tell Daniel and Robin to come down here? I'm sure they'll be excited to try your very first apple turnovers."

Regina hugs Edith tightly, breathes out a sincere thank you in her ear, and drops a kiss to her cheek before rushing upstairs.

She knocks on Daniel's door gently, and waits for his invitation before entering his room. She finds him in front of his computer, earphones on, his face reminding her of the one he wore when he was working for her father, extremely focused. She remembers those happy times, and how she often spied discreetly on him and her father while they worked; drinking in their words, in total admiration for the two men who used to make her whole world.

"Am I disturbing you?" She whispers.

Daniel holds his finger in a silent motion for her to wait, gesturing to his headphones.

"Alright, you'll receive the contract later this week with the changes we agreed on... Yes… It's my pleasure, Mr. Darling… Good evening to you too."

It takes him another couple of seconds before hanging up, Regina quietly observing his furrowed brow quickly scanning the screen, fingers typing fast.

When Daniel looks up at her, his face has changed entirely, his eyes bright and his grin wide, his features more relaxed.

"What's up, princess?"

"Evening?" She frowns.

Daniel chuckles. "A british client. It's currently past 9pm for him right now."

Regina's eyes widen, "9pm on a Saturday? Shouldn't he be at home?"

"Probably, but he's a hard worker. From what I understand, he's always the first one in and the last one to leave work. And we're a bit behind on our schedule, so we have to catch up."

Regina shakes her head, astonished, but then she remembers evenings when Daddy barely made it in time to wish her a goodnight. Well, if she really does want to work in trading, this will probably happen to her too.

"No rest, even on weekends, huh?" She tells him with a shy smile, strolling to his desk.

"Even less now that I'm here," Daniel admits. "But you know, I never count how many hours I spend working, not even when I worked for Henry's company."

"I know." Regina bounces from one foot to the other, biting the side of her cheek. "Can I convince you to take a break, though? Or do you still have too much work left to do?"

Daniel lifts a curious eyebrow. "Depends. What's the reason?"

Regina's face illuminates with pride when she declares. "Edith and I baked some apple turnovers. I was hoping I could talk you into abandoning your work for a little while and come downstairs to taste them with us."

Daniel lifts an interested eyebrow. "You baked apple turnovers yourself?"

"With Edith's help, yes." Regina blushes, feeling like the little girl she used to be when he and Daddy would congratulate her for accomplishing something new.

Her cousin gets up quickly, and joins her. "I can't wait to try them! I'm sure they're delicious! And you're right," he adds, massaging his neck. "I could use a break."

Regina follows him into the hallway, but stops at the top of the stairs when he begins climbing down.

"I'm going to drag Robin out of bed. Be there in a minute."

Daniel strolls away with a smile, and Regina turns around, reaching Robin's bedroom and presses her ear against his door. Not a sound coming from the other side of it. He must be sleeping. Again. This virus is really wearing him out.

She carefully and silently opens the door, peeking inside to, as expected, find her boyfriend snoring, sprawled out on his belly, the trashcan full of tissues, and his glass of water empty. She takes a moment, watches him sleep again. Since he fell sick, she has been able to do this more often, observe him freely, realizing how lucky she is, how deeply she cares for him. It overwhelms her whenever he takes her in his arms, the intensity of her feelings coursing through her heart and body at a simple physical contact, the butterflies invading her belly, the goosebumps flaring on her skin every time their eyes meet.

Regina sits next to him, her hand reaching for his head, weaving through his blond hair, stopping at his nape and squeezing softly as she whispers his name.

"Hey, Robin..." He's out cold, unresponsive, so she speaks louder. "Robin, wake up."

When he sighs and whines, moving under her touch and pressing his head against her leg, she smiles, bends forward and peppers his temple and cheek with kisses. "Come on, sleeping beauty," She teases. "It's time to get up."

She knows he's awake when his hand closes over her thigh, his lips pressing a weak kiss to her knee. She gives him a moment to wake up, to recover from his foggy state, and cuddles him tenderly. She loves moments like this, revels in how good it makes her feel. Intimate moments with Robin are always sweet and tender, full of kind gestures and loving caresses. And for once, she can take care of him instead of the other way around. So she keeps up the slow scratching at his scalp, the light brushes on his cheek, the soft kisses on his forehead.

"Hey," He begins, his voice raspy. Speaking triggers a cough fit, one that has him curling up in a ball against her, gripping her tighter with each shake of his ribcage, while Regina envelops him with her arms as if she were a shield protecting him from his illness.

It subsides, leaves Robin breathing heavily, his eyelids barely open, sniffling and wiping his face with his hand.

"How do you feel?" Regina asks despite the obvious.

"Like crap."

Yeah, the obvious, indeed…

"Better now that you are here," Robin adds after clearing his throat and blowing his nose, his head finding her lap and sighing contently once he's thrown the tissue to the floor, arms wrapping around her thighs and waist.

Regina can't suppress a grin, affectionately kisses his head, unwilling to break the contact between them. Damn, she needs him so much now, Robin has become her oxygen and the medication during her moments of sorrow. She can't even begin to imagine what would happen if she were to lose him.

"Maybe my apple turnovers will help?" She suggests with an arched eyebrow and a smirk he can't see.

Robin freezes in her arms, his barely opened eyes squinting against the light, looking up with a furrowed, but interested brow.

"Your apple turnovers?"

She hums as she nods and smiles, fingers caressing his cheek.

"Your mother taught me how to make them. We figured you'd appreciate a snack this afternoon, and that it would pull you out of bed." She glances around her. "This room is a virus' nest. You need some fresh air if you want to get better."

"That's very interesting." He succeeds in using a slightly cheerful tone. "Can't wait to try them."

Robin begins to push on his hands to straighten up, but he falls back to her arms with a loud groan.

"Just a minute."

Regina envelops him in an embrace again "Of course. Take your time." She won't complain about spending more time with him snuggled against her.

Apple turnovers can wait a few more minutes.


Title of the next chapter : The gun.