A/N: We're reaching the end of this story, there's only 4 chapters and one epilogue left after this one. Everything is written, minus editing, so updates will be regular. From this chapter on, the story will, to your greatest pleasure I hope, focus mostly on Robin and Regina's relationship.
"I'm ready."
Robin smiles, his gaze following the sound of her voice, until he catches sight of her alluring silhouette at the entrance of his bedroom.
And he freezes.
Regina stands in front of him in a deep blue dress with long lace sleeves and a V neck plunging down her chest, wide enough to leave part of her shoulders visible, a small black belt firmly tightened around her waist. The skirt falls down in waves and stops just above her knees, a pair of black high heels finishing off the look. The bracelet he brought her back from New York is on her wrist, and the necklace she got for her birthday adorns her chest. Her eyes are bare of any makeup, but the red lipstick she is wearing makes her even more attractive than she already is.
She's… stunning. In every way. An absolute wonder, a goddess to look at.
Robin takes a step forward, mouth agape, and all Regina does is smile cockily at him.
"Apparently there's no need to ask you if you like my dress," she teases, moving closer to him.
Robin shakes his head. "Your dress? Regina, you are…" He blinks his stupor away before letting out a soft laugh. "Wow. I mean… You look... perfect."
Regina chuckles softly, hand reaching for his cheek. "You don't look too bad yourself, you know?"
Well, he tried his best, and the advice he got from Daniel had been very welcome. He took him to different stores, helped him choose a nice pair of straight black jeans with a blue shirt that brings out the color in his eyes, and despite Robin's protest because it's too hot outside for one, a jacket to complete his outfit.
"What if, when you leave the restaurant, Regina feels cold and you don't have a jacket to warm her up?" Daniel asked as he'd stared at him with a determined look in his eyes and a smirk on his face. Robin had given in almost instantly, and accepted the jacket with a slight roll of his eyes and a grin. It was nice, really, to spend time with Daniel, just the two of them. To discuss the last months, what Daniel missed out on and what he witnessed, Regina's recovery, the trial that's finally coming to an end, and her relationship with Robin.
They never took the time to get to know one another, because Regina was always there, and clearly, she's their top priority. But today, Daniel learned the sincerity and strength of Robin's feelings for Regina, and he told him words that he will never forget.
Daniel stops their walk with a hand over his forearm, and Robin looks at him curiously, before Daniel invites him to sit on a bench nearby. The man crosses his hands in front of him, and leans forward, looking so serious Robin's anxiety flares and for a second, he wonders what exactly is happening here.
It's Daniel, Robin tells himself. Stop stressing out, nothing bad will happen.
"I'd like to talk with you about something." Daniel starts. "Regina told me how much she cares about you, that you make her happy. To be honest, even if you've only been together for less than three months, I've been witnessing your relationship and I admit that I haven't seen her this happy in..." he stops, looks away in the distance, then lets out in an exhale. "years. Not since her father passed. So I don't think I'm mistaken when I say that you feel the same about her, am I?"
Robin swallows, nods. "Yes. She's everything to me."
Daniel slowly nods. "That's what I thought. Today is just another proof of the connection you two share. You know, I may not be Henry, but I still am someone to whom Regina matters the most, and I knew my uncle enough to assure you that..." He locks eyes with Robin. "He'd be over the moon to know that his daughter has found you."
Robin breathes in relief. Not that he doubted that Daniel approved his relationship with Regina, but he wasn't entirely certain where this conversation was going.
"I also know that, just like me, he'd be grateful for what you did for her. If you hadn't been in her life, she may have never found the strength to come forward about... well..."
Daniel looks down, and Robin can read from his eyes and behavior that Daniel still suffers over what happened, the fact that he hadn't been there to protect Regina and ignored everything about her hell for two years. He places his hand over Daniel's shoulder, the gesture catching the man's attention and makes him look up at him.
"She doesn't blame you." he says. "She doesn't blame anyone for not protecting her."
Daniel kindly tilts his head. "I know." He clears his throat, finds a bit of his composure back. "Anyway, my point was: Thank you, Robin. Thank you for everything you did for her, for everything you still do. Her father and I could've never dreamt of someone better than you for Regina."
It was a step in his relationship with Regina's cousin. It created a connection that wasn't there before, as Daniel may be very open with Regina, but very secretive with anyone else. Robin hadn't realized how that talk was necessary until it happened. Following Daniel's advice regarding his outfit was easier after that.
And indeed, the complete suit fits him perfectly, gives him an elegant look he's not really used to, but if it means he gets to have Regina looking at him with shining stars in her eyes, the same way she is looking at him right now, then Daniel was most definitely right in choosing this style.
"Permission to kiss you, Milady?" Robin whispers.
She bites the side of her lower lip, and tilts her head to the side, her long wavy hair cascading down her shoulders.
"Permission granted, Mr. Locksley."
Their lips lock in a tender and sweet kiss, his hands wrapping around her waist to pull her closer while she tugs at his nape, her fingers getting lost in his hair.
"Where are you taking me?" she murmurs when she pulls back from the kiss.
"Are you up for Chinese food?"
Regina beams at him. "I love Chinese food!"
Robin gives her a peck on the cheek. "Perfect then. Alan and Tuck told me it's fabulous."
"Come on, then! Let's go!" She tugs at his hand, heading for the door, dragging him outside the room, and Robin follows suit with a laugh.
xxx
"The guys were right, the food is excellent," Regina comments, wiping the corner of her mouth with her napkin after placing her chopsticks on the side of her plate.
She's radiant. Her large and beautiful smile hasn't left her the entire evening, and Robin's glad, he planned this night out for that exact purpose. The trial is taking a toll on her, slowly tainting the excitement of summer holidays to come, their plans with their friends. Security is more important than ever around Regina, especially since the verdict will be given in a few days. That's why this night was necessary, and feels like a breath of fresh air in the middle of a storm.
His hand reaches out for hers, and he laces their fingers.
"I'm having a wonderful evening with you, Milady."
She blushes, looks at him from underneath her lashes.
"I am, too. I'm happy it's only the two of us."
"I agree." Robin's gaze lands on their linked fingers, his thumb brushing the back of her hand. "We have to do this more often."
Her eyes light up before turning glassy when the reason why this is only their first official date after almost three months of a perfect relationship hits her hard.
"I'm not sure they'll allow us to have more moments like this if he's set free."
"Hey!" Robin calls her when she looks down at her plate and frowns, her lips trembling. He squeezes her hand to make her look up so that her eyes can meet his comforting gaze. "None of this tonight, Regina." He gives her a small smile, trying to trigger her own. "Remember what I told you? As long as we're together, everything will be fine. Nothing else but this," he gives her hand a little squeeze to punctuate his words. "matters."
It works.
Red creeps to her cheeks again, and her fingers' grip tightens over his. "Thank you, Robin."
"Don't thank me quite yet," he adds with a confident smirk.
He breaks the physical contact, searching the inside pocket of his jacket, drawing Regina's attention. She bends over the table, all trace of concern being replaced by curiosity instead.
"What are you doing?"
Her frown is adorable as her eyes follow his hand pulling out a long box from his pocket.
"I have a surprise for you."
"Robin…" she breathes, amazed and indeed, surprised. "What is this?"
"Open it." He shrugs, handing her his gift. The name of a famous jeweler is carved on it, partially giving away its content.
She places the box in front of her, and takes a moment, glancing between it and him, trying very hard to hide her excitement. But finally, she opens it carefully, and as the gift is revealed to her, her face illuminates. She lifts her glowing eyes to meet his blue ones.
"You didn't have to," she whispers, voice thick with emotion.
"I know, but I wanted to," he replies.
"You're too good to me. It's really beautiful, Robin. I love it!" Her grin is wide and genuine, her brown orbs sparkling with happiness as she pulls the long and delicate silver necklace with a feather pendant out of its box. A sweet little gesture that cost him some money, but his girlfriend's ecstatic and delighted face is well worth it. "Can you help me?" she asks as she hands him the necklace cheerfully.
Robin arches an eyebrow. "You're already wearing a necklace."
"But it's not yours!" she insists, and how can he resist her when she looks at him with those eyes?
He gets up and moves to stand behind her, unclasping the other necklace before fastening his around her neck. When he faces her, she tugs at his shirt slightly, urging him to lean down until they're at eye-level. She locks gaze with him, pauses for a second, and then brings her hand behind his neck tenderly. She presses her lips to his, kissing him gently, while her thumb rubs his chin. She pulls back with sparkles in her eyes.
"Thank you, Robin. For the necklace, the evening." She glances around the restaurant before coming back to him, looking deep into his eyes. "For everything."
xxx
Regina closes the door behind her and invites Robin to sit on her bed, smiling softly.
The evening has been pure bliss.
Their relationship is flourishing with every passing day, their feelings growing, their trust in each other stronger than ever. Robin still finds it hard to believe where they both come from, how much they had to endure, Regina the most. And now to finally be here today, together, happy. Weeks, months of questions, of pain, of being kept apart by her demons, until the day the truth had finally come out and their lives had changed radically. Especially hers. And despite the ghosts of her past still casting shadows on their present, Regina remains the most beautiful, incredible, and kind person he's ever known. She's everything Robin has ever wanted, exactly who he needed. They are the perfect match, and God, he really is the luckiest guy alive.
"Robin?"
Robin blinks, her wonderful smile appearing in front of him when she cups his cheek and guides his gaze to her.
"Where did you go?" she chuckles, shaking her head slightly.
"I was thinking about our first meeting." Regina lets out a small oh!, looking down but smiling. "So much has happened since. I never imagined…" Robin brings a hand to her chin, his lips finding her forehead. "I'll never stop thanking the higher power that has led me to you." He looks her in the eyes, brushes her hair away from her forehead, and smiles when she leans into his palms. "You are so important to me, Regina. I don't know what I'd do if I'd lose you."
Her hand lightly squeezes his cheek, her smile comforting and reassuring, her voice soft and calm. "You won't," she assures.
She then presses her lips to his, her hand more insistent and urging him closer, something Robin willingly does. He scoots closer, palms roaming over her back, one moving to the nape of her neck, toying with her hair absentmindedly, the other one settling on her lower back, keeping her against him. He moans softly when they part, but their mouths find each other again almost immediately, the kiss hungrier this time, their breaths becoming erratic, their chests raising quickly.
Regina's hand disappears under his shirt, sending shivers down his spine the second her skin touches his, and Robin squirms, presses himself closer to her when she scoots to the back of the bed, dragging him with her.
His lips move to her jaw, peppering kisses along her neck, tongue swirling against her pulse, and Regina's body arches, her chest pressing against his. She falls on her back again, head to the side while he keeps up his ministrations, lying half on top of her, half his weight on his elbow. His leg moves atop hers, pressing himself against her side, one hand finding her abdomen and moving in circles, slowly caressing her.
"Robin…" She sighs contentedly.
Her voice, her tone, her reaction to his caresses send a jolt of pride and desire through his entire being as he continues to press soft kisses on her skin. His hands skim her body, leading a life of their own, his mind overwhelmed with a level of pleasure he has rarely encountered before. His hand moves lower, thumb brushing her hip and Regina shakes a little in his hold.
His lips capture hers again, his caresses becoming bolder, fingers now cupping the back of her thigh and massaging her skin, and Regina's knee bends instinctively to answer his touch. His free hand slides to her neck when he moves on top of her, pressing her thigh to his, her body closer to his. He's moaning at the pleasure invading him, the lust and need taking possession of his whole being, his hips grinding against hers and…
"Robin… Robin, stop. Please."
It takes a moment for her low voice to reach his ears, for her words to sink in, but when they do, when Robin opens his eyes and sees the panic on Regina's face, he moves away immediately, rolling on his side and letting her sit up and scoot away. Her breath is short and he notices she's trying to cover herself with trembling hands.
"What-" His throat is dry, so he swallows as he pushes himself up, but doesn't move closer to her. "What did I do?"
Regina takes a moment, still shaking, eyes shut tight as if she's trying to compose herself. Robin is lost while she does, wondering what he did wrong, maybe he didn't read her properly, maybe she didn't want… When she opens her eyes and looks at him, or more specifically towards the lower part of his body, Robin looks down, and understands without her having to say a word. His erection is more than obvious, and only now he remembers the position they were in, with him placed between her thighs, pressing himself to her.
What the hell was he thinking? It's too soon, he should have known better than to trigger her worst memories, especially now. He knows better. What an idiot! His desire made him lose control, and now she's afraid of him, trembling from head to toe, and all because of him.
"I'm sorry," he apologizes, as he gets up and puts some distance between them. She probably doesn't want to be anywhere near him now anyway. He just ruined their perfect relationship by acting like a horny teenager. "I- I'm going to leave you be. I shouldn't have- I'm sorry, Regina."
His hand is on the door, about to turn the knob when he's interrupted by her shy but firm "Wait!"
Robin doesn't turn around right away, she's probably going to tell him that everything is over between them, and although he totally deserves this, he doesn't have the strength to look her in the eyes when she destroys his world.
"Robin," she pleads. "Look at me."
Well, he messed up.
But no matter how hard it is for him, he owes her at least the decency to face her when she speaks to him, if that's what she wants. So, he lifts his apologetic eyes up to look at her, immediately hit by her beauty. Her face is flushed, her lips are swollen and her hair is slightly messier than before, but she stays the most beautiful girl he's ever seen.
Facing her only makes things more difficult. But still, he'll accept her words without flinching.
"I'm sorry."
What?
"What?" He asks, not sure why she's apologizing.
"I knew I wasn't ready yet. I should have stopped you sooner, but-"
He has to say something, this isn't her fault, he pushed her, he-
"No," he cuts her off, taking one step closer, then stopping, unsure of how to react. "It's not your fault. I shouldn't have taken things so far, it was I who couldn't control myself."
Regina looks down at her fidgeting hands on her lap. For a moment, she stays silent, breathing in, then exhaling deeply. When she looks up at him, she attempts a small smile. "I couldn't either."
He frowns, and she pats the spot next to her on the bed, nods when Robin hesitates, assuring him that it's fine, she's not afraid of him. So, he settles down next to her, keeping some distance between them, not wanting to scare her again.
"I want to, Robin."
He stares at her in confusion. What is she saying?
"I want to make love to you." Her next words are a shy murmur slipping past her lips. "I've wanted this for a while. You're quite irresistible, you know?" she adds with a small smile. Her voice turns more serious then. "I know you're not them. You respect me, and I know you'll never hurt me." Her fingers close over his, startling him, but he reacts to her touch by lacing them together. "But… I guess I need more time. Would you mind giving me more time to forget?" she asks, a bit embarrassed.
Why is she feeling this way when he is the one who should be apologizing?
"Of course, Regina!" he assures. "All the time you need. You shouldn't even have to ask me, if I only had remembered-"
"Don't blame yourself for this, please!" she insists. "You didn't do anything wrong. You stopped when I asked you to." Her free hand comes up to caress his cheek tenderly, and Robin can't help but lean into her palm, welcoming the warmth of her soft skin against his. "That's never happened before."
Robin's eyes light up in realization, and when he looks deep into hers, he sees that the fear that was present in them before, has now been replaced with gratitude. He read her all wrong. She's not mad at him. She's… grateful. For his presence, his respect, his care. For his love.
As he finds himself unable to look away, Robin feels his heart swell with the most vibrant and strongest love he has ever felt for anyone. He feels that same love taking over his whole self.
"I'll never force you to do anything you're not ready for," he promises, while giving her fingers a squeeze.
Regina smiles, a genuine and wide one this time, her eyes shining once again. She leans forward, her forehead resting against his. "Please, don't leave me, Robin," she murmurs against his lips.
"Never."
xxx
Four days later, their state of mind is entirely different as they're back to court. Not for long, they're only waiting to hear the jury's verdict. But their level of stress has never been higher. Neal's testimony was last week, and it apparently went well, although it's not possible to know exactly what's going on on the jury's minds. After their date that resulted in them being closer than ever, Robin's attention has been almost entirely focused on Regina, and on specifically not thinking of anything trial-related.
They've started to make plans, to look at college applications. Robin still doesn't believe his score. He knew he did good, but he never thought he'd be that good, at least knowing where he started when he arrived in the states. However, no matter how good it was, it still gives him little chances to even hope entering the same college. So, they've discussed his results with Mrs. Dragondale, asked for her opinion, and she strongly advised him to prepare for the August SAT session, believes that he has his chances. Regina's already started to organize a study plan for this summer, and she's more enthusiastic than ever. Truth be told, he is, too, and has the best motivation: Her. The pride in her eyes when she saw his score. The hope in her speech as she talked with their teacher. It's worth any sacrifice. After everything they've been through, there's no way he'll disappoint her now.
Robin's pulled off his thoughts as the two large wooden doors open, and Regina tugs at his hand, following his parents and Daniel, Neal, Belle, and Will just behind them. They head for the same bench as the first time, behind the prosecutor, and Robin is suddenly seized by a knot of anxiety that's tightening in his belly with every passing minute. Their entire lives depend on this moment, on the jury's decision that's finally going to be revealed to them.
The jury enters the room, then the judge, and Regina's grip on his hand tightens. Robin exhales quietly, nuzzles her cheek before kissing her temple.
The judge turns towards the Jury. "Will the jury foreperson please stand." A dark-haired woman who must be in her thirties stands. "Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?"
The woman nods as she replies. "Yes, Your Honor, we have."
Silence falls over the room, and everyone follows the clerk, who gets the verdict from the foreman and hands it to the judge who reads it quietly, and hands it back to the clerk.
"Members of the Jury, on the Case of Rupert Alastor Gold versus the United States of America, what do you say?"
Regina's hand is crushing his as she trembles, anxious, the moment she's been waiting for for years finally happening. She's at the door of her freedom, it's now within her reach, and Robin can't help but feel his stomach knotted with fear that everything will fall apart.
"Your Honor," The Foreman begins, everyone's attention on him. Robin glances in the direction of Mr. Gold, whose eyes are fixed upon the man, but whatever emanates from Regina's stepfather makes Robin shiver. "the members of this Jury find the defendant" Robin turns to look at the foreman as he announces. "guilty of all charges."
A perfect silence follows his words, realization slowly hitting the crowd. Robin feels Regina's grip on his hand loosen. He looks at her, and in her brown eyes staring at him is shining a new sparkle. One that screams all the relief and happiness she's full of, as she wraps her arms around his neck and laughs softly.
"We did it!" she whispers against his skin. She pulls back and gazes into his eyes, admitting, in complete awe. "We won."
"We did," Robin replies, just as stunned and happy, barely realizing that this hell is over.
Regina looks away from him, staring behind him and Robin follows her gaze to her stepfather, whose eyes are dark as coal with anger. But this time, Regina doesn't tremble in front of him. In her eyes, Robin only reads defiance and pride. For the second time, she outpowered the famous Mr. Gold, and this time, she's not afraid anymore.
Two hammer blows from the judge brings the crowd's jubilation back to a relative quietness, all eyes turned towards her when she declares. "The jury is thanked and excused. Court is adjourned."
Regina waits to be outside before fully letting out her joy. She's wearing a smile from ear to ear, beaming, all trace of her fear vanished as she jumps into Daniel's arms. For a moment, Robin observes the exultation and relief of people around him who celebrate the fall of the most famous and powerful man in town. It's all smiles and embraces, happiness everywhere, and he cannot believe that it's finally over. That they are free.
They've come a long way, he thinks, remembering the many obstacles that they had to overcome to be able to be here today. Eight months of suffering, discoveries, struggles, love, sadness, fear, distress and happiness. Eight months, to give Regina her life back.
Robin looks at her, radiant among the crowd of people she loves.
And as she looks at him and smiles, he knows that every second of the last months was worth it.
Hours later, after an evening celebrating at home with everyone, she's sitting on his bed, exhaling deeply, but her smile hasn't left her since they exited the courtroom.
"I still can't believe it."
Robin chuckles, removes his shirt and throws it in a corner of the room. "You said so at least a dozen times today."
Regina bites the side of her lower lip and swaps at his thigh when he walks closer. "Don't mock me! Dare tell me you don't feel the same!"
He sits next to her, the back of his fingers caressing her cheek tenderly. She's changed today. Physically, she stays the most beautiful girl to his eyes, but deep inside, she's different. As if the fear of her stepfather had been binding her despite her wishes, forbidding her to truly let go. Something she can finally do now.
"I do, Regina. But you can't blame me, you're simply too cute when you're like this."
She blushes, shrugs sheepishly and nuzzles his nose, one of her hands coming flat against his torso, sliding against his skin to loop around his back, bringing him closer, and Robin shivers as he admits.
"And in case it isn't clear, I very much appreciate seeing you so happy."
Regina's gaze is drawn to his lips, and she licks her lips in reflex, before looking back up at him. "It's more than happiness." she admits. "I feel..." she looks away while she searches for her words. "Reinvigorated. Safe." Robin thinks that she's about to kiss him, but she surprises him when she asks instead, "How do you feel?"
Robin pulls back just enough to lessen the temptation of capturing her lips in a kiss.
"Relieved," he says, Regina acknowledging his word with a nod. "Happy." He cups her cheek tenderly, grinning. "In love."
He leans forward, this time neither of them fighting their desire, their lips locking into a soft kiss that they make last for a moment, savoring every second, focusing on the contact between their skins, her hand against his bare back, his fingers trailing in her hair. It's Regina who initiates the movement, who slightly pushes Robin and makes him lean on the bed, while she stays pressed flush against him, not breaking their kiss. She waits until they're both lying face to face before opening her mouth, letting his tongue in to play with hers, giving him as much as he offers.
Her boldness shows in the way her hand travels his bare torso, the other one slipping between him and the bed, finding its way to his back, using the leverage to completely block him against her, and Robin isn't complaining one bit. His own hands move up and down her back, one of his legs hooking behind her knee, anchoring himself to her, all along making sure not to push her limits, that she still has leverage, that she can pull away if she feels the need to.
She must not because she presses herself closer to him, deepening their kiss, the physical contact between them, moaning against his mouth contentedly before she rolls on her back, dragging him on top of her. Robin obediently follows, resting his weight on his elbows, letting a knee move between her legs when she parts them for him. Her breath is short, her kisses frantic, the path of her fingers on his back both rough and soft. Her nails scrape against his skin, his body shuddering in answer, Regina chuckling against his lips.
Robin tears his mouth apart from hers, peppers kisses along her hairline, her temple, his tongue teasing her earlobe, and Regina immediately jolts against him.
He laughs softly, keeps his mouth close to her ear and whispers, amused, "Who's laughing now?" before his lips close over the skin of her neck.
Regina swats at him gently, but she forgets everything about his teasing when he darts his tongue out to make small rolls on her skin. Her reaction is immediate, her body arching against his, a loud moan mixed with a sigh slipping past her lips as she digs her fingernails into his ribcage, relaxing when he lessens the intensity of the licking, replacing it by a small suction that she seems to very much appreciate, if the way she tilts her head to the side to give him better access is any indication.
Robin doesn't stop, his mouth and tongue relentless against her neck, while his hand dares scoot under her shirt, shyly reaching the skin of her back, then moving up her front as he stays alert, searching for any sign of discomfort. She doesn't stop him, so he cups her side, rubbing tenderly up and down, bringing her shirt up, their torsos finally coming in contact when she pulls back just long enough to remove it. He pauses at the sight of her in her bra, the swell of her breasts an absolute perfection, her body a true wonder. He forces himself to look into her eyes, and finds her breathless, cheeks red, watching him with what resembles apprehension, but also pride.
"Do you want to stop?" he offers, refusing to push her limits any further if she's not ready yet, because she asked for more time barely a few days ago.
She pauses, gaze locked with his, as if trying to decide how far she's ready to go. She cups his cheek, leans forward for a kiss, then falls back against the bed, her hand trailing in his hair. She grabs one of his hands, and places it against her chest, her body shaking but she exhales slowly to control it.
"Touch me," she says softly. "I'll tell you if it's too much."
Robin captures her lips for a reassuring kiss, feeling her anxiety flare, so for a moment he simply rubs his thumb against her ribcage, breaking the kiss to watch her intensely. Her breathing has changed, it's more erratic, her eyes are clouded with a veil that speaks to her still fresh trauma, which makes it harder for him to focus, too worried about triggering the memories of her past. His hand barely moves, hesitant, but they need to get past this, and staying still won't help, so he pushes through his fear, letting his palm caress the skin of her chest, all the while not breaking eye-contact with her.
He discovers her perfectly flat abdomen, softly grazes the shapes of her ribcage, his hand falling flat against her sternum, feeling the pounding of her heart in the crook of his palm, accelerating as her breathing quickens. Robin moves his hand up to her neck, brings her mouth to his for a kiss, letting his fingers trail a slow path down the top of her left breast.
Regina breaks the kiss, puts a trembling hand on his chest, and Robin knows it's over. He removes his hand, and lets himself slide to the side next to her, giving her a minute to recover.
She lets out a ragged breath, her palms pressing against her eyes tightly. He carefully takes one of her hands, brings it to his mouth and kisses its back.
"Are you okay?" he murmurs, not daring to touch her more while he's not certain of her state of mind.
Regina lets her free arm fall against the mattress, wraps her fingers around his, and sighs deeply, her tone annoyed when she replies. "Frustrated would be a better fit."
He stays silent, gazing down in sadness and understanding.
"I thought that knowing he's going to spend the rest of his life in jail would help," she says, staring at the ceiling. "I'm sorry."
Robin looks up at her apology, tugs on her hand to make her roll on her side and face him, her gaze erratic but he cups her face with his hands, and tampers her frustration by a kiss to her brow. She loops her fingers around his wrists, and he feels her calm down in his embrace.
"Don't apologize, Regina." He brushes her cheek tenderly. "You told me to give you time barely a few days ago. I wasn't expecting you to be ready to go further tonight."
"But-" she starts, and he shakes his head immediately to shush her.
"We won the war today. Don't let him ruin the evening."
She looks at him, silent, still fighting her inner demons, so Robin kisses her forehead, pulls back and gets up, Regina frowning at him. He smiles at her in response.
"I'm thirsty, I'm going to the bathroom to get some water." When she sits down on the bed to face him, he crouches in front of her, his hands grabbing hers and resting on her lap. "I love you, Regina. I don't mind waiting, I don't mind giving you time, because the last thing I want is to scare or hurt you. So, take a minute, and when I'll come back, if you're interested, I'll let you sleep in my arms."
He pecks her stunned lips, smiling reassuringly. When he passes the door, she's smiling back.
Title of the next chapter: The holidays
