You asked for it! Here it is! A new chapter of Starstruck! It's a tad short, but full of content. Ps: I don't speak Spanish. at least not well. Forgive me if there are typos. I hope it was worth the wait.

S'D

Chapter10

9:56 am

Robin scrolls through Regina's feed for a fourth time in the last two minutes. He saw it last night when she posted. He has post notifications on for Regina. It's isn't a surprise that Robin was more than surprised when he saw her tags. He isn't exactly sure what he's looking for or what he expects to find. Maybe, answers. Like, how she could possibly post a picture of Nottingham of all people? He can't help be feel as if this was a betrayal. There was no sign of her knowing or even acknowledging his existence before her post. They had a fun night together the other night, right? Regina never posted an outright photo of him on her new, little account. Sure, he was all over her story, but never a post. Robin knows she doesn't show her own face so she isn't recognized by people who may out her. He was the one who told her to do it. She posted a photo of her and Mulan in their wigs and crazy outfits from their night out. None of him. Honestly, Robin would be fine if she never made an actual post about. He would have been fine. Past tense. Instead, she posts a photo of Nottingham. How does that even happen. They don't see each other for two days and all of a sudden, she's posting pictures of his enemy?

No.

Robin will not let this stand.

That curupt, no good scoundrel will not hoodwink Regina into his idea of friendship. The arsehole will pay.

Robin looks at the post once more. It's the same as the last ten times he checked. This is ridiculous. He looks at it one last time before closing the app and his phone entirely. He tosses it on the couch beside him. He pushes the base of his hand over his closed eyes. He needs to see Regina. He has to warn her about Nottingham. Perhaps it was a one off, but even so Hollywood can be a dangerous place with stinkers like him roaming free. How could this happen?

Robin viciously rubs face and what a heavy sigh. He could barely sleep last night; he was so frustrated. He has to calm down before you can see Regina. This isn't her fault. Robin takes a breath before launching himself from the couch, grabbing his things, and hopping in his car. He knows where her Granny's diner is. That's where she said she's been spending all her free time.

Robin was at the diner in 20 minutes. The parking lot didn't look too full. It's only 10:40am. It's too late for the morning rush and too early for lunch. Robin could see Regina from the window. She working the register. He doesn't know why he's standing on the sidewalk like a stalker, why doesn't just go in. She looks content. She's lucky he thinks. To live the life of a normal person. To be able to work at your Granny's diner on spring break. Or to choose the friend you want in you life, not have them chosen for you.

Robin takes a deep breath before moving forward. He touches his hat and glasses only to remind himself that they were there. He takes one last breath and hurries into the diner.

9:15 am

This Verónica Sanchez girl is really putting a damper in what should be Zelena's best vacation ever. She was supposed to be the one all over the fandom Instagram and Twitter. She was supposed to be the posting outings with Robin. The one he writes his songs about. Not this… this… witch that dare taints the name Robin Hood. And to think some of the fandom were actually starting to like her. Well, it won't be for long. VeRóniCA posted her hanging out with Keith Nottingham. KEITH NOTTINGHAM! The audacity of some people. Everyone knows not to mix Hood and Nottingham. It's a dangerous game she's playing. And she will lose.

Keira_Nottingham: what's with this Roni girl?

As if she knows. Zelena scoffs at the dm. And if she did, why on earth would she tell her? Zelena vaguely remembers the account as the her of the Nottingham fandom. Keira is her actual name if she remembers correctly. Their fandoms are at a constant war with each other. But in recent months the two of the have convinced their respective fandoms to simply ignore the other. The constant fighting between them was bring a bad reputation on Robin and Nottingham. Zelena could care less about the latter, but she knew it was important to put her winning argument on hold so that the world could see Robin for the angel he is.

She and Keira came to an agreement. The Locksley fandom would turn the other cheek to the Nottingham fandom if they did the same. Thus bringing forth the era of subjective peace. They were of course allowed to share opinions during awards season and the occasional guest appearances. Zelena wouldn't go as far as calling in a truce. Whatever it may be; it worked.

Until Verónica posted last night. It was enough to rattle both fandoms. The Notts are still trying to figure who this girl even is, while the Hoods are outraged they've been double crossed. Then comes the custody battle of which fandom claims her. That in of itself is forming the beginnings of a civil war.

And worse of all is the brewing war beween the new and unforeseen fandom that are Roni lovers. It remains unknown if they will be a true threat. She doesn't doubt they will be should opportunity arise.

Zelena: I wish I f#*@ing knew.

"Zelena! Your table wants you." Her sister announces when enters the kitchen.

Zelena sighs. The life outside her phone, however boring, always trumps the more pressing things in her life. She can't be bothered tending to that old, cranky couple. She was meant for better things. "The things I do for family."

"If it makes you feel better, I think they're leaving." Regina offers.

"Better them than me. I will not me doing this tomorrow." Zelena pockets her phone in her apron. Granny declared the dining area a no phone zone and she really doesn't want another one of her lectures.

"You got something better to do?"

"Actually, I do." Zelena pauses for dramatic effect. But not for too long of course. She doesn't want her sister to start talking again. "I got a job." She announces smugly.

"Who would be crazy enough to hire you?" Regina shoots back.

"Jefferson Hatter." Zelena states proudly, before sweeping into the diner. Regina follows quickly after.

She nearly chokes on her words. "Jefferson Hat… How? Are you sure this is not a scam?" Her sister ask from behind the counter.

"Regina, yes. Of course it's not a scam. I'm not stupid. We were connected through a mutual friend." The audacity. What does she take me for? As if I'd settle for anything less. She is no noob. Zelena's been planning for a moment like this her entire life. There is no way she was going to let it pass.

Regina sighs and briefly places a hand on her sister's arm. "Zelena, I know you're not stupid. I just want to be sure you're being safe is all." It's cute her sister still cares.

"I appreciate your worry, but its not needed." Zelena pulls her attention to the needy couple in one of the booths.

Regina knows her sister is a capable woman, but she often puts herself in potentially dangerous situations that could have easily been avoided. Like the night she met Robin. Regina ended up in the hospital. Granted it wasn't immediately Zelena's fault, but it all could have been avoided if her sister 1) didn't lie to their parents and 2) didn't sneak into a crowed club she wasn't invited to. What mutual friend does Zelena possibly have with top of the line designer Jefferson Hatter? It would not surprise Regina if her sister snuck her way in to his studio as well.

"Verónica Sanchez." A voice greets.

Regina looks up startled. She blinks at the guy in front of her. She relaxes when she realizes it was Keith Nottingham. "Keith." She greets him. "What brings you back so soon?"

"Your Granny's apple pie?"

"Ehht. Wrong. Try again."

Keith smiles into the blush blooming on his face. "Fine. I wanted to see you again."

Regina hums, but says nothing more to acknowledge what he said. She instead she rings up her sister's table for their check. She works normally. She doesn't attempt to converse with him in any way. Keith had to wanted to see her again. Who is she to stop him? Though, seeing doesn't require talking. Watching Regina allows him to do. And he does. He watches her every more move. She can see out of the corner of her eye that he wants to say something. Regina wonders how long it'll be until he cracks. Not long she supposes.

Regina on pays him a brief glance when her sister saddles next to him at the counter. Zelena, her not so calm-headed sister who could spot a celebrity a mile away. She hopes for Keith's sake her sister doesn't notice. Keith, she notices, slightly turns his head away from Zelena. "I'll see you at home little sis. I'm clocking out early."

"It isn't even lunch yet." Regina is taken back by ridiculousness of it. They were still serving breakfast. Why show up at all?

"Yes, but I have pressing matters to attend to. Collateral damage." Zelena waves her phone in the air.

"Fine. But I'm not covering for you."

"No need. Anita overbooked." Her sister tosses her, her apron on the way out the door.

Regina sighs. She can't really blame her sister for dipping. Working at Granny's isn't all the entertaining. She was more interested in what Robin was doing. It had been awhile since they'd last seen each other. He was kind of her California best friend. Not that she had any back home.

"Verónica." Keith interrupts her thoughts.

"That's not what the name tag says." She points to where her it was pinned to her apron. Regina can't help but wish he and truly figured out her true identity last evening. She knows he means well, but she isn't Verónica. And she never could be. Roni leaves such big shoes to fill. Regina assumes it's like any other relationship she's made after making the account. Only difference is that none of those people frequent Granny's diner.

"Right. Regina." He corrects. "I was wondering if you had time to hang out later. Together." Keith adds as of they were going to hang out separately. Regina can't help but laugh at his minor, nervous misfortune. Wait. Why was he do nervous?

"This isn't a date right? Because I'm not really looking to date right now." Regina wants to say it nicely as possible. She sees no need to be excessively cruel, but she also wants to be honest.

"No. Nothing of the sort." Keith assured her. "I really want to be your friend."

"I wanna be you friend too." Regina smiles. It's the truth. She really wants to get to know him better. It's been awhile since someone has truly been interested in getting to know her. Everyone back home refuses to give her the time of day, yet here in California she can't stop meeting interesting people who also happen to find her interesting.

Keith lens in to say something else when his phone rings. He makes a face when he looks at the caller ID. "I have to take this." Regina nods and points to the back door where he likely won't be interrupted. More importantly, he won't be recognized. The glasses and hat do little to cover his identity. Well, it did seem to work with Zelena, so it must be doing something.

"Hey, don't come back unless you plan on buying something." Regina calls after him.

That's the moment Granny decides to join her at the counter. Anita takes Zelena's place in working the tables. Neither of them questioned her sister's absence. So she doesn't bring it up either.

"That the same boy from yesterday?" Regina watches Granny watch Keith walk to the back of the diner. She's got that look on her face. The one she uses when she's trying feel out a person. Regina wants to laugh at how cute her granny can be. However looks can be deceiving. Granny is full of fire. She is not something you want to challenge or get on the wrong side of. Regina is almost sure she still has that old crossbow of hers in the back somewhere.

"Yeah. But don't worry. I told him if he wants to hangs around he had to order something."

"That's my girl." She and Granny share a smile.

Regina looks to the entrance when the little bell that hangs over the door rings harsher than usual. She is understandably shocked when sees its Robin who enters the diner. And he's looking a bit frantic. Regina tenses instantly. Was something wrong? What could possibly have happened that he made an appearance? Robin deflates a fraction when he finally notices her. Regina does not follow suit.

"Robin? What.. what's going on? Why are you here?" She asks cautiously.

"I uh.. hi." Robin greets bashfully. It's so out of character for him. It is quite a refreshing turn of events.

She grins at him. "Hi."

"Hi." Granny breaks the trance.

Oh, God. Regina's face burns. She forgot Granny was standing next to her. She clears her throat and stands straighter. "Robin this my Granny. Gran this is my friend Robin."

"Lovely to meet you ma'um." Robin holds his hand out to Granny. Regina can only assume Granny have him a strong shake, if his wince is anything to go by.

"You too son. Can I get you anything to eat?" Gran already has her pen and pad in hand.

"I uh.." He glances at Regina then to the menu. "Whatever you think is best. I trust your judgment."

Granny hums. "I think I can whip up something for you." She winks at him before disappearing into the kitchen.

Regina sighs into her hands. "I'm sorry." She motions to the kitchen.

"No need. She's amazing." Robin assured her.

"What is the meaning of this?"

They both look over to see a shocked Keith standing a few feet away. She doesn't know what brings it on, but the room tenses. Seeing the look on both of their faces, Regina can make a guess to what's going on. Men could be so territorial. She is perfectly fine dividing her attention between them both. That's how friends work. Honestly, the two of them could talk amongst themselves until her break.

Robin and Keith seem like they'd get along nicely. They have a lot in common. She just hopes she won't become the third wheel when they kick it off. Regina steps around the counter to give them all an even playing field. She a little taken back by both their heights compared to hers. She doesn't remember them being this tall.

"Keith I'm glad you're back. This is my friend Ro-"

"Robin Hood." Keith growls.

"Nottingham." Robin spits out the name with just as much venom as Keith.

She blinks. "Do you um… do you two know each other?" Of course they know each other Regina. They're both teen celebrities. Their names are probably constantly next to each others.

"Yeah I know this arsehole." Robin answered, but keeps his eyes trained on Keith. "And it's Locksley now."

Keith laughs. A condescending thing it is. Regina shivers. "Becoming the real Robin? Why you needed a stage name in the first place baffles me. It's because you knew you couldn't make it anywhere as yourself. You needed a story fable to give you a jumpstart."

"Hey." Regina goes unheard.

"Welcome to the grownup table."

Robin scoffs. But Regina knows his words cut deep. "Funny you welcome me to the table as if you've ever even seen the table. You don't have an original bone in your body. Everything you've ever done is in response to me." Robin slowly creeps closer to Keith. "How about you start the conversation for once. I may be changing my brand, but I refuse to be a fake. At least I'm no copycat."

"Robin." Regina sees it before it happens. "Keith don't!" She goes unheard once again.

Keith shoves Robin and Robin shoves him back. They stumble into a luckily unoccupied table. Unlucky, Anita didn't have time to clean the table before the shuffle began. A plate slides off the table and crashes to the floor. They've definitely gathered the attention of the rest of the diner. Regina try's her best to defuse the situation, but neither of them hear her over their petty bickering. Her heart clinches when she sees a phone pointed in their direction.

"Guys please." This was getting ridiculous.

The fighting immediately stops when Granny bangs two large pan together. Everyone from the kitchen came out to see the commotion.

"I won't have you making a scene in my diner. Take a walk all of you." Granny hands the pot of to one of the kitchen staff behind her. Regina doesn't think she's seen her Gran this angry before.

"Yes, I think it would best if you both go." Regina says quietly to the two of them. She takes step toward her Gran.

"You too." Granny holds a hand out to stop Regina from coming any closer. She nods to her granddaughter when she doesn't make a move to leave.

"But Gran-"

"Now!" Granny shouts. She leaves no room up for debate.

Regina takes a stumbled step back, surprised she was yelled at. Her face hardens. Her and Granny's little stare down doesn't truly last long, but to her it feels like an eternity. She can feel the consumers' eyes on her. Watching. She rips off her apron and throws it at Granny's feet. She wanted her gone? Fine then. Regina was only working as a favor anyhow. This wasn't a fight to be won.

She shoves past Robin and Keith and hurries her way down the street. Regina doesn't know where she's going. She doesn't out right care. She can hear the boys calling her from somewhere behind, but she's too mad to stop. Too mad to talk. Too mad to think about them.

How could let this happen? How did this lead to her grandmother kicking her out? What the hell was their problem anyway? How does one grow to hate someone so much they can't even pretend to be civil towards one another? Children. They're both children. Ugh. Some children act better than this.

"You know this is all your fault."

"My fault? Had you not crawled out of the little hole you dwell in.."

Regina does her best to tune out their bickering. Had they learned nothing? Could they not even remain in silence? God, this is just her luck. Just when she thinks she's made two friends, they hate each other. Out of all the people in the world, in the city, Regina befriends the two people who can't even be in a room together without tearing it apart.

".. my movie, you arsehole!"

"What bloody idiot told you that lie? You wanna ruin this for me too?"

Can she not even think with being out voiced by these two!

"Would you both just shut the hell up!" Regina turns to growl at them. She's had it with their petty bickering and so called rivalry. This isn't West Side Story.

Robin and Keith stop. They both look around to see the attention her outburst brought them. God, they are ridiculous. She doesn't care about that now. They didn't seem to care about how their little outburst would effect her.

"Robin this isn't about you!" She yells. "This isn't about either of you. You're both being ridiculous. You see that right?"

"Regina you don't understand. Robin and I have a long history. We were never meant to be friends. We're just too different." Keith comes closer to explain to her how this ok. How this is normal. As if she is the one that doesn't understand. How is having a nemesis even remotely ok? It's not.

They simultaneously reach for one of her hands. Regina pulls them out of their reach before they can grab her. She internally laughs. They think they're not the same..

"Hey mami, ¿te están molestando estos idiotas?" A man joins them on the sidewalk. Without touching any of them or entering their personal space, he puts himself between her and the boys. Robin and Keith have no choice, but to step way from her. He stands in a way that keeps the two teenaged boys in his line of sight while looking at Regina. (Hey mami, are these idiots bothering you?)

"Nada que no pueda manejar." Regina assures the man. He doesn't look convinced. He send a not so impressed look at Robin and Keith. (Nothing I can't handle.)

"Verdad?" He asks. (You sure.. it true)

"Sí." (yes)

The man waits a minute before leaving. Though Regina has the suspicious that he hasn't gone far. Hmm. So there are decent people in this world.

"What'd he say?"

"What does it matter? He wasn't talking to you." Regina sighs.

Keith mimics her. "Look, I realize this is new to you, but this is how robin and I have always been."

"This isn't normal Keith." She waves her hand between him and Robin. She doesn't know what irritates her more, him slowly trying to explain this ridiculous situation to her or the fact they he and Robin both think it's completely acceptable.

"Keith?" She hears Robin mumble.

"Yes, Keith. It's what a real name sounds like." Keith turns to Robin.

"Funny. I don't see you using it. And here I thought it was wanker."

That's because you're an idiot." He goes to shove Robin, but is easily blocked.

"Are. You. Kidding me!" Regina screams at them. "I'm done. I'm done. I can't do this anymore." She turns to walk away. "And don't follow me." She tosses over her shoulder. She needed to calm down. Her heart was beating way too hard in her chest. She doesn't know where she's going, but she knows she needs to get away from them.

Regina doesn't even realize she's crying until she can no longer she where she's going. She stops to wipe the traitorous tears from her eyes. They don't deserve her tears. She will not cry over them.

But it hurts so much.

Regina drops where she stands. She pulls herself into an upward fetal position. It's in that moment she takes notice how the ground beneath gives way to her movements. Sand. She's on the beach. No one will question why she's on the ground her. Regina buries on of her hands into the soft, warm sand. The other wraps around her legs. She rest her head on her knees and looks out onto the ocean. She doesn't even remember coming this far.

Regina's breathing evens out until its in perfect synchronous city with the sea. Strange that happens. One second she can see, can't breathe, can't think, then all of a sudden her subconscious brings her to a place that can calm her.

She thinks of the sea as a friend.

That's one.

So she watches it. She watches unmoving as the high noon sun descends into the ocean. She watches how the sky changes colors. Bright blue, to pink, to orange then a dark red. It's beautiful.

She's fresh out of tears.

She doesn't remember closing her eyes. She can't remember when sleep claimed her. All she knows is that the sun is long gone. She liked to say she could see stars, but there are no stars in California. At least not the ones she wanted to see. The kind you could wish on.

Regina knows she should head back home. Yet, every part of her being would rather remain where she is. She doesn't want to face Granny. Not yet. She knows her family will worry, but she can't bring herself to care. Let them worry. Let them squirm. It was Granny who put her out and told her to walk it off. Well it's still on. She'd remain out here for as long as she pleased.

Her phone buzzes in her back pocket.

The movement to grab it shows how stiff her muscles became sitting in the same position for so long. She slowly stretches out each of her muscles. It one of the best releases she had in a long time. When she's done the weight of the world settles back onto her shoulders.

Her phone buzzes again.

It's 1:34 am. No wonder her body aches. She's been sitting her for over 12 hours. How was that possible. Who cares. Her DMs are out of control. She's been tagged in multiple stories and post. The only one she looks at Robin and Keith's stories. A public apology. Why the hell did they think this would in any way work? These two make her so angry!

First she share Robin's apology story. He took screen shot of some of the tons of messages he already sent her. Regina slaps, in red, bold letters, 'F*#K U!!' over his apology. She does something similar to Keith's story. His was a screen shot of a word document. Regina leaves a 'F*#k u too' on top of his. She isn't usually one to use big swears, but she gives herself a pass this one time.

She then follows them up with a written message of her own and tags them both. It goes something like this:

My.regal.My.regal. 2m

The both of you took to your socials when I wouldn't respond to you privately. Take a hint. I don't want to talk to you. The both of you are childish. You don't listen to me until I no longer want to talk to you. Well, I hope you're listening now. Until the two of you get your shit together, LEAVE ME ALONE. Now I have no choice but to embarrass the two of you when I say I don't accept your apology.

@Robin.of.locksley @Nottingham_official

Her phone promptly dies after the story is uploaded. Chew on that assholes.

Ahhh! The guys messed up soo bad. Granny's mad. Regina's mad. What's next? Let me know what you all think. I hope you enjoyed!

Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! And Happy New year! I hope you all go into this new years as the fabulous people you are!

S'D