Chapter 2: Results
"Okay, from what I can tell you are about seven weeks along," Dr. Cobb said, looking at the blob on the screen in front of her.
Regina stared at it, mesmerized. She and Robin had talked about expanding their family but had taken a rather "que sera, sera" approach after their wedding. With him touring and her participating on the show, they didn't want to try in earnest just yet - agreeing to wait another year.
It seems nature had other plans.
"So wait, she's been pregnant during almost the entire competition?" Robin asked, frowning. "Will that affect the baby?"
Dr. Cobb shook her head. "No, not really. Regina is healthy and her body is already used to ballroom dancing, which gives her an advantage. She can continue dancing as her pregnancy progresses, though you will have to limit which stunts you do."
"I understand," Regina said. "Not my first time at this particular rodeo."
"I thought you stopped dancing to have Henry?" he asked, sounding confused.
She chuckled. "Yes, but not at first. Daniel and I danced until I was about six months along and really starting to show, not that Gold was happy about that."
"I imagine Gold wasn't happy about a lot," he replied, scowling at the thought of her former coach and the former head judge on the show. She didn't blame him - Gold had tormented her for years and then had turned his ire onto them while they were on the show together. Even though it had been a few years since they last saw him, the thought of him still left a bad taste in both their mouths.
"Do you have any other questions?" Dr. Cobb asked, looking mostly at Robin. "I'm happy to answer them."
He shook his head. "Not right now. But maybe next time?"
The doctor laughed. "Alright. Well, everything looks good and I'll sign off on you dancing tonight. Just watch your sugar levels. We can't have you fainting again."
"I will be careful," Regina promised. She then patted Robin's hand. "He'll also make sure I eat."
"Absolutely," he replied, kissing her hand.
Dr. Cobb nodded, standing. "Good. But I do want to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't develop gestational diabetes."
"Is that a possibility?" he asked, sounding panicked again. Regina wondered if he had been this bad with Marian and decided to ask Claire about it later.
"Well, in some ways, it's always a possibility. But the fact that Regina already had an experience of low blood sugar is concerning. However, she does have some other factors that also contribute to low blood sugar - she's in active competition and so keeping up with an athletic routine. And she didn't know she was pregnant so she maybe didn't make the same choices about food she would've had she known," Dr. Cobb explained matter-of-factly but still in a comforting tone.
Regina nodded before patting Robin's hand. "So what she's saying is that it's a possibility but not necessarily a given."
Dr. Cobb nodded. "Exactly."
"Alright," he said, relaxing a bit. He turned to the doctor. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, why don't you two go home, get something to eat and get some rest before today's show?" Dr. Cobb suggested. She then turned to Robin. "And don't Google anything I talked about today. Got it, Dad?"
Robin looked sheepish as he nodded. "Got it."
He then helped Regina up and she went to change from the gown they had given her when she was shown into the office. Back in her clothes, she took his hand and they went so she could schedule her next appointment. The admin there handed her an envelope with their first sonogram pictures and congratulated them. She then leaned forward. "I'm a big fan," she told them.
"Thank you," Regina replied, trusting that no one from the office would leak their news to the media. After all, no one had yet.
Once they were in Robin's car and driving home, he glanced at her. "So what are you going to tell the show?"
"The truth," she replied. "They need to know I'm pregnant so they don't try to plan something that could hurt the baby."
He nodded. "Alright. Are you going to tell Percy?"
She sighed, nodding. "I really have no choice. But not tonight. Nothing in our routines could hurt me or the baby so we're fine. I'll tell him tomorrow."
"Alright," he said, clicking on the radio and hearing one of his songs. He chuckled. "Talk about timing, huh?"
Regina rolled her eyes but smiled, happily listening to her husband's voice. She rubbed her stomach wondering if their child would inherit her dancing abilities or his musical talents. Or would he or she have a talent or passion completely separate from the arts?
"That was the latest single from Robin Locksley and the Merry Men," the DJ said as the song ended. "And we have some news about his wife, Dancing With the Stars pro dancer Regina Mills. Video leaked from last night's dress rehearsals showed the dancer passing out while rehearsing her number with partner Percy Pellinore. The video then shows her being wheeled out by paramedics and the local hospital confirms she was treated and released late that night, though of course they couldn't say why due to privacy issues."
She groaned as the DJ continued: "While we've heard nothing from the show or Regina, hopefully we'll get some answers on tonight's show - if she dances."
"Do you think the show leaked the footage to get some publicity ahead of tonight's show?" Robin asked, his voice low and brimming with anger.
"I don't know," she replied, annoyed as well. "I hope not. I trust Nimue would know by now to always loop us in whenever they were going to do something like that."
Her phone rang and Regina sighed. "It's Mal. I hope she's just checking in and not telling me something else."
"How are you?" Mal asked as soon as Regina picked up. "What is going on? I heard that you've been tired all week and even had to take a day off. And then when you go back, you end up passing out and being rushed to the hospital. That's not like you and I'm worried, Regina."
Regina smiled, putting Mal on speaker phone. "You're on speaker. Robin's here with me."
"Hi, Mal," he replied, eyes still on the road.
Mal paused for a moment. "Well, he sounds calm so I take it the diagnosis isn't really bad."
"It's not really bad," Regina said as Robin chuckled. "Actually...I'm pregnant."
"Very funny," Mal said. "Now tell me what's really going on."
Robin chuckled as Regina shook her head. "I'm not messing with you, Mal. The fatigue and the low blood sugar were all because I'm pregnant."
Her agent was quiet again before letting out a little shriek. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you," Regina said, laughing at Mal's reaction. "We're not telling anyone just yet - just the family and a select few people."
"Of course. Do you want me to inform the show or do you?" Mal asked.
Regina paused, considering the answer. She and Nimue had a good relationship over her time on the show but Regina figured she should go through proper channels this time. "Can you? I think it's only right," she said.
"I was about to give Nimue a call anyway about that video. Given that we're usually involved in planned leaks, I'm guessing this was not planned," Mal said, sounding annoyed.
"That's what I figured," Regina replied. "Though I'm surprised. The crew is usually very good and I don't think anyone is new."
Mal hummed. "Do you think it could be a contestant?"
Regina sighed, going through all the contestants in her mind. "It's possible. Or maybe one of their staff. I'm trying not to suspect my partner but…"
"He's a complete tosser," Robin finished, barely keeping the bitterness out of his voice.
"Has he been giving you any trouble, Regina?" Mal asked, sounding ready to fight Percy for her.
Regina paused for a moment before saying: "No more than he gives anyone else. He's just insufferable and very selfish."
"But you still suspect him of releasing it," Mal replied.
"It would get him some publicity," Regina said. "And maybe some sympathy votes. And it would probably spite me too while giving him an excuse – like he would be doing better if his partner was so weak and unprofessional."
Mal was silent and Regina felt the temperature drop in the car. When she glanced at Robin, his eyes remained on the road but she could tell that he was clenching his jaw. His knuckles were white, meaning he was really gripping the wheel as well.
"Does he say that shit to you?" Mal asked in a low voice, her anger simmering.
"Not usually," Regina replied. "But he hasn't been pleased with the fact I've been fatigued and needed to take time off this week."
"Tough shit," Robin said, scowling.
Mal chuckled. "I agree with your husband there. If he gives you any trouble…"
"I'll let you know," Regina promised. "He's just a spoiled brat in the end. I think I can handle him for a few more weeks."
"Alright," Mal replied. "Anything else?"
"No, not right now," Regina said. "Thank you, Mal."
She said her goodbyes and hung up the phone. Regina let her phone fall into her lap as she looked at Robin. "Are you okay?"
"I want to kick your partner's arse," he replied.
"I can tell," she said, reaching over to rub his leg. "But I'm fine. Percy's not a threat. He's just a nuisance."
He let out a shaky breath. "If you're sure…"
She nodded. "I am. So if I ask you to come to the show tonight, you promise not to fight with him?"
"I promise," he replied. He glanced at her. "Do you really want me there?"
"I do. There's going to be a lot of spotlight on me tonight and I'd feel better knowing you were there to support me - from the audience," she replied.
Robin smiled. "I can do that. You know I love coming to the show and watching you - and everyone else - perform."
She nodded. "I do."
They arrived at the house and Robin hit the button to open his gate. He pulled in and parked the car, taking her hand to kiss it before smiling lovingly at her. "Come on. Let me get some food for you and our baby."
"We both like the sound of that," Regina said, a thrill rushing through her as he said our baby. She still couldn't believe she was pregnant and she was overjoyed to experience motherhood yet again.
And she couldn't ask for a better partner in this new adventure than Robin, she thought as they got out of the car and headed into the house.
She and the baby were very lucky indeed.
There was no time to tell the boys before Regina needed to report to the studio. As they headed there, they decided to come up with a cute and creative way to tell their sons that they would have a new sibling come the following year. She felt buoyed by the excitement of telling Henry and Roland, knowing both boys would be thrilled to have a baby brother or sister - both had asked her and Robin about expanding their family several times, so she knew it was something they wanted.
So that was one hurdle at least cleared.
Nimue met them when they got to the studio and invited them back to her office. She confirmed that Mal had told her about Regina's pregnancy and congratulated them, promising that they would take that into consideration in shows going forward when planning routines for her and Percy. Nimue then asked if Regina would be able to finish the season and Regina confirmed she would, explaining her due date was in June. So she would be unable to perform in the spring season but she hoped to be back for the fall. "I'll have to play that by ear," she replied.
They then agreed on a game plan for addressing the leaked video on the show that night before Regina headed down to wardrobe to get ready. Robin left her there, deciding to wait for her in her trailer. They shared a kiss before parting ways.
After she went through wardrobe as well as hair and makeup, she returned to her trailer to wait for call time. She opened the door and greeted her husband. "What have you been up to?" "Just talking with some of the other dancers," he replied. "They're all relieved you're fine."
"Well, you know how this show is - one big happy family and Greg," she replied, making Robin laugh. She sat down on the couch and cuddled against him, warning him not to mess up her hair.
He held up his hands. "Don't worry. I don't want to incur the wrath of hair and makeup. I made it through my season remaining on their good side and would like to stay on it."
She laughed and they sat like that for a few minutes before her door opened. Percy called out: "Regina? Are you in here?"
"Yes," she replied, watching as he climbed into the trailer.
Percy came to a stop, sneering when he saw Robin in there as well. "They told me you collapsed due to low blood sugar. Need a babysitter so you don't forget to eat again?"
Before Regina could respond, Robin jumped and went nose-to-nose with her partner. "I'm here so that if something happens, she'll have someone who will take care of her rather than abandon her on the dancefloor."
"I didn't abandon her," Percy retorted, scowling.
"That's not what the video shows," Robin replied. "You ran away the moment she went down, not even catching her. A quick-thinking PA did that so thankfully Regina isn't dealing with a head injury now."
Percy's jaw tensed. "What else could I have done? I'm not an EMT. I just play one on TV."
"You could've at least supported her," Robin countered. "Showed you care about someone who isn't yourself."
"Oh, please," Percy replied, rolling his eyes. "Like I'm going to take advice from a guy clearly hanging around here to relive his glory days. You are not the champion anymore. Deal with it."
Regina jumped up at that, pulling her husband back. "That was uncalled for, Percy. Robin's here because he's always welcome to watch the show. He'll be in the audience, that's it. And I have been cleared to dance so we will be dancing tonight. That's all you need to know."
His scowl didn't go away. "Maybe I should just dance with Anna since I've done most of my practicing with her because you were too delicate to put up with the show's routine."
"I had a bad week," she replied, trying to keep her annoyance and anger at bay. "But I'm better now and I can make sure I don't have another bad week. I just need you to trust me, okay?"
"Whatever," he said, rolling his eyes. "I guess I'll see you and your dearest husband on set."
Percy left the trailer while Robin let out a huff. "I hate him."
"I am definitely counting down the weeks until this season is over," she replied with a sigh.
He pulled her in for a hug, holding her close. "It's only a few more weeks, if that. I'm sure you'll be fine. You're amazing and he's a twat for not realizing it."
She laughed as his words boosted her spirits. "You're a little biased, don't you think?"
"Of course, I'm your husband," he replied. "But I also was your partner once. I think I've got it completely covered."
"I suppose so," she said, resting her chin on his shoulder.
He rubbed her back. "Do you need to do a little mediation before having to deal with him tonight? I'll do it with you."
"That might be helpful," she said, pulling back and patting his cheek. "I really lucked out getting paired with you."
"I feel the same," he replied. "And I really wish I could kiss you but makeup…"
She laughed before tossing down some pillows from her couch. "Alright. You know what to do."
They sat on the pillows and she let him lead the meditation as she released her tension and annoyance at Percy. She needed to get her head in the right place in order to get through the show. If she and Percy had made it this far, she was going to do everything she could to get them across the finish line.
And hopefully, he would do the same.
"You know, you had the perfect out," Killian said, waiting with Regina for their entrance for the opening number.
She eyed him, confused. "What do you mean?"
"You could've bowed out due to health concerns and not had to put up with Percy for the rest of the season," he replied.
"True but I like Anna," she replied. "I wasn't going to punish her anymore."
Killian nodded. "Fair point.
"Places!" Ingrid called, passing by them. "Show starts in five minutes."
"So I saw Robin hanging around," Killian continued as they moved closer to the stage. "Are you sure everything is alright?"
She nodded. "Everything is fine. Robin's going to be in the audience and is just here to be the supportive husband. And I also wanted him here when I discussed my news with Nimue."
Killian stopped, tilting his head. "What news?"
"I should tell you before we dance," she said, knowing it was only fair to him. They were partnered up during many numbers featuring the pros so he deserved to know the truth. She motioned to a stagehand. "Can you kill our mics for thirty seconds?"
The stagehand relayed the request to sound and then gave her a thumb's up. Regina turned to Killian and whispered: "It wasn't just low blood sugar that caused what happened yesterday. I'm pregnant."
His eyes lit up and he pulled her in for a big hug, sweeping her off her feet. "Congratulations, Regina. You and Robin must be over the moon."
"We are," she said, laughing a little. "Stunned but very happy. We've been talking about having a baby together but we were going to wait. Nature had other plans."
"Clearly," Killian replied. "Who else knows?"
He set Regina down on her feet as she replied: "His mom, Emma, Nimue, Mal, Tuck and now you. We're trying to figure out how to tell Henry and Roland. We want it to be fun and creative to really surprise them."
"Fun and creative are right up yours and Robin's alley so I'm sure you'll figure it out," Killian said. His smile then drooped. "Have you told Percy?"
She shook her head. "Not yet. I don't want to surprise him or make him nervous during the show. I'll tell him tomorrow."
Killian hesitated. "You sure you want to do that? We're all pretty sure he leaked the video."
"I know," she replied, sighing. "But he needs to know, just like I felt you needed to know as my partner. I'm going to have Mal and Nimue with me and we're all going to threaten him within an inch of his life."
"You might want to bring Tuck," Killian replied. "Percy's made it pretty clear that he doesn't respect women and won't recognize them as an authority figure. And I hate to undermine you, Mal and Nimue but…"
Regina sighed, understanding his meaning. "He'll definitely listen to Tuck over us. Yeah, I'll ask Robin to call Tuck after the show. Thanks, Killian."
"You're welcome," he said, hugging her. When they pulled apart, a PA informed them their mics would be turned back on in thirty seconds and Regina thanked him.
Ingrid returned, yelling: "ONE MINUTE!"
Killian winked at Regina. "Here we go."
"Live from Storybrooke Studios, it's Dancing With the Stars!" the announcer said, his voice booming inside the studio. The audience cheered loudly as the music started. Killian took her hand and they danced out, joining the others. Regina felt centered and more like herself. It didn't matter if she was pregnant. All that mattered was the music and the dance.
After the opening, Regina and Percy hardly spent any time with each other. He seemed to prefer to brood in a corner while Regina sat with some of the eliminated pros, including Tink. She kept glancing over at Percy before asking: "What's his problem?"
"He's mad that I was so sick this week," Regina replied. "Like I purposefully did it to spite him."
"I can attest to that. I'm impressed we got through rehearsals because he seemed more interested in trashing you than practicing," Anna said, shaking her head. "I finally had to put my foot down and actually asked Thomas to come in with me."
Thomas nodded. "He definitely has a victim complex and he doesn't respect women. At. All."
"Ugh," Tink said, making a face before turning to Regina. "You deserve so much better."
Regina shrugged. "We get who we get and make the best of it, right?"
"I don't know. I think you may have gotten the short end of the stick this time. He makes Greg look good," Anna said, pointing to their fellow dancer.
Greg moved over to join them. "We talking about how Regina's partner makes me look downright likeable in comparison?"
Tink nodded. "At least you know you're a douche. He thinks he's the best thing to happen since sliced bread."
"He definitely has a big ego," Regina agreed. "I wonder how he is on set?"
"Oh, I have a friend who did a guest spot earlier in the season," Charlotte LaBoef, Jacob's partner, said as she joined them on the couch. "And apparently he's even worse on the set then he is here."
They all gaped at her and disbelief rose in Regina. "You mean he gets worse?"
She nodded, leaning forward to whisper behind her hand. "He's a big diva and refuses to accept when he's messed up."
"Well, that I believe," Regina replied. "He usually blames everything that goes wrong in rehearsal on me."
"I don't get it. If he acts like that then he'll never learn and get better," Charlotte said, confused.
Thomas shrugged. "Hard to get better when you think you're already perfect."
"That's very true," Regina agreed, watching as a PA approached their couch.
He stopped, looking at her. "You and Percy are up next. We need you two to film the bumpers."
"Okay," she said, standing. "I'll go get him."
She walked to the corner Percy had taken over since the opening and placed her hand on his shoulder. "It's time for us to head down," she said.
"Fine," he replied, standing. "But you need to let me go first. I'm the star, remember?"
"Alright," she said, rolling her eyes once his back was turned. Did he think he was a king of some sort?
She followed him downstairs and they took their positions for the outro. As the PA motioned to them, Percy wrapped his arm around her and put on the fakest smile she had ever seen. She then did the same as August teased their performance.
"As many of you know, Regina had a scare yesterday while rehearsing with her partner Percy. Find out more and if she'll be dancing when we come back," he said. A camera focused on Regina and Percy, who waved to it as the band played the show into commercials.
"And clear!" the PA said. She nodded to Regina and Percy. "You two can take your places in the middle of the floor."
Percy pulled away and walked away without waiting for Regina. A few fans who were nearby booed him and he made a rude gesture toward them. Nimue stalked out to him, a stern look on her face. "You will never do that again," she told him. "Do you understand me?"
"Oh, come on. They were booing me," he yelled. "And you're saying I can't respond?"
"People will boo you. That's not a way to get them to stop," she replied.
He rolled his eyes. "And what are you going to do about it? I'm the network's darling so you can't just get rid of me. You have to wait until I either get kicked off or win."
"You can still be professional about it," Regina told him, annoyed by his attitude. She wondered how long he would be considered the darling given his behavior here and reports it was not much better on his regular show.
"Oh, like you?" he countered, rounding on her. "Taking a half day off, then a whole day off, and then passing out yesterday. And then also bringing your husband to babysit you?"
Nimue stepped in between them. "We're about to come out of commercial. You're an actor, Percy. Act like you're happy to be here. We're live in ten!"
A PA counted them in and then cued August as the band played them back from the break. He was not far from Regina and Percy, who now stood next to each other as he spoke. "Regina and Percy had a bit of a rocky week and it culminated in a scary moment for the couple. Let's take a look."
The lights in the ballroom dimmed as their package played, showing how she was not feeling well all week long. Looking back, she now recognized several of her symptoms as signs of pregnancy. But since she and Robin weren't yet trying in earnest so it didn't even register for her to think of that.
She then watched as she and Percy rehearsed their paso and saw herself start to waiver on her feet. The music got dramatic and so did the filters as she went down. Percy just stood there watching as a PA dove to catch her before she hit her head on the stairs. He gently laid her down as the music stopped playing.
People then surrounded her as Percy was nowhere to be found. Tink and Killian were the closest to her, kneeling next to her as the set doctor tended to her and someone called for an ambulance. She saw herself get loaded into it and sent to the hospital. An unseen producer interviewed a rather unconcerned Percy who seemed more annoyed that his rehearsal was ruined.
Sounded about right.
The package ended with a shot of the ambulance pulling away before the lights came back on the ballroom. August now stood next to them, ready to finish his interview. "So, Regina, what happened?" he asked.
"Doing this show requires an intense workout to stay in shape," she explained, using the speech she and Robin had practiced in her trailer. "And that is on top of the hours of training required by the show. I am usually very careful about making sure I eat enough and eat well but I guess I didn't do so well this week, especially since I was already feeling poorly. My blood sugar levels became low and that's why I passed out."
He nodded. "And how do you feel now?"
"Much better," she assured him and the public. "Our old friend Victor Whale took very good care of me in the hospital and Robin's definitely been making sure I keep my blood sugar levels up now."
Everyone clapped and Regina noticed the lights went up on one particular section of the audience. She smiled as Robin waved to the camera and people cheered for him, happy to see one of their favorites back in the ballroom - even if it was just as an audience member.
August waited for it to die down before asking: "So are you cleared to dance?"
"I am," she said as everyone applauded again.
He grinned. "Wonderful! So I'll let you and Percy take your places while I introduce you."
She nodded and Percy started walking to his spot, ignoring her. Regina jogged a bit to catch up before taking her place beside him. "Here we go," she told him.
"Try not to faint this time," he replied just before the music started up. Regina forced herself to clear her mind and just focus on the dance.
Despite his poor attitude, Percy was in excellent form as he started the paso doble. He and Regina mirrored each other as they did a promenade down the dance floor. They then went into hold to do some basic footwork in time to the music. He spun her around before spinning her away from him with a little too much force. But she didn't lose her footing as she raised her hands over her head. They took deliberate steps in the Attack before Regina released her skirt and held it up as a cape.
She and Percy circled each other, him stomping his foot in the Appel. He then moved toward him, gently falling to his knees. He chased after her as she swished her cape, taunting him to continue chasing her. They reached the part where she had passed out earlier and she stopped, waiting for him to join her back in hold.
As he approached, there was a fire burning in his eyes and it sent a chill down her back. She prayed he was just using his own annoyance with her to fuel his performance as a man stalking a woman and that he didn't really want to hurt her. Regina had butted heads with partners in the past - even she and Robin - but this was the first time she truly worried that her partner could hurt her.
Percy met up with her and pulled her into hold. They went into the final stretch of the dance, promenading across the dance floor to the judges table before pausing. He dipped them down and she pretended to fight against it as she raised their arms in the air again. They repeated that a few times, Percy yanking her arm down with more force than necessary each time, before turning and promenading back to the center of the dance floor. He dipped her before letting her fall to the floor rather than laying her there. It wasn't a hard impact but she was annoyed as he jumped up. Her annoyance turned to fear as she remembered he was supposed to punch down to end the routine and she prayed he still landed to the side of her and didn't "accidentally" miss.
Maybe she should've told him about the baby after all…
He went down on his right knee, his left hand coming down next to Regina's face. She breathed a sigh of relief as the lights went out, ending the routine.
Percy stood and walked away, not bothering to help Regina as she tried to stand as well. August rushed over instead, holding out his hand to her and helping her to her feet. "You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said, annoyed that her partner had once again left her to fend for herself. But she swallowed it down, joining Percy as the lights came back up. They stood in front of the judges, waiting for their comments.
August smiled. "Well, that was certainly an entertaining routine. Let's hear what the judges thought. David, we'll start with you."
"Well, I just want to say that I'm glad you're feeling better, Regina," David said, garnering applause from the audience. "I know Latin is your strong suit and I think it really helped Percy step up his game. Despite your issues this week, that was one of your strongest dances, Percy."
"I think Anna deserves a lot of credit too," Percy said, his tone suggesting that he was trying to minimize Regina's role in their routine rather than being genuinely grateful that the other dancer stepped in to help.
But Regina decided to roll with it and express her gratitude to Anna, knowing she could never even begin to make up for saddling Anna with Percy for a couple days. "Yes, I do thank Anna for stepping in and helping Percy when I needed to step away. She did a great job getting him prepared for tonight."
Head judge Eudora d'Orleans smiled. "It may sometimes seem like art can be a lonely field but it can be very collaborative. While you're all in competition, we're all working to the same end - creating beautiful dances. So it's great that you gave Anna credit.
"Regina and Anna both helped you excel this week, Percy," she continued. "I know I saw some great improvement this week. And I think if you come back, next week you'll be even better with Regina's full attention on you. Regina, I recommend focusing on his footwork."
"Will do," Regina said, knowing that was still Percy's weakest spot. She just hoped he would listen to her in rehearsals.
Before Cru could give her critique, Percy said: "Well, that's if Regina can pull her weight."
The change in the studio was immediate. Silence filled the room and Regina swore the temperature dropped several degrees, which was something as the studio itself was usually kept cold due to the lights and how hot the competitors got while dancing.
"Let's get one thing perfectly clear," she started, her voice ice cold as she enunciated every word. She glared at him with disdain. "Regina has been more than pulling her weight in this partnership. In fact, I'm not surprised she needed to take time for herself this week and that she got so tired. She's been carrying you for almost two months."
"That's not fair!" Percy yelled, his face turning red. "I'm here on my own merits."
Cru let out a cold laugh. "You really think so? Here's the truth. David may sugar coat things and Eudora classes it up but the bottom line is that you are the weakest dancer left in this competition. And I can think of at least one other person who should be here instead of you. One of the main reasons why you are still here is because of Regina."
"I have to agree with Cru," David said, surprising Regina. "I get that you are upset that Regina had to take a step back and you may have felt abandoned. But she did that so she could be a better partner to you. So this attitude? Lose it."
Eudora nodded. "I concur with my fellow judges. Your attitude right now is appalling. And if you want to win this competition, you need to stop fighting Regina and us judges. You need to work with her and respect her expertise. She's not here to make you look good. She's here to teach you. So learn."
"Harsh but necessary criticism," August said, no doubt trying to keep the show on schedule. "We're going to go straight to the scores. Judges?"
All three gave them an 8, so their individual score was 24 - their highest so far. "You still have the group dance. Head backstage to get ready," August told him.
Regina and Percy left the dance floor as August teased the next couple. They walked far away from each other and she could see everyone glaring at Percy. He certainly hadn't won anyone over, so she started to prepare herself for elimination that night.
She was ready to go.
Percy decided to hang out in his trailer until the group dance. It normally wasn't allowed during show time but it seemed no one wanted him around so he was allowed to leave with a poor PA following him to make sure he got back in time. Regina changed into her outfit for their group cha-cha and returned to the skybox.
Anna approached her first, looking nervous. "I want you to know that I have no intention of replacing you as Percy's partner."
"I know," Regina assured her fellow dancer. "He's just pissed and lashing out. If we make it through, I think I'm going to have to have a serious talk with him."
"I wouldn't do it alone," Killian replied, crossing his arms. "He seems like the type to turn physical. If you do talk with him, I want to be there."
Jacob and Thomas nodded, also saying they would be there. At first she wanted to protest that she could handle her partner before she remembered her talk with Killian earlier. It was clear everyone else also felt that Percy would not react well to her wanting to talk but she didn't want him to feel like they were ganging up on him. She quickly came up with a plan. "That would only make things worse. It's going to be me, my agent, Robin's agent, and Nimue. Maybe with security outside just in case."
"As long as security is nearby," Killian said, backing off a bit.
"I'll be careful," she promised all of them. "Thank you."
Killian gave her shoulder a squeeze as he passed her. She smiled and it grew bigger when she saw Robin enter the skybox. "What are you doing up here?" she asked.
"I asked to come up to just check on you," he said, hugging her. "I've told you I hate your partner, right?"
She chuckled as she pulled away. "I don't think he's anyone's favorite person right now."
"He is not," Robin said, pulling out his phone. "Twitter is tearing him several new ones as we speak."
"Is it that brutal?" she asked, wincing.
He nodded. "Though it's all against him. Everyone so far seems to be on your side and pissed off that he's being so disrespectful of you. Will seems ready to throw hands for you with Mulan ready to join him."
"That's sweet," she replied, smiling at the thought of his bandmates going to battle for her. She then took a deep breath. "But let's hope it doesn't come to that. I'm planning on having a very serious talk with him tomorrow. If we make it, which right now may be less likely."
Robin rubbed her back. "You okay with possibly being eliminated?"
She nodded. "We always have that risk but I think Cru is right. There are people who should be here rather than him if he's going to have that attitude. So if we go, we go. And it may ultimately be for the best."
"Well, I'm going to keep rooting for you two," he promised her, kissing her cheek. "I'm going to head back down for the team dance. Break a leg."
"Thank you," she said, watching him leave. She then sighed before going to join the other eliminated dancers at their couch.
Tink patted her knee. "It's not so bad to be eliminated."
"You're going to get a lot more free time now," Thomas assured her. "And you're a shoo-in for the trios."
Regina smiled. "Thanks. It's just still a bummer."
"Well, you haven't been eliminated yet," Greg reminded her. "You could still be saved despite your partner being a jerk."
"That's why I'm prepared for both," she said, hoping that she was eliminated. She would rather just wash her hands of Percy now rather than try to reason with him.
She had a feeling that would not go well.
But it was not in her hands and the audience could go either way. While they tended not to like mean contestants, they also had a tendency to turn a blind eye when the contestant was a traditionally good-looking man. And she was a popular dancer, so people would vote for a jerk just to see her continue in the competition.
Regina needed to prepare herself for both eventualities, though she prayed the audience would send Percy packing.
For everyone's sake.
"Alright, group dances are next," a PA announced, entering the skybox. "We need Team Cha-Cha to head to the floor."
Regina stood with the rest of her group, walking down with them to the dance floor. Her heart pounded in her chest as she knew she would have to deal with Percy again. She hoped he had managed to cool down during his time in his trailer.
When they got to the floor, Percy was waiting for them. He scowled when he saw Regina. "Do you even know this dance?"
"She does and you know it," Ruby snapped at him. "I don't want any trouble, got it? You go out there, you dance with Regina and you smile the entire fucking time. Got it?"
His scowl deepened but he nodded. "Fine."
People around him cheered and Percy shrank back a bit, though he quickly gave Regina the stink-eye before the show came back from commercial. Everyone in their group then posed as August introduced their training package.
As the lights went down, the group broke their pose. "Everyone in starting positions," Ruby told them.
Regina and Percy went to their marks and then into hold to wait for the start of the routine. He stood further away than was comfortable and his arms did not look right. "You need to hold me a little closer," she whispered to him.
"What? So you can collapse on me?" he shot back. "No, thank you."
She glared at him. "I'm fine. And you need to come closer or it will look horrible."
"Ugh," he groaned. "Fine."
He stepped closer as the lights came up and the music started. She nodded, counting them in as they started with the basic cha-cha steps. They moved across the floor and she noted that he needed to point his toes more but that was something they could work on later. She also considered putting him through her hip boot camp but she didn't know how well he would take it.
"Turn," she said over the music. They turned away from each other, their backs pressed together as they continued to move until they were facing each other again. She took only one of his hands, now doing the basic steps in an open position.
All four pairs started to move toward the center of the dance floor. The men raised their arms as the women danced under them, doing a small turn until they stood in front of each other. Each man moved in one direction while the women moved in the other, allowing them to look at each other. They repeated that move a few times before finishing the underarm turn.
Three of the pairs, including Percy and Regina, did a series of side steps away from the middle before finishing with a basic cross until they were on the edges of the dance floor. Ralph and Rudy stayed in the middle to do their solo piece. Steve and Merida would follow and then Aurora and Walsh. Percy and Regina would finish the solo pieces up before the group rejoined for the grand finale.
She watched as the other two couples danced their solos before turning to Percy. "Here we go. I'll count us in," she told him.
Percy moved before she finished her count, almost dragging her onto the dance floor. She stumbled a bit before finding her footing to continue the follow the leader move. He, though, was still too fast and she wasn't sure they could correct that. "You're ahead of the beat," she told him.
"You're behind," he retorted. "I thought you knew the routine."
She scowled, focusing more on keeping up with him as they moved into the curl. Percy apparently seemed determined to get eliminated and as he spun her, she decided she wasn't going to save him. Regina was done and wanted nothing more with him.
Releasing his hand, she started to dance away from him in the chase. She hoped if she set the beat he would get back on it but he was still fast, almost colliding with her. He gave her a nasty look as they moved into the Cuban breaks, standing in the middle of the dance floor as they tapped the floor with their feet, right foot tapping to the left and left tapping to the right, and shimmied in time to the music. Their solo finished with Percy taking her hand again and pulling her close until she spun around him as his arm went over his head. She turned back toward him, going back into hold as their teammates joined them to finish the routine.
After completing a there and back along with some basic cha-cha moves, they finished with the others, hitting their final pose before the music ended. Everyone applauded and they hurried over to August for the judging. "Great routine, team! How is everyone feeling?" he asked.
"Good," they all said, even though Regina knew it was a lie on her part. Percy's solo section was awful and she knew the judges would have to call them out on it, even if they didn't name them.
Just as she expected, each judge commented on the creativity of the routine and pointed out that some were stronger than others. Only Cru threw out: "And one person needs to learn to stay on the beat" at the end of her critique. August then sent them up to the skybox to be interviewed by Belle.
"That looked like fun!" she declared. "How do you all feel now that it's over?"
"Relieved," said Aurora, leaning against her partner. "I'm glad that's over with now."
Everyone else nodded. Percy then added: "I'd like to apologize on behalf of my partner for her being behind the beat."
Seven heads all turned to Percy but Belle quickly went to the judges for their scores before anyone could say anything to him. David and Eudora just revealed their eight paddles without any further commentary. Cru, though, did not reveal her paddle immediately. She looked up toward the skybox. "Percy, that comment was directed at you. You were ahead of the beat during your entire solo and when you rejoined the group. Regina was trying to get you back on it but you were too egotistical to figure that maybe it was you and not the pro who was in the wrong."
"And your score?" August prompted, cutting into her rant.
"Eight," Cru said, holding up her paddle. "Though I'd like to use this paddle to teach Percy a lesson."
Her microphone was cut as Belle recapped that they had earned twenty-four out of thirty, which would be added to everyone's individual scores. She then threw it back to August so he could tease the next team dance ahead of the commercial break.
"You're an asshole, Percy," snapped Steve, Merida's partner. "You're just trying to embarrass Regina now."
"Sore she's more popular than you?" asked Ralph, crossing his arms.
Percy almost snarled at them. "She's not more popular than me. I don't get why everyone is up her ass all the time. You shouldn't coddle her."
"No one is coddling me," Regina protested, wishing she could throttle him.
"Oh no?" Percy asked. "Because it seems to me that everyone is bending over backwards to excuse your abhorrent behavior this week."
Steve shook his head. "If you're going to use big words, you should learn what they mean."
Percy glared at him. "I know what it means. You don't think her behavior was abhorrent?"
"No," Steve replied. "But I think yours is."
"Why is everyone taking her side?" Percy asked, almost looking like one of her sons when they were toddlers and throwing a tantrum.
Ralph shook his head. "Are you really asking that?"
"It's because Regina treats everyone with respect and is polite," Wendy said. "You're just a pompous jerk."
Steve nodded. "And you have an overinflated ego that you haven't earned. And right now, you're being called out appropriately and you're acting like you're some victim. You aren't."
Percy scowled before sniffing. "Fine, I can tell when I'm not wanted. I will be in my trailer. Have someone come get me for elimination."
"Good riddance," Tink called after him.
"I feel like I should apologize," Regina started but everyone shook their heads.
Belle reached out and took her hand. "That's because as women we've been conditioned to apologize for everything, whether it's our mess or not."
Anna nodded. "You don't owe us an apology. He does but he's not going to give it."
"Do you want to go out in the hall and let out a good scream?" Thomas asked her. "I think everyone would understand if you did."
"I'll even let you scream at me," Greg said, waving from the couch.
Tink tilted her head. "Can I take you up on that offer instead?"
He rolled his eyes. "Very funny."
"Thanks for the offer, you two, but I'm just going to rest on the couch until elimination," Regina said, sitting down next to Anna. Everyone started chatting as they waited for the other team to perform. Then they would all face the results reveal.
And hopefully, Regina's miserable season would be over by the time the show ended.
Adam and Astrid were eliminated that night.
Percy and Regina weren't even in the bottom two and Regina knew she made a face when they were declared safe. She just hoped it didn't look as bad as she feared it did, knowing all her hopes about being free from Percy had just been dashed.
But once the show was over, she knew she had to move forward. She approached Percy as everyone lingered on the dancefloor and held out her hand. "How about we put everything behind us and try to start over this week?" she suggested.
Disgust filled his eyes and he recoiled as if she had slapped him. He scowled. "I can guarantee that we won't be partners by the next show," he said, walking away from her.
"Can he ask to have a new partner?" Regina asked Ursula, unsure if that was possible. She had never heard of it happening during her time but she had to imagine it was in the rules. The show would want to keep the stars happy after all.
Ursula shook her head. "Celebrities have tried to change partners all the time but once the partners are announced, there's no changing. And especially when we're at the halfway point of the season. He can try but unless something happens to you, it'll be a no go."
"You don't think he's going to take me out, do you?" Regina asked, not entirely sure she could trust her partner not to hurt her.
"I honestly don't know," her friend replied. "Are you sure that what happened to you was just due to low sugar?"
It worried Regina that Ursula would suspect Percy of trying to hurt her. She nodded. "Yes, it was just low blood sugar."
"Well, I still wouldn't accept anything from him," Ursula warned. "And good luck."
"Thank you," Regina replied, trying to calm her nerves as Robin approached her on the dance floor.
He pulled her into a big hug, holding her tightly. "How are you feeling?"
"Alright," she said. "I'll tell you more once I'm no longer mic'ed."
"Fair enough," he replied, releasing her. "You ready to go or do you need to stay a bit longer?"
Ursula tapped Regina on the shoulder. "We have a meeting with Nimue."
"Well, I guess that's your answer," Regina replied, looking back at Robin.
He nodded, giving her a quick kiss. "I'll wait for you in your trailer. Take your time, though."
She thanked him before walking with Urusla to join the other pros as they gathered around Nimue. Once they were all there, she started to speak: "Next week is our Halloween episode and I want to go over some logistics with you all, whether you are still in the competition or not."
"Oh," Regina said softly, surprised. "I'd totally forgotten Halloween is next week."
"You've had a pretty exciting week," Ursula whispered back. "I think it's understandable."
Nimue reminded them all that the next episode would be all about Halloween and that there would also be a dance off as well, so they would have to teach several new dances to their partners. Regina let out a low groan as they were released to head home and Tink shook her head. "Do you think you can get Percy to learn four new dances by next week?" she asked Regina.
"I hope so," Regina said, waving down Nimue. "It's going to be up to him."
"Regina, I assume you want to talk about Percy," Nimue said, looking contrite. "I'm sorry for what he did today."
"No need to apologize. It was all him," Regina replied. "But I do want to have a serious conversation with him tomorrow about his attitude. I believe Mal was going to talk to you about that."
Nimue nodded. "She and Tuck are going to stop by tomorrow morning so we can all talk with Percy. I'm trying to get his agent involved as well."
"Good," Regina said, glad her agent had already looped in Robin's. "And can we have security on standby, please?"
"Yes. I'll make sure security is always near your room. I don't want to take any chances," Nimue said.
Killian frowned as he joined their group. "If you're going that far, why is he still allowed to be on the show?"
She sighed. "I'm talking with the network to see if we can negotiate a graceful exit from the show for him."
"Does he deserve a graceful exit?" Ursula asked, crossing her arms. "He's now a threat to everyone, especially Regina."
"There's a lot of politics I have to play," Nimue said, looking weary. "Just...give me some time, okay? And I'll do my best to protect you all."
Regina placed her hand on Killian's arm. "We have to trust her for now, okay?"
Both he and Ursula agreed and Nimue sent them to get changed from their costumes. Tink and Ruby met up with them and they all chatted as they headed down to wardrobe. Regina tried to put thoughts of Percy from her mind for the rest of the night. She would just deal with him in the morning.
As they entered wardrobe, Regina caught sight of some of their costumes from last year's Halloween. She looked forward to taking her boys' trick or treating, even if Henry was a little old for it. He still went for Roland's sake and she wondered if he would do the same for his new sibling. It would be up to him - she wasn't going to force him to do anything just because he had a baby brother or sister.
She just had to figure out how best to tell both Henry and Roland about their unborn sibling. And as she looked again at the Halloween costumes, an idea formed in her mind and she smiled as she went to take off her costume, eager to share it with Robin.
Robin greeted her with a kiss when she entered the trailer. "Please tell me Nimue was saying they are going to give you a new partner," he said.
"No," she replied. "But she is trying to get him off the show. Until then, security is going to always be nearby."
He frowned. "That's not comforting at all."
"I know," she said, letting him pull her into a hug. She rested her head on his shoulder. "But it's the best we can do for now until either the network agrees to forcing him to withdraw or the fans finally vote us off."
"Just promise me that if you feel unsafe, you will remove yourself immediately," he said. "Please?"
She looked up, meeting his eyes as she nodded. "I promise."
Relief filled his eyes as he kissed her. "Thank you."
"Now, let's put Percy from our minds," she said, patting his chest. "I have an idea on how to tell the boys about their newest sibling."
"Is that so?" he asked, smiling. "I'm all ears."
She smiled as well, eagerly telling him her plan. He nodded along before taking her hand. "Well, you better finish getting ready. It sounds like we have a stop to make before we get home."
He kissed her hand as she nodded. "I'll be right out."
"I'll be right here," he said, sitting down on the couch and watching as she disappeared into the small room in the back to finish getting ready to leave.
Regina was eager to put their plan into action. She pressed her hand to her stomach, still flat as hers and Robin's child continued to grow inside her. Nothing was going to take away the happiness she felt right now.
Especially not Percy Pellinore.
A/N: Here's the second chapter of the story and my second update for OQ Update Month! Everyone who guessed that Regina was pregnant was right – she and Robin are expecting a baby of their own!
I've warned most of you that Percy was going to get worse. And here's the kicker – he's just getting started.
Any ideas on how Robin and Regina are going to tell Henry and Roland about their new baby brother or sister? Let me know!
Have a good week!
-Mac