A/N: So, this chapter is going to have a part from Robin's perspective later on. So pay attention for that, because I'm sure Fanfiction won't let me separate my paragraphs, so just thought I'd give you a heads up that there will be a portion in there from Robin's perspective.
Chapter 7
Things with Robin were not going as Regina had planned. This seemed to be a recurring theme in her relationship with Robin, but it was still rather frustrating, nonetheless. If Regina had gotten her way, she and Robin would have just returned to their prior method of interacting with one another, perhaps a bit less friendly and comfortable, but overall the same. But this, apparently, looked much different in practice than in theory, because things were completely different now. Things had just gotten… awkward. And their already present sexual tension seemed to have increased tenfold. It seemed that the fact that they had now gotten to know one another in a very… different context, had completely ruined their ability to have a conversation without some kind of transparent, sexual undertone. They somehow seemed to be accidentally touching one another much more than they had before. For example, if they were working on a chemistry lab, Robin's hand would brush Regina's much more than necessary, or Regina's leg would graze the side of Robin's repeatedly. Or, for instance, there was one rather unfortunate incident where Regina and Robin completely ran into one another in the hallway as Regina was rounding a corner. Robin's hands had instinctively stopped a collision by sliding onto Regina's waist, which, had it been anyone else, would have been entirely natural, but in their current context… it was both horribly awkward and wonderfully sexual at the same time. Furthermore, it really did not help that Mary Margaret, who had actually been a great help by keeping Regina and Robin's secret (from everyone but David, of course), seemed to be unable to resist making underhanded comments about Regina and Robin when they were all together. Yesterday, during lunch, she'd made a seemingly very nice comment about how attractive Regina looked, which would have been lovely, except she then followed it up by pointedly stating that she was sure Robin agreed. Robin had practically spit his water back into his cup and Regina had essentially choked to death on a bite of her salad.
Not to mention the fact that Regina and Robin's little drunken escapade couldn't have come at a worst time. The homecoming dance, which was potentially the most exciting event of the year for a Storybrook teenager, was next week. And Regina was horrendously stressed out about it. Obviously, she'd had a guaranteed date her past two years in high school, seeing as she'd been dating Daniel, but now she was on her own with the rest of the girls in her grade. And going without a date simply wasn't an option for her, not with Cora as her mother. Regina literally could not stomach the idea of just going without a date and then having to endure all of Cora's passive aggressive comments about how if Regina were perhaps more 'likable', or 'slimmer', or 'more athletic', or just more attractive in general, she might have gotten a date.
Regina couldn't deny the fact that she secretly couldn't even handle how much she wished she could go with Robin. But she understood that this simply wasn't an option for them. She knew it would be completely moronic to believe that, if they agreed to go to the dance together, that they would be able to keep their hands off of one another. She supposed that she could perhaps go with Gold, but she didn't even want to think about what kind of deal she would have to make with him to get him to agree to taking her. It obviously would be most practical for them to go together, as they'd be going in the same group with their friends, regardless, but Gold would probably rather be run over by a truck than be Regina's date to anything.
And, of course, the homecoming dance was pretty much all anybody seemed to be able to talk about. Alas, Regina was very stressed out.
Currently, Regina was sitting with her friends at lunch. As they had been doing for the past week, she and Robin were attempting to avoid speaking directly to one another, and trying to initiate group chatter instead. But this was proving especially difficult today. Mary Margaret and David appeared to be feeling particularly affectionate towards one another and were speaking quietly together, while Emma and Killian were in the middle of a horrifically explosive argument about who Killian was going to ask to the dance. This was particularly obnoxious, since literally everyone, except the two of them, evidently, knew that Killian was going to ask Emma. And Gold… well, things between Gold, Regina, and Robin were tragically awkward after what they had seen him doing with Belle at Killian's party. Things, overall, were just not going well in Regina's social life at the moment.
"So… how are you?" Robin asked Regina reluctantly, clearly coming to the same conclusion as she had about the current lack of group discussion at the table.
"Stressed. And yourself?" Regina responded calmly.
"Stressed is a good word, I would say…"
"And what does a free wheeling thief, like yourself, have to be stressed about?" Regina teased, with a playful smile. She wanted to at least try and make it seem like things could go back to normal. If only she could stop thinking about how she wanted nothing more than to climb onto his lap, straddle him, and never talk again… Oh, yes, normal was just on the horizon, clearly.
"Thieves have problems too, your majesty," Robin quipped, winking. Regina laughed.
"Such as?"
"Well, for one this bloody homecoming dance is really beginning to test my patience," Robin said, sighing. Regina arched an eyebrow and let out an amused chuckle.
"Why's that?"
"Coach Scarlett requires all the football players to have dates. And it's not exactly like I know that many people here to ask," Robin admitted, appearing slightly abashed by this. Regina hated herself for wanting him to ask her so badly… She obviously knew that this couldn't happen.
"I see. Well, I'm sure you could have your pick of girls here," Regina responded passively, making ten thousand percent certain that no hint of jealousy or discomfort at the idea of Robin with another girl was evident in her voice. Her comment, however, seemed to peak Robin's interest.
"So… You'd be… alright with that, then?" Robin asked her hesitantly, seemingly very nervous for her answer. Regina's heart stopped.
"Alright with…?"
"With me asking someone else?"
"That's what's stressing you out? You were worried about what I would think?" Regina asked him incredulously. Robin rolled his eyes, but it was obvious that he was very uncomfortable with the topic.
"Well, yes."
Why did he do this to her? Why did he have to… say things? It was as though he knew that it would, contrary to her response, make her absolutely miserable if he went with someone else. All Regina wanted to do was beg him not to take someone else, but at the same time beg him not to ask her either. Perfect.
She knew that if they went together she'd be a goner. There was absolutely no way she could handle seeing Robin in a suit, him looking at her with that look of sheer admiration, his hands on her waist while they danced…- NO. It seemed her only option was to lie.
So, in response, Regina sat back in her chair and averted her glance from his.
"Robin, ask whoever you'd like. I really couldn't care less," she forced herself to answer him casually, as though she meant what she'd said even a little bit. From her peripheral vision, she could see the smallest hint of hurt flash across Robin's face at her response. But just as quickly as it was there, it disappeared, and Robin regained his cool.
"Alright then," he replied blankly, also sitting back in his chair and looking away. Regina felt her heart break a little bit. She tried to ignore it.
"Fine," she said quietly.
"Fine."
Thankfully, at that moment, Mary Margaret and David reemerged from their seclusive discussion and addressed everyone.
"So, pictures for the dance at Regina's house?" she asked the group, smirking at Regina. Mary Margaret knew how much Regina despised having anything happen at her house. Regina despised anything that gave Cora the opportunity to be present.
"The mansion it is," Emma chimed into the mockery, winking at Regina. Obviously, Emma knew that Regina's home was not an actual mansion, but she also knew just how much it annoyed Regina when people commented on the size of her home.
"Is there even anywhere else to take pictures in this town?" Killian clearly couldn't resist joining in.
"I don't even have a date yet!" Regina protested irritably.
"Couldn't frighten anyone into taking you, huh?" Gold interjected snarkily. Regina glared at him.
"That's funny, I didn't know you'd managed to find a date, Gold," Regina retorted, earning a well deserved laugh from the rest of her friends.
"Regina, obviously you're going to find a date. I can think of like five people off the top of my head who would be dying to go with you!" Mary Margaret said kindly. It seemed that she'd meant what she'd said genuinely, until she realized that she'd created an amazing opportunity for herself to make Regina and Robin uncomfortable. So, naturally, she shot Robin a very pointed glance and an eyebrow raise. Robin looked like he wanted to die. Regina fought the urge to strangle her.
And, as though Mary Margaret had expertly staged it herself, Sidney Glass decided to walk past their table right at that moment. Sidney was another guy in Regina's grade and he was… interested in her, to say the least. Regina had known Sidney since elementary school, and she honestly couldn't remember a time in her life when he hadn't been interested in her. He had asked her to be his valentine, without fail, every year up until she'd started dating Daniel, he'd asked her to every middle school dance… And, once, during their freshman year, he'd drunkenly called her and professed his undying love. Regina had been forced to mercilessly reject him on multiple occasions, but, no matter how harshly she attempted to put him down, he just bounced back twice as hard. To this day, he still talked to Regina any chance he got, and lingered around her whenever possible. It was a real shame, honestly, because Sidney really was a completely normal and nice guy, with the exception of his crush on Regina. He wasn't bad looking either, so if it weren't for his ridiculous obsession with Regina, he probably could have his pick of girls.
"Hey, Regina," Sidney offered casually, as he walked past her table. Regina responded with a friendly wave and polite smile, trying to ignore the way he made her skin crawl. He smiled shyly, and continued walking off to do whatever it was he'd originally set out to do. Mary Margaret, Emma, David, Killian, and Gold all burst into hysterics as soon as Sidney was out of earshot.
"For God's sake, get yourselves together. Did you plan that, Mary Margaret?" Regina snapped, doing what she could to fight the urge to laugh with them.
"Okay, even I don't have that good of timing. But, really, Regina, exhibit A of guys who would be dying to go with you," Mary Margaret encouraged her, grinning.
"I think Sidney Glass would literally die to go with Regina," Gold snarked, causing everyone to start laughing again, even Regina.
"And I would sooner die than go with him," Regina said, rolling her eyes.
"Be nice," David chided lightly, earning him another eye roll.
"I would go alone if Cora would allow it," Regina said, sighing. Mary Margaret and Emma nodded understandingly. They were both particularly well aware of how terrible Cora could be to Regina.
"What difference would it make to Cora?" David asked confusedly, thoughtfully putting one of his french fries into his mouth.
"'Regina, maybe if you lost weight guys would like you'," Emma mimicked Cora, rolling her eyes in disgust.
"'Regina, if you would just smile every once in awhile…'" Mary Margaret agreed, shaking her head.
"Your mother says things like that to you?" Robin asked suddenly, much to Regina's surprise. He looked… angry?
"Oh, Cora is a real treat," Killian answered him sarcastically, laughing.
"Yes, she's a joy. I hope you all enjoy her while you use my home for pictures without me," Regina snarked, rolling her eyes.
"Gold doesn't have a date yet either," David pointed out, as though this might make Regina feel better. Honestly, Regina and Gold really were in the same boat. Neither could go with the person they really wanted to be with, both for reasons they obviously couldn't share with other people.
"Why don't you two just go together?" Emma asked, raising an eyebrow. Gold glared at her, and Regina just buried her face into her hands miserably.
"I'm flattered by the suggestion, but uninterested," Gold mocked, glancing over at Regina with a playful smirk.
"And besides, that would leave out poor Robin," Mary Margaret interrupted pointedly, grinning. Regina glared at her fiercely, while Robin, confusingly, rose from the table.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm going with someone else," he snapped sarcastically, before stalking off without another word. Regina had never seen Robin react so emotionally to something in all the time she'd known him.
"What the hell was that about?" Emma asked in bewilderment, glancing between Mary Margaret and Regina. Mary Margaret looked at Regina, as though expecting her to just suddenly fill everyone in on the situation she and Robin had suddenly found themselves in.
"I have absolutely no idea," Regina lied, shaking her head, and changing the subject of conversation.
It had been two days since the incident at lunch, and Robin hadn't spoken a word to Regina directly since. And it was truly beginning to drive him insane.
Just Regina, in general, was beginning to drive Robin insane. It seemed that no matter what he did, he simply was unable to stop himself from thinking about her, and wanting her. Thinking of how she kept him on his toes in arguments, of her ridiculously sharp wit and sarcasm. Thinking of how frustratingly smart she was, how she was so exceptionally good at every subject in school, and how whenever he disagreed with her on something, he always ended up being wrong. Thinking of how incredible she was with Roland, and how much it tugged on his heart to see her with him. Thinking of the way that she seemed to make him feel… alive, for the first time in a very, very long while. Thinking of how ridiculously gorgeous she was… really, Robin wanted to know how a human being could possibly be so perfect. How could she be so effortlessly beautiful? How did her long, wavy dark hair seem to constantly frame her flawless, fair-skinned face so perfectly? Why did he love the way it occasionally fell into her eyes so much, why was it that the only thing he wanted to do was just run his hands through it and experience its mesmerizing softness? Why did he want nothing more than to look into her wide, alluring, chocolate brown eyes forever? How could she have such a bold and audacious personality, yet be so attractively… small? Robin couldn't even comprehend how such a small person could hold such large power over him. He also couldn't fathom how he could possibly be so attracted to someone, in general. Robin was no stranger to girls, his first girlfriend, Marian, had been beautiful by all common standards, and he had certainly hooked up with his fair share of others in the wake of their breakup. But he had never in his entire life experienced such an attraction like his to Regina.
And it wasn't as though he wanted to be looking at her. In fact, Robin probably wanted nothing more than to not be looking at Regina. He knew she was so off limits to him. She had just gotten out of a horrific relationship, she was vulnerable. She was, understandably, still struggling with the death of her father and little brother, she was emotionally exhausted. The last thing Regina needed in her life was a boyfriend, and he could plainly understand that. And it wasn't as though Robin was free of emotional struggles himself. His mother's death certainly still plagued him every single day, and losing Marian, although it had definitely been time for their relationship to end, wasn't exactly easy for him either. Not to mention, the stress of having to practically raise Roland himself while his father was out supporting their family didn't exactly just roll off his back. Indeed, it seemed that neither of them were in any place to be desiring a relationship. Yet, a relationship with Regina was the only thing Robin was able to think about.
And it had only gotten worse since what had happened between them at Killian's party. Before, Robin had at least been blissfully ignorant of what being with Regina might be like. Of what kissing her would smell like, taste like, feel like… of how her body would feel in his hands, or how it would feel to be touched by her. To run his hands over her hips, her waist, through her hair… But now, now he was hopelessly enslaved to the memories of that night. Robin didn't think he had successfully gone five minutes without thinking of it at least once since it had happened. And how desperately he wanted it to happen again. And again. And again. He just wanted to be with her. But he knew how much he really shouldn't, and, more importantly, couldn't, want that.
But he wanted it anyways. And, quite frankly, he'd secretly been plotting how he could swing asking Regina to the homecoming dance without making it seem like he wanted anything more than friendship from her. He had considered that it wasn't as though the notion of them going together didn't make sense for their friend group. It would be much easier and overall less awkward for the rest of the group if the two of them just went together, rather than bringing along dates that nobody felt comfortable around. Of course, if he was able to successfully convince Regina to accompany him to the dance, he'd also been brainstorming ways to get her to agree to be more than friends. He knew she felt it too. He could see it in her eyes when she looked at him, and in the way he could make her smile and laugh more than anyone else seemed to be able to. And he could feel the tension in the way they bantered. And he could feel it in the way she'd kissed him that night… She'd kissed him first, after all.
He knew she was just frightened. He could see fear in her eyes too. This was justifiable, of course. How could she not be afraid after what Daniel had done to her? Robin just had to find a way to show her that letting herself fall for him wasn't a bad thing. That he wouldn't ever hurt her, that he didn't want anything from her, except her. But making her see this was proving rather difficult, as she seemed intent on blocking him at every turn. But Robin was patient. And he felt confident that he would spend as much time as was necessary trying to break down her walls. He knew that, if she'd let him, he would give her absolutely everything he had, trying to prove to her just how much he wanted her.
Except, now he'd really gotten himself into a difficult spot with this whole homecoming dance situation. He'd let his hurt, and emotions when Regina said she didn't care who he went with get the better of him. Obviously, he knew that she was completely bluffing and that she cared quite a lot who he went with, but he couldn't deny that it had hurt him anyways when she said she didn't. And now he didn't know what to do. Part of him was considering honoring his word, and, indeed, taking someone else to try and make her jealous. But at the same time, the last thing Robin wanted was a date night with some girl he didn't know, when he had less than no interest in anyone but Regina anyways. And he also really wasn't interested in playing games with her. If he was going to this dance, he was going with her.
Robin was considering all of these things on his rather long walk from his AP English class to the opposite side of the building where his elective on forest and wilderness took place. Robin knew that Mary Margaret was right about the fact that there were probably dozens of guys in their grade who wanted to take Regina to the dance. So, if he was going to ask her, against her wishes, he needed to come up with a pretty solid plan somewhat quickly.
Fate, however, apparently was much more interested in playing jokes on Robin than in helping him convince Regina. Regina's AP Latin class happened to be on the way to Robin's elective, and as he was passing the classroom she ordinarily would have just left, he saw a very nervous looking Sidney Glass speaking to her in front of the lockers just to the right of the classroom. This immediately raised about twenty red flags in his mind, because he couldn't think of a single thing that Regina and Sidney would have to be discussing so privately. Other than the homecoming dance, that is. Regina could not have looked less thrilled about the conversation she was apart of. And Robin just couldn't resist allowing himself to eavesdrop.
"… So, Regina, I was just wondering if maybe, you know, seeing as you're single now… you'd like to go to the homecoming dance with me?" Robin heard Sidney ask, sounding nervous enough to be on the verge of legitimately passing out.
The next few seconds were pretty much a blur for Robin as he made his way over to interrupt their conversation.
"Oh, Sydney, I… I don't think-" Regina was beginning to respond very uncomfortably. Robin could clearly see that she was miserable, as she awkwardly ran her hand through her hair, bit her lip, and averted her stare from Sydney's to glance firmly at the ground. Robin hated himself for how adorable he found these movements of rare unsureness in Regina.
"Hi, Sydney. I'm sorry to say that Regina will not be able to go to the dance with you. She's going with me," Robin heard himself tell Sydney blatantly, not sounding even the slightest bit sorry. Robin, who was refusing to look directly at Regina, saw her head whip over to look at him in bewilderment out of the corner of his eye. He held confident eye contact with Sydney for a few seconds longer, before meeting Regina's eyes instead.
She looked baffled. And perhaps as though intrigued by his audacity. And perhaps just the tiniest bit amused. But she did not look angry. And that was really all Robin was going for.
"Regina?" Sydney asked confusedly, glancing back and forth between Robin and Regina desperately. If it hadn't been for the fact that Sydney was attempting to make a play for Regina, Robin would have felt sorry for him.
Regina looked at Robin for another very long moment, as though heavily weighing all the possible outcomes of her next response.
"Yes, that's right. I'm going with Robin, Sydney, I'm sorry," Regina responded calmly, sighing deeply, conveying a very convincing sympathetic glance to Sydney. It took a tragic amount of effort for Robin to not react to this, as his insides were soaring. He couldn't lie, he was shocked she'd agreed.
"Oh, well, that's alright. I'll see you later, Regina," Sydney responded quickly, looking so overcome with embarrassment and disappointment that he might die from a combination of the two emotions on the spot. Robin, on the other hand, was scintillating.
As Sydney trudged away, with his metaphorical tail completely between his legs, Regina turned to face Robin.
"Thank you, I was dying there," Regina said, letting out a brief chuckle of relief. Robin was surprised by this comment, he'd been more so anticipating a biting jab about how he disregarded her wishes, or something sarcastic and irritable.
"My pleasure," Robin heard himself respond easily, doing his very best to fight the grin that wanted to spread across his face.
"Of course, you don't actually have to take me to the dance, you know," Regina continued quickly, staring into Robin's eyes anxiously. There it was. There was the reason for her calmness. She thought that he was just trying to help get her out of an awkward encounter with Sydney, as a friendly favor. Of course she thought that. Robin should've known.
But he was absolutely not going to give up so easily, he resolved. He had somehow managed to lure her onto this hook, he sure as hell was not going to let her off of it.
"Oh, I'm definitely taking you to the dance," Robin informed her seriously, arching an eyebrow.
"Robin-" Regina began to interrupt, shaking her head doubtfully. Robin held up a finger, silencing her.
"Don't even try. I'll pick you up at seven," Robin ended the conversation, forcing himself to walk away so that she couldn't argue anymore. As he walked away from her, he could just feel her disapprovingly shaking her head. But he could also feel her smile.
