Hi everyone!

I know it's been over a year since I last updated but I hope this chapter was worth the wait.
Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me in the past few months and the biggest thank you to my friend Miles, who literally cheered live in the doc while I was writing, to TreNesha and my wonderful beta waterbaby who is just the best person on this planet.
I hope some of you might be inspired to review or creativity strikes just in time for InspiredByOQWeek.
Thanks to everyone for reading, for your support over the last year and for being awesome.

Love,

Eva


(19)

After they had landed safely back on the ground without any trouble, Regina would gladly say the balloon ride had been one of the most fantastic experiences in her whole life. The view had been incredible. To the north, they could see to the majestic Mount St. Helena, while the west offered up the Mayacamas Mountain Range. The east offered a great view of the sculptured terrain of the Vaca Range. Mr. Fredricksen had explained it all to her, had told her stories about his adventures with the balloon. She'd liked the old man immediately, and while she felt a little sorry for Sidney cowering in a corner of the basket, she didn't see the point in letting his nausea ruin her experience. Her personal favorite moment had been when the wind had carried the balloon so high they could see the San Francisco skyline on the horizon. It had been magical… and Regina had felt a bit sad she hadn't been able to share this wonderful moment with someone she'd had to leave back on the ground.

A car was taking them back to Arendelle, where the rest of the men had enjoyed the afternoon with lots of wine, snacks and golfing on Kristoff's private golf course. The sun was setting down over the hills, dipping the landscape into a red and golden wonderland. Sidney kept apologizing to her over and over for ruining her balloon ride and although she told him it was fine, he wouldn't stop. It didn't matter. None of his apologies mattered, because when the car pulled up in front of the mansion, she spied Robin and David strolling along the veranda. A smile graced her lips. She was quick to abandon her seatbelt and managed to escape the camera team that was waiting for them, asking Sidney to stop for an interview immediately.

Robin and David stopped and grinned when she got out, waving at them eagerly.

"You guys are still here," she smiled happily, her eyes lingering on Robin, who had changed into a dark green tee and stonewashed jeans.

"How was your ride?" David asked his thumb pointing over at Sidney who was still being interviewed by the camera crew. "He doesn't look too happy…"

"Unfortunately Sidney didn't adjust too well to the height." The slightly satisfied smirk on Robin's face didn't escape her. "Oh stop it, you!"

She swatted his shoulder, drawing a laugh from him.

"What? I'm sorry you didn't have a good time with him but is it wrong to hope my competition has a bad time? David?"

"I think secretly that's what we all hope," David agreed. "For some more than others."

"You're mean," she giggled, biting her lip. "But you're right. He kept apologizing over and over. I had a good time though. Mr. Fredericksen was the perfect guide."

"Oh, was he now?" Robin wondered playfully.

"No worries," Regina replied patting his shoulder, "Your spot on the show is safe so far."

"Can I get that in writing please?"

She leaned against him for a moment, closing her eyes. Robin could see David turning away from them, suddenly very interested in the wood grain of the banister. He made a note to thank him later before he wrapped an arm around Regina and pressed a quick kiss into her hair.

"You know," she whispered barely audible as his fingers squeezed her side.

"I know," he replied before he let go of her, missing the contact immediately. They shared a look, which was interrupted when David cleared his throat, nodding over to the camera team that had spied their exchange, abandoning Sidney's interview.

"He doesn't look too pleased," David mumbled. Indeed, the expression on Sidney's face grew darker and darker with every second. A shudder crawled down his spine, making David wonder what the hell was going on in the other man's head.

Just as the camera team walked over, Ruby walked out of the house, a glass of chilled white wine in her hand. "Regina, there you are. Come on, we have to get you into the dress for tonight's dinner."

Her interruption was a curse and blessing in one. On the one hand, she had to leave Robin and David, the only company she truly enjoyed at the moment. On the other, Ruby had saved her from the camera team making their conversation more awkward than anything else.

"Dinner?" David wondered aloud as Robin let go of Regina. "More than half of the guys are drunk off their ass already. How are they supposed to sober up until dinner time?"

"That's not my problem," Ruby said, giggling. "I just need to make sure everyone looks good - and get another glass of this amazing wine. I probably can't guarantee your eyeliner will be perfect tonight, Regina." She grabbed Regina's hand dragging her back into the house. Regina threw the guys an apologetic look as she followed her stylist inside.

Robin and David were left alone.

"I don't think this dinner is a good idea, not when a few of the guys get really aggressive when drunk. Victor almost hit Keith with his golf club earlier." Robin's concern grew the more he thought about it. Yes, drinking all the wine for free was fun, but some of the guys overstepped their boundaries. No one had told them about a dinner with Regina tonight, otherwise some of them would perhaps have restrained themselves from drinking too much.

"I think it's what they want." David shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and leaned against the banister, looking directly into the camera. "They want a little action tonight and what's better than a bunch of drunkards fighting for Regina's attention."

Robin hummed his agreement. "Let's see how things play out. No more wine for me tonight though."

"Agreed."

The camera team followed them as they went back to the golf course in order to inform the men about the upcoming dinner tonight.

Xxxxx

Despite her tipsiness, Regina had to admit Ruby still did an excellent job on her hair and make-up. Her dress was gorgeous, a deep red just like the wine she'd been sipping absentmindedly. Her lips were dipped into the same color, complimenting her smokey eye make up. Looking into the mirror, Regina felt powerful for some reason. Finally she was the one making her own decisions. She held the strings. She got to decide who she wanted to spend her time with.

Despite the disastrous date earlier, today had been a good day so far. She had enjoyed her quiet moment with Robin and David without having to worry about saying something wrong. Regina liked David. Not in that way of course, no, especially because she knew he didn't feel anything romantic for her either. But she hoped they could become friends once all this was over and, who knew. Perhaps something would become out of him and Mary Margaret after all.

While a future for Mary Margaret and David didn't seem absurd, Regina wondered about her own. What if she chose Robin and things didn't work out? Too much had happened over the years, they'd known each other for one summer, and while that summer had been one of the happiest times of her life, ten years had passed. They were parents now; they had a life outside of this show. He was back in Storybrooke while she had her life in New York. Would he be willing to give everything up for her like he had all those years ago? More importantly, would she?

A soft knock on her door broke her from her train of thought. Tink stepped inside after Regina answered with a quick "Yes please? "a soft smile on her face. She was wearing her headphones around her neck, looking fresh and as good as ever.

"There you are! I wanted to check up on you. I heard your date with Sidney went badly?" Tink dropped down on the bed, patting her hand on the free space beside her. "Tell me all about it. I haven't had time to watch the footage yet."

"There's not much to tell," Regina answered, sitting down on the bed beside her friend. "He didn't react well to the height and spent the whole ride in the corner of the basket. Mr. Fredricksen was really nice though. I had a good time, I just felt really bad for Sidney."

"Did you really, though?" The blonde wondered out loud, making Regina chuckle. "When I spoke to him, he was really pissed and called for a do-over with something other than a balloon. We told him no, though. I just wanted to warn you, he might be still pissed about it tonight."

"I think I've had enough dates with him for now," Regina sighed. "He's nice, but… you know?"

A moment of silence passed between the two friends before Tink covered Regina's hand with hers. "You're thinking about Robin, aren't you?"

Regina nodded. "How could I not? Tink, every time I look at him I'm reminded of Henry and I know he deserves to know the truth instead of being lied to."

"You're not lying to him, Regina."

The brunette scoffed and got up, pacing around the room. "Of course I'm lying to him. He has a son, Tink. The longer I stay silent about it, the harder it gets. What if he hates me for it? Even worse, what if he hates Henry? Don't you think he deserves to know?"

"Yes, Regina. I think both of them deserve to know and meet each other, but all in good time. You're finding yourself in an exceptional situation right now."

'Exceptional situation' was putting it nicely. Shitty would rather cover it. Regina couldn't tell Robin about Henry, not here while their every move was being watched. She had no idea how he would react and… whether they would still feel the same about each other once this game was over. It was time to turn the game around and make them play by her rules.

"I want a moment with him. Alone. A moment without cameras, otherwise I'm breaking this off."

Tink bit her lip. "I'll see what I can do, okay?"

"No Tink. Promise me you will get it done somehow - even if you have to sneak us out in the middle of the night, I want to talk to him and see how he feels. Because if he's only here to have closure on what happened in the past, then I cannot tell him about Henry. I must know what he really feels."

"Okay, I promise."

"Thank you, Tink," Regina whispers just when the blonde's walkie-talkie starts calling for her.

"Tink, may I, Tink?"

She held up a finger, answering the call. "Go for Tink."

"The wine cellar is all set up, we are ready to go. Do you need me to ask someone to grab Regina?"

"I'll bring her down right away. Start with Belle introducing the setting and what to expect tonight. We will be down shortly." The blonde threw her walkie-talkie back into her pocket and got up from the bed.

"You ready?"

Regina nodded, checking her hair one last time in the mirror.

"Just so you know, some of the suitors have had a little too much to drink over the day. We tried to get them as sober as we could but production wants to keep the wine coming in. Just... be aware some might not be themselves tonight."

"So you're telling me I'm about to have dinner with a bunch of drunkards?" Regina asked raising her eyebrow as Tink opened the door for her.

"Not all of them. In fact, I think tonight will help you figure out who's a keeper and who you're better off without."

I think I already know, Regina thought, the thought of blue eyes and dimples present in her thoughts.

Xxxxx

Dinner was held in an old wine cellar that had been originally used to store wine barrels. As Anna and Kristoff had expanded their business though, they'd decided to use this one solely for the purpose of wine tastings, and make a break through the wall that lead to a much larger cellar. The room was dimly lit with candles and the like; a few soft electric lights graced the walls in order to make filming easier for the crew. A large table was set up in the middle, covered with a buffet on top of a white cloth, the men sitting around it, eagerly waiting.

When Regina entered, she was met with excitement and cheering. Robin watched everyone including himself getting up as she made her way over to the chair right in the middle. She was sat next to David and Daniel, who kindly pulled her chair out and helped her to sit down. While he'd hoped to be seated next to her, he'd been lucky enough to sit exactly opposite of her. At least this way, he didn't need an excuse to look at her constantly, to watch her blush at the compliments she was getting.

"It's good to see you," Robin heard Daniel mumble close to her ear. Robin chewed on his lower lip as the man squeezed her hand intimately. She wasn't his, hadn't been for the past ten years, and he knew that. But after their conversation, something stirred inside of him. It wasn't jealousy at all. Instead, it was what had always flared up inside of him every time he was around her: The urge to protect her.

Regina sweetly smiled at Daniel before she was greeted by the others. Robin took a good look around, trying to figure out who'd be a challenge to deal with tonight and who'd had the decency to not get completely wasted on a reality TV show. It soon became clear whom she would have to try to stay away from. He made a mental note in his head to closely watch a few of the men. Dinner hadn't even started and Keith, Victor, Killian and Graham were already topping up their glasses with wine. In particular, Keith's constant urge to drink more and more, and his incapability to stop struck a nerve with Robin. Did the man have no decency? At least everyone else seemed to be fine… for now.

"Did everyone have fun today?" Regina asked into the round. All except for Sidney eagerly agreed. The poor man still looked a little shaken from their trip with the balloon earlier today.

Robin couldn't stop smirking every time he thought about the ruined date. It was unfair, he knew, but he allowed himself some pettiness, especially after the way Sidney had behaved toward all of them over the past few weeks. For whatever reason he'd seemed confident of victory from the start, so it was good the date had put a damper on his antics.

As they started eating, conversation flowed easily. The glass of wine had made Regina much more relaxed in their company. Actually, it was quite fun to see, how everyone tried to get her attention by trying to overtrump each other.

"My hospital has the best children's cancer program in the US," Victor Whale explained. Leave it up to him to win Regina's sympathy with children and cancer.

"I've arrested one of the worst drug bosses in Dallas," Graham chimed in. "The streets in that neighborhood are so much safer now."

"My father's company invests millions into sailing school programs worldwide where kids are taught to sail during summer camps," Killian added.

The moment Lancelot deadpanned "I make a mean sauce hollandaise!" everyone started laughing. While Regina didn't seem uninterested, she definitely was unimpressed at some of the comments, knowing full well that some men just tried to make themselves shine in the best light. After asking Killian how many kids he'd taught sailing himself or Sidney on how many of his planned events for ACLU he'd actually attended, it soon became clear they had to find other ways to impress Regina.

Robin watched her throughout the exchanges, enjoyed her teasing comments and puns, showing the men that there was more to her than a pretty face. He'd always known that of course. Regina liked David's enthusiasm for Girl Scout cookies and swapping recipes with Lancelot. She liked Daniel's stories about animals and the service dogs he trained during his free time. It made her smile when someone made a clever remark or a joke and to Robin she'd never looked more comfortable than right now. Good. He felt happy for her.

"So what do you do in your free time, Robin?" Regina asked him. He could feel the slight nudge of her foot under the table. He hadn't said much yet, had rather been observing while trying to keep an eye on the wine consumption of some of the suitors. While he knew he didn't have to, he'd heard some of the comments made about Regina earlier and he just wanted to make sure he'd be ready to keep the men in line if needed.

"I like to spend time with my son," he answers, genuinely. "Roland can be a handful sometimes but I enjoy every moment with him."

"They grow up too fast," Regina smiles cryptically and for a second he could swear there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

The ache for his son hit him hard once again. "They do. I can't believe one moment they almost fit in your hand and the next, you can chase them through the garden."

"So how's your son, Regina?" Sidney cuts in.

The room turned so quiet you could hear a needle drop. The men had stopped eating and drinking altogether, everyone staring intently at Regina, whose face had turned blank as a wall. He could see the pure shock and surprise on her face, the way the wheels were turning in her head, wondering what she should say.

This was news to Robin. While one moment his heart sank, the next, his heartbeat increased. All he could do was stare at her, waiting impatiently for an answer. A son? Regina had a son? She hadn't mentioned anything about a son, so why…? There were too many unanswered questions, but by the way Regina desperately pondered on what to say, he didn't think any of those would be answered tonight.

Sidney was the first to realize how much of a conversation killer his question had been. He cleared his throat, nervously playing with the end of his napkin. "Uh… I… Someone on the crew mentioned it to me and… Uh… I'm sorry. I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

Regina's eyes shot up over to the camera crew who just shrugged.

"You have a son?" Lancelot asked sweetly. There was no judgment in his voice, just simple curiosity.

Regina had always been very private around them, so the fact someone of the crew would be so careless as to mention it in front of one of the suitors didn't feel right at all. Although Robin didn't know what had happened on the one-on-one dates, except for David's of course, he'd gotten to know Regina as rather calculated with the information she shared.

She took a deep breath and nodded. "I do. I have a son."

Of course this news represented a game changer for some of the men. He'd heard Killian talk about not wanting kids at all and while he didn't know about some of the other men, their faces spoke volumes.

"I didn't know there was a kid involved," Graham exclaimed, almost sounding offended. Wrong move.

Her eyes shot up, her forehead pulling into a frown. Her whole demeanor changed from the deer caught in the headlight to the lioness protecting her cub. "Does the fact I have a son present a problem to you or anyone else here?"

"No. No," Graham was quick to appease. "I just… I was surprised. I think we all are. It's something you should have shared with us."

"And I think you should have left the choice on whether I reveal the fact that I indeed have a son, up to me," Regina answered slightly agitated. "My son is the most important person in my life and I don't take this here lightly. I want to be sure I make the right choice - for me and for him. You will not get to meet him until I'm one hundred percent sure he won't be hurt over this stupid reality show. So honestly, if anyone is put off by the fact I have a son, please spare me the embarrassment and leave right now."

Regina's eyes shot around the table, carefully avoiding Robin. Nobody moved.

"Thought so. Now, I know you all have questions, but I don't want to answer them tonight or any time soon. If you'll excuse me, I need to freshen up my make-up. And kill someone." Without another word she threw the napkin onto the table and got up, leaving the table with hurried steps. One camera team followed her, while the other circled the table, trying to catch the expressions of the suitor's faces.

Regina was agitated, angry, mad even. How could this have happened? Her initial shock was over for now, once a secret like this came out there was no way to say what kind of damage had already been done. If they aired this, people would start harassing Henry and she couldn't let that happen. She needed her baby to be safe.

"Where's Tink?!" Regina shouted at one of the PAs who quickly scrambled out his headset in order to call for the woman in question. The team that was following her had turned off the camera the moment she'd addressed the crew, as there was a strict no-crew-in-picture policy, in order to keep up the illusion.

Tink was there within a moment, pointing over to the house, but Regina would have none of it.

"How the hell could you have let this happen?!"

"Regina, the few who knew in the production truck were as surprised as you were…" Tink tried to appease her.

"I don't care about your fucking surprise. I want to know how Sidney found out. Who told him?"

The blonde looked up as the crew started to crowd around them, everyone looking curious and nervous at the same time. She trusted most of these people and the fact Regina had a son could have almost been called classified information. Only a few people knew about this, along them Gold, Belle, Ruby and herself. She couldn't imagine Ruby had talked to anyone, same with Belle, especially not to one of the suitors.

Had anyone caught wind of it when Regina had called Henry one time during her nights in the villa? There were no cameras in her private rooms, Tink had made sure of that. She couldn't explain how it happened, all she knew was she had to do some severe damage control.

"I don't know how Sidney found out, Regina. I just know that once we find the person, they will have more than one lawsuit waiting for them."

Regina shook her head, arms crossed in front of her. "Henry is off limits. You knew that and it happened anyways."

"I know, Regina and we are working hard to find…"

Her eyes shot up, filled with anger and disbelief. "I don't care how hard you're working because that's all you have been doing these past few weeks. You're making excuses over excuses, you apologize and I still get stabbed into the back over and over again."

"Please let me…" Tink started, but Regina shook her head. This had taken it one step too far.

"No. I don't trust you anymore, Tink. You keep making promises you can't keep. I think you've lost the ability to make the right choices and now Henry is the one to pay for it. Henry of all people. I should have never agreed to do this. I should have listened to my gut instead of wanting to do you a favor. That's it. I'll tell them all to go home and then I'm out."

With this she turned around and stormed off with so much determination, Leroy's camera team followed her while keeping at distance.

Xxxxx

"I don't think anyone expected that," Killian mumbled, abandoning the wine glass for a sip out of his private flask filled to the brim with rum.

Robin tried to catch David's eyes, silently wondering if he knew, but David just shrugged, not revealing a thing.

He didn't mind the fact she had a son, not at all. Instead, the fact she was so protective of her boy made him proud and he knew if he'd been in her place, he would have reacted the same way. Honestly, he would never introduce Roland to a woman he wasn't completely sure about. While Robin wanted a mother figure in Roland's life, his son was too precious to be hurt over a love affair. This was why after Marian's death, Robin had never started dating again, despite several failed attempts by his friends.

"I don't think anyone can assume anymore that women of Regina's age don't have a kid," Victor stated, finishing off his glass of wine.

"And what do you mean by women of Regina's age?" Daniel wondered, annoyed, looking intently at Victor to explain himself.

"I just mean that she's what? In her early thirties? You can't expect her to not have gotten knocked up at one point before."

"Well I hope that whoever banged and knocked her up got some good…" A slurring voice from the end of the table said.

"Just shut the fuck up, Keith, you're drunk!" Robin growled, barely able to contain his rage. David nudged him under the table, but what some of the suitors said wasn't right. They didn't know Regina. None of the men knew about her story, or how much she suffered at the hands of Leopold and her mother. How dare he. Regina was a wonderful mother; he'd always known she would have been. So what gave them the right to judge her like this, to talk about her like she was less just because she was a single mom looking for love?

"Calm your tits, Robin. I don't mind the kid, but I know some of you do." Victor's eyes wandered over to Killian who was poking his abandoned food with his fork.

"We don't know anything about her son, so I think before we start judging him, we should meet him. I'm sure Regina is a very sweet mom and she said before that he's very important to her. So she will be serious with the few of us who actually will get to meet him." Lancelot said and for a moment Robin wanted to thank the man for his words. Most of the men approved of what he'd said by nodding or humming.

"I don't want to waste my time with a whiny brat. She should've been more careful before she got herself knocked up," Keith lamented while getting up, pushing over the bottle of wine right next to him. The bright red liquid seeped into the crisp white tablecloth and spread like a bloody wound.

"How about you shut up, Keith?" Lancelot suggested, annoyed.

Killian and Victor got up as well, trying to steady Keith, who almost fell over backward. He wasn't just drunk, he was wasted. "Let go of me you motherfucking wankers!"

He pushed them aside with such unexpected force Victor stumbled over the chair, while Killian landed on David.

"Keith that's enough!" Robin and Daniel exclaimed, simultaneously. The cameras were still running and of course this was great shooting material for the episode. Robin just hoped they'd stop it before someone got severely hurt.

David helped Killian stand up, but Keith had other ideas than peace. His eyes were glassy and his face drawn into an angry grimace, when he snatched the empty wine bottle from the table and in one swift move crashed it against the wall, almost hitting one of the cameramen.

"Someone call security!"

"What the hell is going on here?" Regina reappeared at the end of the stairs, looking confused at what was happening. For some reason she still seemed very much shaken. The PA who had taken it upon herself to call for security almost crashed into her, apologizing quickly before dashing up the stairs.

Regina's sudden presence had Keith stumbling backward. He was barely able to avoid falling over his chair. The man was insane. Completely drunk and insane. His eyes met Regina and suddenly multiple things happened at once: He made a dash for her, grabbing her wrist so hard she lost her balance and fell against the stony corner, her head hitting the edge.

There was no blood, she made sure of that by touching the spot with her free hand, but her head felt dizzy.

"If y'all think I came here to marry a whore like her who can't keep it in her pants you're wrong. She probably just wants each and every one of you to fill one of her holes, that's what you want, isn't it? To suck some dick and… Argh!" The other men were quick to act.

David had punched him right in the face, causing a cracking sound and a bleeding nose but thankfully, Keith let go of Regina. David held his hand, exclaiming a painful "fuck!" and ducked just in time to avoid Keith's fist flying in his direction. Unfortunately it landed right in Victor's face, who went down with a wince.

His second attempt was caught by Robin who shoved the drunk back against the table. Plates and silverware and dishes went flying.

"Regina, go!" David said as he helped her up and hurried her upstairs, wincing at the pain in his hand.

Robin was distracted for a moment as he watched David and Regina leave. Good. She was safe. That was all that mattered, keeping her safe from the likes of Keith. His distraction proved to be fatal though. Keith, who'd been able to pick himself up from the table, grabbed the silver candleholder and crashed it against the side of Robin's head.

Daniel was quick to bring Keith down to the ground, with the help of Lancelot and Killian. It wasn't easy to keep him down, as the man seemed to hold an incredible force. It was only when finally three men from security arrived in order to take over the situation that they felt safe enough to loosen their grips. They should've been here minutes ago. Too many had been injured in the fight.

Robin knew he was bleeding, dizziness was close to overcoming him but he couldn't afford to sit down right now. He needed to make sure Regina was all right. She had a history with violent men like Keith, and the things she's been through with Leopold were still very present in his memory.

"Robin you need to see a doctor," Daniel said.

He didn't listen. The only person he needed to see right now was Regina.

Xxxxx

It felt a bit chilly outside and for a second, Regina regretted not taking anything warmer with her before leaving the brawl downstairs together with David. Well, 'left' really put it nicely. 'Ran off' was more like it. She kept massaging her wrist absently as they hurried down the pebble path toward the rose garden, the only secluded area she remembered from earlier today. Every breath felt so heavy in her chest, the tightness of the dress weighing down on her. It was too tight, everything around her felt too tight and small and cold and dark… Tears were threatening to spill over, but she would not cry. She might be very close to a panic attack though.

David didn't say anything. He kept cradling his injured hand, which was starting to turn blue.

Calm down. Calm the fuck down, Regina! There were steps behind them, crushing the pebbles underneath heavy soles. Although everything inside of her wanted to scream at the camera crew that was no doubt following them, she knew she couldn't. It was all part of the deal, even though Regina wanted to be left alone in order to lick her wounds in peace. There was no privacy however, not on this show.

"David can you please stop for an interview?" Leroy asked.

"Go," was all he said, hoping to give her some privacy while he stayed back. She couldn't have been more thankful to him. So Regina didn't turn around as there was no need to see Leroy and some other guy following her anymore, camera right in place, capturing the whole situation and now David's commentary. This was going to make for fabulous ratings.

Breathing heavily, Regina left the pebble path and entered the dimly lit rose pavilion, one hand reaching out toward a joist for support. A piercing pain shot through her palm and when she pulled it away with a yelp, Regina realized she'd grabbed right into a large thorn of the white roses that were entwined around the whole pavilion.

"Fuck!" It wasn't bad, just a little drop of blood drawing at the puncture and the pain felt like a wake up call from reality. What had she gotten into? Sighing, Regina pressed her thumb against the wound and went over to the white painted vintage iron bench with floral cushions.

How the hell did this happen? Keith had seemed drunk but all right before she'd stormed off to talk to Tink about the Henry situation. He'd been so aggressive, so frighteningly mad. What happened tonight was just another indicator of how she shouldn't be here, how she should take her things and leave for good. Fuck the contract. Mal could get her out of this; Mal had gotten her out of worse things before.

Start here tomorrow

Damn, she hopes everyone down there is all right. Her wrist didn't even hurt as much anymore, though her skin was still red, Keith's handprint clearly visible. Her head hurt too from when she hit it against the corner and there would probably form a bruise on her shoulder. It all reminded her of a time she desperately wanted to forget, a time she'd worked so hard to forget. How is it possible that one little incident like this made her question everything?

"Regina!"

Her head shot up toward the entrance where Robin was standing, hands on his knees, desperately trying to catch his breath. Her heart made a leap and the pure fact that he'd come here, had come to see if she was all right. It made her forget a little bit of the pain she felt. Of all people she didn't want to see right now, Robin was not one of them.

"Regina, are you alright?"

When he looked up, she could see how his one eye was swollen and bloodshot, skin slowly turning purple. Shit. He seemed to have gotten the worst of it. Her heart stopped beating for a moment right before she rushed over to him. Robin was standing upright now, her hands clasping the firm muscles of his shoulders for steadiness.

He'd gotten hurt so badly and once again Regina felt as if it was her fault. She had to stop hurting him and he had to stop defending her at any chance he got.

"My god, Robin! What happened? Your eye!" Her fingertips gently traced his cheekbone, making him wince.

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing, Robin! Look at you. What did Keith…?"

Robin sighed, carefully leaning into her touch. Regina guided him over to the bench, hand on his arm. She was shivering, more because of anger and frustration than actual cold. How dare Keith do this to him? How fucking dare he!

"Here, sit. I… I'll get the medics…"

Looking around, she was already wondering why no one was showing up. Where were the cameras? Where was the crew? Were they busy cleaning up the mess in the wine cellar, or did Tink… She'd promised Regina a moment alone with Robin earlier after all. Perhaps this was her trying to make up for the mess up regarding Henry. Well, it was a start but not the right time. He needed ice, perhaps stitching...

"No medics." Robin slowly entwined his fingers with hers, pulling her gently down until she was right next to him on the bench. She fell into the cushions, exhausted. Today had been too much.

"Please stay for a moment. It… It probably looks worse than it is. We knocked him out but not before he got a good shot at my face. I was, I mean, we were trying to calm him down but he was so freaking drunk and strong…"

Regina shook her head, speechless, before she pulled him into a tight hug. Her head was pressed against his neck on the uninjured side of his face, arms locked tightly around his neck. Feeling him was good, was calming down her nerves and smelling him, inhaling him, helped her clear her head. Thank god he was here.

Although Robin seemed more than surprised at her sudden display of affection, he took the opportunity to breathe her in and enjoy the moment as long as it lasted. She felt so tiny and exhausted in his arms, and it was clear to him how much she worried. While it shouldn't fill him with pride, the thought that after all these years she clearly worried about his well being lessened the pain.

"I'm okay, love," he whispered so quietly he hoped the microphones wouldn't pick it up. Regina just hugged him tighter. "By the way, I don't know if you noticed, but Keith is kind of an asshole. Just something to think about when you make your decision for tomorrow's night of the roses."

She chuckled, thinking how she's heard something like that before. Keith wouldn't see the light of day on this show. Regina scooched closer to him, so close their thighs were touching.

"What happened down there? I felt like I was only gone for ten minutes."

Robin tried to smile at her, however his face looked a little more like a grimace than an actual genuine smile. "Keith didn't react well to the news Sidney broke to everyone - clearly against your wishes. I'm… I'm sorry it had to come out this way. You should have been the one to tell us about Henry."

"So… Keith started the fight because of my son? This doesn't really make any sense."

Robin sighed. "Other things were said, things I really do not wish to repeat to you. But I couldn't just let him hurt you Regina. It's one thing to talk shit but another to physically attack you, to assault you and hurt you and…"

Robin's revelation left her speechless. She'd have never thought the fact she had a son would cause such a problem between her and some of the men. Regina had seen the looks the men had exchanged, had felt the sudden tension and judgment of many. He could ask about Henry if he wanted to, but he clearly chose not to. This is why it felt good to be so close to Robin, to hold onto him, because right now, he seemed to be the only thing to ground her, the only person who didn't seem to judge her.

"You need to stop getting in the crossfire for me, Robin." She added a silent it's not worth it but didn't dare to say it out loud as she knew he'd disagree anyway. Robin seemed to have caught onto it though, had seen her eyes as she said it, and felt her stiffen beside him. His hands moved slowly over hers. Robin had always been great at filling her with warmth while sending chills down her spine at the same time.

"I'll always stand up for you, Regina, for you and your son. I know what it's like to have a child that's your whole world. Never think you're not worth it, because you are. Child or not. You've always been worth it, at least to me. And… I know I should have stopped the wedding back then." His sincerity hit her. Hard.

"Robin," Regina started but he shook his head, eyes determined.

"No, I should have done something, damn it. And if not that day, I should have come and whisked you away. I'm sorry. I don't know why I believed your letter, Regina. I should have believed in us, and our love. Disappointing you and letting you go was one of the greatest mistakes in my life. Don't get me wrong, I… I was happy. With Marian and Roland and I wouldn't trade my son for anything in the world, but… I loved you so much, Regina. You were the love of my life."

Tears were brimming in her eyes now, his words cutting deep, ripping old wounds open she long thought had healed. Having him sit here after all these years, bruised and beaten - his eye needed to see some ice quickly - because he defended her. He was speaking the truth; she could see it in his eyes. She'd always been able to tell when he was lying. Seeing the pure acceptance, the regret and the love inside his eyes now was completely overwhelming. There were too many what ifs circling around in her head, too many uncertainties but one thing she could say without a doubt.

"I loved you, too, Robin. So much. And… and despite everything that happened all those years ago…" She took a deep breath, finding his gaze. "I don't think I ever stopped."

Her heart beat so fast inside her chest she wondered if it might burst. She'd tried to suppress her feelings, had locked them away in her heart, knowing she would never be able to have clarity and then, of all places where they could have, they met again. Here. In the middle of a big, big mess where nobody knew what to say or how to act, where everything was surreal, where the only thing you' were looking for is… love. A love like she'd felt with him, the one you only feel once in a lifetime. She'd put everything into her last move. Now it was his turn.

Regina's revelation had left him speechless and she waited. Waited for him to respond, to say something, anything. But he just sat there, completely in awe, looking at her like she was the most wondrous thing he'd ever seen. His hand brought hers up to his mouth where he gently pressed tiny kisses onto each one of her fingers, her palm, the back of her hand.

Robin went on, one arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer and closer until she almost sat on his lap. His lips were pressed against her shoulders now, pattering her exposed skin like a soft little rain shower. She closed her eyes, a soft little moan escaping her lips.

"Not a day went by that I didn't think of you, Regina," he whispered close to her ear, kissing the side of her head. Shivering, she leaned closer to him, feeling him pepper kisses down her jaw line. "Every time I had whiskey. Every time I had strawberries. Every time I took a walk through the woods. Every. Day."

A lump formed in her throat. She thought of him every single day, too. Every time she looked at Henry. His son. Regina couldn't stop a tear from escaping the corner of her eye but Robin was quick to catch it with his thumb, caressed her cheek softly, as if waiting for her to back away, to stop him, but she did neither, and at that moment he pressed his lips against hers. Tentatively at first, carefully asking for permission, but for Regina it was like coming home. Her hand went around his neck as he pulled her onto his lap. A giggle escaped her and he took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside.

Regina welcomed the change in pace and position, her hands playing with the little bit of scruff on his neck just the way she knew he liked it. He does. Grinning into the kiss, one hand wrapped around her butt, pressing her closer and closer against him.

She knew she had to be careful, he was injured after all and getting him seen to should be her first priority. Too bad he'd always been good at making her forget her priorities though. Robin kissed her a bit longer, took a moment to withdraw in order to nip her lower lip before whispering you're so gorgeous.

A grin spread over her whole face and it was weird to think how much she'd missed his compliments, his soft whispers, his reassurances. The lump in her throat was gone, replaced with warmth rooting from deep inside her. Calming her, fulfilling her, soothing her.

"I'm so glad to have you back," Regina mumbled in between kisses.

"And I will never let you go again," he promised and Regina believed him promptly. She crashed her lips against his, could taste the wine and food and him. It should be embarrassing how needy she feels, how wet she feels. She wanted to straddle him and bury her hands inside his hair and his cock inside her and…

"What the hell!"

They darted apart, hearts racing, looking around frantically to what or more exactly who, had startled them. Sidney was standing in the entrance of the rose pavilion, staring angrily at the scene in front of him. If looks could kill, Robin would be dead by now. Regina got up quickly, noticing how Robin shifted one of the pillows onto his crotch just at the moment Leroy's camera team came running down the pebble path.

"We need the paramedics! Robin is hurt," she quickly asserted, ignoring Sidney who was still staring daggers.

"I'll call them," one of the PAs reassured her before calling into her walkie.

The intimacy had been lost, the bubble burst.

"Go," Robin mumbled as she turned around in order to check on him. He immediately sensed how uncomfortable she was, giving her a reassuring smile (grimace). "I'll be here in the morning. Go."

With one last squeeze of his hand she was off, weaseled her way through the camera crew who thankfully had more interest in Robin right now.

"Regina," Sidney said, stepping into her way as she wanted to leave the pavilion, but she just waved him off with a not now. He was the last person she wanted to deal with; after all, he was responsible for this mess.