Hello my friends !
Thank you for being so patient with me, thank you for your love&support, thank you for your amazing reviews ! This is a long chapter and I think you will like it... ;) I hope so, anyway! haha
LOVE YOU ALL ! 3
Chapter 13 :
-2006-
It had been a couple of months since that fateful day in the plane and Robin was waiting patiently for Regina in front of her flat, thinking about they year they just spent together…
Because yes.
This was their first anniversary.
(But not their last, he believed.)
He smiled to himself, thinking about all the good moments they had…
Six months ago, when she had shared a part of her past with him.
6 months earlier
"What is it, my love? You seem trouble."
She sighed and cuddled deeper into his chest.
"I've had my mom on the phone." her voice broke.
"Regina..."
"I know. But I had to call her. I wanted her to know that I was happy."
"And?"
She sniffled.
"She didn't care."
"Don't say that-"
She receded and pained brown eyes found blue.
"You don't know her, Robin. Not like I do. When I was young, all other girls had a mom that loved them, and brought them pretty dresses, laughed at their jokes or even kept their drawings! My mom never took care of me, only ever told me that love was a weakness..." she sniffled again. "I thought she would be happy..."
"I know, my love." he breathed, hugging her to him. "But you don't need her, not now that you've got me."
He felt her laid a tender kiss on his chest.
"I know."
Or the one time he had sang a song for her…
2 months ago
"This one is for a very special lady… Regina Mills?" her eyes widened and she turned around to find her boyfriend on stage, a guitar on the hand and smirking at her. "This one's for you."
Looking from a window above
It's like a story of love
Can you hear me?
Came back only yesterday
I'm moving farther away
Want you near me
The crowd started cheering in appreciation and Regina's heart beat faster as her eyes widened and she couldn't look away from Robin, as it seemed like his eyes were only looking at her.
All I needed was the love you gave
All I needed for another day
And all I ever knew
Only you
He smiled that dimple smile she was so in love with and she chuckled playfully, mouthing 'only you' back that had him smiling harder.
Sometimes when I think of her name
When it's only a game
And I need you
Listen to the words that you say
It's getting harder to stay
When I see you
All I needed was the love you gave
All I needed for another day
And all I ever knew
Only you
God, this song was so beautiful and she was touched beyond words that he had written it for her, only her.
She smiled again and looked around her, all the women in the crowd were looking at him with heart-emojis in their eyes and she frowned slightly at that, but then her eyes were falling on Robin again and she felt instantly reassured as he was looking at her with so much love in the eyes, still singing in this beautiful voice of his…
(And God, she didn't know he could sing!)
All I needed was the love you gave
All I needed for another day
And all I ever knew
Only you
This is going to take a long time
And I wonder what's mine
Can't take no more (can't take no more)
She wanted to tell him that she was his.
So his.
Entirely his.
She smiled again.
Wonder if you'll understand
It's just the touch of your hand
Behind a closed door
Oh God.
He was so, so hot.
The thing he did to her libido…
And hearing him sing for her?
Regina had just the perfect idea how to thank him later…
She bit her lip and started singing the lyrics with him for the last verse, along with everyone else on the pub.
All I needed was the love you gave
All I needed for another day
And all I ever knew
Only you
He ended the song softly, still looking at her as the crowd erupted in loud cheerings. He laughed shyly and then bowed slightly before helding her his hand and she shook her head playfully, before walking to him and taking it, her heart beating so fast in her chest as he helped her get on stage.
"You're mad." she chuckled and he laughed, brought her closer to him under the cheers of the crowd.
"Only for you." he winked and she laughed happily before crashing their mouths together.
But Robin also thought about how the bad situations they found themselves in made them stronger in the end.
Like when he had gotten so jealous he lost it at a party some weeks ago…
WEEKS AGO.
Robin was seeing red.
For real.
All he could see was red.
And red.
And red.
(And green.)
How dared that poor excuse of the man talk to his girlfriend?
And why did she let him?
Did she want to get him jealous?
Oh she did.
If the looks she gave him were of any indications, the biting of her lip and God, did that man just touch her?!
He did.
Oh God.
And now again!
Robin groaned loudly and then he downed his drink and rushed to them, ready to end this.
Regina was his.
End of discussion.
That was all there was to it.
She was his.
His alone.
So he didn't think when he grabbed the man by the shoulder and pushed him away from his beloved, the man tried to fight back but Robin punched him so hard, he fell back down. Regina gasped but before she could add something, he took her hand and brought her out of the party and into a dark alley near the house,
"Robin-"
But then he got her stuck between the wall and his body and claimed her lips hungrily, wanting to make her forget about that jerk so that the only one she could think about was him. So that he would fill her mind.
When they receded, she chuckled.
And then brought her lips to his ear, whispering hotly…
"God, you're so attractive when you're jealous."
Robin groaned again and kissed her, whispering again and again that she was his and his alone.
She was.
They had made great love on that night.
Robin cleared his throat.
And then his thoughts got lost again…
He was not the only one who had been taken by some jealous strikes.
Regina had been too.
At the very early step of their relationship.
7 MONTHS BEFORE
Robin froze and tried to call her again.
Nothing.
And that was starting to worry him…
He was desperately trying to do his best and now, Regina had stopped talking to him.
He chuckled darkly to himself.
Well, that was clear enough.
Robin had decided to go to Regina's because he needed to have answers and he deserved some. Granted, they had not been together for long, but he really felt something for her and he had thought that she did, too.
So now he was in front of the door…
He took a deep breath.
And knocked.
A few seconds later the door opened, but his smile fell when he saw the blond-haired woman opening the door.
"Robin?" asked her room-mate, surprised.
"Can I speak to Regina?"
"Actually, I thought she was with you." frowned the blond and he froze.
Because she was not with him.
So where the hell was she?!
"Do you want to come in?" asked Madelyn and she must have seen how upset he was, because he only tried a smile and nodded. "You can wait for her there, if you want."
"Thanks."
A silence.
"I'm sure she has a good reason, you know."
"For what?"
Mal sighed and walked to him before squeezing his hand and it was strange but he did try to become his friend for the past few weeks, hoping this would ge thim a free ticket in Regina's life.
It didn't seem to work that well.
"For doing whatever put that look on your face." she said and he chuckled darkly.
But then, as he was about to answer, the door opened and they both jumped and turned around, facing a Regina who was really pale and whose eyes widened before she seemed furious.
"You have to be kidding me!" she exclaimed before slamming the door on her way out.
Time froze.
"What the hell?" whispered Robin and then he came to his senses and ran after her, she was not that far and he caught up with her easily. "Regina!" he tried but she seemed to only walk faster. "REGINA!" he tried and this time caught her hand and tried to stop her.
And when he did…
His heart stopped.
Because there were tears on her face, tears she tried to angrily wipe but he saw them and then he let her go because he had not been expecting that.
"You're crying?" is all that he can say.
"Go to hell." she whispered and tried to leave but he caught her back.
"Please, don't."
Something in his voice must have stopped her and he was glad of that. But then, she said something that didn't make any sense…
"Just tell me now if you'd rather be with her."
His mind stopped working.
"What?" he whispered and she shook her head, trying to hide the tears.
"Madelyn." she breathed.
And then he did something he probably shouldn't have done…
He laughed.
Regina's eyes widened and then her hand was fast and in one second, she had slapped him hard on the cheek and he stopped laughing right away, holding his cheek while she gasped and her mouth closed and opened but she couldn't speak…
"I'm-"
But he didn't let her finish and brought her into his arms, she let him to it and he suspected it was the guilt talking, but he would use it as his own advantages.
"What the bloody hell are you talking about, my love?" he breathed tenderly and felt her struggle against him a bit.
"Madelyn and you."
"Madelyn and me?"
She nodded against his chest.
"I still don't see it."
She sighed and receded from him, brown eyes red and full of tears.
"I can read signs, Robin." her voice broke. "You spend all of your time with her, you speak about her all the time and you always so happy when she's there!"
"Please don't tell me-"
"So if she is the one that you want, please leave me right now. I … I couldn't take it otherwise. I'm not even sure how to take it now and-"
But he didn't let her finish and instead, he grabbed her face and kissed her tenderly. At first she didn't answer, but then she did and her hands found his on her face. When they receded, he only looked at her,
"Silly woman." she chuckled slightly at that and leant a bit more into him. "The only reason why I appeared to be into Madelyn is actually because I'm so much into you..." she frowned slightly. "I wanted to be friends with your friends." he admitted and her eyes widened. "And what better way to do that than becoming friends with you bestfriend?"
She smiled.
And smiled.
And smiled some more.
And then she circled his neck and kissed him passionately in the corridor.
Because he was hers.
And only hers.
Then the door finally opened and Robin was brought back to present I one second when he saw her, and a smile appeared to his face – it was like each time he laid his eyes on her, he was falling in love with her for the first time all over again. Regina smiled shyly and he just knew she was feeling the same. So he took her hand and brought her closer to him, whispering against her smiling red lips right before kissing her…
"Happy anniversary, my love."
-2015-
Robin was petrified.
Absolutely petrified.
Because he did not want to talk about it with Madelyn while he was not even sure himself of what he was feeling ( and who was he kidding there?).
But then Madelyn took a deep breath and she sat on the couch, waving at him to come near her.
"Mal, this isn't-" he tried but she cut him firmly.
"We need to talk."
Robin sighed but then finally nodded.
"What did you mean when you said that you didn't want to give up on her?" she said the second he was sat.
Robin ran a hand through his hair, looking quite desperate.
"Do I really need to answer that?"
Mal nodded.
A moment of silence.
And then…
"I just can't help but go after her because, and you want the absolute truth?" he asked and she nodded. He was about to to admit it for the very first time outloud. "Because I still feel that spark we had so many years ago and I can't help but think Regina has to feel the same…" Before Madelyn could answer him, he added. "I know I don't deserve Regina, but if one day she gives me a second chance, I wouldn't blow it."
Mal was speechless.
And he was starting to be very afraid of her lack of answers…
But then,
Then he smiled.
And Robin let out a breath he had not known he had been holding.
Regina was freaking out in her flat because she just agreed to go on some kind of a date with Daniel.
Except that she had not meant to really say yes…
A coffee was one thing, but a drink? Entirely another one.
God, could she breath and pull herself together for a second?!
She knew what the problem was.
Same as always.
Robin.
She had told Mal that she wouldn't fall for him again and-
And then it clicked.
Of course.
Madelyn!
She would call her.
Right now.
She needed advice from her bestfriend in the world.
It was actually Robin's turn to be speechless in front of the turn of events, and he frowned slightly.
"I thought you would be mad because you never forgave me."
Madelyn cleared her throat.
"Don't get me wrong." she said next. "Because I will never be able to forgive you for breaking my bestfriend's heart, but – and even if Regina is stubborn as hell, I'm sure she knows that… You work together. It's Robin and Regina. Almost like it was meant to be, somehow."
Robin smiled.
"I must admit I quite like the sound of it."
Mal chuckled.
And then her phone rang and she froze when she saw it was Regina.
"Take it." only said Robin.
After some rings… Finally she picked up the phone.
"Yes, sweetie?"
"Oh thank God you're there! I need your help- Daniel- a drink- I didn't mean to! I don't know- So lost- oh God-"
"Regina!" cut her the other woman. "I don't understand a word of what you're saying, calm down, please."
"Sorry."
She was so anxious and that never worked for her as she used to talk really fast and her words didn't really make sense.
Madelyn was right.
So the brunette took a deep breath.
Madelyn was frowning over the phone and for some unknown reason, Robin didn't like it.
He also didn't like the way her eyes found his worriedly for just another second before she hummed and he could clearly see she hesitated before answering Regina, and then she talked some words that absolutely stopped his heart…
"Don't freak out, honey. It's just a drink, you don't owe him anything and if you don't want it to be more then you just have to go home. No big deal, I promise. And if things go wrong, you can always text me and I'll come for you, okay?"
Regina was breathing again, her heart beating slowly and she could finally think.
Okay.
She had overreacted with this and it wasn't a bight deal.
"Right. I am going for a drink with an old friend. Nothing more."
"Exactly." said Madelyn and she smiled again.
"You're the absolute best and I love you. You do know that, right?"
Mal chuckled,
"I am always there if you need me. And I love you, too."
And then she closed the call, before taking a deep breath.
She could do this.
A drink.
With a friend.
Nothing more.
When she hung up the phone, Robin's blue eyes were focusing on her and she swallowed dryly.
Then, Robin finally asked what had been on his mind since the call started.
"Is Regina going on a date?" He couldn't help the small grimace as it was the very moment he chose to admit both to himself and to another living soul that he wanted her back.
Mal sighed and then she said,
"Not quite. An old friend is taking her out for a drink."
Robin's "Oh." is tale-telling but she had the decency not to comment on it.
But then he talked again.
"I know I have no right to feel this way. I know that after what I put her through, I should want her to find happiness but the truth is that I am not feeling any of that right now."
Mal smiled sadly and then squeezed his hand,
"Be patient, Robin." and then she added, "Sometimes, it's all about timing."
A few hours later, Madelyn had left and Robin was in his flat while Roland was playing with some toys not far from him.
All he could think about was Regina and the fact that she would be alone with a man, a man who would see how stunning she was ( because who wouldn't notice it?!) and the fact that there was a possibility that she could like this man and- Screw this. He was going to call her. So Robin took a deep breath and dialed her number, heart beating so fast in his chest…
Regina was home, trying to find the perfect dress ( because she had not seen Daniel in almost fifteen years, she had to look correct!) and Mal was there too, trying to help her when the phone rang. She froze when she saw who was calling her : Robin. She swallowed and then took the call.
When she picked up the call, he couldn't help but feel relieved.
But then…
"Why are you calling me, Robin?"
Right.
Good question, actually.
He had not thought about that.
But then, one look at Roland and…
Regina refused to think about the shivers that ran through her whenever she heard his accent.
And she refused to acknowledge the knowing look on Madelyn's face.
Her story with Robin was over.
Period.
"Would you want to come and eat with Roland and me, tonight?" ( can't blame a man for trying, huh?) "My boy really took a shine on you."
He heard her hesitate.
Tried not to be overly excited about it.
Maybe she wasn't rejecting him right away because she was being polite.
Regina couldn't think.
Robin asked her to come have dinner at his place, with his son.
What game was he playing?
And why did she want to say yes?
And for God's sake, why was Madelyn smiling like the Cheshire Cat?!
Regina cleared her throat and closer her eyes, trying to find a solution.
And then she did.
Even if she wasn't sure of what she was doing.
"I can't tonight because I already have plans with a friend, and I have not seen him in years. But if you are free tomorrow, I would love to have dinner with Roland.
Robin couldn't help the bright smile on his face.
First, she had told him she was seeing a male friend so that didn't have to mean that much to her, or she would have lied about it.
And second? She was willing to come over.
He tried not to show just how excited her was to have her all to himself for an entire night so decided to tell Roland the news, and the boy screamed happily and he chuckled, heard Regina laughed as he asked her over the happy screams of his son,
"Can you hear how absolutely depressed he is by that news?"
She laughed again.
(Her laughter warmed his heart.)
Regina laughed, hearing Roland so happy and then,
"I have to go."
"Okay. Then I will see you tomorrow and Regina?" she hummed. "I can't wait."
She couldn't answer that.
She just couldn't.
So instead…
"Have a good night, Robin."
And then the call was over.
When she turned towards Mal, she was smirking and that made her froze.
"What?!" but her bestfriend shook her head and only said, still smiling.
"Oh, nothing."
"Mal..."
"Nope. I promised I wouldn't bother you again about what I think about Robin and you."
Regina froze.
And then she admitted, frowning slightly.
"That's for the best, I think."
Madelyn smiled again before taking her phone and she texted Robin.
MD: Well done, Locksley.
Robin had to put Roland to bed, and when he came back to the living toom, he saw he had a new text from Madelyn Dragoon. He smirked when he saw it and then hurried to type back.
RL : Thanks. ;)
And then, because he couldn't resist it…
RL : So, what are we now, partners in crime?
MD: Don't push it.
He laughed.
RL : But you're gonna help me?
He waited for a few minutes for her answer…
MD : I'm not gonna stop you.
He was about to answer but she sent some more texts.
MD: Fine, I'm gonna help you.
MD : But I'm not doing it for you, Locksley.
MD : I'm doing it for her.
Robin swallowed and his heart was beating so fast in his chest because for the very first time in so long, he felt like it was possible. So he answered the only thing that was on his mind…
RL : Thank you so much, Madelyn. I won't disappoint you. I won't let her down ever again. I swear.
MD : I know.
Regina was in front of her place, waiting for Daniel to pick her up and she did put on a beautiful blue dress, not provocative but appropriate for that kind of meeting. Then, a car parked and she couldn't help the smile when she saw him. He walked to her, smiling, and then she said before he even reached her.
"You haven't changed one bit, Daniel."
He laughed at that and then handed her some beautiful flowers, making her eyes he kissed her cheek and said in a soft voice,
"You're absolutely beautiful."
She did blush at that.
And then they were gone.
Robin was driving himself mad with how the date was going.
But this was not a date.
And Regina was not his girlfriend.
Then he realized the problem was that he didn't want her to fall in love now that he only just realized he wanted a second chance with her and was ready to fight for it. He groaned and buried his face in his pillows because there was no use in trying to sleep… So he decided to send her a text. It was childish and he had no right to, given the hour but hell with it because he couldn't take it anymore.
RL : Having fun, lovely?
Regina had to admit she was having a wonderful time. Daniel was every bits of the gentleman she remembered and he was quite intelligent, handsome and kind. So yes, she was quite enjoying herself in his company. They had been talking for a couple of hours and she had to add charming to his list. But then, her phone buzzed and her heart started to beat faster in her chest.
Why was he texting her at past midnight? And why was she asking a second to Daniel in order to answer him?
Shit.
Shit.
This was worst than she thought.
RM : As a matter of facts, I am. Why?
A few seconds later, her phone buzzed again when she received his answer.
"Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom." smiled Daniel and she smiled back but she hated herself because she was actually secretly happy of his unbelievable timing, because that gave her an excuse to reach for her phone.
(And what does that mean about you? Asked a voice that sounded an awful lot like Madelyn's.)
RL : Just wondering if you would be in need of your white knight tonight.
And then another,
RL : Please, be careful tonight.
She really, really didn't mean for it to happen but her heart warmed at him being worried about her and texting her after midnight all because the last time she was out drinking, he had been there to save her.
God, he was adorable.
Shit.
She had to pull herself together!
RM: Don't worry, I will.
And then, because blame the drink for that, she couldn't resist adding something to tease him and see how he would react…
RM : Plus, you don't have to worry about me, Robin. I'm with a perfect gentleman and we're having a great night.
She smirked and waited for his answer. Which came almost right away.
RL : Can't say I'm thrilled about that.
She was hearing her heart in her head.
Oh God.
Was she really trying to make him jealous?
And was it really working?!
She checked around her quickly to see where Daniel was because it had been a few minutes and saw him at the bar, trying to order two more drinks. She hated herself when she felt relieved that she could speak to Robin a bit more.
RM : About me having a great night?
She waited for his answer, heart pounding.
RL: About you having a great night with another man.
Oh God.
Oh God why was is so hot in there?
And now, they were flirting openly… While she was having a drink with another man.
Why didn't she feel guilty at all?
RM : Well, you'll always have tomorrow night to make me change my mind… ;)
(She really had to stop drinking.)
RL : Challenge accepted, m'lady.
Then she spotted Daniel coming back and took a deep breath.
RM : Well, gotta go. Have a goodnight, Robin. Try not to dream too much about me… ;) xx
RL : That I can't guarantee… ;) Don't do anything stupid while I'm not here with you, lovely.
She really tried to hide her smile.
Really.
And then Daniel laid a glass in front of her,
"Is everything alright?"
She nodded and then said the first thing that came through her mind…
"Oh yeah, my bestfriend was just telling me about this failed date she just had." Daniel laughed at her lie but she didn't even hear it…
Because Regina's thoughts were so full of Robin.
Around 2am, Daniel dropped her at her house and she felt awkward suddenly, because she didn't know how to end this night. Of course it had been perfect, but what can you say to a man when you've spent half of the night thinking about another?
So she cleared her throat but Daniel, being the gentleman that he was, took her hand and laid a kiss on it.
"I had a wonderful evening, Regina."
She smiled.
"I did, too."
Daniel then left the car to open her door and she swallowed as he said again,
"I hope we can do this again very soon."
"I'll call you." she breathed, voice trembling as she hurried to leave.
Shit.
But then she was home and took her phone again… She had had a couple of drinks, just enough to make her do something she would never have done sober. She checked the hour : 2:37 am. Well, let's see something…
RM : I'm home and in one piece, in case you were worried. :)
She went to her bedroom and barely had time to remove her makeup and put on her pajamas when her phone buzzed again and her heart skipped a beat when she hopped into her bed, taking her phone.
RL : I was, actually. Thanks for telling me. :)
RL : How was it, then?
She smiled.
RM : How awfully intrusive of you, Locklsey. ;)
RL: Just curious, m'lady.
RM: It was a great night.
She couldn't lie.
Plus, she wanted him to show him how jealous he was.
(It was not new, jealous Robin had always turned her on. And shit, she just now realized this wasn't a good idea AT ALL. But too late.)
RL: How bloody great.
RL: Are you alone?
RM: What kind of question is that?
RL: Just getting ready to kick some arse if he's not being correct with you.
She laughed.
RM: I am alone, Robin. ;)
RL : Glad to hear that.
RM : Funny you don't seem happy about me having a wonderful night.
RL : Pff. Well, if you think tonight was a wonderful night, then wait until tomorrow night…
She bit her bottom lip.
RM : Careful now, tiger. You'll have to live up to these expectations.
RL : Oh believe me, I will. ;)
RM: Can't wait to see that.
RL : I can't wait to have you all to myself either, Regina.
Oh God, she was blushing.
She was sure of that.
She needed to calm down things a little.
She was not that drunk …
RM : As I seem to recall it… There will be a third person in your little plan.
RL: Oh I'm counting on it.
She laughed.
RM: You're planning on using your son to get to me?
RL: What can I say? Dimples…
She laughed again, heart warming.
RM: Now I really want to see that. This sounds promising. ;)
RL : It will be. :)
RM: I should go to bed, I've got a big thing planned tomorrow night.
RL: Haha, then sleep well my Regina. Xx
Her heart stopped. My Regina.
Oh shit.
She was in deeper than she had thought.
She wanted to answer something but she couldn't.
Not yet.
Not now that the liquid courage was leaving her veins, leaving only fatigue behind…
RM: Sleep well too, Robin.
And then, because she had to say something.
RM : Can't wait to see you. Xx
He had waited for her to come home all night, but God if it had been worth it… And on night like this one? Robin liked to think that he had all his chances… And he would fight for her.
Tomorrow would be a new day.
-2006-
They were at Robin's place and she looked at him dreamingly while he was cooking. Robin turned around, smirking.
"Do you like what you see, m'lady?"
Regina blushed slightly but then she smirked.
"Actually, I do like it very much indeed."
He laughed and that was music to her ears.
Then Robin walked to her, taking her into his arms and she went in willingly, snuggling against his chest.
He sighed in happiness,
"I can't believe it has been a year." he admitted against her skin and she smiled. "Not when I am falling more and more in love with you everyday."
Regina's heart stopped and she receded so that their eyes met.
"Oh Robin..."She didn't know what to say, except… "I love you so, so much." he smiled and leant in, nuzzling her nose with his. "I just wish we could be together all the time because I will never get tired of this feeling…" Robin's blue eyes were shining happily as he leant in, kissing her.
Later on, they were cuddled on Robin's bed and he took a deep breath. "Do you really meant it, when you said you would like us to spend all of our time together?"
She receded and stroked his chest tenderly.
"I do."
"But wouldn't you be afraid of us fighting all the time? Aren't you afraid of not being able to stand me anymore? Aren't you afraid of us breaking up because of that?!"
She chuckled slightly and cupped his cheek, forcing their eyes to meet.
"I know we will fight sometimes, Robin. But I love you so much that I am just 100% sure that no matters how ugly our fight gets, we're always gonna make it. You will always come back to me and I will always belong to you."
He smiled, touched.
And then kissed her.
"Please, move in with me." he whispered against her lips and she eyes widened, "I know that it is really soon in our relationship." he added, "I know that we have not talked about it just yet, but I really feel like we're going somewhere with this and I am so sick of not being able to be with you all the time!" she smiled tenderly, brown eyes shining. "I want you to be the last thing I see on the night and the first thing I see on the morning..."
Regina was speechless again.
And that did not happen often.
(Only with Robin, actually. He had that capacity of stealing her breath away.)
But then… Then she did what being with Robin taught her to do : She listened to her heart.
Its answer loud and clear.
"Yes."
So ? ;)