Written for the OQ Valentine's Day exchange as a gift for glitterbugg (Twitter)/sweetsmiles1 (tumblr). I'm now sharing here!
"Happy birthday, Mom!" Henry entered her bedroom, carrying a tray loaded with pancakes and coffee.
Regina sat up, smiling at her son. "Henry. You didn't have to do this."
He gave her a look as he set the tray down over her legs. "It's your birthday. Of course, I want to celebrate. And breakfast in bed is tradition. Eat up!"
She chuckled and cut into the pancakes, a sign her little prince was growing up. When he was younger, her breakfast was usually cereal and orange juice. He eventually graduated to toast and learned to make coffee. Now, he was making pancakes. What would he be doing next?
"Thank you, Henry," she said. "This was so thoughtful."
He grinned, folding his legs underneath him to look at her. "What else do you want to do? It's your special day."
She chewed her pancake for a bit, carefully wording her answer. "I think I just want to have a normal day, Henry. That's all. No fuss, no distractions. Just go on like it's any other day."
"But it's not another normal day," Henry insisted. "It's your birthday and we should celebrate, Mom."
"We are celebrating. You've made me breakfast and then we'll have some cake tonight, just you and me. Okay?" Regina tucked two fingers underneath his chin, smiling at him as she prayed he would back down.
He sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Is this about Robin?"
"No," she said, meaning it. "You know I've never been big about celebrating my birthday. I'd rather celebrate yours."
"Because I'm worth celebrating," Henry replied. When she nodded, he then countered: "I think you're worth celebrating."
Her heart melted and she put the tray aside so she could hug him. "If it means so much to you, then I guess we can go to dinner at Granny's and you can invite the Charmings. How's that?"
His smile lit up the room. "That sounds great, Mom. I know everyone will appreciate it."
"Yeah, yeah," she replied before holding up a finger. "I draw the line at Granny's wait staff singing to me. Do we understand?"
"Don't worry, Mom. It'll be a quiet affair. I promise." He hopped off the bed. "I need to go call Grandma. You enjoy your breakfast."
Once Henry was gone, she pulled the tray back and dug into her cooling breakfast. It was just one dinner with the Charmings. She figured the worst that would happen was an off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday" over the cake while the entire restaurant tried not to stare. It seemed tolerable.
She hoped.
Regina took a deep breath before opening the door to Granny's diner that night. She had spent the afternoon pampering herself in anticipation (and at Henry's insistence she relax), soaking in a bubble bath and then using a facial mask as well as other products for her skin. Dressed in red, her power color, Regina definitely felt confident.
It still didn't mean she was prepared to spend an entire evening with the Charmings and their annoying optimistic tendencies.
She stepped inside and spotted Henry waving at her from one of the booths. Regina waved back and started to head toward the booth. The other patrons nodded in acknowledgment of her, a change from just a few years prior when most wouldn't have made eye contact with her. As she approached the booth, one waitress smiled as she passed. "Happy birthday, Madam Mayor."
"Thank you," she forced herself to say. She then turned on her son. "What was my one condition?"
He grinned. "Relax, Mom. We had to give Granny the cake, so everyone found out. But I made it clear that there is to be no singing."
"Don't worry, Regina," Emma piped up. "I think it's a bit embarrassing to have the staff sing to you as well."
Snow beamed up at Regina. "Thank you so much for letting us come to your birthday dinner. It means a lot."
"I guess it does," she agreed, sliding in next to Henry. It felt both strange yet right to be celebrating with her stepdaughter and her family.
Hook cleared his throat, picking up the menu. "So, Your Majesty, what will it be for your special day?"
"And don't think of ordering something super healthy," Emma added. "Calories don't count on your birthday."
Regina gave her a look over the menu but couldn't help her amused smile as she perused the options. Granny's menu hadn't changed much over the past thirty years but she still looked every time, just in case something new had snuck its way onto the list of offerings.
In the end, she decided to have a grilled chicken sandwich and French fries. It was enough to keep Emma from teasing her and they all soon fell into an easy conversation as their food arrived.
By the time their dishes were cleared away, Regina felt quite relaxed. Though she wouldn't admit it out loud, the dinner had been exactly what she needed for her birthday. She rubbed Henry's back, smiling at him in gratitude. He must've picked it up because the smile he gave her back seemed a bit smug.
Granny approached the table, carrying a red velvet cake with lit candles. She placed it down in front of Regina. "Now, I know you don't want my staff to sing, but can a few friends sing for you?" she asked.
Regina bit her lip before sighing. "I guess. Just as long as it doesn't turn out to be the entire diner."
"Fair enough," she replied. "But it's just everyone at this booth. Is that fine?"
"Yes," Regina conceded. "Just...not so loud."
Granny rolled her eyes. "Okay. On three. One...two...three…"
The singing wasn't too bad and Regina found herself cringing only once. It was blissfully short and then Granny was saying: "Make a wish and blow out the candle."
Surrounded by her smiling family, Regina realized she had no choice. Yet she didn't know what she was going to wish for. Maybe she could just blow out the candle without making a wish…
You know what you want. What's the harm in wishing for it? asked a traitorous voice in her head that sounded suspiciously like Tink.
It won't come true. It can't come true. I'll just end up with a broken heart, she argued with herself.
Come on, Regina. You've seen the power of wishes. Just believe.
"Regina?. The candle is starting to drip wax over the frosting," Emma said. "Make a wish and blow."
Regina glared at her but took a deep breath. She blew out the candle as her wish echoed around her mind:
I wish Robin and Roland would come back to me.
Everyone clapped and Granny picked up the cake. "I'll go get this cut up and be right back."
She walked off as Snow pulled something from her bag. It was a small wrapped box with a purple bow on top. "I know you probably didn't want any gifts, but I found this and knew it was for you."
Curious, Regina unwrapped it and lifted the lid. Sitting on a bed of cotton was a beautiful tan father with dark brown tips. Her heart beat faster as she picked it up, rolling the feather between her fingers. "Is this…?"
"I think so," Snow said. "It looks like a feather from an arrow and both David and Hook said it looked like the ones they saw on Robin's arrows."
"It must've been floating around Storybrooke since Zelena lost it," Henry said, smiling at her. "And now it's come back to you."
Regina smiled, holding the feather to her heart as she looked at Snow. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."
Granny returned with a tray laden with slices of cake. "Okay, who wants a piece?" she asked.
As the others reached for their slices, Regina tucked the feather inside her purse. Perhaps her wish had come true after all, even if not in the exact way she had meant.
Zelena showed up on her doorstep a few days later, rocking a fussy Peanut in her arms. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked paler than usual. Regina frowned. "Are you okay?" she asked.
"Robyn has been crying all the time," Zelena said. "I think she's teething and I'm the one feeling the pain."
"Trust me, Zelena, your pain is nothing to what she's experienced. Do you have a teething ring or teething biscuits for her?" Regina asked, taking her niece into her arms.
Zelena frowned, digging through her diaper bag. "I think I have something in here. But I don't get how a plastic ring is supposed to help her."
"You're supposed to put it in the freezer. The cold will soothe her sore gums and give her something to bite on."
"Oh," Zelena replied. "They don't tell you that."
Regina sighed. "You can always ask for help. No one can parent without it. Trust me."
"Even an expert like you?" Zelena snapped.
"Trust me, I was no expert when I first adopted Henry," she replied, bouncing the girl. "I made plenty of mistakes with him."
"Like not revealing your true self to him?"
That surprised Regina and she gaped at her sister. "What do you mean by that?"
Zelena smirked as she approached. "Your other, better half said she regretted hiding herself from Henry, which was why he pushed her...you...away. She warned me about doing the same thing with Robyn."
"Is that why you were housing her? Turned Archie into a cricket again?" Regina asked, concerned. "So you could show your daughter how wicked you are?"
"Yes," Zelena replied, grinning with happiness. "Can you imagine what a pair we would be?"
Fear and disgust filled Regina. And then anger burned inside her. "This is what Robin feared you would do. This is why he didn't want you to raise her."
Zelena's smile dimmed. "Well, he isn't here, is he?"
"And whose fault is that?" Regina snapped back.
"You can't keep blaming me for that," Zelena argued. "Hades threatened you and Robin took the blast. May I remind you I kept Hades from finishing the job?"
"We shouldn't have been in that position in the first place, Zelena! We warned you that Hades had ulterior motives, that he wasn't too be trusted. You barricaded yourself and Robyn with him in my office. You didn't give us much of a choice."
"You could've chosen to trust me," Zelena yelled back. "You could've let me handle Hades."
Regina shook her head. "The entire town would be in the Underworld if we let you do that."
"Don't be dramatic," her sister said, sneering.
"I don't think I am," Regina replied. She looked down at her niece, realizing she had been chasing a damn feather when her last remaining connection to Robin was his sweet daughter. A sweet daughter who was now in danger. "I don't think I can let you keep her, Zelena."
The air crackled with tension as the temperature seemed to drop several degrees. "You can't do that. I'm her mother," Zelena said.
"I have to consider Robyn's best interests. Especially since Robin isn't here to do that," Regina replied.
Zelena let out a humorless laugh. "Like you actually give a damn. You certainly haven't since he died."
"I've been busy," Regina protested weakly, though she knew Zelena was right. She hadn't paid much attention to Robyn and it almost cost the girl so much.
"Well, I think that's been enough," Zelena said, trying to take Robyn from her aunt's arms. "It's time for us to go."
Regina took a step back, holding Robyn closer to her chest. "You can leave. Robyn is staying here. With me."
"On what grounds?"
"Where should I begin?" Regina countered. "You're sharing a house with my evil half, plotting with her and have admitted to me that you hope to make Robyn as wicked and evil as you two."
She swore steam came out of her sister's ears. "You can't just take her from me! I'm the only parent she has ever known!"
"That's a lie and you know it. Robin did everything in his power to take care of this little girl and keep her safe."
"Which is why he foisted her off on the fairies and followed Emma down to the Underworld," Zelena said.
Regina wanted to pull her sister's hair out. "We went over that. And at least we made arrangements for her. You just leave her in the cabin while off helping the Queen."
"I have that farmhouse charmed and warded to kingdom come. I can hear Robyn cry anywhere in this town and can be by her side with a wave of my hand," Zelena argued.
"That's not good enough, Zelena. Babies need constant attention. She'll be crawling soon-and then walking. If she's teething, she's probably already trying to put things in her mouth. What if she puts the wrong thing in there and you're not around?" Regina asked.
Zelena scoffed. "Like you would be any better? You're always running around with those so-called heroes. What would you do with Robyn?"
It was a valid question. Regina looked down at her niece, who had fallen asleep despite the argument going on around her, and knew what her answer was in her heart. "I'd limit my help to whatever I could do while keeping an eye on Robyn. And if need be, then I would get her adequate care. I would put her first."
"We'll see," Zelena snarled. "We're not done yet, little sister. Not by a long shot."
She dropped the diaper bag to the floor and then flicked her wrist, disappearing in a cloud of green smoke. Regina sagged into the nearest chair, still rocking Robyn. She smiled at the baby girl before kissing her forehead. "Don't worry, Peanut. I'll keep you safe. Just like your daddy did."
Regina adjusted to having a baby in the house again. It was easier with her magic, able to conjure up a nursery and all the supplies she would need. Baby Robyn didn't seem to notice the change in her caregivers, making Regina feel guilty that she had too many changes in her short life so far. However, she knew it was best that Zelena not keep the baby girl with her. Not if she was reverting to her wicked ways and determined to raise Robyn to be the same.
She owed it to Robin.
It was difficult not to rush off with the others when something came up now. Regina often had to hold back, remaining with Peanut while she did research. The baby didn't seem to mind, enjoying bouncing in her carrier while Regina played with one of her tiny feet. And if Regina was needed, Henry or Belle often stepped in to watch Peanut for a few hours.
Peanut was also too young to notice that her aunt couldn't bring herself to call the baby "Robyn" and had resorted to the nickname she had given her hours after her birth. No matter what Regina called her, Peanut lit up at the sound of her voice and would try to reach out for her, wanting a cuddle.
Regina always obliged.
"You look happy, Mom," Henry said one night. They were sitting on the couch together, him watching a movie while she fed a sleepy Peanut.
"Hmm?" She looked up, noticing her son watching her with a smile on his face. "What?"
"It's just since Peanut came, you've been happier. Even when you're frustrated that you can help like you once did," he explained, moving closer to her.
Regina paused, thinking it over. "I guess I am. I've been so focused on what I lost, I neglected what Robin left behind."
He nodded. "I always wondered why you didn't try to keep her. I couldn't tell if it was because you were giving Zelena a chance or because she reminded you too much of Robin."
"I guess it was both," Regina admitted. "And then I was so focused on my evil half, I didn't stop to think about the most innocent person involved in this."
"I don't think the Evil Queen would ever hurt her," Henry offered. "She may have some questionable parenting beliefs, but she's a mother at heart. Just like you."
She melted at that and kissed her son's cheek. "Thank you. But the Evil Queen is focused on tearing this family apart and Zelena is borderline neglectful, not fully understanding what a baby needs. I should've fought harder for her."
Tears sprang to her eyes as she thought of an adorable young boy with an unruly mop of dark curls, sparkling brown eyes and irresistible dimples. "I should've fought harder for Roland too."
"You didn't have much of a choice," Henry assured her. "The Merry Men chose to go back and you had agreed it was best for Roland to stay with those who knew him and Robin best."
"I know, but he once asked me if I was his new mommy. Robin and I told him that he could consider me that if he wanted. Because I saw him as another son. And then I allowed him to go away. What kind of mother does that?" She bit back a sob.
Henry stood and got the tissue box, handing it to her. Regina pulled out a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. "Thank you. And I'm sorry. You're the kid, I'm the parent. You should be unloading on me, not the other way around."
"It's okay," he replied. "Besides, I'll keep that in mind for my next round of teenage angst."
She chuckled as someone rang the doorbell. Henry jumped up. "I'll get it. You focus on Peanut."
He left the room and she eased the bottle from between the baby girl's lips. She brought Peanut to her shoulder, patting her back. A soft burp came from the girl followed by a big one. Peanut then settled down, her little face buried in the crook of Regina's neck as she hummed softly to the baby.
"Where's Regina?" For a moment, she thought she was hallucinating Roland's sweet voice. Then he appeared in her living room, beaming at her. "Regina!"
"Roland!" she replied, letting out a little laugh. "My little knight is back."
He nodded, climbing onto the couch and hugging her. She wrapped her free arm around him, enjoying the feeling of having both of Robin's children in her arms.
It felt perfect.
"Regina," Little John said, appearing in her living room. He clutched his hat in his hands as he watched her.
She smiled at him. "Hello, Little John. I'm surprised to see you here."
"I'm sure," he replied, looking nervous. "We've been trying to get back here almost from the moment we got back to the Enchanted Forest. It took some time to find a way back, though."
"Why?" she asked, confused. Were things so bad in the Enchanted Forest that they were forced to come back?
"Because I missed you," Roland replied, leaning against her shoulder. "I wanted to come back to you."
She bit back a sob as she kissed his forehead. "I'm very glad to have you back."
"I'm sorry," Little John said. "I shouldn't have taken him from you."
"You had every right to. I'm sure Robin would've wanted him with you. You've known him since he was a baby," Regina replied. "Though I do wish you had stayed here in Storybrooke at least."
He nodded. "A few us have come back. We're staying at Granny's so we're close to Roland."
"You mean…" Her question died on her tongue.
Little John knew what she wanted to ask. "Yes, Roland is going to live with you. It's what he wants."
"Can I, Regina?" he asked, still leaning against her.
She kissed his head. "Of course you can, sweetheart."
Little John said good night to Roland and assured him that he was just at Granny's. Roland, though, was happy being back with Regina and he played with his little sister as Henry showed the older man out.
Henry returned, sitting down next to his mother. "Looks like we have a full house again," he said with a smile.
"We do," she replied, feeling her cheeks start to hurt from how big she was smiling. It fell a little as she grew concerned. "Are you okay with that?"
"Of course. This house has always been too big for just the two of us," he replied, grinning. He laid his head on her shoulder now that Peanut was resting against her breasts. Regina just sat there, enjoying having all her children home safe and sound.
Perhaps the feather wasn't her wish being answered, but this-having Robin's children with her, having that bit of his soul always by her side once again.
As always, Valentine's Day snuck up on her. She didn't realize what day it was until she woke to find Peanut was not in her crib. Fighting her rising panic, Regina rushed downstairs to make sure Henry had taken the baby and not Zelena, despite all the wards and charms placed around the house to prevent that. Relief flooded through her when she saw Peanut sitting in her carrier, kicking her feet as Henry and Roland placed some pancakes on a plate.
"What is going on here?" she asked, hands on her hips.
Roland ran up to her, holding out a red paper heart. "Happy Valentine's Day!"
"Oh," she said, taking the heart with a smile. "Thank you so much."
"Henry and I made breakfast while Peanut watched. Since she can't do much as baby," he continued, taking Regina's hand and leading her over to the table.
They ate their pancakes as Roland chatted about his upcoming day at school. He loved going there and interacting with the other kids. And he loved that he was learning how to read, just like Henry.
When they were done, Henry helped clean up as Roland entertained his sister. Regina kissed her eldest son's cheek. "This was sweet. Thank you."
"You're welcome," he said. "I'm taking Violet out tonight and so I knew I wouldn't be home for dinner. I wanted to do something special for you."
Though it pained her to think of her little prince all grown up and going on dates, Regina hugged him. "I love you, Henry."
"I love you too, Mom." He then stepped away and held out his hand to Roland. "You ready for school?"
Roland nodded before hurrying over to her. He threw his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. "I love you, Mom."
Her heart skipped a beat and she crouched down to hug him tighter. She ran her fingers through his curls. "I love you, too. Have a good day at school."
"I will." He kissed her cheek before running after Henry so he could get his coat and backpack.
Once she saw her two boys onto the bus, Regina turned to Peanut as she closed the door. The baby girl gnawed on a teething biscuit and she kissed her forehead, smelling the baby shampoo she used during the girl's bath the night before. Regina had never been one to celebrate Valentine's Day, usually just getting handmade Valentines and then a small dinner with Henry. Even when she had Robin, there was always some crisis that had prevented them from celebrating. She had always thought there would be another year, which seemed so foolish in hindsight. Now, though, with her two boys and the sweetest baby ever, Regina felt a bit more festive than usual.
"What do you say to an Auntie and Me day?" she asked the baby, holding her phone. "You and me going to the park, maybe that parent and me swimming class…?"
Peanut clapped and Regina called her assistant, telling her to hold all her calls and to inform everyone she was taking a personal day. "Spending Valentine's day with a special someone?" her assistant asked.
"I am," Regina replied, bouncing Peanut. She let out a happy gurgle. "You go spend it with someone special too."
"Thank you, Madame Mayor. Have Valentine's Day," the woman said before hanging up.
Regina set down the phone and started to head to Peanut's nursery. "Let's go get ready for our special day, hmm?"
The baby laughed in response.
Peanut took to the water like a fish. When the session ended, Regina had difficulty getting her out of the pool. She kept screaming and trying to squirm out of her arms to get back in. Regina had to hold her tight, trying to soothe her. "We'll come back, baby girl," she whispered. "I promise."
Her words did little to calm Peanut, who fought her as Regina took off her little bathing suit and put her in regular clothes again. She fussed all the way to the car and let out little cries of indignation until Regina pulled into the park. Once she saw the trees, the girl brightened and she kicked her legs as Regina took her out of the car seat. Chuckling, Regina held Peanut close. "You really are your father's daughter, aren't you?"
She put Peanut in the stroller and they went for a walk through the woods. By the time they got back to the car, Peanut was sound asleep and it was time to pick up Roland from school.
Once back at the mansion, Regina unclicked the carrier from the base in order not to wake Peanut. She let Roland in and he stopped short, pointing to the floor. "Mom, what's that?"
"What's what?" she asked before following his finger. A red rose petal lay on the floor and as she scanned the area, she saw a trail of them leading to her dining room. Her brow furrowed in confusion, unsure who would do this and coming up with only one solution:
Queenie wanted to mess with her.
She pressed her finger to her lips and motioned for Roland to follow her to the living room. Regina put down Peanut and then had him sit next to the carrier on the couch. "I need you to stay with your sister, okay?" she asked in a whisper.
"Okay," he whispered back, placing a hand on Peanut's leg. "I'll keep her safe, Mom."
Regina kissed his forehead before following the rose petals, conjuring up a fireball as she entered the dining room. It died out, though, as she took in the man laying out her fine china: Tall, with thick blond hair that was graying at the temples, and matching blond scruff that felt wonderful against her skin. Bright blue eyes that always seemed to be able to look right into her heart and soul. Dark green sweater over a white shirt paired with black pants.
It was impossible. He couldn't be there, in her house. Which meant only one thing…
"How dare you?" Anger and grief bubbled up and she almost screamed in a primal rage.
He looked up, blue eyes wide in surprise. "Regina! I didn't hear you come in…"
She lunged at him, gripping his sweater in her fists and giving him a shake. "How dare you! This is too far, even for you."
"Regina, I don't understand…" He sounded so confused and somewhat scared but she didn't care.
Queenie was an excellent actress.
"Drop the act, lose the glamor spell," she snarled. "Now is not the time for your games. Not this one, not today."
Strong arms gripped her shoulders and he pushed her back a bit, blue eyes looking into hers. "Regina, I don't know who you think I am, but I can assure you it's me. Robin."
"Robin's dead," she sobbed. "Don't play with my head and my heart. Please."
"I was dead. I know that. I remember that. But I'm not anymore. Something brought me back, Regina," he said. "I'm here now and this is true."
Even those familiar words, so reassuring before the Curse of Shattered Sight, now only brought more pain. She couldn't trust them. Queenie had all her memories and would know everything Robin had ever said to her. Tears streamed down her cheeks harder.
Perhaps Queenie finally found the way to break her.
"Is this because I took Robyn from Zelena?" she asked between sobs. "Are you trying to punish me on her behalf?"
He raised a hand to cup her cheek. "I know a way to prove I am who I say I am. Okay?"
Before she could protest, he pressed his lips to hers. Her heart skipped a beat and the familiar fire ignited low inside her. Queenie could take on his appearance, mimic his mannerisms, recreate his voice and parrot back his words, but she could never kiss like him. Nor would she smell of forest, of pine and fresh air.
This was real.
This was true.
Robin was alive.
She broke the kiss, still crying but for a whole new reason. Cupping his cheek, she smiled. "You're back."
"I am," he said before furrowing his brow in confusion. "Who did you think I was? And why would that person be avenging Zelena?"
"It's a long story," she replied with a chuckle before kissing him again. "I still can't believe you're here. How?"
He shrugged. "I honestly don't know. The last thing I remember is your face right after taking the hit from the crystal. And then I was standing in the middle of the woods. It was clear seasons had passed and I rushed back to where I thought my Merry Men had made camp."
"They went back to the Enchanted Forest. A few have come back…"
"I know," he said. "I found Little John. He told me about what had happened and how much time had passed."
She nodded before frowning. "How long have you been back?"
"Not long," he assured her. "Maybe a few days. When I realized Valentine's Day was so close, I plotted the perfect way to reveal myself to you. Apparently, there are other circumstances I probably should've been aware of."
"Yes," she agreed. "And I'll tell you all about it later. First, I think there are two other people who will be happy to see you."
Robin grinned, nodding. "Roland and Carina."
"Carina?" Regina tilted her head. "You had a name for her?"
"Yes. I thought of it while in the Underworld. I was staring up at the sky, wishing there were stars. And then I thought of the constellations, recalling one called Carina. I know it's part of a ship but I remembered hearing that as a name, it meant 'beloved,'" he explained. "And I thought about the awful circumstances that resulted in my daughter, that she would have that and who her mother was hanging over her. I wanted her to always know that she is loved and wanted."
Fresh tears streamed down Regina's cheeks. "Zelena named her Robyn after you...but I could never call her that. I nicknamed her Peanut."
He chuckled. "While that's a cute nickname and I'm honored my name was passed down to her, I think she should have her own identity. And I'm biased toward Carina."
"Me too," she agreed, taking his hand. "Come on. Let's go share her new name with her."
They entered the living room together. Roland looked up from where he was entertaining Peanut with a rattle, eyes widening when he saw who was with Regina. He jumped up and raced into Robin's arms with a joyful shout of "Papa!"
Robin held him close, tears now streaming down his face as he assured his son he was alive and wasn't going anywhere. As he did that, Regina took Peanut from her carrier and brought her over to her father. She was quickly rechristened Carina and nestled in his arm as he leaned forward to kiss Regina.
Though Henry was missing, out with Violet, Regina still felt like her family was whole again.
That night, Regina put Roland and Carina to bed after a Valentine's dinner of lasagna and wine. As she stepped out of Roland's room, she heard soft music coming from her bedroom and headed down there. The lights were dimmed and Robin had placed several candles around her room, little flames flickering to cast an alluring glow.
She closed the door as he held out his hand, looking a bit sheepish. "Granny found Red's old iPod and let me borrow it, so the music may not be our tastes, but I thought it appropriate…"
Listening, she heard Christina Perri's voice singing about loving someone for a thousand years and she smiled, nodding. "I've heard this song," she said. "I guess it is appropriate."
Taking his hand, she let him pull her close and sway her in time to the music. She rested her forehead to his with a small smile. "I'm so glad you came back to me."
"Me too," he whispered. "Though I really am not sure how."
She chuckled. "I made a wish. On my birthday. I wanted you and Roland to come back to me. And now you have."
Robin tucked her hair behind her ear. "I have. And I think after everything we've been through, you'll understand why I can't promise you that I'll never go away again. Because if I had to do it all over again, Regina, I would step in front of that beam for you without a second thought."
"I know," she said, the same dread and sorrow building in her as she thought of Robin's lifeless body on the floor of her office.
He tilted her chin up so her eyes met his, shining with love through the dim candlelight. "But I also like to think that the universe keeps trying to make sure we end up together. So I promise to stay by your side for as long as the universe allows me the privilege to stay there."
"I promise to do the same," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "And before the universe decides to fuck me over again, I just want to say I love you. I realized I never said it…"
Robin pressed his finger to her lips. "You may have never said it, but I knew it. Actions speak louder than words. So do your eyes."
She kissed him, nibbling his lower lip to get him to open his mouth to her. He did so easily and her tongue swept his mouth as she started to unbutton his shirt. Robin tugged at her shirt as well, sensing where she was heading with this.
They broke the kiss so he could pull the shirt over her head, depositing it on the floor with his own. Robin kissed her neck as he removed her bra, warm hands cupping her breasts once they were free. She busied herself with undoing his pants before she lost all conscious thought and just surrendered to the fire building inside her as Robin sucked at a pressure point.
Regina kicked away her skirt as he stepped out of his pants, trying to keep his hands on her at the same time. They fell onto her bed together, now both in their underwear. He pushed himself up on his elbow, eyes looking over her body as his hands roamed it. "As beautiful as I remember," he breathed.
"You're just as I remembered," she replied, taking in his toned chest and the muscles built up after years of shooting arrows. "And you're all mine."
"Absolutely." He rolled over, hovering over her as he grinned down at her. "Always."
She swallowed, pulling him down by his neck to crash their lips together again. He was already hard against her and she could feel her panties growing wetter despite no attention paid lower than her breasts yet. Heat coiled low inside her, waiting for a release.
Robin kissed his way down her neck and then in the valley between her breasts. As he went lower, she writhed in anticipation, enjoying the feel of his scruff dragging across her skin again. She moaned as his tongue dipped into her navel, sending a teasing jolt to her core.
He peeled her panties away, tongue flicking out to taste and tease her before he removed the garment completely. Robin slid his hands up her legs, urging them further apart as he slid between them. She bent her knees as she drew up her legs and he gave a broad lick to her sex, making her whine out his name. It made him chuckle before he continued to suck and lap at her clit.
Regina's toes curled and she grabbed at her blanket, her hips rising up to meet Robin's tongue. Sweat began to trickle down her face and she closed her eyes as she felt the coil tighten as she continued to moan, babbling nonsense.
A finger slowly entered her and she almost shouted in frustration. Robin was teasing her, tormenting her, making her feel everything and forcing her to wait for the release her body was now trembling for. Her back arched as he curled the finger, brushing against her g-spot before it pulled out again.
His lips left her clit and she opened her eyes, meeting his as he raised his head. "Are you close, lovely?" he asked, voice husky. She could only nod, not trusting her own voice to work. He chuckled. "Good."
She watched as he ducked his head down again, his tongue flicking at her clit as he inserted two fingers this time. Regina cried out, feeling her walls tighten around them. He pumped them slowly, lips closing around her overly sensitive nub again. Rational thought fled her mind and she careened over, yelling his name as she came.
Robin let her ride out her orgasm on his fingers, bringing her down. She lay there, trying to catch her breath as he shucked his own boxers. He then lay beside her, kissing her damp hair. "I'm so glad I can hear those sounds again," he said.
She hummed, wrapping her fingers around his cock and she began to pump lazily. He was already rock hard in her grasp and her thumb brushed the precum already leaking from his tip. But neither was rushed to do much about it, enjoying kissing each other as she tasted herself on his tongue.
He nuzzled her as she tried not to cry again. "I'm so scared this is just a really, really good dream," she admitted. "And that if we fall asleep, I'll wake up and you'll be gone."
"Understandable. I felt the same way the first few nights after we came back from New York," he murmured.
Regina paused. "You did?"
He nodded. "I would wake up several times, reassuring myself I was back here, with you, and not still miles away."
"I used to do the same then too," she confessed. "And I feel like I have to do that again."
"One day, maybe we'll be able to fall asleep and trust that the other will be there when we wake up." He kissed her forehead.
She let out humorless chuckle. "We have such fucked up lives."
"Well," he said, smiling, "no one can accuse us of being boring."
This time, her laugh was sincere as she curled closer to Robin. He wrapped his arm around her and hoisted her on top of him as she let out a little squeak. "What are you doing?"
"I want to see you," he replied. "All of you."
She smiled, rising up to straddle him. Her fingers toyed with his nipples as his eyes roamed her body with unhidden lust. "Like this?" she asked, purring.
He swallowed as she dragged her folds over his cock, letting him feel how wet she still was. She took his hands, bringing them up to her breasts. "What do you want?"
"You," he croaked before licking his lips. "I want to be inside you. Please."
She grinned as his thumbs flicked her nipples. "Well, I think that can be arranged."
He groaned as she sank down onto his cock, letting him fill her completely. She reached down to clutch at his shoulders, taking a few deep breaths as she reacquainted herself to the feeling of him inside her. Robin was patient, massaging her breasts as he waited for her to move again.
After a few minutes, she began to move, letting him fill her over and over as she picked up a fast pace. She wasn't going to draw this out like he had earlier. Not with the fear that this could all be taken from her at any moment. And as good as this was, as it felt, she wanted to spend as much time curled up in his arms as possible.
"Regina," he moaned, the sweetest sound she had heard since Roland called her mom. "Harder."
"You sure?" she asked, panting already.
He groaned, hands sliding from her breasts to her hips as he met her with his own thrusts. "Yes, please."
Regina picked up her speed, feeling herself climbing to that high again. She moaned, knowing she was close and hoping to take him over with her. "Come with me," she panted.
Sitting up, he kissed her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He trailed wet open kisses down her neck as stars exploded before her eyes. She came again with his name on her lips, feeling him spill into her only a few moments later.
They collapsed back onto the mattress, Regina laying on top of Robin. Her ear was pressed to his chest, his heart racing under it. It assured her that he was truly alive and it soothed her.
"I look forward to a lifetime of this," he said, kissing the top her head.
"Mind-blowing sex?"
He chuckled. "Well, yes. But I meant lying here with you in my arms."
"Oh," she replied, smiling as she played with his chest hair. "I guess I look forward to that too."
"You don't sound too sure about that."
"I'm still not sure this isn't some wonderful dream, remember?" She sighed, closing her eyes. "I'm trying to remain cautiously optimistic."
Robin laughed. "I like that. Cautiously optimistic."
Sleep tugged at her and she rolled off him, landing on her side of the bed. "We should get under the covers," she murmured.
"Okay," he said, kissing the back of her neck. "I've got it."
He wrapped them in the blankets and spoon against her. "Good night, Regina."
"Good night, Robin," she replied. "I hope I see you in the morning."
"You will," he promised, arms tightening around her. "You will."
Regina woke up the next morning to soft kisses being trailed along her shoulder, up her neck and then someone nipping at her ear. "Good morning, lovely," Robin said, voice hoarse from sleep.
She rolled over, smiling as she saw him lying next to her. The sun backlit him, casting a beautiful glow around him as she rubbed his cheek. "Good morning," she replied.
"I told you I would be here." He grinned.
"Yes, you did." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm so glad you are."
Robin kissed her. "Me too."
She continued to kiss him, pulling on top of her. As his lips found her pressure point again, Regina wondered how he was going to top this Valentine's Day next year.
She couldn't wait to find out.