Robin held on tight to his daughter's hand as they weaved their way through the busy mall, Regina was spending the day with Jefferson as he was home for a few weeks to celebrate her birthday with her. She would be twenty-four in a couple of days and Robin couldn't believe how fast time had gone by since they first met when they were only eighteen, they had been together six years and that was a crazy notion, Heidi would be five in April and that in itself was insane, she was growing up so quickly and becoming more like her mother every day.
Currently, they were trying to find some last-minute presents for Regina, he had most of them already, it was just a matter of getting a few final bits together. The little girl has insisted that she come along to help him, but he was pretty certain that she had an ulterior motive, he just wasn't sure what it was yet. "Where are we going for mommy's present?" the little girl asked softly as she swung their joint hands, skipping alongside him, her dark curls bouncing behind her.
"Well, I thought we'd start at Lush, what do you think?"
"Yes! Smells nice, mommy will like it," she nodded in agreement.
He grinned at her and navigated through the shops, following his nose towards the one they were looking for. He'd also wanted to get Regina another present but that had been before Heidi had tagged along for the trip, he wasn't sure that taking your daughter with you whilst buying sexy underwear for her mother was entirely appropriate.
"Can I get a bath bomb too daddy?" Heidi asked, a smile on her face as they reached the store they wanted, smelling it before it even came into view. "It doesn't have to be a big one, just one of the small ones."
Who was he to say no to that? Of course, she could have a bath bomb.
They picked out a rather large selection of different products for Regina, bath bombs, bubble bars, her favourite soap and shower oils. Heidi had her bag with a pink bubble bar inside and he'd also let her get some of the rainbow bath time modelling soap as well, though he was pretty sure that was for him as much as it was for her.
Once they finished there, he ventured into Yankee Candle and picked out a selection of those, both father and daughter sniffing each one they picked up to decide on the perfect one, however it didn't stop at one, they ended up with three large candles, unable to agree. Though to be honest he knew that Heidi had the same taste in scents as her mother so he should have simply trusted her judgment and gone with the ones she suggested.
Candles and bath products procured, they carried on to one of the department stores, picking up several bits for Regina and several more for Heidi. She had found some clothes that she liked and Robin agreed that they were nice, he was pretty sure that she didn't need any more clothes, but decided that a couple more pieces couldn't hurt. There was a sparkly top, aqua blue dress and a pair of boots added to the bags the girl carried, insisting that she was strong enough to carry her own things, buzzing with excitement as she held onto her new possessions.
"Are you sure you don't want me to help you with those?" he asked as they made their way to the food court, ready to sit down for a little while to get some lunch. He wasn't the biggest fan of the mall and wanted to get home really, but there was still the matter of visiting Victoria Secret to get something for Regina, Heidi would just have to come with him.
He remembered the first time he had gone into the store; it was on their first Valentine's day together and Regina had teased him so much that the tips of his ears had turned red in embarrassment. He hadn't even lasted more than a few minutes inside that day, excusing himself to go get them coffee. He'd been in several times since then and he wasn't awkward about it anymore, though he had never been whilst Heidi had been with him, that would be interesting.
"Where now daddy?" the girl asked as they stood from their table, she had her bags in one hand and a little milkshake in the other.
"Well, there's one last thing we need to get, then we can go home I think."
"Okay," she smiled, dropping her empty cup into the recycling and taking his hand with her now free one. No matter how mature she acted she was still only four, though she wouldn't let you forget that she was very nearly five now. They reached Victoria Secret and he watched as the little girl's face scrunched up, she turned to look at him narrowing her eyes, "why does mommy want underwear for her birthday?"
"Ladies like getting new underwear."
"Do they?"
"Yeah," he shrugged, she looked so confused and he wasn't exactly sure what to tell her to make her any less so. He knew for a fact that Regina liked getting new underwear but he had no idea how to explain that to a four-year-old. "Come on, let's just go in and get something quickly and then we can go get some chocolates for mommy."
"Ooh chocolates," Heidi grinned and he knew exactly what was going through her mind, she was certainly going to be finding some for herself when it came to that shop, though he had to be honest that he would be getting something as well.
However right now they were on the search for underwear, he'd had a look online to see which ones he liked so that he wasn't simply walking into a minefield with no idea what to get. His eyes were immediately drawn to a lavender coloured lace bralette, he knew that Regina liked those and grabbed one in her size, awkwardly reaching for the matching panties too. He wanted to be in the shop about as much as Heidi did, but it had to be done.
The purple set hadn't even been on his list but it was definitely one that he would be buying, now he only had to find one of the other sets he wanted. He walked a little deeper into the store looking out for it, he must have had a confused look on his face because before he knew it, he was confronted by a saleswoman, something he didn't really want to happen but if it got him out of there quicker, he wouldn't be complaining.
"Hello sir, can I help you today?"
"Yes actually, I'm looking for this set," he quipped, showing her the picture of the ones he was after on his phone.
She nodded with a smile and he followed her as she led him to the stand they were displayed on, holding up the burgundy piece to show him that it was indeed the bra had been searching for. "Do you know which size you need?"
"Yeah, it's a 34C," he stated, not knowing why he felt a little awkward sharing his girlfriend's bra size with some random woman. After Heidi was born all of Regina's old bras were too small, her breasts had changed size after breastfeeding which meant that she had a whole new selection of bras in her wardrobe. "Thanks," Robin murmured, quickly grabbing the matching thong before heading to the checkout. All the while Heidi was simply just going along with it, the bags she had insisted that she could carry dragging slightly along the floor.
He had all the underwear gift wrapped and quickly paid before getting out of there, the bags in his own hands were starting to get heavy, it didn't help that he had three large candles weighing him down. "Want me to take that for you?" he asked, watching his daughter as she struggled a little with that bag that was slightly too big for her.
"I can manage," she shrugged, lifting it higher to disguise that she was struggling.
"I say we go take these back to the car, then come back to the chocolate shop. What do you think?"
"Good idea daddy," she nodded.
Robin held back the little laugh that was threatening, she was simply too adorable for her own good and so determined to do things her own way, yet another trait she gained from her mother. Luckily the car wasn't too far away, they bundled everything into the trunk, carefully making sure that none of the bath bombs would be damaged in transit. He was so tempted not to bother going back inside and just head home now, but he'd told his daughter there would be chocolate and he couldn't go back on that, not to mention it was the only place that did Regina's favourites.
Heidi's small hand was wrapped up inside his as they headed back inside, a grin came onto his face as he let go and swooped down, his arms wrapping around her and lifting her so that she was perched on his shoulders, making her squeal in happiness as she held onto him. His hands held onto her legs as she played with his hair with one hand the other reaching up as high as she could. She was getting bigger, growing up and soon she would be too old to ride on her daddy's shoulders so he would cherish it whilst he had it.
"Goodness me you're a giant," he chuckled, earning a little giggle from the girl.
"I can see everything from up here."
"Bet its better than being stuck on the ground, right?"
"Yep." Heidi was quiet but only for a moment before she spoke up again, "what chocolate are you getting?"
"Oh, I think it has to be caramels."
"Mmm, yummy."
"I bet I can guess what you're going to choose."
"How?"
"Because I know you," Robin smirked, she normally went for the same thing each time and he was almost certain that she wouldn't break tradition today.
They might have gone a little overboard in the candy store, he'd bought enough sweets to last them a good few months. Heidi had already begun tucking into one packet of her chocolates with a cheeky little smile on her face. "Would you like to try one of mine daddy?"
"Oh if I'm allowed," he grinned as she handed him one of the strawberry flavoured balls, the same ones she always went for, they were nice but wouldn't be his first choice, Heidi, however, loved them. "Right then, I think it's home…"
"DISNEYYYY!" Heidi squealed, jumping up and down in excitement as she peered at the large store, that was the same moment robin knew that he was well and truly done for. He would be a terrible father if he didn't let her go inside, there was also the possibility he could find a gift for Regina as well so he kind of had to didn't he?
"Come on then, let's just have a quick look."
"Yes! Thank you, daddy!"
She almost vibrated with anticipation as they neared the shop, eager to go inside and look around at all the magical things. He could tell that she wanted to pull away and rush ahead but didn't let go of her hand, keeping hold of it, he was too scared of losing her in the crowd or something happening to her because he'd let go of her.
As soon as they got through the entrance to the store he was pulled towards the plush toys, supposedly that was where they were starting. She grabbed two toys at the same time, one of them was a huge fluffy Pegasus from Hercules and the other was a small Dumbo that just fit in her hands. He knew there was no chance of leaving the shop without either of them.
He picked out a mug for Regina, it was deep purple with the Evil Queen from Snow White depicted on the front. Heidi got herself a cup with Ariel on and a frozen water bottle. Added to that were a Pocahontas doll and a Disney Princess sketch pad, a little bangle with charms which dangled down, a Moana backpack and some Mulan pyjamas. He drew the line at a stitch toy which was bigger than Heidi was.
Regina would have had more self-control, that's why she normally took Heidi shopping, she knew where to draw the line. She was able to say no to their daughter, he found it much more difficult to deny her anything, she didn't even have to beg for it for him to give in, he knew he was a bit of a pushover when it came to his daughter.
"Come on Heidi, I think we've got enough stuff here," he quipped, cringing at the number of things in his arms, thankful that at least a couple of pieces the girl had picked out were in the sale. It was a good job that he'd had an amazing year with his paintings, selling more than he could have ever imagined. He was in demand and it was a good position to be in, the number of zeros in his bank account stunned him sometimes. They were lucky, very much so.
"Thank you so much, daddy," she beamed, snuggling the massive Pegasus against her as he carried the rest of the bags. He had no idea how Regina would act when they got home and showed her everything Heidi had bought, he hoped she wouldn't be too annoyed at him for it.
On the journey home Heidi had drifted off, the car ride lulling her to sleep, he knew that she would be worn out from their busy day, she was in her booster seat in the back with her new Pegasus wrapped in her arms, it was way too adorable for words. He wondered if Regina would be back when they arrived, normally when she had days out with Jefferson she wouldn't, if she wasn't that at least gave him the opportunity to sneak some of the things into the house.
However when he rounds the corner on to their street forty minutes later he sees that he's in no such luck, her car is in the driveway meaning that she was home already. He contemplated just leaving everything in the car, but was just as likely to find them there also, he pulled up and turned off the ignition trying to think of some kind of strategy, he didn't want her seeing her gifts either.
Robin got out of the car and opened the door to the back seat where his daughter was still sleeping. Carefully, he lifted her from the booster seat, not wanting to wake her from her little nap, he probably should have opened the door to the house first but he hadn't thought about it, he would just have to juggle and…
"You're home."
Or not.
"So are you," he grinned, looking to the door where Regina had emerged, she'd obviously showered since she got back as she was in her pyjamas with a towel wrapped around her hair. "Did you have fun with Jefferson?"
"Yes, it was amazing. What about the two of you? Fun shopping trip?" she asked, her eyebrow raised as she carefully took their sleeping daughter from his arms, holding her against her chest. "She seems worn out."
"It was a crazy afternoon," he nodded.
"I guess I'll put her in bed whilst I finish making supper. I like the Pegasus."
"Yeah he's cute isn't he, I've got some bags to get in, so I'll come to the kitchen and help you once I've done that."
"Okay," she smiled, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his lips before heading back inside with their daughter secured in her arms.
As soon as she was out of sight, he rushed to the car, first grabbing all the bags that had Regina's gifts in them, knowing that he would have to hide them first, he didn't want her getting in them, if she saw the bags she was snoop and ruin her present, she did it every year and he always had to find better hiding places.
He scooped them all up and darted inside, beelining for his studio, he would be okay to store them in there for the time being. He pushed them all underneath his desk and disguised them with a couple of canvases before running back to the car and to collect the bags which held Heidi's purchases, only just realising quite how much he had bought her.
He'd just got through the door when Regina began to make her way down the stairs, "can you believe she woke up the moment I got her into bed? She's coming down now. Are they my presents?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow, clearly wondering why he had his hands full of Disney bags as well as one from both Macy's and Lush. "I know I like Disney but I didn't think you'd have got everything from there."
Robin put the bags down in the lounge before turning back to her, then he heard a noise as Heidi emerged at the top of the stairs. "Mommy have you seen what I got!" she grinned, carefully walking down the stairs before dropping down to the floor to show her mother what was inside the bags.
She emptied them out one by one, showing Regina each thing in turn. Robin watched his girlfriend as her mouth gaped a little at the number of things he had bought. She nodded along with Heidi though, acting all excited about her new items, it was only when they escaped to the kitchen, allowing Heidi to play with her new Pocahontas doll in the sitting room, that Regina turned to him.
"I didn't realise that it was Heidi's birthday as well as mine," Regina scoffed, he could tell that it was playful though there was also a little hint that she thought he had gone overboard, though he didn't need her to tell him that.
"Yeah well, have you tried saying no to that face? She's an evil genius in the way she manages to make you feel bad, she's just too cute about it and then you're gone and you just can't deny her anything."
"You are a pushover, Robin," she groaned, mixing the bolognese that was cooking on the hob. "She has you wrapped around her little finger."
"Are you telling me that you wouldn't have bought her anything?"
"Of course I would have bought her something, I just wouldn't have bought her the whole shop," Regina sniggered, "what on earth are we going to get her for her birthday now? She doesn't need anything else."
"Sorry, I know I should have put my foot down and then we could have put them away for later but I'm bad at those things, that's why you should never let us shop together alone."
"I'll remember that for the future."
"We missed you today though," he quipped, moving close to her and wrapping his arms around her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. "Did you miss us?"
"No, I rather enjoyed my time away from you both."
"Liar," he grinned, nuzzling her neck with his stubble and making her giggle.
"Robin!" she squealed, trying to pull away from his grip, only for him to hold on tighter.
"Confess that you missed us and I'll stop."
"I didn't miss you one bit."
"Right, that's it. Heidi! Come help me get mommy!" Robin called out. Almost immediately they heard little footsteps running towards the kitchen as their daughter barrelled into them, laughing as she grabbed hold of her mother.
"Hey!" Regina squeaked, managing to slip free from Robin's grip and make a run for it, heading towards the lounge with the two of them hot on her heels.
Robin was much quicker than she was and caught up with her, scooping her up off her feet and dropping down onto the sofa with her wriggling in his arms. Heidi was quick to jump up too, dropping her little body on top of both of them.
"I concede!" the elder brunette chuckled, wrapping her arms around Heidi as all three of them snuggled close. "I definitely did miss both of you, my loves," she kissed their faces and held them tight, showering them in all the love she had inside.