Chapter 3

5:00pm PST.

Regina spent the past 8 hours swiping a dodging train cars on subway surfer, catching up on some reading, and listening to her sister's incessant singing. She is all out of energy. All she's wants to do is sleep. And she hadn't had a chance to do so on the plane because of her awful sister. They ended up leaving school early to catch an earlier flight. Their parents wanted to spend more time Granny before they have to leave early the next morning.

California is warm. A lot warmer than Storybrooke, Main in the early spring. Regina forgot it was like this up here. It's been so long. It's a different kind of pretty here. Not that there was much to see at the moment. She and Zelena are outside waiting for their parents to rent a car. Regina doesn't mind much. It was cold in the airport. She sat on her father's suitcase and took to reading a book her mother suggested to her. She'd finished hers on the plane ride. Her sister however took to pacing. As if that would make time move faster.

"You are such a dork. You brought homework?" Zelena stops only to scowl at her.

"Um, no. I'm doing something called reading. You should try it some time." Regina snaps back.

Her sister scoffs. "What? I read."

Regina reaches to another suitcase to pick up the magazine her sister bought from the gift shop. "This? It's just pictures."

"Don't touch that." Zelena snatches the magazine from Regina.

"Gladly."

"What's taking so long? Just get me a car already, so I can go meet Robin Hood." Her sister squeals.

Regina can only sigh. It seems her sister truly can't read. "Uh, Zelena. You can't drive."

"Yes, I can. License." Zelena shows off her driver's license she's been holding on for the past 15 minutes.

"No, you can't. Sign." Regina points to the sign behind her sister.

Zelena whips around to see a sign that reads: you must be at least 25 years old to drive or rent a car from Los Angeles car rental. "What!" She turns once again turns to Regina, distraught. "How am I supposed to do what I want?"

"And what would that be Mija?" Their father questions as he and Cora make their way back to their children. Panic runs across Zelena's face before she gives a nervous smile.

"To take Regina sightseeing."

Regina did it say a word because there was in no way their parents would believe anything that left Zelena's mouth.

"Well. I think Granny has a car you can borrow."

"Thank God."

XxX

5:46pm PST

A ride over isn't a necessary long one. Though it is a rather quiet warm. Zelena finally found use for her headphones. She was concentrating awful hard at something on her phone. Regina didn't care. It was the first quiet moment she had in a while. Their destination resides in a pre-suburban neighborhood. All of the houses on the street resemble another in esthetic. Yet the each house seems to maintain their own individuality. The true characteristics of an old neighborhood. The car stops at the curb in front of their grandmother's home. It's just as cozy as she remembers.

When they arrive Granny was already outside… On a ladder. A small one, but a ladder none the less. One she had no business being on. Mother was out of car before Daddy could even put it in park. He followed soon after.

"What did I tell you Henry?" Their mother runs to Granny aid. "Eugenia, be careful!"

"Here comes the warden." Granny snarks.

"You could fall and break a hip."

"Cora dear, calm down. Ruby had my back."

Regina nearly drops her bag. Ruby's here? She hadn't been paying my pretension previously. She was preoccupied with gathering her things from the trunk. We is here. And she has read hair! Well streaks, but it's there.

"Ruby!"

"Gina!"

The girls race around the hugging adults and to each other. Ruby nearly knocks Regina over by sheer force. They both end up embracing the other in a of laughter. It's been far too long. It's her fault they didn't keep in touch. Regina hasn't kept in touch with anyone much.

"You're taller than I remember." Regina comments as they separate.

"And you haven't grown at all!" Ruby laughs.

"Got any hugs left for me?" Granny asks. She pushes Daddy to the side without a second thought.

"Granny!" It's been so long since she's seen her grandmother, let alone hug her. Granny gives the best hugs. She was warm and smelled of fresh laundry and cinnamon. She leaves you with a warm feeling that makes all your problems disappear. They let go just enough to look at one another, but not before Granny smacks a kiss to the side of her face.

"Oh, Regina I'm so glad to see you." Granny smiles. She holds Regina's face between both palms. Regina swears her grandmother is magic. She could physically feel her love melting through her skin.

"I missed you."

"Me too." Granny gives her space, but never fully lets her free. She keeps a firm grasp on Regina's shoulder. Mother does the same thing from time to time. She'll hold onto Regina to reassure herself that that she was still there and that her daughter wasn't an illusion. Regina let them. She understood. It isn't easy on any of them. Well, except maybe Zelena who could care less about anything that wasn't related to a certain popstar. "Where is your sister?"

Regina points to where her sister stands in the street gawking at Granny's car. It's a 1964 Ford Falcon. A classic. And it is Pepto bismol pink. It's not a flattering color in the least and the car has definitely seen better days. Regina thought it was cute for an old car. Nothing she'd choose for herself. But she remembers a time when Abuelo would take her on drives around the city and tell her stories about the good ole' days. He said that the days he spent with her were even better than those. The car is ugly. But for what it lacks in beauty, it makes up for in character and memories.

"You can take her for a spin if you want to child." Granny calls out to her. "Marco just gave her a tune up. She runs like a top."

"Oh yeah," Zelena plasters a fake, sweet smile on her face. "a super ugly top you'd never want to be seen in."

"Does that mean you'll be joining us for shuffleboard?" Regina says. She is on top of the world. It isn't often she shoves her sister's insults back at her.

XxX

7:43pm PST

She is going to kill her sister someday soon. She swears it. Regina enters the room her sister would be staying, just in time to hear her hang up her phone. She didn't mind Zelena having her own room and having to share with Ruby. It beat having to share a room with her crazy sister. Besides she and Ruby have a lot of catching up to do.

Zelena's pacing has been irking everyone else in the house for the past ten minutes. It needs to stop.

"Granny says stop pacing. You're causing a draft." Regina says the moment she's in her sister's sight.

Zelena stops only to spout her crazy nonsense once again. "I just got off the phone with Abi. She just had a chat about a text quoting a blog about Robin Hood and his band."

Regina blinks.

This is what she was working herself in to a tizzy about? Robin Hood? Regina takes a moment to study her sister, really look at her. Zelena genuinely seems to be panicking. How does someone get like this. She's always liked Robin's band, but when did the obsession start? It wasn't always this way, Regina thinks.

"What's happening chicas?" Ruby pushes past her and into the room. She makes herself comfortable on Zelena's bed.

"Robin Hood is singing at Marion Taylor's birthday party tonight. I have to go." Zelena all but screams.

"Oh my God! I love him!" Ruby jumps from her reclined position into a kneeling one. "You have to take me with you. It's been long since I've done anything fun.

Not Ruby too.

This is her queue to leave. "Good luck getting mother and daddy to let you go."

"Regina wait!"

Regina growls, but stops to hear what her sister had to say.

"Come with us." Zelena begs.

"No."

It was not up for debate. Why on earth would she possibly do such a thing? She doesn't even like the band. Zelena knows this.

"Regina please. They'll let me go if their precious daughter those with me too."

"How many times do I have to say this?" Regina was frustrated now. What would it take to be realized of the nonstop prison that is Robin Hood? It's tiresome. "I am not interested in meeting some stupid celebrity. I am sick and tired of Robin Hood. It's all you talk about-"

"I'll stop." Zelena interrupts her.

What. She'll what?

"If you go with me and I meet Robin Hood, I won't talk about him or his band for the rest of the trip."

"Try the rest of your life."

"A month. I won't talk about him for a month. Regina please." Zelena pleads.

"Please." Ruby grabs her hand and squeezes. "Come with us Gina."

And there goes here will. Regina knew she'd be roped into her sister's desires at some point. She hadn't realized it would be too against one. Maybe she had, but she never thought she'd be the lonely integer. What has she gotten herself into? Regina prepared herself for a long, long night.

XxX

8:36pm PST

Regina finds it ridiculous how many people are active time of night. She swears there are more people on the street at night then there are in the day. It truly is a fabulous site; she'd enjoy more if she wasn't hostage to her sister and cousins will.

They only reason they're even out is because the Selina told their parents and grainy that they were catching a late movie, they're meeting up with one of Ruby's friends for a bite to eat. The 'no' was father to his of their parent's mouths before Zelena assured them that they wouldn't be up to anything crazy because Regina is coming along. As if her being in attendance automatically means no fun. Ridiculous. Regina is it sure if she is more upset with the fact that her sister used her as a show for her parents that they couldn't possibly be doing anything wild or dangerous if she came along or the it actually worked. They told their pans not to wait up for them and assured them they'd be back way before their good byes in the morning.

Zelena guides their grandmother's car to a stop, opposite some club called the Rabbit Hole. It doesn't look like a place any respectable person would be found. Which makes sense what her sister is here.

"What are you doing? This is a no parking zone!" She screams art her sister from the back seat. Regina is truly on a short fuse tonight. She doesn't care that she's being a party pooper. All she really wants to do is go home and sleep off her jetlag. How is her sister still functioning?

"It's not parking if someone is in the car. It's just waiting." Zelena supplies easily.

"We'll get a ticket." Regina says to deaf ears.

Zelena and Ruby began changing out of the disguises they wore to leave the house, to reveal their party where they had underneath. Regina didn't see the point in changing. She could care less what she wore. "Switch with me." Zelena doesn't hesitate to climb into the back seat with her. "Get behind the wheel. Now." Her sister shoves.

. x .

Sitting in a car around the corner was Robin hood and his mates Little John and Will scarlet. None of them really speaking a word. They all watch as cars race past on the busy Los Angeles Street. Without the fear of being spotted, they sat with the convertible down.

"I don't know about this, mate." Little John sighs.

They'd been sitting in the car for the past 15 minutes. The party was well under way, but the real question is do we go in? Robin told his band about the deal he made with Gold. They all knew about wanting to change their sound. The already made a few songs to test it out. Nothing released of course. There arses were on the line here too. None of them want to make boy band music for the rest of their careers.

"Na. It'll be fine." Robin fails to convince even himself. He was so nervous.

"We shouldn't even be here." Scarlett grumbles. "We should be at home. Chilling at that party your parents are throwing."

Robin smiles a Will, amused. "Since when do you want to party with my parents?"

"Are you kidding?" John turns slowly to him. "The caterers are from Argentina. There's going to be steak for dessert."

"Tempting, but I promised Marion that I would sing at her birthday. I'm not going to let her down."

"Screw you and your bloody code of honor. I want shrimp!" Scarlett throws up his hands. His friends often thought with their stomachs before anything else. He couldn't blame them for not wanting to go to Marion's birthday party. It isn't like they are the best of friends. They don't get on. But he made a promise. If anyone knew anything about him, it was that he is loyal to his friends and kept good on his promises.

"It works for you doesn't it?" Robin questions smugly. "Stay at my house for free, eat my food, drive my cars-"

"Oi! I buy those cars with my own money." Will interrupts. John slaps him on his shoulder and shake his head. It's fight he won't win. "Ok. Ok. Fine. But in return you get to hang out with my fine arse. I'm a gem!"

"I love both of you too."

"Ok then mates! Let's do this!" John hoots.

. . .

Will and John pull up to the entrance of the club all smiles and even larger personalities. Just as they all expected. Paparazzi. The camera snapping baboons swarm the entrance. It appears that Miss Perfect has made a red carpet of sorts for herself. Will and John expect nothing less.

The pair of them hope from the car. Will tosses the keys to a valet, while John makes his way to where Marion is waiting for them.

"Marion! Baby! Happy birthday!" Little John makes a show of it. If the paparazzi were not paying attention before, they are now. He wraps her in a brief hug. Marion reluctantly hugs him back. They are being watched. She couldn't mess up her reputation. John laughs to himself. This almost made up for having to be at this blasted party in the first place. It is torture for Marion as much it was for them. The birthday girl does not look impressed.

Will makes a dramatic show of hugging her next. This time though, she politely pushes him off. "Where's Robin?"

"Oh! Robin couldn't make it. He's at home eating steak." Will says more to the crowd around building than Marion. She is definitely not happy about this in the slightest. "Come on let's go have some fun."

Little did they know that across the street, two teenage girls were quickly making their way towards them. "Will! John!" A tall redheaded girl calls from behind them.

"What the ell?" John mumbles when he and Will both have a new stranger on their arms.

"Sorry we're late." The brunette says as she poses for pictures. "Let's go."

"Do you know them?" Marion seems more frustrated than before.

"Not yet." Will laughs and willingly let's himself be dragged into the club. The others have no choice but to follow.

.x.

Tonight, is a surprisingly chilly night. Robin pulls his hoody tighter around his body in hopes to block out the sudden gust of wind. He had John and Will drop him off a few blocks down from the club. There was no way he could arrive with them. Marion loves the spotlight. Robin has no doubt that she has photographers swarming the entrance. He loves her. He does, but he isn't going to throw away his opportunity for a photo op. Robin moves quickly past the busy streets. He subtly pulled the hood of his jacket to cover his face more fully. He can't afford someone recognizing him.

Robin quickly ducks into an alley that runs alongside The Rabbit Hole. He finds the door that reads 'stage entrance' and knocks twice. He hopes to God Will didn't get lost in the eyes of his next fling of Little John doesn't get distracted by the buffet table Marion likely has.

Luckily Robin doesn't have to wait long. The door swigs open and narrowly misses hitting him.

"Sorry for the wait." Will laughs. "Looks like we pulled it off! What would you do without me?"

"Thanks mate!" Robin replaces his hood with the suit coat Will hands him. It's show time. They'd do one set then sneak out. They would head home and spend the rest of the night a hid parent's party. Everyone would be happy and he would have kept his promise and kept good on Gold's deal. Piece of cake.

Our birthday girl in the VIP section, Marion Taylor, has a special guest tonight. Robin Hood!! The DJ announces from his spot on the stage.

The rest of the band were already on the stage when he steps out. Robin sent a wink to his shocked girlfriend. Yes, this is going way better than they anticipated. The deception made his being here all the special. Robin just prays it'll be enough to warrant him sneaking out.

The band decided to play his new album 'Code of Honor'. It seems fitting in more ways than one. There were plenty of party songs on here. Fast and up beat. Robin somehow managed to coax their keyboardist Mulan to rap for the album. It was a hidden talent they recently discovered of hers. She's phenomenal. This is her rapping debut. History is happening at this party tonight.

.x X x.

12:02am PST

Zelena and Ruby could not believe their luck. They went out on a limb and took the risk of acting as if they were old friends of the famous band members. The idea had been Ruby's, but it worked. Not only were the able to get into the club, there were guided directly to the VIP section.

It took all of Zelena's will not to freak out. She honestly surprised herself how cool she is being. Marion keeps giving them weird looks as if to figure out where she knew her from. It didn't stop her from letting them join her little girl posse. She was in heaven.

She got actual photographic proof of it all happening. She has photos with Marion and obviously her cousin. They both got photos with Will and John before they excused themselves. Zelena could not help but be a little disappointed that Robin wasn't coming. And it doesn't help Marion constantly complains about it. Honestly, she would too if her boyfriend stood her up on her birthday.

Then the unexpected happened.

The Robin Hood walks out on to the stage.

Zelena nearly drops where she stands. She's never had the opportunity to see him in concert. Never live and in person, but now here he was. In the same room as her. Breathing the same air. This is the closest she's ever been to him. So close she feels she could touch him. She just prays she stays conscious to witness it all. Zelena thanks the heavens for her cousin. At least Ruby had enough brain cell to record the impromptu concert. She knows Robin is likely looking at his girlfriend who stands only an arm length away. But Zelena can't help fell like he's singing to her.

The show is over all too soon. They hold out hope that they still have a chance to meet and talk Robin when he comes to greet his girlfriend. But five minutes turn into ten, into thirty and forty-five. He isn't coming. The slightly dejected look on Marion's face says she knows it too.

Zelena sighs and looks to her cousin. Ruby nods in silent agreement to leave. It's late and they have vacation to meet Robin Hood. It's only their first day and look how close they've gotten.

Now let's just hope Regina saved them from getting a parking ticket.

They were in the club a lot longer then they expected to be. What time even was it? Zelena checks her phone when they step out into abnormally crisp air. Her notifications are out of the roof. She's gotten two hundred and four new Instagram followers in the past two hours alone. It may or may not have something to do with a certain star following her on her socials. Not that Marion is aware of it. Zelena may or may not have stolen her phone after watching Marion type in her passcode and followed herself on all social media platforms from the other girl's accounts. She bet it would take awhile for her to notice she's even done it. Only time would tell now.

Looking across the street, the two teens sigh in relief. The car is still there. And from the looks of it, there is no ticket. Double bonus.

Their victory is short lived when they realize Regina is not in the car. The word escapes her mother before she could stop it. "Shit."