Hello all! Today felt like a good enough day as any to upload a new chapter. I'm on spring break! Whoo! Interesting chapter ahead. Enjoy!!

Chapter 14

"Gina, we're going to have to jump."

"I am not jumping." Regina wasn't sure she could even if she wanted to. She was shaking. Trembling. When she was younger, she thought quicksand was going to be a bigger problem than it really was. As she got older, she learned it was less likely that she'd ever even encounter it. Now look at her. She was suck in the middle of it and the only thing keeping her from being submerged in it was her Abuelo's beautiful car. Maybe.. maybe it wasn't that deep. Regina's read enough survival tips to get herself out of this mess. She could do this.

"Do you have a better idea?"

She did actually. "Use the tree as a bridge." Regina points to a fallen small, tree that wasn't a far reach from the car. They could step across.

"That does not look stable." Robin crosses his arms.

"It's fine."

"Alright." He begrudgingly moves around to the opposite side of the car. He is slow to put his foot on the branch. Far too slow. She'd drown by the he got on.

"It's sinking and making noises. Move faster." Regina groans. She could feel her heartrate rising. This was far from taking it easy. How did they end up in this mess? How were they going to get home? "This is my Abuelo's car!"

"I understand that. Now give me your hand." He shouts once he's across.

She couldn't do this. She was shaking far too much. Robin gave her a nod of encouragement. Come on. You can do this. Regina grabs his hand and he pulls her safely onto the trunk. That is until he slips and drags her into the quicksand with him.

It's deeper than she thought it would be. The liquefied soil came up to their necks and she still couldn't properly feel the bottom. Regina allows herself exactly one second to panic, before remembering it would only make things worse.

"Grab on to the branch! Grab on to the branch! Hurry." Robin helps her on to the tree for a second time. They both scramble to get to solid ground. When Regina is able to face the car again, it's already filling with quicksand from the windows. There was no saving it. They stood in absolute silence as the last spots of bright yellow disappeared beneath the surface. To make matters worse, the sand lets out large consecution of air bubbles as the grand finally.

It was horrifying.

"You killed Daisy!" Regina screams.

Robin hangs his head in defeat. "Well… yeah…"

She needed to call someone for help. She reaches for her phone in her bag, only to realize it wasn't on her. "My bag!" She must have dropped when they fell in. She needed to find it. Her medication was in there! Goodness, her mother was going to kill her. Regina quickly drops to her knees and reaches into the quicksand. Her bag couldn't have gotten far. "Don't just stand there. Help me!"

Robin, shaken from whatever trance he was in, reaches for her hand. "Give me your hand." He holds one arm steady while the other searches for the bag.

"I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm going to die. Because my parents are going to kill me!" Regina tries her hardest to steady her breathing, but she's really scared, and angry, and the sound of Robin's phone was going to drive her crazy. Did he have to pick the most obnoxious ring tone? "Why did I have to get into that stupid car with you? Answer your phone!"

Robin drops her arm.

"Ow."

"Oh. Sorry." The ringing stops. "Dad?"

"Robin? Son … can you hear me?"

Yes. He could hear you. Regina could hear him. Why was he so loud?

"Hello?"

"We're….. little worried… skrehhkk…"

"Dad? Hello? Hello?" Robin looks at his phone. "We lost them. The signal dropped." He tells her.

"Got it! I got it!" Regina triumphantly pulls her bag from the liquefied soil. She reaches into her bag and finds her phone. Miraculously it still works. She's never been more grateful for a waterproof phone. She checks for her pills. They seem to be unharmed. Everything else in her bad is likely ruined, but that's the price of life. "Robin look at this!" She holds up her ruined bag. "When we get out of this, you're paying of a new one."

"I'm paying for it right now."

She rolls her eyes and marches off.

"Gina."

"What?" That is the second time he's called her that. She's not sure what prompted it, but she's not going to stop him.

"Where are you going?"

"To the beach where my sister is probably freaking out right now." Regina knew she could walk. They weren't far from it. She thinks.

"Um. Gina?"

"What?"

"The beach is that way." Robin points in the opposite direction she was walking in. How embarrassing.

"If I get lost again my family is going to have a GPS installed in me." Regina mumbled as she stomped in the direction Robin pointed.

Zelena waited for her sister to return from where ever she disappeared to. Over an hour and a half passes and she still wasn't back. She didn't like to think of herself as a hovering or nosy sister, but given Regina's recent track record she could be lost somewhere. Could this be a side effect to her medication or her CHD? Oh God! She lost her sister!

Zelena snapped up from her little chair. What if her sister was dead somehow? What if she went in the water and drowned? What if some one kidnapped her? She scans the beach for her sister.

Calm down. You're overreacting. Regina's fine. She probably went for a walk or something. Everything is fine. Breathe.

The beach is supposed to be calming. She came here to get away from stress, not induce it. Zelena takes a breath. She walks to the water and appreciates the fact that the beach isn't crowded today. She knows what will make her feel better. A selfie. It's a perfect day for one. The lighting is amazing.

@Zelena

Venice Beach, California

Caption: What a perfect day to enjoy the rays of the beautiful sun at the beach! Still working on that tan!

She scrolls through her feed, but isn't impressed with whose post she sees. Zelena's entire feed was hijacked with Roni's posts. And every single one of them featured Robin Locksley. Damn her. Her story is the same. Only it's filled with videos instead of pictures. The first video only catches a part of her face and shows Robin walking right behind her. They're at the pier she guesses.

"Say hello Robin!" Roni says to the camera.

"Hello Robin." Robin cheekily replies.

"You know, you.."

The video cuts off there. But it isn't what's happening in the video that shocked Zelena. No. It's Roni's voice. It's in this moment she realizes she never heard it until now. It sounded a lot like.. no. It couldn't be. How was that even possible? She watches again.

And there it is.

The one thing that could confirms any suspicion behind the true identity of Verónica Sanchez. A small scar on her upper lip. Identical to someone she knew very well. The next video is of both Robin and Roni twirling around. If Zelena had any doubts before, she definitely doesn't now. Roni's hair prevented anyone from seeing her face, but her wardrobe gave it away. It was the exact same outfit her little sister left the house in this morning. There was no mistaking it. Verónica Sanchez is Regina. Roni is her fucking sister!

How had she not seen this before?! And why would Regina hide this from her? She doesn't even like Robin! What the hell?! What the literal hell is going on?

This was a betrayal bigger than any betrayal. Regina knows how much she loves Robin. Why wouldn't she tell her she met Robin? Why would she keep him from her? No. No. Not only did they meet, but they considered each other friends. The entire band considered as one of the gang. How had she managed that? And what was the whole deal with Nottingham?

Zelena is angry stocking 'Roni's' profile. She hides her face well, but now that she knows her sister is behind the account she can't unsee it. Honestly, how had she not noticed before? Roni's stupid profile picture was the picture their dad took of Regina while they were on the plane! Damn it! Was she that oblivious?

Apparently she was.

That Saturday night when Regina suck out, she went to that party at Robin's place. Regina was the mystery girl in everyone's photos and videos. She watched the sunrise with Robin. She's the reason why Robin changed his name. She teased Marion about it.

And to think, Zelena invited Regina out for a day trip for some sisterly bonding. Her sister wasn't even at the beach! She was with Robin fuckin' Locksley! Zelena actually wanted to spend the day with her. Her sister ditched her to have an amazing day with her favorite person in the world. How could she leave her life that? How come Regina always seems to get the sweet end of the deal? Zelena came here to meet Robin. Yet somehow her sister manages to do it and decided to keep her out of the loop. Did Regina really want to spend the day with her or did she only tag along to hitch a ride with Robin?

In an angry mess, Zelena packed up her things and marched to the parking lot. She dug through her bag for her keys, only to come to a stop in front of an empty parking spot. Zelena swore she parked the car right here. She takes a scan around the lot. The ugly yellow car was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it! She took the car too!"

In a fit of rage Zelena throws down her little beach chair and tote bag. Wait. Then whose keys did she have? She composes herself and gathers her things. She press the lock button on the nob attached to the keys and listens for a beep. It sounds from the far end of the parking lot. She follows the sound, occasionally pressing the button to be sure she is headed in the right direction. She stops at what looks like a blue, custom-made Porsche. This car definitely belongs to someone of money. Zelena hums to herself. What else is she to do, but get in. It's not stealing if she has the keys.

She set all her things in the passenger seat and proceeded to look around the car for and information on the identity of the owner. Luckily for her. The owner left the vehicle registration forms in the glove compartment.

Holy shit.

This was Robin's car! How had she gotten the keys to Robin's car? Zelena gasps again. Her sister. It had to be. Their keys were in her bag and her sister was the only other person close enough to it. "Regina you sneaky bitch."

The vehicle registration had Robin's home address. Stans have spent years trying to uncover his true address. Now she had it. Looks like she'll be taking a detour. She was meeting Robin Locksley in the flesh if it killed her damn it!

They'd been walking for about an hour now. Regina figured it would be best to continue following the road they'd been on. Robin trailed somewhere behind her like a kicked puppy. Good. She was mad at him for drowning Daisy. This could have been avoided if he was paying attention to the road. The pit of quicksand was huge how did he miss that? Well.. she missed it too. But she was reading the map! She was the navigator; he was the driver. He was supposed to pay attention to the road. Now Daisy would never see the light of day again. What are the odds that only after she met Robin did her life turn on its axis? Everything is just so complicated with him.

"Hey. Um Regina. Are you doing, ok?" Robin speaks for the first time since abandoning the car.

"Oh, now you're concerned."

"I've always been concerned."

"Well maybe you should stop." Regina snaps at him.

"Why are you do grumpy?"

Is he serious?

There are so many things about him that she lets slide because he's a celebrity and has a reputation to up hold. But today was the first day since that first night they met that she's exclusively spent time with him. It wasn't just Robin. His entire band have these weird habits that simply make no sense in the real world. They live such different lives. It doesn't make them bad, but it's unnerving at times. A lot of the time. Though it seems that Robin in particular is worse off than the rest of his band. (Well… all but Will… There this something just not right about that boy.) Robin does not seem capable of reading other people's emotions or the actions that may evoke them. It the most frustrating thing to be around that doesn't understand why she feels a certain way and call you names for it. Even though he was the one that made her feel this way in the first place.

"I'm no grumpy, or cranky, crabby, or defensive. I just want to go home to my family, explain why I disappeared and suffer the consequences."

Regina really wants to be friends with Robin. Logically she knows it won't last. They live two very different lives. He's a popstar and she's just a normal girl. They don't live in the same state. They don't even live in the same time zone. Despite all this she wants to make it work. But it's hard when the cultural divide makes itself apparently known.

"You know what I want? I wanna have fun." Regina rolls her eyes at this. He is unbelievable. "Okay, for the first time in a long time there are no reporters, there's no interview, no crowds. I'm having a great time. I want you to stop complaining so that I can enjoy it." Robin angry marches off. She doesn't follow after him.

It's great he feels so liberated, but they just lost her grandfather's car and now have to walk home. She wasn't in the mood to have fun and enjoy it. Robin response was one someone from a life of fame and privilege. He doesn't understand consequences. He was mad at her for being upset with him for destroying the one thing she hoped to inherit from her Abuelo. As if she's the problem. What the hell?

"Wow. I guess it was only a matter of time before you converted back to your natural ways. You don't get what you want so you throw a big ol' tantrum and walk away. I bet your friends go chasing after you when you do that." That got Robin to halt his dramatic storm off. It doesn't stop Regina from continuing. "Oh Robin, I'm so sorry I hurt delicate feelings. Robin, forgive me for not treating you like them the big, enormous star you think you are. What a brat."

Robin quickly turns around and marches toward her until he's in her face. "I'm a brat? I'm a brat? What about you, huh?"

"Me?"

"Over the past week I've done nothing but think about you. Put you first. I saved your life!"

"Really? So when you hit me with the door twice, hid me in your house, got me kicked out of my Granny's diner, potentially altering our relationship forever, and wrecked my Abuelo's car and drop me a mud you were being thoughtful? Though I pity your friends."

"You wish you were one." His response was instant.

That one stung. More than Regina thought it would. Robin was a self-serving asshole. Why did she care if they were no longer friends? Because they were they were friends Before, right? It's what he told her just today. Yet, Robin said a lot of things to get what he wants. There was no denying his feeling this feeling of hurt. She thought Robin was one person, But he turned out to be The shallow popstar she originally thought him to be.

"I'd rather go down with the Daisy." Regina says Instead. She knows there's more to him than what he shows. She's seen it. She got a glimpse of the Robin Locksley he hides behind reputation, fame, and luxury. But what she couldn't understand was why. Why didn't he just make the music he claimed he wants to make? He does everything else he wants to. He does it without even thinking.

It's no Robin's fault she read too much into who she thought he was. Is she any better than his fangirls?

Regina forced herself to walk away from him. If she looked at him face for a moment longer, she was going to start crying. And she refused to have a break down in front of Robin. Never let them see you cry. Never show them how their words affect you. She did it at school, she can do it with him. No big deal. You're ok. It's all fine. One part of her wanted to cry and make up with Robin. Another part of her just wants to punch him into the ground.

"You know what? I'm confused by something." Robin speaks after a while, softer this time.

"What?" Regina cringes at the way her voice cracks and prays he didn't notice. She keeps walking and refuses to look at him. Robin instead jumps in front of her and continues walking backwards.

"When we were on our little photography tour, and the night at luigi's, well I thought… I thought you liked me." He trips over is words. Regina blinks. "As friends. I meant as friends." He quickly adds.

"Well you thought wrong." Looks like she's going with punching. Though he wasn't wrong. He had grown on her, immensely.

"Everyone likes me. Why, why is it that you don't like me?"

"Maybe because you think everyone likes you."

"Because I'm likeable."

"Nooo. Because you're a star!" She corrects.

"What does that even mean?"

"You don't see it do you? Your life isn't real. You park in no parking zones, you may never wait in line, you buy anything want anytime, your house is like a hotel. You have so many people working for you and I'll bet you don't even know their names."

"Do too."

"Name one."

"…Jill."

"You just made that up."

Rob hesitates before speaking. "Well Tuck and Will know everybody. That's their job."

"See. That's not normal. Your parents and best friends are on your payroll. And your girlfriend… I mean real people date people because they want to be with them. Why are you with Marion?" Robin hesitates and proves her point. "That's all I'm saying."

"Wait, wait, wait. Regina hold on a minute. Stop." Robin runs in front of her again in an attempt to get her to stop. Regina isn't fazed. She keeps moving forward, causing him to once again walk backward. "Are you saying I'm not a real person? Because I am."

Regina tilts her head mockingly. "Oh. I stand corrected."

"Well, what if I told you something about myself that no one else knew?"

She honestly doubts he could. Zelena alone likely knows more about Robin than he does himself. Whatever he came up with wouldn't be of much value to humanize him. "You collect toenails in a pickle jar?" She suggests.

"Eww. What? No."

"You steal from the rich and give to the poor?"

"Regina no. I'm being serious."

"Then what?"

Robin is blindly guiding her into tall grass. Southern cattail, if she remembers correctly. His is tone more serious, more generous now. Regina finds herself compelled to give him an honest listen. If he is willing to open up her, the very least she could do was be open enough to hear him out. "From the moment I met you," he begins. "I just… Whoa!"

Robin drops out of sight. All Regina can see is grass. "Robin? Robin!" Just as she's truly beginning to worry, Robin jumps out to grab her. He pulls at her it until they both go crashing into a lake. She screams the entire way. Gosh, the water is a shock to her system. She just started drying off from their dip in the mud earlier. He thought he was funny, eh?

Regina splashed about frantically. "I can't swim! Robin!" She screamed before completely submerging.

Robin's heart sunk at those 3 words. What had he been thinking? He had a peer you he never considered she might not know how to swim. Oh God. He couldn't hear her anymore. He did it again. He finally killed her. Rob truly was a danger to her. "Regina!" He franticly scoured the water. "No no no no no…" He knew it had only been a matter of seconds since she went down, but it felt like an eternity. All he could picture was Regina as a lifeless body in the back seat of his car. That image hunts him. He needed to find her. Robin could not live with himself if he killed Regina. She had so much life to live and she was only just beginning to do it. And he took that from her. He swims over to the area he threw her to. Robin took a deep breath to call out to her, when there is sudden weight on his back and he has a face full of water.

"Gotcha!"

Regina? Robin turns to see her laughing at him. She thought he had killed her. What? Oh my God! You're so evil." He managed a choked laugh. He can't help but laugh and relief. He had not killed her. She was fine. She was more than fine. God, she was radiant.

So…

He splashed her.

This kicked off the start of the war of the ties. Robin couldn't remember when he could be so carefree. Pure bliss. In fact, neither could Regina remember the last time she'd laugh so readily. There was no one better way to spend the serene moment with.

Getting to Robin's house had been a lot easier than Selena expected. There was no giant thins keeping out the and reporters. There was no scary security guard asking for identification upon pulling up to the garage. Yes, she had the keys, but she didn't need them. The doors to the house weren't even locked. Zelena made a mental note to go back and take a few snaps at Robin's vast car collection. He had one for every occasion. She couldn't pass up that photo op.

It's upon entering the main house when Zelena realizes she is actually in Robin Hood's house. His face is everywhere. It's everything she could have dreamed of. The sleek modern architecture. The cool earth tones. The high ceiling. The tall windows and natural light. Everything! Zelena drifted into the center of the living room. It seemed to be a mostly open floor plan. There were columns that acted as a devider to the foyer. The breakfast bar connected into the kitchen. And sitting at said bar eating a sandwich was none other Will Scarlet. Zelena internalized a scream.

Stay cool Z. You've met before. Its no big deal. This is what you wanted right? Of course it is! At some point during her internal pep talk, Zelena had been spotted. Will stared at her, shock evident on his face. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"

She holds up the pair of keys left in her purse. She hopes it explanation enough.

Will sours. "That's.. not good." He sets his sandwich down and makes his way toward her. He's sure to keep the couch as a buffer. "Who are you exactly?"

"Most people know me as Zelena." She drops her purse on to the couch. "You've already met my lesser half. Though I'm rather shocked none of you bothered to reach out seeing I am the one to get your last three albums to number 1 on the charts. I am acting president and ambassador to the Robin Hood, Merry band fandom. I send bi-weekly updates."

"Shit. That's you?"

"In the flesh." She smirks as she floats down on to the couch. It feels good to be recognized.

"You ah.. you said you had a lesser half? Who do you mean?"

Zelena rolls eyes. Could nothing remain on her anymore? "She calls herself Roni." Zelena can barely mask the distain dripping from her tone. She recognizes this room from the elusive party her sister was spotted at. The one she wasn't invited to. The one Zelena covered Regina for. And her sister couldn't bother to let her tag along? She knew how much she adored Robin and his band, yet when given the opportunity to meet and hang out with them, Zelena wasn't included.

God. Seeing the recognition in his eyes made her sick. It should have been her he recognized. It should be her who's name opened doors for people. She's done so much for the band and this fandom. Why should Regina reap from her hard work?

"Ohhh. You're the sister."

Zelena blinks.

What? She's the what? "Reg.. She um talks about me?"

"Yeah! You're the one obsessed with Robin."

"I wouldn't say obsessed." Zelena sinks into the couch. Damn her sister. She couldn't catch a break could she? She luckily is saved from her misery at the sound of the front door opening. God, please be Robin. From her spot she couldn't immediately see who it was, but from the "Bloody ell" Will curses under his breath he could.

"Zelena?"

"Marion?" Zelena sits up. What was she doing here? She wasn't supposed to be here.

"Zelena what are you doing here?" Marion pushed past Will on her way into the living room.

"You two know each other?" Will inserts himself in to the conversation.

"Seriously? She's been all over my Instagram. For the past week. Do you pay attention to my feed?"

"Um… No." Willl responds with a grin, none too friendly. He reclaims his seat at the breakfast bar and takes a large bite of his sandwich.

Ha! Zelena smirks. She knew it! She had a feeling the band didn't like Marion much. Many others from the fandom disagreed, but she could see the way they acted when she was around. They all became uncomfortable and stiff when they did press together. Most photos of a band member with the inclusion of Marion looked… well Zelena wouldn't say miserable, but often looked none too happy with her presence. It only happened with Marion. Zelena was glad to know it wasn't a coincidence.

"Rob's not here." Will said through a mouthful of food.

Marion harrumphed. "I assume that means he's still out with Roni then?"

"It isn't poper to assume.." Marion shoots Will an unimpressed looked. "But I guess it would be likely that the two are in one's company, yes." He took another bite of his sandwich. "Considering Robin isn't here. And you have no reason to remain here, I think it's best to take your leave. Let the door hit you on the way out."

"Actually, I'll be waiting for him to return." Marion smirks and takes a seat next to Zelena.

The California sun reached its peak. It hung high above them, hot and uncovered. Robin was grateful for the shade. He and Regina swam to a river bank after some time of splashing in the water. They took shelter from the sun under a large tree. They each set their wet clothes on a branch to dry. Robin opted to keep his cotton pants on for both their sakes. Regina had been more prepared and had on a swimsuit. She debated whether or not to do like Robin and keep on her shorts, but she really didn't enjoy being in wet clothing. Any towels they might have had sunk with Daisy. So, they settled for sitting on a fallen log and drying off.

It's peaceful. There were no people like at the beach. The scenery had greenery and mountains. The water occasionally brushed up onto the land like ocean causing a lovely chorus of natural. What more could they want. Yes, she could have done without the situation that led them here, but she couldn't find it in herself to be angry. It was like their own secret paradise.

"This is nice isn't it?"

"Oh man. I wish I could stay out here forever. I'd build a small cabin right over there." Robin points to a spot across the lake. "No one can find me. Not my fans. Not my parents. Nobody."

"Why?" Regina tilts her head. She could almost picture the little house. There would be smoke coming from the chimney. And a small dock for fishing. She could see a vegetable garden out front of the house and pair of chairs to watch the clouds. Regina snaps a picture of the land and then one of Robin with disposable camera. Living out here could be nice. Surely he had more than enough money to make it a reality. But she thought Robin liked his fame. Why run away from all that.

"Because they all want something from me. A performance, an interview , or a photograph."

She regrets taking that phot of him now. But surely he could still find refuge in his parents. Her parents were suffocating at times, but Regina knew she could always lean on them for support. "Even your parents?"

"That's complicated." Robin rubs at the back of his neck. "Sometimes I feel they only care about the business of 'Robin Hood'."

"I'm sure that's not true."

"I don't know. I feel like all they talk about is me going back on tour. And if it's not them, it's my band encouraging me to get this movie deal. They think it's my next big career move. And it is.. I just.. I.."

"What do you want, Robin?"

"I don't know. I guess I just want… I hot the offer I have to take it. I haven't signed the papers yet, but it's happening."

"What about tour?"

Robin genuinely looked confused. "What about it?"

"Well, 30 countries, 12 weeks, one million screaming fans. I mean, I'm not an expert or anything but that seems like a lot. The tour and the movie at the same time…" Regina pulled her feet from the water to sit next to Robin on the log.

I don't really have a choice.

Everyone has a choice what do you want to do?

Robin takes a minute before responding. There so much he both wanted and needed to do. "I know what I don't want to do. I don't want to disappoint anybody, especially my fans. I wouldn't be here without them, so I just never say no. To anything."

"Maybe," Regina begins. "maybe, I don't understand. Your life, I mean, it's so drastically different from mine. You have to make decisions I never would. Everything you do and say is so public."

"Not everything." He smirks before adding, "Right now, here with you I can just be Robin. Nothing public. Just me."

Regina smiled. She knew she saw a glimpse of him before. This version of Robin is breathtaking. "How do you like it?"

"A lot."

"Me too."

God, him and those blue eyes were going to kill someone some day. Regina can try and look elsewhere, but a shirtless Robin didn't leave many options. He was toned. What did a musician need with all that that muscle anyway? He found a perfect balance between tone and softness. She hated to admit it, but he was perfect.

"So tell me something about you." He speaks and saves her from would have likely been an embarrassing experience. Getting caught staring would be terrible for Robin's already self assured esteem.

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything."

It's Regina's turn to smirk. "Well, buckle up. This may take some time seeing that I live a very exciting life."

Robin is doing that look he does with his face. The one where he thinks he's cute. And he mostly is. But there was something about this look it felt so.. so… Hollywood. The smolder as Flynn Rider would call it. "You're doing it again."

"What?"

"That thing with your eyes."

"Oh! You mean this?" Robin rose's eyes this way and that with a stupid grin on his face.

"So comedy, not your next career move."

"What? No, I'm funny. I'm hilarious."

"Hilarious looking." Regina challenges.

Robin scoffs. "You like me."

"You wish."

"I can make you laugh."

"I'd like to see you try." Robin takes on her challenge then turned to Face her properly. He takes a deep breath and laughs as loud as he could. His laugh immediately kick-starts Regina's. She gives him a soft shove. "That's not fair. That doesn't count." She's barely able to get the words out, she's laughing so hard. They shove each other until they both fall off the log. They remain laying there and laughing for what felt like hours. Eventually Regina sits up and Robin follows suit.

"Robin," Regina takes a more serious tone. She doesn't meet his gaze. "Did you only pretend to be my friend this week to get me to like you?" It's been nagging at the back of her head since they lost the car. She needed to know the truth.

He looks thoughtful. "Has it only been a week? It feels like we known each other for a lot longer."

"Trauma will do that." She smirks before letting it fall. Finally she looks at him. "I know what you mean… but .. you didn't answer my question."

Robin sighs. She doesn't like how long it's taking for him to answer. This time he is the one avoiding eye contact. "Yes. It started out that way." Regina's heart seizes. "I thought if… I thought if I could… if you spent time me, I could make you a fan. Instead, I got to know you. And you met my friends. And.. I became your fan. You are one of my favorite people, truly. And I appreciate our friendship, no matter how new or off and on it may be."

She smiles at him. Regina can't say she's surprised their friendship began with his need for everyone's affirmation. It started with him sending her to the hospital before even that, so nothing about the origin of their relationship is normal. She likes that they had such an unconventional start. It makes for great stories. And since then, Robin has become one her favorite person to know. There was so much to him. She could spend the rest of her life with him and still have so much to learn about him.

She doesn't realize how physically close they've gotten until she's starring in to those deep blue pools. She watches as he scans her face. He eyes stay longer on her lips before meeting her gaze once again. Before she knows it Robin is leaning in. Regina instinctly pulls away in shock. But she doesn't go far. It's when she realizes his intentions that she leans in. Though in the end it's Robin who makes the final move. A cold fire runs the course of her body and in its wake leaves a tingling sensation. She feels safe in the way Robin cradles her head and waist.

Robin's face is red from the lack of oxygen he just experienced or embarrassment when they break apart. Regina likes to think it's the former. His hand is still on the back of her head. The still share the same air. She'd be good in his arms if he doesn't stop rubbing his thumb across the nape of her neck. Maybe she already was. She doesn't think she could stay standing if asked to do so. "Forgive me for my forwardness. I should have asked for your permission before kissing you."

He's sweet he really is. Regina smiles and says nervously. "Well, you have my permission to do it again."

"So Roni is your sister?" Marion asks for clarification for the hundredth time. Will retreated to some far off corner of the house. He had given up on getting rid of the a while ago. Marion however, made herself at home on the couch next to Zelena. "But her name isn't actually Verónica and the entire account is fake?"

"Yes.." God! Zelena wanted nothing more than to not talk about her sister. She wanted to vent, but Marion would not stop talking.

"Do you think you can get into her account?"

"Probably. All of her passwords are the same. PoisonApple. Capital p, capital A. No space." It's out of her mouth before she realizes what she's done. "Shit. I didn't mean to say that out loud."

Marion waves her off. "Consider it forgotten."

"Why did you ask?"

"Oh. I was just curious about what her DMs looked like." She flips her hair and continues to type away on her phone. "I know she's your sister, but I don't trust her not to steal my boyfriend. And I wouldn't know what I'd if I were in your shoes. I mean, can believe…"

Zelena isn't sure what sparked it. Maybe it was the her sitting in Robin Hood's house and him not being there to spend the day with her sister. Or maybe was the ugly truth that her sister had been lying to her and befriending her favorite person and didn't think to invite her. Maybe it was the suggestion that Regina was on her was to a romantic relationship with Robin. Her sister was living her dream. Zelena was hot. She could feel all her emotions under her skin, burning their way to the surface. She was supposed to be the one who met Robin and became best friends. She was supposed to be the one he left his girlfriend for. She was supposed to be the one who went site seeing with him. And she wouldn't have to hide her face to do. She wouldn't sneak around. Zelena scoffs. She'd have been honest about it. Regina didn't even like Robin. What other reason could she have other than to rub it in her face?

How cruel. How lowly did Regina think of her to do such a thing. She stole her life. She took everything from her! Regina monopolized their parents love and attention. Even their grandparents. For years everything became about Regina. Regina is sick. Regina needs a ride to school. I don't care about the plans you've had for three months to see Robin in concert, Regina needs to go to the hospital. Take Regina with you. Regina misses her Abuelo. You need to help Regina at school. Good heavens! Robin was hers. He was her one thing that Zelena could have all to herself. His music made her happy. Robin's music temporarily takes away from the heartache of this world and gives her a safe place to be herself. All she wanted to do this trip was meet Robin Locksley. She wasn't going to scream. She didn't need and autograph, though it would've been nice. All she wanted was to say 'Thank you'.

The fandom was her domain. She knew everything one needed to know about Robin. She and her group worked on all the likely places he would be and when, so the Zelena could have a chance to meet him. But then everything became about Verónica Sanchez. Who even is Roni? Roni is hanging out with the band. Roni is so cool. Roni has her own fan club. Roni started a war between fandoms. Robin and Roni would be perfect together. What a punch in the gut for Zelena when she realized Roni was actually Regina all along.

This one thing.

Regina couldn't allow her this one thing? She has to go and take it from her?

The burn on her neck spread like a virus throughout her veins. It crept into her face and through her chest and arms. Zelena dug her perfectly manicured nails into the palms of her hands. How was any of this fair? It wasn't. None of it was. It never was. She wanted an even playing field damn it! She wonders if Robin even knew her sister's true identity? How awful for him. He's being lied to and manipulated. Robin deserves better. Robin deserves the truth.

Zelena opened her Instagram and clicked 'add existing account'. She typed the handle. Then PoisonApple. Here was the moment of truth.

"It worked!" Zelena gasped out. Her skin tingled when Roni's home page appeared on her screen. Damn her. She snagged even more followers since she last checked the account.

"What worked?" Marion leans over Zelena's arm to get a look at her phone.

"I got in to the account. My sister really needs to change up her passwords." The first thing Zelena did was follow herself out of habit. Next, she decided to check DMs. Regina has active DMs with every member of the Merry band, Nottingham, and the weird girl from the newspaper at their school. She also has a few hundred DM requests from what look to be fans? Zelena herself wasn't unfamiliar with admires wanting to chat, but it was to be expected. She's a staple of the fandom. What was Regina, Roni? Nothing. Zelena sent a couple messages to each of the band members, but more often than not they didn't respond. She maybe received a few responses, but never any so familiar as they sent to Regina. They talked and joked as if they actually knew each other. As if they were friends... And the proof the that friendship was in the pictures they shared where Regina hadn't hidden her face. They looked so genuine, so happy. What the actual hell?

"She has unread requests from Vogue, Luis Vinton, and ford! What the hell?" Marion all but shouts in her ear.

It's all so bizarre, Zelena seconds guesses if the person in the pictures were actually her sister and not some doppelganger. It's couldn't be. This was so out of character for Regina. Partying, fake accounts, sneaking out, Instagram wars, hanging with celebrities, and smiling? What? None of these are her sister.

"Who John was so damn sensitive?" Marion comments as they scroll through Regina's DMs with John. "To think he just told her everything about him?"

Zelena did. Zelena knew. She knew because she paid attention. She knew because for the past years meeting them was all she could ever think about. This was supposed to be her. She was the one who was supposed to have open conversations with the band. How could she let this happen? Her sister had been building relationships with them under her nose. She'd been kept in the dark. All this time! How could she be so stupid!? Zelena's skin was practically boiling at this point and Marion's constant yapping wasn't helping. She wanted to scream!

"If I were you, I'd expose the bitch. How dare she? Who does she think she is? You should out her. The world needs to know who's behind the curtain. The great wizard is just a girl from Kansas. Or wherever the hell you two are from."

Zelena's tightened. Her heart rate continued to accelerate. The tingling never ceased. She could barely hear herself think!

"I'd remind her who Robin is really in a relationship with. She'd do in a good lesson of learning her place."

"God Marion! Do whatever the fuck you want with the information you know. I no longer give a damn." Zelena stuffs her phone in her bag and storms from the room. She slams the garage door for good measure. She was so angry! Angry at herself. Angry at her sister. Angry at even Robin for falling for it all. While her minds cloudy with rage Zelena swaps Robin's keys for another pair hanging on the wall. She wastes no time speeding off down the street. Let's see if you don't come looking for me now.

Regina and Robin eventually found their way back to the beach. It was much more crowded than before. Which was to be expected. Though this small end of beach was still remotely empty. It gave them more time bask in the bubble they'd created. If Regina had to guess, it was about 1 or 2 o'clock. She'd check the time on her phone, but she wasn't ready to assess the damage the quicksand had done to it. Either way it appears to be plenty of time left in the day. Though she's eventually going to have to make her way home, her parents would be arriving soon. She wonders if they'd like Robin? They might once they got to know him, then maybe a little less when they learn he was her first kiss.

Regina didn't often image her first kiss, when she had it paled in comparison to the actual thing. Robin is the sweetest, most romantic gentleman when he wants to be. He was the one who initiated their locked hands. This was the first time Regina has experienced such a tender hearted version of Robin. And she liked it a lot.

"We're back." Regina lazily comments.

"Yeah. I had a really good time today." He rubs his thumb across her knuckles as he speaks.

"Me too."

"You're different from any other girl I've ever known."

"Different weird? Different annoying?" She encourages him to continue his thought.

Robin brings her hand to his lips before letting it settle over his heart. "Different surprising. In the best way. I mean you say things that everyone else is afraid to. You open my eyes to see things about myself that could never see before." He lets their clasped hands fall into a swing.

"You're pretty surprising too."

"Really? How?"

"Well for one, you are a terrible driver. Which is crazy for a guy with 6 cars."

"Oh!" He dramatically grabs his chest with his free hand. "I'm wounded."

They continue to walk in comfortable silence. Neither of them in a rush to get back to their lives. It had been a wild morning. A fun one. It would definitely go down in the history books. A thought crosses Regina's mind and she stops them. "Do you ah… do you really think I'm bossy?"

"No." Robin says without hesitation. "I think you're amazing."

"I think you're amazing too."

He looks almost surprised she said so. Much like she is probably looking to him. He brings their foreheads together. No kiss. Just them enjoying the others presence. All is right in the world. Not because a guy made her happy, but she was able to find happiness in herself along with someone else. Who happens to be a guy.

Robin rips himself from Regina at the sound of suffers chatting and running past them from the water. Regina tries her best not to be hurt by it. Robin is more private than the world realizes. She lets out a little laugh watching Robin put on her Abuelo's hat in an attempt to hide himself. The suffers didn't care. They aren't paying them any mind. If they did recognize who he was, it didn't seem to faze them either way.

"That was close." Robin shakes himself back into his photo cover self. It was a strange thing to witness. She herself was still slowly coming off her high. "Okay back to the real world."

Real world? Was none of this real to him? Regina don't be ridiculous. He thinks you're amazing. Don't doubt yourself.

"You know what happens now, right?"

She was almost afraid to ask. Gone was his gentle tone. This Robin mentioned business. She gives him a small smirk. "No." She says cautious to see were this is going.

"This ends here."

Regina blinks. "What does?"

"This. Us. You can tell anybody about what happened today. Not even your parents."

For a moment Regina is certain she forgot to take her medication. Nothing he was saying made any sense. Who was he to tell her what to do. They had find out about the car some time. "Why? They aren't going to go post it or anything. Trust me, you won't be the one in trouble for the car."

Robin shakes his head. He points to the more crowded area of the beach. "Look, if we go down there, if we get photographed together, things will get crazy. It could mess up my movie deal."

She didn't understand. What does any of this have to do with his movie deal? And why did any of it matter at all? He was fine with her posting pictures of the two of them together, granted no one ever saw her face. But surely people knew he had friends. "Why does it have to get crazy?"

"Because I'm Robin Hood and you're just an ordinary girl!" Robin snaps in frustration.

Regina physically shrinks away from him. She thought she was amazing… It felt as if a tub of ice water was dumped into her veins.

"I have to go now." She knew he was only panicking, but it doesn't my her feel any better. She's here to help. There's no need to push her away.

"Regina wait. Wait, wait, wait. Gina please."

She stops.

Robin grabs on to her arms in hopes she doesn't go running from him again. They all say things the don't mean in the heat in the moment. She's willing to be there for him if he's willing. "Hold. What just happened?"

He can't be serious. "Oh I don't know," Regina snaps. "you tell me! One second I'm amazing and the next your embarrassed to be seen with me?" She loves Robin, but he hurts her so carelessly and doesn't ever realize he's the one who's done it.

"Gina, I'm not embarrassed…"

"No? If I were Marion Taylor or any one of your friends with a little verified check by their name, you'd run down there and make sure someone took our picture. But nooo, I'm not allowed to hang out with my best friend because I'm just an ordinary girl!" She hates herself for the way her voice cracks. She's supposed to remain strong. She can't be weak in front of Robin. She knows that now.

He finally lets on of her arms. "That's not what I meant. Look, I meant your normal. And I want you to stay that way."

Was that suppose to make her feel better? Because it doesn't. "Just leave me alone Robin."

She gets a good two feet away from before he calls out again. "Gina stop please."

She doesn't know why she listens. But she does. "What." She barely turns to face him.

"The pictures you took. Of us. I should.. I should keep them."

Why did she keep stopping for him? It keeps getting worse. Was she hoping he'd apologize for hurting her? Was it too much to ask? Now, he wants her camera. The one he bought for her because she should be able to take pictures without hiding her face. It was his idea. What could he possibly want with it now? "You want my camera?"

"Just in case. I wouldn't want the pictures to, you know, get out."

Regina was dying. Not because of the CHD. Because Robin was killing her. Every word was like a stab in the gut. "Fine!" She searches her bag for the camera. "You want my pictures? Here take them." She chucks the camera as hard and he can at Robin. She takes small satisfaction from the way he winces when it bounces off his chest. "There's nothing I'd want to remember anyway. While you're at it, you want my phone too!" Regina waves her phone in the air.

"No. No. That won't be necessary. I doubt it's in any state to function." Was his reply.

AARGH! God, how could she be so dumb! Of course, all he cares about his himself and his stupid career. What happened to becoming the authentic Robin Locksley. Oh. He's a little wimp that can't stand up to the Robin hood who controls his life. Well, she wasn't going to stay and around while he continues to hurt her on his journey of being free. The whiplash of his caring was dizzying. All she wanted to do was get home, eat some dinner, and sleep this nightmare away.

It takes a moment for Regina to realize her sister was no longer at the beach. She was probably upset with her for disappearing on her once again. On sister's day nonetheless. She could call a cab. But from the looks of her phone, it was going to need a moment in rice before turning on. She could call an uber without her car. And she doesn't have any cash for a cab. She recently learned of someone who always has cash on hand.. Damn it! She hates herself for having to do this, but she wasn't spending another night on a beach.

She holds her hand out to Robin when she's close enough. "I need cab fare to get home." She can barely look him in the eye. She knows he has cash. And she knew he'd give her some. He 'aught to after the way he treated her. And he does. Without a word Robin reaches into his pocket and drops the largest wad of cash Regina's ever seen into her hand. How much does he think she needs? "I'm going to Hollywood not Hawaii."

"Keep it." Robin has the nerve to smile at her. "I still owe you for my stay at Garaje de la Abuela." Did he really think now was a good time to joke with her? After what just happened? And Regina really wishes he would stop throwing his money around. Friends don't pay friends for favors. Though, she guesses they aren't friends anymore. Maybe they never were. She just fooled herself into believing that she meant something more to him than some random girl. Yet, he still had the nerve to smile at her as if he did nothing wrong. That's what makes her the angriest. Regina rolls her eyes and starts to walk away, but Robin catches her. "Wait Regina. I don't want to say goodbye like this."

"Well, how about this? How about we both forget this day ever happened. You won't talk about me, and I promise I won't talk about you."

Robin let her go. "Judge me all you want. You don't know what it's like. The paparazzi never go away. And once the have you in their sites, they won't quit until they get want they want. And when they finally get it they will turn it into something ugly. They'll ruin everything."

"They don't have to. You already did." Robin doesn't stop her when she storms away. She can, however, feel him walking behind her. She wants to turn around, but she's so mad at him. He hurt her deeply. He's so afraid of what people think of him he'd rather destroy his friendship then be who he truly is. She was not ok with that. Robin made his choice. He chose a life of status and fame over a life with meaningful relationships and the space to be himself. But what else could she possibly do? Why on earth would Robin change so much for her? She's just an ordinary girl.

"Regina." Robin calls out to her.

She doesn't look back.

She purposely weaves through a group of teens and young adults, know he would blindly follow. Just as she predicted, someone screams in recognition. She knew it was a dirty move, leaving while he was busy with fans. But that's the game isn't? They all play dirty for a tiny sliver of a life she will never have. A life she will never be a part of. Robin liked the idea of her. The idea of a normal, small town girl. Nothing was ever real. She was only a fascination. If he truly cared for her, why would he say those awful things to her? If it all truly meant nothing, then why does her heart feel like he's squeezing it. How could she be so dumb. She fell for his game. She fell for his charm. She gave him her first kiss. She trusted him with her heart. Regina knows it's weaker than most, and fragile, but it's hers. She trusted him to keep it safe. Instead Robin ripped it from her chest and squeezed until all that was left of it was a pile of ash. He doesn't even care that he's done it.

Regina does her best to keep her tears at bay. She doesn't want to cry over him. She doesn't want to, but it's completely out of her control when emotions become salty liquid pouring from her eyes the moment she finds sanctuary in a phone booth. How was it possible for her to hurt this much? She barely hold herself up she was shaking so bad. Each shuddered breath choked her, only serving to make cry harder.

All happiness, no matter how fleeting, comes at a price.

Little did either of them know, lurking in the shadows unseen by most, was a man attached to his camera watching their entire scene unfold.

You made it to the end!

Happy St. Patrick's day to those who celebrate it! We are nearing the end folks. Things just don't seem to go right for these two. Let me know your thoughts!

Until next time!

S'D