Language warning for current chapter. other than that... Enjoy!
Chapter 19
48 hrs and 30 mins until video is posted.
Robin made the mistake of falling asleep in his home studio. After his friends left his house, he drug himself from the guest bed and spent the rest of the day working in the studio. By the time it was 10am the next morning, he had only slept a total of 4 and a half hours since he sent Regina off his porch. He doesn't know if any of the music he wrote last night will actually be of any use, but he hopes something can come from it. Obviously he'd need the rest of the band to complete and perfect them. With everything going on Robin needed a way fully express himself without people constantly in his ear telling him what to do and say. The lyrics were there. He just needed to turn them into something. He needed to vent.
He potentially had an entire album written. Though he knew some of the songs written would never leave these four walls. Some things are just too personal to share with the entire world. Some things were better left between him and the people he wrote it for.
Robin doesn't know if he will ever see Regina again. He's sure that if they do manage to cross paths each other's paths in the future, he will not be a source of happiness for her. How can he live knowing he is the villain in someone's story. Well, he's never before had a problem with being the villain in Nottingham's. It wasn't until Regina showed up in his life that he began to see things differently. He leads a superficial life. Because of her Rob finds himself in occasional conversation with his old nemesis. And finds he does mind when Keith does the same. They aren't friends by any means. There is just so much the two of them need to work through, but he's come to realize that he isn't has horrible of a person as he originally thought. It was all because of her. How can he have ever imagined never meeting her? The person he was before they is a stranger to him now. He can't evolve the way he has and expect to be able to make the same decisions that birthed the old Robin Hood. If he wants to be Robin Locksley, he has to do as Robin Locksley would. But how can he? He already made a decision. Everyone is counting on him.
He wants to see her. He wants to hurt. He deserves to hurt. He hurt the most precious human being he's ever met. Robin pulls out is phone and searches 'Robin hood and Regina Mills'. He doesn't like what pops up. Robin's interview with Cruella is the first thing to appear, then the article that started it all. He swipes by Marion's interview. He could care less what she had to say. Robin instead clicks on Muse Digest. They were a legitimate source and had reliable information. He wanted to know what they had to say about everything that's been going on. He honestly surprised they had their own photographs with was odd. They aren't like most paparazzi who hunt down stories. They waited for the story to come to them. They were called my celebrities and management themselves to come to an event of cover a story. That what made them so reliable. What were they doing on his front porch that night?
He recognizes the photographer, Anthony Davis. He's called him for stories plenty of times. He was an honest man. What the hell was he doing with vultures?
In a hasty judgment, Robin calls the photographer. He needed answers. Some things weren't adding up.
"Hello this Anthony Davis from Muse Digest. How may I be of service?"
Robin hesitates before responding. "Hi, uh yeah. This is Robin Locksley. I wanted to ask about the other night. I realized you were there."
"Robin?" Anthony sounds almost relieved. "I've been meaning to contact you."
"You have?"
"Yes. There are some things I don't believe you have been made aware of. Though I am not sure over the phone is the best way to speak on it."
"Can you come over to my place and we can talk? I assume you know where it is. I'll make us breakfast. Or Lunch. It's about lunch time."
The man chuckles. "Sure. Sounds like a plan. I'll be there shortly." He ends the phone call.
Robin takes a breath. He needs find something to cook. He needs a shower, but he can't do both. Cooking is more pressing. He doesn't plan on taking pictures or anything. He won't be living the house any time soon. Anthony will just have to deal. He wonders what the photographer has to tell him? He has to admit the entire thing is strange. Maybe it's to say that his parents or even Gold was the one to make the call for the razzi to swarm his house. They likely knew he would try and find a way to get a message to Regina.
Robin decided on grilled cheese and ham sandwiches. He'd stick them in his panini press to make it look like he made an effort. He only suggested the talk over lunch so that he had an excuse to eat. He hasn't had much of an appetite recently and the idea that he was set up that night made him a little hungry. Was that odd? Is he going crazy? Probably.
He didn't have much time to dwell on it. The doorbell rang. Robin didn't bother straightening himself before opening the door. He was surprised to be met with not Anthony, but a vaguely familiar girl. He can't put his finger on where he knows her from. She doesn't give him a chance. The girl pulls him into a hug and passes him to the guy behind her to also give him a hug.
"We know all about your little funk. That girl really did a number on you." The teen speaks. "No worries. We'll have you back to your chipper ways once again." Was that suppose to be a mockery of his accent? If she was trying to be funny, she failed. He doesn't even know this girl. Before he can ask for an explanation they push their way into the house.
Robin is beyond stunned. He look after them as they make their way further into his house without a care or invitation.
"Close your mouth Robin. You'll catch flies."
"Marion?" Robin turns to see his girlfriend making her way to the door. "What the ell are you doing here? Are you behind all this? What is going on?"
"So many questions. You stress too much. You need to relax." She purrs into his ear when she is close enough.
Robin gently removes her from his person. He doesn't have time for this. Anthony will be here at any moment. "Marion look, now is not a great time."
She doesn't seem to hear a word he says. Marion pushes the door to open wider and calls behind her. "Come on in everyone!"
"What?" Robin is pushed aside to let a group of twenty more people into his home. Some even have the nerve to pat him on their way by.
He isn't happy. Robin didn't agree to any of this. He has no idea who these people crowding his home are. He slams the door shut when the last of them enter and storms after Marion into the kitchen.
"Aww! You cooked for us!" She gushes.
No. He definitely did not! That food was for him and Anthony. They were eating his food! "That's not for you. Get out of here." Robin slaps the hand of the next person reaching for another one of his sandwiches. The guy as the nerve to look offended. He looks to Marion, Marion as if to ask for her permission. It's his house!
"Hey, can you all give us a moment alone?" Marion asked and the kitchen cleared.
What the hell was going on? "What the hell Marion?" He snapped.
"There's no need to be hostile Robin. It's not a good look on you. I've noticed you've been down lately and I wanted to do something to cheer you up."
"So you throw at party in my house without my permission? I have things to do."
"You love parties." She argues. "They always seemed to brighten your mood before."
He rubbed a hand across his face with an exasperated sigh. "I don't even know these people."
"That's never stopped you before."
Robin hates to admit that yes, this was something he used to do. But he isn't the same person anymore. He hasn't been for a while. "Marion I don't want a party." For the first time in his life he truly doesn't want to get crazy with a bunch of strangers. He wants his friends. He wants peace and quiet. Honestly at this very moment, Robin would like to do what he wants to do and eat the goddamn sandwiches he made while talking to Anthony whenever he showed up. He never asked for a party in the middle of the morning. It wasn't even noon yet! Rob glances at the clock above the oven. Ok. It was past noon, but only just.
"If this is about those damn sandwiches, I can make you more." Marion stated. He doesn't know why it makes him so angry to hear her say that. Maybe its because the look on her face that told him she could care less about it.
"It's not about the sandwiches! Well, not only about the sandwiches." Robin rolls his eyes and takes a break. "Look Marion, I know you want to help, but you never asked me want I actually want. I don't want a party right now."
She has that pity look on her face. They've dated for two years, he knows she only uses it when she believes someone can't comprehend what she's saying. He's not invalid. She wants him to feel dumb. News flash! He's not. She doesn't actually know what is best for him. "Why don't you give a chance, hmm?" She doesn't give him a chance to respond. She simply walks away.
"Marion!" Robin calls after her, but it's in that moment the bell notifies him there's someone at his door. God please don't let it be more of Marion's obnoxious friends.
He opens the front door to reveal Anthony. "Quite the gathering you've got here. I thought they were exaggerating when they said you party all times of night and day. I would have worn something different had I realized we'd have company." Anthony joked, but Rob could see he was uncomfortable with the idea of conversing with an audience. It isn't as he himself is all that comfortable with it either.
"Not my party." Robin mumbles. He lets the older man in the house. He grabs the plate with only half of a sandwich left when they lass through the kitchen. He guides him to his home studio. They'd be able to talk without worry of interruption and loud distractions. "Sorry about all of this." He offers him a seat and takes the one next to him.
"It's a… it's alright. I understand that there is a lot about this life I simply don't understand." Anthony offers him sympathetic smile.
Robin clears his throat. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat hyper aware of how he must smell. He probably should have gone for that shower seeing that neither of them could enjoy lunch as he planned. He offered Anthony the half of sandwich that was left. "They ate all of the rest." Robin weakly explains. Nothing was going how he'd hoped. "So um… what's was it you needed to make aware of? Like, why were you at my house Tuesday night? I thought you were hire only."
"I am." Anthony confirmed.
Robin frowns. That meant someone had called the paparazzi out that night. But why? He thinks he knows why. "Was it my parents who called? Gold? They didn't want me leaving the house right to warn Regina right?" Gold had been so dismissive any mention of a friendship with Regina. He seem almost happy that she couldn't get into her account. Honestly the man scares him. He wouldn't be surprised if Gold himself locked the Roni account. He's shady that man. And Rob's sided either Gold so easily. She never even gavd him s chance come up with a viable solution for all of them before she was scheduling an exclusive with Cruella. He never truly had a chance to say 'no'. The decision was made before he entered the meeting. What? Was this their way of making sure he'd stay put? They thought the little scene they caused on his front porch would make sure he suck by his word. He had to make a decision on the spot. Robin didn't have a chance to come up with something clever that would have saved them all from this immense heartbreak. Did they know Regina would show up at his door? Or had it been a lucky accident for them? Gold sure seemed to know about Regina's account being hacked. It's a scary thought, the possibility that Gold or his parents had something to do with Regina loosing the Roni account. He knows the backlash she must be getting from this. He can't reach out to her because his parents took over his account again.
The photographer shakes his head. "Actually it was your girlfriend, Marion." Robin's frown deepens as he explains. "She said there something we needed to see at your place. She never told us what it was, but tried not to question it. Some celebrities are vague like that."
"Marion? But why? Why call you?" What could she possibly have to gain from me being surrounded by the press. Well, when he stops to think about it, this isn't out of the ordinary for her. She often tips off the press on where they might make an appearance. Though she's never asked them to his house before. He wonders of she's aware of the heavy repercussions her calling the paparazzi had him and Regina. He couldn't warn his friend because of her. He couldn't apologize. Regina likely hates him now and he wouldn't blame her. He was awful to her. Marion's need to constantly make a scene cost him dearly.
Robin stands to ask her about it, but a hand catches his arm. "There's more." Anthony tells him. He was a solemn look on his face.
"More? What more could there possibly be?" He takes his seat again and waits for him to continue.
"The girl, Regina got into a horrible accident that night. I followed her after her and I'm glad I did. She didn't look well." Robin's chest sinks. He doesn't like were this was headed. It was too easy to drown in his thoughts, worries, and speculation, but he forces himself to keep listening. "She was so out of it. She wandered right into traffic and was hit by a car."
"Dear God!" Robin choked. Was she ok? Ok? How could she possibly be ok? She was hit by a car. That's why he couldn't tell him over the phone. Regina was injured. Wait. She was only injured right? Had she died? Is that the reason Anthony chose to come all this way to tell him? Lord please let her be alive. Robin grabs on to Anthony. He's practically on top of the man, but he couldn't care less. He remembers her in the back of his car. The thought of her lifeless body sickens him. "Please for the love of God tell me that Regina's ok. Is she alive? Please?"
"Yes. Regina is alive. She was severely injured, but should make a full recovery." Anthony for his part, is a kinder soul than Robin deserved right now. He didn't flinch at snot and tears now on his shirt or the teenager nearly sitting, sobbing on his lap. He simply gave Robin a few comforting pats on the back. It was more than he deserved. It was Robin's fault that Regina was in the hospital in the first place. He should have been there for her.
Robin pulls himself away from the older man. The knowing, fatherly look on his face keeps things from getting awkward. He was a new found respect for this man. He has been more of a father to Robin in an hour than his own father in the last couple years. Why hadn't he known before now? If he had not contacted Anthony, he would have never known. Why didn't anyone tell him? He had it figure it out for himself. Oh. Of course no one would contact him. He told the world they didn't know each other. He wishes he had been able to bring her in that night. He wishes he had the chance to explain things to her. None of this would have happened if it weren't for those damn paparazzi at his front door. Robin wants to shove Anthony for being there that night, for answering the call, for adding to the chaos. But he couldn't be man at him. Not truly. It wasn't his fault. He was only doing his job. How could he have known? How could any of them had known what would occur that night. If anything Robin is grateful to the man for looking after Regina when he failed to.
Marion and her inability not to be seen everywhere she goes nearly got Regina. She's the one who called. She really ruined his night. His entire week actually. But Robin can't be too angry at her either. It's not as if she knew what was going to happen any more than the rest of them. He feels she had the right to know too. He didn't want to feel guilty about it. Ok maybe he did. She has a bad habit of calling the paparazzi at the worst of times. Can't they ever have a moment to themselves? But really he doesn't want to make her feel bad. That's all on him. In the end he was still the one who sent Regina away. Moments like this. He wants nothing more than to go against everyone and see Regina. Hug her. Apologize.
Robin takes a breath. Then another.
He looks to Anthony. He isn't sure how long the two of them have been sitting here. He hopes long enough that Marion and her friends have gone.
"I'm sorry." He says after a second.
"There's no need to apologize. I just told you your friend is in the hospital. She is your friend, yes?"
"Yes." Robin says guiltily. He hates that people have to ask if he and Regina are friends. He wants people he knows the amazing human being that is both Regina Mills and Verónica Sanchez. Yet he lied. He has to live with that. He had is band and Nottingham to think about. Yes, his career as well, but he couldn't care about that now. He hurt Regina. His career be damned. The lengths he has to go to attain his career isn't worth losing the person he cares for the most. But this wasn't his decision alone to make. He would not only be ending his career.
Robin shakes his head. There's no point in thinking about it now. There wasn't do about it.
"You're welcome to stay and enjoy whatever the hell is going on out there. I'm sure they'll have food." Robin offers Anthony.
"Thank you. I think I just might." He stands to leave, but stops just before exiting. "For what it's worth, I have all the confidence that you will make the right decision."
Robin nods and let's his words sink in. He takes a breath before following the older man out.
45 hrs 'til video release
"Thank you for meeting me here." Zelena rung her hands together in a nervous manner. She was sure to keep her hands under the table, out of site of the others.
"Of course." Mulan smiles politely. "What's this all about."
Zelena asked the band to meet her for lunch at Granny's Dinner before leaving the hospital. She had some things she needed to come clean with. With Granny now busy at the hospital, Ruby asked her to help with the lunch rush. Zelena didn't mind. She needed a private place to talk away from her sister. And to be frank, Regina needed the space. She had exceeded her quota for social interaction.
She, Mulan, Tuck, and Will all sat in a booth toward the back. John left to speak to Robin about the video. One less person wasn't going to interrupt her plans. As much as Zelena loved Robin, she didn't agree with John wanting to include him in the redaction. She can understand why he would want to save his friend, but Robin is the reason the entire situation was blown so out of proportion. He had the chance to come clean and he didn't. He made the wrong choice. He hurt her sister. Zelena doesn't know if she'll ever see him the same way again.
Ruby stopped at their table and harshly placed the band's food in front of them. She glared at each of them causing them the shrink in their seats slightly.
"Ruby!" Zelena snapped at her cousin.
Ruby completely ignored her. She kept her attention on the others. "I know who all are. And I know what you did to my cousin. You should be ashamed of yourselves."
"Ruby!" Zelena drags her cousin away from the booth and into the back area. "It's ok."
"Of course it's not ok!"
Zelena glanced over her cousin's shoulder to see the others watching them. They could totally still hear them. She sighs and brings he attention back to Ruby. She lowers her voice, but only slightly. "Look, I brought them here because they are helping make things right. They've already seen Regina in the hospital."
"They put her there!" Ruby pointed at them, not bothering to hide that they were talking about them. She was struggling to hold in her tears. Zelena was too. Nothing about this situation was easy. Her sister wasn't doing well. The same people who through their music, helped them get past Regina's illness the first time around are the same people who helped cause it to rapidly decline a second. They were left flying in the wind. And nothing would truly change until after the 48 hours were up, but they had to have hope. They needed to be able to forgive them for their roll in all of this. That was the first step in healing right? They all wanted things to be better. Maybe it was a selfish thought considering what she had het to reveal, but they had to try.
Zelena pulls up the video they just filmed on her phone and hands it to Ruby. "Watch this." Zelena hoped that if somehow the video is able to convince Ruby, who has a personal connection to the situation, that they aren't as horrible as she thinks then just maybe they can convince the rest of the world.
Ruby's trembles as she tries to hold back her tears while watching. "She doesn't look good Zee." She manages. At the end of the video Ruby pulls her in for a tight embrace. Zelena sinks into her cousin. She hadn't realized how badly she needed this. They both did.
They take a moment to gather themselves. Zelena grabs Ruby and brings her to the table with the others. Mulan looked like she wanted to say something to Ruby, yet couldn't get the words out. Ruby refused to make any kind of eye contact with the band. She couldn't tell if it was out of grief, anger, or embarrassment from how she acted toward them earlier. Maybe a mix of all three. Either way Zelena needed to hurry things along. The tension on the table was killing everyone. Time to make things happen.
"I know who has the Roni account and I need your help to get it back."
The group stare at her blankly for a long moment. They looked among themselves as if asking how they should respond. Mulan speaks up. "I don't know what you want us to do here. Look, Zelena, you know we will do anything for Regina, but we aren't computer scientists. We can't hack."
Zelena rolls her eyes. "No hacking required. I just need someone to get their hands on Marion's phone."
"Marion? Why woul- Oh my God!" Tuck gasps. "Marion hacked the Roni account?" His suspension is confirmed with a nod.
"That bitch." Her cousin gasps. Her out burst is followed by a number of commentary from the rest of the table. Zelena looks around the diner to be sure they haven't gathered the attention of the customers when the group gets a bit rowdy.
Will raises a hand interrupting their rants. "How the ell did Marion get her hands on the Roni account? She clever, but she isn't that smart."
There it was. The question she was dreading. She knew it was only a mater of time. The truth always comes out in the end. Its best they heard it from her.
"I gave it to her." Zelena puts a hand out to stop the chorus of shock and disbelief exclamations. "Wait, before you yell at me. It was an accident. Mostly." None of them looked amused by the admission in the slightest. They all wore various looks of disappointment on their faces. She knew they had a lot to say, but they remained quiet for the time being. "When I discovered that Roni was actually my sister and she was hanging out with you all, I was hurt. I wanted to expose her for the fraud she was. Marion was there when I figured out what her password was. Actually she was the one who asked if I could get in. I wasn't thinking of my sister's best interest.
Actually, I wasn't thinking at all. I told her to do whatever she wanted with the information. But that was after I told her didn't mean to share the information with her in the first place and not to tell anyone. I didn't think much of it at the time. I figured any sane person would realize how angry I was and not take advantage of the situation."
"Yeah, but Marion ain't sane." Will grumbles around bear claw.
"Zelena what the hell?" Ruby snaps.
"I know. I know. I'm really sorry." Zelena sighs. "I didn't realize I made a mistake until Regina got locked out. I honestly had no idea this would happen. We've all done not-so-great things that have horribly effected my sister."
"Not me."
Zelena ignores her cousin. "I just want to make things right. I needed your help to do it. You know more about Marion than me." She addressed the band.
"Yeah. But like Mulan said, we aren't hackers." Tuck reminds.
"I just need one of you to get into her phone, change the password, and log her out." Zelena knows she maybe over simplifying a bit, but it couldn't be that hard. Could it?
Will scoffs. "Marion was attached to her phone before she had access to the Roni account. With the secrets that that phone now holds, do you really think she's going to let it out of her sight?"
"You need to distract her." Ruby speaks up. The group look to Ruby and wait for her explain further. "Think about it. Marion needs to be put in a situation where she can't have her phone on her or at least will be distracted enough that she won't notice that its missing for five minutes."
"You're right. You're right." Will grumbles into his plate. "You're not going to like this, but Rob is the only person who could pull off something like this. He's the only person I know who can get close enough to the witch without suspicion."
"No. Absolutely not." Zelena puts her foot down. She doesn't even care for John recruiting Robin for the redaction statement. There was no way in hell she was going to trust Robin to carry out this plan. Who knows if John can even convince him to do the statement. She wasn't going to leave this up to Robin to handle.
"Come on. You and I both know he is our best chance. We don't get many chances and Rob knows her password."
She knows he's right. Robin might be their best shot, but there had to be another way. They at least needed a plan B if John fails to convince him. No matter what they decided, they needed to do something quick. They couldn't afford the credibility of their video being overshadowed by anything Marion could post as the Roni account.
"Fine." Zelena reluctantly agrees. "Call John and tell him to convince Robin to remove the account from her phone. If this doesn't work, if he can't convince him, we'll need another plan."
The table nods in agreement.
"Will, you make the call. Ruby and I have to get back to work. I'll be back to give you your check and we can continue talking."
Zelena and Ruby leave the band at the booth to cater to the quickly filling diner while Will sets out to call his mate. Hopefully, he can catch John before he's able to speak to Robin. He might be more partial to helping them if he knew the role his girlfriend played in all of this. Will doesn't think it will take much to get Robin to side with them. He was really tore up about the original decision in the first place.
"John?"
"What's up mate?" John's slightly muffled voice sounds on the other end of the phone.
"You 'aven't made it to Rob's yet have you?"
"I'm just around the corner. Why? Zelena hasn't changed her mind has she?"
"No. Nothing like that." Will waves his hand in a dismissive manner although John can't see him. "Zelena told us 'bout how she accidentally gave away the Roni account password to Marion. She is the one who locked Regina out of her account."
"Who Zelena?" John interrupts.
"No you blockhead! Marion. And we need Robin to nab her phone, change the password, and lock her out."
John sighs heavily on the other end. "This isn't going to be easy. Getting Rob to help? Sure. But Marion? Good lord! What kind of sicko does that? And she's had it all this time?"
"Yes. She's had it since before the release of the magazine." Will grumbles into the phone. "Robin is going to be furious when he finds out."
"I hope he can handle it. He wasn't in a good place when we left him." John takes a beat. "I'll talk to you after I've spoken to Robin. See ya mate." And with that, they ended the call.
44hrs and 30mins until video release
Robin weaves his way through his crowded living room to get to his girlfriend friend. He had honestly hoped his guest would have taken a hint and left. One would think these random people would be more concerned for the guest of honor they were supposedly trying to cheer up. What a bang up job their doing of it.
"Marion." Robin calls for her attention.
"Yes love?"
Love? That's new. He thinks it shouldn't be that out if the ordinary. They've been dating for a little over two years now. They should be in some kind of love. Be that as it may he doesn't love Marion. He cares for her, sure. They've known each other for a long time. He's bound to have some sort of connection with her. Though it isn't as strong as one might think a relationship of two years should be. It isn't much of a surprise. They don't really spend much time together outside of the public eye. Everything feels like a show with her. There's never a moment when they can just be off together. Even today, Marion threw a party to cheer him up instead of simply coming over alone. He would have much preferred that.
"Can we talk?" Robin points away from the crowd.
"Sure. Excuse me." Marion addresses the little group surrounding her and stands
He wanted to tell her about what happened to Regina. He didn't want to bring down the mood she was in, but he wanted to talk to someone who would understand some of the guilt and weight he was feeling. Was he being selfish? Maybe. He could call John or one of the others, but how to explain to them the consequences of his decision. Talking to Marion was easier. He doesn't hold her judgment of him as highly as he does his mates. This was definitely selfish. He will tell the others eventually, but he needed to get some of this off of his chest first.
When he feels they've move far enough from the crowd he stops them both. He can feel the eyes of the guest burning into the back of his shirt, watching them. He chooses to ignore them. This wasn't about them.
He takes a breath. This isn't easy to say aloud. It wasn't fun to hear the first time. "Regina is in the hospital because of us." He decides to rip off the band aid.
"Who?" Marion genuinely looks confused.
"Regina!" Robin repeats. He can't help but be frustrated. She could at least know the name of the person's life they've botched. "My friend. Regina Mills?" The blank look on her face frustrates him to no end. "Roni?"
"Oh! Roni. Right her real name." She catches on. Her face morphs into a more thoughtful expression. "Now, how is it our fault that she is in the hospital?"
He was a bit frustrated she didn't seem give very much concern over the well being of Regina. He'd just revealed she was in the hospital. He'd have expected more of a reaction from her. Something. Anything. "I sent her away. I acted as if I didn't know her in front of all of those people. And you were the one to call all of those paparazzi to my door in the first place."
"So you're saying this is my fault?"
"Marion no." Robin sighs. "It on me too. I simply want us to do something about it, make things right."
"No, you just want to find someone to ease you guilty conscience on. You don't like knowing that something tragic happened to that girl the moment she's out of your life." She points an accusatory finger at him.
"I…" he can't find the words to counter her claim. She wasn't far from the truth.
"Robin, sweetie. It's ok." Marion pulls him into her arms. She speaks kindly, softly. "We did nothing wrong. Just poor timing am I right?"
Robin pulls away from her.. "What? No."
She scoffs. "I still don't understand how any of what we did that night could send someone to the hospital. I think you're reaching for something to feel bad for."
"She had a mental break down because of what we did to her. You," He points at her. " brought the paparazzi that caused me to prematurely disassociate from her."
"So what? You want me to feel bad about it?"
Yes! Feel something goddammit! He instead says. "All I want is for you to acknowledge the role you had in her misery."
"Verónica Sanchez is gone! All of this blows up in your face and you still cannot stop talking about her. What more do I need to do to get your attention?"
Robin pauses. He really takes a lot at her. "You called the paparazzi to my home to get my attention? The paparazzi can't be your answer for everything, Marion. That's ridiculous."
"Is it really Robin?" She challenges. "I got your attention at the beach and I've your attention the other night."
The beach? The beach? Robin face grows dark. All of this, All of this started because of those stupid beach photos and that stupid magazine. He has been so careful. He couldn't understand how he'd been caught. His life, his career, his relationship with Regina, everything spiraled in a downward slope since then. Only to discover that his girlfriend was there one to call his executioner. Marion knew how they wanted his head. She knew how badly they were trying to end his career. Yet, she led them right to him. How? Why? What could she possibly gain from this? Money? She's already rich. What could possibly be worth selling her soul for? "You called the paparazzi on me and Regina at the beach?" He asks much calmer than he feels.
Marion rolls her eyes. "Do not act all high and mighty Robin. Of course I did." She said as if it were a normal thing to do. "You weren't home and wouldn't answer any of my calls. So I sent some people out to the last location I tracked your phone."
"Some people?" He scoffs. "That person was Sydney Glass! The Mirror! He is notorious for ruining careers. What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking that I could scare my boyfriend into staying at home and spend time with his neglected girlfriend." Her voice cracks. He tries not to notice the way she attempts to hide wiping a tear. "You're always out with your band or spending every waking moment with that Roni girl. I just wanted you to spend time with me for once."
"Well, you calling The Mirror is what got us into this mess in the first place." Robin said. Some of his momentum gone.
"Can you really blame me though? I never see you anymore. You disappeared at my birthday party. You avoid my calls. How do you suppose that makes me feel? You're supposed to be my boyfriend."
Robin shrinks a bit at that. He hasn't been the best boyfriend lately. If anything he brought this all on himself. And in turn, Regina. Neither of them deserved this. Why can't he seem do anything right theses days.
"Sorry. Marion I'm sorry." He can't make eye contact with her. "This is all my fault. I should ha… I should have tried harder to be there for you."
Marion smiled sadly. She closes the distance between them and cups his face so that he's looking at her. "I forgive you. Of course I do. I love you."
He chokes. Robin can't bring himself to say the words back to her. The thought of it makes his stomach churn. He truly is sorry for the pain he's caused her and he wanted to do better by her, but he could not say those words to her. It felt wrong somehow. Instead he rest his head on her shoulder and a 'thank you'. He shouldn't have tried to make her feel bad. He shouldn't have tried to push his guilt on to her. He's not been to best towards her recently. It a wonder how she stayed with him.
44hrs and 15mins until video release
John was still reeling at the news that Marion had the Roni account all along. And Regina's own sister gave it to her. Accident or not it still brought up a lot more heartache than it was worth. He can't imagine the guilt Zelena must be feeling. Well… he can. The uncomfortable nagging at the bottom of his stomach reminds him that yes, he can imagine the weight of something like that. John will admit that carrying the guilt for wrong doing her sister compared to the wrong doing of a friend is far superior. Betraying a sibling. There is something far more cruel about a betrayal coming from a loved one, someone you're supposed to trust with your life. It's never expected.
It's why he couldn't blindside Robin. He's a brother to him. John couldn't live with himself if they release the video without having ever given him the opportunity to do the right thing. They would ruin him. And that's not fair. John understands why Zelena is apprehensive about getting Robin involved; he does. After everything that's led to all of this, it's understandable that she not trust Robin. But John knows Rob's heart. They've known each other since they were wee lads. He would never do a thing like this if he felt that he didn't have any other choice. It was their fault. They pushed him to do anything it took to get the deal, to not screw it up for all of them. Robin was protecting the band. He was protecting Will, Mulan, and Tuck. Hell, he was protecting Nottingham for Christ's sake. He was protecting John. Who was he to paint Robin as the sole bad guy in all of this? They all had a role to play in this. Why should Robin be the only one to pay the price for their misdeeds?
John saw how badly this effected his mate. He was not well off. There was so much pain in his eyes. Pain that John added to. It was up to him to release him of some of that pain.
John found himself driving much slower once he was in the gates of the neighborhood. Nervous wouldn't be the correct way to describe how was feeling. Cautious? Apprehensive? And maybe yes, nervous. He would have to break the news to Robin that the decision they settled on nearly killed their friend, that Regina almost died. He'd have to tell him how his girlfriend was causing more pain and stress on to Regina by blocking her from the Roni account. He would have to explain how his best mates and band went behind his back to redact the statement he made of national television. Offering him a chance or not, this wasn't going to be easy to hear.
The last thing John was expecting when he arrived at Robin's house was a handful of cars parked out front. None of them look familiar. Poor Rob. The guy couldn't catch a break. He wasn't in a good place when they last left him. John honestly expected to have to physically pull him out of bed. It appears that someone has beaten him to it.
A ton of people had beaten him to it. Upon entering the house John was met with a mass of people walking around, dancing, chatting, and not giving a care in the world. Had Robin thrown a party? He doesn't immediately see his friend anywhere in the crowd. In fact, he doesn't recognize anyone here. It all gives a weird sense of déjà vu. Then John spots him. Robin is a cross the room down what's left in a red solo cup. Typical. It the perfect image the drunk party boy image he wore on a daily for years. Why was he doing this? Why throw it all away when they've worked so hard, sacrificed so much to be rid of that lifestyle.
How dare he throw a party when his friend is suffering in a hospital? How. Dare. He. John stuck his neck out for him. He thought he deserved a chance. He thought Rob was in turmoil, that he had regrets. He was clearly mistaken. It doesn't appear that his mate gives a damn about what consequences his actions have. No. Instead he throws a bloody party.
How dare he celebrate while the rest for them deal with the mess he's left. What's there to celebrate anyway? Absolutely nothing. God! The others were right all along. How could he be so stupid?
Damn it Robin!
John marches toward the back of the room. His pace matching the quickening tempo of his heart. He was furious. If only Robin could feel half of the horror they experienced. They were crying on each other just this morning while Robin saw fit to throw a party.
.
John was nearly to him when Robin notices him. He lets out a sigh of relief as he waves his friend. John however, shoves him when he is close enough. "Fuck you Robin."
Robin maneuvers himself in a way that the two of them are of the view the unwelcome guests.
Robin is barely able to understand what happened when he is shoved again. This time he pushes back. What the hell is with John? Robin maneuvers himself in a way that the two of them are out of the view the unwelcome guests. He didn't need anymore leaks of his private life to the media. He really doesn't think he could handle it.
"John what the ell? What gotten in to you?"
"A party? Really Robin?" John looks at him with wild, hurt eyes. He can barely stand to look at him. "I was dreading tell some news because I suspected you'd still be lying in bed moping. But I was mistaken. You're having a bloody rager!"
Robin shakes his head. "It's not-" He cuts himself off. "What news were you going to tell me?"
"You found out your friend was in the hospital and you still went ahead and threw a party?" He could see that John was furious. Understandably so. This doesn't look good from his perspective. In fact this must look absolutely horrible from his point of view. However, that's not what's happening here. John will understand.
"That's not.. it's… not my party." Robin fumbles over his words.
The bigger guy doesn't seem to hear him. "Well, if you know everything I guess you know about how Regina was hit by a car and broke her ribs. And you also know about how your girlfriend Marion was the one who locked Regina out of the Roni account."
Robin freezes. "Wait. What?"
He hadn't known that.
John doesn't cease his rant. "Zelena accidently gave it to her in a fit of rage when she discovered the true identity of Verónica Sanchez. Zelena is Regina's sister. But you of course already knew that." Yes, he actually had known that rid bit. Bit what Robin couldn't get past was Marion stealing the account. Why would she? There had to be some sort of misunderstanding. How? Rob doesn't have the time to dwell on it much. John doesn't cease his ranting. "I stuck my neck out for you! The rest of the band and I went to see Regina in the hospital. None of them wanted to fill you in on what was going on, but stood up for you. I told them that you truly regret everything and that you deserve to be apart of what's going on. Yet, I come to find you parting with strangers. You and Marion deserve each other."
Robin does not know how to respond to that. And he doesn't. He simply stands there with a dumb look on his face.
John scoffs at him before retreating. Robin doesn't stop him. No. He lets him go. Something about John's last words greatly effect him. He compared him to Marion. That for some reason hurt him deeply. Marion was his girlfriend he should feel a sense of pride when being told the deserved each other.
No.
None of this sat right within him. He was not like Marion. He never hurt Regina out of malice. He never wanted to cut her off and publicly disown her. The more he thinks about it the more he realizes that Regina likely would have never shown up on his door that night if she hadn't lost the account. Gold wouldn't have had any leverage to push him into lying. There would have been a different story. A better one. Why was he only realizing this now? He's let people dictate and influence his actions for way too long. In order to be Robin Locksley, he actually has to be Robin Locksley. No one else can do it for him.
Robin knew what he had to do. In his heart of hearts he knows he already made his decision, but he wanted to hear what Marion had to say. It didn't make sense. But why would John lie? What did he possibly gain from lying. Yes, John has always hated Marion, but it's not in his character to lie about something like this. Robin didn't think it was in Marion's character either, but her recent actions has him questioning. That leaves an even scarier question to answer: why would Marion do such a thing? What excuse could she possibly have to explain all of this away? There had to be one. Like her or not, Robin couldn't see Marion being capable of intently bringing their lives to ruin.
He wants to break something. None of this was fair. Whether or not everything Marion has done in the past weeks have been accidents, she still cause some serious damage to them all. That cannot go without consequence. He cannot ignore the fact that what she did led to Regina's hospitalization.
He has long since accepted his role in all of this. He was not innocent. Far from it. What everyone seems to forget is that he was not the only one who had a role in this. Yet, he's the only one people seem to blame. Enough of this.
Robin marches toward the area where Marion has propped herself on the wall. He doesn't bother asking to talk. He doesn't guide them to a private location. Screw privacy. It's not as if he's ever had any. This conversation could not wait. "You hacked the Roni account." It wasn't a question.
"Hack? No. It was given to me." Marion has the nerve to try and correct him. She doesn't even deny it.
"No, it most certainly was not." He heats.
She rolls her eyes in exasperation. "What do you expect me to do when Zelena tells me to 'do whatever I want' with the information revealed to me?"
"But she wasn't the owner of the account. It wasn't hers to give. You stole the Roni account from Regina!" He can see out of the corner of his eye, guest that give the occasional glance in their direction.
"Yes." There is no shame in her response. She's cocky, almost prideful about it.
"You're ruining her life!" Robin was desperate for her to realize the weight of what she's done. How could she not grasp how this wasn't right?
"Good. After everything she's put you through? I'm doing this for you, remember?"
What the hell? Could she really not see the damage she was doing? Its almost as if she believes the little lies they've been tell people. Honestly, Robin couldn't understand why she wasn't mad at him. He knows she saw the beach pictures. She knows how he cares deeply for Regina, yet she acts as if nothing is amiss. Its terrifying. She's convinced Regina is the enemy and he's been suckered into every will.
"Marion! She's not actually crazy, you know that? She not just some random girl, some random fan that has an obsession with me! Roni, Regina she was my friend."
"Well you better start seeing it that way. In order for this to truly work she needs to be nothing more than a crazy fan." She gets in his personal space. They are toe to toe. Her nose almost touches his and her eyes pierce into his unwilling mind. "You need to believe it. Verónica is dead. Regina is nothing to you."
Robin holds her gaze. He make sure she is really looking at him when he speaks. "Regina is everything to me and more. She is the sun that makes me want to wake in the morning and the stars that guide me through the dark."
"You're delusional Robin. Sappy." She mock gags.
"No. I'm finally realizing the truth. All this has given me the motivation to finally let you go. Marion I never want to see you again."
"Are you breaking up with me?" She all but screeched. If they hadn't gotten the attention of people around them, they definitely did now. Robin wouldn't let it dissuade him. Let them see who Marion really is.
"Yes. It's something I should have done a long time ago. Stay the hell away from me and my friends." Robin turns to the guest with poorly hidden phones pointed in his direction. "Get the hell out of my house!"
Yay! New chapter! Think of this as my birthday gift to you! (my birthday day is in 10 days! ahhh) There are prprobably, definitely a lot of typos. I will scrub through and adjust a few things. I just wanted you all to have this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!
S'D