Chapter 20

Marion's name is number 4 in Twitter's top trending topics. She takes pride in that. Its the highest she's ever been. Even the death of her grandmother only got her to 6th a couple years back. It happened around the same time as some natural disaster. The people's attention was a bit scattered. Robin is currently at the top with number 1. Not that he gives a care about things like this. He and his band have been at the top multiple times in the past years. It's what brought him to her attention all those years ago. This is nothing to him. Though in recent times Robin is too occupied sulking about losing his friend to even notice. He could be so overly emotional sometimes to the point that he looses sight of what truly matters. That girl was no friend. The sooner he realizes that, the better off he would be. Honestly, that's not what has Marion upset and neither is the 4th ranking itself. Oh, no. Its who she runner up to. Both Regina Mills and Verónica Sanchez. How? She would have thought her interview would at least get her ahead of Roni. The people would naturally discuss the nightmare that is Regina Mills. They love having someone to hate. They also love having someone to protect: Robin and by association, her. She even added that little article to get the conversations rolling. But Verónica? What's she done? Absolutely nothing. Marion made sure of that. She removed the girl from 'Roni the great and powerful' and she is still an after thought. Unacceptable.

Marion had hoped for better results in a general internet search. She searched: Robin and. Robin and Verónica being number one. She was 6th on the suggestion list and it was only because it was a movie title. She's lost to her twice now. What would it take to be from under this girl's shadow? How had she been forgotten so quickly? Her birthday party was just last week. Did she not star in two major blockbusters? Where was doting fan base? Was she not relevant anymore? Didn't anyone care for what she had to say?

Of course they do.

She and Robin are the ultimate power couple. High-school sweethearts even! Well, that is if either of them actually went to a High-school. But the title still stands. They were an item. They can't be seen without the other. They owned ever room they walked in. They became mega superstars and they did it together. They are the OTP, the ship that can't be sunk. Robin let the fools he calls friends who have never been more than a band influence him into breaking up with her. The poor thing is too easily swayed. His odd behavior all started the night of her birthday party. And who showed up on everybody's stories the next day?Verónica. She was a bad influence on him, on all of them. She's poison their brains with this "I gotta change" foolishness. America would not stand for this. This will be an outrage when they discover the truth. This separation incident will get her to number one for sure.

Marion doesn't want to get to the top like this. They have to be at the top together. His fans have to love her like they love Robin. Like they love Roni. They would choose Robin over her. They would choose the newer looking couple over their two year relationship. They would choose Roni.

There was no way in hell Marion would allow Robin to fall prey to the clutches of that witch. She would release him from her hold. She needs to be rid of Ron- no, Regina Mills.

Regina Mills has to go.

41 hours and 32mins until video release

"What do you mean you bloody forgot to mention it? It's the only way any of this ridiculous plan is going to work without completely destroy our entire careers." Will slams the door to his car shut and starts the engine. He continues his rant. "Bloody ell John!" He shouts to no one. "You couldn't've at least mentioned it to him. Danm. Now I have to go and clean up your mess. You were the bloody bastard who wanted to include him in all this in the first place."

Will tosses his finger at honking driver as he passes them. He should probably calm down before he gets himself thrown in the slammer for breaking a number of traffic laws before he ever makes it to Robin. He's never managed his temper well. But could you blame him? It's been a frustrating past couple days.

Will quickly slams on him breaks to avoid hitting the car in front of him. He presses on his horn to make it blatantly clear his is not amused by this person's driving. "Learn how to drive you idiot!" He shouts once again to him empty car. He hates driving in LA. This place has the worst drivers and the worst traffic he has ever seen. He wants nothing more than to drive his car through everyone else's. That isn't the most realistic of solutions, but it's a thought he has other. There might be a reason none of his mates let him drive their cars.

Will takes a breath as traffic beings to lighten and he is able to drive the speed limit. He cuts on his radio. His stress evaporates as the first notes are played. Sam Cooke has a way of doing that to him. His mates couldn't know what he listened to, not after the rep he's made for himself. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with Cooke, his brand of music doesn't quite follow the rebel teen vibes he loves to portray. Besides this was like a weapon like no other. Sam Cooke mellowed him out so much Will could be considered a civilized human being. He'd keep this treasure to himself.

Will found himself in a much better mood when he arrives at Robin's place. None of this would be necessary had John done what he was supposed to do. The wanker came in to the studio fuming over Rob about how we couldn't trust him. They'd all assumed he decided not to help. As mad as Will was with Robin he knew John was right. Rob would do anything for him friends. He'd help. Which is why John's rant was hard to digest, only to find out the wanker never told him the plan. He never even showed him the video. John at least had the decency to look embarrassed. Now it was up to him to fix this mess. Will doesn't care if Robin is surrounded by a shiver of sharks in the middle of his pool, he was delivering the bloody ultimatum.

After John's description of events that occurred in this house earlier, Will had wholly underestimated of filth that would litter the place. Damn! Its as if he took a step back in time when the band would host a party every other night. And after taking a looking around he doesn't miss it. This place is royally trashed. The place looked like a nightmare.

"Rob?" Will cautiously calls out to the seemingly empty house. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up straight. Something was off. He quickened his pace but only by a fraction, too afraid of what he might find around each corner.

He suspects Robin's absence has something to do with his nasty fight with Marion. Some guy Will couldn't give two craps about privately messaged him the video. As of yet no one has posted the video, but it was only a matter of time until some one does. Considering they were still sharing it around privately it wouldn't be long until it hit the tabloids. It was part of the reason he made an effort to get here so quick. They needed to get a handle on this before Zelena's deadline or Marion did something no one could recover from with the stolen account. Or before the fight gets any traction.

Robin is crouched in a corner of his kitchen holding his head in one hand and a half full trash bag in the other when Will finds him. He looks like shit. Well that is an understatement.

"Rob? You good mate?" Will steps cautiously into the kitchen.

"Honestly, I don't know." Robin lifts his head with a shake. "I really screwed thing up. Did you know Marion was the one who called the paparazzi on us at the beach. She tracked my phone and sent it to Sydney Glass."

Damn. The girl is insane.

"You wallow about your tiff with your psycho of a girlfriend after we figure our how we're going to get the account back. So play nice." Will can't stand Marion, but he would do anything to help out Regina and get the account back. Even it meant playing nice with the devil herself.

Rob looks at him. "The account? What account?"

Dear God John! You couldn't have just told him? "The Roni account." Will starts. "Marion was the one who took the account from Regina. We figured you were the closest person to her to get it back. And it has to happen soon."

He lets out a huff and stands to be level with Will. "I'm not sure how much help I'll be. I'm not exactly Marion's favorite person right now.

broke things off with Marion."

"Shit." Even considering their given circumstances Will can't see that as a loss. Sure that puts a damper in getting the account back, but they'd figure something out. Hopefully. Who was he kidding? This was unfortunate timing.

"What? I'd thought you'd be thrilled to be rid of her." Robin points out.

"She has the Roni account. And we needed you to get it back and log her out. You know, because you're the only person she'd let near her phone."

"Shit."

"Yeah."

The two of them stand in silence for a moment. The only noise being start up of the air conditioning.

"What now?" Will shrugs. He couldn't see there being many options left, not that they had many to begin with in the first place.

"I dunno." Robin sighs. "Is there no other way I can help Regina?"

"We need the account Rob." Will moves to sit at the island. Robin follows suit. He takes a breath, contemplating how he should approach this next subject. "We went to see Regina in the hospital. Did you know she was in the hospital? Did John tell you?"

"He mentioned it. Though a paparazzi beat him to delivering the news."

"She's not doing well Rob." Will shuffles in his pocket for his phone. He pulls up the video they made that morning. "We made video redacting your statement." He shoves the phone in his friend's direction. "We've got about forty hours or so to the right thing, until it's posted everywhere. We need you to do this man."

Never in a million years did Robin think that the person he cares for most in the entire world could be criminally hurt because of a decision he made in hopes to save his family and career. Why couldn't anything be easy? He made the hardest decision he has ever had to make. Now he has to undo everything decision he's made in the last 48 hours. Ironically he only has 40 hours to do it. In order for his career to not blow up in his face he has to take back everything he said on live television. In order to help Regina he has to reconnect with his psycho of a girlfriend. He hasn't slept since it all happened. He was exhausted. He felt like he was digging himself into a hole. There was no way he could deceive Marion and expect to come out unscathed. How did his mates not understand this?

"Will you know I can't."

"Damn it! Yes, you can!" Will snatches his phone back.

Robin pushes away from the counter and stands. "Are you telling me to get back with Marion?"

"No of course not." Will is standing now too.

Robin paces a bit as he talks. "All I want to do is see Regina for myself. I'll figure out the account later. She is more important."

"Visiting hours at the hospital are over and there's no time for you to go tomorrow. You need to figure out the Marion and Roni account situation." He places a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We'll take care of her Robin. We won't let anything else happen to her."

Robin frowns, but says nothing more as Will takes his leave. The uncertainty is written on both of their faces. For Will, he is unsure of where Robin stands, whether he will help them or not. For Robin, he has been put into an impossible situation. How is he supposed to possibly get the Roni account back from Marion? His friend is dying in the hospital and he is told not to visit, but instead to get close to his ex-girlfriend who had a major role in putting her there. And he only had forty hours to do it.

How is he supposed to fix all the damage he caused in a little over a day?

I guess I just have to give Marion what she's always wanted. Robin thinks to himself. He sighs and begins his cleaning of the kitchen once again. The was no point in giving his cleaning ladies a heart attack. He promised his them no more of this. No more of this lifestyle. It was taking a toll on them to clean messes like this day in and day out. He's changed a lot since his Robin Hood party rocker, bad boy days. He doesn't want to be that guy again. He doesn't like the way people treated him or the people he attracted. He hated the way he treated people. He wasn't a good guy. He's grown too much of a respect for the people in his life to go down that path again. But he couldn't see any other way out.

It looks like in order to save Regina, his band, Robin Locksley, he'd have to become Robin Hood one last time.

40 hours and 30mins until video is posted

The place they chose was far from discreet. But why should one be hidden if they have nothing to hide? They have plenty to hide. There are enough secrets between the two of them to fill a canyon. After tonight, the canyon would overflow.

In the front corner of one of Hollywood's most Prestigious restaurant, La Piccolo, sat a young woman and an older man. The couple looked odd to anyone who dared to glance their way, but none bothered to question it. It's Hollywood.

"Sydney Glass, aka The Mirror. Lovely to meet you in person." The young woman smiles sweetly. "To be honest I wouldn't have recognized you if it weren't for the bulky camera hanging off your shoulder and basic clothing."

Sydney lifts an eyebrow. He gives her mixed looked of distain and amusement. "Is the wig really necessary?" He nods to her blonde wig and sunglasses. Blonde is definitely not her color. He would never say this out loud. He wasn't interested in bring in the middle of s public melt down. Though, that is why he has his camera on him. Maybe he'll get lucky and catch some juice while he's here. Sydney is nearly entertained by the teen's own wardrobe choice, but in the end his irritation for her wins out. Celebrities.

The movement of her eyes rolling in visible behind the sunglasses. "Well I can't have people think I'm cheating on Robin with someone like you."

Isn't she delightful? Sydney doesn't know whether to be insulted or grateful. He decides not care. Not giving a damn has worked for him this long. As long as gets paid, who cares what people think? He gives her a tight lipped smile in response. "By the way, thanks for the tip on Monday. Those beach photos came out great, don't you think? The world is still feeding off the repercussions from that. Bet it didn't end how you expected."

Marion tries to keep her expression impassive, but he catches the twitch in her upper lip. He got her. Instead she changes the subject. "Were the pictures we took today any good?"

"They're fine, but it would be even better if I knew what the context behind them."

"We took pictures of me walking in and out of a bridal shop. What do you think?" Marion snatches off her glasses so that Sydney can't miss her dramatic eye roll. "I need a story about how Robin proposed. Make sure you show the ring. The world has to believe that despite the horrible tragedy that is Regina Mills and Verónica Sanchez, Robin and I have come out stronger than ever." She in her own world now. "Maybe elude to Roni trying to break us up and how Robin chose me over her."

Sydney Blinks at her. "That's nice and all, but how do you plan to get him to go along with it? He hasn't exactly proposed to you." And these sort of things get quickly ripped apart when the other half has no idea of the engagement.

"Robin is an honorable man to a fault." Marion picks at her nails, completely unconcerned. "He will go along with the engagement. He would never leave the mother of his child to fend for herself."

"You're pregnant?" Sydney sits up in his chair. It's the first thing she's said all night that truly grabbed his attention. The fake engagement has been over done. But this could be interesting.

"No. But no one needs to know that." Marion smiled darkly.

"This will never work. You're not pregnant. What do you expect to happen when you never show?" Sydney scoffs. "People will know."

"They won't. Women lose the their children all the time. Just ask Ursula." She tilted her head knowingly. There was no question about what she was referring. The article that ended Vanessa Ursula's career, sponsorships, and marriage. He made her a pariah. It was the article that showed just how much power The Mirror has. There are many celebrities and companies whom have benefited from his articles, yet more of them who have not. No one comes to him. No one willingly asks him for a life changing story this big.

"You're delusional." He spits, pointing an accusatory finger at her.

"I'm a genius." Marion leans in sharply. "I for one know you have no problem with a story like this. It isn't as if its unfamiliar territory. I'm giving you gold on a silver platter. Take it."

The two individuals stare at the other for an extended period of time. Neither of them wavering. Both gaging the seriousness and commitment of the other. There was no going back. They had all of the cards tipped in their favor. Why not?

"I can do it." Sydney relaxes into his seat, never taking his eyes off of the teen across from him.

"Can you have it published by morning?" She also sits back in her seat.

"It'll be the first thing people see when they wake up." Sydney laughs darkly. He gathers his belongings and stands to leave. "Enjoy the rest of your evening Mrs. Locksley."

They seal the deal with a handshake.

37 hours until video is posted

Robin had been debating this for the better part of an hour. We wasn't sure he'd actually go through with it until his phone was ringing in his hand. It isn't too late to back out. He could end the call before she picks up. There was no way this could work. It was a bad idea. A really bad idea. He could end up doing more damage than good. Yeah, no. He couldn't risk it. The moment Robin reached to cancel the call. The person on the other line answered.

"Hello? Robin?"

Robin froze. It was too late to turn back now. Shit. Please, please let this work. He takes a breath before smiling and putting on a voice more optimistic than he felt. "Marion hi."

"Robin it's late. Are you ok?"

Late? 9:30pm wasn't that late especially after an all-nighter. He probably should get some sleep at some point. "Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine."

"Are you sure you're ok?" She yawned into the phone. She didn't sound as if she believes him. Maybe his positive voice acting wasn't as good as he originally thought. He have to hurry things along. He was cutting in to Marion's precious beauty sleep and he isn't sure he'd get the best response from a sleepy Marion.

"Of course. I just wanted to apologize for how I lashed out at you earlier. I overreacted." He most certainly did not. "You were right. I couldn't see how my friends were manipulating me. I'm so sorry." The words tasted putrid in his mouth. They rolled off his tongue so easily. When did lying become easy to him? He knew he was laying it on thick. Marion could hold a grudge. He needed her trust. He needed to get close enough to her he could get to her phone. After that he can push her as far away from him as possible. "I can't express just how remorseful I truly am. You trusted and I… I left you to the wolves. I abandoned you when you needed me the most. I am so sorry. You were my fr-friend and I should have never have said you were anything other than my favorite person in the entire world." He chokes on his words. "I should have never lied on your character, on your mental health. You are the most beautiful, kind, fun loving person I have had the wonderful pleasure of experiencing." He smiles a little at her memory. He frowns remember the crushed look on her face at the door. He will forever be haunted by the fact that he was the reason it was there. The video of her in the hospital bed broke him. He broke her. "I hurt you and I will never forgive myself for that. I owe you the universe. You help me find myself and for that alone I will forever be in your debt. I love you."

He takes a moment to wipe away his tears. He hadn't expected to become so emotional.

"Oh Robin." Marion gasps in the phone.

Oh right. Robin snaps alert at the sound of the voice. He was talking to Marion. Right. Of course. Focus Robin. Stay on task.

"I don't think you've ever said that aloud before. But I knew. I always knew."

Knew what? Damn it.

He told Marion he loved her. That was far from the truth. That was never apart of his apology. He wasn't even talking to her. He was thinking of… he was thinking… Bloody hell. Things just got more complicated.

Robin clears his throat. Thoroughly sobered from that emotional apology. There would be no more of that. He was dealing with the devil herself. He could afford to lose himself. "Look Marion, I just wanted to make it up to you. Could you.. would you be willing to meet me at the studio tomorrow?"

"The studio? Why?"

He knew she'd be confused. She was not allowed at the studio. It was one of the band safe spaces. They'd likely kill him for what he was planning. There no going back now. "I want you to be on our next album." He quickly pulls the phone away from his head, fully expecting his ear to be assaulted with loud screeching. But there was nothing.

Silence.

There was absolutely no sound coming from the other end. Not even the sound of her breathing. Nothing. Robin wonders if she muted him. Muted herself? How does that work? He doesn't know. All he does know is that he has no desire to here her response, but he'll need one in order to know how to proceed.

"Marion?" Robin hesitantly speaks.

"Oh Robbie baby! Isn't that the sweetest gesture? I love you too!" Marion squeals into the phone. "What time do you need me by? I know you like to work late. Or really early."

"How does 10:30 in the morning sound?"

"It sounds like I need to go to sleep now to be ready. I need my beauty rest. I'll see you tomorrow love bug." And with that Marion ends the call.

That went better than he expected. It would have been better had he not told the wrong person he loved them. Now it's time for the hard part. Robin decides to head to bed a bit early. It's been a long day and tomorrow will be an even longer one.

24 hours until video release

The article surfaces at 7:30 that morning. It is published in a discreet enough location that by the time 10:30 rolls around half the world has already seen it. It's genius really. Sydney sent the article to a small publishing company and then shared the article from a spam Instagram account. After that the article practically sold itself. Once it made its way to Twitter, Sydney officially wiped his hand clean of it. The article itself isn't the thing that is widely spread. It's the information, pictures, and shared screen shots of Twitter commentary. It's the publicity no one pays for, but can always count on to get the job done.

He's done his job and was paid handsomely to do it. Now all he has to do is wait for it all to blow up in Marion Taylor's face. He had the best job. And no one could ever trace it back to him. It was truly genius.

Thanks for reading. I always love to hear your thoughts. That window of time is dwindling quickly. What do you think will happen?

SD