After leaving Regina's house, Robin is fuming. He cannot believe what Regina just told him. His friends participated in a bet on who would get to sleep with her. It sent his blood boiling fast. He never thought his friends would stoop so low as that. Yes, they're boys and they all did reckless things during college but nothing as cruel as that.
He knocked on Killian's door impatiently. He needs to have a word with him. It would have been better if David would be there too but he's probably working. He can have a talk with him later.
"Robin? Hey there, mate. Come on in", Killian greeted with all smile.
Robin did not return the same enthusiasm and just entered the house. He heard Killian offered him something to drink but he is in no mood for any of that.
"A pool?" is all he asked as he saw the way his friend stiffened.
"Robin..."
"You know a part of me does not want to believe it because I thought I knew you and David. You both are my friends but apparently, it is true. What is wrong with you?"
He always put his friends on a pedestal. David has a penchant for doing the right thing. He's the one spousing of honesty and kindness on all of them while Killian may have had troubled past, but he put on the work to change and he did change for the better, or so he thought.
"It was just a harmless bet, Robin. At the time, it was fun, but nothing happened",
Robin scoffed. "Nothing happened because none of you won, is that it? Regina did not fall for your tricks and because of that, what? You branded her a pariah in this town? Because she does not want to play ball, she's an outcast?"
"Is that what she said?" Killian asked.
"No. She just thought that no one is capable of being nice to her without having an ulterior motive. That's how deeply it scarred her that she could not allow herself to be open with anyone because she thinks everyone is out to fool her and use her. Can you not see how cruel that is?"
Killian sighed and sat on the sofa as Robin remains standing, carefully watching his friend.
"I know we screwed up. After that night blew up, the boys, not just me and David, were having a drink. They just started talking about Regina and then the next thing we knew, a pool was taking place. We thought that it was just for fun at the moment, a game. Then, the next day it turned out that they were all serious. I didn't know what I was thinking or what I was trying to prove but I know I messed up",
Robin sat across from Killian and listened intently.
"After Regina discovered about the pool, I tried to make it up to her, to say I was sorry for ever participating but she wouldn't even want to look at me…so, I just stayed out of her way. David did the same",
Now, Robin understood why Regina does not even want to make the effort to get into the community spirit. After that, he wouldn't blame her for just isolating herself away from everyone. She probably let Killian in, thought she could trust him to be her friend and then it backfired. She thought everyone is the same.
"Yes, you messed up. You both did. It's not cool to play on someone like that and you know that. I don't think you would react positively if someone did that to you. Regina is not the things they talk about, you know. I may not know her that long but she is not that person they paint her to be", he said.
Killian narrowed his eyes on his friend. "Robin, are you falling for Regina Mills?"
The question caught him off-guard. Yes, there is an attraction for sure. Regina is a very beautiful woman, smart, funny, and mysterious but is he already falling for her? She made it clear to him that she's not the relationship type of person. All she can offer him is her friendship and nothing more.
"I like her, to be honest, but right now, I want her to be my friend. She's a good person, Killian, if everyone will just give her a chance", he answered.
It was then that Emma walked into the house. He forgot that his friend is living with the sheriff. David mentioned that during his housewarming party. The blonde immediately zeroed in on him before giving him a polite smile.
"Grocery shopping without me, love?" Killian greeted his girlfriend before taking the bags from her.
"Didn't want to bother you and besides, I had a run in with Regina at the store", both men froze. "She's throwing another party tonight so I will be having a late night tonight",
…because she's going to hover around Regina's house, Robin thought.
"It's just a birthday party, Sheriff", he muttered.
Emma turned to him with a frown.
"You're invited?"
"Yes",
"Robin, I know you're new in town but there are a lot of things you know nothing about—"
"…and you're somewhat of an expert when it comes to Regina?" the blonde halted. "I believe there's a saying that goes like don't judge a book by its cover and as Sheriff, I think you of all people must live by that saying…or maybe, you just jump on anyone you think is a criminal without any proof", he snapped.
Killian sighed as he rubbed his hair with his hand. "Robin, she didn't mean it like that",
"I think we both know that she did. Leave the woman alone. She's done nothing to any of you", Robin said before storming out of their house.
For the rest of the day, Robin ignored the calls from David and Killian. He does not really want to talk to them. He needs time to reconcile with the fact that his friends may not be the persons he thought they are.
He took a trip at the Main Street to buy a gift for Regina's friend. It is customary to attend a birthday party with a gift and he wants to make a good impression on Regina and her circle of friends. Maybe he wants to prove that he is also different from the rest of the people of Storybrooke.
Once he saw cars pulling over at Regina's house, he got ready quick and crossed the street. He can hear the music but it's not that loud what would warrant any noise complaints from the neighbors. He fixed his hair first before ringing the doorbell.
"Hello, Robin", Regina greeted as she answered the door.
She let him in and saw that the party is in full swing. The house is packed with people he hadn't seen before. It is obvious Regina did not invite anyone from the town except for him.
"Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone",
He followed her at the pool where most of the guests are having fun. Someone is in charge in her bar while the waiters are busy supplying everyone with food. It is as normal as any party there is. Just people having the best time.
Regina came back with a blonde woman in a red bikini. She was whispering something on Regina's ears that had her laughing.
"Cru, this is Robin Locksley, my new neighbor from across the street. Robin, this is Cruella, the birthday girl",
"It's a pleasure meeting you and happy birthday", he greeted before handing over his wrapped gift for the woman.
Cruella turned to Regina before Regina gave her a smile. The woman took the gift and quickly unwrapped it revealing the small purse covered in faux fur.
"Oh my god! This is beautiful. Thank you!" the birthday girl exclaimed.
"That's wild. How did you know Cru is into anything fur?" Regina asked him.
He didn't. "Lucky guess, I think? I saw it on the store and hoped that she will like it",
"Like it? I love it! Regina, dear, keep this man. I like him already", Cruella said.
Regina laughed at her friend but said nothing else. Behind the girls, Robin saw another woman approaching them but unlike Cruella, this woman is eyeing Robin carefully, like she's dissecting him from head to toe.
"What's up?" the woman asked.
"Oh, great you're here. This is Robin Locksley, my new neighbor from across the street. Robin, this is my best friend Mal. We also work together at the firm", Regina said.
Mal shook his offered hand but did not tear away her eyes from his. It should make him uneasy but he held her gaze, not wanting to be intimidated by Regina's friend.
"I heard many things about you, Mr. Locksley. Hope you don't turn out like the others", Mal then said.
Regina glared at her but kept quiet.
"Well, I doubt that. He just bought me a birthday present", Cruella cut in before showing Mal the purse.
"How about a tour?" Regina offered and he knows it is her way of getting him away from her friends.
"Sure. That would be nice. Pleasure meeting the both of you and happy birthday again",
Regina showed him her house while telling him what inspires her to decorate it the way it is. Apparently, Regina is a big traveler. She bought pieces of art from around the world and hang them on the walls.
"You stayed in Italy for two months?"
"Yes. It's lovely there. I think I can actually live there, you know. Good food. Good people. It feels like home somehow",
Finally, they arrived at her bedroom. He expected a lavish bed and a big closet but what he found is a massive collection of books. His feet dragged him to the shelves and browsed her collection. She also owned vinyl from different artists.
"…not what you expected?"
"Honestly, yes, but I am not disappointed. You've got great taste, I must say",
She laughed and followed him. She then pulled out a Bob Marley track and showed it to him.
"This is the first thing I bought once I got my player. I played it so much that it has scratches now. I would play this instead downstairs but Cru is more into the disco songs and since, it's her birthday, I guess I can bear the loud music for one night",
"It's nice of you to host her birthday party here in your house", he commented.
Regina blushed a little before returning the vinyl at the shelf.
"She and Mal have always been there for me through thick and thin and they never asked anything from me so, when Cru requested to have her birthday here, I couldn't refuse. It's the least I can do after everything they put up with me",
It stunned Robin at how easy it is for her to just tell him things. He realized that she can be as open as possible when she's allowed to or at least, when she allowed herself to be. He feels so honored that she's sharing something of herself to him.
"Well, you're a good friend, Regina. If you need anything, I want you to know that my door is wide open for you anytime",
"Thank you, Robin",
Then, the doorbell rang which is their cue to leave the second floor of the house. He followed Regina as she makes her way to the front door. The house is packed but it is possible that she is still expecting more people.
When she opened the door, however, it's not the people she wanted to see and with the way her shoulders tensed, Robin already guessed who it is standing outside.
"Regina? Is everything okay?" he asked.
As he glanced outside, he saw Emma, Killian, David, and Mary Margaret standing there.
"Regina, do you mind if we can all talk for a moment?" Emma asked and Robin knew the party is pretty much over.