Part V: Happy New Year

The driver picked them up the next morning and took them back to the lodge. "Someone from the lodge will come down later and pack everything up for you," he assured them.

"Thank you," Regina said, recalling that the staff had cleaned up after the Nolans' wedding night. It had been a relief for Regina and Robin, who had felt uncomfortable going into the room after knowing what their friends had done. They had also been caught up in their own little bubble following their reunion and it had taken all their willpower to go down for brunch rather than just stay curled in bed together.

"So, you two off on your honeymoon now?" the driver asked, navigating the winding path back up to the lodge.

Robin shook his head. "We've decided to wait until after the New Year. Prices were much better and we wouldn't be traveling with everyone else."

"Smart move," the driver replied. "So what are you two going to do now?"

"We're off to celebrate Christmas with our family," Regina said, squeezing Robin's hand. "It's just going to be a quiet day, especially after yesterday."

The driver nodded. "Sounds good. You two deserve a nice quiet day to just enjoy being married."

"Yes," Robin agreed, kissing the side of Regina's head. "We certainly do."

The car came to a stop at the lodge and the driver put it into park. He unbuckled himself before looking back at them. "You two wait there. I'll come open the door for you," he said.

"Do you want to go home first or go straight to Granny's?" Robin asked her, giving Regina a little squeeze.

"Home," she replied. "I want to relax a bit more and just be with you before we have to face my family. Or rather, my cousin."

A blast of cold air filled the car as the driver opened the door. Robin climbed out first and held his hand out to help Regina down. They thanked the driver and wished him a Merry Christmas before heading toward the warmth of the lodge.

Robin darted forward and pulled the door open. He bowed as he said: "After you, milady."

"Thank you, good sir," she replied, playing along as she entered the lodge. He followed her, closing the door behind them. Taking her hand, they headed to reception to find out where their bags were being kept.

As they walked through the hallway, Regina's mind couldn't help but wander back almost two years to the day after David and Mary Margaret's wedding. She and Robin hadn't been sure if anyone had realized they had spent the night together since they had been the last of the wedding party to turn in for the night. But once they walked in together, Ruby had let out a wolf whistle and made a comment about them that made it clear she. It turned out that she had gone to get a midnight snack from the vending machine located on Robin's floor and had witnessed him and Regina tumble out of the elevator, kissing each other. She watched until they disappeared into his room and so had enjoyed teasing them throughout the brunch, even once the happy couple joined them.

And now, Regina was certain her cousin was going to tease them again during Christmas.

They arrived at the reception area and the concierge smiled at them. "Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Locksley. How was the cottage?"

"It was lovely," Robin replied. "And thank you for having the kitchens send down food for us. We really didn't get a chance to eat last night."

"That usually tends to happen," the concierge replied with a smile. "Anyway, your wedding party packed your bags and we've been holding them. Let me send someone to get them for you. I'm sure you two have Christmas plans to get to."

She called for their bags and someone came out from a backroom, rolling their luggage. The concierge thanked him before handing Robin and Regina their bags. "Have a Merry Christmas and once again, congratulations."

"Merry Christmas and thank you," Robin said, pulling out his keys. He and Regina left the lodge, quickly placing their bags in Robin's car and then climbing in. Starting it, he smiled at her. "Home?"

"Home," she agreed with a smile of her own, leaning back as he pulled out of his spot. He turned toward the exit and soon they were on their way back to their house.

Regina collapsed onto their couch as Robin lit a fire in their fireplace. "Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays," she sang.

He chuckled, standing up. "Absolutely. There's no place I'd rather be."

"Shall we cuddle?" she asked, holding out her hand to pull him onto the couch with her.

"Not just yet," he said, kneeling next to their Christmas tree. He pulled out a gift from behind it and held it out to her. "This is for you."

She sat up, crossing her arms. "Cheater. We said no presents."

"I know," he replied, looking sheepish. "But I couldn't resist. Consider it a combination Christmas and wedding present. And don't worry if you didn't get me anything. We did agree."

"We did," she said, taking the present. She then motioned to Robin's stocking. "But you might want to check in there. Santa may have left you something."

He grinned, standing and kissing her forehead. "I'll be right back and we can open our gifts together."

She watched as he grabbed his stocking and then returned to the couch. He chuckled. "I wish I had thought about hiding yours in your stocking as well."

"That's okay," she said. "It was the first place I looked."

"Oh?" he asked, raising his eyebrow as he looked her over.

Regina shrugged. "I figured if I got you something, you probably also broke the rule and got me something."

"We certainly are two peas in a pod," he replied, leaning forward and giving her a quick kiss. She hummed against his lips, joy surging through her again.

They broke the kiss and he pulled back, motioning to the box she held in her hand. "Go ahead, open it."

"Let's open together," she said. "Three...two...one."

Both pulled off the wrapping paper on their respective gifts. Regina was not surprised to find a little black box in her hands. "You don't have to keep getting me jewelry," she told him.

"I know," he replied, "but I think you'll really love this one."

"Now I'm really curious," she said, opening the box. She stared down at a gold heart with little red stones studded along the edge. Two R's were entwined in the center of it. Regina recognized it instantly and gasped. Looking up, she asked: "Is this…?"

He grinned. "A much better version of that necklace I made you in summer camp when you were ten and I was eleven? Yes, yes it is."

"I loved that necklace," she said, recalling how she had worn it all summer long. "I was devastated when it fell apart."

"And I promised I would make you a new one," he reminded her. "I finally did."

She smiled, nodding. Holding it out, she asked: "Care to do the honors?"

"Gladly," he replied, taking the necklace from her. She brushed her hair away from her neck as he placed the necklace around it. Once it was in place, he kissed the back of her neck. "There."

Regina turned back to him, kissing him quickly. "Thank you, Robin. I love it."

She then tapped the box he held. "Are you going to see what this is or just keep holding the box?"

"Okay, okay," he replied, opening the box. His mouth dropped open as his eyes widened. Robin slowly looked up at her. "Is this…?"

"The same type of watch your father wore? Yes," she told him, smiling as she placed her hand on his back. "It took some searching but I found one."

He gently lifted the gold watch from the box, tears filling his eyes. Robin leaned over, kissing her gently. "Thank you," he whispered.

"May I?" she asked, holding out her hand. He placed the watch in it and she slid it over his wrist, closing the clasp to hold it in place. She smiled as she said: "There."

Robin kissed the side of her head before wrapping his arm around her, pulling her against him. "Merry Christmas, Regina."

"Merry Christmas, Robin," she replied, snuggling against him. They laid there together, just enjoying being in their home for Christmas.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the newlyweds," Ruby said, crossing her arms as Robin and Regina entered Granny's house. She smirked. "I'm glad you were able to pull yourselves away from each other long enough to join us."

Granny shot her a look. "Will you please not tease your cousin today?"

"Oh, come on, Granny," Ruby protested. "It's just a little fun."

"You had your fun two years ago," Regina reminded her. "You teased us mercilessly after Mary Margaret and David's wedding."

Ruby smiled, chuckling. "Yeah, that was fun."

"For you," Regina countered. "It got old very quickly. And it's still old."

"Besides, it's Christmas. Consider it a Christmas present to your dear grandmother," Granny said, patting Ruby's cheek.

Ruby sighed but nodded. "Fine."

"Thank you, dear," Granny replied. She then turned back to Robin and Regina. "Can I get you two anything?"

"Just some water for now," Regina said as Robin nodded. "Thank you."

Ruby frowned. "Water? Really?"

"For now," Regina repeated. "We'll enjoy some alcohol later."

"No need to rush anything, Ruby. Besides, don't you think you did enough drinking last night?" Granny asked, looking over the rims of her glasses at her granddaughter.

Ruby shrugged. "I think I just did the right amount of drinking at the wedding, thank you."

"She seemed fine to me," Regina replied, ready to defend her cousin. Granny loved them and only wanted the best for them but sometimes could be hard on them, especially Ruby. "Even was sober enough to try to nail me with flower petals on our way out to the lodge."

"Yeah, that reminds me," Ruby said, walking over and giving Robin a good shove. "Why did you get in the way?"

He chuckled. "Because a groom always protects his bride."

She rolled her eyes. "Ugh. You're in rare sappy form today, aren't you?"

"Of course I am," he said, wrapping his arm around Regina and holding her close. "It's the day after I married the love of my life, my best friend and soulmate."

"This," Ruby said, pointing to Robin as she turned back to her grandmother. "This is why I need a drink."

Granny rolled her eyes. "Fine. But I reserve the right to cut you off if I think you've had too much. Deal?"

"Deal," Ruby said, heading into the kitchen.

"Can I help you with anything?" Regina asked her grandaunt. "Peel something, mash something, frost something?"

Granny chuckled, shaking her head. "Everything is taken care of. You two just go and relax."

"Are you sure?" Robin asked. "We are able to help."

"I'm fine. You two go relax. Leopold and the Nolans should be here shortly and I know Regina's going to want to cuddle Neal when they get here," Granny said, shooing them into her living room.

Regina chuckled. "I do want to cuddle Neal."

"I know," Robin replied. "When he comes, I'm chopped liver."

She patted his cheek, deciding there was no point in denying it. "Pretty much. He's cuter."

Robin sighed. "I can't argue that."

"Besides," she argued, "you've done your share of cuddling with Neal."

"Can't argue that as well," he replied. "He's just so easy to cuddle."

The doorbell rang and Regina sat up a bit straighter, excitement bubbling up inside her. "That should be them."

A few minutes later, Mary Margaret entered the living room with Neal on her hip. She smiled at them. "There are the newlyweds! Did you two have a good night last night?"

"We did," Regina replied with a smile. "You and David did an amazing job decorating the cottage. Thank you."

"Well, you two set the bar pretty high," David said, joining his wife and wrapping his arm around her. "Did you two also enjoy your gifts?"

Robin chuckled as he nodded. "For a little while anyway."

"Good," Mary Margaret said, smiling widely now. "You two deserved the best night possible."

"Well, we had it," Regina said, standing as she held out her arms. "And I'd love to now have some cuddles with my godson."

Mary Margaret chuckled, sliding her son into Regina's arms. "He's all yours."

Regina held Neal close, kissing the top of his head. "Hello, sweetheart. Have you missed Aunt Regina?"

He cooed as she sat back down, rocking him. "Yes, you did, didn't you?"

"You're such a natural with him," Mary Margaret said. "I can't wait to see you with your own child."

Regina smiled, rubbing Neal's back. "I honestly can't wait to be a mother. I put it off for so long…"

"You didn't put it off," Robin told her, rubbing her back. "So don't think like that. Remember that it's all about timing."

"Right," she said, leaning against him. "Timing."

Neal wriggled against her chest, getting more comfortable as he closed his fist around the neckline of her shirt. She smiled, kissing the top of his head. "Sorry, sweetheart, were we not paying enough attention to you?"

He cooed again, resting his head on her chest. She chuckled, rubbing his back. "There. You have my attention again. It's just you and Auntie Regina."

"He's definitely happy," David said, wrapping his arm around his wife. "And we get a nice little break."

Mary Margaret nodded. "Visiting with Robin and Regina is always like a little vacation from parenthood."

"Happy to help," Robin replied with a goofy grin. "We love spending time with him."

The doorbell rang again and everyone looked up. Mary Margaret smiled as they heard the door open. "That's probably my father."

"Ahh, you were able to find the house," Granny said, surprising Regina. By the looks on everyone else's faces, they were surprised too. After all, Leopold would be able to find Granny's house blindfolded.

So who was at the door?

Tuck appeared in the living room, smiling. "Hello, everyone. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Robin said, standing. He held out his hand and his friend shook it. "I feel bad that I didn't even consider what you would be doing today."

"It's the day after your wedding. The last thing on your mind should be your guests," Tuck assured him. "Regina's aunt asked me what I was doing and then invited me to join you. I'm glad I can celebrate with you."

Robin grinned. "I am happy to celebrate Christmas with you. It'll be like old times. Except we won't be using a rock as a Christmas tree and a dining table."

"What?" David asked, looking concerned. "You two really did that one Christmas?"

"We did," Tuck said. "We had to make do with what we had."

Robin nodded. "It really makes you appreciate the true meaning of Christmas when you have to celebrate with whatever you have around you rather than the usual trappings of the holiday."

"I suppose it does," David said, nodding.

Tuck sat down next to Regina as Robin took his spot next to her again. Smiling, Tuck leaned forward as he looked at Neal. "And who is this?"

"This is Mary Margaret and David's son, Neal," Regina said, rubbing the baby's back as he curled up on her chest. "Robin and I are his godparents."

"He adores them both," Mary Margaret said fondly.

David nodded as he wrapped his arm around his wife. "Look at him now. Only about fifteen minutes with Regina and already cuddling with her as he falls asleep."

Tuck chuckled. "You are a natural mother, Regina."

"I tell her that all the time," Robin said, kissing the side of her head.

She smiled. "You should see Robin with him. He's a natural father as well."

"Oh, I know that," Tuck agreed. "No matter where we went, the children would all flock to him and would be disappointed when he left."

"I can see that," Regina agreed, leaning against Robin as she imagined him with their own children. Hopefully, that dream would come true soon.

Ruby entered the room and sat down by the Nolans. "Ahh, I see my cousin is already being a baby hog."

"Yes, I am," Regina admitted proudly. "Neal and I are enjoying our bonding time."

"Well, I call dibs on hogging your baby whenever you and Robin have one," Ruby said, sipping her drink.

Mary Margaret sat up a bit, frowning. "Who says you've got dibs? I'm likely to be the godmother so I take precedence over you."

"I'm Regina's cousin," Ruby retorted.

"And I'm Robin's!" Mary Margaret countered.

Regina chuckled, amused that they were fighting over a child she and Robin didn't even have yet. She hoped that child would come soon but for now, she was happy to devote her time and love to the infant sleeping on her chest at the moment. Neal's little chest rose and fell against hers and she continued to rub his back. With a content sigh, she leaned against Robin. He kissed the side of her head and she felt a surge of happiness.

It was a wonderful Christmas.

"Another amazing meal, Eugenia," Leopold said, wiping his mouth. "Thank you so much."

Robin nodded, leaning back in his chair. "I'm definitely glad this was after the wedding. I don't think I would fit in my tux if the wedding was tomorrow."

"I think I'm going to have to roll home myself," David agreed, patting his stomach.

Granny grinned as she waved off their statements. "You all flatter me too much."

"It really was delicious, Granny," Regina replied, reaching out and patting her grandaunt's hand. "You're the best."

"Well, I love cooking and having my family around me," she said, raising her glass. "To family!"

Everyone lifted their own glasses, exclaiming: "To family!"

They clinked their glasses together and took sips. Setting his glass down, Tuck chuckled. "I'm glad I accepted this invitation."

"Well, it's an open invitation," Granny told him. "You're always welcome at this table."

Regina nodded, leaning past Robin to place her hand over Tuck's as she hoped he knew that he was now part of their family forever. "And you're always welcome at ours as well."

"Thank you," Tuck said, looking touched. He then chuckled. "I've never had so many invitations to Christmas before!"

"Our family motto is the more the merrier," Ruby replied, grinning.

He grinned. "Good to know."

"We're all proof that blood doesn't always make a family," Robin agreed, wrapping his arm around Regina's shoulders. "It's love."

"Exactly," Granny agreed, nodding with a smile.

Leopold tilted his head before frowning. "Robin, is...is that your father's watch? I thought it was lost years ago."

"Oh," Robin said, turning his wrist to look at the watch with a smile. "It's a replica. Regina gave it to me as a Christmas and wedding gift."

"You really have a knack for recreating treasured items," Mary Margaret said, reaching up to rub a finger over the replica of her mother's earrings Regina had made for her wedding.

Regina smiled, running her finger over her own necklace. "I'm not the only one."

"Wait...is that a real version of that macaroni necklace Robin made for you when we were younger?" Ruby asked, squinting as she leaned closer to get a better look.

"It is," Regina replied. "This was his Christmas and wedding gift to me."

"Damn," Ruby said, shaking her head. "You put all of us to shame as gift-givers."

Regina rolled her eyes at her cousin's dramatics. "It's not hard when you really know the person."

"Or have a long history with them," Robin added, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

"And some good connections," Regina also said.

Her cousin shook her head. "Yeah, so pretty much be superpeople who are just amazingly perfect. Got it."

Regina rolled her eyes. "Now you're just being dramatic."

"How about we just declare Robin and Regina to be sickeningly romantic and move on?" David joked.

"You're one to talk," Ruby told him. "You and Mary Margaret are practically the definition of sickeningly romantic."

As David and Ruby started to bicker, Regina picked up her wine glass and took a sip. She still couldn't believe that she thought she could spend a lifetime not celebrating Christmas like this. There was absolutely nowhere else she would want to spend Christmas and no one else she wanted to celebrate it with, especially Robin.

He seemed to read her mind as he leaned toward her, pressing a kiss to her head. She then rested her head on his shoulder, content and happy with her life.

Merry Christmas to her.

They rang in the New Year at the Mist Haven Lodge's party once again. Robin and Regina made a wish to be parents by the next New Year before toasting with champagne. They enjoyed what could be their last New Year's as a childless couple and returned home in the early morning hours. Robin carried Regina to bed where they made love before falling asleep in each other's arms.

After spending New Year's Day and the day after finishing packing and lounging around their house, Robin and Regina woke early on January 3rd. They changed and grabbed their packed luggage as David pulled up in his truck. He helped them put their bags in the back and then they climbed into his car.

"Thanks, mate, for coming to get us," Robin said as David drove down the quiet streets. "We owe you one."

"Happy to help," David said, "but I'll be sure to collect on that."

Regina chuckled, leaning against Robin. "I can't believe we're actually going on our honeymoon. After all that planning, it's finally here."

"I know," Robin replied, giving her a little squeeze. "We're going to have an amazing time."

She hummed, looking out the window as Storybrooke whizzed by them. David glanced over at them. "We have some time if you two want to nap. I won't mind," he told him.

Robin glanced down at Regina. "Whatever you want to do. I think I'll sleep on the plane."

"Sounds good," she replied, placing her head on Robin's shoulder. "I think I'll catch a nap now so I have some more energy to deal with checking in and airport security."

"Go ahead. I've got you," he assured her, kissing the top of her head. She closed her eyes and let herself rest as David continued to drive toward the airport. Robin wrapped his arm around her and the warmth from his body was like the blankets they had reluctantly slipped out of earlier.

Regina was excited for their honeymoon, though it at first had been the most stressful part of planning for their wedding. She had wanted to go to a place that Robin hadn't been yet but that really only left some of the most inhabitable places on earth, such as the Sahara or Antarctica. The few places that weren't harsh terrains that experienced extreme weather weren't very tourist friendly either.

Finally, she admitted her struggle to Robin. He had taken her hands in his and told her that it didn't matter if he had been to wherever they went before because he had never been there with her. And that alone was going to make it exciting and new. It felt like a weight had been lifted and she finally committed to a honeymoon destination. Now she couldn't wait to go there with him.

She dreamed of beautiful beaches, clear water and warm nights spent wrapped up in each other. Just as her dreams were getting perhaps too steamy, someone shook her. "Regina? We're almost there."

"What?" she asked, raising her head and feeling as if she were drunk. Maybe a nap wasn't a good idea after all…

"We're about five minutes from the airport," Robin told her. "We need to get ready to get out."

Bright lights backlit David, proving that they were approaching the airport. She sat up straighter, nodding. "Thank you. I'll be ready."

"You two do know I will stop the car, right?" David asked, sounding amused. "I'm not going to make you jump out of the car as I buzz the terminal."

They chuckled as Robin nodded. "We do. Still doesn't mean we shouldn't be ready to get out of the car and into the airport. Thanks again for driving us."

"You're welcome," David replied. "I know you would do the same for me and Mary Margaret."

"Yeah," Robin agreed and Regina knew it was the truth. Both would do anything for their friends - their family.

David confirmed their terminal before taking the appropriate ramp toward it. He pulled up in front of departures and put the truck in park. "Alright, let's get your bags and then you can be off to your well-deserved honeymoon."

They climbed out of the truck and Regina shivered as she stepped into the cold January morning air. She pulled her coat around her tighter as she went to the back of David's truck. He took out their luggage and placed them on the ground before hugging her. "Have a safe flight," he said.

"Thank you," she said, hugging him back. "We'll see you all in a week. Hold down the fort for us."

"I will," he replied. "Don't even think about us. Have fun, you two!"

Robin and Regina took their luggage and, after another wave to David, walked into the airport terminal. There were some people there, also ready to hop on early morning flights to their destinations for whatever reason - for work, for vacation, for family, whatever. David had dropped them off near their airline's check-in counters so Robin and Regina didn't have to go far before getting in the queue to check-in for their flight.

Once their bags were checked, Robin took Regina's hand. "Do you want breakfast before or after going through security?"

"After," she said. "I'll feel better knowing we're near the gate."

He nodded, following the sign for security. "Then onto our adventure, milady. Are you ready?"

"I'm always ready when I'm with you," she replied, wrapping her arm around him. "Let's go."

Robin first kissed her in the middle of the airport, not caring who was watching. She kissed him back, melting against him as she once again was filled with gratitude that life had brought them together again. There was no one else she wanted to spend the rest of her life with and she was so lucky to call herself his wife.

They broke their kiss and he grinned. "Here we go."

Lacing their fingers together, they walked onto the security line to continue their trip to their honeymoon.

Hours later, Regina stood on the balcony of their Fiji resort. She stared out over the crystal blue water and marveled at it, amazed at how beautiful their planet was. A peaceful sensation washed over her and she felt more relaxed than she had been in a long time.

"This was the perfect choice," Robin said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Thank you, sweetheart."

She relaxed against him, closing her eyes. "I never thought I would actually get here. Travel always seemed hypothetical before. I never would've been able to pull myself away from work long enough to do this."

"That life is over," he told her, kissing her cheek. "Focus on the here and now. We're here in Fiji now to celebrate our new life together. That's all that matters."

Regina opened her eyes, looking right into his blue ones. Love filled them and she knew he was right. She slowly nodded. "Here and now."

"Good," he replied, releasing her. "Now, I believe the hotel has provided us with some champagne. We shouldn't waste it."

She grinned, taking his hand in hers. "No, we shouldn't."

He led her over to where the ice bucket sat, the bottle of champagne resting in it. Two flutes sat next to it, waiting to be filled. Robin released Regina's hand and picked up the bottle, ready to pop the cork. He turned away from her, grinning. "Shall we count down?"

"Do you really need one to open a bottle of champagne?" she teased him.

"No," he replied, "but I like to have one."

He gave her a cheeky grin and she rolled her eyes. But she then said: "Five...four...three...two...one!"

Robin popped the cork and held the bottle away as foam poured out of it. He laughed before pouring champagne into the two flutes. Picking them up, he handed her one of the flutes. "Milady."

"Thank you," she said, taking it and holding it out. "To the here and now?"

He nodded, clinking his flute against hers. "And to new adventures with each other."

"I can definitely drink to that," she said, sipping the champagne and feeling the bubbles dance down her throat.

Robin finished his champagne before placing the flute next to the bucket. He took Regina's empty one before pulling her close to him with a coy grin. "So, shall we officially start our honeymoon?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I think that sounds like a great idea."

"Good," he said, picking her up in the bridal carry. "Then I think we should test this rather large bed."

He laid her down as she smiled coyly. "And how far away we really are from our neighbors, hmm?" she asked.

"I like how you think," he replied, climbing onto bed and kissing her. He gently laid on top of her as they deepened their kiss, starting to get lost in each other.

Regina tugged on the belt holding his robe closed, breaking the kiss. "I think it's time to lose this."

"Only if you lose the dress," he said, starting to lift up the skirt of her dress.

"Deal." She bit her lip as she raised her hands over her head. "Go ahead."

He laughed, pulling the dress over her head and tossing it aside. As he pressed kisses down her body, she sighed. This was the life she had always wanted to live and she was glad she could experience it with the man she had always loved.

And she couldn't wait to experience more adventures with him.

It truly was the beginning of the rest of her life.

A/N: And so we come to the end of this part of Robin and Regina's story in this verse. I'll probably revisit this verse again in the future but I hope you've enjoyed this look into their lives after the happily ever after of the last story.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I know 2021 ended up not being everything we hoped but I remain optimistic that 2022 will be better. So I hope 2022 brings you everything you deserve.

-Mac