Chapter 4: Roland

"How are you feeling, Regina?" Mary Margaret asked, entering the bedroom with a tray. She balanced it carefully as she approached Regina's bed.

"Like shit," Regina replied. Her body felt like it had been filled with cement and there was still a fog around her mind. All she wanted to do was go back to sleep but she feared being trapped with her mother again.

Talk about a Catch-22.

Mary Margaret set down the tray. "That's because you've been pushing yourself too much, Regina. You need to rest and let your body heal."

"No, I need my nurse not to pump me full of sedatives," Regina shot back, still annoyed at Locksley's decision.

"According to Robin, it was necessary to keep you from hurting yourself more and setting back your recovery," Mary Margaret replied, helping Regina to sit up so she could move the tray over Regina's legs.

Regina scowled. "All he had to do was leave me alone. I was going to be fine."

Mary Margaret frowned, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I doubt Robin would've sedated you if you were going to be fine. He said he found you on the floor, Regina. What happened?"

"I fell and was trying to get back in my chair," Regina said, omitting a lot of the details. "Locksley overreacted."

"Robin is a professional nurse who has dealt with a lot in his career. I highly doubted he overreacted. What aren't you telling me?" Mary Margaret asked, holding Regina's gaze.

Regina frowned, hating how her friend knew her so well but not wanting to confirm that she was right. "Why do you believe him over me? You've known me longer!"

"And that is why I believe him over you," Mary Margaret replied. "I can tell you are not telling me the entire story. So why don't you just tell me what happened?"

"I did," Regina snapped, annoyed.

Mary Margaret sighed, standing. "Fine. Keep your secrets."

"Why are you so convinced I am keeping secrets?" Regina asked her, growing more agitated and annoyed with her friend.

"Because I know when you're trying to hide something," Mary Margaret replied. "Which means, deep down, you know you were in the wrong but don't want to admit it."

Regina glared at her. "Why do I put up with you again?"

Mary Margaret placed the tray down on Regina's legs as she answered matter-of-factly. "Because you love me and you would miss me."

"There are times I doubt that," Regina snapped.

"Uh huh," Mary Margaret replied, not sounding convinced. She straightened up. "Can I get you anything else?"

Regina shook her head. "I'm fine."

Mary Margaret nodded before walking toward the door. She paused before exiting the room and then glanced over her shoulder at Regina. "You know, you're not the only one affected by this. And even if you don't care how this is affecting me, I know you care about Henry."

Before Regina could respond, Mary Margaret left the room and left Regina to sit with that comment.

"Alright, Roland, time to get out of the bath," Robin said, grabbing a towel and kneeling in preparation of his son getting out of the tub.

Though he had protested even taking the bath in the first place, Roland shook his head. "Five more minutes? Please?" he asked, clasping his hands together.

"No," Robin replied, mostly immune to his son's big brown eyes and dimples. "It's a school night and you need to go to bed."

Roland groaned and stood from the water. He carefully stepped from the tub and Robin wrapped him in the towel, holding him close. "That's my boy," he said. "How about I let you have a long bath this weekend? You can play until you're all shriveled up like a prune."

"That sounds like fun," Roland said, giggling.

"I thought it would," Robin replied, standing. He gently pushed his son forward. "Okay, let's go get your pajamas on and then it's time for bed."

They entered Roland's room and Robin quickly changed his son into his pajamas. Roland then climbed into his bed and snuggled under his bed as Robin sat on the edge on it. He looked over the bookcase next to the bed and asked: "What do you want to read tonight?"

"The Cat in the Hat!" Roland said, bouncing in his bed. "Please, Papa?"

Robin chuckled, picking up his son's favorite book. "Alright. Though I still don't understand why a cat would need a hat."

"Silly Papa," Roland said, cuddling up against Robin. Robin wrapped his arm around his son and began reading the Dr. Seuss classic.

By the time he finished reading, Roland's eyes had glazed over. Robin gently maneuvered him until he was lying down again and tucked him in, making sure he had his favorite Teddy bear with him. Kissing Roland's forehead, he said: "Goodnight, my boy. Sweet dreams."

"Night-night, Papa," Roland replied softly, yawning before closing his eyes. He rolled over and within a few minutes, was sound asleep.

Robin crept out of the room, closing the door partially before heading down to the living room. He sat down on his couch and stretched, deciding to watch some TV before he turned in for the night as well.

Except his mind would not focus on the TV. Instead, all he could think about was Regina Mills.

He sighed as his mind replayed the scene in her office, watching her struggle to get back into her chair despite the fact she was clearly in pain. The crack from when her good hand collided with the chair still echoed around his brain and he hoped it wasn't seriously hurt. Mary Margaret hadn't contacted him since he had left so he decided to take it as a good sign that Regina's injured hand just needed some heat.

Robin closed his eyes and saw Regina lying in the bed, whimpering about her mother. His blood boiled as he imagined all the abuse she may have suffered at the hands of the person who should've cared for her the most. No one deserved that and he grew sick at the thought of such an injustice.

And at the same time, he didn't know what to do with the information. He couldn't talk about it with Regina as he promised Mary Margaret he wouldn't. But if he started to treat Regina differently, she would know and grow suspicious. Robin needed to think through his approach now that he knew he was dealing with someone who had been abused and was still entrenched in her abuser's toxic mindset.

"Marian, what do I do now?" he whispered to himself, knowing he would not get an answer.

He would never get one again.

So he tried to think like her, to figure out what she would suggest. As he let the conversation play out in his mind, the answer seemed to come to him: "Archie."

Robin wanted to hit himself, wondering why his therapist friend had never popped into his mind before. Archie would be able to give him some insights on how to handle Regina – he had helped with difficult patients before and his advice was usually spot on. Feeling more confident, he decided he would call Archie in the morning before he headed over to Regina's house.

With a game plan, Robin turned off the TV and stood. He rubbed the back of his head before deciding it was time to go to bed. The morning was going to come awfully fast and he needed to be ready for it.

"Mom?" Henry opened the door to her bedroom, peeking his head into the room. "How's your hand?"

Regina glanced down at her hand, which was still swollen and stiff, before looking back up at Henry. She did her best to smile. "It's fine, sweetheart."

He frowned as he stepped closer. "Are you lying just to make me feel better?"

"What?" she asked, surprised that he could now see through her. "Do you think I would do that?"

"Yes," he said matter-of-factly.

That surprised her and she took a moment to collect herself. But before she could respond, he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm ten, Mom. You don't have to pretend things are okay when they aren't."

"I just don't want to worry you," she told him, feeling bad that her son felt he had to take care of her. "I'm the parent, you're the child. I worry about you. Not the other way around."

"But you worry about the people you love. And I love you," Henry said, looking at her with big hazel eyes.

The love in his eyes as well as his words warmed her heart and she motioned for him to come closer, not hiding how she winced from the pain in her swollen hand. He laid next to her good side and she kissed the top of his head. "I love you too, Henry," she told him.

He looked at her hand and frowned. "It's very swollen. Are you going to have to go to the hospital?"

"I don't think so," she said, hoping she didn't have to spend another night there. "Mr. Locksley gave your Aunt Mary Margaret instructions and she's been following them. I should start to feel better soon."

"Mr. Locksley did?" Henry perked up at that, much to her annoyance. "Then it should work!"

She gritted her teeth before saying: "I hope so."

"How did you hurt your hand anyway?" Henry asked, frowning.

"Oh," she said, considering her answer. "I fell off my chair earlier today and hit it while I was trying to get back into the chair."

He frowned. "Your wheelchair?"

She shook her head. "My desk chair. I was working when I fell."

"Working?" Henry tilted his head. "Shouldn't you be resting so you can heal and get better?"

"I'm still doing that. But I still have to work as well," Regina replied.

He frowned. "Why?"

"Because I'm the mayor, sweetheart," she said. "The town doesn't stop just because I got injured."

"But isn't that why you have all those deputies and department heads? Can't they do some of your work so you can rest and get better faster?" Henry asked, now pulling his legs until he was sitting crisscross.

She frowned, sitting up a bit more even as it sent a fresh wave of pain through her body. It seemed her body had not forgotten the episode she was trying to hide from everyone. "Well, I'm still in charge. The people elected me to be their mayor and so I have to be their mayor or they'll pick someone else."

"That's not what I'm hearing from people," he replied. "They want you to get better and want you to rest. No one is talking about picking someone else to be mayor because you got hurt and can't work."

"Oh, I'm sure they've said that," Regina replied, certain that no one would tell a child that their mother was being weak and needed to get back into the office – injured or not. "But they would feel differently the first time something big happened and I was needed."

Henry studied her. "We had to do a group project in school a couple months ago and Ava tried to do everything on her own. She wouldn't let us help at all. So we did the project without her. We passed and she failed because she couldn't do everything on her own in the time given. Miss Jasmine taught us that sometimes we can't do everything on our own and that we need to trust others to help us. Or else we will definitely fail."

"Henry, this is different from a school project," she said, trying to be as gentle as she could.

"But not really," he protested. "You need to trust everyone who works for you to do their jobs or else you will fail as mayor. You can't run a city on your own."

Regina was going to protest when Mary Margaret interrupted them. "It's time for bed, say goodnight to your mother and then brush your teeth."

"Okay, Aunt Mary Margaret," he said, carefully hugging Regina. "Goodnight, Mom. I love you."

"I love you too," she said, trying her best to hug him even with her swollen and painful hand. She kissed his head. "Pleasant dreams, sweetheart."

Henry climbed off the bed and left the room. Mary Margaret then approached the bed, reaching out to Regina. "Let me see your hand," she said.

"I think it's getting better," Regina replied, holding it to her chest.

"Then you won't mind me seeing it," Mary Margaret told her, giving her a pointed look as she continued to hold out her hand. Sighing, Regina placed her sore and stiff hand on her friend's so Mary Margaret could examine it.

As she looked over it, she told Regina: "You know, Henry is pretty wise for a ten-years-old."

"Yes," Regina agreed, "but he's still a child and doesn't understand a lot of how the adult world work."

"I don't know. I think he might have a better grasp on it than some adults," her friend replied, narrowing her eyes. Regina pressed her lips together, knowing that Mary Margaret believed growing up with Cora Mills had warped Regina's understanding of the world but Regina believed it gave her a clearer understanding than most people.

Especially Mary Margaret, who had been sheltered by her doting and overprotective parents. Regina loved her friend but knew she had rose-colored glasses when it came to the world and how other people acted.

"You don't have to do everything by yourself, Regina," Mary Margaret said softly. "It's okay to ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength."

"I have help," Regina protested. "I have you, David and Locksley, since you're forcing him on me."

Mary Margaret gave her a look. "You're fighting us, especially Robin. We just want to see you get better."

"So I can stop being an inconvenience?" Regina asked, sensing the message under her friend's words.

"That's your mother speaking," Mary Margaret told her. "You are worthy of love and friendship and we care about your wellbeing. We just want you to be happy and healthy because you deserve it."

She set Regina's hand back down. "It still looks swollen and stiff. If it doesn't go down by the morning, I think you should let Robin take you to the doctor."

"That won't be necessary," Regina said, frowning. Going to the doctor's office would mean people would see her in her chair and with an aide pushing her chair like she was some old woman. She could only imagine what people would say after that.

"I don't think that's going to be your call," Mary Margaret told her. "Robin and I will discuss it in the morning."

Regina scowled. "It's my hand. I think I should get a say in what happens."

"You've shown that you will act against your best interests," she replied, crossing her arms. "So no, you don't get a say right now."

"Fine," Regina snapped. "I'll be a good little girl and go to the doctor."

Mary Margaret pressed her lips together before saying: "I'll overlook the sarcasm and just accept that you're going to go if we think it's necessary. So thank you."

"Yeah, yeah," Regina muttered, laying down. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night. Good night."

"Goodnight," Mary Margaret replied, heading to the door. She paused there, looking back at Regina. "We really do care about you, Regina, and we really want what's best for you. Our lives wouldn't be the same without you."

She then left the room, leaving Regina to consider those words. A lump formed in her throat and she fought back tears as she did her best to turn off her light with her swollen hand. Pain surged through it and she winced, letting out a low hiss. Laying down, she figured maybe it wouldn't be too bad to go to the doctor's.

If only for Mary Margaret and Henry.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Locksley. Dr. Hopper is out of town at a symposium," Astrid said, sounding very apologetic. "Is this an emergency?"

"No, no. I was just hoping he could help me with a difficult patient," Robin told her, not wanting her to worry about him.

Astrid paused for a moment before asking: "I thought you left nursing?"

"This is a temporary assignment," he replied. "The patient in question is very difficult and so I agreed to help Tuck out."

"Well, Dr. Hopper will be back by the end of the week. Do you want me to leave him a message to call you?" she asked.

He knew that he was his best option and so asked her to do that. "Thank you, Astrid."

"You're welcome," she said. He heard her writing before she asked: "How are you, Robin?"

"I'm good," he said. "A little frazzled with my patient but otherwise good."

"Good. I hope to talk to you soon," she replied. He echoed the sentiments before ending the cool. It was time to get Roland ready for school and for him to head over to the mayor's house for another shift. He hoped she wasn't in a foul mood after he had to sedate her the day before but he had a feeling she was going to be extra prickly that day just to punish him.

Lucky him.

In under an hour, Roland was dressed and fed. Robin bundled them both up before helping his son out to the car. He drove over to Roland's school and dropped him off, waiting until the boy disappeared into the building before driving away. It was a short trip to the mayor's home and he parked in front of her house with a few minutes to spare.

Mary Margaret greeted him and let him into the house. He took off his coat as he asked: "How is she?"

"She's in a mood, I can tell you that," Mary Margaret replied, taking his coat and hanging it up. "And her hand is still swollen. Would you mind taking a look at it?"

He nodded. "Of course. If I determine she needs to go to the doctor, will she go?"

"Yes," Mary Margaret replied. "I got her to agree to that. But call Dr. Whale. He may agree to a house visit."

"Not many doctors do," he said, impressed. "I guess being mayor has its perks."

Mary Margaret chuckled. "Yes, it does."

She motioned for Robin to follow her and she led him to the back bedroom that was serving as Regina's temporary bedroom. Mary Margaret knocked before opening the door. "Robin is here, Regina. Is it okay if I let him in to examine your hand?" she asked.

Robin heard her sigh before saying: "Yeah, might as well get this over with now."

"Come on in, Robin," Mary Margaret said, opening the door completely and letting Robin enter the bedroom.

Mayor Mills was sitting up in bed and she glared at him as he approached. "No syringes this time?" she asked.

"No," he replied. "And as long as you don't do anything to hurt yourself again, I won't have to use one again."

She pressed her lips together but didn't say another word. Robin sat on the edge of her bed and held out his hand. "May I see your hand, please?"

"Fine," she said, wincing as she placed her swollen hand on his. "I don't think it's that bad. I think Mary Margaret is overreacting."

"And I think you're underreacting," Mary Margaret countered. "We balance each other out for just the right amount of reacting."

Robin chuckled, examining Regina's hand. Nothing felt broken or out of place so he believed it was just bruised. There was not much they could do but wait for it to heal on its own, so he set it down. "Good news. You don't have to go to the doctor," he said.

"Ha!" Regina leaned over to look around him, a triumphant look in her eyes. "I told you that it wasn't that bad!"

He bit his lip, knowing that her joy would soon be dampened. "But you can't work today."

"What?" She turned back to him, fire burning in her eyes. "Why?"

"Because while this hand doesn't need further medical attention, it does still need to heal," he told her. "You can barely use it and your other arm is in a cast. How are you going to work?"

She pressed her lips together as she realized she couldn't argue that point. Leaning back, she glared at him. "This is payback, isn't it?"

He shook his head. "It's common sense."

"Ugh," she groaned. "Fine. I'll take a day off. Happy?"

She leaned back over, clearly addressing that last word to Mary Margaret. Robin glanced over at the other woman, who nodded. "Yes. You need the rest, Regina."

"Aunt Mary Margaret?" Henry appeared in the doorway. "Are we ready to go?"

"Almost," Mary Margaret replied. "You go get your shoes and coat on and I'll meet you at the door."

Regina motioned for Henry to come over to her. "Come give me a hug before you go to school."

Henry, though, hesitate before looking at Robin. "Is it okay?"

"It is," Robin assured her concerned son. "Her hand looks worse than it is."

That seemed to comfort him and he hugged his mother. She hugged him back as best as she could before kissing his head. "Have a good day, sweetheart. I'll see you later."

"Have a good day too, Mom," he replied. He then turned to Robin. "Thanks for taking care of my mom."

Robin smiled. "You're welcome, Henry."

Henry left the room as Mary Margaret stepped forward, looking at Regina. "Are you going to listen to Robin and not work? Or do I need to confiscate your cell phone?"

"I am not one of your students, Mary Margaret," Regina told her. "But I promise to listen to Robin."

"Good," Mary Margaret replied. "I'll see you later then. Robin."

He nodded at her as she left. Robin then stood from Regina's bed. "Have you had breakfast yet?" he asked.

She nodded. "Mary Margaret wanted me to eat in case I had to go to the hospital."

"Alright," he said, glad that one meal was taken care of for the day. "So, where do you want to spend the day? Here or the living room?"

"I guess the living room," she replied. "I can at least watch TV."

He nodded, deciding that was probably the best place for her. "Alright. Let me go set it up for you and then I'll come get you."

"You are not carrying me again," she said, frowning as she no doubt recalled how Robin had transported her from her office to her bedroom the day before.

"I won't carry you," he promised. "I'll get your wheelchair and take you to the living room in that."

She nodded. "Good."

"Where can I find some blankets and pillows for you?" he asked her.

"Mary Margaret probably has some out there," she told him. "Just check around the couch and you'll probably find them."

He thanked her before heading into the living room. Just as she thought, Mary Margaret had left a folded blanket and a pillow by the couch. Robin set them up before going to Regina's office to retrieve her wheelchair. He rolled it into her bedroom. "Alright, everything is ready for you," he told her.

Regina sat up and scooted toward the edge of the bed. Every other time Robin had seen her, she had been dressed in a nice shirt and skirt – almost like she was going to work rather than recuperating from a terrible car accident. Now, she wore her pajamas – a loose red long-sleeved shirt paired with red and black plaid pajama pants. For the first time, she looked almost like a normal patient.

She looked around before a pained expression crossed her face. Robin tried not to gloat as she asked: "Can you help me into the chair?"

"Of course," he said, trying not to sound as smug as he felt. He helped her into the chair and then rolled her into the living room. "Do you need help getting on the couch?"

She glanced over at the couch and then down at her swollen hand before sighing. "Yes, I do."

He nodded, helping her onto the couch. Robin carefully guided her broken leg onto the couch before pulling blanket over her body. "Is there anything I can get you?"

"I assume a drink is out of the question?" she asked, looking up at him with an annoyed expression. He wasn't sure if it was directed at him or the situation she was currently in.

Probably both.

"Alcoholic, yes," he replied. "Anything else, no."

She sighed. "Fine. I guess you can just leave me with the remote."

"After your morning examination," he told her. "Let me go get my kit and I'll be right back."

Robin left and retrieved his kit. He returned to the living room and took Regina's vitals as well as checked her injuries. After noting them in his log, he handed her the remote. "If you need me just give a shout," he said, heading for the door. "I'll be able to hear you."

"I am not going to shout," she replied. "I am a bit more refined than that."

He paused before looking back at her. "My apologies. But I'm not responding to a bell."

"I don't even have a bell," she said, scowling at him. "I can always just text you."

"With what hand?" he countered, glancing down at her swollen hand as well as the one in the cast.

She moaned. "Fine. You just need to check on me more often. Deal?"

"Deal," he replied, trying hard not to laugh at the fact that she was now asking him to constantly check on her. She was going to hate it, he was sure.

It was going to be a very interesting day indeed.

Over a thousand channels and there was nothing to watch.

It was good to know she wasn't missing much while she was at work but it was frustrating now that she was stuck at home. Regina sighed as she left a rerun of Law and Order on the TV, setting down the remote. She adjusted herself so she was in more of a reclining position and cradled her swollen hand against her chest, giving it some rest as it seemed even just pressing buttons on the remote was too strenuous for it.

Maybe she needed something for it after all. As if he could read her mind, Locksley appeared in the doorway for a check in. "Do you need anything?"

"Something for my hand, please?" she asked. "It's sore."

He stepped forward, reaching out for her hand. She let him take it and examine it, watching as his brow knitted and his blue eyes focused on her hand. After a few moments, he nodded before releasing it. "I'll get you some ice," he said.

"Ice?" she asked, surprised. "I thought it was heat."

"Only at first," he replied. "At this point, it's time to switch to ice."

She was confused by that but nodded. "Whatever you say. As long as it doesn't make my hand worse."

He grinned. "It won't. I promise."

"Alright," she said. "I guess I have no choice but to trust you."

"True. I promise you that I'm trying to help you, not bring you further harm," he assured her before leaving the living room.

She wasn't too sure about that but there was nothing she could do about it.

Yet.

Locksley returned to the living room and placed the ice packet on Regina's hand. "Hold that there for fifteen minutes and then take it off for fifteen minutes. Repeat that and let me know if you need me to put it in the freezer again."

"I will," Regina said. "It's pretty much the same thing except with an ice pack rather than the heating pad."

"Yep," he agreed, his phone buzzing. He reached into the pocket of his blue scrubs and pulled it out. Frowning, he glanced up at her. "Excuse me, it's my son's school."

She nodded, knowing that if the school was calling it was important. Regina held the ice pack on her hand as she leaned back, snippets of Locksley's conversation drifted over the dialogue coming from the TV.

"He was fine when he left the house this morning," Locksley said. "Yes, he ate his breakfast. Cheerios and some orange juice. No, he didn't complain of any stomachaches. He was his usual self."

Regina felt a pang inside her, recognizing that call. She had often gotten calls like that when Henry had gotten sick at school. It was always amazing how quickly he could get sick. For her, it always felt like progression – a tickle in the throat at breakfast, coughing by lunch and then a full-blown cold by dinner. Henry, though, always seemed to get sick in the blink of an eye. One moment he would be fine, the next he was complaining of a stomachache or sneezing from a cold. She wouldn't be surprised to learn Roland was the same way.

"Yes, yes," he said. "I'll make arrangements for him to be picked up. Thank you."

He returned to the living room, looking concerned as he met her eyes. "Your son is sick?" she asked.

"Apparently," Locksley said. "He started to complain of a stomachache and then threw up. They have him in the nurse's office and he needs to go home."

"Poor thing," Regina replied, feeling bad for Roland. She then tilted her head. "Does that mean you need to leave?"

He hesitated to answer, looking down at his phone. "I'm going to try not to but I'm still relatively new to Storybrooke. I haven't really locked down childcare options yet. Belle said she would be able to watch him at the library but I don't know if she'd do that when he's sick."

"You can bring him here," she said, surprising herself. She had first wanted to tell him to go home but had to admit she did need some help with her good hand out of commission. And at that point, her other suggestion just popped out of her mouth.

"Are you sure?" he asked, looking hesitant. "I don't want to stress you or get you sick as well."

She waved him off. "I have a child too. If I'm going to get sick, it will likely be him who brings it home. It'll be fine. I'm giving you permission. Bring him here."

"Thank you," he said, relieved. "I can ask Belle to pick him up…"

"I think I'll be fine for a half hour," she assured him. "I promise not to move from this couch until you come back."

He nodded. "Alright. I promise to be right back."

"I'll be right here," she said. "Don't worry. Just go get your boy."

Gratitude filled Locksley's eyes and his shoulders relaxed. "Thank you, Regina. I appreciate this."

He left the room and a few minutes later, she heard the front door close. She settled back against her pillow and decided to enjoy the solitude before Locksley and his son got back. Taking off the ice pack, she noted the time and then turned her attention back to the TV as she continued to rest and wait.

Robin picked Roland up out of his booster seat. Immediately, Roland wrapped his arms and legs around him and clung to him like a barnacle. He let out a soft whimper. "I don't feel good, Papa," he said again.

"I know, my boy," Robin said, closing the car door. "Papa is going to take care of you, okay?"

"What about Mayor?" Roland asked, resting his head on Robin's shoulder as he approached the front door.

Robin paused, fiddling for the spare key Mary Margaret had shown him once. He let himself into the house as he said: "I'm going to take care of you both."

"Because you're a super nurse?" Roland asked, giving him a shaky smile.

"Exactly," Robin told him, closing the door behind him. "Now, I need to set you down so I can take off your coat, okay?"

Roland nodded and Robin set him down. He unzipped his son's coat and took it off, hanging it up. Once he did that, he picked Roland up again and the boy wrapped himself around Robin yet again. Rubbing his back, Robin said: "Let's get you in bed. Some sleep should help."

"Okay, Papa," Roland said, sounding sleepy.

Robin entered the living room to check on Mayor Mills, finding her still on the couch. She looked up and gave him a soft smile. "How is he?"

"His stomach is bothering him and he still feels a little nauseous," Robin said, rubbing his son's back. "I think he needs to nap for a bit."

She nodded and Roland lifted his head to look at the Mayor. He gave her a little wave. "Hi, Miss Mayor. I'm Roland."

"Hello, Roland, it's nice to meet you," she said, her eyes lighting up as she talked with him. "You can call me Regina, okay?"

Once he nodded, she then said: "I know you're not feeling well. I hope you feel better soon."

"Is there some place where I can put him so he can try to get some rest?" Robin asked, not sure where Regina had an empty bedroom. He had never been to her second floor and seemed hesitant to bring Roland there but it was likely his only option.

She pointed to the armchair located across from him. "That opens up into a daybed of sorts. You can put him there."

Relief swept through Robin. "Thank you."

He set Roland on the other armchair and followed Regina's instructions on how to get the armchair to recline. Once it was in its bedform, she then motioned toward her stairs. "If you go upstairs, the first door you'll see is my linen closet. You can grab some spare pillows and blankets there. And if you want, there's a bucket in the bathroom right next to it that I used for when Henry is sick," she told him.

"I really appreciate this," he replied. "Do you mind watching him while I get all of that?"

"Not at all," she said. "Go ahead."

Robin paused, dropping a kiss into his son's hair. "I'll be right back. Listen to Regina while I'm upstairs, okay?"

"Okay, Papa," Roland said, curling up even more on the other armchair as he closed his eyes.

Leaving the room, Robin headed up to the second floor. He saw the door in question right away and opened it, finding shelves with different linens on them. Making a note of it in case he needed anything in the future, he quickly retrieved a pillow and a rather thick looking comforter. He then found the bathroom and located the bucket, letting it hang from his wrist as he went back downstairs.

Once the makeshift bed was set up for his son, Robin carried Roland over to it and laid him down. He tucked his son in and set the bucket nearby before running his fingers through Roland's curls as he said: "Let me or Regina know if you're feeling sick, okay?"

"Okay, Papa," Roland said before closing his eyes. He snuggled under the blanket, letting sleep carry him away.

Robin turned back to Regina. "Thank you again for letting me bring him here. I feel better knowing he's nearby."

"I understand," she told him. "I'm a mother."

He nodded, knowing that was true after seeing her with her own son. Robin took a deep breath before asking: "What do you want for lunch?"

"I think today probably calls for some soup," she said. "I have several kinds but I think chicken noodle will probably be best."

Robin knew that she was thinking like a mother. Chicken noodle soup wouldn't have such a strong smell and would be gentle on his son's sensitive stomach. He appreciated her putting his son's needs over her own. "Soup sounds good. I'll be back shortly," he said.

He headed into the kitchen and started to make the soup. It seemed the best way to get Regina to be agreeable with him was just to bring his sick son over.

Too bad that wasn't a long-term solution.

But maybe it could be a start.

"Roland, sweetheart, are you feeling sick?" Regina asked the boy, noticing how pale he had gotten. She wasn't sure how he looked before he threw up like she did with Henry and so wanted to remain as vigilant possible.

Opening his eyes, Roland nodded. "My tummy is rumbling."

"Oh dear," she said, certain it meant something was going to come up. She leaned over and picked up the bucket, her fingers more mobile though sore. Regina placed it on the chair. "Here you go, sweetheart."

"Thank you," he said, curling around the bucket. It reminded her of Henry when he was sick. He tended to hug the bucket as well.

She carded her fingers through Roland's curls, concerned about how warm he was. "Locksley?" she called.

He appeared in the doorway, frowning. "What's wrong? Do you need help with something?"

"I'm fine," she assured him. "Your son might be running a temperature though."

Locksley looked at Roland before pressing his hand to the boy's forehead. He then helped Roland sit up and positioned him over the bucket. A few moments later, Roland threw up as his father rubbed his back, waiting for it to end.

When Roland rolled back over with a groan, Locksley picked up the bucket. "I'll be right back," he assured Roland.

After Locksley left, Regina tried to move closer to the boy. "You feeling better, Roland, or the same?" she asked.

"Same," he replied weakly. "My tummy is still hurting."

"It probably will do so for a few more hours," she told him. "You probably caught a bug from someone."

He frowned. "I haven't seen anyone with bugs or any on me."

She chuckled, forgetting how child logic worked. Regina shook her head. "No, no. This type of bug is a germ. You know what a germ is, right?"

"Yes," Roland replied. "It's teeny-tiny so we can't see it with our eyes but it makes you sick."

"Exactly," she said, unsurprised that his father had taught him that already. "And this tiny germ is making you throw up."

He made a face. "I wish it wouldn't."

She reached out and did her best to run her fingers through his hair. It was becoming easier but they still felt stiff and sore. "I know. But you get plenty of rest and it will stop soon."

"Good," he said, laying his head back on the pillow. He watched her with brown eyes. "Papa said you got hurt in a car accident. Were you wearing your seatbelt? Miss Jasmine and Papa say you always have to wear one."

"Miss Jasmine and your papa are right," Regina replied, pleased Locksley was teaching his son how to be safe. "I was wearing my seatbelt but the accident was really bad. However, I could've been hurt a lot more if I wasn't wearing it."

"Does it hurt now?" he asked her, clutching the blanket closer as he watched her with that innocent look only children possessed.

She nodded. "But your papa makes sure I take my medicine so it doesn't hurt so much."

Roland smiled proudly. "Papa is the best at taking care of people!"

"I do my best," Locksley said, entering the room. He set the bucket down next to his son, kissing his forehead. "Why don't you try to get some more rest?"

"Okay, Papa," Roland said. He sighed as he closed his eyes. "I miss Teddy."

That tugged on Regina's heartstrings and she thought through Henry's old toys. She had some in a closet, ready to be donated now that her son had outgrown them. Regina figured it would be okay to give one to Roland so she motioned for Locksley to come closer. He stood next to the couch, leaning over her. "What's wrong?"

"In the closet by my current room, there's box of things to be donated," Regina said softly. "Including some old toys Henry doesn't want. I think there might be something in there for Roland to cuddle while he's here."

Locksley's eyes softened and he nodded. "Thank you."

He left the room again and she settled back on the couch, doing her best to adjust the blanket covering her legs. She found her fingers were moving better and relief filled her. Hopefully by the time Mary Margaret and Henry got home, she would have almost complete use of it again.

A few moments later, Locksley returned with an old Teddy bear. He gently shook Roland, who opened one eye. Locksley held out the bear. "Regina said you can borrow this to cuddle while you're here," he said.

"Thank you, Regina," Roland said, taking the bear from his father. He hugged it to his chest, burying his face in its soft brown fur as he closed his eyes. She watched as his breathing finally evened out and he drifted off to sleep.

Sometimes all one needed was something to cuddle with for comfort.

Locksley stood up and looked back at her. "Thank you," he whispered.

"You're welcome," she replied. "I hope he feels better soon."

"Me too." He sighed before stepping closer. "So, time for your afternoon checkup. I am still your aide after all."

Regina nodded. "And just for today, I won't fight you. Enjoy it while it lasts."

"I will," he replied, chuckling. "And I promise not to abuse this privilege."

"Good," she said. "What do you need to do?"

He dropped to a knee, putting on his stethoscope. "I'll start with your lungs and go from there, okay?"

She nodded. "Whatever you have to do."

"Alright," he replied, pressing his stethoscope to her chest. "Take a deep breath for me please."

Regina did as he said, struggling to fill her lungs. She wheezed a bit before moaning out: "Ow…"

"Your ribs hurt?" he asked her. When she nodded, he eased her back down until she was lying on the couch again. "You probably strained them yesterday. You need to rest more but we also need to start doing some exercises soon to help your recovery."

"Exercises?" she asked. "You mean physical therapy? You can do that?"

He nodded. "I do it all."

"A real Renaissance man?" she asked, teasing him slightly.

"When it comes to healthcare, yes," he replied. "This limits how many people will have to see you before you want them to."

She scowled, knowing he was manipulating her and hating that she couldn't counteract it. It seemed he was learning how to play the game faster than she thought. "Fine," she huffed.

"Was that so hard?" he asked, teasing her slightly. She gave him a look that she hoped warned him he was pushing it.

Robin resumed his examinations, his touch gentle but sure. He checked every inch of her body, careful not to jostle her wounds as he did so. She had become accustomed to his touch and had to admit he was better than Whale, who had tended to be rougher and to use innuendos while examining her. If he hadn't been one of the best doctors in the county, Regina likely would've switched doctors years ago.

Eyeing Robin, she wondered why he hadn't become a doctor and what he would be like as one. She figured he would no doubt be better than Whale. Not that she would ever tell him that. She didn't want him to start thinking she liked him or wasn't still trying to get rid of him.

One day, she would win that battle.

Though if she was honest with herself, she did like the image of Robin on one knee as he examined her. He wasn't exactly her type in looks but she could still admit that he was a handsome man. And he had looked even more handsome tending to his son earlier. The way his face and eyes softened when he looked at Roland and how he spoke to him made her stomach do flips. Now, he studied her injuries with such intensity, it made her heart skip a beat.

What was going on with her?

He slowly turned to meet her gaze and she felt her breath catch in her throat. Were his eyes always so blue? Or had she not noticed before? She felt as if he was looking right into her soul and she found she hoped he liked what he saw.

Coughing broke the spell between them and Robin looked away, frowning. He stood and walked over to Roland, checking on his son. She took that moment to calm herself down and try to push away what had just transpired between them.

She needed to get rid of him sooner rather than later. Somehow he was getting under her skin and creating feelings in her she didn't want to have. He was dangerous to have around and she needed to remove him from her life before she did something stupid, like develop real feelings for him.

He straightened up after checking on Roland before grabbing her now warm ice pack. "Let me put this in the freezer. Your hand is looking better but you should probably use this a bit longer," he said.

"But I should be back to normal tomorrow?" she asked him, eager to get back to work so no one could accuse her of shirking her duties in the next election.

"Yes," he replied. "Though I would prefer if you rested your hand for another day."

She rolled her eyes at his response. "I'll rest it after I finish working in the morning. How's that?"

He pressed his lips together before sighing. "I guess that's the best I can ever get, so fine."

"Good," she said smugly, pleased he was finally realizing that he was not going to win this war.

Locksley left the room and she leaned back, checking on his son. Roland slept on, his face still pale. Her heart did melt a bit and she hoped he felt better soon. She knew he was in good hands with his father – though she wouldn't tell Locksley that directly.

She also hoped that he would get better sooner because she worried that seeing Locksley as a caring father would soften her more. And she would not let him use his son as a way to win their war.

Even if his son was very cute.

Closing her eyes, Regina decided that Roland had the right idea – a good nap would help her clear her head. And hopefully by the time she woke, Locksley would either be getting ready to leave or have already left. Then she could regroup and prepare to resume her battle with him the next day.

He won today but she would win tomorrow. She would make certain of it.

A/N: Regina has now met Roland and she's starting to melt a bit. But she's also still Regina, so she's going to continue to fight. She still needs another shake or two.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

-Mac