Chapter 4: Bonding

"How are you doing?" Regina asked Kathryn, ushering the other woman into her house. She closed the door before focusing on her friend.

Kathryn sighed, shrugging off her coat. "I've been better, I'll admit it. But I think this has actually helped my relationship with David."

Regina frowned as she took the coat from her friend, wondering what Kathryn meant. "You two reconciled?"

"Oh, heavens no," Kathryn replied, letting out a little chuckle. "We had a talk and he decided that he wanted to pursue his feelings for Mary Margaret, so I gave them my blessing. And now that we're ending our marriage, it feels like the pressure is off – you know?"

"I'm afraid I don't," Regina replied, still feeling confused. She certainly hadn't been expecting acceptance and an amicable split for the two. As much as she hated to see her friend in pain, she had been hoping for some more drama – especially if it made Mary Margaret miserable and possibly kept David from her for a bit longer.

Kathryn shrugged. "I guess I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to be everything he needed and always felt like I was failing. Now I don't have to do that."

"True," Regina said, feeling guilty that she had put her friend in such a position and had hoped to keep her there. "But I'm sorry you felt like you had to put so much pressure on yourself."

"Thank you but it was my own fault, no one else's," Kathryn replied.

Regina knew that wasn't true – her curse made Kathryn believe David was her husband and so caused her to put pressure on herself. But she couldn't tell her friend that so she decided to drop the subject. "Well, I'm glad you're feeling better. But are you sure you're up to babysitting?"

"Oh, yes," Kathryn said, her face brightening. "I like spending time with Henry. And at least one of us should have some luck in the romance department, right?"

"I just feel bad," Regina confessed. "I feel like I'm using you when you should be focusing on other things?"

Kathryn shook her head. "It's a good reason to get out of the house. So you go and enjoy yourself, okay?"

"Okay," Regina said, feeling a little relieved. She took her friend's hand. "And thank you for this."

"You're welcome," Kathryn replied. "Now, are you driving or is he picking you up?"

The doorbell rang as Regina smiled, heading toward the door. "Picking me up."

She opened the door, finding Robin standing there with a bouquet of roses in his hands. He held them out to her. "For you."

"Thank you," she said, her heart melting at the gift. No one had ever given her flowers before. "Come on in."

He stepped inside and nodded to Kathryn. "Hello."

"Hello," she replied, holding out her hand. "It's nice to officially meet you. I'm Kathryn."

"Robin," he said, shaking her hand.

Regina handed Kathryn the roses. "Would you mind putting these in water for me? Henry can show you where I keep my vases."

"Of course," Kathryn replied, gingerly holding the roses with a smile. "You two go have fun."

Robin held out his hand to Regina. "You ready?"

"One minute," she said, holding up her finger. She turned toward the stairs. "Henry? I'm heading out."

There was no response and her heart broke a little. Still she persisted, calling out: "Do you want to say goodbye?"

"Maybe he has headphones on?" Robin suggested. "You can head up. I'll wait."

"No need, I'm here," Henry said, slinking down the stairs. He crossed his arms. "You two are going out?"

She frowned, wondering if he was upset by her dating. "We were going to, yes. But if you don't want me to…"

He shrugged. "Whatever."

"Don't you want to say good night to your mother?" Kathryn asked him.

"Emma's my mother," he snapped. "Not her."

He then stormed upstairs and Regina tried not to cry as she turned to Kathryn. "I'm sorry I'm leaving you with him while he's in such a mood."

"It's okay," Kathryn said, her eyes going back and forth between the stairs and Regina. "You go and enjoy yourselves. I'm going to try to talk to him."

Regina thanked her before heading over to the closet to retrieve her coat. As she put it on, Robin waited by the door. They said their goodbyes to Kathryn before leaving, heading out to his car.

Once they were on their way to the restaurant, Robin asked: "Do you want me to talk to Henry?"

"What?" she asked, surprised.

"I know we don't have much of a relationship yet, but I thought maybe having a man-to-man talk with him might help," he said.

Regina glanced over at him, touched by his offer but confused. "Why would you do that for me? We just met."

"True," he agreed, "but I like you, Regina. And I hate seeing you in such pain. Same for Henry."

She melted at his words and wondered the same thing Henry did – why did a man with such a loving heart care for her? "Thank you. But I don't think he's going to open up to you. At least not yet."

"Fair," he replied. "But with your permission, I would like to start getting to know him."

"Would you feel comfortable introducing me to Roland?" she asked him.

He nodded. "I would."

"Even though we just met?" she asked, surprised that he trusted her so fast.

Furthermore, she was surprised she trusted him just as fast.

"Yes," he replied. "I know this may sound crazy, Regina, but I feel like we were meant to meet and get to know each other."

You have no idea, she thought. Out loud, she said: "It doesn't sound crazy at all."

He smiled, pulling into a nearby parking lot and parking his car. As he turned off the engine, he turned to her. "Shall we?"

"Where are we?" she asked, trying to see if she recognized the building.

"Tony's," he replied. "Best restaurant in town. Just don't say that around Granny."

She chuckled as they climbed out of the car. As she looked up at the building, she realized that Robin was serious about being her suitor if he took her to some place like this. She took his hand as they headed into the restaurant.

"Madam Mayor! I did not know you would be coming," the maître d' said as they approached the podium. He started flipping through the book. "Let me see if we can fit you in."

"I already made a reservation. Name is Locksley," Robin said, seemingly nonplussed that the other man thought it would be under Regina's name.

The maître d' looked through the book and nodded. "Ahh, yes, I see it here. A table for two. Follow me."

He led them through the dining room and placed them in a rather private corner of the restauration, setting down to menus. "Your server will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal."

Robin thanked him before pulling out a chair for Regina. He held out his hand. "Milady?"

"Thank you," she said, taking his hand and letting him help her sit down. He pushed her chair in before heading over to his own.

She opened the menu and gasped when she looked over the prices. "Robin, this is pretty expensive," she said.

"I know," he replied, picking up his own menu. "The best date night restaurants usually are."

Regina grew uncomfortable, knowing that public servants didn't make a lot of money – not even her as mayor. Most of her wealth had been given to her by the curse and the money just kept replenishing every year. Thankfully no one ever questioned where her money came from, though she wouldn't be too surprised if Emma started to pursue an investigation in an attempt to prove her an unfit mother for Henry.

For now, though, she was less worried about her bank account than Robin's. "You don't have to spend a lot of money to impress me. I'm not that type of woman."

"I know," he replied, looking up and meeting her eyes. "I want to treat you, Regina. You deserve to be treated like a queen."

She tensed up, thinking about her life as queen under Leopold. While she knew what everyone meant when they said that phrase, she knew was it truly meant to be treated like a queen – she was always at her husband's beck and call, unable to refuse him anything. Every aspect of her life was controlled and she had no freedom at all. It certainly wasn't a way to treat anyone.

"Regina?" he asked softly. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"Please don't say that you want to treat me like a queen," she said, hearing how hard her voice sound. "Just…don't."

He frowned but nodded. "Okay. I'm sorry that I made you upset. That was not my intention."

"I know," she replied, tucking some hair behind her ear. "Let's just move on, okay?"

"Okay," he said, though it was clear he was now upset as well. She had managed to ruin their date.

How typical.

The server approached with a bright smile. If she sensed any tension at our table, she didn't let it show. She rattled off the day's specials before asking if they wanted anything to drink. "Can I get a glass of merlot, please?" Regina asked.

"I'll have the same," Robin said. The server nodded and promised to be right back with their drinks.

Robin didn't say anything as he reviewed the menu and she hated how it felt as if he were shutting down. She knew it was her own fault so she had to take the initiative to fix it, especially if she wanted him to stay in her life.

Sighing, she set her menu down as she figured out a way to explain her aversion to being treated like a queen without having to reveal too much of the truth. "Robin, can we talk?" she asked.

"About what?" he asked, looking up from his menu with a frown.

"My reaction earlier," she said. "I'm sorry."

He set his menu down and shook his head. "You don't have to apologize for anything. You're allowed to have your feelings."

"But you're angry," she replied. "I can feel it."

"I'm angry at myself, not you. And I'm sorry that you can feel it," he said with a sigh, reaching out to take her hand.

She clung to it as she took a breath. "I was married many years ago. I was young and it wasn't really my decision. My mother decided it was for the best."

His brow furrowed. "Why?"

"He was rich and powerful," Regina replied, knowing that was a part of her story she could safely share. "And that's all my mother cared about."

"I'm sure she cared about you," he said, reminding her that most people assume parents loved their children and wanted them to be happy. And that was because most parents did want that.

Just not her mother.

She shook her head. "I was merely a pawn to her. Not that she got to enjoy any of it. I found a way to send her away and she never got to profit off my awful marriage."

"Good," he said, pleased. "And you clearly got out."

"Not soon enough. It took some time to be free of him," she told him. "Especially since everyone around me believed he was a good man. They told me he treated me like a queen but to me that meant my every move being monitored, no privacy and my wants and needs being ignored. I was just there to be someone pretty on his arm and a warm body in his bed."

She stopped, tears forming in her eyes as she fought back the memories of when Leopold demanded she perform her marital duty toward him. Robin gave her hand a squeeze but said nothing, giving her time and space to process her feelings while assuring her he was still there.

Regina appreciated it.

"Here are your drinks," the server said, setting two glasses down. She looked between them. "Are you ready to order?"

"We need a few more minutes. Is that okay?" Robin asked, glancing at Regina though he kept facing the server.

The server nodded. "Of course. I'll be back in a little bit then."

She walked away as Robin ran a thumb over the back of Regina's hand. "We don't have to continue talking about this. I don't want you to be uncomfortable or miserable."

"Thank you," she said softly. "But I'm pretty much done. I got out and created a new life for myself far, far away from that man. However, I think you can understand why I reacted the way I did when you said you wanted to treat me like a queen."

He nodded. "You're right. I promise I'll never say it again."

She thanked him before pulling her hand away. "Let's see if we can salvage this evening, shall we?"

"I mean it, Regina," he said, watching her with an intense look in his eyes. "I never want to do or say anything that hurts you. You been through too much already and I just want to make you happy."

Tears pricked Regina's eyes. It felt so strange yet so good to have someone who cared about her and her feelings. She pressed her hands to her heart. "I don't deserve you."

"Yes, you do," he said. "And I'm going to prove it to you."

He picked up his menu as well now and started to look through it. "So, what are you in the mood for?"

She glanced down at her menu and grinned, excited to have him in her life. Regina just hoped it didn't end up blowing up in her face.

"Why are we here?" Henry asked, kicking a rock as they walked through the park. He stuffed his hands into his pockets.

Regina tried to keep her spirits up. "We're here to meet Robin and his son Roland."

"This is the official meet the kids?" he asked her. "Are you two that serious?"

"Yes," she replied with a smile. "I suppose we are."

Henry studied her. "Do you really care for him?"

She nodded. "I know you think I'm incapable of love, Henry, but I am. I don't know if I love Robin yet but I care for him. And I do love you, even if you think I don't."

"Whatever," he said, rolling his eyes as they approached Robin along with a young boy.

"Hello, you two!" Robin called out, waving them over. She gently urged Henry to leave the path and head down to the lake to meet up with Robin and his son.

Regina smiled. "Hello, Robin. Is this Roland?"

"It is," Robin said, placing his hand on top of the boy's head. Roland clung to his legs, looking up at Regina with wide and inquisitive brown eyes. "Roland, this is Mayor Mills and her son, Henry."

Roland's eyes grew wider and he smiled. "You're giving us a new playground!"

She laughed. "Yes, I am. Your papa said you were looking forward to it."

"I am," he replied, bouncing up and down. "I miss the old one and can't wait to play on the new one!"

"Well, I'll make sure you and Henry are the first ones to use it once it's ready. What's your favorite thing at the playground?" she asked him.

He tapped his chin as he thought about it. "The slide. I like going down it," he said.

She laughed as Robin turned to Henry. "And what about you? What's your favorite thing to do at the playground?" he asked.

"I guess the swings," Henry said with a shrug. "Almost feels like I'm flying."

"The swings are fun too but I sometimes get scared when I go too high," Roland admitted.

Regina nodded, crouching down and whispering: "I sometimes get scared of heights too. It's okay."

"So, I thought we could go for some ice cream," Robin said, clapping his hands. He looked between Henry and Regina. "What do you think?"

Henry shrugged again. "Sounds okay to me."

"Then I guess we can go get some ice cream," Regina replied, standing again. "Any Given Sundae?"

"That's our favorite place," Robin agreed, reaching out his hand. "Come on, Roland."

The boy shook his head. "I want to hold Mayor Mills' hand!"

Surprise filled Regina and she looked up at Robin, not wanting to cross any boundaries. "Is that okay?" she asked.

"It's okay with me as long as it's okay with you," he said. "I can always walk with Henry, get to know him better."

"Really?" Henry asked, looking surprised.

Robin nodded, wrapping his arm around the boy's shoulder. "Come on. Why don't you tell me more about yourself?"

As they walked off, Regina took Roland's hand. "So, are you in school, Roland?" she asked.

"I'm in preschool," he said. "I go to Miss Honey's nursery school but this is my last year. Next year, I'll go to kindergarten in the big school."

She nodded, knowing that it was likely Roland would never make it to kindergarten. But him being in preschool at Miss Honey's explained why she had never run into him or his father before – she had sent Henry to preschool at Storytime Cottage, which was attached to the academy.

"Do you enjoy your school?" she asked him.

"I do," he replied. "Miss Honey is the best."

He then told her everything they did at preschool and Regina felt her spirits buoy. She remembered how Henry was at Roland's age and how everything he did excited him. And he always wanted to share it with her. Regina had loved sitting with him, listening to him talk on and on as his hazel eyes shone with happiness.

She missed those days.

They arrived at Any Given Sundae and Robin opened the door. "After all of you," he told them. Roland headed into the store as Henry hung back, waiting for Robin.

Regina figured that was a good sign. Maybe he was bonding with the man.

"What's your favorite flavor, Mayor Mills?" Roland asked her, rising on his tiptoes to see all the selections in the display.

"Oh, I usually get sherbet," she told him. "Lemon."

He frowned. "What's sherbet?"

"Fancy and healthier version of ice cream," Henry told him. "Ice cream tastes much better."

"Oh," Roland replied. He looked up at Regina. "I think I'll stick with ice cream."

She chuckled, unsurprised by his statement. "I understand."

They placed their orders and Robin paid for them. When Regina shot him a look, feeling guilty about not helping, he just smiled in response. "You can pay next time."

"Deal," she replied, eager to repay his kindness.

Roland and Henry found them a table and they joined their sons. "We should thank Mr. Locksley for buying us ice cream," she told hers.

"Thank you, Mr. Locksley," he said, almost robotically.

"You can call me Robin," Robin assured him. "It's okay."

Henry hesitated, glancing at Regina. She nodded. "If he says it's okay, then it's okay."

She then turned to Roland with a smile. "And you can call me Regina. I'm sure that will be easier than Mayor Mills."

"Regina," he repeated. He nodded. "Yes, it is."

He then leaned closer to her. "Can I try some of your sherbet?"

"Sure," she replied, taking a little on her spoon and holding it out to him. Regina watched him, waiting for his response.

Roland shrugged. "It tastes kind watery."

"I guess that's one way to describe it," Regina said, chuckling.

"I told you – ice cream is better," Henry replied, taking another spoonful of his chocolate ice cream.

Roland nodded. "I think I have to agree."

She chuckled, turning to Robin. "And you?"

"While I do like some sherbet from time to time," he said, "my vote has to be real ice cream."

"Oh well," she replied. She then smiled as she took another spoonful. "More for me."

He laughed and dug back into his own ice cream as the boys continued to have their own conversations. It seemed Henry found a new person to talk comic books with – even if Roland didn't seem to have much of an idea of what he was talking about. Regina was just glad to see her son engaging with someone other than Emma and that he was getting along with Robin's son.

"Maybe we can have dinner all together soon," Robin suggested to her. He pushed his empty bowl away.

She smiled, imaging the four of them around a dinner table and enjoying a meal together like a family. "That sounds good. What do you say, Henry?"

He shrugged. "Sounds okay to me."

"Good," she replied, knowing that was the best she would get from him. "We can have dinner at our place. I make a very good lasagna."

"Even better than Granny's?" he asked.

Henry nodded. "Much better than Granny's."

"Thank you," she said, pleased by his unexpected praise. It seemed like a small victory in their ongoing battle.

"Then it's settled," Robin replied. "We can have dinner together at your house. Just let me know when would be good for you."

She smiled. "I'll check my calendar and let you know."

"Then it'll be a date," he told her, winking. It sent a strange warmth coursing through her.

Regina liked it.

They cleaned up their empty bowls and used spoons, tossing everything away. Robin took Roland's hand, checking his watch. "It's time for us to go. Thank you for joining us for ice cream," he said.

"Thank you for inviting us," Regina replied, wrapping her arm around Henry's shoulders. "We had fun."

"Good," Robin said. "We did as well. Right, Roland?"

Roland nodded, waving at Regina and Henry. "I liked meeting you, Regina and Henry."

"It was nice spending time with you too," Henry said. "When you come over for dinner, I'll show you my action figures, Roland."

"Really? Thanks, Henry!" Roland replied, bouncing beside his father as his eyes lit up. He waved to Henry and Regina as Robin led him from the store.

Regina gave her son a squeeze. "That's very nice of you, Henry."

He shrugged. "It seems you're serious about Robin so I might as well make an effort to get to know his son. We're probably going to spend a lot of time together."

"I hope so," Regina replied, proud and pleased Henry was trying. "I really like Robin."

"Why?" Henry asked as they left the ice cream parlor.

She smiled as she considered her son's question. "He's compassionate and very understanding. I feel like I can tell him anything he won't judge me. And he makes me feel special, like I'm the only person in the room. He's also very witty and smart. We can talk about anything and I never get bored."

"You're really happy, aren't you?" Henry asked, looking at her strangely.

"I am," she replied, still surprised to feel that way. It had been the same after she had adopted Henry and felt a surge of love and happiness every time she looked at him. She had spent many sleepless nights rocking him and worrying that something would come to take all that happiness away. It had taken some time but she got used to being that happy and accepted it was something she could have in her life.

Now, she was starting to accept that she could have romance in her life as well.

Henry studied her, that strange look still in his eyes. "So you would say it was worth it?"

"What?" she asked, confused. "What was worth what?"

"The curse? Was it worth it to cast it?" he asked, stopping short and looking at her with defiance in his eyes.

She stopped as well, turning to face him. Regina took a deep breath and chose her words carefully. "If I had cast a curse, I would consider it worth whatever I had to do to cast it. And you know why?"

"Because you got to punish Snow White?" he countered, crossing his arms.

"No," she replied, stepping closer to him. She gently tucked two fingers under his chin as she smiled. "Because I got you."

Something shifted in Henry and his eyes softened as he smiled. "Really?"

"Yes," she said, hoping she was finally getting through to her son. "I love you, Henry."

He didn't say anything but didn't try to fight her as she wrapped her arms around him. They continued back to her car and her heart felt lighter. Regina didn't think her relationship with Henry would go back to what it was before he was given the book but she hoped they had reached a turning point, one that would allow them to rebuild their relationship and make it stronger.

It was pure coincidence that Regina found herself at Robin's firehouse. The inspector was unable to make his usual check-up of both firehouses in Storybrooke and so it fell to her. She parked her car outside the firehouse and took a deep breath, trying not to get her hopes up that she would see Robin. For all she knew, he wasn't even scheduled that day.

She climbed out of her car and crossed the street to the building. Its garage door was open and she entered the bay holding their fire engine and ambulance. Regina looked over the ambulance, recalling her own ride in it and how she felt cared for by Robin and even Will as they raced her and Emma to the hospital.

"Madam Mayor, what an unexpected surprise."

Regina jumped, looking up to find Robin leaning over a banister as he stood on the middle landing of the staircase leading from the upper level into the bay. He was dressed in his dark blue uniform, bringing out the bright blue of his eyes, and he smiled at her.

She smiled back. "Yes. It's time for your inspection but I'm afraid the usual inspector is out sick. So it falls to me."

"Lucky us," he replied, climbing down the rest of the stairs. He approached her, grinning. "Do you need to give us all individual inspections?"

"Maybe," she replied, dropping her voice as she bit her lip. "Why? Are you volunteering?"

He smirked. "I just might be."

Robin gently took her arm and guided her to a hidden alcove just under the stairs. It barely fit them and they stood chest to chest, the heat of his body enveloping her as his now familiar woodsy-scent washed over her. He gripped her hips as he grinned. "So, Madam Mayor, where shall we begin?"

"Hmm, good question," she said, her eyes dropping to his lips. She smirked. "Maybe we should see how good you are at mouth-to-mouth?"

"Happy to oblige," he replied, leaning closer and capturing her lips with his.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself even closer as Robin deepened the kiss. Regina's head spun a bit as his tongue swept her mouth and a thrill ran through her. They were kissing in his workplace while she was on official duty. It probably broke several rules but she didn't care. Not as long as Robin was kissing her and holding her like she was the only thing keeping him from floating away.

He likely was the only thing keeping her from floating away as well.

Robin broke the kiss and gently rubbed his nose against hers. "So, did I pass?" he asked.

"With flying colors," she replied, licking her lips.

"Robin? You down here?" someone called out.

He sighed, grimacing, before responding. "Yeah! I'll be right there."

"I guess we need to go," she said, disappointed to leave their little cocoon.

"Unfortunately," he replied. "Maybe we could continue this tonight?"

As much as she wanted to nod, she had to shake her head instead. "I already have dinner plans."

"Is that so?" he asked, trying to act nonchalant. "May I inquire with who?"

She tilted her head, enjoying how Robin was trying – and failing – hide the flash of jealousy in his eyes. Regina smiled as she said: "The most important person in my life."

"Oh," he replied, relief filling his eyes. "Henry."

"Yes, Henry," she said with a laugh. She then asked: "Maybe tomorrow?"

He smiled, nodding. "Tomorrow."

"Robin?" the person called again. "Good lord, man, where are you?"

"We really need to go," Robin replied sadly. He stepped out of their little alcove and Regina felt a chill sweep through her without his body heat. She took a deep breath before following him back out into the open area.

An older man stood in the bay, frowning as he watched Robin emerge. "What were you doing back there?" he asked.

"He was showing me around," Regina said, stepping out from behind Robin. She held up her clipboard. "I'm handling the inspection this time."

The man straightened up. "Madam Mayor, welcome. I am Captain Tucker. Most of the men call me Tuck."

"Captain," she greeted, shaking his hand. "I don't want to hold you all up so let's tackle this list and get this inspection done with."

"Then I will leave you two alone," Robin said, backing toward the stairs. He smiled. "Glad I could help you, Madam Mayor, and if you need anything, Tuck, you know where to find me."

She smiled back at him. "Thank you, Robin."

Tuck thanked him as well and they watched as he headed upstairs. Regina turned to Tuck and held up the clipboard. "Alright, so where do these inspections usually start?"

"Follow me," he said, leading her away from the bay and toward the back. She pulled out a pen and was ready to take notes and check off the appropriate boxes, certain everything would go well.

Tuck led her around the firehouse and she inspected everything, checking off box after box. She was impressed with how clean the place was and how everything was in perfect working order, telling the captain that. His chest puffed out in pride. "My team takes great pride in our work and that extends to our workplace. We know that people's lives depend on everything working," he said.

"That is true," she replied, thinking of her own injury. "You have a very competent and dedicated crew."

"Thank you," he said. He paused. "I may be overstepping but I know you and Robin have been spending a lot of time together since he tended to you the night of the fire."

Her guard went up and she wondered why he was asking those questions. "Yes, we have been. He's a dedicated EMT and he came to check on me in the hospital after his shift. It was nice to have some company there."

Tuck chuckled. "That sounds like Robin. He tends to go the extra mile for his patients."

"Yes," she said, feeling a rush of warmth through her. "He's very compassionate."

"Of course. But I doubt that's why you've been having dinner with him several nights over the past couple months," he commented.

She stood up straighter, her walls going up. "You're right, captain, you are overstepping. I fail to see how my personal life is any of your business."

He held up his hands, looking contrite. "My apologies. I only asked because, well, Robin is like a son to me."

"He is?" she asked, surprised to hear that.

"A fire company becomes a family," Tuck told her. "We have to trust each other implicitly or else we could die in a fire. That really bonds us and we all care about each other dearly."

Something tugged at Regina. All she had ever wanted was a family she could rely on, people who would support her and keep her safe rather than criticize her and ignore her wishes. Part of her wished the curse had made her a firefighter so she could've had that bond with other people.

Maybe she would've met Robin earlier too.

You could've also met him earlier had you gone into the firehouse, a voice that sounded like that annoying fairy told her.

"That sounds wonderful," she said softly as she ignored that voice. "I'm glad Robin has all of you."

Tuck nodded. "And we're happy he has you, even if we give him a little hell for it. But we'd do the same to anyone just starting a relationship. Robin, though, he deserves a good woman like you."

"Thank you," she replied, a lump forming in her throat even as guilt warmed her. She was far from a good woman, as her son lately liked to remind her. Robin did deserve better than her.

But she was selfish and so she was going to hold onto him.

"That's all I say on that," Tuck said. "Though I apologize if I sounded like I wanted to gossip or scold you."

"It's okay," she replied. "As mayor, I'm not used to people wanting to talk about my love life in a positive manner."

He nodded. "Understood. I just wanted to say that I'm happy he's found you and to ask you to make sure you make him happy. He deserves it."

"I'll do my best," she promised, hoping she didn't end up hurting him in the end like she did everyone who got too close to her.

Robin didn't deserve that.

"Good," Tuck said, motioning to the stairs. "Let's head upstairs so you can inspect those areas."

She followed him to the second floor and found a kitchen area. Robin sat at the table, reading the newspaper. He looked up, smiling. "How's it going?" he asked.

"So far so good," Regina replied. "Thank you."

"Can you get the others? The mayor is going to need to inspect the truck and aid car. You all will be needed to work them," Tuck ordered.

Robin stood, nodding. "Will do."

He walked past them, his arm and hand brushing against Regina's. Robin gave her a wink and she knew she flushed, unable to help herself.

"If you follow me, Madam Mayor," Tuck said, motioning to a nearby room as he started to walk ahead of her.

Regina glanced at the kitchen before following him. It made her think – Robin had taken her out to eat on their dates so far and hadn't offered to cook for her. Maybe it was just difficult for him to have a date with a preschooler and a roommate in his place. And she hadn't thought of inviting him to her house to cook for him, though she did have a rebellious ten-years-old to consider.

"Mayor Mills?" Tuck asked, interrupting her musings. He frowned, looking concerned. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "Sorry, I was just lost in my thoughts."

He smiled. "If you're wondering how Robin is in the kitchen, he's not a master chef but he isn't going to kill you."

"Good to know," she replied, wondering if she was more of an open book than she used to be.

Or maybe she had always been an open book but no one had bothered to read her before.

He nodded, opening a door. "And this is where we keep a lot of our equipment. I'll walk you through it."

She followed him into the room and Tuck explained everything in there. Regina inspected them all and checked them off on her list before following him back down to the bay. All the firefighters and EMTs were gathered there, ready for her to inspect their trucks.

Robin stood in front of the ambulance, smiling as she approached. "Would you like to see the inside of one when you're not the patient?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "And I also have to see the inside."

"Open it up, Robin," Tuck said, sounding amused. "And keep the door open."

The others snickered as Robin shot his captain a look. "This is the mayor, Captain. She is the epitome of professionalism."

"I know," Tuck replied. "That's why I was addressing you."

Will did a poor job of hiding his bark of laughter and Robin rolled his eyes. "Yes, Captain."

He then held out his hand to Regina. "May I help you in?"

"You may," she said, as she took his hand. He held it as she took a step up and into the ambulance.

Robin followed behind her, the two of them almost pressed together. She looked up, finding him only centimeters from her. "It's a tight fit," she said.

"It is," he agreed. "It's why we limit who can ride in the ambulance with someone."

"Understandable," she replied. "Well, why don't you show me around?"

He glanced around, smirking. "I think you've pretty much seen it all."

"Is that what you would say to the inspector?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in challenge to him.

"No," Robin said, his smile falling away and his demeanor taking on a more professional air. "So, what do you want to inspect first?"

"Let's go down the list," she suggested, tapping her clipboard. She started reading everything off and he would show them to her so she could check them off.

Robin closed a drawer and looked back at her. "Anything else?"

"No, that's it for the ambulance," she said, initialing where she needed to before looking up at him. She smiled. "Thank you, Robin."

"You're welcome," he replied. "I'll help you down so you can check the truck next."

He then made no move toward the door and instead leaned closer to her. The smell of his cologne – something woodsy – washed over her and made her head spin in a pleasant way. She let out a small gasp as he pressed her against the gurney, his hands on her hips as his lips brushed her ear. "One day, maybe we can have a more intimate and private inspection in here," he whispered.

"Maybe," she whispered back, her stomach doing flips as she thought about him having his wicked way with her on the gurney she was pressed up against.

It seemed naughty.

Which after everything she did as queen seemed a bit weird but she liked it. If having sex with her boyfriend in an ambulance was the naughtiest thing she wanted to do, maybe she really wasn't the Evil Queen anymore and was telling Henry the truth.

"This is why I said the door needed to stay open," Tuck said, interrupting their moment. She turned to find him standing at the door to the ambulance, smirking at them.

Robin stepped away as Regina's face felt like it was on fire. She straightened her skirt as Robin apologized to Tuck, heading to the door. After taking a moment to compose herself, she followed him to it as well.

"Here," Robin said, reaching up for her and gently gripping her hips. "I'll help you down."

"Thank you," she replied, bracing herself against his shoulder as he lifted her up and then guided her back down to the floor. She kept her eyes locked on his, feeling safe and secure in his hold.

He smiled. "There you go."

"I think I'm getting a cavity from how sweet this is," someone said, reminding Regina that once again they had an audience. She had never been so affectionate in public except with Henry. This felt new and exciting.

And very good.

She stepped aside and tucked some hair behind her ear as she slipped back into her professional mayor mode. "Right. Who will show me the fire engine?" she asked Tuck.

He grinned. "I think Much can do that. Right, Much?"

"Yes, sir," Much said. He seemed to be barely out of school and Regina was a bit surprised he had been approved to be a firefighter. But she followed him onto the engine, going over her checklist with him.

Once she was done, she climbed down from the engine and approached Tuck. "Thank you for your help, Captain. I'll have to discuss this with the inspector but I'm pretty sure you all passed."

Tuck grinned. "That's good to hear. And it's been nice having you around. You should know that you are always welcome here, both as mayor and as Robin's girlfriend."

"Thank you," she said, surprised. She wasn't used to being someone people wanted to have around – most times, she was just ignored or overlooked for someone else.

He then turned to the others. "Come on, everyone upstairs. Let's let Robin have some privacy with the mayor."

All the other firefighters filed past her, each nodding as they passed. They then headed upstairs, leaving Robin and Regina alone in the bay. He rubbed his neck, laughing. "Sorry about them," he said.

"It's okay," she told him, reaching out for his hand. "I thought it was sweet."

He smiled sheepishly. "You did?"

She nodded. "They really care about you."

"Yes," he agreed. "We're all a family and we take care of each other. And I was going to introduce you to them but slowly, not throw you to the wolves like this."

"Your colleagues are hardly wolves. Trust me, I know what it really feels like to be thrown to the wolves," she said, recalling her time at Leopold's court. Everyone had dismissed her because never considered her to be the true queen, passing over her in favor of Snow White even though the princess was just a child. There wasn't a single person at court who didn't make her feel inferior and that she didn't belong there with them.

And then they all had the nerve to be shocked and insulted when she turned against them.

Robin rubbed her arm. "It's difficult to be a woman in politics, yeah?"

"Yeah," she replied, knowing that he wouldn't have any memories of her as queen. And likely his memories wouldn't be positive anyway. So she was going to pretend that she had fought hard to be mayor rather than had it handed to her by the curse.

He nodded. "Well, I still would've preferred to ease you into life here at the firehouse but I guess that boat has sailed."

"Yeah," she agreed, "but I don't mind. I think I'm going to like your family."

"Good," he replied. "Is there more family I have to meet for you?"

She frowned, shaking her head. "You've met Henry and Kathryn. There really is no one else. I'm a rather private person who doesn't make friends easily."

"I find that hard to believe," Robin said, frowning.

"I don't open up to many people," she replied. "You and Kathryn are the exceptions, not the rule."

He smiled, tucking some hair behind her head. "Then I feel honored to be in that small group of people you trust."

She kissed him as warmth spread though her. Pulling back, she patted his chest. "I'll let you go. Call me when you're off shift?"

"I will," he promised. "The moment my locker closes."

"I look forward to it," she replied, kissing him. "Have a good rest of shift."

She then walked away, making sure to swing her hips a bit more to give him something to think about until he could call her. Regina smiled the whole way out to her car, climbing in and starting it.

Regina had a feeling she would be visiting the firehouse a lot more now.

A/N: Robin and Henry are spending more time together while Regina has met Roland, who has also stolen her heart. It seems things are getting better for her – and maybe also on the Henry front?

Regina is also being welcomed into the fire department family. It seems she's not so alone as she once was.

How will that affect her going forward? Only time will tell!

See you next week!

-Mac