A/N: Please note that the sex scenes have been edited to conform with FFN's TOS. If you want to read the full scenes, you can read the chapter on AO3 or Wattpad. Thank you!

Chapter 8: Adult Sleepover

Friday afternoon meetings were the worst.

She had a feeling that was why she created them in this curse but forgot that she would be the one who was punished the most. Like this meeting, some boring budget meeting that could absolutely be an email. Regina didn't know why the head of the budget office insisted on having a meeting where he laid out every item but it was cutting into the time she needed to get ready for her date night with Robin.

"Can we continue this on Monday?' she asked in a lull in the report. "It's getting late and I'm sure we're all eager to get our weekend started."

The accountant looked startled by her comment and he cleared his throat. "This is very important information, Madam Mayor," he said.

"I know," she replied. "But surely it will still be just as important and relevant on Monday, right?"

He hesitated before nodding. "I suppose so."

"Good," she said, relieved. "Then let's put a pin in this for now and come back to it on Monday. Have a good weekend everyone."

She stood and gathered up her papers, hurrying to the door before anyone could stop her. Regina walked quickly down the hall to her office, noticing that almost everyone else had gone home for the weekend. Even her assistant's desk was empty as she passed by it, entering her office. Closing the door, she let out a sigh as she cracked her neck. It seemed to be like a transition to her and she stopped being Madam Mayor.

Now she was just Regina and she had a date to get ready for.

Heading over to her coatrack, she took down the garment bag she had hung there. She carried it over to the couch and unzipped it, revealing the dress she had packed for dinner with Robin. While it was only at his house, she wanted to look and feel sexy that evening with him. And so she had found the perfect dress for the occasion that wasn't too fancy, in her opinion.

She took off her skirt suit and slid the blue dress over her head. Regina adjusted the cowl neck before checking her appearance in the mirror. It hugged all her curves and the zipper at the bottom was just the right amount of tantalizing. She smiled as she took herself in, certain Robin was going to love how she looked.

In what felt like a blink of her eyes, she had left her office and was in her car heading to Robin's house. Her heart beat faster as she followed the directions he had given her and as she turned onto his street – Sherwood Avenue, she noticed – her stomach started to do flips. She pulled up to his house and put her car in park, taking a moment to close her eyes to calm herself. It was just dinner with Robin. There was no reason to be so nervous.

Except she had every reason to be nervous. They were at his house with no children. It was the perfect setting for them to take their relationship to the next level. She didn't know if she was ready though for that, knowing it would be different than what she had with Graham. With Robin, there were already deeper feelings than she ever had with the Huntsman. And Robin had his heart, so the feelings were absolutely reciprocated. Would that make things better or worse?

Opening the door to her car, she stepped out of it. She took one more calming breath before walking over to his gate and pushing the wooden door open. Regina stepped onto his property and latched the fence behind her before turning to face the house.

Robin lived in a quaint little wooden cottage with a large evergreen tree in his yard. A swing hung from a lower branch and she smiled, knowing Roland used it to have some fun and get some fresh air. She walked up to his front door and knocked on it. A few moments later, the door opened and Robin smiled. "Hello, you. Come on in."

"Thank you," she said, entering his house. She took a deep breath and smelled something delicious. "Oh, that smells so good."

He thanked her as he closed the door. Robin then motioned to the main part of his house. "Can I give you a tour before we eat?"

"That sounds good," she said. "Lead the way."

"Well, we'll start with the stairs," he said, motioning to the staircase next to them. "Why don't we head upstairs first and then we can come back down here?"

She nodded, her stomach twisting into knots as she thought of seeing Robin's bedroom. But she followed him upstairs, trying to get her mind to stop thinking about what could happen later that night. This was supposed to be a relaxing night.

They arrived at the second floor and he motioned to a door directly across from them. "That's the bathroom. The light switch is on the outside," he told her.

"Good to know," she said, glancing down the hallway to her left. She saw three doors and wondered how many bedrooms there were in the house.

Robin placed his hand on her back. "Roland and I have rooms down here. And the third door is our linen closet. John sleeps upstairs in the attic. Marian and I converted it to a guest room after Roland was born."

He motioned to her right and she saw a door next to the stairs. She figured it led up to the attic and therefore, John's room. "Isn't it cold up there?' she asked.

"Marian and I had it well insulated in order to turn it into a room," he replied. "And John hasn't complained but he does like to joke that he has his own insulation."

She chuckled. Though she had never met his best friend and roommate, she knew he was on the chubby side. "Sounds like he likes to poke fun at himself."

"He does," Robin agreed, leading her back downstairs. "John has a good sense of humor and a good sense of himself."

They stepped off the stairs and he led her further into his house. "And this is the living room."

She saw a loveseat positioned perpendicular to a couch, both a deep forest green color. They matched the rug covering the wood floor by the dark wood coffee table. Photographs of Robin and Roland hung on the wall over the couch, documenting their life together and showing Roland as he grew from baby to preschooler. A TV sat across from the couch and was surrounded by shelves stocked with movies, one half children's movies and the other adult movies. There was also a stereo system there and Regina wondered if Robin and John hosted many parties.

"This way to the dining room," Robin said, taking her hand and leading her through the living room. They passed by a bookcase full of books and a small table set up with a picture next to a candle.

Regina paused, studying the photograph. It showed a beautiful dark-haired woman with bright brown eyes and a dazzling smile. Her skin was closer in color to Roland's and Regina knew in that moment who she was. "Is this your late wife?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied solemnly. "That's our special corner for her."

"She's beautiful," Regina said, squeezing his hand. "And I think she would like this a lot."

He squeezed her hand back. "Thank you. I do everything I can to keep her alive for Roland. I want to make sure he always knows his mother."

Regina felt tears prick her eyes and she wondered if anyone would care enough about her to keep her memory alive were she to die. Or would they just spit on her grave and say good riddance, forgetting about her as soon as she was in the ground?

"Regina?" he asked softly, rubbing her back now. "Are you okay?"

She swallowed. "Sorry. My thoughts have been a little darker lately."

"I'm sure," he said, kissing the side of her head. "I hope to take your mind off them for a little bit but hopefully you're talking about them with Dr. Hopper."

He kissed her head again before moving away as guilt settled like a rock in her stomach. Robin still thought that she was seeing Dr. Hopper regularly and she hated lying to him. But what choice did she have?

Regina glanced over at the picture of Marian and felt as if his late wife was glaring at her in accusation. She swallowed before hissing: "Oh, don't look at me like that! It's just a little white lie. White lies don't really hurt people."

But even she didn't believe herself.

She pushed Marian from her mind and entered the dining room. Robin's table was set up with two settings with a candle between them. A bouquet of roses sat on one plate and she knew that was her seat. Her heart melted a bit as she approached them, picking them up. "These are beautiful," she said.

"Just like you," Robin said, standing next to her again and kissing her cheek. "You deserve roses every day."

"You're a sap," she told him, leaning against him. "Besides, I don't need roses to feel special. You make me feel special every time you smile."

He gave her that smile, revealing those amazing dimples. "Now who is the sap?"

She laughed before teasing him. "I guess you're rubbing off on me."

"Perhaps I am," he agreed, kissing the side of her head. He then pulled out her chair. "For you, milady."

"Thank you," she said, sitting down and placing the bouquet of roses to the side. He pushed her in before disappearing into the kitchen yet again.

He returned with a bottle of wine, pouring some of the red liquid into her glass. "It's Shiraz. I hope you like it," he said.

"I'm sure I will," she replied. "You have a knack of knowing what I like."

"It's a gift," he said, grinning as he poured himself a glass of wine. He then moved back toward the kitchen. "I'll be right out with dinner."

She glanced over her shoulder as she said: "I'll be right here."

Robin returned from the kitchen with two plates in his hands. He set one in front of her before moving toward his chair. She studied their meal, her stomach growling as she took in the steak, potatoes and mixed vegetables sitting on her plate. "This looks amazing," she said.

"Thank you," he said, looking proud of himself. "Meat and potatoes seem to be my specialty."

"No shame in that," she told him, setting her glass down. She cut into her steak and placed a bite into her mouth. It was savory and she let out a hum of appreciation as she chewed it. Once she swallowed, she said: "My compliments to the chef. This is delicious."

His cheeks turned pink. "It's nothing special. Not like your lasagna."

"Don't do that," she said, hating to see him play down his abilities like that. "Some humility is good but you're allowed to be proud of what you've done. Don't put yourself down, alright?"

"Alright," he said. "But you should also take your own advice."

She frowned, knowing he was wrong. "I'm just telling the truth. And even if I wasn't, people don't like public figures who are too proud. They like humility."

"There's humility and then there's self-deprecation," he told her. "You're pretty much practicing the latter."

"I told you. It's the truth," she insisted, sipping her wine.

He shook his head. "It's not. And I will help you see how amazing you truly are until you finally believe it yourself."

"You're determined about this," she said, still not used to someone caring about how she saw herself and wanting to build her up rather than tear her down.

"I am," he replied. "How did you feel when I was deflecting your praise about my dinner?"

She sighed. "I felt bad that you thought so poorly of what you did and wanted you to know that you did a great job."

"You wanted to build me up," he said. "That's all I want to do for you, Regina. I want to build you up until you feel like the amazing woman we all know you are."

"I don't deserve you," Regina said honestly, wondering what he would think of her if he knew about her role in her best friend's disappearance and why it had been orchestrated. Or if he knew that she was lying about still attending therapy.

Or if he ever remembered their true identities and realized he was romancing the Evil Queen.

Then their relationship would truly be doomed.

"Nonsense," he insisted. "I'm the one who doesn't deserve you. But if we keep having this argument, we'll never get anywhere."

"I suppose," she agreed, taking another bite of her meal. "We are two peas in a pod, aren't we?"

He nodded, relaxing as he smiled. "Yes, I suppose we are."

They changed the topic of their conversation and continued to enjoy their meal. Regina felt herself relax as she took another sip of her wine, glad she had agreed to this date at Robin's house.

"There we go," Robin said, replacing the grate as a fire roared to life in his fireplace. He joined Regina on the couch and wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. "Nice and cozy."

She hummed, snuggling against him. "This is nice. It's been too long since I curled up by a fire."

"Well, glad to remedy that," he said, kissing the side of her head.

"I've really enjoyed myself tonight," she told him. "Thank you. I really needed this break with everything that's been going on."

He rubbed her arm. "I know. The past few months certainly haven't been easy for you."

"You and Roland have honestly been the two bright spots during this time," she told him, placing her hand on his knee.

"I'm glad," he said. "And I'm happy to help you practice some self-care until it becomes second nature to you too."

She smiled, his words warming her better than any fire. He was the first person in a long time to express interest in being with her long term, to making such a commitment to her. Regina hoped she was able to do the same with him – whether the so-called Savior messed with her curse or not.

Regina closed her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder. She felt him adjust until they were both lying on his couch. He covered them with a blanket as she wrapped her arm around his chest, letting out a little sigh. "This is nice."

"It is," he replied, kissing the top of her head. "It's been far too long since I've cuddled someone on the couch."

"Really? Because Roland seems to be a cuddlebug, if you ask me," she said, thinking of his sweet son and how he clung to her when he hugged her.

He chuckled. "Okay, it's been far too long since I've cuddled another adult on the couch."

"That sounds better," she replied, resting her head on his chest now as she listened to his heartbeat. They laid there like that, just enjoying each other's presence and the cozy atmosphere surrounding them.

Robin kissed the top of her head again. "What do you want to do? Do you want to call it a night and head home? Do you want to stay? It's up to you – whatever you feel comfortable with."

She opened her eyes and lifted her head to look in his eyes. Robin looked uncertain and she knew that he wanted her to stay but still wanted to give her a choice. Giving him a quick kiss, she said: "I'd like to stay."

"Thank goodness," he replied, breathing out a sigh of relief. He then asked: "To sleep or to sleep?"

He wiggled his eyebrows and she rolled her eyes, amused by his actions. She then said: "I'm not sure. I don't want to promise you something and then, well, not deliver on it."

"Don't worry about that," he told her, gently brushing some hair from her face. "You can always change your mind. I don't want you to feel like you have to do anything you don't want to just because you feel obligated to. Alright?"

"Alright," she said softly, wishing he had come into her life at an earlier point. Things probably would've been very different if she had a partner who respected her and her feelings, who built her up rather than ripped her to pieces when not ignoring her.

You could've had that if you had walked into that tavern, a voice that sounded like Tinkerbell told her.

But then I wouldn't have Henry, she answered back in her mind. And Robin wouldn't have Roland.

She couldn't imagine their lives without their boys nor would she ever wish they weren't part of their lives. Wishing to change the past would likely only make things worse so she decided to just focus on the present for now. If all continued to go well, then maybe she could start to also think about the future.

Regina just didn't want to get ahead of herself just yet though. Not with that pesky Savior still poking around town.

"Are you okay?" he asked her, rubbing her back. "Do you want to just go to sleep?"

She shook her head, pressing herself against him again. "No, no. I'm good. Let's just see where the night takes us."

"That sounds like a very good idea," he replied, kissing her forehead. "We do have all night."

"I definitely like the sound of that," she said, chuckling before kissing the tip of his nose. "I have you all to myself."

He hummed, nuzzling her. "And I have you all to myself."

She leaned even closer to him, her eyes focused on his lips now. The time for talking had passed. Now there were many other things they could do with their lips and she was eager to explore them all with him.

Robin kissed her softly, reaching up to cup the back of her head as they continued to exchange soft and languid kisses. There was a promise of heat underneath them and butterflies fluttered in her stomach, excited to experience how Robin was as a lover. She had a good feeling that he was a gentle but generous one – after all, he was a generous and gentle person.

She just hoped she could be the same. Her experience in bed had always been a selfish one – either her partner was taking what they wanted from her or she was taking what she wanted from them. Regina didn't want to repeat that pattern with Robin. He was too special for that.

He broke their last kiss and gently bopped her nose with his. "Do you want to stay down here or move to the bedroom?"

"The bedroom sounds very tempting," she admitted, eager for more space for them to do more while staying horizontal. "But what about the fire?"

"Don't worry, I can put it out easy," he assured her, kissing the side of her head. He then pulled back, studying her with a grin. "Unless you want to make love in front of the fireplace. I wouldn't put up any arguments."

She bit her lip, knowing it was a tempting offer. But as she glanced over at the fireplace and then back at Robin, she knew she wanted her first time with him to be in a bed and not the couch or even the floor. "Let's go upstairs," she said.

He nodded and Regina sat up so Robin could stand. She watched as he extinguished the fire and she felt a chill sweep through the house immediately, knowing it had gotten colder outside. Regina hugged herself as Robin returned, holding out his hand. "I promise it's warmer upstairs," he told her.

"I'm sure it is," she said, taking his hand and letting him help her to her feet. He laced his fingers with hers as he led her up to the second level of his house again.

Robin paused, motioning to one door. "Do you need to use the bathroom?"

"It probably wouldn't hurt," she said, glancing at the door and knowing she wanted to freshen up before they went anything further. "But I need my toiletry bag first."

He nodded. "Then to my bedroom first."

Robin released her hand as he opened the door to his bedroom, leaning against it as he motioned for her to enter. "Ladies first."

"Thank you," she said, taking his hand as she passed him to pull him in with her. He flipped on the lights in his room and she stopped, looking around the room for the first time and taking it all in to get more insight into the man she was falling more and more in love with.

It wasn't as big as her room but was still a good size. Most of it was taken up by his bed, which had a solid wood frame with four posts at each corner. A dark green comforter covered the bed and she could see green sheets underneath it from where he had turned it back by the pillows. The pillows were various shades of green and brown, most of them decorative. With the two nightstands on other side of the bed, it looked like something from a catalogue and she had to admit she was impressed.

"Marian loved the pillows," he said, sounding a bit sheepish. "I keep them on in her honor."

"I like them too," she replied, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze as she looked back at him. "I guess I was expecting something a bit…messier."

He raised an eyebrow. "Because I'm a man?"

She realized how foolish such an assumption was as she nodded, grimacing as she admitted: "Pretty much."

"I am also a trained paramedic," he reminded her. "And we have to keep everything neat at the station. That carries over to here as well."

"Right," she said, hoping she hadn't ruined the mood. "I shouldn't have made assumptions."

He nodded, rubbing her hand with his thumb. "But to be honest, I made a lot of assumptions about you before we met that I regret now that I know you."

She tilted her head, curious now. Regina could only imagine what assumptions the people of Storybrooke made about her and usually, she didn't care. But with Robin, she found she did – even if he had changed her mind. "Like what?"

"Well, I'll admit that while it was clear that you were a good mum, I thought otherwise, you were a bit of an Ice Queen," he admitted. "You tended to be aloof and brisk with people and didn't seem very approachable."

"And now?" she asked, knowing his assumption had been a fair one. She had kept the people of Storybrooke out of arm's reach because she told herself that she was still a queen who did not interact with the peasants. But deep down, she knew it was so she didn't get hurt again.

He gently cupped her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "Now I know that you have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever known. But that heart has been damaged by people who did not deserve you and so you are very careful about who you let have access to it. I am honored to be one of those few special people who you trust."

Regina's heart skipped a beat as she leaned closer and kissed him. He responded, this time with more heat than the kisses they shared on the couch. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his came around her back and they held each other without breaking the kiss. Robin nibbled on her lower lip and she opened for him, letting him deepen the kiss until her lungs burned for air and her head spun.

They broke the kiss but did not release each other. He let out a little hum before saying: "I don't really want to let you go."

"I don't either," Regina said, not sure if she meant now or in a terrible potential future where the curse was broken and he realized who she truly was.

But as for now, she knew she did have to let him go. "I do want to freshen up, though. And I doubt you want to come see that."

"There you go making assumptions again," he teased her, winking as he grinned cheekily.

She chuckled as she understood his implication. Grinning, she said: "Our relationship is still pretty new. I would like to have some mystery still."

"Alright," he said, pulling away from her. "I'll let you have your secrets for now."

Regina's heart skipped a beat as her stomach twisted up. She knew he was being playful with her but she felt the guilt flare up inside her. There were too many secrets she was keeping from him and she didn't know how much longer she would be able to keep them from him. And when they were revealed, it would likely mean the end of their relationship.

She pushed those thoughts away. Regina wanted to focus on the here and now, where she and Robin were about to explore the depths of their feelings for each other. Where, for now, she could feel what it was like to be loved again.

"I'll be back in a few," she told him, leaning closer and giving him a quick kiss. He watched her with a goofy grin as she grabbed her bag and backed out of the room, never taking her eyes off him until she reached the bathroom.

Flipping on the light, she entered the room and closed the door. She took a deep breath before looking at herself in the mirror, finding her lips already swollen from the kisses she and Robin had already shared. Heat filled her core and she grinned, eager to see what else the night would bring.

Regina shed all her clothes and double checked everything. She had gotten waxed the other day and felt confident that she looked good, especially given her strict diet to make sure she didn't end up like some poor distant aunt that Mother always insisted was too fat to fit in a regular room. Mother had made it clear that Regina could easily end up like that aunt and so Regina was careful to manage her weight.

She opened her toiletry bag and freshened herself up for her night with Robin. After donning the black and red lacy teddy she had brought for the evening, she ran a brush through her hair and reapplied her makeup to make sure she looked perfect. Mother had always taught her to be her best and that no one – especially a man – should see her as anything but perfect or she would lose his interest.

Pleased with her appearance, Regina picked up her bag and returned to Robin's room. She leaned against the doorframe as he prepared the bed for them. Regina cleared her throat, gaining his attention as he turned to face her. "Well?" she asked.

"Fuck," he said, almost growling as a hunger filled his eyes. "You look amazing."

"Thank you," she replied, sauntering over to him. She tugged on his sweater. "You look overdressed."

He chuckled. "I'll go freshen up myself and shed some of these layers."

"Want to maintain some of your mystery too?" she asked, teasing him a bit.

"Absolutely," he replied, winking. "Make yourself comfortable and I'll be right back, darling."

Her heart skipped a beat at the term of affection and she watched as he left the room. She sat on his bed as she looked around his room, smiling when she saw his uniform hanging against his closet door. Regina thought about the night they met and how caring he had been while treating her sprained ankle. It seemed her curse had chosen a profession that suited him well in this world.

"What is so fascinating?" Robin asked, spooking her. She jumped before turning toward him, her heart racing as her breathing quickened. He held up his hands, his expression softening. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"That's okay," she said. She motioned to his uniform. "I was admiring that."

He glanced over his shoulder and chuckled. "Women really do love a man in uniform, don't they?"

"Yes, but we love them out of that uniform even more," Regina said, getting a good look at Robin now. He wore only a pair of green boxers, showing off his muscled arms and legs as well as his toned chest. She licked her lips, appreciating every inch of his body.

Robin grinned. "You like what you see?"

"Oh, yes," she said as he sat down. She reached out and placed her hand against his chest. "I like it very much."

He covered her hand with his, gently moving it until she could feel his heart beating against her palm. Robin leaned forward, gently kissing her. She responded eagerly, letting him ease her down until they were both lying on the bed. They continued to exchange kisses, each growing in passion.

Robin broke their kisses, looking down into her eyes. "You good?"

"Yes," she told him, touched by his concern for her welfare. She felt loved in a way she hadn't in a long time. "I'm very good."

"Good," he said. "And you know you can tell me to stop at any time, right?"

She nodded, appreciating how he respected her. "The same goes for you too, okay?"

"Okay," he replied, smiling. "Shall I continue?"

"You shall," she told him, laughing at how formal he sounded. She almost expected him to start addressing her with courtly terms but pushed that thought from her mind.

She did not want to think about her sexual experiences as queen that night.

Regina just wanted to focus on Robin. Especially now as he trailed kisses down her neck until he found one spot in particular. Closing his lips around it, he sucked and sent a jolt straight down to her core.

This was bliss.

"You good?" he asked her, kissing her shoulder once he was finished.

She nodded. "You're right. Maybe my lovers were selfish after all."

He chuckled, nuzzling her. "Some men just don't know all the secrets to pleasuring a woman."

"I'm lucky you do," she said, reaching up to caress his cheek. "I am so glad I decided to stay the night."

"Me too," he replied, kissing her forehead. "And I promise it will only get better."

She hummed. "That's a big promise to make. Do you think you can deliver?"

"Oh, I know I can deliver," he told her, sounding quite smug about it. "How about I prove it to you?"

He reached his hand down and she caught it, shaking her head. "I need some time to recover. I've never had an orgasm quite that intense before," she admitted.

Pride briefly flashed in his eyes before they softened. He nodded, pulling her closer and cuddling with her. "Alright, darling. Just tell me when you're ready and we can continue," he told her.

"Thank you," she said, appreciating the care he showed her. She closed her eyes and laid there with him, breathing in his now familiar woodsy scent mixed now with his natural musk.

Regina loved it.

He kissed the top of her head. "I am so lucky. I have the most beautiful woman in Storybrooke in my bed."

"You never stop, do you?" she replied, smiling though. She hoped he never did stop. His praise and compliments were always so genuine and heartfelt, she almost believed she deserved them.

"When it comes to you? No," he said, still peppering her hair kisses. "The compliments just roll off my tongue when I'm around you."

She placed her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat under her palm. He placed his hand over hers as she let out a soft sigh. "Well, I am honored to be with the best lover in all of Storybrooke," she said.

He laughed. "Now who has compliments rolling off their tongue?"

"I guess you're right," she said. "It's easier with you."

She felt herself float between sleep and consciousness, comfortable and safe. Regina let out another soft sigh. "This is nice."

"It is," he agreed. "Even better than I imagined."

"Well, I wouldn't say that just yet," she replied, feeling anxious. "You've done most of the work so far. I may not live up to…"

He pressed a finger to her lips and she looked into his eyes. Robin shook his head. "Don't even finish that thought. It's going to be amazing. You're going to be amazing."

"I told you. I'm a selfish…"

"No," he said, shaking his head. "You're not going to let whatever others have made you think dominate our night together. We'll find our own groove and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised."

She felt herself get choked up as she wondered why she ever walked away from him all those years ago. "How do you always know what to say?"

"Because I speak the truth," he said. "And soon, you'll believe it."

"I hope so," she replied, wishing she could see the world the same way Robin did. It seemed so much brighter and happier.

Maybe one day.

He kissed her forehead again. "Penny for your thoughts."

"Keep it," Regina replied. "My mind is blank."

"Is that so?" he asked, sounding smug. She figured he deserved the right to brag so she let it pass.

She nodded. "Just give me a moment. My mind will start working again."

"Oh no, we can't have that," Robin replied, gently tucking his knuckle under her chin and lifting up her head. He kissed her and she sighed into it, letting him pull her against his body as he nibbled on her lower lip. She parted her lips and let him deepen the kiss, the two entwined with his sheets.

As their kisses grew longer and deeper, she grew more and more aware of his hard cock pressed against her stomach. She reached between their bodies and wrapped her fingers around it, gently pumping it. He moaned, breaking their kiss to whisper: "Bloody minx."

"Yes," she whispered back. "And one who is getting her second wind."

"Good," he said. "That means I can do this."

He kissed her neck, finding the pressure point again. It sent another heated jolt to her core and she moaned. "Oh, fuck…"

She tightened her grip on his cock, now also teasing his tip with her thumb. He moaned against her neck before lifting his head, his eyes darkened with lust. "Now you're not playing fair," he said.

"How so?" she asked sweetly. "I'm just making sure you're ready."

"Is that what you call this torture?" He closed his eyes, nuzzling her.

She laughed now. "And you weren't torturing me earlier?"

He groaned. "I see. Turnabout is fair play and all that?"

"Maybe," she replied, amazed by the whole experience. Her sexual encounters in the past hadn't involved as much talking or flirting. They usually just got down to business before parting aways again.

Regina preferred this to all those experiences.

Chuckling, Robin kissed her nose. "Well, I guess I can't complain then."

"Neither can I," she replied, kissing him as she gave his cock a little squeeze. He moaned into the kiss and she took the chance to deepen it, slipping her tongue inside his mouth. They lay there for a bit longer, kissing and caressing each other.

Robin then gently laid her on her back before breaking the kiss. Sitting up, he grinned. "Am I ready?"

"Yes," she replied, letting her fingers fall from his hard cock. "I believe you are."

"Good. Let's make sure you are," he said, running his fingers down her inner thigh and toward her sex.

Something tightened inside her with anticipation and she felt her breath hitch. "Don't you think you already did that?"

"Perhaps," he said. "I still want to be sure. I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't" she replied, knowing it in her heart. "I trust you."

He smiled softly. "I promise your trust is not misplaced."

She swallowed past the thump in her throat, wishing she could tell him the same. But she pushed that guilt aside as his fingers brushed over her sex, pulling her mind back to where it needed to be.

Right there as she and Robin enjoyed a night full of pleasure.

Movement woke Regina. She blinked her eyes open to find sunshine trying to permeate the room but blocked by the curtain over the window. For a moment, she forgot where she was until the haze in her mind faded and she remembered she had spent the night with Robin. Lying back against the pillows, she looked up to find Robin gathering some clothes. "Going somewhere?" she asked.

He paused, turning slowly with a guilty look on his face. Regina's heart skipped a beat for a moment before he said: "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay," she replied. "You still haven't answered my question."

"I'm going to take a shower. And then my plan was to surprise you with breakfast," he said.

She grinned, touched by how caring he was. "That sounds wonderful. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied, bracing himself against the headboard so he could kiss her. "Why don't you get a little bit more rest? You can either come straight down to breakfast or take a shower. Your choice."

"I think I'll take a shower," she replied. "But I'm in no rush to leave your bed."

He chuckled. "Well, I'm glad to hear that. You can stay here as long as you want."

"Careful," she said, snuggling under his blankets. "I may stay here forever."

"You'd get no complaints from me," he told her, kissing her again. "I'll see you in a little bit."

Robin left the room as Regina smiled, curling up under his blankets. She never thought she would have romantic love in her life again but now she did. And it was with a man who was honestly the kindest, gentlest and most loving person she had ever met. How lucky was she?

It's not going to last, a voice whispered in her mind. One that sounded like an odd mixture of Henry, her mother, Rumple and the Blue Fairy. Ultimately you're a villain and the rules are clear. Villains do not get happy endings.

"I know," she said, whispering even though she heard the shower running in the next room over. "But this is supposed to be my happy ending. And maybe Robin is part of it."

Maybe, but that pesky Savior is running around. Now the voice was entirely her old mentor's. If you want to keep him and your happy ending, you need to get rid of her. Now.

Regina swallowed. "I'm working on that."

Work. Harder. You know what you have to do.

"I know," she whispered, though she didn't feel as resolved as she had in the past. Usually, making decision to get what she want made her feel like she had donned a dress of steel and had fire pumping through her veins. Now, she just felt empty and nauseous.

The water turned off and she knew it was almost time to leave the cocoon Robin had created for them. After breakfast, they would kiss and then go to collect their respective children. She would have to continue to deal with Henry's stony silences and angry looks while everyone continued to try to find the closest thing she had ever had to a best friend in her life. Regina prayed Rumple hadn't hurt Kathryn and they would find her alive and well while also managing to get rid of Snow White and her daughter in one swoop.

But would things go back to normal? Or had Henry rung a bell they could never unring?

She heard the bathroom door open and Robin's steps on the stairs. Regina pushed the blankets back, ready to take her own shower. Picking up her bag, she raced into his bathroom and closed the door behind her. She started the shower and got out her toiletry bag before stepping into the warm cascading water.

Her happy ending certainly wasn't as clear cut as it had been even six months ago. Everything was a mess and so she was going to hang onto what little made sense, like her relationship with Robin. She was not going to lose him, no matter what she had to do.

Resolved, she washed up and left the shower to change. Once she was dressed, she headed downstairs to the kitchen. Robin stood at the stove, making what appeared to be pancakes. Her heart skipped a beat and she walked up to him, hugging him from behind.

"Did you have a good sleep?" he asked her, glancing over his shoulder at her.

She nodded. "Did you?"

"That was the best…sleep…I've had in a long time," he said, his pause not unnoticed by Regina.

Laughing, Regina felt pride soar through her. "It was the best I've ever had."

"Well, while that strokes my ego, I am sorry to hear that," he said. "You deserved so much better."

Guilt hit her as she shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not."

"Hey, now," he said, guiding her so that she was standing in front of him as he turned from the stove. "None of that."

"You're a great man, you know that?" she asked him, kissing the end of his nose.

He rubbed her arms. "I try."

"Well, I appreciate it," she told him, hugging him. "I am really glad you are in my life."

"I'm glad you're in my life as well," he replied, holding her close. They stood there, arms wrapped around each other until she glanced at the stove.

Pulling away, she patted his arm. "You don't want your pancakes to burn."

His eyes widened and he turned back to the stove. She watched as he flipped them onto a plate, relief in his eyes. "There. No damage."

"Good," she replied, kissing his cheek. "And thank you."

"You're welcome," he said, holding out the plate. "For you, milady."

She took it, asking about the syrup. He motioned to the refrigerator and she opened it, taking out the bottle. Regina then looked between the table in his kitchen and the one in his dining room. "Where do you want to eat?"

"Oh," he said, flipping the next batch of pancakes. "We can eat in here, if you're okay with that."

"Sounds good," she replied, placing the plate down on the table. She didn't sit, though, biting her lip. "Can I get some coffee?"

He hit his forehead with his spatula. "I knew I had forgotten something. I have it right here for you."

Robin picked up a mug and held it out to her. "A dash of cream and two sugars, right?"

"Yes," she said, touched that he knew how she took her coffee. "You paid attention."

"Of course I did," he replied, placing his pancakes on his plate before turning off the burner. "I always pay attention to you."

She smiled, leaning closer to him. "I pay attention to you. You dump almost as much milk as coffee into yours and several packets of sugar."

"What can I say? I like sweet things," he replied, winking at her. Her cheeks burned as she sat down, surprised he meant her.

It had been a long time since anyone called her "sweet."

Robin sat across from her, sipping his coffee. He motioned to her plate. "Go ahead. Enjoy."

"Oh, don't worry," she said, pouring syrup onto her stack of pancakes. "I fully intend to do so."

He chuckled, taking the syrup from her as she bit into her first taste of the pancakes. They were light and fluffy and she let out a soft moan. "Oh, these could be dangerous," she said.

"Is that so?" he asked, looking rather smug.

"Yes," she replied. "I could easily eat a good dozen or so though my waistline wouldn't like it.'

He shook his head. "You'd be fine."

She melted a bit. "You're sweet, but we both know that's a big lie."

"I wouldn't say big," he replied. "Maybe a white lie. But a small one."

"Hmm," she said, feeling giddy rather than upset. "Agree to disagree."

Robin nodded. "Fair. But keep in mind, I am a medical professional. I may not have gone to medical school but I got a lot of training and know a few things. And in my professional opinion, a dozen pancakes every once and a while won't hurt."

"Perhaps," she said, biting her lip to keep from laughing.

"It's all about moderation," he replied. "That's the key to life, if you ask me."

She tilted her head, running her foot up his leg. "Moderation? So I should have you in moderation?"

He swallowed. "Well, not everything has to be in moderation."

"Good," she replied. "Because I don't want to limit how much time I spend with you even more."

"Neither do I," he replied. "I'm glad we're agreed on that."

She smiled, her heart skipping another beat. "Me too."

They continued to enjoy their breakfast, joking and teasing each other. Regina felt herself relax as she hoped she could have Robin in her life forever. Maybe, just maybe, she would win this time and get to keep her happily ever after.

Just maybe.

A/N: Aren't they so sweet?

They definitely deserved this little respite from the angst.

I hope you all had a great weekend and have a great week! I'll see you next Monday for another update.

-Mac