Hi my dear readers and friends,

I still can't thank you enough for the amount of reviews and love and feedback this story is getting... I'm so touched that I can't really put it into words. Thank you so much. :') I have so much fun writing this story and knowing that you have reading it, it truly means the world to me!

I hope you will like this chapter :) I hope you have noticed, I try to update my stories faster so hopefully, you won't have to wait to long for the next chapter !

I love you all, and from the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! 3

Chapter 3

-2005-

Regina opened the eyes, feeling somehow stared at and she jumped when she saw someone in front of her.

"Mal!" she exclaimed, sitting up and the blond woman laughed before sitting by her side on the bed. "That's not funny, Madelyn, you scared the hell out of me!"

Madelyn Hope Stewart, -Mal- for her friends was her roomate and bestfriend since she arrived here in the campus, a year ago. She was as blond as Regina was brunette, and her eyes were clear sky blue.

"Well, that was kind of the point." she smirked and Regina nudged her shoulder. "So, tell me, how was it?

Regina couldn't help her smile when she thought about what happened the night before...

"Oh God." Mal's eyes widened. "You got laid, didn't you."

"Madelyn!" screamed Regina, blushing now. "Please, you know me better than that!" she saw her friend mouthing -boring- and nudged her again. "I didn't get laid as you so poetically put it, but I did meet someone."

Her friend smiled.

"Did you? That's even better! What does he look like? Wait, what's his name? Will you see him again? Did he kiss you? Did-"

"Please stop!" laughed Regina and then, "I met him yesterday night. You know I was supposed to go with Travis?" Mal nodded. "Well, some fifty seconds after we arrived, he decided that Molly was more of his taste."

"What a jerk!"

"Indeed. But now that I think about it, that's perhaps for the best. Because I went to the kitchen to get something to drink. And this is where I first saw him." she chuckled lightly. "His name is Robin, he's English if I trust his accent. He's tall, blond hair, blue eyes and those dimples..." Regina blushed when she saw the amused look on her bestfriend's face. "Well, we spent the night together, talking." she hurried to add.

"And then he kissed you."

"And then he took me home."

"And then, he kissed you."

"And then, we talked for a little bit."

"Regina!"

"And then he kissed me."

"I knew it!" squealed Mal. "And how was it?"

Perfect. She wanted to say. Like something she never knew she missed, but now that she got a taste of it, she was dying to make it happen again.

"It was... I don't really have words to describe it."

"Come on!"

"That's not even your business anyway."

"Regina!"

"But, if you want to know, I am seeing him again on tuesday."

Mal's eyes widened again.

"He asked you out?"

"He did."

-2015-

Regina entered her flat and then dialed the number of the one person who could help her get through this.

"This is better be important. I was about to go on my shopping therapy."

Regina chuckled lightly.

"I have something to tell you."

A small silence came up and then, Regina opened the mouth.

"Do you remember Robin Locksley?"

"Robin as the Robin who totally broke your heart?"

Regina swallowed.

"Yes. That would be him."

"What about him?"

Another silence.

"Regina, what's going on? You're frightening me."

"We are seeing each other again."

Robin had still not left the café when his phone rang.

John.

He sighed and took the phone call.

"What is it?"

"Just wanted to make sure you were still coming to my party on Saturday."

"I am." then, he hesitated. "Actually..."

"Actually, what?"

"No. Nevermind."

"Robin?"

"Forget about it."

"Tell me what is it."

Robin sighed, that's something he would have to do at some point anyway.

"Can I bring someone?"

A small silence settled.

"Someone like your five-year-old son, or someone like an actual lady?"

"I've got someone in my life." he said quickly, closing his eyes.

Another silence.

"You got to be kidding me."

"I am not."

"For how long?"

Shit.

That was something they had not talked about yet.

"A year."

"You got to be kidding me..."

"We wanted to be sure before telling everyone, and when I'll tell you who she is, you'll understand why."

"I'm all ears."

"Do you remember Regina Mills?"

Another silence and this time, Robin closed his eyes, getting ready for the worst.

"Robin, you got to be kidding me. You got to be fucking kidding me!"

"Let me-"

"Regina Mills as in the Regina Mills? The woman you were so in love with back in University? The woman who you broke the heart and never stopped pinning after?"

"I wasn't pinning."

"Oh cut the crap. You can't be serious."

"It would appear so."

"But what the hell is wrong with you?" screamed John.

"John..."

"You haven't made her suffer enough?! I thought you were done with making bad choices!"

"Regina isn't a bad choice." And he believed that with all of his heart. "She is the best of all choices." And then he voiced a truth he still had a hard time admitting. "The choice I should have made from the very start."

Another silence, he could hear his bestfriend's breathing.

"You always loved her."

Robin chose not to answer.

"And she feels the same? She agreed to forgive you? After all the pain you put her through?"

Robin's heart squeezed.

"She believed in second chances."

"I am not sure you deserve one." and once again, Robin's heart broke.

"I don't either."

John sighed and then he said,

"Fine. You can bring her."

"Thank you, John."

"Robin?" called his friend, "Try not to mess this up, this time."

"I won't." breathed Robin, but his voice broke.

A dead silence on the line.

"You didn't." breathed her bestfriend and Regina closed her eyes, feeling so bad about lying to the one person who always had her back.

"Mal..."

"No. Just no. Just fucking no!" screamed the blond and Regina jumped.

"Please, let me explain."

"What is it to explain?!" she asked. "How could you forgive that son of a bitch?!"

"Mal!" this time it was Regina's turn to scream.

"No, Regina. I am sorry but there is now way in hell that I'm gonna approve of that."

"I'm not asking you to." said softly the brunette and another silence fell.

"Are you out of your mind?!" finally asked Madelyn, calmly this time but it was even worst. "Have you forgotten what you've been through because of this man?"

Regina's heart squeezed so hard it hurt.

"I haven't forgotten." she breathed. "Trust me, I haven't."

"Then why the hell are you doing this?!"

"Mal... Robin changed and we-"

"Oh cut the crap." Regina froze. "You still love him and I can understand that, I know you never stopped. But taking him back..."

"Mal...please."

"I am sorry, Regina, but I can't. Not when I remember what he put you through. God, you were together for three years and he cheated on you with that bitch, and then married her! How could you forgive that?!"

Regina closed her eyes and was not surprised to feel tears rolling down her cheeks. God, it still hurt. So much. How could it hurt so much so many years after? She tried to muffle the sobs but one escaped her mouth and...

"Oh God." exclaimed Mal. "Oh God, I made you cry, didn't I? Oh no, honey, please I am so sorry..."

"I am fine." she whispered, didn't trust her voice to speak.

"I didn't mean to reopen old wounds by talking about the past."

"I am fine." she said again.

"Please, reconsider this." begged Mal.

"I am not asking for your permission, Madelyn." She said softly and then heard her bestfriend sighed in defeat.

"Let him know that if he hurt you again, even for one little stupid reason, I will kill him."then she added, "I am not letting him hurt you the way he did, ever again. I swear, Regina."

"I know." only breathed the woman.

Robin entered his flat, his conversation with John still in mind.

Don't mess it up this time.

Perhaps, he could...

No.

He had deeply hurt Regina seven years ago and there was no coming back from that. She had given him all of her, her entire trust and heart and he had taken it, shredded it and threw it back at her feet like it meant absolutely nothing.

She couldn't possibly forgive him.

And even if it killed him, he understood.

Robin took a deep breath and walked to his fridge, opening himself a beer, needing something to somehow calm his nerves after this very eventful and stressing day.

And then, his phone rang again and Robin seriously considered not answering, but then he saw who was calling and it was the only one person he wished to talk to at the moment.

"Daddy?" came a little voice and he closed his eyes, warmth getting back in his heart; the sound only of the voice making him feel better.

"Hi, my boy. How was your day with mommy?"

"Good! We went to the zoo and daddy, can you believe that elephants are sooo huge?" Robin chuckled but he knew better than interrupt his son. "And a monkey stole my hat! Keith tried to take it back, but it was too late. But mommy told me she would get me another so I'm fine!"

"I'm glad, Roland. And I believe you're about to go to sleep, now?"

"Yep! But I wanted to say goodnight, first." Robin smiled. "I miss you daddy!"

"And I miss you too, my boy. What do you say, when you come home on friday, we'll go buy pizzas and then watch any movie you want?"

Roland dcreamed in delight and Robin laughed again.

"Any movie, daddy? So, we can watch Cars again?"

Roland was fan of this cartoon, he must have seen it at least a thousand of times, but if it made him happy...

"Anything you want, son."

"YEAH!" then Robin heard a woman voice spoke in the background and he heard Roland sighed. "I have to go brush my teeth, now."

"Don't pout." smirked Robin, knowing his son by heart. "Your mommy's right."

"I love you, daddy."

"I love you, too. Goodnight my boy."

And then he heard the phone shifted and another voice greeted him.

"Hello." said Marian, hesitant.

She was always hesitant when they spoke.

Even if they had been married for two years, even if they had divorced so many years ago and even now that she was seeing someone. His name was Keith Nottingham, they were seeing each other for a few months now, and Robin had only met him once but he seemed like a decent guy.

"Good evening, Marian."

"About what Roland said about Keith. He only came because-"

"Stop." cut her Robin softly. "You two are getting serious, and I understand that he wants time with you. I am glad he is willing to include Roland and as long as he behaves correctly with my son, I do not see any wrong in him being there with you. I am happy for you, Marian."

"Thank you. " she answered and he knew she was smiling. "But I can assure you he doesn't sleep here the nights Roland is with me!"

"I appreciate that."

A small silence settled and he was about to say that he had things to do, when suddenly she said something that stopped his heart.

"When will you open your heart to love again?"

At first, Robin couldn't answer.

"Excuse me?"

"Robin" she sighed. "I know. I know you still have feelings for Regina." And God, it felt wrong discussing this with Marian. "I know you always had."

"Please, stop."

"What I mean is-"

"Marian, please."

Something in his voice must have stopped her because she sighed again.

"Fine."

"Thank you."

"But just think about it. You deserve happiness, Robin."

He wasn't sure about that.

"Everyone deserves love." she ended and he sighed.

"Goodnight, Marian."

"Goodnight."

And then he closed the phone and ended his beer in one time before heading toward the kitchen again.

He needed something stronger.

Regina was staring at her plate, lost in thougths when her phone buzzed, she took it and her heart stopped when she saw who was texting her.

Robin.

Can I call you?

Why?

It's important.

Regina sighed and then, she typed

Fine.

Not one minute after, her phone buzzed and she took a deep breath, ended her glass of wine and then took his phone call.

"Regina?"

"Yes. Why did you want to call me?"

"I told John I was coming with you on Saturday."

Regina tried to calm her nerves. She remembered John quite well, he was already Robin's bestfriend back in University. And actually, when Robin left her, he came and apologized in his behalf. She would never forget the kindness he had shown her in those difficult times.

"Are you still there?" asked Robin and she jumped.

"Yes, I am. How did it go?"

She heard him let out a breath.

"It could have been worst, I guess. But we need to sort some things out, for our story to be possible."

"I know. Like for how long we've been dating for example."

"I told John a year."

"A year?!" she exclaimed.

"Well, I was kind of taken by surprise, here!" he said and she sighed.

"Fine. One year it is, then."

"Regina?" he called and she could hear he was hesitant now.

"What is it?"

He sighed.

"We also need a part of the story where we explain our oldest friend how and why we got back together."

Regina's heart froze.

She couldn't do that.

Not tonight.

It was too soon.

God, would she ever be ready for this?

"I..." she tried and cursed herself for being unable to stay composed. "Yes. Yes, you're right. Of course you're right." Great, now she was rambling. Just fucking perfect. "We ... We can discuss it another day, I've got a lot of things to do, right now."

"I understand."

"I... I have to go, now."

"We'll be in touch? Text me when you want us to meet."

"I will." God, she needed this over with. "Goodbye, Robin."

"Goodbye, Regina."

And she closed the phone, tears in her eyes.

God,

Would the pain cease one day?

Regina looked at the bottle of wine on the table and considered refilling her glass but then she shook her head and drank directly from the bottle.

-2005-

Later in the day, Regina was looking at her bestfriend, frowning slightly over her books and papers. Mal looked up from her laptop,

"What is it?"

"How did you know?"

"How did I know what?" asked the blond.

"How did you know that something happened yesterday night? It could have been like any other parties we've been."

"Nope." smirked Mal.

"Why not?"

"Well, because when I came in, there was this man's jacket on your chair..."

Regina's eyes widened. She totally forgot to hand him his jacket back!

"Oh God." she breathed and Madelyn laughed.

"Come on, it's isn't that bad! Text him to let him know you've got it. Plus, it would give you a very great excuse to break the rule number 1."

"What rule?"

"Never be the one to text first."

Regina laughed.

"Is that an actual rule, or are you making this up?"

"A bit of both, I suppose." chuckled Mal but then she got up, grabbed Regina's phone and handed it to her, "Come on, sent him a text."

Regina looked hesitant,

"I am not sure about this..."

Mal rolled her eyes and took Regina's hand, putting the phone in it.

"Then it's a good thing that I wasn't asking you."

Regina swallowed and took her phone.

"What do I tell him?"

"Tell him that you've got his jacket."

"Won't he find me rude? Or desperate? Or weird? Or-"

"Regina, stop!" cut her the blond woman. "This man walked you back, he kissed you and then he asked you out. I'd say you're taking no risks there."

"Are you sure?"

"I promise."

Regina took a deep breath, nodding.

Hello handsome, looks like someone forgot his jacket the other night. ;)

"It's sent." she breathed, a bit paled.

"Oh, great ! You'll tell me what he answers!"

"Of course."

Mal looked so excited, but Regina was just nervous.

Hi beautiful, or maybe that someone just needed a good excuse to see you again. ;)

Regina's breath hitched and she blushed. Mal leant in to read what Robin sent and chuckled.

"Oh God, he is so into you!"

"Would you mind your own business!" chuckled Regina, trying to hide her phone.

"You're not any fun." pouted her bestfriend.

"I know, but you love me anyway."

"Will you at least tell me if he says something?"

"I'll consider your request." winked Regina and Madelyn rolled her eyes.

You don't need an excuse to see me. But I can bring your jacket back on tuesday?

Or maybe you could give it back to me now.

She frowned and Mal noticed.

"What?"

"He wants me to give back his jacket now."

Mal frowned, too.

What? How so?

Well, it appears I am in front of your building. So, if you don't want to wait until tuesday to see me again... ;)

"Oh my God."

"What? What did he say?"

"He is in front of the building."

"What?!" squealed Mal getting up and running to the window. "Oh God. He is hot!"

Regina chuckled lightly,

"What do I do, now?"

Mal turned around, eyes wide open.

"Are you fucking serious?" she shook her head. "Now, you get up, take the little courage you have and walk down there to get your man."

"He isn't my man."

"Not yet. But trust me, he is sending you all the right signs."

"You believe so?"

"Regina!" exclaimed Mal and then she grabbed Robin's jacket, forced her friend to get up and handed her the cloth. "Stop being afraid of what the future will hold!"

Regina nodded, still a bit worried.

"How do I look?"

"You look wonderful, now go!"

The brunette nodded and then took a deep breath, texting her last answer.

I'm coming.

"Wish me luck."

"As if you needed it ..." winked Mal.

Before going out, Regina took a deep breath and tried to calm her beating heart, or the trembling in her hands.

And then she pushed the door.

Robin was waiting for her and God, he was even more handsome in clear day that he was last night ( if possible).

"Hi," she smiled shyly.

Robin's eyes widened when he saw her.

God, she was so beautiful. Even more beautiful in daylight, and he didn't think that could be possible. He was a bit unsure about what to do, but he couldn't help himself, Robin walked the space separating them and cupped her cheek. He saw her blush a little, but she didn't push him away.

"Hello, beautiful." he smiled and she smiled back, a soft smile that made his insides twist and then, Robin couldn't help himself.

He needed to feel these lips against his once again.

"Regina," he breathed against her lips and felt her lean into him a bit.

"Yes."

"May I kiss you?"

He saw her try to fight a smile, but her eyes sparkled and God, he really needed to kiss her now. She nodded shyly, her eyes on his lips and then, it was too much and Robin kissed her.

The kiss was slow and sweet at first, gentle press of lips against lips. But then, Robin sucked her lower lips in his mouth and she granted him entrance, their tongues meeting and fighting in a passionate embrace. He heard her moan and that only spur him on, and Robin cradled his hand in her hair, angling her head the way he wanted to get more acces to her delicious mouth.

The need for air forced them apart, but Robin leant his forehead on Regina's, both their breathing a bit ragged.

"That was..." she started and he chuckled, pecked her lips again.

"Yes, m'lady. It certainly was."

Regina smiled and then receded a bit, and handed him his jacket. Robin smiled and then seemed to think before he put his hand above hers.

"Keep it, it looked so much better on you, anyway."

Regina's eyes widened.

"I can't! It's your jacket!"

"I have plenty." he shrugged. "Plus, I find it so much more fitting on you."

She swapped his chest playfully.

"You charming thing!"

Robin laughed and she smiled again,

"Fine, I'll keep it. But don't hesitate to ask it back."

Regina put the jacket over her and saw Robin staring at her. He gripped the lapel of the jacket and used it to bring her closer to him in order to kiss her again. Regina's hands got lost in his hair and when they receded, she smirked.

"So, now I see why you wanted me to keep your jacket..."

Robin laughed and his eyes turned mischevious as he leant in and once again used the lapel of the jacket to bring her closer.

"Guilty as charged."

Regina laughed and then he was kissing her again.

"Would you like to take a walk with me?" he whispered after they broke apart.

"Now?"

Robin nodded and then cupped her cheek once again, blue eyes studying her and she could so easily drawn in his eyes...

"Yes, except if you have something else to do at the moment."

"I don't." she said, and blue eyes met brown before he smiled again, all dimples in display.

"Perfect, then."

They receded but Robin kept her hand in his and Regina felt a warmth entered her heart, it made her all dizzy and she could only hope he felt the same. They started walking in a comfortable silence, both enjoying this new feeling of being together, when Regina broke the silence.

"Didn't you tell me your building was on the other part of the campus?" she asked and he hummed.

"I did."

"Then what were you doing here?" she looked at him and saw him blushed lightly.

"Well," Robin cleared his throat. "I ... Actually, I was... I was there, trying to summon enough courage to ask you to come down."

Regina stopped and he stopped with her and she could see he was embarassed.

"I know, it's stupid, but-"

But she didn't let him finish, instead she cupped his cheeks and kissed him. Robin asnwered her kiss and his hands found her waist, bringing him a bit closer to his body and they both moaned slightly.

"I don't think it is stupid at all, Robin."

His blue eyes were still a bit dazzed, and he was staring at her mouth but he smiled and God, he truly was handsome.

"Good." he breathed and then pecked her lips, before taking her hand again and intertwining their fingers. "And now, I'd like to know more about you."

Regina chuckled.

"I think that can be arranged."

And they started talking, and talking...

All the while thinking,

That it could be the beginning of something beautiful. .