Hello my dear friends,
Here is the new chapter, I do hope you will like it ! It took me a while to write it because I didn't want to disappoint you guys… So I really hope I didn't and that you will like it ! Can't wait to hear what you thought about it. I had to take some decisions as to where I wanted to take this story so I hope this will be alright and I've also added some surprises for you… ;) haha
Thanks for your love&support&reviews, they mean the world to me and are why I am still here writing OQ stories !
PS : Is it that stupid that I am still somehow having hope that they will bring Robin back in this new season? Damn hope … Really, I know I will be disappointed but I can't help myself from hoping that we will have a real OQ endgame !
LOVE YOU ALL !
Chapter 14:
-2006-
This was the day.
Finally.
Today was the day Regina was officially moving in with Robin a couple of weeks after he asked her…
And she couldn't be happier.
So right now, she was at her place with Madelyn and packing the last of her things.
"You know I feel kind of guilty for leaving you without a room-mate."
Mal chuckled.
"Don't worry about that, my dear." Regina smiled, "I am just so happy that you found Robin… A love like that, it happens only once in a lifetime. You guys are so lucky!"
Regina smiled, looking down before she looked up, shy suddenly.
"Can I tell you something I've just started to realize myself?"
"Always."
"I … I know we haven't been together for that long but..." their eyes locked. "He is the one, Madelyn. I can feel it."
Her best friend smiled brightly.
"Anyone spending even a couple of minutes with you two can see that. You are made for each other."
"Oh Madelyn..."
Regina walked to her friend and hugged her tightly.
"I love you so much, you do know that?"
The blond chuckled.
"I do, actually." then she added, "And I love you too, you're my best friend."
"Forever." added Regina.
Robin parked his car in front of the building and then took a deep breath before getting out.
This was it.
Finally.
He couldn't stop the smile on his face as he got out of his car and walked to Regina's and Madelyn's appartment.
He was so happy.
He loved her so much and he knew deep inside of him that she was the one for him and he was the one for her.
They had found each other.
And sometimes, when he looked into her eyes… He felt like he had known her forever. Like they had met somewhere before – even though he doubted he would ever forget meeting her.
And then Robin was brought back to a time, a few years before when he had asked his father a very difficult question…
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
Robin sighed.
"How do I know the woman I love is the one?"
Robert chuckled and looked at his son,
"Is it about Marian?"
Robin shrugged.
"Maybe."
Robert smiled again at his 17 years old son.
"Trust me Robin, when you will meet the one, you'll know."
The teenager only frowned.
But now, now years later and now that he had found Regina…
Robin knew.
And he finally understood what his father had tried to tell him, all these years ago.
Because when he looked at Regina…
This was it.
And he knew.
He just knew.
Her eyes were the eyes he was born to look into.
Forever.
Someone knocked at the door and Regina jumped in happiness, running and then she opened the door and smiled brightly when she saw him.
"Hi." he breathed and she only chuckled and jumped into his arms. If Robin was surprised he didn't show it and brought her closer to him, spinning her around once. "Are you happy then, my love?"
She kissed his neck and then receded and her eyes were shining with love and trust.
"I actually can't believe this is really happening..." she whispered and his heart warmed with love.
"But it is." he breathed, leaning in. "It really is, Regina."
She smiled and then closed the gap separating them, kissing him like there was no tomorrow until someone cleared her throat behind them and they jumped, falling apart slightly.
"Please, not in public."
Robin laughed and kissed his girlfriend's cheek before receding,
"Sorry, Mal."
She rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed but Regina knew her better than that.
"Am I going to be the only one packing?"
"Not a chance." smiled Regina before she walked back in.
Later, Robin and Regina were in the car with her things packed and a bright future ahead of them.
Regina looked at Robin,
He looked at her.
They smiled.
A bright future ahead, indeed.
Together.
-2015-
Regina woke up on the next day and she stirred,
She was much more excited that she would have liked to admit.
Because today was the day of her dinner with Robin.
And then she reached out for her phone and smiled at first when she saw Robin's text…
RL : Hello beautiful, I hope you slept well because tonight will be a night you won't forget .. ;) I can't wait to see you again, and my son is very much feeling the same way.
She smiled again and before she realized it, she was stroking her skin tenderly before freezing and stopping herself.
This was not right.
She couldn't do that.
Not yet.
(Not ever.)
So she shook her head and took her phone, trying to find an answer but she couldn't pick one…
RM: Hi, Robin. I am quite excited to see your son tonight, too.
She couldn't do more than that.
It was strange because sometimes, she felt like she could go to him and grant him that second chance she was pretty sure he wanted.
But then in a blink of an eyes she remembered everything that had happened and then she had to stop herself.
The truth was that she had no idea of what she was doing.
Not when Robin was involved.
So she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself when she noticed she had another text…
Daniel.
DC : I had such a great time last night, Regina. I had forgotten how bright you were, how funny and how beautiful… Won't happen again ! ;) How would you like to see each other again very soon? This week? I know I am asking for much, but I would like the chance to get to know you again. I hope you slept well. Xx
She froze.
That was to be expected, she guessed…
And yet..
She had been so caught up in Robin that she had not realized what could happen..
Shit.
Oh, shit!
Well, she knew what to do.
At least, for now.
But she would have to deal with Daniel later.
Just, not today.
Today she already had to deal with Robin.
(When did her life become so complicated?)
RM: Hi, Daniel. I did have an amazing time and I wish we could do this again soon, but I can't for the next few days… But I will see you around in the reunion? Hope you're alright. Xx
And then she let herself fall back on her bed.
Robin couldn't wait.
Because he knew deep down that it could be his shot to try and get Regina back, to try and show her that he had changed, that he was ready for this, that he wanted this more than anything in this bloody life.
It was easier now that he had admitted he did want her back.
Easier and yet more complicated at the same time.
He then took his phone and read her answer.
RL : And me? ;)
He tried because hey, can't blame a man for trying!
His phone buzzed and he took it, heart beating fast in his chest.
RM : And you. Perhaps.
He chuckled happily.
This could be such a great night for them!
If he didn't screw it up, that was…
As the day went by, Regina was starting to feel more and more anxious.
So anxious that she considered cancelling a few times, even if she couldn't quite get herself to do so.
(Because of Roland, she tried to convince herself.)
At the same time, her phone rang.
She jumped and then cursed loudly…
Robin didn't mean to do that, but he had no one else to talk to…
No one who would understand what he had to say.
So he took a deep breath and took his phone.
"Hello?" came a feminine voice.
"Regina?" said his voice and she nodded, then realized he couldn't see her.
"Yes?"
"I just wanted to talk to you."
She froze.
"That's kind of nice, Daniel." she breathed because she didn't know what else she could say.
"Madelyn?" he asked and heard her sigh.
"What is it?"
"I just need your help, if you're not busy?"
She sighed again.
"Just working and you're lucky this is Regina's day off."
He chuckled.
"Lucky indeed."
"What can I do for you, Robin?"
He cleared his throat.
"I need an advice, actually."
"I'm listening."
"I just wanted to know..." asked Daniel and he looked nervous, which was making Regina uneasy. "If we could see each other again?" he cleared his throat. "I was thinking that maybe I could take you to the reunion next week?"
She froze.
Oh shit.
The reunion.
She had forgotten about the reunion!
She had forgotten about the fact that she was supposed to be with Robin when she agreed to that drink with Daniel.
Oh shit.
How would she got out of that one?
"You know that Regina is coming over tonight..." he started and she hummed. "What I wanted to know is… Do you think I should go for it with Regina, or do you think she needs some more time before I make my intentions clear?"
"Your intentions are very clear, Robin." she said. "But...I think that she is freaking out right now, so a bit of time wouldn't be a bad idea, if you ask me..."
He nodded, thinking.
"I see. Thank, Madelyn."
"I hope that helped!"
"It did. I don't want to mess it up." he admitted. "I don't want to do anything to lose her again."
He heard the smile in her voice.
"I know. That's why I'm helping you."
He smiled.
"Regina?"
"Hm… This is complicated." she tried and ran a hand through her hair.
"What is it?"
She took a deep breath.
She was about to blow the chance of something that might be good for a lie.
( A lie? Really?)
"I am already going at the reunion with someone."
A silence and she swallowed dryly.
"You've got a boyfriend?"
Oh shit.
"Yes."
Another silence.
"You should have told me, Regina." he said and his voice sounded sad, she felt terrible. "Why didn't you?"
"It was just a drink." she tried, "And then I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable..."
It was partially the truth.
Except that Robin wasn't actually her boyfriend.
"I am sorry." he said and she hurried to cut him.
"No! I am sorry. I should have told you."
He sighed.
"Have you been together for a long time?"
"Actually… Robin and I have got a pretty complicated story."
"Oh." he only said, "Maybe you would like to tell me about it? In front of a coffee perhaps? As friends?"
She smiled.
"I would love that, Daniel."
RM: I just told Daniel I had a boyfriend. Now, I feel like I've messed up something that could have been great, and all of that for a big lie.
Regina sent that to Mal, because she needed her best friend.
She was hesitating to call back Daniel and tell him the truth.
MD: Can I say what I really think?
Regina frowned.
That meant she wouldn't like what Madelyn had to say.
But she didn't care anymore.
She just wanted answers.
RM : Please, do.
And then…
RM : Even if I might get upset about it. I don't know what to do, or to feel anymore …
MD: Regina, I think you do know.
The brunette froze when she read the text, but before she could answer, it buzzed again.
MD: I think you know just who your heart wants. But I think you're afraid, and you're so afraid that you refuse to see that he has truly changed, because it could actually work and this is scarring the hell out of you right now. You don't want to believe in true love again.
Regina didn't even know what to say.
She was breathless.
It wasn't true.
It wasn't.
It couldn't.
(Was it?)
RM : We've been through that before, Madelyn. Robin broke my heart. We can't come back from that. And we won't.
MD: I know. But he has changed.
RM : How can you know that?
MD : I've seen the two of you together, Regina. You can lie to anyone, hell you can even lie to yourself if you want, but you can't lie to me.
Tears pricked at the back of her eyes.
RM : Daniel didn't break my heart, maybe he deserves his chance. Robin blew up his.
MD: That might be true…
But then she sent words that absolutely broke Regina's heart.
MD: But Daniel is not the one you love, Regina.
She didn't answer to that.
What was the point?
Madelyn was right on one thing…
She couldn't lie to her.
Robin was in the kitchen, making them dinner and he could barely hold himself together while waiting for Regina to arrive…
"Why are you so nervous, daddy?"
He froze.
Shit.
Then he smiled and looked at his son,
"I am fine, my boy."
"Is it because Regina is coming?"
And really? Really? He had to take that part after his mother?! He couldn't just have been clueless like his father?!
Robin sighed and then knelt down, trying to know what to say to his son.
"Look, Regina and I..." brown eyes were looking at him expectantly. "We used to date."
The boy.
"What does that mean?"
Robin chuckled and ruffled his son's hair with affection.
"It means that Regina and I, we used to be in love."
Roland's eyes widened.
"What happened, then?!"
The man sighed.
"Daddy made a terrible mistake." his son frowned. "And I lost Regina."
"But daddy… Did you apologize?"
He swallowed.
"Only very recently."
Roland hummed.
"I like Regina. She is pretty, and fun. She played with Monkey the other night and I liked it." Robin chuckled.
"Maybe she will agree to play again with you tonight!"
Roland nodded with enthusiasm.
"Yeah!" and then he turned around, ready to leave but before doing so he stopped … "You know daddy, maybe she can fall in love with you again. Maybe you can dade again."
"Date" corrected Robin, smiling and his son nodded.
"Yes, that!"
"We'll see about that, Roland." he said, hoping with all his heart that his son was true.
Because he could really feel it…
This night could very well be a turning point in their relationship.
He just hoped it was a good kind of turning point..
Regina was in front of Robin's flat.
She didn't know what to do.
She hesitated a few seconds and was ready to turn around but then finally used that one second of courage she got to rang his bell.
Her heart was thumping in her chest.
The bell rang.
Roland screamed happily.
Robin's heart stopped.
This was it.
There was no coming back from that.
So he took a deep breath and saw Roland ran past through him.
"Wait-" he tried but it was already too late.
His son had opened the door and Robin froze when he heard her voice.
He wasn't ready.
Oh God.
Who had he been kidding?
The door opened and Regina chuckled when her eyes fall on his adorable son, dimples on full display.
"Regina!" he smiled his toothy grin and the woman chuckled before kneeling in front of him.
"How are you, young man?"
Roland smiled.
"I am happy you came."
And then he did something that surprised both of them, he hugged her.
At first she didn't know what to do…
But then she hugged back and tried to keep her tears at bay for the fact that this could have been hers and Robin's.
She closed her eyes and then opened them and her stare fall on Robin, looking at them with something she couldn't quite named in his eyes. It stopped her heart. Their eyes locked for a few seconds and then Roland receded and she forced a smile on her face,
"Daddy is happy, too!" chuckled the boy and Robin blushed.
"Go wash your hands, Roland." he cleared his throat. "We will eat very soon."
"Okay, daddy!"
And then, it was only the two of them.
Regina put a strand of hair back behind her ear nervously and walked to her, smiling.
"You look beautiful."
And she did.
She really, really did.
"Thank you." she blushed but he couldn't listen to her when she looked so good.
With this red dress he didn't know she had that hugged her curves perfectly and this red lipstick … Her hair were slightly curled and God, had she ever looked that beautiful?
He was so screwed.
"Can I come in?" she asked then and he jumped,
"Of course!" he rambled. "Sorry!"
Regina chuckled and came in before walking to the living room and Robin closed his eyes before taking a deep breath.
This was going to be a long night.
They had made fajitas.
Robin had seemed slightly ashamed from the lack of cooking, but Regina had been quick to reassure him that it was actually perfect.
"Roland chose actually..." explained Robin and she laughed as the boy nodded with enthusiasm.
"I did! And-"
"Don't speak with your mouth full, Roland."
Regina chuckled and tried to ignore the pang of hurt at the domesticity of it all. Them, bickering slightly. Roland talking with animation… This could have been her family.
If only…
"Regina?" called Robin softly and she jumped, found his blue eyes looking so concerned.
"Sorry." she breathed but couldn't look at him in the eyes for the moment.
"Do you like fajitas?" asked Roland and God, she was grateful for the diversion.
"I do, actually."
"And Regina, do you want to play with monkey and me after dinner?"
"Of course."
"Not long, my boy. It's almost bed time."
"But daddy!" whined Roland.
"End of the discussion, young man."
The child pouted and then Regina took pity of him.
"But maybe if your father agrees we can go play now? So there will be more time."
Roland's eyes widened with hope.
"Can we, daddy?"
Robin smiled and nodded. When the boy ran out screaming happily, he turned towards Regina and the affection in his eyes took her breath away.
"Thank you, Regina."
She swallowed.
"I really like him, he is such a sweetheart."
Robin smiled.
"He did take after his father on some things." he winked and she laughed.
"Stop flattering yourself." she started to leave and then added above her shoulder, "He is cuter than you, you know."
Robin smirked.
Robin was taking care of the dishes, and once done he walked back to Regina and Roland, all the while thinking that it could all have been his, had he not been so stupid.
He could have come home everyday to Regina and their children and…
No.
He couldn't think about that.
Not now.
"Oh no ! Don't eat me!" came Regina's voice and he chuckled to himself before leaning on the door frame and sure enough they were there, playing with Roland's stuffed animals.
"Don't worry, I am a nice dragon!" said Roland,
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!"
"You want us to be friends?"
"But monkey and dragon can't be friends..."
Regina smiled.
"Of course we can. Just because people think that we don't, doesn't mean that we have to listen to them."
Roland seemed to think about it and then smiled brightly,
"I'd love to be your friend, then!"
Robin hated to interrupt but…
"Roland." he said and they both jumped. "I am sorry my boy, but you're already past your bedtime…"
"Oh no! Daddy please ! 5 more minutes!"
"I already gave you five more minutes and you know it."
Regina could only look at Robin, this father side of him… She wouldn't lie : she liked it. It made him sound so mature and caring and … manly.
Shit.
"But daddy..." tried once again the boy, even if it was clear he was coming to the realization that he had lost for this time.
"It was not a question." then he added, "Maybe Regina will agree to come again another day, and you can ask her if she wants to play again with you."
Blue eyes locked onto brown.
And then she turned to a happy Roland,
"Would you?!" he jumped up and down and she chuckled, squeezed his hand.
"Of course, Roland. I would love to."
The boy chuckled happily and then hugged her again quickly before planting a big kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you, Regina." he tilted his head , brown eyes studying her. "I like you."
Robin laughed out loud at that before walking to his son and carrying him, making him laugh and Regina couldn't help her heart to warm.
"Come on, little one." said the man. "Time to go to sleep, now. Say goodnight to Regina."
"Goodnight, Gina!"
"Goodnight, my little knight." she smiled and he beamed.
Then Robin walked away and the last thing she heard was Roland's happy voice saying to Robin "Did you hear daddy? I'm her little knight!" and Robin laughing happily.
But now the hardest started.
Because she would have to find a way to act normal along with Robin.
RM : I can't do this, Mal.
A few seconds later, her phone buzzed.
MD: Do what?"
RM: Being alone with Robin.
MD: His son isn't here?
RM : Going to sleep. Please, SOS.
MD : Haha, don't worry Regina. Everything is going to be fine.
RM : No it won't. How could it!
MD: Afraid you won't be able to control yourself around him? ;)
Her heart stopped and she was pretty sure her cheeks were red.
RM : Oh shut up.
MD : Haha. Stop worrying Regina and let things run their courses.
Regina took a deep breath.
RM : I can try to do that, I guess.
MD : Good, I'll call you tomorrow. Have a good night and please, don't overthink.
RM : I'll try. Thanks Madelyn.
MD : xx
Regina laid down her phone and then started walking around the room in the hope to calm her nerves. Pictures of Roland were everywhere and she smiled tenderly at one that was obviously his first day at school…
"I was actually the one having trouble letting him go on that day." came a voice and she jumped, found Robin holding two glasses in one hand and a bottle of red wine in the other, looking at the picture she was looking at.
"He looks so cute."
He chuckled.
"He was. And so happy to go to school, I've never heard of that before !"
Regina smiled and then raised an eyebrow, making him look shy.
"I thought we could have a drink, it's still early and I don't want you to go just yet." he smiled his crooked smile and she swallowed dryly.
Emergency bells were ringing in her head.
And yet…
"You did promise me this night would be outstanding." she said and he laughed, before walking to the couch and she did the same, sitting by his side.
"I did." Robin laid a glass in front of her. "Was it not, so far?"
"It's perfect, Robin."
His smile warmed her heart.
"Now ... About my son being cuter than I am?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and she bit her bottom lip to stop the smile coming on her face.
"Well?"
Robin pouted.
"I am cute."
"Stop being such a baby." and then... "Not as much as your son. End of the story."
"But I am cute, then?"
"God!" she laughed and he smiled, eyes falling on her lips for a few seconds. "You are cute, Robin. Now, happy?"
He sipped his drink, smirking.
"Quite, actually."
She shook her head.
"You will never grow up, will you?"
Robin chuckled and then he stopped and looked at her so seriously she froze and swallowed.
"I did grow up, Regina. I've changed. I'm not the man I used to be..."
She swallowed again and suddenly found something very interesting in her glass.
But then...
"I know." she breathed.
And the scarred the hell out of her.
Because him being the same gave her an excuse not to fall back into him...
But he had changed.
And she didn't know what to do about that.
They talked for a while, flirting and getting to know each other again ( and starting their second bottle by now) and all the while, all Regina could think was that this could have been their lives, had he loved her enough to stay.
And then he looked at his glass a few seconds, opening the mouth but nothing came out.
And now, she was curious.
"What is it?"
Robin looked up and brown eyes met blue. And then he smiled.
"Nothing."
"Please, tell me."
"I don't think you want to know what I'm thinking about right now, Regina."
A silence.
Her heart stopped in her chest and she laid her glass of wine on the table, before she put a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.
"Robin..."
"I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
She sighed.
"It's not that."
And now, he was curious.
Because both of them filters seemed to be gone thanks to the wine loosening their tongues a bit…
"What is it, then?"
She seemed unsure of herself and he wanted nothing more than to tell her that no matter what, he would support her.
"Don't you think we're playing house?" she finally whispered the thing that had been botering her for a few hours, and his heart stopped.
"How so?"
"This whole evening..." she shook her head, looking down for a few seconds before looking up and their eyes met once again. "All I keep thinking is that it could have been ours-"
"Oh Regina-"
"It could have, Robin ! Coming home to you at the end of the day, putting our children to sleep and then enjoying a glass of wine being ourselves… This could have been our lives."
He swallowed dryly and laid his glass, too .
"You're right." he breathed. "It could have been." he swallowed and then decided to admit something he had never told anybody. "It should have been. It almost has been..." he whispered and her eyes widened.
Regina took a deep breath.
There was something she needed to get out of her chest.
Because they had talked about what happened between them, but she still had things to say, things she didn't understand...
Things she needed him to hear.
"You know… When you started to pull away from me..." her voice broke, "I thought… I actually thought..."
She couldn't do it.
It hurt too much.
"Tell me, please." he breathed and their eyes met again. "I need to know, Regina."
She swallowed dryly.
"I thought you were going to propose." she whispered so low he almost didn't hear it.
A huge silence set in and Robin couldn't find his words again.
He couldn't..
He had to tell her.
She deserved to know the truth.
He had never planned on telling her this, but...
But right now was the moment to do so.
"I was about to propose." he admitted and she gasped loudly, eyes widening as she looked at him like he had gone insane.
"What the hell are you talking about, Robin?!"
He closed his eyes and then forced himself to look at her.
"I'm telling the truth." brown eyes were full of tears as she opened the mouth, but couldn't speak.
"What now..." she whispered and he saw a tear rolling down her cheek.
Regina couldn't think.
Robin.
Marriage.
Missed possibilities…
It was too much for one evening.
Robin got up and her eyes followed him as he walked to a cupboard and she didn't see what he was doing until he came back and her heart froze.
"What..."
He sat back and shrugged, eyes on the velvet box.
"This is it." he breathed, "The ring I wanted to give you. I bought it a few weeks before Marian came back, and I've never got rid of it..." he looked up and Regina had a hand on her mouth, tears on her cheeks. "This is your ring, Regina."
He handed her the ring and she hesitated but with a trembling hand, she finally took it.
And then she looked at him.
He looked as upset as she felt.
Oh God.
"Can I open it?"
He nodded, biting his bottom lip to stop the emotion for overflowing him.
She opened it.
And her heart broke.
Because the ring was perfect.
It was simple yet brilliant, with a single diamond shining like no other in the middle and she didn't realize she was crying until wet tears fall on her hands. She didn't even dare look at Robin.
She was too afraid.
"Did you keep it for all this time?" her voice broke.
"I did." his voice was barely over a whisper.
The brunette sniffled and finally looked up. His eyes spoke of heartbreak and regrets.
She knew hers were speaking the same thing.
Her heart was beating so fast in her chest she actually felt dizzy and feelings were mixing in her head...
"I've never let go of this ring, Regina. And when… When Marian asked me to marry her… I thought about..." he looked down a few seconds, shaking his head. "I did think about giving her this, but… I couldn't. I just couldn't. So I bought another one."
She swallowed.
"Where is it?"
"What?"
"Marian's ring."
He shrugged again.
"I don't know, actually. I've lost it and my own when I moved here, not that I wanted a reminder of our failed marriage."
Regina couldn't think, she couldn't.
Robin had wanted to marry her.
How different their lives could have been…
She closed her eyes and for a minute, she was able to actually picture it.
But then…
"Regina?" She jumped and looked up, he looked tortured. "Please, say something."
"I…" and her voice sounded so broken, even to her. "What do you want me to say?"
And then Robin couldn't take it anymore, he couldn't take the tears rolling down her cheeks, he couldn't take her trembling hands and he couldn't take the sobs she was desperately trying to suppress.
He couldn't take it anymore.
So he came closer to her, so close that he could feel her hair on his face and she froze, but didn't move.
"I am so sorry, Regina..."
"Sorry isn't going to take us back in time." she whispered and he closed his eyes. "Sorry isn't going to give us back what we lost. What we could have had."
His heart broke.
"I should have made the right decision."
A silence.
And then she looked up and she looked so beautiful yet so lost…
"You should have told me about Marian and the baby." she murmured and his heart stopped. "I would have been there for you. We would have figured it out. Together."
"I know."
"No, you don't." she said and he froze.
"Regina-"
"I would have been there for you!" she exclaimed, louder and she saw him looking worriedly towards Roland's room. "Sorry." she hurried to say but he sighed.
"No, you're right. I should have told you."
"It's just… things could have been so different, Robin." her voice broke again. "Don't you ever think about that?"
"All of the time."
She froze and then ran a hand through her hair.
She needed to think.
She couldn't think with him so close to her...
"I should go."
She got up but he got up too and caught her arm, bringing her back to him.
"No. Please. Stay."
She was breathless and his proximity was doing things to her brain.
(And her heart.)
"Why?"
Robin's eyes widened.
Why?
Because he needed her.
God.
"Because..."
He couldn't find his words.
"Why should I stay, Robin?
He couldn't think.
"Because, Regina-"
All he could think about was her.
She couldn't leave him.
"We've been through this before!" she said again and he shook his head. "Nothing has changed."
No.
Not again.
"You and I both know that you absolutely broke my heart and I can't-"
But Robin wasn't able to listen to her anymore.
The only thing he could listen to was his heart…
Screaming and screaming.
Screaming at her that he had let her go once,
He wouldn't be about to do so again.
So he cupped her cheeks and crashed his mouth on hers.
Regina whimpered and then stopped moving.
They receded and Robin stroked her cheeks as she looked at him, brown eyes wide and unfocused…
"Did you just..." she whispered but he didn't answer.
He kissed her again.
And this time,
This time Regina's hands found his shirt and she gripped it, bringing him even closer to her as Robin deepened their kiss and she gasped.
God, he tasted exactly the same.
Her heart was beating so fast in her chest…
Robin couldn't think.
He couldn't feel anything else other than Regina.
The softness of her lips, her scent, her hands on his skin…
God, he wanted that.
Her.
For the rest of his life.
"Robin..." she moaned as he let his mouth leave her lips and found her neck, easily finding that spot on her neck that had her moaning his name and that had one of her hands finding his nape, trying to keep him there.
He groaned slightly and after a few seconds leaving open-mouthed kisses on her neck, his lips found hers again and he kissed her passionately, his hands finding hers and bringing them on his chest, to feel his heart beating so fast…
Regina was lost in passion.
She had loved this man for her entire life and now that she was kissing him again…
She couldn't stop.
She kissed him again and again and again, hands roaming this muscular chest she still knew well and his hands were in her hair, her waist, anywhere on her skin…
And then she realized she was dizzy and needed some air…
They receded slightly, their ragged breath the only thing that could be heard on the room and at first she didn't dare open the eyes, but Robin nuzzled her nose the way he used to do and she wanted to cry…
She opened the eyes and found the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen looking back at her.
Robin cupped her cheek and her heart stopped when she leant into his hand,
And then because he couldn't help himself…
He stole another kiss from her.
And another.
"There's still something between us." he found the courage to breath and she closed her eyes a few seconds. "You know I'm right, Regina."
She opened the mouth but nothing came at first.
"Robin…"
"Tell me not even a part of you wants this, too." their eyes locked, "Tell me Regina and I swear that I will leave you alone."
She swallowed.
It would be so easy to lie to him…
But these kisses had left her pretty raw and she wasn't sure she was still able to lie to him.
"You know I can't tell you that."
Robin smiled in relief.
And he brought her closer to him.
"Regina-"
"But facts don't change, Robin." she said, brown eyes full of tears. "I … I can't … I need time and-"
He cut her, kissing her once again.
And God, it felt right.
"I'm not asking you to make a decision right now, Regina." He searched for her eyes, "I'm asking you to be open to the possibility of us being together again, one day."
She swallowed dryly.
"I need time to think about it."
"As much as you want."
She nodded and then leant a bit more into him, because this had been some hell of a night and she felt tired.
"And if I decide that I don't want this?"
Robin swallowed.
"I'll abide by your wishes."
She nodded, lost in thoughts.
Robin wasn't pressuring her.
This was her call.
Once again…
Brain or heart?
She had listened to her brain again and again.
But now…
Now it would seem her heart was louder.
So she smiled shyly and cupped Robin's cheek,
"Okay." she breathed and his eyes widened in happiness.
"Really?"
She nodded
"I will think about it. About a possibility for us to exist once again. But that's all I can promise you for now..."
"It's more than enough." he breathed, circling her waist, hugging her against him and she buried her face in his chest, smelling his scent.
"Give me time, Robin." she said again and felt him laid a kiss on her hair.
"As much as you need, Regina." he hold her closer. "I will be there waiting for you. Always."
She closed her eyes.
(She believed him.)
-2006-
Regina was sat on the couch, and she smiled as she saw Robin came into the living room with another box in hands.
"That's it !" he said proudly. "The last one!"
She chuckled happily and he looked her way tenderly, before walking to her. He sat on the couch next to his girlfriend and took her legs, bringing it over his lap so she was close to him and he could look at her in the eyes.
She cupped his cheeks, thumbs stroking his stubble tenderly.
"What?" he breathed but she couldn't answer so she only shrugged and leant in, kissing him tenderly.
"I just love you so much." she answered and he smiled that dimple smile she loved so much.
"I can't believe I finally got to see you anytime I want to." he answered and she chuckled. "I want you to be the last thing I see when I close my eyes..." he leant in, kissing her. "And the first thing I see when I open them."
She leant in,
"Always?" she whispered.
Blue eyes locked onto brown.
"Always."
On the same time, on the other side of the Atlantic …
Her friend was glaring at her and Marian sighed, looking up from her essay.
"What, now?"
"You know what."
Marian froze.
"Sarah..."
"No. You should have told Robin about the baby, he deserved to know."
Marian's heart stopped like it did anytime their poor baby was mentioned and tears pricked at the back of her eyes.
"It was years ago."
"But you still love him."
"Sarah..."
"No. He deserves to know."
Marian looked down.
"It's too late, now."
"I don't believe that."
"You know my studies come first.I don't have time to travel to the USA to find my ex-boyfriend."
Her friend sighed loudly.
"Just promise you will at least think about it."
"Why?"
"Because you still love him, Marian! And you deserve to be happy."
Marian looked at her friend a few seconds, before she sighed.
"Fine. I'll consider it. Happy?"
Sarah nodded and went back to her lessons.
But now that she had mentioned it, Marian couldn't stop thinking about Robin…
Robin.
Maybe he had not forgotten about her?
Maybe something between them was still possible?
Maybe she could tell him about what happened to their baby?
Maybe.
A world of possibilities was suddenly opening up in front of her.
She didn't know what to do.
A/N : So ? ;) A lot happened in this chapter and I'm actually really curious to know what you thought about it ! OQ scene? I really wanted their situation to move forward a bit, but something is still holding Regina back… Will she be able to overcome it? And as so many of you asked, I had to had some kisses ! Hope you liked it, my friends. ;) It's also the entrance of past Marian in the flashbacks, she will be there from time to time as we move forward in time and I hope this will help understand what is going on from every pov !
I really hope you liked this chapter, my friends and I LOVE YOU ALL. 3