Here it is, sooo many words thats why it has taken so long to update. I'm going to appologise in advance for the ending I know you'll all hate me, sorry it had to be done. This is a rollercoaster of a chapter, so hold onto your seats, enjoy!


Regina's alarm clock buzzed and she groaned, she wasn't a morning person, never had been and probably never would be, but today she knew she had a lot to do. She had to head down to the venue to make sure that everything was perfect, that all the finishing touches had been added just the way she wanted them to be; she also had yet another dress fitting, at the previous one alterations had to be made and she really needed it to be perfect this time, otherwise she was screwed, the ball was tonight and there wasn't another chance to get this right.

Following the dress fitting, she had to go to work, there were a few minor things she wanted to do before coming home and getting ready; her hair stylist and makeup artist would be here at three and she had to be back at the venue for six, so it was safe to say she wouldn't have a spare moment today, there wasn't any time for things to go wrong, everything had to flow just right and she was pretty positive about it.

With her day in mind, she flung her arm over to hit the alarm, but it came into contact with something warm and there was a yelp, she sat up and gasped, "Robin, I am so sorry," she covered her mouth with her hands, she had forgotten that Robin had stayed over, they slept together in the same bed, but they hadn't had sex, not yet, but soon, very soon in fact. "Oh, my god. Are you okay?" She had hit him in the face with her arm, "oh shit, oh god, Robin."

"Gina, aww," he sat up too, holding his nose. That was some way to wake up, to have your girlfriend hit you in the face, he had been in the middle of a dream about her, a very good dream, he stretched and rubbed his eyes as he focused on her, she was sat on her feet, staring at him wide eyed. Her hair was unruly, tangled and all over her face, stuck to her cheek where she had slept on it. He couldn't help but laugh at the sight in front of him, she looked so adorable first thing in the morning, especially when she was wearing one of his shirts.

She jumped over him to turn off the alarm, before straddling his lap. "Did I hurt you?" She asked in concern, moving closer, to place her hand on his cheek, looking at his face intently. It was only then that she noticed the way he was looking at her, like she was his most treasured possession, "Robin?"

"So beautiful," he whispered, his fingers running over her lower back, he could tell she was concerned for him, but having her on his lap like this was a massive turn on and she probably already felt how turned on he was. That was embarrassing actually, even being smacked in the face hadn't deterred him from his morning wood, she must be able to feel that he was hard.

"I'm guessing you're not hurt then," she giggled, pressing her lips to his lightly. She could feel him pressing against her intimately and it made her take a shuddery breath, she didn't know whether to be happy about it or be completely freaked out, it had been so long since she had felt anything remotely like that, since she'd had someone in between her legs. She stared into his sleep hazed eyes and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

"No, I'm not hurt," he shook his head, running his hands up and down her thighs, slipping just below the shirt she was wearing. The feel of her skin under his hands was amazing, she was so soft, so warm; how had he become so blessed to be here with her, to have her in his arms? "Good morning," he smirked.

"Good morning."

He felt her take a deep breath and stopped his movements, "You'd tell me if I was making you uncomfortable, right?"

"Of course," she nodded casting him a bright smile; he was so loving and understanding, she could just kiss him, in fact she was going to kiss him. Her hand moved to the back of his neck as she guided his lips to hers so she could give him a proper good morning snog, she pecked at his lips before pulling back and stroking his cheek, "Robin, I promise, if I was uncomfortable, you would be the first to know. I just have a lot on today."

"Ah, the ball." His thumbs were running over her lightly, "how are you feeling about it?"

"I'm sure it will be fine," she smiled, brushing her nose over his, "you still haven't told me who you're bringing as your plus one." She whispered, kissing his nose as she pulled back to look at him.

"Oh," his eyes went wide, he'd forgotten all about that, turning to look at the clock, his hands held onto her hips and he lifted her off him, placing her down on the bed as he jumped out and grabbed his suit that was draped on the chair in the corner. How could he have been so stupid? He had been so caught up with spending time with Regina last night, that what he was supposed to be doing this morning had completely escaped his mind.

She sat up in confusion and moved to the bottom of the bed as she watched him rush about, what was going on? Clearly she had said or done something that had triggered his memory. She hoped she hadn't done something wrong, surely she hadn't, asking him who he was bringing as his plus one couldn't have been a bad thing, could it? "Robin."

"I'm sorry love, but I gotta go," he jumped into his pants before fastening them and tucking his shirt in.

"I thought we were getting breakfast together?" She tilted her head as she watched him.

"I know, I'm sorry, I forgot about something that I need to do," he moved over to the bed and brushed his hands over her hips, "could you possibly find it in that big heart of yours to forgive me?"

She sighed and shrugged, "Robin, it's just breakfast," she cast him a smile and hoped he couldn't see through it, why couldn't he just tell her who his plus one was going to be? What was with all the secrecy? She wasn't just going to ask him again, because that would make her seem like a pest and a pressuring girlfriend, that was the last thing she wanted him to see her as, even if she was.

Of course he saw through it, he knew her, his hand moved to her cheek as he caressed it gently, "don't look so worried, I promise I will make it up to you, but there is somewhere I need to be in twenty minutes."

"You better go then," she nodded, still holding him close, "will I see you before tonight?" She asked.

When she looked up at him with those big brown eyes of hers he found it incredibly hard to say no to her, but he knew that it wouldn't be possible and she would understand why later, she'd understand everything later. He couldn't tell her now, she didn't need to know, it would just make her more panicky and that was the last thing he wanted, she needed to be calm today, she didn't need something else to stress her out. "I don't think so babe, but I promise you, we'll spend the whole day together tomorrow, hand on heart."

"You promise?" She asked, leaning into him.

"I promise," he chuckled kissing her lightly, "now I think I need to leave before seeing you like that gets me back in bed."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" She rose her eyebrows her fingers playing with the buttons on the shirt she was wearing.

"We both have things to do, so as much as I would absolutely love to stay in bed with you all day, I have to go," he pecked her lips lightly before pulling back and heading towards the door. "Bye."

"Robin, wait," she called out, turning to look at him.

"What?"

She wanted to say it, wanted to tell him what she was feeling, tell him that she loved him, but she lost her nerve and shook her head, "one more goodbye kiss?"

He chuckled and moved back towards her, "how could I refuse?" He shrugged, dropping his head as he took her lips with his, caressing them gently, before running his tongue across hers, asking for entrance to her mouth, as soon as she conceded, he found her tongue with his and tangled them, brushing them sensually. When he finally released her from the embrace she looked up at him her eyes sparkling, "I am officially late," he laughed, jogging towards the door and leaving her breathless.

She shook her head and dropped back on the bed trying to catch her breath, she missed him already and laid on what had become his side. She heard a pinging noise from the nightstand and spotted his phone, she groaned and picked it up. A message from an unknown number was on the screen and she knew she shouldn't have, but she read it.

Hello darling! I seem to have misplaced my phone, I have bought a temporary one for the time being. I just wanted to let you know that I landed at JFK and I cannot wait to see you! You better be on your way to pick me up mister, I expect to see your wonderful dimples waiting for me. I love you, see you soon my love. M xxx

She dropped it as if it burnt and shook her head, this wasn't happening, not Robin, Robin wasn't that kind of guy, he wouldn't do that to her surely not, she thought he was in love with her too, he hadn't told her, but she had thought they had been on the same page about their feelings. She took a sharp intake of breath and closed her eyes, it couldn't be true, he couldn't be with another woman, she would have known, she would!

Maybe that was why he had been so secretive about his plus one, maybe it was because he wanted to upset her by bringing another woman. No, she can't have been so wrong, that's not Robin, that's not her Robin, they are happy, insanely so. She feels hot tears flood her cheeks as she begs herself not to cry, she is stronger than that and she doesn't even know what's going on yet, she could have gotten it all wrong, she hoped she had, she really did, Robin was one of the good ones, she thought he was one of the good ones.

"Regina?!" She turned and looked at him, concern was written all over his face as he stared at her, before hurrying towards her, "hey, what's wrong?" He asked stroking her hair, "I've been gone two minutes and you're already in this mess," he sighed, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. What the hell had happened to get her in such a state?

"I'm fine," she shook her head, standing up from the bed and looking in the mirror of her vanity, oh wow, how attractive did she look, her hair was all stuck up and her cheeks were now wet with tears, "sorry, I just read something that made me a little emotional." It wasn't a lie, but she wanted to give him chance to explain and maybe she was completely wrong, she probably was… then it hit her, M? That could mean Marian, was Marian trying to stalk him again? She seemed a little psychotic and Robin had warned her about her, what if she was living in her own fantasy world and thought that Robin was in love with her?

"Must have been something to make you cry like that," he frowned, picking up his phone from the bedside table.

"Some silly little thing that Tink sent me," she laughed, wiping her tears away, "she keeps betting she can make me cry, seemingly she succeeded." Okay so she might be lying to him slightly, but she was hardly going to tell him that she was crying because she was prying and looked at his phone, reading his messages.

"Ah," he nodded, "anyway, I forgot this, now I am really late. Bye," he kissed her cheek, "see you later beautiful."

"Bye," she whispered, wiping her face; she needed to pull herself together and get a grip.


Regina was already tired out, the venue was looking amazing, her dress fit perfectly and she had managed to secure two celebrity interviews for the next edition of the paper. She was now sat in her bedroom having a well-deserved pamper; Tink was sat next to her with cucumber on her eyes, as the manicurist painted her nails in a silver polish. "So are you going to tell me why you're so quiet?" Tink asked, turning her head towards Regina, not being able to actually look at her though because of the cucumber blindfold.

"I'm not being quiet," she shook her head, the curls that were being put in her hair bouncing as she did.

"Oh yes, you are, Regina, tell me."

"It's nothing," she sighed, "I guess I'm just being paranoid after what happened last time."

"What?" the pieces of cucumber slid of Tink's face and fell on Regina's cream carpet.

"Hey, litter bug, that better not stain," Regina scoffed, glancing down at her red perfectly manicured nails.

"Come on Regina, I am your best friend, you can tell me anything, right? Is it about Robin?"

"Yes," she released a shuddery breath, "I'm in love with him Tink."

"Oh my god! That's great!" Tink stared at her and furrowed her eyebrows, "it is great, right?"

"Yes, it is. I found a message on his phone this morning, from a woman," she shook her head taking a deep breath.

"Ah, you're worried that he'll cheat like Graham did. Regina, Robin isn't Graham, I've seen the way he looks at you, he worships the ground you walk on and would never do anything to hurt you." She reached out and grabbed Regina's hand with her dry one. "Trust me, that man is obsessed with you, has been since day one."

"I just don't want to lose him," she sniffled. "I thought we had an honest relationship where we told each other everything, but he can't even tell me who his plus one is, why does he even need a plus one anyway? I gave him that before we were together out of politeness, here I was thinking that he wanted to go with me, wanted to be with me, clearly not."

"Regina are you insane? Of course he wants you, look at what he did for you, without Robin you wouldn't have a venue."

"I know," she sighed, "I guess I'm just insecure, I've been longing for a relationship like this for so long and now I don't feel good enough to be with Robin."

"Get a fucking grip," Tink shook her head, "you deserve happiness more than anyone I know, you are good enough to be with Robin, I'd be edging towards saying you were too good, but you're too good for anyone, Regina, he's lucky to have you, just like you're lucky to have him."

She ran a hand over her face, "I'm being stupid aren't I."

"Definitely."

She chuckled, and looked at her friend, "I need to tell you something," she had been meaning to bring it up for a while now, mainly because she trusted Tink and really needed her advice on what to do. "Do you promise not to laugh, or taunt me, or tell anyone else?"

"Yeah, what's going on?" Tink furrowed her eyebrows as she looked at her more closely, her green eyes concerned.

"Well, I was thinking about having sex with Robin, tonight after the ball."

"Okay," Tink nodded, "and?"

She took a deep breath, she had never told anyone this, "I can't…"

"What? Of course you can, you've had sex before Regina."

"If you'd let me finish," she scoffed, thinking that her use of words was rather ironic considering. "I can't come," she whispered, barely loud enough for herself to hear, never mind Tink.

"What?"

"I can't orgasm," Regina placed her hands over her face and shook her head.

"What?"

"I'm not repeating myself," she huffed.

"No, I heard you, I'm just… you can't orgasm, do you mean you've never had…" Her eyes were wide as she stared at her in shock.

"Oh, I've had them, it's just during… I can't."

"Shit."

"That's not helpful," she sighed, sliding down in her chair as she thought back to all the times she faked it, her partners had been none the wiser, hence the reason sex hadn't been satisfying for her in the past.

"Okay, so you're worried that when you have sex with Robin you won't climax?"

"Precisely."

"Well, what have you done before?"

"Faked it, but I don't want to fake it with Robin."

"You just need to relax, if you're stressing it's not going to happen, if you too preoccupied in worrying that you won't, then you distract yourself from actually coming. Don't think about it, just concentrate on the way you're feeling, on the way he makes you feel."

"Right," she nodded, "concentrate on how I feel, I just really hope that it's as amazing as I imagine it being." Regina stood up and walked to the window, looking out she saw a delivery man walking up her drive holding a large cardboard box. She tilted her head, "Tink, did you order anything to mine?"

"No, why?" She moved to stand beside her, "didn't you order something?"

"No," she shook her head; fastening the belt to her dressing gown over the black lace lingerie she had adorned, she left her room and headed down the stairs to answer the door. What could it be? She definitely hadn't ordered anything, she opened the door a crack and looked up at the delivery man.

"Hi, are you Regina Mills?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Delivery," he handed her the large box and cast her a smile, before walking back the way he came.

She shrugged her shoulders and carried the box back to her room, placing it on her bed, she turned to look at Tink and the stylists that were stood eagerly watching. "Open it!"

"I am opening it," she scoffed, grabbing a pair of scissors from her dresser and running them down the tape that sealed the box.

"What is it? What is it?!" Tink jumped up and down as she grabbed her.

Regina opened it and chuckled, "seriously?"

"What?"

She looked into the box and shook her head, this was ridiculous she knew who it was from right away, "and this is why I love him; I hope you're all hungry."

"Why?"

"Chinese food anyone?" She picked up the little note that was inside and read it.

'Hey beautiful, just wanted to make sure that you ate today, hope you aren't too stressed. I wish I could be there to share dinner with you, but I figured you would want to spend this time with Tink. Anyway, enjoy the food. Love, Robin.'

"Did your man send you food?" Her makeup artist asked, "where can I find myself one of those?"

"Well, you can't have mine," Regina laughed, grapping her phone and calling his number. She flopped down on the bed and picked up the carton of her favourite as she waited for him to answer. She hummed as she tucked into the noodles, moaning in pleasure just as he answered the phone.

"I take it that you got the food."

"Mmm, how did you guess?" she asked, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

"You're making the noises again."

"I can't help it when the food is sooo good."

"I'm glad you approve."

"Oh I do, this is my approval noise," she chuckled, moaning again.

"Oh god, Gina don't make that noise when I am out in public," he whispered.

She giggled and twirled her chop sticks in the noodles, "you are huh? Maybe I should try the kung pow."

"Don't you dare." He laughed. "You know what you moaning over kung pow does to me," she heard someone on the other end of the phone, a woman calling his name.

"Who's that?" she asked, sitting up somewhat, curious about the woman who was currently with her boyfriend.

"No one."

'Robin darling.' There was the woman again.

"Robin?" Regina furrowed her eyebrows.

"Babe, I'll call you later, see you at the ball, enjoy the Chinese food."

Then he cut her off, leaving her staring into her noodles; he was with a woman, she took a mouthful, but suddenly she wasn't feeling so hungry anymore and put the carton down on the night stand. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she slipped off the bed and out of the room.

"Regina?" Tink called.

"I'm just going to get something," she cast her a watery smile and headed downstairs. "Lenny?" She whispered, looking around, then she spotted him and scooped him up in her arms, burying her face into his fur, "hello baby," she sniffled, kissing him as she flopped down on the couch. What was a relationship without honesty? Why couldn't Robin just tell her who he was with? He must have something to hide if he couldn't tell her who the woman was. At that moment the doorbell echoed through the house, taking a deep breath and wiping her eyes she went to open it.

"Regina Mills?"

"Hmm," she nodded, looking at the small box the man was holding out. "Another parcel?"

"Here," he handed it to her and left.

She glanced at it and the word fragile was stamped all over it, she placed it down on the kitchen island and opened it to reveal a beautiful corsage made up of a red rose with little white flowers weaved around it alongside a couple of leaves and even black feathers. She took it out and gently stroked her fingers over the soft rose, it really was one of the prettiest things she had ever seen. She found the small card and looked at it, although she already had a feeling she knew who it was from.

'A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman and I managed to fit this message on one card, I think I deserve a prize.'

She smiled at it, before letting out a little sob, she reached for the phone and in the heat of the moment dialled his number, waiting for him to pick up, she didn't want to be a needy girlfriend, but she wanted to know what was going on.

"Wow, two calls in twenty minutes, you got the flowers…"

"Are you cheating on me?" she asked, her voice shaky.

"Wait, what?"

"Robin, don't lie to me, are you cheating?"

"Why would you think that? Regina, come on, you know how I feel about you, why the hell would you think I was cheating on you? I would never do that to you!"

She tried to control it, but she couldn't stop herself from crying, "I know you're with a woman."

"Regina, please, I swear to you everything will make sense later, just please know that you mean everything to me."

She felt really embarrassed, how could she allow herself to cry at him through the phone, it was humiliating, she had just humiliated herself. She loved him, how could she doubt him like that? She took a shuddery breath and shook her head, "the flower is beautiful," she whispered.

"Regina, do I have to come around there and show you how I feel? Because I will, please, I don't want you to be sad, the parties tonight, that's fun right?"

"Hmm," she nodded, "Robin, I'm sorry."

"Don't ever doubt my loyalty to you. Now I'm guessing from the sniffling coming down the phone that you haven't eaten the food I sent."

"I wasn't hungry."

"That's not what your moaning was telling me."

"Robin, I'll speak to you later," she whispered.

"I can't wait to see you later; Babe you trust me right?"

"Yes," she knew she could, she knew that she'd be able to trust Robin, he wouldn't ever cheat on her and there must be a completely valid explanation concerning the woman she had heard. There was still a slight part of her that was worried, but like he said, she had a masquerade ball to host, with guests, lots of guests. "Anyway, I have to go, it takes a while to get me looking fabulous."

"You always look fabulous, especially first thing in the morning when your hairs all over the place and you have that sleep hazed look."

"Shut up," she chuckled, wiping her nose on the back of her hand, "my Chinese is going cold, thank you for the flower, I'm sure it will go perfectly with what I'm wearing."

"Well, I may have tried to dig to find out the colour from Tink, but I swear, she told me nothing, so I had to resort to putting the dress shop and florist in contact."

"I appreciate the gesture," she smiled, looking in the box, "I suppose I'll see you and your mystery plus one later."

"Trust me, you're going to love my plus one, just as much as I do."

"I'm sure I will, bye."

"Bye, I really can't wait to see you, to dance with you, to kiss you…"

"Stop it with the sappiness," she giggled, "now I really need to go and have my makeup done so…"

"I'm going, bye."

"Bye." She closed off her phone and held it close to her, her mind was running through all the possible explanations, but he had told her that all would become clear later, so she was just going to have to trust him. Collecting her flower, she let out a sigh and turned to look at Lenny, "let's go get ready."


Regina sat on her bed as Lily her makeup artist, who just happened to be Mal's daughter, added the finishing touches to her face, applying dark smoky eyeshadow with flecks of red and gold, her eye liner flicking off at each side. The lips were their signature red colour; however, she had selected a darker pigment, something that packed more of a punch. She had her eyes closed and fiddled with her hands in her lap, taking a deep breath she decided to talk, "so Lilly, do you know what your moms wearing tonight?"

"Yeah, I thinks she's gone for deep purple."

"Purple is her colour," Regina agreed, opening her eyes and turning to look at Tink who was sat having her hair done, she'd already had her makeup finished and was sat staring at her. "What?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yes of course, why wouldn't I be?"

"You just seem miles away that's all."

"I guess I am anxious about all this going as planned."

"Of course it will, it's your party, they always go as planned."

She nodded, she still wasn't so sure, she had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was going to go wrong, that there was going to be major drama at her annual masquerade this year.

"Okay and you're all done," Lilly smiled, "you look so amazing."

Regina stood and moved to stand in front of the mirror in only her robe, admiring her makeup, "wow, thank you, it's so pretty."

"It's sexy as hell," Tink chuckled, "now get your dress on."

"I'm going to need a little help with that," she smirked, moving over to her closet and stepping in, her dress was on a mannequin in the middle of the large space, it needed all that space for the skirt that flowed outwards. She ran her fingers across the deep red floaty material and shook her head, it was the most beautiful dress she had ever laid eyes on, she had designed it and then asked the ladies at the dress shop to bring her creation to life, here it was right in front of her, exactly as she had imagined it.

She dropped her robe, revealing the matching black lacy underwear, the bra strapless so that she could wear her dress. She carefully peeled it off the mannequin and stepped into it, "Lily, would you mind lacing me up?"

"No, of course…" she stopped in her tracks, "wow."

"Thank you," she smiled as the young woman walked towards her and pulled the laces, her dress had a corset back, meaning that she had to literally be strapped into her dress. Once she was done, Regina reached for the mask that was laid on the side, "could you…"

"Yep," she placed it on her face, mindful of the makeup below, even if she had set it, the last thing Regina wanted when she took her mask was a smudged joker face. She reached down and pulled on her black stilettoes, before securing Robin's flower around her wrist and walking back into her room.

Tink's eyes went wide as she looked at her, "holy shit, you look, oh my god, I don't even know what to say, how is it that every year you look better than the last?"

"Let's just say I was making an extra effort this year," she shrugged, smoothing down the material and looking in her floor length mirror. She has to admit that she's quite shocked, she already knew what her dress looked like, but putting everything together like this changed it completely. She had extensions in her hair, because even though she had been growing it out, it still only reached her collarbone and wasn't really workable for what she wanted; it was a half up half down look, the parts that were secured were twisted with little plaits weaving in and out, she had been happy to find that there were a couple of spare flowers in the box with her corsage so they had been added and threaded in also, along with the red feathers.

Her mask was black, with slight touches of red glitter; to top it off there were black and dark red feathers on one side of the mask. The dress however was the main spectacle, it was as red as blood with a sweetheart neckline that went out into a full floaty skirt. Trailing down the front were leaf shaped pieces of fabric in the same colour which created a lace like effect, they covered the whole of the bust and a couple descended into the train, caught up in the chiffon.

"Regina, you are going to be the belle of the ball."

"We need to go, otherwise we'll be late and I want to greet the guests."

"Well then, let's go your majesty," Tink bowed, causing Regina to roll her eyes. Tink's dress was more playful than hers, it was pale green and had sparkles running down the bust and fading out when they reached the floaty, more streamline skirt. "Your ball awaits."


Regina hovered near the entrance waiting for her guests, she had been over every single little detail, twice, and the ballroom looked perfect; the room had high ceilings and arches with detailed embellishments running down into marble columns that held it up. There was a deep contrast in the colour scheme, gold and black were the colours Regina had chosen and the centrepieces in the middle of the tables were bowls filled with black roses sprinkled with gold glitter and red feathers were also part of the aesthetic.

"It really looks amazing in here Regina," Tink stated looking around in awe.

"It does doesn't it, thank you for all your help with this Tink, I don't know what I'd have done without you."

"I don't know what you'd have done without Robin."

"Me neither."


The majority of her guests had arrived and the room was bustling with excited chatter and music, but Regina couldn't relax, where the hell was he? He was supposed to have been turning up early and now he was late, she was tempted to ring him and ask him where he had got to, but she didn't want to pester him, so she simply sat down at a table and stared at the main entrance.

"You look beautiful."

A smile made its way onto her face as she turned around and looked up, "Daddy, I'm so glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss this party, it's my favourite of the entire year." Her dad pulled her into a hug, holding her close, "now, why aren't you enjoying it? Also, where's this boyfriend I heard you were seeing?" Her smile fell from her face and Henry narrowed his eyes at her.

"It's only early, I'm sure he's on his way."

"What's wrong darling?" He asked.

"Nothing," she shook her head, looking towards the door and spotting a familiar figure wearing a black mask with a smart black suit and deep red tie, which was strangely a similar colour to her dress, he was walking towards her and she hugged her father, "I'll be right back." She kissed his cheek lightly before turning to greet the new arrival. "You're here."

"Of course I am milady," he placed a hand on her waist and pulled her in for a chaste kiss, "you look absolutely stunning," he breathed pulling back to look at her. Just when he thought that he couldn't see her look more beautiful, here she was in front of him looking like a true queen. "I am so sorry I'm late, it wasn't my fault you can blame my plus one for that." He chuckled, looking behind him.

"So come on then, I want to meet them." She stated, she was really anxious to find out who he had brought with him; she took his hand in hers as he gazed down at her.

"Okay, don't freak out okay and remember, I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to have another thing to worry about."

"Robin," she tilted her head casting him a trying look.

"Right then…"

"Robin dear! Oh my goodness, would you just look at her, is this her Robin?" An older woman with her pale grey hair tied up in a sophisticated bun made her way towards them, her pale blue dress swishing as she did. Regina looked at her and immediately froze on the spot, it was the eyes, they had done it and now she realised her mistake, her stupid foolish mistake.

"Yes, mum, this is Regina," Robin looked at his girlfriend in concern, to see her simply staring at his mother, he really wished he had told her sooner now, it was apparently a massive mistake and she was completely caught off guard. "She is a very special woman." Robin squeezed her gently, trying to draw her attention to him.

His mother! Everything made sense, he was right, that explained the text, the woman she had heard over the phone calling him darling, because of course a mother would call her son darling, it was a completely normal thing to do, but she hadn't been thinking straight, she had jumped to conclusions and they couldn't have been more wrong if she had tried. Upon feeling Robin squeeze her gently, she shook her head and carefully removed her mask so that she could have a proper conversation without that obstructing her features. "Wow, it's so nice to meet you Mrs Locksley…"

"It's Caroline dear, unless you'd like to call me mom."

Regina laughed and shook her head, wow, that was ironically funny, she looked up at Robin who was rolling her eyes, she knew how he felt, "Caroline's good, for now," she whispered, glancing at her boyfriend and casting him a wink. "Robin didn't tell me you were coming."

"Ah well, don't worry, I'm nobody to be afraid of, that's his father," she laughed.

"Mum," Robin warned. This was just what he had been worried about, his mother embarrassing him in front of Regina.

"I'm kidding I am, mostly. Anyway, look at this beautiful woman, no wonder you're in love with her Robin."

His eyes went wide he stared at his mother in complete and utter shock, he hadn't told Regina he loved her yet, he was going to tonight, he was going to make it special. Regina didn't seem to notice though, she was just blushing as she fiddled with the material of her amazing dress.

"Do you know what my darling, he hasn't shut up about you all day, I feel like I know you already."

"Regina dear!"

She turned to see her own mother coming towards her and thought that she and Robin's mother had quite a lot in common, however Cora refused to allow her hair to turn grey and it was an intense dark brown colour which was only slightly lighter than Regina's. Cora had picked a black dress, something that didn't surprise Regina, she just hoped that Caroline and Cora got along well and didn't kill each other due to their similarities. "Mom."

"It's perfect, just perfect in here darling. Is your father here yet? We are avoiding each other so I need to make sure I circulate in the opposite direction to that annoyance of a man."

Regina cleared her throat, "mom, this is Caroline Lockley, Robin's mother. Caroline, this is my mother, Cora Mills."

"Argh, no, I have changed my name back to Cora Andrews."

Regina pulled a strange face as she looked up at Robin, "what?"

"I will not go by that man's last name any more."

"When did you decide this?" Regina asked, wishing she could just sink into a dark corner and disappear.

"What does it matter when I decided it, I decided it, anyway, Regina we are being completely rude. I have been trying and failing to marry my daughter off for years."

"Ah, I've had that same issue with my son," Caroline laughed, "so Cora…" the two women linked arms and began to walk further into the ballroom.

"What the hell was that?" Regina shook her head, staring after their mothers.

"I have no idea," he chuckled, turning to look at her again, glad to have her to himself for a moment. "Regina, I think we need to talk."

"Okay," she swallowed heavily, she had a feeling she knew where this talk was going and she wasn't going to like it.

"Shall we go somewhere a little more private?" he asked, removing his mask so that she could see his face.

"There's the balcony?" she suggested.

"Perfect," he nodded, taking her hand in his and leading her towards the glass doors that opened onto the large stone balcony. They walked out and he moved his hand to her cheek, "you really do look breath-taking, I could barely breathe when I walked in and saw you."

"Robin, I'm so sorry," she fell into his arms, hugging him tight, "I was such an idiot, it's just my imagination likes to get the better of me and I saw that text on your phone, I didn't mean to read it, but I did and I thought you were seeing someone else behind my back and then I thought it might be Marian because it was a M. Then I overheard the woman calling you darling and I snapped, I know it was your mother and I am so sorry, I just, it's... I… I'm ranting, again aren't I?"

"A little yeah," he chuckled.

"I'm so sorry Robin, I will never doubt you ever again and I won't look at your phone, not that it was my fault, I mean you left it in my room and it was flashing on my bedside table and what girl isn't going to just glance over at it, I wanted to…"

"To think I just brought you out here to tell you I was in love with you." He interrupted.

"See who it was from so that I could… wait what?" She stopped, her eyes going wide as she looked at him, had he said what she thought he had? "What was that?"

"I said I'm madly in love with you." He smirked, moving closer to her and dropping down to brushing his nose over hers, "I know we haven't been together that long, but I feel this insane, intense connection to you, I'm in love with you Regina Mills," his hand came to cup her cheek, "I love you." Now it was out there, he couldn't stop it, it sounded too good, he wanted everyone to know, wanted to shout it from the roof top that he loved the amazing woman in front of him.

She stared at him, unable to speak, it wasn't the first time she had forgotten how to formulate a sentence tonight; was he trying to kill her? There were only so many times a person should be shocked in the space of an hour.

"Are you going to say something?" he asked, thinking that he might joke with her a little until he got a response, "please don't tell me I just made a fool out of myself; my god, you don't love me do you? Are you just using me as a hot water bottle? Oh I am wounded milady, wounded beyond repair, heartbroken, miserable…"

"I love you, you idiot," she laughed, pressing her lips to his, pulling him tightly against her as she basked in the warmth he provided, so he may have been true about the hot water bottle part, it wasn't her fault she got cold easily and he was so warm, the perfect heated blanket, "I love you," she smiled, pulling back and rubbing her nose against his.

"I feel the need to shout."

"What?"

"Let me show you," he held a finger up and moved to the edge of balcony that overlooked New York, "I'm in love with Regina Mills!" He shouted.

Regina watched him and shook her head, "crazy."

"I love her, I love this woman!"

She giggled and moved towards him, threading her arms around his waist from behind as she leant her head on his shoulder and looked at the city below. "It's amazing isn't it," she breathed, kissing his shoulder lightly. "I feel so small up here, so insignificant."

"You aren't, you're my everything, I realised that until the day I met you I was simply surviving." Robin sighed, tilting his head so that he could kiss her cheek.

She closed her eyes and hummed happily, "I'm really sorry for accusing you earlier."

"It's forgiven," he whispered, finding her hands that were resting upon his abdomen, "but I have to say, it did upset me a little thinking that you thought that I would do something like that to you."

"I didn't think that, not deep down, it was something else, I just, I guess it was my own insecurities, it wasn't anything you did before you say anything."

"How can you be insecure?" he asked, spinning around to look at her as he shook her head, "I have eyes for no other woman, except from my mother and maybe yours."

"Hey," she laughed, swatting him playfully.

"Oh and my sister, you haven't met her yet, but I think she'll love you as much as I do."

"I hope so, because I'm guessing that's a lot right?"

"Of course, it is," he moved her hair behind her ear, "I've never really been in love before I met you," he shook his head, "so this feeling is somewhat foreign to me."

"I thought I was in love once, but I wasn't," she shook her head. God she hated being all sappy, but she couldn't help it, somehow Robin managed to bring out the sappy in her, "now I…" There was yelling coming from inside and she closed her eyes, "what is that?"

"Oh shit."

"What?" She turned around and looked through the glass, "oh shit," she scoffed, "who the hell let her in here?"

"I'll go ask her to leave."

"No, I want to find out if she invited herself, or if someone tried to bring her as their plus one," she took his hand as they walked back inside, where the security guards were literally having to hold a woman back. All of her guests had stopped socialising and had turned to look at the woman who was attempting to hijack her party.

"I'm a plus one!" She was yelling.

Regina dropped Robin's hand as she approached, the last thing she needed was this woman causing drama at her charity ball. Rubbing her hands together she addressed the security, "do we have a problem here?"

"This woman is saying that she's on the list, but we can't seem to find…"

"Oh, you won't find her name, because she most certainly isn't on the list," Regina shrugged, "Marian, I don't know if I was entirely clear last week, but when I said that you weren't invited and that you wouldn't get in, I meant it. I don't want to, but if I have to, my guys here can escort you off the premises."

She received a deathly stare from the woman who scoffed and shook her head, "just because you're jealous of me, you know Robin still wants me and that's why you won't let me into your party, well, guess what I don't want to be at your stupid party anyway, I know how Robin feels."

Wow, she really was deranged, Regina felt slightly sorry for her, she must have really been obsessed with Robin, which was quite creepy actually. "Look, I'm sorry Marian, but this is a charity ball and I really need it to go well," she gestured for security to let go of her, before moving closer, "I'm sorry." She stated sincerely, she just couldn't risk something spoiling this night. "I can pay for your cab fare if…"

"I don't need your money, or your pity. You'll get what's coming to you, Robin still loves me and we will be together."

"Okay," Regina nodded, she wasn't going to argue with an unstable person, "okay, well, fine, just please don't try and come back in here, I really don't want to have to call the authorities, but I will." She sighed.

"I'm going and you don't fool me with this nice act, I know you're really a poisonous snake."

"Ya got me," she chuckled, "bye Marian," Regina turned and Robin placed his hand on the base of her back.

He couldn't believe that Marian had the audacity to show up at Regina's party, he knew she was crazy, but this was ridiculous, "are you okay? What did she say?"

"Nothing important, but I think she may be in love with you and thinks you're going back to her, that the two of you are going to end up together."

"What?" he sniggered shaking his head, "there is no chance I would ever be in love with her and no way that we're are going to end up together, I have a restraining order against her, one she sees fit to ignore."

"Wait you have a restraining order?" She looked at him wide eyed, why hadn't he told her about it sooner, "it was that serious?"

"Yes well, I'll tell you at another point, there's no need to interrupt the party."

"Yes, well I need to go and make the introductory speech," she kissed him quickly before walking off towards the stage. There was something he wasn't telling her, something serious and she was eager to find out what it was, but clearly, he wasn't going to tell her here, Marian must have done something really bad.


Regina, felt she had been neglecting Robin somewhat, once she and finished her introductory speech, she had been caught by several people who worked with the magazine and of course she had to engage in conversation, it would have been rude not to, even if she didn't really like them and wouldn't talk to them again if they weren't good for business.

She has just escaped from a conversation with Alistair Midas and was determined to catch up with Robin; just as she began to walk in his direction, someone called her name, someone she would rather not talk to. He was worse than all the rest she'd had to engage with already tonight but here he was standing in front of her, his eyes taking in her appearance in the way they always did, in a way that made her feel sick. He was old, old enough to be her father, in fact he went to school with her mother, she remembered Cora telling her of how he once tried it on with her, that they had been close to dating when she met Henry and of course all thoughts of this other man flew out of the window. She shook her head and plastered a fake smile on her face, "Leopold."

"Oh how many times dear, call me Leo," he winked at her, his hand touching her arm, making her feel like she needed a good scrub.

"Leo," she nodded, glancing past him, trying to catch the attention of Robin who was stuck in the middle of a group of elderly women, both their mothers included. "How are you liking the party?" She asked out of politeness, she really couldn't care less whether he liked it or not, for all she cared he could be having a miserable time, but that wasn't likely, after all there were a lot of younger women here too, models from the magazine and of course all her female employees, not to mention numerous plus ones.

"Very nice dear, very nice."

"Good," ooh if he didn't play a large part in her legal team she would have really gone off on one about the way he was literally ogling her, she wasn't something that was there for men to stare at and truthfully, she hated it, what woman actually liked men that they weren't in a relationship with staring at their breasts, as though that's where their eyes were?

"You look very fetching." He nodded.

"Thank you," she looked over his shoulder in attempt to get Robin to come over and save her, but he was gone and she was literally groaning on the inside, she wished they had some sort of telekinetic connection one where he knew what she was…

"Regina," a warm hand came to her lower back and a quick kiss was placed on her lips.

She turned and a genuine smile washed over her features, maybe he did know what she was thinking, "hello you," she nudged his nose gently with her own.

Robin grinned, she looked like she needed rescuing and he could tell now that he had been right in that assumption, not that it had anything to do with a bunch of her mother's friends eyeing him up, clearly, she was having some problems with being eyed up herself. "I brought you a drink," he held up a glass of red.

She looked at the large glass in his hand and had Leopold not been standing right there, she would have let out a moan at the sight, "how did you know? I am positively parched." She took it from him and brought it to her lips, taking a large swig, before holding it in one hand and finding his with the other, working to trap herself under his arm.

Robin turned to the man in front of him and looked him up and down, he was old, too old to be looking at Regina the way he was doing and Robin didn't like it. His grip on her tightened as he extended his other hand, "I don't believe we've met, Robin Locksley."

"Locksley?" Regina could tell that Leo recognised the name by the way he was looking up at him, "Leopold Blanchard, I was just catching up with our beautiful host."

"Oh I see, she is beautiful isn't she, she is the most intelligent, kind and caring person I have ever met and I can't believe I'm so lucky to have her in my life," he stated, mainly to get the point across to this man that they were dating and he wouldn't allow for someone to just look at her like that to the point where she felt uncomfortable. He meant every word though and looked down at her to find her cheeks tinted slightly.

"Ah, so she's your girl then? Lucky man."

Robin laughed and shook his head, "she's no one's girl, she's her own person, but if you meant am I lucky enough to be dating her, then yes I am a lucky man."

Regina wanted to kiss Robin at that moment and she loved the way he was handling this, he could quite easily have flown off the handle and told the man to show her some respect, but he had been really smooth in his approach, subtle yet still criticising. "If you'd excuse us Leo, I have to go and introduce this amazing man to more people." She led him away, "oh thank you for getting me out of that."

"That guy was creepy," he scoffed, "I don't understand how these men think they can look at woman as though they are here to please them."

She chuckled and shook her head, "oh, have you never looked at a woman like that?"

"Not like that," he rolled his eyes, "I hope not, I like to think that I show people respect."

"You do," she smiled, "I think you are from another planet?"

"Why all guys aren't jerks you know."

"Yes I know, but you are so… I have literally no words, I love you."

"I love you too," he chuckled. "Now, how about a dance?"

"Yes please," she nodded, watching him put on his mask and realising that she needed hers, she found it on one of the tables and handed it to him, "can you tie my mask on please?"

"Of course I can," he moved behind her and took the laces in his hands, "how tight do you want it?" Her asked, touching her hair lightly, coiling his finger around one of her loose curls.

"Tighten it and I'll tell you when to stop," she whispered, his fingers were brushing against her neck, causing goosebumps to raise on the surface of her skin.

He felt her shudder under his touch and chuckled, swirling his fingertips down, twirling over her shoulder, before he leant down and kissed her gently. He knew she would protest to the public display of affection, so her secured the mask, tying it off when she called for him to do so. "There," he kissed her again, just below her ear, "come on then milady, let's dance."

She bit her bottom lip and nodded, taking the hand he was holding out to her, "I hope you can keep up with me, I'd hate for you to be a bad dancer."

"I have two left feet I'm afraid."

"Oh, well, I don't mind if you tread on my toes a couple of times," she giggled, resting one hand on his shoulder as he held onto her other, his arm securing itself around her, pulling her close so that their bodies were touching.

"I'll try my best not to, but it is most likely that I will," he laughed, leaning his forehead against hers lightly as they began to sway to the music, "this dress really is exquisite, " he mused, toying with the fabric at her waist.

"Ooh do you think so?" She questioned using a British accent, "why thank you kind sir."

"Are your taking the mick out of my accent?"

"What does that even mean?" She asked, laughing as her fingers danced around the nape of his neck.

"Sorry I forgot you were American," he chuckled, "it means, are you mocking me?"

"Ah, no not in the slightest," she smiled, her teeth showing as she continued to play with the collar of his shirt, "but maybe just a little. Don't get me wrong though, I am in love with that accent, your voice is literally the best sound I have ever heard."

"For me that would be your laugh."

"I have a horrendous laugh," she sniggered.

"Still my favourite noise."

"I think you might need to go along to the audiologist with my mother," she giggled. She loved this feeling, just dancing in his arms whilst they kept up their playful conversation.

"Ah, but it's my nose that's broken not my ears."

"Oh shit, I forgot about that, how is it?" She asked, bringing her hand to run across his nose slipping a finger underneath his mask. She felt really bad for having nearly broken his nose that morning, but he had been the one in the way of the alarm. "Do I need to kiss it better?"

"I think that would help." He shrugged, both his arms were now around her waist, his hands dancing on her lower back as both hers came around his neck. That smile hadn't left her face since he'd got her on the dance floor and it really was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, he would never tire of seeing her smile like that, she just looked so happy.

She leant up and placed a chaste kiss on his nose, before pulling back again, "there you go."

"I think your kisses have magical healing properties," he gasped twitching his nose, "I'm healed."

She laughed again and shook her head, god how much had she laughed tonight? It was when the two of them got together, it just happened that they tended to make each other laugh, it was as if they knew exactly what to say to each other. "Oh well then, I'm guessing you won't be needing anymore kisses then."

"What if I have another ailment?"

"Do you?"

"Yes."

She narrowed her eyes at him and moved even closer into his hold so they were squished up against each other, "you do? Where?"

He could feel her breath against his lips and stared into her dark eyes that were sparkling with desire and something he didn't think he'd seen there before, surely, he'd have remembered seeing such a sight. She was wearing her mask, as was he, but that didn't mean they couldn't kiss, in fact it rather excited him. He was giving her as much time as she needed, only she could say when she was ready to take their relationship to the next level, for them to become more intimate, whenever that tome came he would be grateful for it, he wanted her so badly, just wanted to give her pleasure, see her come undone in front of him, come undone from his actions. "I think right here." He smirked at her.

"Oh yes, I would agree," his blue eyes were boring into hers, they had this thing for intense eye contact something that spoke volumes. Their lips were literally millimeters apart and she grazed them lightly, apply no pressure, tickling him, then she did it again, only this time it was a little harder, each time she would pull back to look at him and each time she went in, she would deepen the kiss, until he was asking for entrance to her mouth, he wanted to kiss her properly, feel her tongue brush against his. However, instead of allowing it she pulled back, "we're in public."

"I know," he breathed, "but isn't this your party?"

She bit her bottom lip and nodded, "I suppose it is," she leant in again and kissed him, opening her mouth to him immediately as he swept his tongue inside; she hummed her eyebrows raising as she coupled her tongue with his, she was surprised yet excited by his eagerness. The kiss continued until they were both breathless, Regina pulled back, slowly opening her eyes to look at him, he was staring at her lovingly and she mused that no one had ever looked at her like that.

Robin grinned at her as he moved one hand up to her cheek, "I think that I might be addicted to you."

"Ah, well I think we can fulfil each other's addiction," she chuckled. Only then did she noticed that they were stood in the middle if the dance floor, surrounded by other people who were dancing around them. She looked around and out of the corner of her eye spotted people having an argument, her stomach flipped as she let out a loud sigh.

"What?"

"I think I need to go break it up before they hurt each other," she huffed.

Robin followed her gaze and realised exactly who she was referring to, her mother was fighting with an older man who he could only presume was Regina's father. "Okay, do you need my help?"

"No, I'll be fine, why don't you see if your mother wants to dance," she suggested, pecking his lips lightly as she moved out of his arms, "after all, I think you may be neglecting your plus one."

"Ah yes, I'll go do that, will you be alright?"

"I've done this enough times," she smiled weakly, squeezing his hand before heading off in their direction. Why couldn't her parents at least be civil with each other? It was embarrassing having them fight here and it quite upset her, mainly because she knew that deep down her mom was still completely in love with her dad and most likely the feeling was reciprocated, but they were both stubborn and stuck in their ways. As she got closer to them, the shouting got louder, at least they had taken their argument to the side of the room. "Okay, break it up," she announced sternly standing in between them.

"Regina stay out of this dear," her mother stated.

"Yes, sweetheart this is between your mother and I."

"No, you are arguing at my party, which means that it affects me and I want you two to stop biting each other's heads off, please. What's this about now?" She asked shaking her head as she looked from one parent to another, "does one of you want to explain to me?"

"Seems your father doesn't need an excuse to begin an argument these days," Cora scoffed glaring at her ex-husband.

"Cora is it really a crime to say hello to you?"

"Don't speak to me Henry," she shook her head, "I don't want you to talk to me."

"Mom," Regina gave her a warning glance and turned to her father, "dad?"

"You know what your mothers like."

"Ahh, stop blaming each other, if you want to argue that's fine, but please, please don't do it here."

Henry sighed and rubbed his daughter's arm, "sorry sweetheart."

"Sorry," Cora whispered, not failing to throw a disapproving look at the man opposite her.

"I think I might head off now anyway," Henry stated.

"But daddy you've only been here a couple of hours."

"I know, but I'm just causing problems by being here."

"No, you're not, I'm sure you and mom can remain civil, just for two hours, that's all I ask, please." She looked from one to the other, her eyes wide and pleading.

"Okay," Henry nodded.

"Fine," Cora stated her voice low, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.

Regina shook her head and turned to look at her dad, "what was that about?" She sighed.

"Darling, you know that your mother and I don't exactly see eye to eye, she just doesn't even allow me to talk to her anymore, it's hard to believe we were once so in love."

Regina frowned and looked down, worrying her lip between her teeth, "once? Dad, how do you actually feel about mom? Like truly feel, because surely a love like that doesn't just go away, there must still be something there; I mean neither of you have found someone else, you've both been single and miserable for the last fifteen years."

"Regina, I still love your mother, I always have and always will, but we're too estranged to ever heal again, I think she fell out of love with me."

Regina closed her eyes and played with the feather on her mask, "oh dad, you're so wrong, I know that mom still loves you, she's heartbroken, has been since you split, why else did you think she never found anyone else, she can't bring herself to love again, not when she's already in love with someone else, someone she's loved for forty years! That's a long-time dad, she wasn't just going to get over you just like that."

He looked completely stunned as though she had just hit him around the face, "she is?"

"Yes she is," Regina nodded, she knew now that her suspicions had been correct, her mother and father were still in love, but were just being stubborn with their feelings. She felt her heart skip just at the thought of her parents getting back together again, being in love again.

"How do you know?"

"She's so obvious dad, you both are and I think it's about time you realised that you are perfect for each other."

"Do you really think so, after all these years?"

"Trust me," she smiled hugging him, "you need to tell her how you feel." She felt him nod against her and she smiled, catching Robin's eye as he danced with his mother. He tilted his head at her and she shrugged her shoulders before pulling back. "I'll talk to you later?"

"Yes," he grinned, kissing the top of her head.

With that she turned and headed towards Robin, swishing her hips as she approached him, she'd nearly caught up with him when she heard a voice, "long time no see."

"Neal? Neal Cassidy?"

"Regina Mills."

"Wow, hi," she smiled, threading her hair behind her ear. She was shocked to see him, hadn't seen him in about ten years, they went to school together, he was in her group and was especially close to her best friend, in fact they even had a kid together. "What are you doing here?"

"I own this place," he chuckled, hugging her briefly, "so when Locksley rang me and told me that his girlfriend was Regina Mills, I just had to offer you the space."

"Well I am very happy that you did," she nodded. She really needed to ask him something, had been meaning to ring her friend, but she hadn't talked to her in two years, not after what she did. "How's Henry?" She asked, looking up at him sadly.

"Well, he misses his aunt Regina."

"Oh, I miss him so much, but I can't… I just can't talk to her."

"Emma, she means well…"

"Ha, if she meant well, she wouldn't have been fucking my boyfriend behind my back," Regina sighed.

"Ah, that."

"Yes that, well, when you see Henry, tell him that I'm thinking about him please." She squeezed his arm friendly, seeing Robin watching them. "See you around."

"Bye, oh and Regina."

"Yeah?"

"Robin, he's one of the good ones."

"I know," she chuckled, biting her lip as she looked at her boyfriend, "thanks, bye," she moved past him and threaded her arms around her boyfriend who was getting a drink from the bar.

"Everything okay?" He asked, rubbing his hand across her lower back.

"Hmm, I think I may have just managed to get my parents back together, I hope so, turns out they both still love each other."

"Wow," Robin, handed her a drink, "that's great."

"Yes, it is; I think everything in my life is perfect at the minute, especially you." She kissed his shoulder and hummed in appreciation.


A couple of hours later, Regina was sat at a table swinging her legs as she waited for Robin to come back from the restroom, it was now ten o'clock, but she knew the party was going to carry on until twelve at the very least; right now, though she really needed his lips against hers, really needed to feel something physical. She bit her lip and looked around, everyone seemed to be having a great time and the room really was perfect. She stood from her chair and made her way to the exit, she was going to go and find Robin, she knew there were more rooms in this place, she had seen them, she was sure there was a room right next door that was empty.

She slipped out of the room, heading down the corridor towards the men's room she virtually walked straight into him.

"Hey, where were you heading off to?" Robin asked looking at his girlfriend, she seemed to be looking for something, as though she were on a mission.

A smirk appeared on her face as she grasped Robin's hand and pulled him with her, "I was coming to find you," she breathed, "I wanted to give you a taste of what to expect later."

"What's happening later?" He questioned, raising his eyebrows at her as he followed her. Was she referring to what she thought she was? Had she decided that tonight was the night she wanted them to have sex with each other for the first time?

"Ah, well, why don't you come and find out," she stopped in front of a door that led to a room she had been inside earlier that day, she knew it had a couch and a large table used for board meetings, but it was classy and the perfect place for an intense make out session. She crashed her lips against his, his hands making purchase at her waist as he kissed her back just as fiercely.

"I've been wanting to do that all night," he groaned, pressing her against the closed door, pinning her to it with his body, "to just be able to touch you and kiss you," his mouth was on her neck and she moaned, her hands running down his arms as she moved one to the door handle.

"Let's take this somewhere more private," she whispered, pushing the door open as they stumble in their lips still locked, wrapped up in a passionate embrace. They were so caught up with each other that they didn't notice their moans weren't the only ones coming from inside the room. The two blindly sought out the couch, neither of them had time to turn on the lights, not that it mattered whatsoever, who could be bothered with lights whilst in the middle of a serious make out session.

Robin's hands were gripping her hips as he pushed her backward, lowering her to the sofa, but as soon as he did there was a loud yelp. Regina and Robin pulled apart as she shot up off the couch, she was sure she had just sat on something warm and soft. "What the hell was that?" Robin asked quietly, moving over to the side and finding a light switch.

As soon as the light was on, Regina looked down at the sofa and her eyes went wide before she screamed, "Robin! Turn the light off now! Oh god my eyes! My eyes!"

"What?" He hurried over to her, glancing at the couch, "oh my god!"

"Regina get out!"

"What are you doing mom! Dad! No! No, how can I have made it to thirty-six years old and never had to walk in on this, I thought I was safe, I thought I didn't have to worry about this! Ewe ewe ewe." She covered her eyes, burying her head against Robin's shoulder.

"Regina, people have sex." Her father stated, standing up from the sofa as he fixed his clothes.

"Ewe," she shook her head. She had not been expecting that, to see her mother and father enjoying each other far too much and she was scarred for life.

She heard her mother's laughter, "I think she knows that Henry, what else do you think she was planning on doing in here?"

"Oh no, no, Robin, we are leaving this room right now, as for the two of you… you're back together! Still, please, go do…" she gestured towards them with her hands, "all that, somewhere that your daughter can't walk in on you." She pulled Robin out of the door as quickly as she could. "Oh. My. God."

"Seems your parents worked things out," he laughed, that wasn't exactly what he had been expecting, he had never thought that he might see his girlfriend's parents having sex. He felt slightly sorry for Regina, the shocked look on her face said everything.

"Oh don't, I am mortified," she shook her head, "I think I need alcohol, right now." She was about to walk off when she felt his hand pull on her arm.

"I don't think alcohol is the answer," he chuckled, pulling her towards him with the arm that was hooked around her waist.

She narrowed her eyes at him, before leaning in and kissing him, nipping his bottom lip playfully before she even thought about it, she pulled back and looked at him, the smile that had been on her face faltering.

"What?" He asked, running his hands up and down her arms.

"You don't mind that I just did that, do you?"

"Did what?"

"Ha, nothing," she shook her head, the last time she had done that to a guy, or more specifically Graham, he had freaked out on her, she had been confused, but now it worried her that Robin might not like it.

He was confused, what had gotten her so worried? All she had done was nip his lip, was that what she had been scared of? "Do you know that thing you just did?"

She nodded nervously, oh god, he hated it too, it wasn't her fault, it was the playful side of her that made her do it, she had used to think it was cute, before Graham had told her not to do it again, maybe it was just weird, maybe…

"It turns me on," he breathed, moving his mouth from the corner of her lips towards,trailing along her jaw before finding her ear and nipping at the lobe slightly.

Her breath hitched as the smile returned, even bigger than it had been previously, "it doesn't weird you out in any way?"

He chuckled against her neck, "babe, it's hot, if you ever want to get me going, do that, why would you think it was weird?"

"I guess my ex was…"

"A massive knob head? A stupid idiot who didn't deserve you? Dumb as…"

"Robin," she giggled leaning against him, "he was all of those things and more, now we need to go and finish off the party, before tonight."

"You still haven't told me what happens tonight."

"I thought I'd made it quite obvious," she whispered, running her fingers down and across the swell of her breasts.

He definitely got the message and apparently, Regina has tonight down as the night. "Really?"

"Oh yes," she smirked, dragging him into the ballroom again.


Regina saw out the last of the guests; her parents had left directly after their awkward encounter and she was glad they were back together she really was, they were her parents and she had never seen them happier than when they were together. Robin's mother had left on the promise that they would have dinner tomorrow.

Surprise surprise Tink was the last one to leave; Regina stood outside with her and smiled, "so?"

"Great success," her friend slurred, "it was perfect Regina, it really was."

"Yes, it was wasn't it," she smiled, "Robin told me he loved me."

"He did?!" Tink squealed, jumping up and down, holding onto the door of the cab.

"Careful."

"Oh my god, I am so excited for you! Do you remember what I told you about relaxing tonight?"

"How could I forget?"

"Well," Tink patted her on the shoulder, "my friends going to get laid! She is…"

"Tink get in the cab, go home and sober up."

"But Regina, you're having sex!"

"Shushhh."

"You're having sex," she whispered, "you're gonna have your first proper orgasm!"

"Shut up!"

"But oh my god, you've never had one before Regina! Like never and never is a long time, you've gone your whole life never…"

"Get in the cab," she pushed her, "go you annoying…" Tink flung her arms around her squeezing her tight. "Tink let go, you're crushing me," she groaned, why did her friend like to get drunk, she was such an annoying drunk and being touchy feely was her thing, she hugged anyone and anything. "Tink."

"Regina I love you, you are my best friend, you're such a special person, a special person who's never been given an orgasm."

"Okay," she rolled her eyes, "don't you stop?"

"Of course I stop, but oh my god orgasms are amazing, I mean who doesn't love orgasms?"

"Would you please stop saying the word orgasm? It's awkward."

"No! No it isn't, it's this amazing feeling that runs through your whole body and makes you quiver as your guy pounds into…"

"And this is where I leave, good night Tink."

"No, Regina I haven't finished… my story," she paused briefly to hiccup before starting up again, "so the guy…"

"I think I heard enough of this story thank you very much, now get your ass in that cab before I actually have to pick you up and put you in."

"Ooh do that, I want to be picked up," she tried to climb up Regina's body, her arms wrapped around her neck, "Gina pick me up!"

"You are pulling my dress down!" She protested, holding it up, whilst making sure that Tink didn't fall flat on her face.

"Ooh we'll make it quicker for Robin won't we," Tink giggled and then she stopped, looking downwards.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to see what bra you've got on."

"Oh my god, Katrina Bell get yourself into that fucking cab right now, I am trying to send you home so that I can go home and… you know, so please go, please and just make sure you sober up a little before you go to sleep." She didn't really feel right sending her home drunk, so she knew where was she was going to send her, someplace there would be someone to look after her. She informed the driver of where to take her and paid him in advance before moving her friend into the backseat. "There, now please try not to throw up in the nice man's car."

"I'll try as long as you try to have an orgasm! Or, don't try, just let it happen!"

"Right go, goodnight," she shut the door before she could say another embarrassing thing. Just as the cab pulled away Robin came out of the venue holding the long black coat she had brought with her.

"You ready to go?" He asked.

"Hmm," she nodded, slipping into her coat that didn't properly fit around the train of her dress, but it did it's job. She hated that it was going to take them practically forty-five minutes to get back to her place, she didn't know if she could take the sexual tension any longer.

Robin looked at her and shook his head, he knew exactly what she was thinking and he was on the same page, "I think we should be heading back."

"Yes," she bit her bottom lip, "I think we should."


I hope you liked it, I was trying to get a little bit of everything in and really hope I did it justice. Much love! :)