So… This update was originally intended for OQ Update Month, but due to house hunting, work, and home life, I didn't quite get around to finishing it. But I just wanted to say thanks to the organisers first because it gave me motivation to work on it.
Also, I want to thank whoever prompted a KH update for prompt party (and the organisers), because that gave me enough motivation to finally get this edited and finished. So: Thank You!
Within this chapter, behold: a disorganised Snow, a grumpy Roland, and an emotional Robin.
Enjoy :)
For someone who was terrible at keeping secrets, Snow White had managed to refrain from telling the Queen the details about her planned gathering for a whole two weeks.
However, as Regina was sitting there, listening to all the ideas Snow was tossing her way, she wished the Princess had kept her mouth shut for a little while longer. The headache she had woken up with had turned from a niggling ache to a dull throb, and if she had to think about organising yet another get together, she'd be partial to a couple of sleeping curses just to get some peace and quiet.
It didn't exactly help matters that the reason Snow was telling her all of this now, was because her '4th July Style Celebration' was in three days - and there was so much still to do that she needed Regina's help.
Some days, Regina believed that Snow could make a decent ruler. Other days, she wouldn't trust her to organise a proverbial piss up in a brewery. This was one of those days.
"Snow, just give me a list of what you need me to do, and I'll work on it," Regina snapped, fingers pressing against her temple in an attempt to alleviate some of the pressure there.
"Well, I've got a stage for music, so we'll need some instruments, maybe some sort of microphone… Can you magic one of those? Also speakers. Or something like speakers because obviously we don't have an electricity grid. I also want some games and activities for people to do; I have some of them already done but I think we need some more. And fireworks. Lots of fireworks. It's not 4th July without fireworks. And I..."
Regina held up a hand to halt the incessant rambling. "In writing, Snow."
"Oh okay." The Princess paused and nodded, before frowning and glancing around the room.
Regina rolled her eyes and sighed, waving a hand in front of them and creating a notepad and pencil for Snow to create her list. She barely waited for the 'thank you' before standing and walking out the room, heading for her chambers so she could get some much needed rest.
Robin loved his son. Truly, more than anything in the world; there were some days where being a parent was a goddamn joy. Today was not one of those days.
Like his father, Roland had not had a good night's sleep either, and a tired Roland made for a grumpy, young boy. He had been fighting his dad at every decision all morning...
'Get dressed, Roland'.
'No, I don't want to'.
'Brush your teeth, Roland'.
'No, I don't want to'.
'Let me brush your hair, Roland'.
'No, I don't want to…'
He had certainly been testing Robin's patience.
The only thing which had even gotten Roland out of his bed was the suggestion of breakfast.
And that's how Robin found himself carrying a tired, disheveled five year old, with unbrushed teeth and still in his nightgown, through the Castle's corridors to the Grand Hall.
Predictably, Roland continued to test his father's temper even with food in front of him. Instead of eating the breads and fruits on his plate, he merely pushed them around and only nibbled when he was prompted.
Robin kept his eye out for Regina, hoping that maybe she'd be able to cheer his son up. Maybe she'd even have some tips from raising her own boy, or maybe she'd just have the patience to help Robin calm down.
However, she was nowhere to be seen. He knew she was awake - she had already been stirring from sleep when he had left that morning - but neither she nor the Princess were sitting at the head table. The Prince was though, and before Robin had even made the decision to speak to him, his legs were swung over the bench and he was making his way down the aisle between the long tables.
The Prince greeted him with a smile, and a cheery; "good morning, Robin. You look well."
Robin had to scoff, he looked like he was fighting his five year old - and losing. Still, he didn't feel like unloading all of that onto the particularly chipper man in front of him, and so he nodded, responded with a polite 'you too', and then asked the whereabouts of Regina.
"I'm not sure, my friend," he responded. "But I believe Snow was going to ask Regina for some help with her celebration."
"What celebration?"
"Our 4th July Celebration," the Prince answered - as if that helped clarify anything.
Robin stared at David, as if willing him to provide more information. He didn't. "Forgive me, but what is the relevance of that particular date?"
"Oh of course!" David exclaimed, laughing at himself as if he had just told a funny joke. "I completely forgot you've never lived in Storybrooke."
Any other day, Robin would chuckle out of civility and tell the Prince not to worry about it, however, today he was out of patience and pretend politeness, so he just shrugged and shook his head in a silent 'well, obviously…'.
Fortunately, David had the sense to explain; "in Storybrooke we celebrated the day when our country gained independence from a foreign empire. We'd have outdoor parties and fireworks, and enjoy our freedom."
"Regina and Snow are organising this celebration?"
"Well… Snow was. But I think she's asking Regina for help," David admitted, before he started rummaging in the satchel he'd brought. "Here; Snow made a bunch of posters to hand out and hang up. Take one."
Robin tried to refuse the piece of paper being held out under his nose, but the Prince was adamant, and Robin was eager to get back to his son to see how much more trouble he had caused. So he took the poster, barely even glancing at it before folding it and shoving it in his pocket, then he muttered his thanks and returned back to his son, praying to all the gods out there that he'd be easier to deal with once he'd had some food…
He wasn't.
He refused to eat half his bread because 'that's too brown', then refused to eat some fruit because 'that's too squishy', but when Robin offered to get him some different food - because maybe that would help - he refused because 'no, that's my food!'.
Robin had been sat back at the table for all of three minutes, and he was already at the end of his tether.
"Robin, mate, let us take him," John offered. "You look like you're a second away from flipping the whole table."
It was a nice gesture, and Robin truly appreciated it, however, Roland was his responsibility, and he didn't want his friends to feel as if they had to take care of his unruly child. "Thank you, but I can deal with him."
His men glanced between them, before looking back at him with disbelieving faces. "All due respect, Robin," John started, appearing somewhat apologetic. "But we think it's better for both of you if you just leave him with us for a little while. Just so you can both calm down."
Robin tried not to take offence, he knew he was probably making this worse, but he still felt as if he should be able to take care of his own son without passing him over to his team. It was moments like this when he felt the pressures of being a widowed father. His son hadn't come with instructions, and he had been working out fatherhood by himself as his boy grew. It's not even as if his men had children of their own to share experience: the closest was Will Stutely who had spent some time with Robin as a boy. But at the end of the day they were a team, and part of being a team meant listening to the others when they told you to take a break. And so with a reluctant nod, he agreed to let Roland stay with his men for a while.
In an attempt to quiet his mind, Robin let his feet take him on a journey throughout the castle grounds. He was well accustomed to the route by now; having scoped out the layout within his first few months he lived there, and it seemed an appropriate place to get a breath of fresh air and soothe his frustration.
He usually had a pretty good hold on his emotions, having lived with royalty as a child and frequently brushing shoulders with unsavoury people as a hoodlum, he had to control his temper and feelings in order to ensure the best outcome of any talks or exchanges. Sometimes he slipped and lost the unfazed demeanour he tried to keep up, but he was quick to regain some semblance of control.
He used to think that's what would make him a good parent, but when Roland was born he experienced everything a little more strongly. His heart would take off with joy whenever he laughed, and his eyes would water with pride whenever he'd learn something new, but he'd also feel ready to shoot anyone who dared to hurt his boy with a moment's notice, and he'd be frozen in fear at the thought of anything happening to him. He could understand the parents who would tear the world apart for their child; if he had the powers to, he'd ensure that nothing would ever harm a hair on his son's head. Ever.
Perhaps that was another thing that attracted him to Regina; even before they started sleeping together, he could see the fierce devotion of a parent in her. Given the power she could wield - and her history - he had fully expected her to tear the realm apart to get her boy back. He couldn't imagine being in her situation, and having to choose the good of the kingdom over a child.
Not for the first time, he wondered what kind of mother Regina had been. Considering his son's penchant for testing his patience that morning, he tried to imagine what she would have done when Henry was that age. He half wished he could ask her, but he always tried to be conscious of her situation, and not do anything which would cause her further pain or suffering. Still… she had spoken to him about her son before - sometimes after a nudge from himself - and he had no doubt she would tell him to stop if their conversation got too heavy for her…
Decision made, he turned and walked back to the nearest door of the castle, making his way to Regina's chambers with more purpose than his earlier dawdling.
The door to her bedroom was closed - as it usually was - and so he rapped his knuckles lightly against the dark wood to request entry.
There was no response.
Pressing his lips together, Robin knocked a little harder, sure that the Prince had said a while ago that Snow would have asked Regina for assistance. Knowing Princess Snow White, and knowing Regina, he was sure that she would have needed a moment of respite after having a lengthy conversation with the younger royal. She usually retreated to her chambers when she needed some solitude, and so Robin was sure she'd be here.
Apparently not.
Still, before he left to find her elsewhere, he wanted to check she wasn't just avoiding everyone. Raising his other hand so that they both rested on the heavy door, he started to push.
The doors budged a little, but they hadn't opened more than an inch before he felt them be pushed back into their frames.
Strange.
He tried again, with a little more force, but the doors didn't even move this time. However, from within the Queen's chambers, he heard a less-than-regal; "I don't care who you are; if you don't leave me alone I will turn you into a cockroach and step on you."
Despite the threat, Robin chuckled to himself. Obviously her conversation with Snow didn't go that well.
Sincerely hoping that her warning was to the general inhabitants of the castle and didn't include him personally, he stepped closer so he could speak through the crack in the door; "Regina, it's me."
There was a quiet moment where he heard nothing, and for a second he believed that he was included in her threat to leave her be. It wasn't as if he particularly mind; she was entitled to her privacy after all, and he wasn't entitled to her time whenever he wanted it. But still… He thought they were different. He thought he was different.
With a nod of acceptance, he stepped back away from the door and let out a small sigh. Turning on the balls of his feet, Robin prepared to head back outside to resume his earlier thoughts, but he had barely made his first step before he heard the doors to Regina's chamber open.
"You can come in, but you have to be quiet," he heard from inside, and despite the strangeness to the offer, he couldn't help his heart doing a little jump. She was prepared to warn off the entire castle, but she still allowed him to be near her.
As he entered, he wasn't quite able to wipe the smile off of his face. However, when he caught sight of Regina he faltered. She was lying on her bed, fully clothed, above the covers, with an arm resting over her face. "Regina? Are you okay?"
"I'd glare at you if I could," came the somewhat muffled response.
He'd take that as a 'no' then. "What can I do to assist, milady?"
"Nothing," she admitted. "I'm just waiting for medication to kick in. Until it does, I have a splitting headache."
Robin tilted his head in sympathy, wishing that he could rid her of the pain affecting her like this. "Oh," he whispered, and then because he didn't know what else to say, he added a small, "sorry."
"Not your doing," she assured him. "It's just a migraine."
Robin frowned, somewhat unfamiliar with the term; "migraine?"
"A really bad headache, but it can have other effects too," Regina explained, still covering her eyes with her arm. "I used to get them quite a lot when I was Mayor, not so much as Queen."
Robin nodded, grateful to hear that she didn't get these migraines as much as she used to. But still, he didn't like the thought of her suffering through this one alone. He eyed the other side of the bed - the one he had unofficially claimed as his on the nights he stayed a little longer than wholly appropriate. The thought crossed his mind that he had originally come here with a purpose; to talk through the issues with his son and ask for her advice. He wasn't going to subject her to a full conversation though, not when she wasn't even well enough to look him in the eye. But still, even if she wasn't well enough to discuss the matter with him, he was sure just sitting with her would make him feel better. She had this way of calming him down, of smoothing his jagged edges whenever his irritation got the best of him.
"Please may I sit with you?"
Something must have been in his voice during his request; instead of answering, she lifted her arm, squinting at the light hitting her eyes before asking "what's wrong?"
He shrugged before shaking his head, intending to brush it off with a quick, "nothing". But Regina's glare became firmer as she stated; "I don't believe you."
Well… Either he wasn't as good at lying as he used to be, or Regina had gotten to know him too well. Regardless, she was looking at him as if daring him to try and pretend everything was fine. So, with a resigned sigh, he inclined his head towards the empty side of the bed as a request for permission, and when she gave a single nod of her head in response, he made his way over and sat at the edge facing her.
"It's Roland," he admitted, his gaze falling down to his lap to stare at the hem of his green shirt.
In hindsight, he probably should have explained a little further, as Regina immediately tried to sit up, asking; "what about Roland? Is he alright? Is he hurt?"
"He's fine," he assured her, reaching out to rest a hand against her shoulder. "I promise; he's not in any kind of danger."
"Oh, thank goodness," she sighed, relaxing and slumping back against the arm she had used to prop herself up. It was then that the pain seemed to register again and she closed her eyes with a frown, raising her free hand to rub at her forehead.
"Lie back down," Robin encouraged her, using the hand on her shoulder to gently nudge her back to her original position. He waited until she was resituated, and the crease of her brow had lessened before asking; "are you sure I can't do anything to assist you?"
"I'm sure," Regina confirmed. "Though you can tell me what's up with Roland."
"He's just… being so difficult today. It's like he woke up and decided to be in a troublesome mood for no particular reason. And I'm ashamed to say I'm running out of patience to deal with him."
"Ah; been there, done that," Regina scoffed with a wry smile.
Even though Robin had vowed to leave the conversation for another time, he couldn't help but ask; "how did you manage it? Because I am reaching the end of my tether."
"Honestly? Some days I didn't; I lost my temper and had to apologise. On the days I did manage to get Henry's tantrums under control, it was either through distractions, the threat of taking away his toys, or on rare occasions I was not above bribery."
Robin chuckled, imagining Regina bargaining with a five year old boy in order to calm him down.
"One thing I learned though, is that there's usually something bothering them underneath it all," Regina offered. "Sometimes even the kids don't know what it is themselves, but when you're both a bit calmer, just try talking to him and see where the conversation leads."
Robin nodded, absorbing her advice and making a plan to speak with Roland that evening. He wasn't sure what could be bothering him, especially considering he'd always tried to maintain an environment where his son could speak to him about anything - without fear, without judgement, and without punishment. But as Regina had said, perhaps it was something in the back of his mind which was manifesting as a bad mood.
"Thank you. You're amazing," he praised, feeling lighter and much less irritated after just a short conversation. It truly was magical the effect she had on him - and even with a bad headache nonetheless. "I'll let you rest," he smiled, standing and turning to face her fully.
"Thank you, I should be fine later…"
"You take care of yourself," he gently ordered, not wanting her to push too hard - but knowing that being a ruler didn't mean much time to oneself. He stepped closer to her and reached out to grasp the arm she had placed over her eyes again, lifting it away from her so he could press a quick kiss to her forehead, and then gently placing it back down. "Come find me if you need anything."
Regina's nod in acknowledgement was so slight that Robin barely noticed, he knew that she was loath to request assistance - but at the very least he was glad that she knew the offer was there should she need it.
And with that, he made his way back out into the hallway, ensuring her chamber doors closed softly behind him.
With a calmer mind and a determination to get to the bottom of what was bothering his son, Robin made his way back to the corridor he and his men had been given to reside in.
He'd give Roland some space, let him know that he was ready to talk, and wanting to make him feel better. Hopefully it worked and calmed him down enough for them to work it out.
"Here he is!" He heard Will Stutely say the moment Robin had opened the door to his own chambers. He was sitting on the bed next to Roland, his other men dotted around the room, all seeming to be focussed on his son.
"We told you he wouldn't be long," John added, and Robin felt a small jump of happiness assuming that his son had asked where he was and how long he'd be.
"Where did you go, papa?" Roland asked, not turning around from his position facing out the window.
"I just went for a walk, my boy," Robin explained. "I'm sorry that I took so long."
There was no further response, and Robin had the strange feeling his son was giving him the silent treatment.
This would not do.
"Roland, can we have a little talk?" He asked, hoping that his son wasn't still in his fighting phase.
After a pause, Roland nodded, hopping off of his bed and following Robin out into the corridor. Originally, Robin was intending to have a chat right there, but something felt a little wrong about having a potentially private conversation out in the open and only a door away from the rest of his men. So Robin decided he'd take him somewhere else, somewhere quieter, somewhere calming.
"Are you up for a little walk, my boy?"
Roland shrugged, not saying a word but continuing to walk alongside his father in silent agreement.
At least he wasn't fighting him anymore.
They reached their destination within a few minutes, and as Robin led them down the steps, he watched his son explore the new, unfamiliar environment. His little footsteps were still slow and cautious, but now he seemed to come out of his earlier mood a little. A new place to explore never failed to bring out childish curiosity in the boy. His hands brushed against the concrete pillars around the courtyard, then the slabs arranged in the centre for seating, but when he started to climb on them and reach out, Robin moved forward; "Careful, my boy. Please don't go any further."
"Why?" He asked, and Robin supposed this is one of the only times he had been asked to stop exploring. Usually Robin let him satisfy his curiosity, but on this occasion he didn't feel it was appropriate. Especially here.
"Because this is Regina's special space," he explained in a whisper - as if divulging a secret. "That's her apple tree, and I don't think she'd want you climbing up it."
"It's Majesty's?" Roland asked, slowly putting his hand back down by his side and letting his body slide off the stone bench so he was standing back on the floor.
"She comes here to think sometimes. I figured it might help work out what's bothering you?"
Roland suddenly withdrew into himself again, watching his fingers twiddling in front of him. Robin tilted his head, more determined than ever to work out how he could help his son work through whatever was wrong. But his son didn't seem to join him in the sentiment; "I don't want to."
"You don't want to talk? Or you don't want to think about it?"
Roland's gaze dropped to the floor as he admitted; "Both."
Well, that was a start, Robin thought. At least he was admitting there was something wrong. It appeared as if Regina was right.
"Why not?"
"I just don't want to," Roland whined, before walking away to the stone arches and tracing the carvings, moving further away from his father.
Taking a deep breath, Robin reminded himself that patience was the best way to handle this, and so he walked over to Regina's tree and took a seat under it. "That's okay, I understand," he started, trying to keep his voice as calm as possible. "I will be sat here whilst you explore for a little bit, and if you decide you want to talk about whatever is on your mind then you can come to me. Okay?"
"Will I get in trouble?"
"Of course not," Robin promised. "I want you to know you can come to me with anything, and whatever it is I will try to help fix it."
Roland pursed his lips to the side, and for a moment Robin thought that he had done enough to persuade him to discuss the matter right now, but instead Roland nodded and went back to perusing the stonework.
Robin took a moment to close his eyes and listen to the sounds of his son scuffling about the Courtyard and of the nature surrounding him.
He could certainly see why Regina would come here to think - and escape from everything else - it was quiet and peaceful. The sounds of the castle were distant ambience, and the scenic views all around acted as an instant relaxant. He'd seen her come here a few times now - though only once had he felt they were close enough for him to join her. Curiosity had eaten at him about this place, and he had asked Princess Snow about it after she had mentioned it in passing. She had told him that the apple tree had a certain sentimental value to it, so much so that Regina had brought it with her when she cast the curse, but she didn't know the full story of it. He kept meaning to ask Regina herself about it, but it kept slipping his mind - or they got distracted with more important and pleasurable activities. He sincerely hoped she wouldn't mind him bringing Roland here, but she seemed intent on helping him earlier, and if she wasn't happy with him then Robin was sure he could find some way to make it up to her.
"Papa…"
Robin turned towards the sound of his son's voice, and found himself looking into the watery eyes of his four year old little boy. Immediately, Robin shifted so he was on his knees in front of him and taking his face in his hands.
"Roland? What's wrong, my boy?"
Roland's shoe scuffed the floor back and forth in shyness, and when pressed his lips together his chin quivered. "I miss R'gina…"
"Is that what this is about?" Robin asked gently. He knew that the young boy had been quite taken with Regina, but he hadn't realised it was to this extent.
Roland nodded, and Robin was one moment away from scooping him up and taking him straight to Regina's chambers. However, just before his brain sent the signal to stand, he remembered the state that Regina had been in when he last saw her. He didn't want to make her headache worse, and no doubt his boy could get rather over-excited when he was happy…
"Well… She's not feeling too well at the moment, my boy," he explained. "But when she's better shall we go and see her?"
Robin smiled, expecting his offer to bring Roland out of his mood. If he had known that the only thing bothering Roland was that he missed the Queen, then that was an easy fix.
But to his surprise, Roland frowned and shook his head. "No."
"'No?'"
"No."
"But I thought you missed her?"
Robin scratched his head, struggling to understand his son's line of thought. How could he be upset that he missed Regina, but then not accept an offer to go and visit her?
"I do, papa. But I want to see her."
There was a pause, Robin inhaling and exhaling, his brow still furrowed as he tried to catch up on what his son was telling him. "Okay, I'll take you to see her then."
"And then you'll go?"
"'Go'? Roland, what…?" His voice trailed off in confusion. There was something he was missing. Something that his son was trying to communicate but having difficulty finding the right words, and Robin was having difficulty finding him in interpreting his meaning.
But then it clicked, and Robin suddenly felt so stupid for not realising it sooner; "you want to spend some time with Regina by yourself?"
Roland nodded his head vigorously, curls bouncing as he looked up wide-eyed at his father. "I really enjoyed baking with her. She's nice and kind and funny. But that was a long time ago."
Robin exhaled in relief, finally happy that he understood where his son was coming from now. This was rather easy to fix. "Okay, I understand now."
"And you always go and see R'gina without me…"
The relief that Robin felt suddenly faded, and his stomach felt like it had dropped to the floor. "Oh Roland…"
"I woke up from a dream and Uncle John was there, but you weren't. And he said that you were with R'gina, but I want to see her too."
"Of course…" Robin reached forward and scooped Roland into his chest, holding him tight as he hid the pained expression on his face. How could he have been so selfish? He had been spending so much time with Regina, enjoying her company and getting distracted that he hadn't even thought that his son was suffering in his absence. He'd been so caught up falling for the Queen, that he had spent almost every moment with her in private. She was so busy that he only managed stolen kisses whilst passing in corridors, and late night rendezvous once most of the castle was asleep. He had wanted her all to himself, and his son had paid the price for that. "I'm so sorry, Roland."
Roland sniffled into Robin's shoulder, his fingers clenching in his father's shirt. "You're not mad?"
"Of course not. I promise; I didn't mean to upset you, Roland." Robin pulled away and gently nudged his son so he could look him in the eye. "You're right; I've been spending a lot of time with Regina lately, and I've been wanting to keep her to myself despite knowing that you like her. That was wrong, and I'm sorry. Will you please forgive me?"
Roland, for all of his inherited traits for grudge-holding, forgave Robin almost immediately. A short nod of the head and his son leaning into him for another hug had Robin smiling in relief.
Now… how to fix the issue…
He knew Regina wouldn't mind spending time with Roland; she had mentioned several times how fond she was of his son. Even going so far as to tease him that he was her favourite Locksley.
"Roland? I'm going to ask Regina if she can spend some time with you, just the two of you…"
"Really? You promise?"
Robin leant back and held up his little finger - as per their traditions for pacts - and Roland excitedly linked his pinky with his father's, then stuck his thumb up so Robin could seal his promise with a tap of his own thumb.
"I'll tell you what; there's a festival of sorts being held in a couple of days," Robin explains. "How about I ask Regina if she can spend a little bit of time with you then? Would that be alright?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Roland shouted, jumping on the spot before he suddenly stood still and added a quick; "please."
"I was planning on checking on Regina later to see if she's feeling better, I'll ask her then. Alright?"
Roland nodded, his curls bouncing as his smile stretched halfway across his face. "Thank you, papa."
As Roland launched forwards into giving his father another hug, Robin couldn't help but marvel over how well this had turned out. His son hadn't been this temperamental in a long while but whenever the young boy had been in a mood it had usually ended with Roland crying it out, or Robin playing the waiting game until Roland had moved on. He wasn't used to tantrums, and if Regina hadn't advised him to discuss the matter with Roland, he would never have found out the root cause of his bad mood.
It was just one of the many, many reasons why Robin was grateful that he had Regina in his life.
It took Robin longer than expected to convince Roland to leave Regina's hideout.
It seemed as if learning he was in a secret place made Roland want to explore the entire area - despite the fact that the hideout wasn't going anywhere and he could visit any time.
But still… by the time that he reached their corridor, it was already nearing lunch time. His men welcomed them both with smiles, presumably grateful that they returned a lot happier than they left.
"Did you get it all sorted out?" Will Stutely asked in Robin's ear.
Robin nodded, not exactly wanting his men to know of the true reason Roland was upset lest they start doubting his parenting skills.
"Hey Robin, what's this?"
Robin looked over to where Alan-a-Dale was holding a piece of paper - it was the one the Prince had given him earlier when all he was interested in was finding Regina. Robin considered apologising for being less chipper than his usual self - but then he reminded himself that David didn't seem to pick up on the change in his behaviour, and it wasn't as if he wasn't allowed bad days.
So no… If the Prince brought it up as an issue that bothered him then he'd apologise, other than that, Robin was just going to leave it.
"It's a leaflet for this Fourth of July party thing the Royals are holding," Robin explained. "Some kind of Independence Day."
He was met with mostly blank faces and a couple of frowns. Grateful that he wasn't the only one who was stumped, Robin explained a little further; "In Storybrooke, they'd have a celebration where their country had gained independence from the people controlling it."
"Oh, are we invited?" Alan asked, and the group scoffed and rolled their eyes at the way he was always up for a chance to consume alcohol.
Robin shrugged. "The Prince gave me this, so I imagine we are."
"We weren't part of Storybrook," Much pointed out. "How about we celebrate that we gained independence from the Evil Queen instead?"
The Merry Men surrounding Much glared at him, and John who was sat next to him subtly kicked his shin. If Robin wasn't so irritated at the man he would have laughed. For all of the conversations that had taken place where Robin had defended Regina without hesitation, his men still had moments where they talked about her as if she was still the Evil Queen and not the woman who had given them food and shelter. But at least they had learned it wasn't wise to voice these thoughts in front of him.
"How about we celebrate freeing Nottingham from the Sheriff's control?" Robin suggested, keeping most of the irritation out of his voice but letting the disapproval show in his glare.
Nodding and nervously swallowing, Much agreed with a quiet; "aye, we can do that."
"Good." Robin glanced around the room, daring anybody else to speak out, but they'd all learned too well not to question the Queen in front of him. So they all stayed quiet and went back to whatever they were doing before Robin and Roland had walked back in.
John, however, stayed by Robin, following his leader's gaze where he was watching Roland bring out some wooden toys and start playing with them.
"Is he okay?" John asked into Robin's ear. "Truly?"
Robin tilted his head, observing his son as he waved his wooden figurines in the air before crashing them back down on his bed. He seemed a lot more like his usual self, and he had definitely perked up from earlier when he'd barely even look at his father.
"I believe so," Robin answered, smiling when Roland noticed his staring and waved at him.
"How on earth did you manage that?"
"I haven't yet. Not fully," he admitted, realising he still had to ask for Regina's help on this. He should probably go and see her sooner rather than later. He had no idea how busy she'd be at this party they were throwing, and so the sooner he asked her, the more likely it was that she would have some spare time for his son. "There's someone I need to speak to first."
He waited until Roland had settled with his men before he left for Regina's chamber. His son saw him leaving, and - knowing where his father was heading - gave him a wave and a bright smile before he left.
Robin had a smirk on his face all the way to Regina's door, though the moment his hand rested on the wood, he remembered what she had been like the last time he was here. He hoped she was faring better. It hurt to see her in pain - so much so that it was almost as if he was the one with the headache.
"Regina?" He whispered, his knuckles rapping on the solid wood. "Regina, it's me. Can I come in?"
There was no immediate answer, and so Robin waited a few moments before trying again. After the third call of her name, he started to worry. Of course, it was possible that she was just asleep, or perhaps she wasn't even in her room, but there was that persistent thought that perhaps her condition had worsened. He had to make sure she was alright.
Hoping that he'd find her asleep on her bed, Robin pushed the heavy, wooden doors until he could poke his head through the gap. His eyes immediately fell onto her bed, the place where they'd shared many memories, but she was nowhere to be found. Stepping into the room a little further, Robin glanced around the whole space in case she was elsewhere. But she wasn't on her balcony, or sat at her dressing table, or anywhere else for that matter.
Robin 'hmm'd, working out the next place he should look for her, when he heard a rather unimpressed; "I hope you have a valid reason to be sneaking into my room."
Despite himself, Robin couldn't help but smile.
She was okay.
"Regina, it's just me," he explained as he stepped out of her room. He held his hands out in surrender, though with a smug smirk on his face.
He expected her to let him off, to dismiss him as soon as she learned of his identity. But instead, she quirked a brow and smiled as she teased: "I know."
Ah, so she was still expecting his reason for trespassing. Or at least keeping up that pretence.
"I…" he started, before realising diving straight into the whole story about Roland would probably be inappropriate. So instead he settled on: "I wanted to make sure you were okay."
It wasn't a lie; he genuinely did care about her well-being. And if she wanted him to leave then he would - but the way a smirk grew on her face indicated she didn't mind all that much.
"I'm okay," she smiled, eyes shining as she started walking towards him until they were barely a metre apart. "Are you?"
Robin gazed over her face, taking in her warm smile and beautiful brown eyes, looking much like the woman he'd frequently steal kisses from rather than the woman whom he had left worse for wear in her bed. He had never been happier to see that she was okay. "I'm better now I've seen you."
A blush coloured Regina's cheeks, and she tilted her head downwards to hide the smile growing on her lips. With a finger hooked under her chin, he lifted her face so she had nowhere to hide.
Spending a moment just marvelling at the woman in front of him, Robin wondered how he ever managed to become the one in her life like this.
"Did you manage to speak with Roland?"
And just like that, his easy smile faded. "Um… Yes I did." He glanced at Regina's expectant gaze, pausing long enough for her to prompt him with a gentle 'and?'. "And… he… I mean, we…"
"Robin?"
Scratching the back of his neck, Robin had to push down the feelings of guilt creeping in. Guilt as to the reason for his son being down in the first place, then guilt at having to ask a favour from her, and then guilt that he was even feeling guilty about this anyway.
Realising he still hadn't answered, Robin changed tactics and asked her; "for this Fourth of July party thing, will you be very busy?"
Slightly confused at the shift in topic, Regina lifted a shoulder in a shrug; "That depends on how much everyone else messes it up. Why?"
Chewing on his bottom lip, Robin took in a breath and expelled it. He knew he was acting out of sorts, and it was only a matter of time before Regina pressed him on it. So the moment she looked as if she was about to ask him something, he blurted out; "Roland has asked if he can spend some time with you, and so I said I'd ask if you can show him around some of the games?"
"Of course."
Robin blinked.
Well… that was easier than he expected.
"Are you sure?" He asked, his hand reaching out to wrap his fingers around hers. "You're not too busy for something like that?"
With a smile, she squeezed his fingers held in her grasp. "Of course not. I enjoy spending time with Roland, he's a sweet boy."
With most of his vocabulary failing him, Robin uttered a heartfelt 'thank you' and pulled her into a hug.
Her hand on his back brought him comfort, and Robin focussed on the way that her fingers travelled up and down his spine in time with his breathing.
"Is this why Roland was upset?"
Robin nodded, drawing back so he could look Regina in the eye. "He said that we spend too much time without him."
Regina tilted her head in sympathy, her fingers pressing against where they were resting at his side. "Oh, Robin…"
"He's right, you know?" Robin lowly admitted. "I've been so caught up in enjoying your company that I've forgotten my own son."
Regina shook her head, refusing to let him wallow. "That's not true," she assured him. "You're still there to play games with him, and you take him to the courtyard for teaching and exercise. You tuck him in to say goodnight, and you make sure you're back in time to take him for breakfast…"
"But…"
"No. There are no 'but's, Robin," Regina insisted. "You are… a fantastic parent, and Roland is lucky to have a father like you. And the fact that you are having these feelings of guilt about spending time with another person just shows how much you truly care."
Robin bit his lip, trying to prevent the moisture collecting in his eyes from falling down his cheeks. He knew he tried his best with Roland, but there was always a part of him which wanted more for him, wanted to be better for him. And sometimes those feelings got the best of him. But hearing such praise - from another parent no less - went a far way to lessening that feeling.
"What would I ever do without you?" He wondered out loud, not really expecting a response, but hoping she understood how important she was to him.
But then she opened her mouth and responded with a simple phrase that took the breath from him; "you'll never have to find out."
It wasn't often that they talked about their future. Hell… it wasn't even often that they talked about them, but the way she was so manner-of-fact that he'll always have her with him, he just… he was rendered speechless.
He loved her.
Of that, he was sure.
He was completely, truly, and desperately in love with her. And if he thought she was ready to hear that he'd be shouting it from the tallest tower to anyone who would listen.
This marvellous woman was one of the best things to ever happen to him, and for some reason she had decided that he was someone she'd never leave. Whatever Gods there were out there, Robin hoped one day he'd be able to thank them for giving him this. For giving him Regina.
Of all the uncertainties in the world, and all of the doubts he'd ever had, there was one thing he was now certain of: he was going to spend the rest of his life with her.
