Henry was thrilled that Regina was going on a date with his teacher. The night of their dinner, he sat at the window and waited for Robin to show up while she got ready.

Ashley smiled as Regina entered the living room, dressed in her best red dress and her black heels. "You look beautiful, Regina," she told her. "Though I think Henry's more excited about this date than you."

"I think he is too," Regina replied with a smile.

As they heard a car pull up, Henry hopped off the window seat and raced for the door. "They're here!"

Regina beat her son to the door, blocking him. "Let them ring the doorbell. Okay?"

"Why?" Henry asked, frowning.

Ashley laughed as she watched from the living room. "There are complicated rules about dating, Henry. One of them is that you never look too eager, even if you are."

"That seems silly."

"It is," Regina replied, "but it's what we do. So please, just wait until Robin and Roland ring the doorbell. Okay?"

They didn't have to wait much longer as the chimes of their doorbell echoed through the front hall. Henry darted forward, throwing open the door with a smile. "Hi!"

"Hello, Henry," Robin said, smiling at her son. He stood in a black coat and dark pants, holding Roland's hand. "Is your mother here?"

Roland glanced around Henry, his eyes growing wide when he saw her. "You look beautiful, Regina."

"Why, thank you, Roland," she replied, smiling. "Are you ready to have fun with Henry and Ashley?"

"Ashley's here? Cool!" Roland ran into the house, throwing his arms around Ashley.

"Roland, don't run!" Robin sighed. "I swear he has better manners than that."

Regina chuckled. "I know, Robin. I've spent enough time around Roland to know you're raising a very well-behaved and polite boy."

He ducked his head, a slight blush coming to his cheeks. Clearing his throat, he took her hand. "He was right. You do look beautiful."

"Thank you," she replied, leaning closer to him. Her eyes began to close when someone cleared their throat, preventing their kiss.

They looked over to find Henry standing there still, arms crossed. Robin leaned back and smiled at the boy. "Is something wrong?"

"I have a few questions before you take my mother out." Henry held his chin up and tried to look older than he was.

Embarrassed, Regina wanted to send her son into the living room with a stern warning. Robin, though, looked serious and nodded. "Of course. Ask away."

"Where are you taking her?"

"Tony's," Robin replied. "I'm told it's the best restaurant in town."

Henry nodded. "And you'll drive safely with her in the car?"

"Of course. I have a great driving record."

"Will you kiss her?"

"Only if she wants me to," Robin said. "I hope she does as I like it."

"Eww." Henry scrunched up his nose.

Regina fought the urge to smile as she crossed her arms. "Are you happy? Can Robin and I go on our date now?"

Henry looked between the two of them before nodding. "Okay. But don't stay out too late. Got it?"

"Of course. I'll have her home by ten."

"Nine," Henry said.

Regina frowned, leaning down to look him in the eyes. "You're my son, not my father."

"I'm named after him."

"That doesn't mean you have to take his place." She cupped his chin. "Robin and I won't stay out late, I promise."

Henry hesitated. "You'll be home to tuck me in, right?"

Suddenly, he was a little boy—the little boy he still was, despite his yearning to be older. A little boy whose mother was always there, who always tucked him in, despite his insistence he didn't need it, because she didn't usually go on dates. Regina's heart hurt and she almost wanted to cancel.

"I'll have her home in time for you to go to bed," Robin promised. "After all, I have a son to tuck in as well. Bed time is sacred."

Henry smiled at him. "Thank you, Robin."

Robin pulled him for a hug, holding him close. "I'm not going to compete with you for your mother's time and attention, Henry. You're her top priority and I understand that."

"Henry? We're going to play some games. Are you coming?" Roland asked, emerging from the living room.

"Yeah, I'll be right there," Henry replied, hugging Regina. "Have fun tonight."

She watched as he disappeared into the living room before turning to Robin. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course I did," he said as he reached for her coat. "I'm a father."

He held up her coat for her and she slipped her arms into the sleeves, letting him guide it onto her shoulders. She buttoned it before turning to him. "Shall we?"

"One minute." He turned to the living room. "Roland? I'm leaving, son."

She heard little feet pounding on the floor as the boy burst from the room, ploughing into his father. "Have fun!"

"I will." Robin picked up Roland, kissing his cheek. "And you be a good boy for Ashley. I'll be home soon."

Roland nodded before twisting his father's arms, reaching for Regina. She stepped closer and he kissed her cheek. "Have fun with Papa, Regina."

She nodded as Robin set his son down. After Roland had run back into the living room, he opened the door for her. "Shall we, milady?" he asked.

"We shall," she replied, stepping out of her house. Robin's hand came to rest on her lower back as he guided her toward his car. Excitement built in her and she knew this was going to be a great night.

"So, shall we set some rules for this evening?" Robin asked once they were seated at their table.

Regina raised her eyebrows. "Rules? You can take the teacher out of the classroom…"

"Very funny," he replied, before realizing he had his hands clasped on the table. Placing them on his lap, he cleared his throat. "So…no shop talk?"

"No shop talk," Regina agreed. "And we'll limit talk about our kids, too? I want to get to know Robin besides being a father and a teacher."

He nodded. "Sounds good. Where do you want to start?"

"Drinks," she replied, watching as the waitress approached. "And then maybe childhoods?"

They ordered their drinks before Robin took her hand. "So, how long have you lived in Storybrooke?"

"My whole life," she replied. "I even attended Storybrooke Academy myself. So did Daniel, that's where we met. Henry's a legacy."

"So you and Daniel were childhood sweethearts?"

"Yeah, I guess you can say that. What about you and Marian?"

He shook his head. "She was American and I was raised in Nottingham."

"Wait," Regina said, leaning back. "Your name is Robin Locksley and you're from Nottingham?"

Robin sighed. "Yes, yes. I have heard every Robin Hood joke possible since I was a child."

"You also married a woman named Marian."

"I know," he said, eyes growing distant. "She used to joke that it was fate."

Regina squeezed his hand. "That sounds very romantic."

He laughed before shaking his head. "So, why teaching?"

"Because it pissed off my mother," she replied.

Robin laughed again until he realized she was serious. He raised an eyebrow. "That's really why you choose it?"

"It's why I did a lot of things," Regina confessed. "My mother had my life planned out for me—Storybrooke Academy, loads of extracurricular activities, acceptance to one of the Ivies, a law degree, marriage to a man on track to be president, children, First Lady and then maybe a political career of my own."

He let out a low whistle. "That's one hell of a life plan. Clearly, you disagreed."

"I did. So I went to the local college and became a teacher, just to spite her. I married Daniel because I loved him but she thought that was out of spite too. Maybe in some ways, it was. She didn't come to the wedding."

"Her loss," Robin replied. "What would she think of me?"

"If she were still alive, she'd probably hate you too. Still not a politician and that's all she would've cared about."

Robin's smile fell. "Your parents are deceased?"

"They are. I miss my father more than my mother. We were very close," she replied. "It's why when the doctor said I had a son, I knew there was only one name for him."

"Do you have any other family? What about Daniel's?"

She shook her head. "I was an only child and we weren't very close to my father's extended family. As for Daniel's family, his parents died a few years ago. They lived in Florida but would come up a few times to visit us and we went down a couple times to visit them each year. He had a brother but we're not close to him either.

"But Henry and I have formed our own family," she assured him. "We're fine. What about yours?"

He shrugged. "Typical. Mum, dad and just me. They weren't too thrilled when I decided to come study in America and I know it pains them that I decided to stay in America. But they loved Marian and understood."

"What about Marian's parents? Are they alive? Involved in Roland's life?"

"They were," he said. "Her father died before her and her mother just passed away. That's why I felt comfortable moving away from New York."

"So it's just the two of you here?"

He nodded. "Well, not anymore. Everyone at Storybrooke Academy has been very welcoming. And there's you and Henry."

She smiled, lacing her fingers with his. "I'm glad we now have you and Roland. I always worried about Henry having a father figure and I'll admit, I wasn't thrilled when he chose you to fill that role. But now…I can't imagine him choosing anyone else."

"And I'm honored. Henry is a good boy and well on his way to growing into a good man. You should be proud, Regina. Of him and yourself."

"Thank you. And you should be proud of yourself and Roland."

He ducked his head, blushing. "Thanks, but to be honest my strategy is to figure out what I think Marian would've done and do that."

"I think you should give yourself a bit more credit than that," she told him.

Robin raised his head, meeting her eyes, before shaking it. "Anyway, we said a limit on talk about our children. I think we're approaching it."

She nodded, sitting back. "So…Beatles or Stones?"

"Beatles," he answered. "You?"

"Stones."

He smirked. "I thought so. Red or white wine?"

"You know that answer. Red."

"Same here," he replied. "Though I prefer beer."

"Guinness." She had noticed which beer he had brought to social functions and had made note of it.

Robin leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. "Have you been spying on me?"

She laughed. "Always."

They continued on, eating their meal, as they got to know each other better. As the night wore on, Regina believed she was falling more and more in love with him. She hoped he felt the same.

After dinner, Robin drove her home. "After all, I can't break my promise to Henry. You need to be home for bedtime."

"He and Roland are probably passed out on the couch," she replied, smiling.

Robin chuckled. "True. But still, I am a man of honor."

"I know," she replied. "It's one of the things I admire about you."

"I wish I could go back in time and tell myself back in September not to get on your bad side. Maybe we could've been doing this earlier."

She shrugged. "Someone would've had to convince me as well. I wasn't fond of you for several reasons."

"True," he agreed, parking the car. "Well, as much as I hate to say it, you're home."

"It's not over yet. You are coming in to pick up your son."

Robin nodded, getting out of the car. She waited until he opened her door and held out his hand to her. "Milady?"

Taking her hand, they walked toward her door. Robin stopped outside and her heart beat faster, knowing what was coming next. No matter how many kisses they exchanged, she still grew excited and nervous for each one.

He cupped her cheek, warming it, before kissing her. She returned it, knowing it wouldn't go any further than a chaste peck. Not with their sons on the other side of the door and a chance they were watching from the window.

Breaking the kiss, Regina licked her lips as Robin kissed her forehead. "So, do I get a second date?" he asked.

"I think so," she replied. "If you want one, that is."

Laughing, he took her hands in his. "Well, then, Regina Mills, will you go out with me again?"

"I'd love to, Robin Locksley," she replied. She kissed him again and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

They heard the door open and she heard her son clear his throat. Ending the kiss, they glanced at him. He stood there, arms crossed. "You've been kissing for a long time."

"Henry Daniel Mills," she hissed through her teeth while Robin chuckled beside her.

He placed his hand on Henry's shoulder. "Sorry. I just didn't want to say goodbye to your mother just yet."

"Let's go in before you freeze the house," Regina said, tugging on Robin's hand as she wrapped her free arm around her son.

Once inside, Robin helped her out of her coat before she went to pay Ashley for the night. There was a brief disagreement over how much Robin owed but it was settled by Regina agreeing to let him pay Ashley for their next date night. Ashley bid them goodnight as the four settled around Regina's kitchen table for some apple pie and a little family time before Robin carried a sleeping Roland out to his car.

Regina and Henry watched from the door. As Robin drove off, Henry looked up at his mother. "Did you have fun with Robin?"

"I did," she replied, closing the door. "We're going out again soon."

Henry nodded. "I'm glad you're happy, Mom. Robin's a great guy."

"I'm happy you approve. You know you're the most important person in my life, right?" Regina pulled him in for a hug.

"Mom…" He whined but still hugged her back. "I love you too."

Robin and Regina didn't purposefully hide their relationship. They just didn't announce it to the entire staff. Only a select few knew, starting with the headmaster, Mr. Gold, as per school policy. He had studied them with the unnerving way he had before nodding. "I trust you two to be adults about this and keep your affair out of the classroom," he said before waving them off. "Now go. Teach."

They next told Mary Margaret since she was Roland's teacher. While they had told the boy he had to call Regina "Miss Mills" while in the school, they also figured he would still talk about his papa's new girlfriend. Robin had also added Regina to the list of approved people who the school could release Roland to just as she added him to her list for Henry. Telling Mary Margaret meant that David would also know but that's where they drew the line for now.

As the winter started to thaw into spring, Regina believed she and Robin were getting serious. They were seeing each other outside of school several times a week. For weeknights, their dates included their boys and were often at one of their houses. Robin proved to be just as good a cook as she and she had to admit she loved eating at the little cottage he and Roland called home.

Weekend dates though were just for them. Ashley would come over and babysit for them while they went out. Dinners, movies, walks in the park—whatever they felt like doing that day. All Robin had to do was hold her hand and she felt like she was floating wherever they went. It was a feeling she hadn't felt in long time, not since Daniel.

Part of her wondered if she should be nervous with how fast things were progressing with Robin. But when she laid in his arms on the couch or when she watched him with Henry while she played with Roland, she knew she was right not to be. If she believed in fate, she would say they were meant to be.

"Penny for your thoughts," he asked one night, twisting her hair around his finger.

She smiled. "I'm just really happy."

"Me too." He kissed her cheek. "I'm the happiest I've been since I lost Marian. And I owe that to you and Henry."

"I've loved having Roland around as well," she said, glancing to where their sons were lying on their stomachs as they watched TV.

Robin tucked some of her hair back. "I was wondering if you and Henry would like to come with me and Roland to England when we visit my parents this summer."

She sat up, eyes wide. "You mean it? You want me to meet your parents?"

"I do," he said, sitting up as well.

"This is a big step."

He nodded. "That's why I'm asking now. I don't want to push you if you're not ready."

Regina bit her lip. "Can I think about it? Talk it over with Henry?"

"Of course," he said, kissing her. "Whatever you feel is best for the two of you, I'll support it."

She pressed her hand against his cheek. "You are a sweet, dear man and I am so lucky to have you in my life."

He laid her back down, holding her close again as the movie played on in the background. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of security and love.

Regina sat down with Henry after a week of debating whether to go to England with Robin and Roland or not. She asked him, expecting him to be for it. Instead, he frowned and shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"What?" Regina was surprised. Henry was Robin's biggest fan. She thought he'd jump at the chance to spend more time with him. "Why?"

Henry grew quiet but began to fidget in his chair. "I don't know if Mr. Locksley is the right man for you."

She raised an eyebrow, alarmed that "Robin" had gone back to "Mr. Locksley" and Henry was concerned. "And why do you think that?"

"It's just…He's been letting me spend time in the classroom after school, so I can work on my independent reading projects. Justin's mom has been coming in a lot to discuss the spring show," Henry said.

Regina frowned. Justin Sampson had been in Henry's class since kindergarten and the two were friendly, if not friends. She knew Justin's mother, Evelyn, who was a single mother like Regina. They talked sometimes, commiserating and sharing notes.

"Ms. Sampson is the class mom, Henry, of course she has been. I've been spending a lot of time with Mrs. Olsen regarding the spring show."

"Yeah, but you aren't flirting with Mrs. Olsen."

That surprised her. "Robin is flirting with Ms. Sampson?"

"Well, she's flirting with him," he replied. "She stands really close to him and speaks in a low voice. And she flutters her eyes at him, smiles and lays her hand on her arm. He does nothing to shake her off."

Regina's heart pounded but she swallowed, trying not to panic. "Maybe you're just making a big deal about this? I doubt Robin is going to leave me for Ms. Sampson."

"I don't want this to be like Mr. Glass," Henry said. "I know you tried to hide it and be okay around me but you were hurt and you were sad."

She swallowed, remembering the pain of her last boyfriend's betrayal. But Robin wasn't Sidney Glass. He wasn't going to be led astray by some blonde, she was certain. So she took Henry's hand. "Thank you for caring. I promise you I'll talk with Robin about this, okay? And if it turns out to be nothing, do you want to go to England this summer?"

"Yeah, it'll be cool," Henry said with a smile. "Maybe we can go even if Robin isn't serious about us? Please?"

Regina nodded. "I'll look into it and if we can swing it, we'll got to England no matter what happens between me and Robin."

Despite Henry's suspicions, Regina really didn't suspect that Robin was already interested in another woman. It just didn't seem like him. She just chalked it up to Henry's imagination and would get Robin to clear everything up with him.

That was what she was going to ask him when she walked into his classroom the following Monday after school. Evelyn Sampson was there, standing very close to Robin as he sat as his desk, just like Henry reported. They were hunched over something, too deep in discussion to notice her there. She remained frozen in the doorway, studying them.

Evelyn had her brown hair down, letting it fall in waves around her face and showing off the red highlights she must've recently gotten. She wore a figure-hugging sleeveless black dress and her makeup was impeccable. It was a bit fancy for just a meeting about the spring show, Regina felt.

She glanced over, finding Henry in his seat as he worked on his math homework. He met her eyes, motioning to his teacher and Evelyn with his head. Regina nodded, crossing her arms as she cleared her throat. "Mr. Locksley? Can I talk with you?" she asked, voice sweet.

"In a few minutes, Ms. Mills," he replied, smiling. "We'll be done in a bit. I can meet you in your classroom."

"That's okay. I can wait here." Regina sauntered to a nearby desk, swinging her hips just a little bit more than usual. She slowly lowered herself into the seat and made a show of crossing her legs, smirking at him.

Robin swallowed but turned his attention back to Evelyn, answering a few more questions. His eyes, though, kept wandering to Regina as she watched their interactions closely. While he kept his hands to himself and spoke in an even tone, Evelyn tended to touch him a bit more—a hand on his shoulder, a pat on the hand—and spoke in a low, sultry tone. Regina wondered how he couldn't realize the woman was flirting with him.

Then the thought that he did flashed in her mind and her blood boiled. She clamped down on her anger as Robin wrapped up his meeting with Evelyn.

Clutching her clipboard closer, Evelyn bit her lower lip before speaking. "I know there are probably rules against this, but the school year is almost over so you won't be Justin's teacher for much longer. Would you like to have dinner with me?"

"He's taken," Regina snapped, unable to stop herself.

Evelyn glared at her. "And how would you know that?"

Regina stood and walked up to Robin's desk, her eyes fixed on him. His widened in realization of what she was about to do, but he did nothing to stop her as she grabbed his tie. With a good tug, she pulled him from his seat and pressed a passionate kiss to his lips.

His response was immediate, returning her passion with his own. Robin brushed some of her hair off her shoulder before cupping her cheek. As they broke away, he rubbed his thumb across her cheek.

Evelyn's cough reminded them that they weren't alone. "I see. Well…uh…congrats, you two. Have a good afternoon."

She fled the classroom before Henry started clapping. "Way to go, Mom!" he said.

Heat flooded her. She had forgotten her son had been there to witness that. What kind of mother was she?

"Henry, can you go to the aftercare room? Please?" Robin asked, his voice somewhat high-pitched.

Gathering his books, Henry smirked as he hurried out into the hallway. Robin followed him, closing the door behind him. He then turned to face Regina. "Well, that was unexpected."

"I'm sorry," she said. "When she asked you out, I saw green. And I got possessive and I just…"

Robin pulled her close and kissed her. "I said it was unexpected, not unpleasant."

"Oh."

"I feel like a fool, not realizing she was flirting with me," he confessed, sheepish

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? You didn't realize it? Henry did."

"He did?" Robin's brows furrowed. "Is that why he was giving me the cold shoulder lately?"

"Probably. My last boyfriend cheated on me and Henry wanted to protect me from experiencing that pain again."

He rubbed her arms. "I would never cheat on you, Regina. Nor do I want to leave you. I thought I would never feel this way for anyone else after I lost Marian but you've changed that. I know we've only been dating a few months, but I love you, Regina Mills."

"I love you too," she replied, pressing her forehead to his.

"And I promise to be more aware when I'm being flirted with so I can make sure you and Henry have nothing to worry about."

Regina cupped his cheek. "I trust you. And once we talk to Henry, I'm sure he'll come to trust you too."

"Thank you but I promise you that I won't give you a reason to even suspect…"

She placed her fingers on his lips. "Shut up and kiss me."

He laughed before kissing her. She buried her fingers in his thick hair as he slid his hands over her ass. Robin lifted her, setting her down on his desk as he deepened their kiss. With him pressed between her legs and his tongue in her mouth, she forgot where exactly she was. All that mattered was him and the fire ignited deep inside her.

As his lips moved down to her neck, she arched her back with a groan. "Right there," she said.

Robin tried to pull her closer but it still wasn't close enough. She undid his belt and slid her hand into his pants, grabbing his hard cock. He groaned as she began pumping, toying with his tip. "Minx," he said.

"Hmm, you love it," she purred.

He nodded, kissing her again. She gasped, her eyes barely able to make out the bright and colorful posters Robin decorated his classroom with.

Classroom.

They were almost having sex in his classroom.

Gold would kill them.

She gave him a little push, revealing his bared chest and mussed hair. No doubt her skirt was rucked up and shirt disheveled while her lips were swollen from his kisses. She was breathing hard as she said: "We can't do this here."

"Right," he said, voice hoarse. "Right, of course. We need to pretend we're being proper. And we have children to go collect from aftercare."

"Saturday night. Ashley takes the kids and we go straight to your house and just spend it in your bed. Deal?"

He nodded, swallowing. "Sounds wonderful, my love. Now, shall we get our children?"

"After we button you back up," Regina replied, tugging on his shirt. "And make sure we look like we weren't about to screw each other on your desk."

"One day," he muttered and she blushed. It had to be under the right circumstances but she wouldn't mind him taking her on his desk. Maybe on hers as well.

But there would be plenty of time for that. Now, she wanted to collect their children and have dinner all together.

Robin had a long talk with Henry, explaining what had happened and promising that he was devoted to Regina. That he loved her and no one else, wanting to only be with her. Henry came back happy and hugged his mother. "So, are we going to England with Robin and Roland?"

"Yes, we are," she said. "We're going to have to get started on a few things, but I think we'll be able to make it."

As summer began and school ended, Regina and Robin looked forward to having more time with each other and their boys. While they still made no announcements about their relationship, they still made no pains to hide it in public and were seen out more and more. It soon became common knowledge that they were together, often seen out on outings with their sons.

The new little family flew to England for two weeks in the middle of the summer. Robin's parents welcomed Regina and Robin into their home and their hearts. By the end of their visit, Henry was calling them "Nana" and "Gramps," just like Roland. He and Regina were practically Locksleys themselves.

When they were back in America, Regina invited Robin and Roland to cabin she had inherited from her father. As he taught the boys about nature and surviving in the wilderness, she fell more in love with him. So when he asked her to marry him one night after the boys had gone to bed and they remained around the fire they had lit earlier, her answer was a resounding "yes."

At Storybrooke Academy, it became well-known that Regina Mills and Robin Locksley were absolutely head-over-heels in love with each other. While they were still careful to be professional around the students and parents, they were more open about their feelings around their colleagues. Hand holds, adoring looks and soft smiles replaced the arguments and cold glares from the year before. And everyone knew both were off the market, avoiding any more awkward moments (especially on Robin's part).

Robin and Roland moved into Regina's house around Thanksgiving. One night after the boys went to bed, Robin laid with Regina on the couch as they watched TV together. She let out a contented sigh. "I never thought I would have this again."

"Have what?" he asked.

"Someone to love and who loves me," she replied. "And a house full of love and laughter. Henry and I came close but there was something missing—you and Roland."

He smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too," she replied, kissing him. She snuggled closer to him and closed her eyes as his warmth lulled her to sleep.

What a difference a school year made.

A/N: I'm not going to ask if everyone is okay. I know we're not. I know I'm not. We've lost Robin. We've lost Outlaw Queen in canon. And it hurts. I get it; I know. Reading Sean's interviews yesterday was hard. For starters, they generally shut down my hope that there was a twist coming up in the finale on Sunday as they confirmed Sean was gone from the show. And while he left a glimmer of hope for a return, the interviews also made it clear that he was not happy with the writing for the show and the direction they took Robin. So I don't think he'll be open to coming back any time soon.

Hoodies and Outlaw Queen fans alike must treasure the memories, admire the work he's left us and rely on for now. Because you never know and despite how many times this show has screwed me over since I started to ship a Thief and a Queen, I still have hope that maybe one day the stars will align and Sean can be convinced to come back. That despite what we saw on screen, some part of Robin can allow him to be restored.

It may be a fool's hope, but it's mine.

Here's sending everyone a big hug. Know I grieve with you but that I will still be writing stories for as long as I have them in me.

-Mac