Author's Notes:
Special Thanks to ale_nena for help with the idea for this chapter. It was a brilliant idea!
Setting: Misthaven non-magical modern AU. The society and political system will be based on a combination of modern countries, with a probable bias toward the American system as I am an American. However, all characters are fictional and resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidence.
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"Excellent shot, Sir!" Henry's golf caddy complimented as the older man's ball landed at the edge of the green.
He smiled in satisfaction as he returned his driver to the golf bag on the caddy's back, and began hiking toward the golf cart. After he and the caddy were safely inside, Robin started it up and drove him to catch up to the ball.
Robin had guarded Henry during golf games a few times, and he couldn't say he saw the appeal of the game, but driving the golf cart and watching out for danger wasn't too bad. At the least he was getting some fresh air rather than sitting in an office like he usually did with Cora.
Henry putted out in one stroke, finishing up the last hole of the game.
When he got back into the cart Robin asked, "Back to the clubhouse?"
"Yes," Henry nodded, "It's getting hot."
The day was getting warmer, but Robin was much more comfortable in it now ever since a certain shopping trip a few weeks ago.
Clearing his throat, he pushed those thoughts away and focused on driving the cart back to the country club's main building. When they arrived Henry tipped the caddy who took over to drive the cart back to the garage, while Robin followed Henry across the club's front lawn.
It was a clear Saturday so the country club was packed with its wealthy members. Every man they passed, other than the uniformed valets, seemed to be wearing the same white golfing outfit. The women, however, were pretty and bright in their airy sundresses.
Even when he tried to admire the sight, though, the image of another woman who wasn't present kept jumping into this mind.
He sighed in exasperation, focusing intently on Henry Mills' back. It wouldn't look good to be caught scoping out women when he was supposed to be on duty anyway.
As they pushed through the front doors, the older man sighed as a blast of air conditioning hit them.
"Should I have the valet bring the car around?" Robin asked.
"No, not yet," Henry shook his head, smiling at the golf score card in his hand, "I want to celebrate a little. Let's go get some ice cream."
Nodding deferentially, Robin followed his employer through the dining room to the ice cream counter.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Mills," the smiling server greeted, "What can I get for you?"
"I will take a scoop of passion fruit-yuzu," Henry answered, "And for you?"
Robin looked up, realizing Henry was asking him. He waved off the offer, "Oh, no thank you. I'm fine."
"Come on!" the older man urged, "Don't make me eat alone! What would you like?"
Robin sighed. He knew Drake wouldn't be thrilled with this, but it was hard to deny Henry Mills. He thought it over and finally answered, "One scoop of chocolate."
The server scooped up the ice creams and passed them over to the two men. Henry strolled leisurely around the club house eating his ice cream. The club's security was impeccable so Robin allowed his mind to wander, stirring the melting chocolate ice cream absently with the spoon.
The ice cream itself was nice, but not as good as the last time he'd had this flavor. Frozen was a chain custard shop, but theirs was undoubtedly more delicious than the club's fancy pastry chef made. Or, maybe it was the person buying it for him...and the sight of the spoon sliding between full red lips that probably tasted even sweeter than chocolate...
Robin was suddenly distracted from his thoughts by the feeling of someone watching him. Looking up, he saw Henry Mills staring at him with an amused expression, and realized he'd been grinning as he picked at his ice cream. Dropping the spoon into the cup, he straightened up.
Henry chuckled, "So I take it you really like chocolate ice cream?"
Robin blushed, "It's okay."
"Only okay?" the other man said doubtfully.
He knew he should brush off the question. Not say anything more. It'd be risky and unprofessional to do so because this was his boss...and person distracting him was the man's daughter. However, the truth was part of him wanted to confide in the older man. He was the first person to make him feel welcome in this new job, and the person he'd taken to playing chess with at least once a week. There was just something about Henry that made him feel at ease.
"Well," Robin said, "In truth, it's not even my favorite."
Henry looked at him expectantly, so he confessed, "A girl I know picked it out for me a little while ago."
"Ah," Henry nodded knowingly, "Well that explains why you're looking at it like you're in love with it!"
He felt himself flush even further at the words.
"So who is this girl?"
"Oh, just someone I met through a friend," Robin answered, hoping that sounded convincing.
"Are you going to see her again?"
He hesitated, "Well, I don't know. I really don't think anything will come of it."
"Oh?" Henry asked, "Why's that?"
He chuckled, "Why do you ask?"
The older man shrugged, "I'm a romantic? I like to live vicariously? Curiosity?"
"It's complicated. Honestly, I didn't see this coming but lately...I just can't stop thinking about her," Robin answered. After pausing for a moment, he caught himself and went on, "But, you know, with my schedule, I don't have a lot of time to date."
It was a lame excuse, but one that the older man seemed to accept as he shrugged, "Well if it's meant to be, it'll be."
"Thanks," Robin answered, "But I kind of suspect not."
"You never know," Henry answered, "Maybe it'll turn out you're soulmates."
He laughed, "You really are a romantic, aren't you?"
Henry smiled, his eyes looking a little sad, "I try to be."
Robin wondered what that was about but Henry didn't seem eager to elaborate, so he didn't press him on it. He simply walked alongside the older man as the two finished their ice cream.
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Robin sat in the chair at the Mills Foundation, thumb holding open the book he'd brought with him.
It had been periodically keeping his interest throughout the day as he sat outside Regina's glass walled office.
She had most of the blinds drawn, as always, however, there was a section that she'd kept open so that he could look in on occasion.
As he came to the end of a chapter, he looked up, stretching the kinks out of his neck. Glancing through the window into the Regina's office, he noted that she was gathering up her things and locking up her desk drawer. She was getting ready to leave for the day.
Folding down one of the corners, Robin closed the book and shoved it into his jacket pocket.
As Regina closed her briefcase, she lifted her head, noticing that Robin had already stood from his seat and was waiting by the door. She smiled as she rose from her chair.
"Always a step ahead of me, hm?" she commented as she walked over to him.
"It's my job," he answered.
She smirked in amusement, meeting his eyes.
"Or," he shrugged teasingly, "Maybe you're just predictable."
"Don't push it, Locksley. I'm still your boss," she warned in a hard tone, but a devilish glint was obvious in her eyes.
He smiled back, holding down a laugh that would attract the attention of her assistant or any of the other foundation employees, and answered in a serious voice, "My apologies, Ms. Mills."
She nodded, stepping through the door around him and announcing, "I'm ready to go home."
He followed her as she said goodnight to her assistant and walked around to the elevator. They stood quietly side-by-side on the ride down, and she walked with her head held high to the car. Once inside, however, her entire body seemed to deflate. She let out an audible sigh as she dropped her briefcase beside her into the footwell and reached up to rub the back of her neck.
"Rough day?" Robin asked as he started up the engine.
"Oh, just paperwork," she answered, "The end of this quarter is coming up so there's three times as much as usual."
"Sorry," he said, offering sympathy in lieu of being able to actually help in a tangible way.
She smiled weakly as she buckled her seatbelt.
"Did you want to stop anywhere on the way back to the estate?" Robin asked, knowing her family often stressed her as well and wanting to give her the opportunity to postpone being around them if she needed.
"No," she answered absently, "Just home."
With a nod, he backed out of the parking space and drove toward the exit.
Rush hour traffic kept them in the city center for another 45 minutes. They sat through the ride quietly, the only noise inside the car some gentle music from the radio. Neither attempted to turn up the volume or fill the silence with conversation.
It was nearly 7PM by the time Robin exited the highway onto the road that would take them to the Mills estate. The road was clear as they drove along, Robin glancing between the horizon and the woman next to him and Regina sitting with her head resting tiredly against the window.
Shifting to get more comfortable in his seat, Robin steered the car around a curve in the road.
As he accelerated out of the turn, a flash of blonde sped across the road in front of the car.
His foot had already slammed down on the break when Regina yelled, "Stop!"
The tires squealed, the back of the car fishtailing as they skidded along the asphalt. Just before coming to a stop, he heard a sickening thump under the front tires.
Regina shoved her door open as Robin threw on the parking brake and leapt out after her.
He stopped when his worst fear was confirmed. A small golden retriever was laying in the road, its back leg bloodied and twisted at an unnatural angle.
Regina's clicking heels came to a stop. Glancing up, he saw her staring open-mouthed, tears welling up in her eyes.
Quickly he whipped off his suit jacket, letting the book he'd been reading earlier fall out onto the road. Kneeling down next to the dog, he pressed the coat against the area of open wound where he could see bone protruding through fur and torn flesh.
The dog yelped sharply, its head rearing up in pain. Robin leaned over, wrapping the back of his arm around the dog's neck and pressing its shoulders to his chest so that he could control its movements.
Behind him he heard Regina gasp, but he, for the moment, he was focused on the animal in his arms.
"Shh, it's okay. It's okay," he soothed, carefully putting pressure on the bleeding wound while taking care not to jostle the broken bones too much, "There you go. I've got you. It's okay."
The dog whimpered, but he felt the tension drain out of its shoulders. Slowly easy the headlock off, he moved his arm under the dog's body so that he could lift it up off the asphalt.
As he stood, he made eye contact with Regina. Seeming to sense his purpose, she immediately sprung into action, running ahead of him to open the door and allow him to slide into the backseat.
Slamming the door shut behind him, she got into the driver's seat, threw off the parking brake, and sped off.
The dog whined again, crying in pain. Stroking its neck gently, Robin managed to soothe it into calm. Looking up, he glanced into the rear-view mirror, meeting Regina's alarmed eyes in them.
"It's bad," he informed her.
"I can see that!" she bit out.
Ignoring her sharp tone he continued to explain, "He has a protruding facture and is bleeding a lot. If he doesn't get help soon he won't make it."
"Yes, that much is obvious!" Regina snapped.
"I'm trying to help here!" he shot back, "But he needs to get to a vet if he's going to have any chance!"
Looking into the mirror again, she nodded, "I know. I know of one."
She didn't elaborate on the statement and he didn't ask, focusing instead on the injured animal. The blood had soaked through his suit jacket, making his hand moist and sticky. He kept pressure on the wound, though, hoping to slow the bleeding enough.
As Regina sped along, he looked into the dog's eyes. They were moist and sad looking as he stared back. The poor thing remained remarkably calm, though, laying pliant across Robin's lap, barely even reacting when Regina took a particularly sharp turn, causing him to have to brace his feet to keep from sliding on the seat.
He glanced up as she slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop, and was surprised to find them at a white gate.
The window buzzed as Regina opened the driver's side to speak to a confused looking security guard.
"Miss Mills?" he asked.
"Is Dr. Coulter here?!" she demanded.
"Ah…" the question threw the man off for a moment, "...Miss Mills you know the rules. Members have to enter through the front gate-"
"I need to see Dr. Coulter right now!" Regina barked, "This is an emergency!"
The man sputtered, glancing into the back of the car, his eyes widening at the sight of Robin holding a bleeding dog. Cutting through his indecision, Regina said dangerously, "If you know what's good for you, you'll open that gate!"
The guard still looked unsure, his eyes wide and panicked. However, he seemed to decide that doing as she said was the best course of action. Stumbling back into his station, he pressed the button to open the gate blocking their way.
As soon as the path was clear, Regina slammed her foot onto the accelerator and continued down the private drive through the woods behind the country club. The trees cleared as they reached the horse pens, but she continued past them at breakneck speed, slowing down as they reached the main stables.
She laid on the horn as they approached, stopping only at the last minute.
Barely stopping to throw the car into park, she leaped out and ran toward the stables.
"Daniel!" she called loudly, turned to race back, open the door, and help Robin out with the dog.
"Daniel!" she yelled again as the two made their way toward the stable doors.
The man in question emerged from the stables, a confused look on his face. He blinked in surprise at the sight of her.
"Regina?" he asked, "What's-"
"I need your help!" she cut off the question.
"I…" he stammered looking over at the dog in Robin's arms, "...what happened?"
"It ran out in front of our car!" she explained, "Please, Daniel. It's really hurt!"
Recovering himself, the vet nodded, "Okay, yes. Come this way!"
Motioning to them, he quickly led the way away from the stables to a nearby building at the top of the hill. Digging a set of keys from his back pocket, he shoved open the door and held it for them to follow him inside.
As the door outside slammed shut, Daniel ushered them down the hallway and through a set of metal double doors. Inside was a surgical suite complete with a very large operating table, overhead lights, and several pieces of equipment.
"Set him down," Daniel instructed, grabbing a tray of instruments and a pair of gloves. Helping to support the dog's body, Regina and Robin eased it onto the table together.
"How long ago did the injury occur?" Daniel asked as he put on a stethoscope and pressed the end to the dog's chest.
"Ten minutes, maybe," Regina answered.
Looking up from the animal, Daniel glanced Robin over, then met Regina's eyes questioningly.
"New security guard," she answered the unspoken question.
Trying not to read too much into the dismissive description, he met the other man's eyes and briefly introduced himself, "Robin."
"Daniel," the veterinarian nodded in turn. Pulling the stethoscope ends from his ears, he said, "His heart rate is a little slow. He's lost a lot of blood. I need to stop the bleeding and get some fluids into him."
Leaning over the table, Daniel eased Robin's hand away from where he was holding pressure on the wound. The dog yelped again at feeling a new set of hands on him and attempted to scramble off the table with his front paws.
Daniel rushed to stop him, easing him down with gentle reassurances until he calmed. Straightening up, he peeled back Robin's soaked jacket from the wound. Blood oozed out, dripping onto the table as Daniel quickly moved to clamp the bleeding.
At the sight of the open wound, Regina's body flinched next to his, her hand landing on top of his at the edge of the table and gripping hard.
His eyes flew to her in surprise at the sudden contact, but he recovered quickly, turning his hand over to allow her to slip hers into his.
His hand was still tacky with blood, but she didn't seem to mind. Intertwining their fingers together, he stroked his thumb across the meat of her hand.
Turning her head, their eyes met briefly. He quirked his lips, trying to reassure her.
"Regina?" Daniel's voice abruptly drew her attention.
She immediately snapped her head around to him.
"I need to give him some fluids," the other man said, motioning with his chin, "They're in that cabinet over there. Could you get a bag? One should be enough."
"Of course," Regina nodded, quickly dropping his hand and rushing over to the cabinet. Tossing it open, she revealed a pile of plastic saline bags inside.
Peering over her shoulder, Robin grabbed up one of them, "This one. Isotonic solution."
Daniel glanced up from the dog, mild surprise in his expression, and nodded, "That's right."
With that the other man retrieved a needle from a drawer behind him and unwrapped it.
It looked unnervingly big next to the dog's leg. Something Daniel also acknowledged, "Sorry, boy, but we don't usually deal with smaller animals. I'll try to be gentle. Regina? Do you think you could hold him down? Try to keep him calm?"
"Yes, of course!" she agreed, stepping forward immediately.
"Lean your weight onto his shoulders," Daniel directed, "Just enough so that he can't struggle."
"Okay," she murmured, leaning over the table as he instructed.
"Yes, that's good," Daniel said, his head leaning over hers as he placed the IV in the dog's leg vein and hooked up the saline solution. Adjusting the flow, he allowed it to start.
Letting out a breath, Regina stood up, "What now?"
"I need to set the bone," Daniel said, passing her the bag of IV fluids, "Here, hold this up so that it can flow properly."
Nodding, she took the bag and held it up.
"I'll give him a little bit of sedation," Daniel murmured, "But we need to be careful. It's been awhile since I did my small animal rotation."
He injected the anesthetic and began setting the dog's leg, and Regina stood compliantly next to the table, watching intently, ready to lend a hand at a moment's notice.
As the two worked together, Robin drifted into the background, holding down a sigh as he did so. He stepped to the edge of the room, walking through the door into the side room where large sinks were set up.
Glancing back through the doorway, he noted that neither Regina nor Daniel seemed to have noticed what he was doing.
With no one to instruct him otherwise, Robin started up the sink and rinsed the blood off his hands. Once the majority was off, he reached up and undid the knot on his tie. The blue silk had a dark purple stain from where blood had soaked through his shirt and tie when he carried the dog.
Pulling the tie from his neck, he undid the top button on his shirt. He wrapped the tie around his hand, not caring that he was getting it wet, and shoved it into his pocket. Leaning against the edge of the sink, he took a deep breath and let it out.
Straightening up he made his way back out into the surgery suite. Regina was still holding the IV bag while Daniel used an electric trimmer to carefully shave away the fur around the dog's wound.
"How's it going?" he asked quietly.
Glancing up briefly, Daniel answered, "I set the bone, now I need to close the wound...could you step aside? You're in the light."
Resisting the urge to make comment in return, Robin stepped away from the table. Regina met his eyes briefly, but her expression was unreadable.
As Daniel finished cutting away the fur, he opened a set of sutures and began stitching the skin closed while Regina watched intently, stroking the dog's head.
"How's his breathing?" Daniel asked quietly, without looking up from the stitching.
"Seems steady," Regina answered, running her free hand along the dog's chest.
Robin stood back from the table, looking into the dog's dazed eyes.
"I'm going to get some air," he murmured, pushing his way out of the suite. He walked down the hall to the exit. The door slammed closed behind him, and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to get back in, but he suspected it wouldn't matter.
He glanced down at his chest where his shirt was caked in drying blood...ruined. Undoing the buttons, he shrugged off the shirt and dropped it in a nearby trashcan. There was some blood on his undershirt as well, but only a small amount.
Slipping his hands into his pockets, he took another breath and let himself stare off at the setting sun.
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Inside the surgery suite, Regina let out a shaky breath and Daniel finished wrapping the dog's leg.
Letting out a tired sigh, he put on his stethoscope and checked its heart again.
"He's stable," Daniel informed her as he removed the earbuds, "He'll need to be monitored overnight, though. I'll stay here and keep an eye on him until morning."
She nodded, muttering, "Thank you."
Glancing at her shaking hands Daniel reached out and gently took the IV bag from her grip, "Here."
She pursed her lips, looking down at her blood stained hands as he grabbed a pole to hang it.
"Come on," he said, slipping an arm around her back and guided her through to the washroom. Flipping on the water, he pumped some soap from the dispenser and eased her arms out over the sink. Scrubbing gently with his fingers, he washed her hands, which he continued to hold as the last of the soap swirled down the drain.
She pulled her hands away when he grabbed a paper towel and reached toward her to dry them, "What are you doing?"
He paused, "I'm just trying to help."
She sighed, stepping away to get her own paper towel and dry off her hands. They were still shaking as she tossed the towel into the trashcan beneath the sink.
"Hey," Daniel said softly, moving to embrace her.
"Daniel," she stepped back, putting her hands up, "Don't!"
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I appreciate your help, but this is awkward enough for me as it is."
"Why would it be awkward?"
Meeting his eyes she gaped incredulously, "Is that supposed to be funny?! You know damned well why!"
"Regina, please," he sighed, "Aren't we still friends?"
"We haven't been friends, or anything else, in a long time," she answered, "You said so yourself."
"So this is about what happened last time we talked?" he asked.
"Don't worry," she grumbled, "I'm not going to repeat what I said! I got the message and I've moved on."
"Well if that's the case, then why can't we be friends?" he answered, lips quirking in amusement.
She glared, stepping past him, "Do we need to do anything else for him?"
"For tonight just monitoring. If he makes it until morning he might have a chance, but will need antibiotics to prevent infection, and a cast for several weeks," Daniel answered.
"Well, I appreciate your help," Regina said straightening up, "I'll send a check to cover the cost of his treatment and for your time."
"Oh, come on, Regina!" he protested, but she was already shoving her way through the double doors and making a beeline for the exit.
It was almost completely dark as she stepped out into the cool evening air. Letting out a few breaths, she glanced over to find Robin waiting for her.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
She answered tiredly, "Daniel says if he makes it through the night he'll have a shot."
Robin nodded, "That's good. What about you? Are you okay?"
She turned to look at him before responding, "Why wouldn't I be?"
He glanced away for a moment before going on, "I'm sorry."
"For?"
"For hitting the dog," he clarified, "I'm sorry."
Regina stared at him for a moment before asking, "Did you do it on purpose?"
"What? Of course not!"
"Then why are you apologizing?" she muttered, not waiting for an answer before turning on her heel and hiking back down the hill to the car.
He followed, watching as she unlocked the door, took off her blazer and tossed it into the backseat. Slamming the door shut, she tossed the keys back over to him and then stretched her back and used her hands to pull her hair up off her neck.
He watched as she did so. Her hair was sticky with sweat and she was flushed with adrenaline and, no doubt, emotion at spending time with the man she was still in love with...he knew it was why she was acting so haughty. Even so, all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss her stress away.
He sighed, finally resigning himself to just how far gone he was for her.
"It's getting late," she observed, her tone unmistakeable.
He nodded, opening the driver's side door, "Go ahead and get in. I'll drive us back to the estate."
She opened the door and slid into the passenger's side without responding.
As he started up the car, she stared out the front window and continued to for the rest of the drive.
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Robin parked Marco's hatchback in a space in the staff parking lot at the country club. His ID badge as Mills security allowed him access to the property...one perk of working for the premier family in Unity City.
It had been two days since the night of their unfortunate accident on the way back from the Mills Foundation. It had been interesting explaining to Drake why he was late. Luckily, he hadn't had to explain to Cora or Henry as well. Apparently Regina handled that on her own.
This was his first day off and he'd borrowed a car from the head gardener to check on the poor animal he'd run over.
He glanced into the passenger's seat at the envelope sitting there, and recalled running into Regina that morning in the foyer and how she came to shove that envelope into his hands...with very specific instructions about it.
With a sigh, he picked it up and shoved it into his back pocket as he got out of the car. Closing the door behind him, he hiked past the clubhouse down to the veterinary facility near the stables.
The doors were plastered with 'Staff Only' signs, so he knocked on the door.
An older man answered, a confused expression on his face, "Can I help you?"
"Yeah, I'm here to see the veterinarian."
The old man blinked in confusion, "May I ask what business you have with him?"
"It's a personal matter," he answered firmly.
The old man didn't seem pleased with that answer, as he ordered, "Wait here!"
He stood, shifting on his feet for about ten minutes before the door opened again and Daniel stepped out. Upon seeing Robin his eyes flared in recognition.
"Hi," Robin said, "We didn't get a chance to meet properly the other night, Robin Locksley."
"Right," the other man nodded, stepping out, "Daniel Coulter."
The two shook hands firmly.
"So I assume you're here to find out how Dug's doing?" Daniel asked.
"Yeah," Robin nodded, before asking, "Dug?"
"Oh," the veterinarian shrugged as he opened the door to the building, "I figured he needed a name. This way, I moved him to my office."
Leading him through the corridor, Daniel opened one of the unmarked doors in a hallway opposite the surgical suite.
Inside a familiar golden retriever was laying on a pile of pillows and blankets. Upon seeing people coming into the room he lifted his head, his fuzzy tail flopping against the floor.
Robin chuckled as he moved over to squat next to him and slowly offer a hand to sniff, "He looks good."
"Yeah, he's doing alright," Daniel nodded, "As long as he doesn't have any problems with infection, I think he'll even get to keep his leg."
"I'm glad to hear that," Robin said, "Really."
Dug licked his hand, tail thumping against the floor again. Robin laughed, "Also amazingly happy to see the guy who hurt him."
Daniel smiled softly as he stooped to scratch behind Dug's ears, "Yeah, dogs don't hold grudges like people."
It was a rather unfortunate lead in, so he stood awkwardly, hoping it didn't seem obvious, "Regina had a meeting today or I'm sure she would have come herself."
"Ah," Daniel nodded, "Okay."
"She asked me to give you this," Robin explained, taking the envelope out of his back pocket.
Wrinkling his brow in confusion, Daniel took it, opened the flap and pulled out the check inside. He sighed, shaking his head at it, "By the Gods, that woman! I told her this wasn't necessary. You can give it back-"
"No," Robin said firmly, "If I do that, she'll just send me back with it again."
Daniel laughed, "Yeah, that sounds like her."
With a shrug, the other man dropped the envelope onto his desk.
"So," Robin asked as he stroked Dug's head, "How long have you two known each other?"
Daniel look over at him and finally answered, "Oh, years. We dated in college but we actually met before that in secondary school."
"Hm," Robin nodded nonchalantly.
"I had such a crush on her but she wanted nothing to do with me because for years we competed for top of our class," Daniel laughed, "She wouldn't go out with me until our second year of college because it took her a year to forgive me for making number one by graduation."
Robin smiled, "Yeah, that sounds like her."
Daniel glanced at him but didn't comment.
Gathering himself, Robin stood from the floor, "Well, thanks, again, for helping with this guy here."
"Oh, it was no trouble," Daniel answered, offering his hand again to shake. "Tell Regina I said 'hi' okay?"
"I will," Robin answered, accepting the handshake.
With that, the other man led him out of the building.
Taking moment, Robin shoved his hands into the pocket of his jeans as he hiked back to Marco's hatchback. As much as it pained him to admit it, he could almost see why that guy held Regina's heart. He was obviously a genuinely good person.
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
He managed to briefly speak to Regina in the garden the night after visiting Daniel and Dug, but it was another two weeks before he was assigned as her security.
That day she left the office early, but didn't tell him why until they were pulling out of the foundation's parking garage.
"I've been texting with Daniel a little bit," she said.
He glanced over at her before answering, "Okay."
"I asked if we could come visit the dog today. He says it's doing well," Regina explained.
"Oh," Robin nodded, "Yeah, that's what he said the first time I went. Also that he named it Dug."
"Yeah, he mentioned that," she answered, "I don't see why. That seems like a weird name."
Robin laughed, "Well what would you name him?"
"I don't know," she shrugged, "I never had a dog."
He looked at her, "Never?"
"No."
"Not even when you were a kid?"
Regina scoffed, "My mother doesn't do pets."
"Oh," he answered.
Regina stared silently out the front window as they drove along.
"Hey," he drew her attention, "Do you want to stop at the pet store and get something for him?"
Regina laughed, "You're really suggesting we buy a present for a dog?"
He shrugged, reaching forward to punch 'pet store' into the GPS.
As it rerouted them to the nearest store, Regina shook her head bemusedly, but he could see the smile playing at her lips.
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
"What about these?" Robin asked.
"Tennis balls?" Regina said doubtfully.
"Dogs love them," he said.
"This one has a broken leg," she reminded.
"Good point," he acknowledged, putting the balls back on the shelf, "Maybe we should just stick to treats."
"Probably wise," Regina nodded, glancing at her phone, "We should probably pick and get out of here. I told Daniel we'd be by at 6."
"Okay, we'll get these. Liver," he said, picking up a bag.
"So what about the owner?" Robin asked as they walked toward the checkout, "Any luck finding who he might belong to?"
"No," she answered, "Daniel said he asked around the local area on his days off, but no one's missing a dog. He's well socialized so he must belong to someone...just apparently not someone who cares to look for him."
Robin watched her as the clerk rung up the dog treats and accepted her card as payment. Regina took the bag and lead the way back to the car.
As they slid inside, Robin asked, "Do you want to keep him?"
"What?" she asked, "No, I told you, my mother doesn't do pets."
"But do you, though?"
"You think I have the option?" she asked sarcastically. He opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off, "Come on. We should get going."
Her tone of voice conveyed that the conversation was over, so he simply started up the car to drive them to the country club.
They arrived 30 minutes later, and this time Daniel was waiting for them outside the stables. The veterinarian even waved as they approached.
"Daniel," she nodded, "How's the dog?"
"Well, see for yourself," he answered, whistling sharply. At the sound, the golden retriever, looking very alert, came hobbling out of the stables, tail wagging.
The two smiled as he came over to greet them.
"He's doing really good," Regina commented as she stroked his head.
"Is it safe for him to be out here?" Robin asked.
"I could hardly stop him," Daniel answered, "He was going stir crazy after a few days. He has a lot of energy."
"I can see that," Regina laughed.
"He's good boy," Daniel said, clapping for him, "Aren't you?"
At the veterinarian's voice the dog wagged his tail harder.
Regina stood up, meeting his eyes, "Thank you again for helping him."
"It was no trouble, Regina, really," Daniel answered.
Glancing back and forth between them, Robin stood from his crouched position and said, "I'll give you guys a minute. Get the car."
As he walked away, Regina looked at his back. That was a pretty obvious move...it made her think back to the day she'd found him standing outside the stables after she told Daniel she loved him, and it made her feel very awkward…
"He probably did that for me," Daniel drew her attention.
Whipping her head around she asked, "What?!"
"To give me a chance to give this back to you," Daniel explained as he reached into the pocket of his slacks and pulled out a familiar envelope.
She sighed at the sight of it.
"I'm not taking your money, Regina," he said insistently, "So you can take it or I can tear it up."
With another sigh, she accepted the envelope, "I'm sorry about this. You've done way more than you needed for this dog-"
"Like I said, it was no trouble. It was a pleasure actually. He's pretty amazing."
She smiled, "You really like him, huh?"
Daniel smiled, stroking Dug's ears again, "He's even great around the horses. That's pretty unusual. A lot of dogs are scared of horses."
Looking at the two of them Regina said, "You should keep him then."
Daniel looked up at her, "Are you serious?"
"Yeah," she nodded, "My family doesn't do pets and...well, you've obviously bonded."
He shook his head, "Regina, I don't know what to say."
Shifting uncomfortably, she answered, "It's nothing. He deserves a good home and I know you'll give him one."
Daniel watched her for a moment before saying, "Listen Regina...the night you brought him in. I actually wanted to apologize for what I said.
She stiffened.
"I did mean it when I said I hope we can be friends-"
She opened her mouth to cut him off but he stopped, "I know it's too soon, but maybe someday?"
She waited a long moment before answering, "Maybe...I don't know, Daniel...I don't know."
"I understand," he nodded sadly.
Clearing her throat, Regina shifted on her feet, "Ah, we brought some treats for him. You should have them."
Daniel took the bag of treats, "He'll love them, I'm sure."
"Robin picked them out," she shrugged.
Daniel studied her before answering, "Well tell him I said 'thank you.'"
"I will," she agreed, glancing toward the road as her silver mini drove up, "I should be going."
"Okay," Daniel sighed, "I'll see you around."
She paused only momentarily to nod before making her way around to the passenger's side and getting in the car.
Robin waited until they were out of sight of the stables before asking, "Are you okay?"
"Yes," she said, "I told Daniel he should keep the dog...Dug."
He looked at her in surprise, "Really?"
"They seem like a good fit," she answered.
Robin nodded, but didn't comment.
"He says 'thank you' for the treats," she told him.
"Ah," he answered, not knowing what to say. They drove around the clubhouse in silence before he brought the car to a stop on the front drive.
Glancing over at her, he asked, "Did you-"
"Let's go home," she cut off the question.
He looked at her before finally answering, "As you wish, Your Majesty"
Looking at him in surprise, she laughed incredulously and said, "Just drive, Locksley."
He smiled as he continued along to the exit.
END