Author's Notes:

Special Thanks to ale_nena for helping break through a nasty case of writer's block!

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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Regina did up the zipper on her skirt, straightened her blouse, and slid her blazer onto her shoulders. Picking up her briefcase, she made her way out to the elevator and rode it down to the ground floor.

Her heels clicked across the foyer on her way to the front door.

She was stopped, however, by a sharp voice calling her name, "Regina!"

Pausing, she suppressed a sigh and turned around.

Her mother sauntered through the door to the dining room, looking at her questioningly, "Regina, where you going?"

"I'm going to the office, Mother."

"You're skipping breakfast?"

"I want to get an early start. I'll pick something up from the coffee shop at the Foundation," she answered hoping that, by some miracle, and it'd satisfy her mother.

The frown on the older woman's face told her it hadn't, "I see...is Mrs. Fa's cooking not good enough for you any more? Or is there another reason you don't want to eat here?"

"Mother," Regina answered, speaking firmly, "I told you, the reason is because have a lot of work to do today and wanted to get started as soon as I can."

"But you have time to stop for coffee and a pastry," Cora observed.

Regina didn't answer at first, but was finally forced to, "I just don't have time to sit down to breakfast today."

"That seems to be happening to a lot of people in this house," her mother said dryly, "If you're busy at work, you should get up earlier. That way you won't be rushed in the morning and have more time to get things done."

Biting the inside of her cheek, she answered, "You're right, Mother. I'll keep that in mind."

Cora hummed noncommittally but finally turned back to the dining room, effectively dismissing her.

Letting out a tired breath, Regina continued to the front door and down the steps where Robin was waiting to let her into her silver mini.

As he drove down to the font gate, he glanced over at her out the corner of his eye, "Everything okay?"

"Fine!" she responded, grouchily.

He frowned, but didn't comment.

At the gate she looked over at him, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap."

He punched the code into the keypad and waited for the gate to open, "What's going on?"

"Oh...nothing," she explained, "It's just that my parents are fighting and I'm in the middle as usual."

Robin gave her a rueful look, "Henry told me about it last time we played chess."

She laughed, "He's still playing chess? I'm kind of surprised. He's come to my room every night this week wanting to play Gin-Rummy."

"Yeah, I kind of figured he was still sleeping on your floor," he commented, giving her a sideways look.

She smirked, knowing he was referring to the fact that they hadn't been together ever since that night when he almost got caught sneaking out of her room.

"Yeah, well..." she answered, "...they'll get over it eventually."

He looked over at her as he merged onto the highway, "Have they talked?"

"My parents?" Regina asked sarcastically, "Have you met them?"

"How are they going to work it out then?"

"I didn't say they'll work it out," she told him, "I said they'd get over it. Meaning they'll go back to normal pretending it never happened."

He glanced at her doubtfully.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said carefully, "It's just...your father does seem pretty upset."

"Trust me, Robin, I know my parents," she answered, "They've done this before and they'll do it again. The trick is just to wait it out without losing your mind!"

She could tell that he didn't quite agree with her, but he didn't comment. They drove along quietly for a few moments until he spoke again, reaching over to stroke his knuckle against the side of her leg, "So does that mean you're missing me?"

She turned to him, raising her eyebrows, "Flatter yourself much?"

He chuckled, "Well I miss you."

Smiling, she turned back to look out the front window, whispering quietly, "Me too."

She could feel his eyes on her, but he let the moment lay and simply turned onto the on ramp and driving on to the Foundation headquarters.

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Ruby Lucas stepped off the elevator on the ground floor pushing her cart carrying the empty plates and containers from the staff dinner around to the kitchen. Just as she was about to step through the swinging doors to the back area to get started on the dishes, she heard a crash, followed by a groan.

Pausing, she cautiously opened the door and peeked inside. The only person she could see was the diminutive form of Mrs. Fa.

"Mrs. Fa?" she asked, "Everything okay?"

"Hmpf!" the older woman huffed in response.

"...okay. Well I was going to get started on the dishes, but I guess I can comeback-"

"Oh get in here!" Mrs. Fa snapped, "By the Gods, girl! We're having enough disruptions in this house without you contributing."

Pushing her cart over to the sink and starting up the water, Ruby asked, "What's wrong?"

"Mrs. Mills asked me to re-plan the menus for this entire week!" the elderly woman complained, "I had fish stew ready for dinner tonight and at the last minute she wants risotto with quinoa instead!"

"Oh," Ruby answered, "Well, I'm sorry. Why does she want it changed?"

"Because Mr. Mills doesn't like quinoa, and so she wants me to change dinner every day this week to things she knows he doesn't like! I swear the woman is so petty!"

The young housekeeper didn't answer, instead focusing on rinsing the dishes and loading them into the dishwasher as quickly as she could.

"Acting the fool over whatever they're fighting about without even considering how if affects the entire household," Mrs. Fa continued to complain.

Ruby wasn't sure what to say, but was saved from having to do so by her grandmother, "Who is?"

"Her Majesty!" Mrs. Fa snapped.

"I assume you mean, Mrs. Mills?" she asked, "This really isn't something we should be discussing."

Mrs. Fa humphed again.

"Ruby," her grandmother asked, "How are the dishes coming?"

"Almost done, Granny," she answered quickly rinsing the last of the plates. After adding soap, she closed and started the dishwasher.

"I'm going to be in my room," she called over her shoulder as she stored the cart in the corner and fled the kitchen.

Mrs. Lucas waved over her shoulder to her granddaughter's retreating form beforeing turning toward Mrs. Fa with crossed arms, "Jun, you should know better than to talk like that in front of the younger staff!"

The smaller woman rolled her eyes, "Oh please, Connie!"

"I'm serious," the estate manager said, "We need to set a good example."

"Yeah, well, I'm not wrong!" she insisted as she put away her planner and took off her apron, "Mrs. Mills is being ridiculous with this!"

"Whatever happened between Mr. and Mrs Mills is their business," Mrs. Lucas said, following her out of the kitchen and over to the elevator, "We shouldn't encourage gossip."

The chef frowned but didn't answer as the elevator doors opened, revealing the woman they'd just been discussing.

"Mrs. Mills," Mrs. Lucas said, "Is everything alright?"

"No, in fact it's not," Cora answered, "I noticed from upstairs that the outside lights are still on. Did Marco forget them?"

"Ah...no I don't believe so, Ma'am. I think he left them on because Mr. Mills isn't home yet."

Cora stood quietly for a moment, "He isn't home yet?"

"I don't believe so."

Cora glanced at her watch and stood for another long moment before saying, "Well when Mr. Mills gets home is his problem. Please turn them off. We don't want to be seen as being wasteful with energy!"

Mrs. Lucas looked at her skeptical but saw no room for argument in her expression, so she simply answered, "Yes, Ma'am."

Cora nodded her head as the door closed behind her.

Glancing out the corner of her eye, she could see the smug look Mrs. Fa was giving her.

"Shut up," she grumbled.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Inside the elevator Cora reached for the button for the third floor where her suite was located, but, before hitting it, she hesitated. After considering for a moment, she, instead, selected the second floor.

Arriving there, she walked intently toward the door to her daughter's suite and rapped on the door.

It opened after a few moments, Regina standing in the doorway in her pajamas.

"Mother!" she said in surprise, "I'm sorry, I thought you were Dad."

Cora stepped inside, "Yes, your father is been staying in the guest room on this floor hasn't he?"

Regina sighed, "Yes."

Turning, her mother pinned her with a sharp look, "Every night?"

"Ah...yes, as far as I know?"

"As far as you know?"

"Mother, what are you asking me?"

"Simply whether your father has been sleeping the guest room!" Cora snapped.

"Well, yes, he has."

"I see," Cora answered, "And does come to speak with you a lot?"

She sighed again, "Mother, please, I don't want to get in the middle of whatever you two are fighting about."

"So he said we're fighting?"

"It's pretty obvious."

"So now you're an expert on relationships?" Cora asked, "How long has it been since you've been in one?"

"Mother!" Regina snapped, "I am not trying to get into your business or your relationship. I'm specifically trying not to do that! I'm sorry about whatever happened with you and Daddy, but I'm not going to take sides!"

Cora frowned but finally shrugged and turned to the door, "Very well then, if I'm bothering you that much."

Biting her tongue to keep from letting out a sarcastic comeback, Regina simply said, "Goodnight, Mother."

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The next evening Regina sat at her desk staring at her computer screen while a news anchor spoke into her ear.

The story they were discussing was only mildly interesting, but it made for good background noise.

Suddenly, through her headphones, she heard a sharp rap on the door and looked up to see Lily standing there.

"Hey, did you need me to stay late tonight?"

Checking her watch, Regina noted that hit was nearly 7 o'clock.

"Oh, no I'm just finishing up some things," she lied.

"You need help?" Lily asked, "I really don't mind."

"No," Regina insisted, "Really, I'm leaving soon."

"Okay," the other woman finally gave in, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she called back, pulling off her headphones and resting her head on her hands against the desk.

After a few moments, she looked up and saw Robin standing in Lily's place.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she sighed, standing from her chair, "Ready to go?"

"I am if you are," he assured her.

Nodding she collected her coat and handbag, and walked beside him to the elevator. Getting off in the parking garage, she let Robin lead her to her car.

Inside, she let out a deep sigh.

"So did you have any plans for tonight or just home?" Robin asked as he slid into the driver's seat.

"Just home," she muttered.

Glancing over at her, he asked, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah."

Reaching over her rested his hand on hers, "Are you sure?"

Meeting his eyes, she shook her head, "Oh it's nothing just...my parents' nonsense!"

"They're still fighting, huh?"

"Yes," she answered.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"No," Regina answered pulling her hand away, "You'd better just take me home, Mother's expecting me."

He nodded and started up the engine. As he pulled out of the parking deck, however, he noticed Regina's body visibly deflate.

Letting out a breath, he stopped the car just before the gate and turned to her to ask, "Do you want to go home?"

"Robin, I just told you-"

"You told me your mother expects you, I asked if you wanted to."

She let out a breath, "Honestly, not really but I don't have anywhere else to be."

"How about we get some dinner?" Robin suggested.

She smiled at him tiredly, "That sounds wonderful, but you know we can't."

"We've done it before."

"We have? Where?"

With a grin, Robin removed the parking break and pulled up to the gate, "I'll show you."

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

"Alright, Robin, we've been driving for 40 minutes and we're going toward home!" Regina finally said, "Are we actually going anywhere?"

"Where's your sense of adventure, Your Majesty?" Robin teased.

She rolled her eyes, but leaned back in her seat, observing with growing skepticism as he pulled off the highway at the exit they would normally take toward the estate.

However, when their gate came into view he continued driving past down the dark road until a neon sign reading 'Brick Oven Pizza' came into view.

As he turned inside, Regina laughed lightly.

Turning to her, Robin said, "Remember now?"

"Yes, I do," she answered, "What you call the only place in Unity City to get real pizza."

Parking the car, he asked, "Well what do you say?"

She let out a breath, "Alright, fine. Get me an extra large soda!"

With a final grin he got out of the car and made his way up to the order window. While she waited for him to return, Regina lay back against the headrest and took a deep breath. The air smelled like garlic and forest...the days were getting crisper, hinting at the impending arrival of autumn.

She was startled out of her musings when the door opened and Robin slid back inside, passing her a large drink and slice of pizza.

Opening the box, Regina took the first bite. Humming in pleasure, she said back, "Thank you for this. It was a good idea."

"Not at all," he answered, taking a bite of his own slice, "Good memories here."

"Oh?" she asked.

He nodded.

"Such as what?"

"Well, this was where we had our first date."

She turned back to him, "Oh, so that was a date, huh?"

"Wasn't it?"

She laughed, "You didn't mention that at the time."

"I didn't?" he asked, "Well wasn't it? I mean considering what happened between us since then…"

"I see," Regina answered, "So you mean you wanted it to be a date but were too afraid to actually ask me?"

"But I did ask you."

"Okay, whatever you say," she answered skeptically, taking another bite of her pizza, "Mmm...I forgot how good that was!"

He glanced over at her with a laugh. Shaking his head he commented, "I can't believe you'd never had regular pizza before."

She was quiet, so he turned and looked over at her.

"What?"

"What?" she said back.

"You had a look on your face."

"A look?" she asked innocently.

Cocking his head, he looked at her intently, "What's going on?"

Setting her pizza down, she sighed, "Okay, did you know this restaurant has two locations in Unity City?"

"No, I didn't know that."

"The other location is on the campus of King and Queen University."

"Yes?" Robin asked again, looking at her intently.

A smile playing at her lips, Regina went on, "Did you know that I went to King and Queen University?"

He shrugged, looking at her questioningly before the realization finally dawned on him, "You've been to this place before?"

She pursed her lips together, suppressing a smile.

"I…" he stuttered, "...so what was that all about the first time we went here? Why didn't you say anything?"

"Maybe I couldn't get a word in edgewise while you were busy 'educating' me about real pizza?" she suggested.

He sighed, "Alright, well, you got one over me! Congratulations."

She was quiet for a moment before finally saying, "It might also have been that I didn't want that day to end."

Looking back over her, Robin gaped, "You mean you wanted to spend time with me?"

"Maybe," she shrugged. Regina pretended to stare out the windshield, but in her peripheral vision she could see Robin's expression melt.

Reaching over he picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. Their eyes met as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

"So this was our first date?"

She smiled, "I suppose it was."

They sat quietly, taking each other in for a few moments before the spell broke.

Clearing his throat Robin asked, "Well, are you ready to head home?"

She sighed, glancing at the clock on the dashboard. She was prepared to say 'yes' but when her lips opened the word "no" came out.

"Okay," Robin replied, "Do you want to go somewhere else?"

"I don't know," she admitted.

"Well…" he considered, "...how about a walk?"

"A walk?"

"There's a public park near here," he told her.

"Isn't it a little late? It's dark."

"Yes, but you have your own private bodyguard," he teased.

Laughing, Regina agreed, "Alright, why not?"

With a smile, he gathered up their empty food containers, dumped them in a nearby trashcan, and started up the car.

They drove about a mile down the road before coming to a large wooden sign with the name of the park carved into it. He turned the mini in and parked in one of the spaces in the parking lot.

Getting out, Regina stretched her legs, "How did you know about this place?"

"I've come here to jog a few times."

She looked at him, "You know we have a running trail around the estate?"

"Yes," he nodded, "I've done it many times, but sometimes I like to mix up locations."

"I see," she answered.

"They have a short trail and a longer one here," he offered, "What do you think?"

She frowned, "I think I'm not wearing appropriate shoes for either."

He glanced down at her black pumps and hummed in agreement, "Well, maybe we could just sit?"

Following his eyeline, she caught sight of the playground, "Isn't adults using a playground without a kid a bit creepy?"

"It's nearly 9 PM and there's no one else here, I think we'll be okay."

She sighed, "Alright, we might as well."

They walked over to the playground, stopping to each take a sweat on the swings.

"Ever used one of these before?" he teased, "Or do you need me to push you?"

"I've been on a swing before!" she rolled her eyes, "I know how play! I may have been a rich kid, but I was still a kid!"

He laughed as she kicked her legs to start swinging, he did he same, taking a deep breath of the moist night air.

"It's warm tonight," he commented.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Like summer as a kid, huh? Remember that? Late nights playing hide and seek in the dark…"

She looked over at him, "Your parents let you play hide and seek at night?"

"Sure," he answered, "With the other kids from the neighborhood...you never did that?"

"No," she shook her head, "My mother never would have let me run through the neighborhood playing with strange kids."

"Well they weren't strange kids, they were our neighbors," Robin told her.

"Yeah but still it wasn't the kind of thing we did. She'd have fired the nanny if she found out about something like that!" Regina told him, and then admitted, "I guess I spoke too soon about being a normal kid!"

"I'm sure that's not true," Robin told her.

"Well I did play hide and seek," she said, "Zelena's 7 years older than me, so by then she was of the opinion it was a game for little kids. Our nanny did play with me and the gardener's son, though, but only during the day. Was playing at night fun?"

"Oh yes," he smiled, "Plenty of ways to scare each other...lots of places to hide where no one would ever see you."

He laughed at the last part, so she looked over at him, "What?"

"Hm?"

"You laughed, why?"

"Well…" he trailed off a little sheepish but with a grin, "...when I was a kid I'd always go to the same hiding place…"

She waited for him to go on.

"A girl named Esmeralda lived a few houses down from us and I'd go to hide with her under her back porch because she'd let me kiss her."

Her mouth dropped open, "What?"

He shrugged.

"How old were you?"

"Eleven."

"Well weren't you precocious!" she exclaimed, shaking her head, "What a charmer."

He stared intently at her, standing up from the swing and walking over to hers.

"What?" she asked him.

He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. He brushed the back of his hand across her face before bringing her lips to his.

They kissed deeply, tongues dueling for dominance until the need for air became to great. Pulling away, she caught her breath.

"What about you?"

"Hm?" she breathed.

"What was your first kiss like?"

Opening her eyes Regina frowned, stepping back from his hand. She cleared her throat, "It's late, we should get home."

He looked at her in surprise, "Regina, is everything alright?"

"Fine," she told him, "Come on, let's go."

With that she turned away from the playground and started walking back toward the car. He stared after her for a few moments before finally deciding to let the subject drop for now, and jogging to catch up to her.