Author's Notes:

Special Thanks to ale_nena for contributing ideas and the beautiful cover art. Available on Twitter at n0m_de_plum

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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Robin sat outside Henry Mills office flipping through a book on Xavier Mills presidency. This job was certainly making him more well-read than he'd been most of his life.

Hearing the sound of an office chair creaking, he set down the scrap of paper he'd been using as a bookmark and stored it in his jacket pocket. As he stood from the chair, Henry appeared at the door with his coat on and briefcase in hand.

The older man chuckled, "Always a step ahead of me, hm?"

Robin laughed as well, "Well is my job, Sir."

The two laughed together as they walked to the elevator. Inside Robin reached for the button for the parking garage, but Henry stopped him, "No wait, I need to stop at the lobby. There's something I need to leave for a colleague at the front desk."

At the lobby Henry greeted the front desk clerk and the two chatted for a while, catching up about how his children were doing at school, about their Spirit Night costumes, and if he was taking them out to get candy. Finally, Henry produced an envelope from his briefcase.

"I believe the VP of Dingwall Whiskey is at the convention today, if you could please give him this when they get out."

"Certainly, Mr. Mills," the clerk answered, "I think the last panel is only in for another 45 minutes, though, if you want to see him yourself."

"I can't," Henry answered regretfully, "I have to be getting home."

"Ah," the clerk nodded, "Big party tonight?"

"As always," Henry smiled.

"Have a lovely evening, Mr. Mills," he said, setting the envelope down on his desk for later.

After bidding the other man goodnight, he and Robin headed back to the elevators. While they were waiting for one to arrive, however, Robin caught sight of a familiar figure dressed from head to toe in black leather making his way down the stairs from the convention space on the second floor of the Mills Foundation building.

Killian did a double take before breaking into a wide smile, "Well fancy seeing you here, Crook!"

Robin chuckled stepping over to shake his hand, "Good to see what's left of you too, Hook."

Coming from anyone else, the crack about his missing hand would have annoyed Killian. As would Killian's joke about his criminal past. From each other, though, it was basically expected.

"What are you doing here? I thought the convention didn't get out for another hour?" Robin asked.

"Eh," Hook waved his prosthetic dismissively, "This last panel is all about poncey wines. I don't need to sit through that bollocks!"

Suddenly remembering their audience, Robin winced internally, looking back and Henry Mills who had been watching the exchange with amusement.

"Sorry," he said to Killian, "I'm working right now. Mr. Mills this is Killian Jones, he's a friend of mine from Sherwood. Killian this is Henry Mills, my employer."

"Ah, you're Regina's father!" Killian jumped in, "Pleased to meet you, Sir."

"Good to meet you as well," Henry shook his hand bemusedly, "You know my daughter?"

"Oh aye," Killian rambled on, "Lovely girl. Quite a dancer too!"

"I see," Henry answered, "How exactly do you know her?"

"We met when-"

"Through me," Robin jumped in before Killian revealed more than he already had, "I mentioned once that a friend of mine owned a pub back home, so Ms. Mills mentioned the convention today and helped him register for it."

Killian shot Robin a questioning look but only answered, "Yes, she did tell me about this convention. It's been interesting. I think I've gotten a few ideas for expanding my bar."

"Ah…" Henry answered slowly, looking at him for a long moment, "...well I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Will you be staying in Unity City long?"

"Taking the train home tomorrow," Killian answered, "Can't leave Tink in charge of the Roger too long!"

"I see. Well it was a pleasure meeting you," Henry shook the younger man's hand again.

"You as well," Killian returned the handshake before turning to Robin, "We still on for tonight?"

He answered, "Yes, I'll meet you back here once my shift is over."

"Excellent," Killian smiled, "I'll probably be checking out the bar across the street. See if these swanky U-City people really have better drinks!"

Robin sighed, simply answering, "Alright."

Luckily, the elevator arrived at that moment forcing Robin and Henry to get on.

During the walk to the towncar Henry was quiet, but Robin could feel him watching.

He didn't comment during the drive back to the estate, and Robin was able to drop him off at the front entrance with a simple, "Safe night!"

Robin turned the car back around the fountain at the front, which was already adorned with yellow flowers and LED candles. Through the back, drive he turned the town car down into the garage and parked it in its usual spot.

After hanging the keys back on their hook, he made his way around to his room to change out of his suit and into jeans and a casual shirt. After lacing up his boots, he rode the elevator up to the first floor and went out front door to hike up the estate's private drive so that he could order a Flyt to meet at the gate.

The inside of the estate wasn't very decorated, but outside he could see the tent where the big event for tonight was being setup.

As he started down the drive his phone buzzed in his pocket. Digging it out, he read the message from Regina.

"Hey, Daddy's here so I take it you're home?"

He typed back, "Yes, but I was just heading out. Killian's in town at that liquor industry conference at the Foundation, so we're going out for drinks tonight."

"Lucky," she responded, "Did Killian enjoy the conference?"

"I think so. He said he got some ideas for the Jolly Roger."

"That's good, I'm glad."

Before he could answer another text came, "Hey, I have to go. My stylist for tonight is waiting downstairs."

"Okay," he typed back, "Have a good night."

"You too." she answered.

One his way down the drive he dodged several catering vans coming in succession, and waved to the landscaping crew who'd been brought in to set up more decorations along the drive up to the estate.

When he finally arrived at the front gate he ordered a Flyt and settled in to wait for it.

The driver came quickly and attempted to chat during the drive into town, but Robin wasn't really in the mood. The combination of rush hour and holiday traffick made the drive very slow, so it was fully dark by the time they arrived.

He got out his phone and texted Killian, "Where are you?"

After a good 10 minutes, he finally got a response from the other man telling him that he was at a bar several blocks away.

Robin sighed as he put his phone away and began walking toward where Killian was. He was glad to see, however, that the other man was waiting for him outside.

"Hey!" he greeted.

"Hey," Robin said back, "We're not having a drink here?"

"Already had a couple," Killian shrugged, "But there's another place I wanted to check out a few blocks from here."

"Alright, lead the way," Robin answered. The two men walked along in companionable silence, dodging between the crowds of people in costumes.

"So how are you doing today?" Killian asked.

"I'm fine," Robin answered simply.

The other man glanced at him, but didn't comment.

The bar Killian led them to was a crowded hole-in-the-wall type of place that did seem very much like him. He immediately went to the bar and ordered them two boilermakers and a basket of potato wedges.

He set their order down on a hightop and, after cramming a handful of potatoes into his mouth, said, "Alright drop 'em!"

Picking up his whiskey shot, Robin dropped it into the beer.

"Cheers!" Killian clinked their glasses together and took a large swig of his, "So how are you really?"

Robin swallowed a second sip of his drink and said, "I told you, I'm fine! I know you worry about me this time of year but I'm really alright."

"Right, so you'd be fine if I told the bartender what day it is for you so that we can get a free round?"

He glared, "I said I'm fine, that doesn't mean I've become a birthday person!"

Killian rolled his eyes.

"Seriously, mate, aren't we a little old for that?" Robin asked.

"You're never too old to use your birthday to get drunk and laid!" the other man scoffed, taking a sip of his beer and glancing toward the bar, "Speaking of…"

Robin followed his eyeline to two blond women at the bar in skin tight sparkly leotards and bunny ears,

"Those bunnies look like they could use some company," Killian commented lecherously, "Want to go buy them a drink? See if they live up to what everyone knows about rabbits?"

"Girls that pretty are probably with someone."

"There's no one with them now," Killian, "If some guy left them alone that's our gain."

"Maybe another time," Robin answered.

Killian looked back at him, "Another time? What better time is there than Spirit Night when getting dressed up in slutty costumes and getting wasted is a basically a national pastime?"

"If you want to go talk to them, go talk to them," Robin told him.

"Ah," Killian nodded, "So I guess Regina has a special birthday presented for you that you're planning to go home to?"

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Come of it!" the other man said, "I know there's something between the two of you. At least tell me, did she already give you present once? What round will this be?"

Robin sighed, "It's not like that…"

"Bullshit it isn't-"

"I mean she doesn't know about today," he answered, "And I'd like to keep it that way!"

"Why?" Killian asked, giving him a skeptical look.

"Because I've told you a hundred times I'm not that into birthdays," Robin answered.

"That's daft," Killian said.

Robin rolled his eyes in response, but Killian continued on, "Seriously talk, though, mate, what's going on with you and Regina?"

He sighed, "It's complicated."

"Hm," the other man looked at him pointedly.

"Why are you so interested?"

"Don't get me wrong," he answered, "I'm glad you finally had the balls to make a move, I just don't want you to do something stupid like fall in love."

Robin lowered his beer as the other man went on, "I don't have to tell you that the two of you come from different worlds. I mean Regina's great and damn that body...but practically speaking I don't know that the two of you have a future. No offense, I'm just being real. Everyone knows what kind of girl she is, what kind of family she's from. You're my best friend and I don't want to see you get hurt, right?"

"Right, right," Robin nodded absently, "I get what you mean and I appreciate it, but you really don't need to worry about me."

"It's my job, brah," Killian slapped his shoulder, "Now, you gonna join me and those bunnies? Because I don't plan on spending my last night here alone."

"You go ahead. I'm going to finish this drink then head home."

"You've only had one!"

"Yeah, well, I guess you've had enough for both of us already," Robin joked, "Besides, I have an early morning tomorrow."

"Early? I thought the Mills always had a big Spirit Night blow out?"

"And how would you know that?"

"It's in all those society magazines."

"Society magazines?" Robin raised his eyebrows, "Since when you read those?"

Killian froze with his beer halfway to his lips, color draining from his face, causing Robin to laugh.

"Killian, don't tell me you're secretly an Entertainment Network junkie?" he teased, "Lifestyles of the rich and snooty?"

"Oh fuck off!" Killian grumbled, "Now I'm glad I didn't get you a birthday present!"

Robin laughed harder while Killian continued to look put out and embarrassed.

"Nah," he finally said, "I'm on security camera duty starting a 6AM tomorrow."

"Fuck! Really? What are you going to see at 6AM?"

"You're right," he acknowledged, "The head of security doesn't like me much, though so he probably thinks he'll be punishing me by making me work hungover the day after Spirit Night."

"Wanker," Killian spat.

"Can't argue with that," Robin laughed as he swallowed the last sip of his beer, "Alright, mate, good seeing you."

"Yeah, sure you don't want to stay for another?" Killian asked, glancing over at the bunnies again, "Maybe at least get a phone number?"

"I'm good," he said, "Have fun."

"Alright," Killian nodded, sliding off his chair to give Robin a goodbye hug.

Wishing Killian a safe trip back to Sherwood, Robin set a few gold coins on the table to cover his portion of the drinks and started making his way through the crowd toward the door. On his way he decided to stop in at the men's room, and by the time he got out he noted with amusement that Killian was already over at the bar talking to two bunnies.

Robin chuckled to himself as he watched the three. A small part of him did wonder if Killian was right and he should have at least talked to them. He and Regina hadn't agreed to be exclusive. In fact, she'd made it very clear that they were just secret fuck buddies.

He sighed. The truth was, though, he wasn't really interested in either of the bunnies.

Shoving his way through the gathering crowd, he stumbled out onto the street, nearly colliding with a guy wearing an elephant mask...but not on his face.

The scantily clad elephant glared at him before continuing on down the street.

Taking a deep breath of the cooling night air, Robin ordered a Flyt back to the estate.

The driver was, thankfully, quiet this time. The traffic out of town had cleared a bit, though the streets were clogged with people out joining in the holiday revelry.

The outer suburbs were more quiet, but he could see the glow of bonfires at each house they passed.

Finally, the driver pulled up to the gate and asked, "You need to call in?"

"No, it's fine," Robin said, "I have the code but you can just drop me off here."

"You sure?" the driver asked, "If you don't want to give it to me, you can get out and open the gate then I'll drive you up."

"No," he said again, "I'll walk. Thanks for the ride."

With that he slid out of the car, shutting the door behind him. He stepped up to the gate and keyed in the security code. As the gate slid open, he waved the flight driver away again and waited until he back out onto the road before walking inside.

The main drive toward the house was lit up with orange lights strung with garlands of yellow flowers, and as he got closer to the house he could see the glow from the bonfire and sounds of music from the western garden where the party was still going on.

The front of the house was also spectacularly decorated with yellow fairy lights all the way up to the roof, a blanket of petals covering every walk way and at least fifty carved pumpkins with candles. It was a beautiful and spectacular effect.

He didn't follow the path that the post lights made along to the western garden, but he could see the tent in the distance, also lit up.

It was more than even the biggest Spirit Night party he'd been to in Sherwood.

He quirked his lips, remembering Killians comment about him being from a different world than the Mills.

Walking through the archway, he went around to the back of the house to enter through the kitchen where he could quickly get to the elevator.

The back garden was also decorated with flowers and pumpkins, but as he made his way through he was surprised to see a small shrine near the steps up to the house. He wondered who put it there. Marco maybe. There were a few lit candles by it and some offerings in the tray. A cigar, a few chocolates, and some white flowers.

That morning he'd accompanied Henry Mills, along with Cora and Regina to the Unity City Temple for observance of the holiday, but the building had been packed with celebrities, their security, and press so it hadn't really felt like a ceremony. More of exactly what it had been...a lot of people who cared more about being seen observing tradition than tradition itself.

Here, though, under a cloudy autumn sky, he felt a flutter of discomfort and sadness. Spending the couple years in prison he hadn't made any offerings on Spirit Night and hadn't really even before he was arrested. He wasn't even sure that he really wanted to, but there was another niggling part of him that pushed him to lean over to grab one of the unlit candles from the back of the shrine.

Using one of the ones already burning, he lit the wick and set it down in an empty slot on the shrine.

He stared at the dancing flame for a moment before he was startled to attention by the sound of footsteps. Turning around he saw Regina making her way through the garden. She also startled at the sight of him.

"Robin!" she said, reaching up to take the feathered mask off her face. She had her hair piled on top of her head, and was wearing a beautiful purple gown, "What are you doing here? I thought you were going out tonight."

"I did, but it was just to say goodbye to Killian. I'm on shift early tomorrow," he told her, allowing himself to look her over, "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," she sighed.

"What are you doing out here?"

"The party's winding down," she answered, "I managed to get out of the greeting line early."

"Oh," he nodded.

Looking at him, she asked, "Robin, are you okay?"

"Yeah," he answered, "fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," he insisted, "It's nothing, really."

"Alright," she answered, "Well how was your evening?"

"Pretty good," he answered, "Killian and I had a few drinks."

"I'm surprised he let you get away to early even if you are working early tomorrow," she commented, "He seems like the go all night type."

"Yeah well," Robin said, sitting down on the steps up to the house, "He met someone he'd better prefer to...go all night with."

Regina's eyes widened as she caught his meaning and she chuckled, "Oh, I see."

Moving her skirt out of the way she sat down next to him. He looked her over as she rested her arms on her knees, her mask hanging from her hand.

"So what's your costume supposed to be?" he asked.

"Some kind of bird, I think," Regina shrugged, setting the mask aside, "At these things, the gowns are really what people notice rather than what part of a costume it's supposed to be."

The idea rang true as he studied her. With or without the ornate mask she looked stunning. Her eyes and earrings sparkled in the candlelight...huge, tear drop diamonds that probably cost more than he made in year, and her silk gown, which was getting dirty against the stone steps, complimented her skin perfectly.

A gust of wind came through, fluttering it around her ankles and across the worn boots he'd owned for nearly 10 years.

"Are you really okay?" she asked, "You look...upset."

"Well there is one thing I wanted to ask about," he said, "That time in the park…"

"Yes?"

"We forgot protection."

"Ah," she nodded, "We're okay."

"We are?"

"Yes," she assured him, "My cycle came this week as normal."

"Oh...okay," he answered, slightly awkwardly.

"You're right, though, we do have to be way more careful" she said firmly, "We've been taking too many risks. At this rate we'll caught, and that cannot happen...ever!"

"Yeah," he said quietly.

Looking at him, she asked, "Alright, what going on Robin? I can tell there's something else."

"Well...yes, but I don't really want to talk about it," he admitted.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded.

"Okay," she finally said with a frown, "But, you know, if you ever do want to...I don't mind listening."

He gave her a weak smile, "I know. Thanks."

She smiled back before clearing her throat and standing up, "Well, it's getting pretty late. I should be getting back inside."

"Okay," he nodded, standing as well. She walked with him to the kitchen door.

"Are you really okay?" she asked once again.

"Yes," he told her, "I will be, it's just been a long day."

"Okay," she smiled.

The two stared at each other for a few moments. He wanted to kiss her, but knew that they wouldn't be able to stop of they kissed now and it wasn't the right moment for that. They were out in the open, in range of the security cameras.

Instead, he simply brushed his fingers against hers. She quirked her lips, turning her palm out to brush back.

"Goodnight," she whispered.

He smiled genuinely for the first time that night, "Goodnight."

TBC..