Author's Notes:

Special Thanks to ale_nena for helping me write the beginning of this chapter.

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 watched his breath fogging in the cold as he waited for Henry Mills in the front drive. He glanced at his phone. Since Henry was apparently running late, he'd taken a moment's break to send Regina a 'good morning' text.

A new message appeared on his screen, 'Good morning to you too. Miss you today ;-)'

He was smiling at the message when he heard the front door slam closed. When he glanced up, Henry was making his way down the steps.

Robin quickly shoved his phone into his pocket, and opened the passenger's side door.

"Good morning, Sir," he greeted.

"Good morning, Robin," Henry smiled, "You seem to be in a good mood today."

Robin shrugged, closing the door once Henry was inside. He walked around to the diver's side and started up the engine.

"So?" Henry asked as they pulled down the drive.

Robin looked at him questioningly.

"What's got you in such a good mood?"

"Nothing in particular," he answered.

Henry laughed, "Alright, whatever you say..."

The two were quiet for a while as they drove up the highway and into the city. As they were getting on the off ramp, an alert chime came from Henry's phone. He glanced at it and groaned.

Robin glanced over, gently asking, "Everything okay?"

"Oh yes," the older man sighed, "It's just that our projections for next year's expenses came in. We're going to be very busy next fundraising season. I'd get yourself a new suit because you'll probably be accompanying us to a lot of events this summer!"

Robin chuckled, "Sounds thrilling."

Henry laughed, "Yes, I will admit, sometimes going to events like this one tonight get tiring sometimes."

Robin laughed again, "Really? Seems like you're pretty in your element at them!"

Henry barked out a laugh,"Well I suppose so. It's the life I've known, and it allows me to help people, so it's worth it. Even we don't raise any money at the mayor's ball tonight, it's a great networking opportunity for when fundraising season rolls back around. We will need their money, after all."

"Hm," Robin hummed.

"What?" Henry asked.

"Nothing," he shook his head.

"Come on, tell me!" the other man insisted.

"I really shouldn't…"

"Oh, come off it!" Henry scoffed, "Just say what's on your mind!"

"Well, I don't really know everything but it seems like a lot of your fundraising efforts are focused on…"

As Robin trailed off, Henry guessed, "Rich people?"

"Yeah," he nodded, looking out the front windshield.

"Yes, that's true," Henry acknowledged, "It's not an elitist thing, it's just that people of means are the ones who can afford to help. We can't exactly go to people who are living paycheck to paycheck and ask them for donations, can we?"

"Everyone wants to help those in need as much as they can," Robin pointed out, "Regular people may not be able to give large donations, but you might be surprised how many are willing to give back."

Henry glanced over at him, so he shrugged, "Small donations can turn into large amounts over time, right?"

The older man thought it over for a second before saying, "You may be right. It has been a while since we've had any real campaigns to increase small coin donations. I'll think it over."

Robin thought it best not to answer, so he simply drove along through the morning rush hour traffic.

"Bah!' Henry groaned as they slowed down once again, "Let's not talk about this now. Pull over there! I want a coffee and a doughnut."

Robin glanced over, signaling to turn off into the drive-thru of a Sugar House.

"Get me a cappuccino and a lemon cream," Henry instructed as they waited in line behind an SUV.

With a nod, he rolled down the window and gave their order into the microphone, "Hi, we'll take one cappuccino and a lemon cream doughnut."

"Will that complete your order?" the speaker asked.

"Yes," Robin answered.

"Oh, I should get something to bring to Regina. She wasn't at breakfast this morning," Henry said absently.

Leaning over quickly, he instructed,"Actually, add to that a large black coffee and a chocolate glazed custard."

"Drive around, please," the speaker answered.

Taking his foot off the break, Robin pulled up behind the SUV and glanced over at Henry.

The older man stared at him for a long moment before taking out his wallet and wordlessly handing over a credit card.

The drive-thru operator took his payment wordlessly and handed over the two coffees and bag with doughnuts.

They stopped at a parking space and got the coffees situated in the cup holders.

"Ready?" Robin looked up, meeting Henry's eyes.

"Sure," the older man nodded.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes, just...you knew my daughter's favorite doughnut?"

Robin paused briefly but then simply nodded, "Yes?"

"I just wondered how?"

He laughed in what he hoped was a casual way, "Well I've been working for your family a while, I notice things."

"Really?

"Yeah," he answered, starting up the car.

"What's my wife's favorite?" Henry asked, eyes pinning him.

Robin took a moment to take off the parking brake and shifted into drive. Before pulling back, he finally answered, "Mrs. Mills doesn't eat doughnuts."

"Ah," Henry nodded, taking a sip of his coffee, "You are observant."

He let out a sigh of relief as he pulled the car back into traffic.

The rest of the drive to the foundation headquarters was quiet. Robin rode next to his boss in the elevator and kept his distance while he dropped off the coffee and doughnut at Regina's office.

The two joked around a bit before, Henry emerged and Robin followed him around to his own office.

"We'll have to leave early today," Henry said, "My wife has a lot of preparation she wants us to do for the mayor's ball."

"Yes Sir," he nodded, taking a seat outside his office.

As he sat down, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He dug it out and read the text, 'Hiding from me, Locksley?'

He smiled and typed back, 'Just being discrete.'

'Of course,' she responded, 'Have fun sitting outside my dad's office!'

'How could I not?'

She sent a kiss cartoon back, making him laugh. Catching himself, he glanced into Henry's office, but was relieved to see that the older man was involved in a conversation on the phone.

Shoving his phone back into his pocket, he took out his book and settled in for a long day.

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"Henry!" his attention was drawn from the book he was reading by his wife's voice yelling from the bathroom.

Looking up he asked, "What was that, Dear?"

Cora appeared in the doorway rubbing lotion into her hands, an annoyed look firmly on her face, "You weren't listening?"

He set aside his book, "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

She sighed, flipping off the bathroom light and removing her robe, "I was saying that I'm excited about the mayor's ball tomorrow night."

"Oh!" he smiled as his wife slid into bed next to him, "Yes, it should be fun."

"It needs to go well, though!" she said firmly.

"What do you mean?"

"After the new year there will only be one year before election season, so we're going ot have to start really preparing!"

Henry held down a sigh, "Yes, I know, but I wouldn't worry too much about one event. You've been preparing for this your whole career, Cora. One ball won't make the difference…"

Cora stared at him, "They all matter, Henry. Besides, I have plans that should get started now…"

"What plans?"

"Remember Mal's party a few weeks ago?"

"Yes?"

"Well I spoke with Albert Spencer while there. His son is moving back to Unity City."

"Yes…?" Henry asked again, confused.

"He's in finance and spent the last few years working in the Arendelle market," she went on.

"You're thinking of hiring him?" he asked.

"No, Henry! I'm thinking he should meet Regina!" Cora laughed, "It'd be perfect. A successful young man from a good family. It's been too long since Regina was serious about anyone!"

"I suppose…" Henry said quietly.

"James isn't back yet, but I know Albert will be there," she went on, "I'll have to be subtle about it anyway, though. If I come out and say I think James would be a good match she'll hate him just to spite me!"

"Cora, Regina wouldn't set out to hurt you." he argued.

"I didn't say hurt me, I said spite me!" she complained, "And she'd definitely do that! Any opinion I give she insists on doing the exact opposite!"

He sighed, "Just don't push too hard, Dear. It is her life after all."

She quirked her lips ruefully as she rolled over to turn off the bedside lamp. "If only…"

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"If we use this year's numbers as a projection, even with an optimistic 10% increase, we'll fall short next year," Henry Fenner, the foundation's assistant head of accounting, outlined in his droning voice.

"Bottom-line, we're going to have to either up our revenue or re-think our commitments if we're going to break even," his brother, Harvey, added in an equal drone.

"Thank you, Henry, Harvey," Regina jumped in, re-taking control of the meeting, "So we need to discuss how to increase our charitable revenue starting next quarter."

"I don't see how we're going to be able to do that start until the second quarter next year," Rowena, the foundation's project coordinator, chimed in, "The season for major fundraisers doesn't start until spring."

"Yes," Henry Mills nodded, "When it comes to large donations the seasonal fundraisers are our main source of revenue. However, I believe we may be neglecting small donations. I don't believe we've made any efforts to increase small donations in some years...perhaps it's time we look at that?"

"Small donations make up less than 40% of the Mills Foundation's revenue," Henry Fenner said.

"Yes," Henry Mills acknowledged, "But that is still nearly half."

"Are we sure it would be worth the effort?" Rowena asked, "There's an inherent limit to the amount that can be given in small donations."

"Not necessarily," Regina jumped in, "I think my father may have a point, we've neglected small coin donation efforts for a while."

"We can't be certain that the cost of any sort of campaign to increase small donations would be offset by the revenue gained from them!" Harvey Fenner objected.

"That's true," Rowena agreed, "It makes more sense to focus on donors who can give substantial amounts."

Henry Mills opened his mouth to speak, but Regina beat him to it, "Small amounts add up to big amounts. No one can say we're taking large donations for granted. We actively work to gain them every season, however, we shouldn't take small donations for granted either."

He stared at his daughter as she checked her watch, "Well, it's getting late. I say we reconvene in the new year and begin brainstorming ideas. Have a good holiday everyone."

The sentiment was echoed around the table as those presented gathered up their materials and began filing out.

Henry picked up his briefcase and waited as Regina closed hers and rose from the table. She smiled at him as he fell into step next to her, "Heading home?"

"Yes," he nodded, "Your point about the small donations...where did you come up with that?"

Regina glanced over at him questioningly. "What do you mean? It was your idea."

"Yes," he acknowledged, "I just wondered where you got the idea?"

"I don't know...it seems like just common sense." she chuckled, "Why all the questions?"

"No reason," he said quietly.

Regina studied him, for a moment but he seemed to drop the subject so she finally said, "Well I need to get going. I have to pick up my dress for tonight."

"Alright," her father nodded, "I'll see you at home."

"See you there," Regina waved as she turned toward her office. Lily and Robin both looked up as she approached.

"Heading out?" Lily asked.

"Yeah," she answered, "Are you going to the mayor's ball?"

Lily scoffed, "Hell no! Mom will probably be there, but it's not my scene!"

Regina felt a stab of envy that the other woman had such an option.

"Well, enjoy not being there," she gently teased.

"Oh, I will," Lily smiled sweetly.

Rolling her eyes, Regina glanced over at Robin who had risen from his usual spot by her door, "We should be going."

"Of course," he motioned for her to walk ahead of him.

With a final goodbye to Lily, Regina led the way to the elevator. They rode down the parking garage silently and walked in step toward where he'd parked her car. Smiling to herself, she nudged his hand playfully.

He turned to her smiling back, "So are we heading back to the estate or somewhere else?"

"Straight home. I need to changed for the mayor's ball...so do you for that matter!" she answered, tugging at the lapel of his grey suit. It looked very good on him, but wasn't formal enough for an evening event.

"Yes, Miss Mills," he answered, straight faced but obviously still teasing her.

She gave him a gentle glare before opening the car door and sliding inside.

The rode through the already gathering holiday traffic back to the estate in companionable silence. The sun was just setting when they finally pulled up to the estate's gate. After punching in the code, Robin turned to her and asked. "So we're stopping here for you to change into your gown...do I get to take it off you later?"

She smirked, "We'll have to see about that."

"Oh really?" he asked.

"Yes," she insisted, "So you'd better be good!"

"You sure that's what you want?" he asked slyly, reaching over to her thigh. He brushed her skirt up as he steered the car up the drive, even through her stockings she could feel the heat from his hands.

She let herself enjoy it for a moment, but stopped him before it could go too far, "Now isn't the time."

She sent him a smile as she nudged his hand away. He returned the smile before turning his attention back to the road.

He dropped her at the front door and she quickly made her way upstairs to change into her gown and then meet her stylist downstairs.

Once she was ready, she met her parents exiting the elevator. Her mother approved of her appearance, and they parted without event.

Outside Robin was waiting for her, having changed into a dark blue suit that looked even better on him.

She gave him an appreciative glance before making her way down to the car.

They spent the rest of the ride into the city in silence. Traffic started picking up as they went through downtown. It was past rush hour, but the holiday events had already started in the city, attracting a lot of people.

As they neared the governor's mansion, a line of high end vehicles were lined up outside. Once they got up to the security guard, Regina gave her name and was waved inside to a valet stand.

The valet opened the door for her and then jogged around to the driver's side to take they keys from Robin.

As moved away from the car, Regina tried to juggle her phone, clutch, and a few other items she'd brought with her.

Robin chuckled, "Need some help?"

She glanced up, looking at him skeptically, "You're going to carry my stuff all night?"

He shrugged, "I don't mind."

He took her things from her hands and quickly slipped them into the pockets of his jacket and slacks, stepping away from her as her parents' town car pulled up to the valet stand.

She turned back as her parents walked up behind her.

"Regina," her mother nodded, "Are you ready to go inside?"

"Yes, Mother," she answered.

As they walked up the steps with the rest of the crowd, Henry commented, "It's getting cold. Are you warm enough, sweetheart?"

"Yes," Regina said, "We'll be inside in a moment anyway."

Once inside a steward took their coats and they went through the receiving line to greet the mayor and first lady of Unity City. They exchanged civil but short greetings. The mayor and the Mills' were from different political parties, so interactions were always a bit tense.

After moving along, they ended up in the main ballroom of the mayor's mansion.

"Champagne, Sir?" a water with a tray stopped next to Henry.

"Yes, thank you," he took a glass before turning to his wife and daughter, "Cora? Regina? Would you like one?"

"Yes, please," Regina answered.

"No, thank you," Cora responded with a frown, "I don't think any of us should drink too much tonight. There's a lot of important people here. We have an image to maintain."

"Of course, Dear," Henry agreed.

Regina nodded along, but exchanged an eyeroll with her father as she turned to accept a glass from him.

He didn't return it, but did quirk his lips subtly.

Meanwhile, Cora scowled at her as she sipped the drink. She managed to swallow less than half of it before Cora forcibly took it out of her hands and said, "Regina, there's someone here I want you to meet. An old friend of mine."

"Who is it?" she asked.

"His name's Albert Spencer," the older woman said absently, as she pulled her across the room. Gently tapping an older man on the back, she called, "Albert."

He turned, smiling stiffly as he caught sight of them, "Cora? How good to see you."

"You as well," Cora purred, "I don't believe you've met my daughter Regina?"

Straightening up, Regina held out her hand to allow him to shake it.

His crushing grip belied his charming voice as he said, "A pleasure. Your mother says you're quite an accomplished young lady."

She wanted to comment that the description made her sound like a character out of a two century old romance novel, but, of course, she didn't.

"Ah...thank you," was her somewhat awkward response.

Cora frowned at it, but Spencer simply chuckled, "Forgive me, I'm an old man and I'm afraid I may be rusty at speaking with people your age."

Her mother let out a melodic, and, to Regina's ear, obviously fake, laugh, "You're a bit too harsh with yourself, Albert. Don't you have a son Regina's age?"

Regina tried not to tense at the mention. There was no reason to think her mother was hinting at anything, but she couldn't help but be suspicious.

"Yes," Spencer nodded, "But he's been abroad these past few years. We're just getting to know each other again."

"Is your son here tonight?" Cora asked.

Regina clenched her fingers at her sides. Her mother was trying to be subtle, but she knew her…

"I'm afraid not," Spencer answered, "He's still finishing up the last responsibilities at his firm in Arendelle before moving home."

"Ah, he was in Arendelle? Regina and I were just there a few months ago," Cora commented.

"Yes, James has been working with an investment firm there for the past 5 years, but he's ready to move back to Misthaven and apply his skills in his own country," Spencer said proudly.

"Well we'll have to get together sometime. Perhaps for dinner?," she suggested, "After five years, moving back to Unity City will, no doubt, be an adjustment for your James. He might appreciate knowing that he has friends here?"

"I'm sure he would," Spender agreed, "Very kind of you to offer, Cora."

"Oh think nothing of it," Cora waved him off, "Our whole family would be glad to help your son settle back in."

Regina, for the fifth or sixth time during the course of this conversation, suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.

Cora turned to her and opened her mouth, but before she had the chance to suggest whatever she was about to Regina spoke, "Yes, of course. Happy Yule to you Mr. Spencer."

"Oh," Spencer laughed bashfully, "Please, Mr. Spencer was my father...Albert."

"Albert," she nodded, hoping that she was successfully bringing the conversation to a close, "Happy Yule and best of luck to you and your son in the new year."

Spencer seemed to catch her meaning. His expression was stony, but she could see a flash of annoyance in his eyes, "You as well, Miss Mills. Cora...Happy Yule."

"Happy Yule," Cora said neutrally.

Nodding to both of them, Spencer drifted away into the crowd. When he was out of an earshot, Cora turned to her with a glare, "What was that?"

"What do you mean?" Regina said innocently.

Cora crossed her arms across her chest and studied her daughter intently, but Regina had plenty of practice at concealing herself. Finally, the older woman sighed and said, "You sounded dismissive."

"What?" she laughed.

"Is this funny to you?" Cora asked in a dangerously pleasant voice.

"Mother, I didn't intend to be dismissive at all. I simply wished Albert a good holiday," she argued.

"Yes, well intentions don't matter as much as impact," she said unpleasantly.

"Yes, Mother," Regina dutifully.

Cora looked liked she wanted to say more, but Faye Gorman chose that moment to show up by her side, "Cora...oh, hello Regina."

"Faye," Regina nodded, "Nice to see you."

"Do you mind if I borrow your mother for a moment?" the curly haired woman asked, "There is something I wanted to discuss with her."

Cora did not look happy with the idea, but Regina said, "Of course...don't worry, Mother, I'll just go find Daddy."

The older woman still frowned, but eventually nodded in agreement and allowed herself to be led away.

Once she was alone, Regina breathed a sigh of relief. She made her way through the crowd, greeting guests who she knew well, and grabbing another glass of champagne on her way. It was gone before she made it to the wall.

Setting it down on a waiter's tray, she glanced around the room. Her mother was still in conversation with Faye and her father was sitting at the bar, laughing with some other men his age. He looked like he was having fun in spite of her mother's nagging.

Smiling to herself, Regina decided not to disturb him. Instead she searched the edges of the room. The walls were populated with bodyguards who'd accompanied high profile guests.

Finally, she spotted her own, a smile creeping across her lips at his familiar form.

Keeping to the edges of the room, she made her way over to him.

When she arrived next to him, he smiled, looking pointedly at the third glass of champagne she'd gotten along the way, "Enjoying the party?"

She laughed, taking, "More each moment."

He smirked, "Lucky you."

Lowering her glass, she frowned, "I'm sorry, Robin. I know events like this must be boring for you."

"Well...yes," he admitted, "But it's my job."

"Still, I shouldn't rub it in," she said, glancing around for a tray to get rid of her glass.

"No, Regina," he stopped her, "Don't worry about it. I want you to have fun."

His eyes were so earnest that she felt herself flushing. To hide the bashful moment, she smirked, "You mean you want me to get drunk so that I'll agree to a private party with you later!"

"I don't know what you mean, Miss Mills," he responded.

She snorted a laugh, which attracted few curious glances from the other guests. She waved them off, though, and simply finished her drink in silence.

After handing the empty glass over to a waiter she whispered to Robin, "Could I have my purse? I need to visit the washroom."

"Sure," he pulled her clutch from his jacket pocket.

She took it, meeting his eyes pointedly. He chuckled as she sauntered away from him.

Regina let her hips sway the rest of the way to the washroom, the champagne starting to make her feel silly. After finishing her business she checked her hair in the mirror and reapplied her lipstick.

She was making her way back to Robin when her mother pounced on her again, "There you are. Did you find your father?"

"He seemed busy," she answered neutrally.

Cora frowned, "Busy? That's a very diplomatic way of putting it!"

Regina sighed at the back of her throat. Her mother's foul mood obviously wasn't going to improve any time soon.

"Nevermind, though," Cora said, "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about."

At the moment that was the last thing Regina wanted, "Certainly, Mother."

She continued toward Robin, her mother in step with her.

"Well, I think you've been isolating yourself too much," Cora said.

She pursed her lips, by the Gods, her mother really was not subtle. She clenched her hand around the tube of lipstick, she'd been holding, an evil idea jumping into her mind.

"Isolating myself?" she asked, stepping up next to Robin and slipping the tube of lipstick into the front pocket of his trousers, "What do you mean?"

She felt Robin tense next to her, but she was more focused on the reaction of her mother who gaped like a fish, her mouth slowly opening and closing.

"Mother?" Regina prompted, holding down laughter.

"I…" Cora stammered before gathering herself and stepping forward to grip Regina's forearm hard and drag her a few steps away, "Regina, what in the name of the Gods, was that?"

"What was what, Mother?"

Cora glared at her, "Don't even try it, Regina! You just put your hand in his pants pocket!"

"Oh that," Regina shrugged, "There isn't enough room in my clutch for all my things so I asked Locksley to hold onto them."

"And don't you think that's a bit inappropriate?"

"What do you mean inappropriate?" she asked.

"You know what I mean!"

"Not really," Regina said innocently, "I told him to carry my things."

"Fine, have him carry your things!" Cora said, "But you can't just...do that!"

"Do what?"

"You cannot reach into a man's pocket in public! It wouldn't look right and you might...give him ideas."

"Ideas, Mother?" Regina chuckled.

"This isn't a joke, Regina!"

"I'm not joking about anything," she answered, "I really don't see what the big deal is. You're always making it clear the staff has to do what we say. You have Belle carry your things all the time."

"I don't reach into Belle's pockets!" Cora hissed, stepping back to look at her, "How much have you had to drink tonight, Regina?"

This time Regina did roll her eyes, "Mother-"

"Don't even start with me!" she said crossly, glancing back at Robin, "Locksley! Take Regina to the car, and kindly give her back her things. I'm going to retrieve your father. I think it'd be best if we all excused ourselves early tonight."

Robin didn't comment, simply passed Regina's phone and lipstick back to her and motioning for her to walk ahead of him out of the ballroom.

As they waited for a steward to bring her coat, Robin turned to her, "Was that a good idea?"

She smiled, "I was trying to avoid a conversation with her."

He laughed, stroking her lower back, "Well I think you succeeded at that!"

The steward returned with her coat and he helped her put it on, leading her out to the valet. They waited for it in silence, only speaking again when they were both inside the car.

"Are you angry at me?"

"I should be," he told her, "I feel a bit used."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she laughed, "Any way I can make it up to you?"

"Let's discuss that after your parents go to sleep tonight," he answered, starting up the engine and turning the car toward home.