Author's Notes:

Special Thanks to my illustrator and contributing author ale_nena for the beautiful cover art.

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 quietly made his way up the back staircase to the second floor. He cracked open the door to make sure none of the housekeeping staff was around.

Satisfied that they were not he quickly made his way to Regina's room, and knocked on the door.

"Come on!" she called.

He shut the door behind him, finding her sitting room empty, "Regina?"

"In the bedroom!"

He found her on the bed trying to force her suitcase closed, "Need some help."

"Argh, yes!" she said, leaning over the top of the suitcase, "Can you get it zipped?"

With a chuckle, he walked over to zip it up. It took some combination of him pulling the zipper and her leaning on the top before they finally got it completely closed.

Letting out a huff, Regina tossed her hair out of her eyes and met his with a shared laugh. Walking over on her knees, she slid her arms around his neck.

"Hi."

"Hi," he held her hips, tapping her nose with his own.

Letting out a sigh, she leaned her lips up and kissed him.

"So are you coming with me on this trip?" she asked as they broke apart.

He nodded.

"Good," she smiled, "I requested you."

He was genuinely surprised, "Not worried Drake will get suspicious?"

"Nah," she shrugged, "It's just a two day trip anyway."

"Don't sound too thrilled about it," he laughed.

"Oh it's just...there's going to be a lot of press there. It's going to be a pain," she grumbled, lifting her suitcase with a groan.

"Don't you have a bigger one?" Robin asked, looking at the small, overstuffed bag.

"I do but I don't want to bring it," she answered, "I don't want there to be the option of anyone suggesting extending this trip."

"What do you mean?"

"James is going to be at the premiere," Regina admitted.

His eyebrows shot up, but he was silent.

"I tried to call him earlier this week," she explained, but apparently he'd already leave for Sonar City. Combined this trip with some investment opportunity in the area."

"I see," Robin answered.

Hearing his tone, Regina sat down next to him and took his hand, "I'm not dragging this out. I'm going to break up with him as soon as I see him. I swear!"

He squeezed her hand, "I know."

Standing up to move the suitcase into the sitting room, she continued with a sigh, "Besides we were barely even a couple, but, even so, I want to make sure I talk to him in person so that I can make things totally clear. That way there isn't any miscommunication when he tells his father what happened and then one of them bugs my mother about my decision...blah, blah, blah."

He looked at her doubtfully, "Are you sure that won't happen anyway?"

"I probably will," she admitted, "However, if I tell him clearly that I don't want to see him anymore, hopefully it'll minimize it."

That seemed like wishful thinking, but Robin chose to keep that opinion to himself. Instead he changed the subject, "So this film, are you excited about seeing it?"

Regina shrugged, "I guess."

"What do you mean you guess? A film about your grandfather is premiering, aren't you happy?"

"Yes, of course," she said, sitting down on the couch and motioning for him to sit next to her. As he did so, she slung her legs over his. Following her lead, he pulled her over nearly into his lap.

"But?"

"I don't know," she answered, "I guess maybe I'm just stressed between James and the premier itself...all the press that will be there. Plus...well the film itself might feel a little weird."

"Why?"

"My grandfather died when I was little, I remember him as this big, warm man who carried me back to bed when I had nightmares," she said looking wistful, "I never saw him as a politician. I guess part of me worries this movie might change that even if it's not him I'm seeing on screen."

"Why would it change it?" Robin asked.

"It's about his time in office," she answered, "And you don't get to be an impactful two-term President by acting like a nice grandfather."

She trailed off at the end and he could see the sadness in her eyes.

"Regina-"

"No, no," she cut him off, "I'm fine. I'm being silly. "

With that she pushed herself off his nap and stood up, "You should go get ready. We have to leave for the airport in an hour."

He let him walk her to the door and leaned over to give her a parting kiss, "I love you."

Smiling warmly, she kissed him back.

As he left her room, he tried not to feel disappointed. She hadn't said those words again since that fateful night, and he was trying to not take it personally. He, however, was determined to say it as often as possible so that she knew it was true.

Pushing those thoughts aside, he took the back stairwell down to the staff quarters and stopped in his room. He'd already packed a suitcase, so all he had to do was pick it up. Drake had texted him earlier requesting he stop by the office before driving Regina to the airport.

The door was open when he arrived and Drake was sitting inside, his bald head facing the door as he hunched over some papers.

Robin knocked on the frame.

"Locksley," he looked up, "Come in. Sit down."

Holding down a sigh, he did as he was told. This were as tense as ever with the security chief, so he hoped, whatever lecture the man had planned, wouldn't take too long.

"Alright, so you're familiar with what's going to happen at this movie premier, right?" Drake asked.

"Basically, Yes Sir," he answered.

"Well, the even itself is going to be a security nightmare! Worse even than any of the fundraisers we've had to accompany one of the Mills too. There will be crowds, paparazzi...all kind of opportunities for danger," the older man said, "The good news is, it's a movie premier, so there will be lots of celebrities there, so the theatre itself will have tight security. That being said, you'll see need to be extra vigilant. Ms Mills safety is in your hands, and I expect you to take that seriously!"

"I can promise you I'd never let anything happen to her," Robin said, more sincerely, even, than the other man knew.

He seemed satisfied with the answer, though, "Good, there's the contact number for the theatre's security. Call them if anything comes up."

Robin nodded, accepting the paper with the number written on it. Storing it in his wallet, he picked up his suitcase and made his way around to the garage to get Regina's car keys.

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Meanwhile, upstairs, Regina was getting a similar lecture from her mother.

"Have fun at this premier," Cora told her as she set her suitcase down near the front door, "But be careful."

"Yes, Mother," she answered dutifully.

"Yes," Henry agreed, "There have still been occasional threats."

"Yes," Cora nodded absently, "That too."

"I wouldn't worry. The theatre is well known and Locksley will be with me," she answered, sharing a look with Henry that Cora didn't notice.

"Be safe but also remember you're representing our whole family," the older woman jumped in, "Between the premier tomorrow night and the launch of my book, we'll be getting a lot of press this week...we can't afford a misstep."

"Yes," Regina said, "How many arms did you have to twist to get your book release the same weekend as the film premier?"

Cora looked a little taken aback by her daughter's bluntness, but rolled with it, "A lot, in fact, so don't blow this!"

She turned away so that her mother wouldn't see the expression on her face, but nodded. Opening the front door, she had to held down a smile when she saw Robin parking the car in the circle. They'd been back together for about a week and were still in the giddy phase of it.

"Okay, I'm going now," she told her parents.

"Have a good trip," Henry hugged her.

Cora also gave her a parting hug as Robin jogged up the steps.

He waited until she'd closed the door behind her before giving her a brilliant smile and somewhat naughty look, "Want some help with that."

"Thank you," she handed her suitcase over.

While he put it in the trunk, she slid into the passenger's seat to wait for him. He got in, buckled his seatbelt and started down the driveway. They sat silently all the way to the gate. He punched in the passcode and pulled the car out as the gate slid open.

They made it about a block down the road until they exchanged a look of silent agreement. With a turn of the wheel and yank of the parking break he pulled the car over. Her seatbelt whizzed as she climbed over into his lap.

Their lips met heatedly, his hands tangling in her hair as they kissed with abandon.

When they broke apart, they laughed together.

"We really have to stop this," she said climbing back into her seat, "We just saw each other half an hour ago."

He really...really...wanted to point out that there was one thing they hadn't done since they got back together, but he stamped down the urge. Regina had said that she wanted to take things a little bit slow, and he didn't want to argue.

Instead he simply started the engine back up. They needed to be at the airport as soon as possible to make their flight.

"So what do you want to do first when we get to Soñar City?" he asked.

"Oh," she sighed, "Probably go to bed."

This time he did take the opportunity to send her a suggestive look, "Sounds good."

She laughed, "James said he can't pick me up from the airport tomorrow morning, so I won't see him until that night. I'll talk to him then."

Robin nodded silently and changed the subject, "Did you want to see the city at all?"

"Yeah, maybe later that day," Regina said, "It's been a long time since I've been to Soñar City."

He chuckled, "I should have guessed you've been before."

She glared gently, "Only once! Unity Day weekend right after college."

"Really? What year?" he asked.

"409," she answered.

"Really?" he asked in surprise.

"Yeah, why?"

"I was in Soñar City on Unity Day 409," Robin said.

"You were?"

"Yeah," he nodded, "Killian had shore leave there when he was in the navy and he invited me out for the weekend."

"Wow."

Thinking it over, he acknowledged the obvious coincidence in finding out that they'd been in the same city on the same weekend without even knowing it, "It's too bad we didn't meet."

She laughed, "Well, to be fair, it is a big city."

"Yeah," he agreed, "How do you think it would have gone if we had?"

"Oh, I don't know," she said, "I'd like to think well, but...my girlfriends dragged me to Soñar City that weekend and they tried to get my to do some flirting, but I refused."

He looked at her questioningly.

"I'd just broken up with Daniel and I wasn't really receptive to meeting anyone new," she told him.

"Oh," he nodded, reaching over to take her hand, "I guess we met at the right time then."

"I guess we did," she agreed with a smile.

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Belle French rushed toward the bookstore with Cora Mills favorite lattes...skim milk, light foam, with one raw sugar. As she got to the back of the store she was relieved to find that Mrs. Mills hadn't arrived yet.

Letting out a breath she set the coffee on the signing table. The books were set up, along with a rope barrier to keep an orderly line and a poster of the book cover.

She studied the station thoughtfully to make sure everything was in order.

"Excuse me!" she called to a store employee.

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"Could we get a pitcher of water and some more pens, please?" she asked.

"Yes, of course," the employee nodded, hurrying off.

"Everything alright here?" a voice asked from behind her.

She turned, finding Drake standing behind her, "Yes, just getting everything ready for Mrs. Mills."

The security chief nodded, "We've done a final security sweep. Everything looks good, we're just waiting for the car to arrive."

Belle nodded, "Great, thank you, Drake."

He nodded back, walking off toward the back door.

Having a moment's peace, Belle pulled one of the extra chairs at the table over to the side, shoved her handbag underneath, and started unbuttoning her cardigan. She'd gotten a little sweaty running back and forth to the coffee shop.

"My, my," a smooth voice startled her, "Quite a lot of work isn't she?"

Turning around, Belle found herself looking up at a slender, well dressed older man with a cane, "Excuse me? I'm sorry is there something I can help you with?"

"Just hoping to get a signed copy of Cora Mills book," he answered.

"Oh," Belle said, "Well, I'm sorry, but Mrs. Mills isn't here yet. She should be soon, though."

"What a shame," he said, "I'm afraid I can't stay. Well...another time."

As he turned, Belle, on some impulse, called after him, "Should I tell her you were looking for her? I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."

He limped back over to her with an easy smile, "Rum Gold."

An unexpected jolt went through her as he shook her hand.

"And I appreciate the offer," he went on, "But, no thank you, I'll speak to her myself."

She was struck unexpectedly silent as he nodded to her and walked away. As she recovered herself, the name Rum Gold sunk in and she realized she'd just met one of the Gold brothers, two of the most influential businessmen in Misthaven. That explained how he managed to get inside the store before the doors opened!

They were, famously, supporters of the Federalist Party, so she wasn't sure if Cora would want to speak to them or not…

She didn't have time to think about that, though, as the door to the back parking lot swung open the allow Henry and Cora Mills inside. Dropping her sweater on the chair, Belle straightened her blouse and straightened up to meet Cora.

"Everything is ready Mrs. Mills," she reported, "The manager is opening the doors in 15 minutes, and I have them bringing some water and more pens."

"Good," Cora nodded in approval, sliding into the chair behind the signing table.

She cleared her throat, "It looked like a pretty good crowd outside."

"Press?" Cora asked.

"I didn't see any," the comment drew a sharp look from Cora, so she quickly stammered, "But it's early. They might arrive later once the signing starts."

Cora didn't looked totally happy, but didn't comment further.

"Thank you, Belle," Henry Mills jumped in, "You did a good job."

She smiled at him in relief. Henry Mills was always nice and calm, "Thank you, Mr. Mills. Can I get you anything?"

"Oh, maybe just a place to sit," he answered.

"Oh! Yes!" she hurried over to pick her sweater up from the chair, "Yes, here you go."

Henry pulled his pant legs up and settled down in the chair.

"Mrs. Mills," the store manager cameby, "We're opening the doors now."

"Very good, let's get started," Cora nodded, straightening her posture, her politician mask instantly going up.

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

The book signing lasted nearly all day, and Cora gathered a decent size crowd. To her delight, a few entertainment reporters did show up to snap pictures and ask a her a few questions.

For most of the day, Henry sat by her side, shaking hands with those who asked it, but also blending into the background enough not to overshadow her.

They took a brief break for lunch, which Belle delivered to them, and then it was right back to signing.

By the afternoon, crowd had slowed to a trickle and by 6 PM it was obvious they weren't going to get many more people coming in requesting signatures.

Finally, Cora took a last sip of water and set down the pen she'd been using, "Alright, I think we're about done here."

Gratefully, Henry stood from the chair. He was happy to support his wife, but it had been a very long day.

Stretching his legs, he wandered over to the table at a relaxed pace. Picking up one of the books, he studied the cover. It was a nice picture of Cora. She looked very smart and put together.

As she picked up her purse from the floor, she turned to look at him questioningly.

"So, do I get a signed copy?" he asked playfully.

Her eyebrows raised, "Excuse me?"

"It's not everyday my wife publishes her autobiography."

Cora continued to stare at him, "You're teasing me?"

"No," he insisted, "I'm proud of you, Cora, really."

She chuckled, but finally took the book out of his hand and signed the inside, "There you go."

Smiling at her, he tucked the book under his arm, "So will you let me take you out to celebrate?"

She met his eyes again, this time her expression was challenging but also intrigued, "What did you have in mind?"

"What are you in the mood for?" he asked.

Thinking it over, she finally answered, "Well if we're celebrating, I might be in the mood for pasta."

The answer surprised him. Cora normally avoided fattening foods, so if she felt like indulging he was more than happy to!

"I'll make a reservation now," he said, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

Cora chuckled as they walked to the back of the store where Drake was waiting for them with Razoul and Kronk. As they opened the door to let them out, she said, "I have to say, I'm surprised, Henry."

"Why?" he asked as they got into the car together.

"I don't know," she shrugged, "I thought you might be angry at me for scheduling the book release on the same weekend as the film."

"Why would I be angry about that?" he questioned.

She shrugged.

"The film celebrates my father's life and this book celebrates yours," he said, "You both deserve it and I know you want some good press to prepare for your run. I don't mind going along with that."

"Well," she settled into her seat, "I'm glad to hear that. So about that dinner..."

With a smile, he dialed the number to their favorite restaurant. After a brief conversation with the maitre'd, he was assured that they'd have a table waiting for them.

Nodding in satisfaction, he hung up the phone and directed Drake where to take them.

The security team walked them into the restaurant, but kept a respectful distance as they were shown to a table.

Henry opened his menu, "Should we order a bottle of wine?"

"I wouldn't say 'no' to a nice pinot noir," Cora answered, looking over her own menu, "I think I might order some mussels."

"Mm, that sounds delicious," he agreed.

"I thought you didn't like seafood?" Cora asked, looking over her menu.

"Only salmon," Henry clarified.

She chuckled, "Only you, Henry."

Before he could answer, though, the waiter arrived to take their orders.

After their wine and appetizer arrived, they shared a brief toast.

"So how do you think Regina's going at the premier?" Cora asked, setting an empty mussel shell down on her plate.

"I don't think it's started yet," Henry checked his watch, "I'm sure she'll be fine, though."

She nodded, absently sipping her wine, "Did she say if she was going to stay the weekend? It might be a good opportunity for her and James to spend some time together."

That topic made him suddenly uncomfortable. Setting down the mussel he'd been working on, he met her eyes, "She didn't say, but Cora...I really don't think you should push too much with James. You need to let Regina handle her own love life or she'll resent you for it."

Cora huffed, "Fine, I'll back off, but only because she's finally found a good man!"

He frowned. He hated that he was lying to her by omission.

Henry was saved from having to think too much about that, though, as the server arrived with their entrees.

When they were settled in front of both of them, Henry picked up his fork and spoon. They'd both decided to order the linguine carbonara. He twirled a decent sized bite onto his fork and tasted it.

"Mmm, this is very good!"

Cora nodded in agreement, "Yes it is."

"Not quite as good as yours, though," he said looking up at her.

"Excuse me?" Cora asked.

"Don't you remember? When we were first dating and we went to that pasta place near your apartment? You told me your spaghetti carbonara was way better, and then, finally, you gave in and made it for my birthday."

"Well, of course, I remember," she said, setting down her fork, "I'm just surprised you do."

"Oh, I'd never forget," he assured her, "To this day I still haven't tasted any better."

She chuckled, "Is there reason for the flattery today, Henry?"

"I'm simply stating the truth," he told her.

She smirked doubtfully, but didn't argue.

"Do you still remember how to make it?" he asked curiously.

"As if I'd ever forget! I had to make that a thousand times while I was working my way through university!" she answered, sipping her wine and looking at him suspiciously, "Why?"

"Just curious," he shrugged, sensing the hornet's nest he might be walking into. Cora hummed and picked her fork back up and taking a bite.

"Do you think…" he started.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Do you think you might ever want to make it again?"

She pinned him with a hard look, "You mean cook? I told you back then, I hate cooking."

"I know," he nodded, "However...you also said you've never had better either. Maybe just one more time? For old times sake?"

She stared at him for a good long time before finally shrugging and answering, "Maybe someday."

Henry blinked, genuinely shocked at her answer. He'd asked it, but he'd never really expected anything other than a 'no'. It surprised him to much he had to replay it in his mind to make sure he'd heard right.

When finally recovered himself, he decided the best thing to do was just say nothing, so, instead, he simply continued eating. He couldn't help the smile crossing his lips as the early days of their courtship played out in his mind. Maybe it was the memories, or maybe too much wine, that led him to say chuckle and comment, "You know I remember we had a very nice way of burning off the calories too…"

This time Cora looked up sharply from her plate. Her surprised expression quickly hardened, "I don't think that's an appropriate topic to bring up in the middle of a nice restaurant."

Chastened, Henry cleared his throat and answered, "Yes, of course. Sorry."

Cora frowned as she turned her attention back to her plate. They ended up eating the rest of the meal in silence.