Author's Notes:

Special Thanks to my illustrator and contributing author ale_nena for the beautiful cover art and help with planning 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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Regina finished the last of her fruit salad and set her fork down on her plate.

"I'm going out," she announced, pushing her chair back from the table.

"In this weather?" Henry asked in surprise, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. With a frown, he looked out the dining room window. It was pouring rain outside, "There's been a warning about flash floods."

"I know, Daddy, but the rain is supposed to stop in a few hours, and James and I made plans," Regina said.

"Where are you going?" Cora asked.

"His fraternity is having a reunion at the country club," Regina explained, trying not to frown as she did so. It was the truth. James' college fraternity was having a luncheon. It definitely didn't sound like her idea of a good time, but she understood why he'd asked her to be his date for it. It was exactly the type of event they'd made this arrangement for.

Watching her mother's face she could practically see Cora making the calculation about how many well connected people were likely to be there.

"Well, if it's just the club I'm sure you'll be fine," she finally said, "It isn't very far. Have a good time, Dear."

Henry continued to frown. Walking over behind his chair, Regina leaned over and kissed his cheek, "I'll be fine."

He gave a weak smile, still clearly not happy. Regina ignored it, though, knowing that there was basically nothing that'd stop him from worrying.

Leaving her parents dining room she rode the elevator up to her suite to grab her handbag and raincoat.

Putting the hood up, she walked through the foyer and out the front door. It was still raining heavily, so she hurried down the steps as her silver mini pulled through the circle. Tossing open the door, she slid inside.

Sending Robin a smile, she put down her bag and buckled her seatbelt, "Hey."

"Hi," he said, glancing out the windshield, "Are you sure you want to go out in this? It's pretty nasty."

She sighed, "Don't you start now! I heard enough of that from my dad."

"Maybe he has a point," Robin said.

"Robin," she complained.

"Alright, right," he gave in, taking off the parking brake and slowly driving away from the house, "So this thing is at the country club, right?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"What is it again?"

She was getting a little tired of being questioned about this event, but she reminded herself that she hadn't spoken to Robin other than a brief text asking him to pick her up, so it was only normal he'd be curious, "James' fraternity is having a reunion."

"And he wants these guys to think you're his girlfriend?"

"That was the idea," she answered.

Robin didn't comment as he rolled down the window to punch in the key at the gate. He drove along toward the country club in silence, watching the road carefully through the rain and fog. Regina glanced over at him, sensing that he also wasn't happy but for different reasons than her father had been.

Before she could think too much about it, though, she felt the car slowing down. Glancing up, she saw large orange barricades and two police cars blocking the road ahead.

"What's going on?"

"I don't know," Robin answered, driving up to the roadblock and rolling down the window.

The nearest police officer walked over to them, "Sorry, road's closed."

"We're just trying to get to the Misthaven Club," Robin explained.

He shook his head, "Well that's not going to be possible. The road ahead is flooded. It won't be passable today."

"Thanks, officer," Robin sighed, rolling up the window and turning to her, "Is there another way in?"

"Maybe the backroads," Regina frowned, "But let me check first."

Digging out her cellphone, Regina send James a text, "Hey, the road to the club is blocked."

"Yeah," he texted back, "The events organizer called me. Apparently they're shutting the whole club down, so it looks like this reunion is a bust."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Regina answered.

"It's alright. Me and the guys have been discussing rescheduling it for Unity Day next week, a lot of us are playing in the charity futbol game," James answered.

"Okay, sounds like a plan."

"Great, your family with be in FD for it, right?" he asked.

Regina sighed. He obviously wanted her to make an appearance at it as his girlfriend, which eliminated any chance she had of talking her mother out of making her go to the Federal District. Cora had been giddy at the thought of the exposure they'd get sitting next to Albert Spencer and cheering on James and Unity Day Futbol Match.

"Yep, I'll be there," she type back.

"Great!" he responded, "Well...until next time!"

Regina slid her phone back into her purse as Robin made a three point turn and drove them away from the roadblock, the windshield wipers whipping furiously back and forth to keep the water clear.

"James confirmed it," she told him, "The club is closing early today because of the flooding."

"Home then?" he guessed.

Looking over, she studied him thoughtfully, "No, actually."

He gave her a questioning look.

"Everyone thinks I'll be spending today with my boyfriend, so I think I'd like to actually do that."

He looked over at her, chucking as he got her meaning, "Where did you have in mind, though? There's not much we can do in this weather."

It was true. Most of the time they spent together, other than in her room was outdoors at remote locations where they wouldn't be seen. The pouring rain, however, ruled that out.

"We could find somewhere private that's also indoors," she pointed out.

"Like where?"

"Well...a movie maybe?"

He chuckled again, "Have you ever been to a movie theatre?"

"Yes, I've been to a movie theatre!" she said indignantly, "You know that! You accompanied me to a movie premier last month."

"That's different," Robin answered.

"For your information, Daniel took me to a movie on our first date in college! We used to go a lot!"

He smiled teasingly at her, "Alright, then were should we go. Galleria?"

"No," she thought it over, "Somewhere smaller. Where no one will be paying attention to who we are."

"Alright," he answered, merging onto the highway, "I don't think we should go too far, though, since there's flooding."

"We can stick to the west side of town," Regina suggested, "There's a lot of hills in that area, so the roads should be better."

Robin agreed it was a good idea, switching highways onto a route that would take them in a northwest direction. The roads were wet but clear of standing water, so he continued along and took the turnoff to Westside Mall.

Driving through the parking lot, he stopped at the entrance nearest the bright red sign for the movie theatre.

"Alright," he shut of the engine, "Looks like we'll have to make a dash for it."

Regina put up the hood on her raincoat, "Maybe you should lose the jacket and tie?"

"What?" he asked.

Laughing, she tugged at the collar of his blazer, "You're a little overdressed for a mall."

Acknowledging she was right, he shed his blazer and tie and tossed them into the backseat. Undoing the button cuffs, he rolled up his sleeves in a way that looked both casual and really sexy.

Clearing her throat, Regina shook away those thoughts. Now was not the time. Robin opened the door and blew up his umbrella, jogging around to Regina's side.

Getting out, she let him put his arm around her as they walked to the entrance.

The mall was more crowded than one might expect. Apparently a lot of people had the same idea as them.

"What did you want to see?" he asked, steering them toward the theatre.

"Ah…" she thought it over, "...you pick. I need to stop at the bathroom."

"Okay," he answered absently as she walked toward the bathrooms. Luckily, they were very loose to the theatre, so Robin could watch the door while in line at the box office.

When she came out he was waiting beside the door.

"Ready?"

"Yeah," she nodded, walking with him to the usher.

"Hang on," she balked as he tried to steer her toward their theatre, "I want a drink."

He frowned as she got in line, "Those are ridiculously overpriced!"

She rolled her eyes, giving him a teasing look. He returned it, standing dutifully next to her as she waited in line. In her raincoat, no one gave her a second glance and it was really nice to feel just like a normal person.

"Ready now?" he smirked once she got her soda.

"Yes, thank you," she laughed along.

They had picked a serious drama, so their theatre ended up being nearly empty.

"Come on," he took her hand, leading her up the steps to the back row.

"Oh, you're a back row type, huh?"

"Strategic decision," he answered

"And how's that?" she smirked.

"This way I can see the entire room and we're close to the emergency exit," he nodded toward the door at the back.

"Oh," she nodded, hoping she didn't sound disappointed.

Settling down into the seat, Robin pulled a packet of chocolate mints out of his pocket.

"Where did you get those?" she asked around a mouthful of popcorn.

"News Stand while you were in the bathroom," he answered.

"Why? They sell candy at the concession!"

"Like I said about your soda. It's ridiculously overpriced," he said, popping a chocolate in his mouth.

"Oh like you can't afford it?" she teased.

"Not the point," Robin answered, "Even if I were a millionaire, I wouldn't pay four times the price for candy!"

She shook her head, smiling as the lights dipped and the previews started.

Robin sat mostly silently for the first half-hour of the film as she stared at the screen and sipped her soda.

"It's a little slow but the performances aren't bad," she whispered.

"Hm," Robin nodded quietly.

Over the next few minutes, she reached the bottom of her cup, a slurping sound echoing off the walls.

"Shh!" a loud hiss came from somewhere in the theatre.

"Geez, sorry," she whispered, setting her cup down. Glancing over, she studied Robin's profile in the low light. He looked really handsome and relaxed. Biting her lip, she nudged his arm gently with one knuckle.

Turning his head, he gave her a questioning look.

Nudging his arm the rest of the way off the armrest, she pushed it up so that she could scoot over next to him. Shifting, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders and allowed her to cuddle in. He didn't make any attempt to take things further, though, causing Regina to frown.

She knew it was immature, but she hadn't done this in a long time and wasn't really in the mood to be proper right now.

Grabbing his chin, she forced him to look at her and leaned up so to his lips. He let out a small surprised noise, by responded quickly, setting aside his box of chocolate and leaning in to slid his hand around her waist.

She teased his lips and tongue with her own, as he pulled her closer, their legs winding together, and she couldn't help the moan that escaped her throat, prompting Robin to kiss her harder to muffle the sound.

When they finally broke apart, she was gasping for breath, her lips swollen.

Leaning his head against hers, Robin whispered, "We can't right now, my love. There's too many people."

She sighed, but knew he was right. Sitting back over in her own seat, she picked up her soda cup to slurp some of the melted ice water and turned her attention back to the screen.

"Who's that?" she whispered to Robin, wrinkling her brow as she noticed that movie now seemed to be focused on an entirely different character than the one it began with.

"I didn't see, love, we were kissing," Robin whispered back.

"Hmm," she quirked her lips disappointedly, "Well now I have no idea what's going on!"

"SHHH!" this time a person in one of the lower rows turned around to glare at her.

Straightening up, Robin picked up her cup of popcorn from the cup holder, took her hand, and urged her to stand.

"What? What are you doing?"

"We're attracting attention, Regina," he pointed out, "Besides, you aren't really watching this."

"But we paid for our tickets!"

"Now who's cheap?" he teased.

Glancing around she noticed several other patrons had joined that one woman in glaring at her.

With a sigh, she finally agreed, "Fine!"

Dumping her soda and popcorn in a trashcan, Regina let Robin lead her out to the parking lot. It had stopped raining while they were inside but the skies were still dark and ominous.

Looking up at the sky, she sighed, "Alright so what now?"

"Well we should probably head back to the estate while there's a break in the rain," he said.

"Alright," she slid in the passenger's seat, "Though if you hadn't dragged me out of there we could spend some more time together!"

"I could say the same thing for if you'd been able to be quiet! How did you get through that premier last month?"

"Well, that's different! That's a major event with people watching your every move looking for something to judge," she rolled her eyes, "I don't see what the big deal was! The movie wasn't even that good!"

Robin laughed, starting up the car.

"Well, maybe I'm not the best at movie theatres. Daniel used to complain I talked too much also!"

He glanced over at her but didn't comment.

"People are too sensitive," she grumbled, "Isn't the purpose of going out to the movies to have fun, not sush people like an uptight librarian?"

"Whatever you say, love."

"Alright, fine," she gave in, "Changing the subject...do you have any plans for next weekend?"

"Yeah, I'll probably head home, catch up with Killian and the gang."

She smiled, "Tell them 'hi' for me."

Glancing over, he took her hand, "I wish you could come with me again."

"I wish I could too, but mother's very insistent that the entire family attend the events in the Federal District this year," she said ruefully, stroking his hand, "You realize, in a way, it'll our anniversary?"

"Yeah," he answered, squeezing her hand tighter, "I certainly would never forget that weekend."

She blushed under the heated look he gave her, "Well, maybe after we both get back to Unity City we can sneak away and do something special?"

"I'd like that," he said, giving her hand one last squeeze before starting up the car and turning toward home.

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

The week passed in record time and before he knew it, Robin found himself sitting on a train texting with Regina as the two travelled in opposite directions.

She updated him on arriving in Unity City and reuniting with her sister, and how the family was going out for an early dinner and then making preparations for the charity futbol game they'd be attending the next day.

As the train pulled into the station at Sherwood, he texted Regina his love and tired not to think about her cheering for James Spencer at the game.

When the train finally lurched to a stop, he shoved his phone into his pocket and stood to retrieve his duffle bag from the overhead bin.

On the escalator up, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.

Regina had sent a message in response to the news that he'd arrived, "Okay, have fun tonight. Text me tomorrow ;-)."

He smiled, sending back a response as he got off the escalator and looked around. The familiar muggy heat of a Sherwood summer making him feel at home.

In spite of himself, he couldn't help but remember being here last year with Regina. The same heat around them as she stood on the end of Donald's dock with the wind blowing her hair...flames lighting her face around the firepit...the late night moisture clinging to their skin as they made love…

Forcing himself not to wallow in missing her, he opened his Flyt app to order a ride. The train station was busy for the holiday weekend, and so were the Flyt drivers, so he had to wait a while. By the time he finally got one, the sun was starting to set.

Once inside, he texted Killian who told him that Tink was covering the Jolly Roger until 8 PM, so he should come directly to his apartment.

Climbing up to the second floor, Robin knocked on the door.

"It's open!" Killian hollered from inside.

Opening up the door, Robin stepped inside, setting his duffle down, "Killian?"

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute!" the other man yelled from the bedroom, "How are ya?"

"Oh, I'm alright," he answered.

Killian came out of the bedroom, pulling on a shirt. Looking up he met Robin's eyes, instantly fronwing, "Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me?"

He laughed, "Nice to see you too, mate!"

"You fucking did it, didn't ya?" the other man grumbled.

"Did what?"

"Went back to Regina again!" Killian said in exasperation, "Don't bother denying it, I can see it on your face! That stupid happy glow!"

"Gods, Killian!" Robin said, "I just walked in the door! What's your problem?"

"You're right, you're right," the bartender nodded, "Hello, mate, it's been a long time. I see you're, for some reason, still letting the Princess of Misthaven jerk you around?"

"What the fuck?!"

"What does she have a magic pussy? How did she make you forget your self-respect?"

"Alright, you need to shut it!" Robin told, "What do you care anyway?!"

"Well, a few weeks ago I get a morose phone call from you saying you broke up, then ever since then I've seen her in the tabloids running around with that rich prat, so imagine my surprise!" he said.

Robin sighed, "Okay, Killian, it's not what you think…"

"Oh aye? She's using you, mate! Can't you see that?"

"Look, this is really none of your business!"

Killian didn't listen, though, "Let me guess? She cries on your shoulder whenever her rich boyfriend works late or doesn't pay enough attention to her?"

"You don't know what you're talking about!"

"Or does she just have you run errands for her and reward you with the odd fuck?"

Robin's blood was boiling by now, "Killian, you need to shut the fuck up."

"Sure, sure," he shook his head, walking over to the kitchen, "Just don't expect sympathy from me when she finds a better offer again!"

"You know what?" Robin started, but stopped himself, not wanting to say something he'd regret. Instead, he simply clenched his fists, turned on his heel and left the apartment.

Rolling his eyes, Killian opened the fridge but before he had a chance to pick something to eat he heard a buzzing sound. He checked his phone but there were no incoming calls, so he followed the sound to the living room where Robin had, apparently, put down his phone on the side table when he came in and forgot it before storming out.

The name "Regina" flashed across the screen.

Letting out a disgusted sound, Killian swiped to decline and tossed it back down. It rang again, before he even made it back to the kitchen.

"Bloody hell!" he snatched up the phone and swiped to answer, "What?!"

"Killian?"

"Speak of the devil," he muttered.

"Killian is that you?" Regina repeated.

"Yeah," he said flatly.

"Is Robin with you?"

"No, he's out."

"Oh...well do you know when he'll be back?"

"What do you care? Is your boyfriend not around?" he sneered

"Excuse me? What are you talking about?"

"Whatever it is you want, ask Pretty Boy to get it for you! Let Robin actually have a vacation!" Killian snapped, hanging up the phone before she had a chance to respond.

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

In the Federal District, Regina stared at her phone. She'd been only slightly surprised that Killian answered Robin's phone, but the hostile response she'd gotten definitely was shocking.

"Regina?"

She glanced up, finding her mother standing in the doorway, "Are you ready to go to dinner?"

"Yeah," she nodded absently, tossing her phone in her purse and making a note to try calling Robin again later.

The drive to the restaurant was mostly silent and at the restaurant they were shown to a table immediately.

"This place is nice," Henry commented pleasantly.

"You'll love it, Daddy!" Zelena said, "They make tortillas in house and the albondigas are to die for!"

"Well that sounds wonderful," he smiled.

"Don't eat too heavily, Dear," Cora reminded her older daughter, "It's going to be hot tomorrow and you wouldn't want to get bloated."

"Mother!" Zelena complained.

Before a full on argument could break out, though, James showed up, "Hello everyone."

"Oh hello, James," Cora greeted.

"Hello," Henry echoed it.

Walking over to Regina, he kissed her on the cheek and sat down next to her.

"We were just talking about the game tomorrow," Regina said, trying to change the subject.

"Oh yeah, should be a great event," James said, "I managed to 65,000 gold coins in pledged donations for the Mills Foundation."

"Oh well, that's wonderful!" Cora said, "We're very lucky to have a fit young man like you who can participate in these kind of events."

"Yes," Henry agreed absently.

"Futbol was really never my game," Blake said from beside Zelena, "When I was growing up it was considered kind of a low class sport."

"Yes, well, that was a long time ago," Cora said, causing Blake to frown even more deeply.

Regina bit her lip to hold down a laugh. She couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her brother-in-law and how her mother was not-so-subtly comparing him to James, but also wasn't really doing himself any favors!

Clearing her throat, Zelena changed the subject, "So after the game, we're attending the fireworks outside the capitol building?"

"Yes, Dear," Cora said.

"I love Unity Day in FD!" she commented, "There really is no other place to truly spend the holiday!"

"I don't know, Darling," Henry said, "I remember when you were younger, you used to enjoy spending the holiday at the beach house."

"Oh yes," she said, smiling wistfully, "We haven't been there in ages."

"Yes," their father agreed, "When I was a child, the Mills family spent every Unity Day at the beach house. Even after my father took office, we still went every year!"

Their reminiscing was interrupted by the waiter arriving to take orders. As he did, James leaned over to whisper to Regina, "I don't see your bodyguard here."

Looking back at him, she answered, "Talking about that wasn't part of our deal, James."

Glancing away, he gave the waiter his order and handed over the menu, "I only bring it up because there's some friends of mine in town who I promised to meet at a club."

"Some friends?" she asked.

He simply nodded, but, seeing that she wasn't going to answer until he elaborated, said, "Some friends I met in Arendelle, from the fashion industry. They had a photoshoot in the Federal District and...I'd really like to make the acquaintance again."

"I see," she said, giving him sly look before turning to the waiter to give her order. After the waiter moved on, she picked up her water glass and took a prim sip.

"Oh come on, Regina, don't make me beg!"

She chuckled under her breath, "Alright, fine. We'll tell my parents we're going to the club and you can...catch up, with your friends."

"Thank you," he said, "What about you, though?"

"Well, to answer your question, Robin's off this weekend. However, I do have an old friend who lives in town."

"And he doesn't have plans for tonight?" James asked.

"She."

James eyebrows shot up, "Really?"

"Not like that!" she glared.

He chuckled behind his napkin, "Okay, okay! Sorry."

"A friend from college," Regina explained with an eye roll, "We haven't seen each other in a long time."

"Well thanks," James said, "I owe you one."

"You owe me a few by now," she reminded.

"And I intend to deliver on them," he assured her.

"Alright," she said, "Let's just get through dinner then we can ditch my parents."

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Killian stumbled up the steps to his apartment. It had been a long night at the bar and, after last call, he'd stuck around with Tink and John and a few other staff members tossing back a few.

After that he'd had to hang around until he felt steady enough to ride in a car, so by now the sun was almost peeking over the horizon as he was getting home.

His hand was predictably unsteady as he unlocked the door. Tossing them aside, he shuffled with heavy legs inside.

A startled sound from the couch, made him jump nearly out of his skin.

"Fuck!" he held his head, "Rob, you scared the shit out of me!"

"Sorry," Robin said, tiredly standing from the couch, "Are you just getting home?"

"Yeah, when did you?"

"A couple hours ago," the other man admitted.

Killian nodded, humming noncommittally. After a few awkward moments he sighed, "Listen, mate, I'm sorry."

Robin looked at him.

"I shouldn't have said what I did," he went on, "I just don't want to see you get hurt again."

"I told you it isn't like that between me and Regina," Robin said, "What we have is real. I love her, Killian."

Killian tried as hard as he could to hide the disappointed expression at hearing his best friend say that. He'd only ever heard Robin say that about one woman before, and, inspite of the other man's insistence, he couldn't help but feel dread at hearing him saying it about this one.

"Well that's…great," he finally said.

Robin crossed his arms, clearly not impressed, "And James Spencer isn't what you think."

He sighed.

"He and Regina are just a cover."

"What's that?"

"They aren't really a couple. It's just for the tabloids," Robin said.

"How's that work?"

"James and Regina pretend to be dating, he's free to play the field without the press getting wind, and Regina and I are free to spent time together."

"And that's it?"

"Yes," Robin said firmly.

Killian considered his answer very carefully before saying, "Alright. Well...I owe Regina an apology, and um...if you're happy, I promise you won't hear another word from me about it."

"I am," Robin assured him, "But thank you."

"Alright," Killian nodded, "Sorry to cut this short, but I think I'll go pass out now."

The other man chuckled, "Yeah, that sounds pretty good to me too."

With that the two parted, quietly heading for the couch and bedroom respectively.

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

Later that same day, Regina, after sitting four hours in a bright, loud stadium pretending, for the sake of all the cameras present, that she wasn't hungover, finally made it back to Zelena's house.

In the living room, she could hear her parents discussing the night's plans with Blake but she let it fade into the background as she shuffled toward the guest room, shut the door behind her, and collapsed face first into bed.

Closing her eyes, she let the darkness soothe the throbbing ache behind her eyes that she'd been dealing with every since she woke up.

Using her feet to push herself over onto her back, she stared up at the ceiling.

Last night had been a very late night. After dinner, she and James went out to the club and brazenly waltzed in for anyone who card to take note.

Once inside, however, James bought her a drink and then retreated to a private VIP room upstairs. He offered to let her in, but she very firmly refused.

In the crowd she'd managed to blend in without being noticed until company showed up.

She smiled lightly at remembering seeing Cruella again.

Other than maybe Lily, Cruella was one of the few real friends Regina had. The two met at university before Cruella married her now ex-husband and moved to the Federal District.

Predictably, though, marriage and the straight laced environment of the nation's capitol hadn't mellowed Cruella's brazen and eccentric tendencies.

She spent most of the night unabashedly telling Regina about how much she was enjoying her new life as a wealthy widow, and, in a moment of tipsiness, Regina had even let slip the situation with James, though she had the presence of mind not to mention Robin.

Cruella, of course, loved it and had made it her mission to find Regina a 'conquest' for the night. Luckily, however, she'd been nearly falling down drunk by the end of the evening so the managed to beg out of that one.

Letting the memories of the previous night fade, she forced herself to get up and shuffle down the hall to the bathroom.

Stripping off, she climbed into the shower and let herself stand under the spray.

Eyes sliding closed, she let the water wash away the aches and sweatiness of the day.

Once she finally felt clean and somewhat refreshed, she shut off the water, wrapped up in a towel, and dried her hair.

Shutting off the hair dryer, she wiped down the mirror and hurried back to the guest room.

Putting on a light pair of pajamas, she checked the time. It was about 5 o'clock.

Grabbing her phone, she got into bed and brought up Robin's number.

He answered on the second ring over the sound of some sporting event, "Hello?"

"Hey there," she joked, "Good to finally hear your voice."

"Hey," he answered, "How are you?"

"Oh, alright," she sighed.

"Is that Regina?" Killian asked loudly.

"Yeah," Robin muttered.

"Sorry about yesterday, love!" the bartender shouted, "I plead insanity!"

"Yeah, yeah," Robin brushed him off, "Killian says he's sorry about what he said."

"Yeah…" Regina recalled that odd one-sided conversation, "...I take it you told him about James?"

"I kind of had to. He had the wrong idea," Robin admitted.

"It's alright," she answered, "I understand what he was trying to do."

"Regina says she forgives you," he said faintly, prompting Killian to shout thanks at him.

"So what's up?" Robin turned his attention back to her, "Are you alright?"

"Oh yes," she said, "A little hungover but fine."

"Oh, I'm sorry," he said.

"It's alright, I just wanted to talk to you a little before I have to go to these events tonight," she said.

He smiled, "I'm glad you called."

"Oooh!" Killian taunted in an obnoxious falsetto. Glaring, Robin waved him off, standing from the couch and making his way to the bathroom. An odd choice, maybe, but it was the only place to find privacy in Killian's small apartment.

Kicking the toilet lid closed, he settled down to focus on Regina, "Alright sorry. So how was the futbol game?"

"Oh fine, the crowd loved James."

"Hm," he nodded, hoping he didn't sound jealous.

"But I wished you were there," she said again.

"Well you know I really wish you were here too," Robin answered.

"Yeah," she sighed, "I remember Sherwood last year. The woods, the lake. It was beautiful."

Hearing her speak so admiringly about there place where he grew up made Robin's heart swell.

"I'll bring you back some time," he breathed, not quite keeping the heat out of his voice.

"Yeah?" she asked.

"Yeah," he declared, "Our next anniversary."

At the reminder that this weekend marked a year since they first got together, Regina sighed heavily, "This sucks."

"I know, love," he assured her, "But it's only a few more days."

"I know," she whined, "But I still have to get through this weekend!"

He chuckled. She was obviously exaggerating to flirtatious and he found it incredibly heartwarming. His thoughts turning naughty, he shifted the phone on his ear and said, "Well you know, I could give you a tip."

"Hm?"

"Something I discovered all those lonely nights down in the staff dormitories missing you," he said.

Her breath catching at his gravelly tone of voice, she sat back, "Okay, tell me about it."

Holding the phone with his shoulder, he moved his hands down to the button on his jeans, "Why don't I tell you and you do what I say?"

"Okay," she breathed.

"Where are you?"

"I'm in bed," she answered shamelessly.

"Good," he said, unzipping his jeans and reaching inside to grasp himself. He was already half hard at imagining her doing the same on the other end of the phone, "Put your hand on your belly."

"Okay."

"And move it down slowly," he instructed.

"Mmm" she moaned as she slid her hand into her pajamas and slowly began touching herself, "So, Locksley, tell me more about these lonely nights?"

"Well," he answered, stroking himself slowly, "Every time I closed my eyes I'd be imagining kissing you, having your arms around me."

She sighed happily.

"And I think about how much I wanted to strip every inch of your beautiful body and show you how sexy you are."

"Robin-" she moaned softly as her fingers found her clit.

Before he could answer, though, the door clattered open loudly causing her to jump, the phone flying out of her hand and she scrambled to move both to an appropriate location.

Luckily for her, Zelena didn't even glance at her as she announced, "I'm borrowing your earrings for tonight!"

As her sister rummaged through her suitcase, Regina grabbed her phone to shove under the covers and stared at the other woman incredulously.

"Excuse me!" she finally said.

"What?" Zelena finally looked over at her.

"Um…want to try knocking?"

Zelena laughed, "Gods, what's got you so wound up?"

"The fact that this is my room?" Regina repeated.

The redhead rolled her eyes, turning back to the suitcase, "I just want to borrow a pair of earrings! What are you doing in bed anyway? We have to leave for the fireworks soon!"

"I just wanted a quick nap after the game," Regina sighed.

"Whatever," Zelena said, having found the earrings she was looking for, "Just try not to make us late!"

Glaring at the door as her sister closed it behind her, she picked up the phone, "Robin, you still there?"

"Yeah," he said.

"I take it you heard some of that?"

"I did."

She sighed heavily, leaning back into the headboard, "Well...that pretty much killed the mood."

Hanging his head, Robin sat up and buttoned his trousers, "Yeah, I suppose it did."

"I'm sorry, Robin," she said, "We're going out soon anyway."

"Right."

"I'll see you soon," she assured him, "I love you.

"I love you too," he answered, hanging up the phone with a smile. With Regina gone, he set the phone down and turned his attention to the pressing problem in his pants. He contemplated taking care of it himself, but it just wasn't the same as it had been with Regina on the phone.

With a sigh, he zipped back up and gave himself some time to calm down before going back out to the living room.

As he walked back out Killian was just switching off the TV. Glancing over his shoulder, he grinned widely at Robin, "You were in there a while...what were you doing?"

"Oh fuck off!" Robin answered, prompting the other man to laugh loudly.

"Well anyhow, I was just about to head out to the Roger. Don't suppose you'd want to come? Pick up a shift? The holiday is always busy and I have some extra I can pay you."

"Sure, why not?" Robin shrugged. With Regina at this fireworks event, he didn't have anything better to do.

"Great!" Killian said as he got up from the couch. After a quick pause while Killian changed his shirt, the two men got into the bartender's beat up old car and were driving down the road to the Jolly Roger.

Even though it was barely sunset, the gravel parking lot was full of cars and the inside was packed.

Inside the two shoved their way to the bar.

"I'll mix, if you don't mind working the tap," Killian said.

"Right," Robin agreed, taking his place at the end of the bar near the taps.

"Hey," Tink came up to the bar, leaning over to give him a hug, "What you doing here?"

"Brought in ringer to help you two out tonight!" Killian called as Marian walked up with an empty tray.

"I see," Tink said, "Well I need four porters and an IPA."

"Coming right up," Robin nodded as he grabbed some clean glasses from under the bar.

As he poured Tink moved down the line to give Killian her cocktail orders.

After loading up Tink's tray, he turned to Marian, "How about you?"

"Two IPAs, please," she said.

"No problem."

Leaning over the bar she asked, "So what are you doing back here? I thought things were going well at your security job in U-City?"

"Oh they are," Robin said, "Just helping Killian out."

"Oh," she said, smile faltering a little, "Didn't bring Miss Mills this year, I see?"

"She went to the Federal District with her family," Robin said.

"Ah," Marian nodded, "Well I suppose that makes sense. That is their kind of thing, I suppose?"

"Yeah," he acknowledged, "I suppose it is."

"Well we all miss you here," she reached across the bar, gripping his arm reassuringly "Sherwood just isn't the same without you."

"Oh, well, thank you. That's very nice of you," he answered, setting the beers on her tray.

With a smile, she picked it up and made her way over to the table that was waiting for their drinks.

From the other end of the bar, Killian had been listening to the conversation in between mixed drinks. He wasn't certain what he'd seen would end up going anywhere but, if it were to...well maybe that wouldn't be a terrible thing.