Author's Notes:
Special Thanks to my illustrator and contributing author ale_nena for the constant support and the gorgeous, gorgeous 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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They arrived Sherwood around 5 PM. After their interlude at the side of the road they stopped at a gas station fill up the car and make a few phone calls.
Luckily, Robin seemed to have plans in motion because Regina found herself zoning out at the surrealism of the entire day.
She jerked alert when the glowing sign on top of the Jolly Roger came into view through the trees.
"What are we doing here?"
"I just wanted to stop in to have pick up something and have a word with Killian," Robin answered, reaching over and squeezing her hand. It helped.
He turned into the gravel parking lot and took a space near the door.
The bar's front door was closed, but they could see Killian through the window. Robin rapped sharply against it.
"We open at 6!" Killian yelled, looking over the papers he had laid out on the bar.
"Killian!" Robin called, "Open the door!"
Killian looked up, blinked at them in surprise, and hurried over to let them in, "Rob, fuck mate, what are you two doing here?"
"Well we're in kind of a situation," Robin answered.
"What kind of situation?"
"Oh by the Gods!" Tink's voice interrupted them as she walked out from the back carrying a tray full of clean glasses. Quickly, shoving it onto the bar, she raced to the other side, "I saw The Mirror are you two alright?"
"Yes, Tink," Robin told her as she gave both of them a hug, "We're fine. Hook, mate, I just need to get something out of my things."
"What?" Regina asked.
"Killian let me store somethings in his shed out back. I put them in there when I was doing time and then just left them there when I moved to Unity City," he explained.
"Oh, okay. What do you need?"
"It'll just be a minute," he said, patting her arm reassuringly and leading Killian towards the back door.
Left alone together, Tink pulled over a two bar stools and motioned for Regina to sit down, "Talk to me. Are you really alright?"
"I don't know," Regina admitted, "I hope we are. We're...I hope we are."
"Well I wouldn't worry about this. You know how the news cycle is! In a week it'll be old news!"
She smiled sadly, "I wish that were true."
"What do you mean?"
Glancing at her, Regina slid off the stool, "I should really go find Robin."
Her heels wobbled as she walked from the back door to the shed, the breeze chilling her as she'd forgotten to grab a coat before they ran away from the estate.
"Have you lost your bloody mind?!" Killian's voice echoed from inside the shed.
"Killian, I don't what to hear it!" Robin answered, "I wouldn't ask you for this but there's really no one else we can ask right now."
"Robin, I know this is a tough situation but-" Killian cut himself off as Regina reached the door. Glancing at her, Killian ran a hand over his beard, excusing himself in a muttered voice.
Stepping in out of the wind, Regina looked around. The shed was filled with several boxes, old bar stools, kegs, and several other items including a classic convertible.
"Wow, Killian has a nice car," she observed.
"It was my dad's," Robin told her.
"What?" she looked up at him, "You mean this is yours? Why didn't you tell me you had a car?"
"It doesn't run," he said, "The engine is shot but I kept it because my dad loved it. I'd hoped some day to fix it up."
She let out a breath. There was still so much they didn't know about each other. The way their relationship had been it might have been unavoidable, but, even so, maybe Killian was right. Maybe this was crazy.
"Robin," she said, "You don't have to do this."
Looking at her, he asked, "Do you not want to do this?"
"It's not that it's just...I know this is asking you a lot. We'd be going right from only sorta dating to married. I understand if it's too much-"
"Are you having second thoughts, Regina?" he pressed, "If you are I understand-"
"No!" she said, "I'm not. I just don't want you to feel like you have to do this."
"Neither do you!" he said.
"Robin, I love you."
"I love you too," he told her stepping forward to hug her tightly, "I want to marry you and if this is how it happens, this is how it happens."
Stepping back he reached into his pocket and pulled out a faded velvet box, "This is what I stopped for."
He opened the lid, revealing modest sized diamond solitaire, "I know it's not much, but...it's been in my family for years. They gave it back to me after my mother died and I wanted you to have it."
Her eyes welled at the emotion of the gesture, "I love it."
With a smile, he took out the ring and slid it onto her finger. It was a little tight, but able to slide all the way down her finger.
Taking his face between her hands, she leaned over and kissed him deeply, "I don't want to be apart from you."
"Okay then," he nodded, taking her hand and leading her out of the shed. They shut the door behind them and walked back into the Jolly Roger.
Inside, Tink and Killian were whispering about something and quickly quited as they entered.
"Are you two serious?" Tink immediately asked, "You're going to get married?"
Robin sighed, "Tink I know this is unexpected but this is my decision!"
"What are you talking about?" she asked, "Robin, if you're getting married of course I'm happy for you!"
Rushing forward, she grabbed him squeezed him with surprising strength.
"When are you doing this?" she asked.
"Right now," he answered.
"Right now? What do you mean? City Hall is closed."
"I was thinking Grenway," Robin answered.
"Oh! Yes, smart!" Tink agreed.
"Grenway?" Regina asked.
"Resort town east of here," Robin told him, "They have casinos and wedding chapels with no waiting period."
"Oh," she answered.
"I know it's not ideal-"
"No, it's perfect," Regina answered, "We don't have time wait around."
"Okay," he let go of her hand and walked over to Killian, "I know you aren't thrilled about this, but I don't have anyone else to ask stand with me."
Killian sighed, "Of course, I will bruv. We're family."
Robin smiled as the two men quickly hugged.
"As sweet as that was, I'm insulted!" Tink jumped in, "You have more than just the pirate here!"
"Hey!" Killian protested.
"And if you think I'm not coming with you, you're crazy!"
"Are you sure, Tink?"
"Yes!" she insisted, "I just need to text John. We have to stop by my place anyway but he's at work until 7."
"What do you mean stop by your place?"
"I just need to get some things."
"Tink we're going now," Robin told her.
"Killian and I will take his truck," she insisted, "don't worry we'll meet you guys there!"
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It took them an hour and a half to drive from Sherwood to Grenway, and find a Wedding Chapel that was open late.
It was, predictably, a fairly tacky white building that was over-decorated inside and out with doves and hearts and roses.
After speaking to the manager to select and pay for license and ceremony, they texted Killian and Tink, who said they were ten minutes out.
Sitting together on the lobby bench silently, Robin reached over and grabbed her hand. Bringing it to his lips, he gave her a quick kiss.
She smiled, grateful for the comforting gesture.
"We're here!" Tink announced as she and Killian burst through the doors.
Robin and Regina stood.
"So," Killian clapped his hands together, "Are we having a wedding?"
"Yes," Robin answered, "They're just setting up."
"How much time do we have?" Tink asked.
"They said about half an hour."
"Let's go then!" she said, grabbing Regina's arm and steering her toward the ladies room.
Shoving her inside, Tink set down the large makeup case that Regina hadn't noticed she'd been carrying.
"I brought as much stuff as I could," the small blonde said, "I couldn't let you get married without a little bit of glam."
Studying Regina's face, she said, "Your makeup looks fabulous as usual, so I think maybe I should just take it up to an evening look?"
"Tink this really isn't necessary-"
"Don't be absurd! This is your wedding, you deserve to look good. I'd have brought you a white dress even," Think rambled as she took out an eye shadow palette, "but I'd don't think you'd fit into my clothes."
"I did make Killian bring something for Robin, though. Can have the groom wearing that jogging suit!"
As Tink began brushing makeup onto her face, Regina sighed, "You think we're making a mistake, don't you?"
The smaller woman stopped, "Do you think you're making a mistake?"
"I...I know it's crazy to do this so suddenly-"
"But do you think it's a mistake?" Tink repeated.
Regina shook her head helplessly.
"Do you love Robin?"
"Yes," Regina said.
"Do you want to marry him?"
"Yes," the words left her mouth before she even thought about them, and they surprised even her. She'd said yes when he proposed, but ever since then, during the long drive to Sherwood, all she'd been able to think about was how impulsive and crazy this was going to look As she answered, the question, though she realized that yes, she did want to marry Robin.
Letting her mind drift she imaged what it'd be like...not having to hide, not having to apologize, knowing that he was her husband, he was hers.
"Yes, I do," she said resolutely.
"Alright then," Tink grinned, "Then let's hurry up and get you out there!"
She barely felt it as Tink finished her makeup and declared her ready.
Killian met them in the lobby, "Ready?"
She nodded, stopping for a moment, "Killian, I know you aren't really happy about this-
He stiffened, before looking her in the eye and saying, "Just don't hurt him."
She bit her lip, not sure how to answer that. She'd never hurt Robin herself, but if this plan went wrong...
"That's the last thing I want," she finally answered.
He nodded, falling into step next to her and as she walked into the chapel. They were doing a civil ceremony, since manager said finding a priest at short notice wouldn't be possible. That suited Regina, though.
As she caught sight of Robin at the altar, though, thoughts of religious versus civil ceremonies fled her mind.
She barely even felt her legs as they carried her won the aisle.
He had changed into a dark suit that was quite obviously Killian's style.
With a smile, he took her hands and held them. As the manager started the ceremony, Regina could barely hear his words. It was only the warmth of Robin's hands that kept her grounded.
She must have repeated the vows, though she couldn't remember doing so.
Before she knew it, however, Robin was sliding a gold-painted wedding band onto her finger and she was sliding one onto his.
The chapel manager's voice suddenly cut through her consciousness like a knife, "By the authority granted to me by the province of Grenway, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
The room seemed to go eerily silent, although it probably only lasted a second.
Regina leaned in as he pulled her close and kissed her. She revealed in the kiss, not wanting it to end knowing what they'd have to face next.
She felt in a fog as they finally broke apart, keeping a hold of Robin's hand as he led her out of the chapel.
He said a few things to the manager before they left, but she wasn't paying attention to what.
Out in the parking lot it had gotten very dark and cold.
She hadn't remembered to grab her coat before running away from the estate that morning, so she shivered against the cold.
"So...are you coming back to Sherwood?" Killian asked.
"No," Regina shook her head, "We'll probably stay here tonight and then we'll have to go back to Unity City tomorrow."
As she said it out-loud, she shuddered harder.
"Alright then," Killian said, stepping forward to give Robin a hug.
Tink did the same, squeezing her reassuringly.
"Let me know when you make it back," the bartender said.
Robin nodded, taking Regina's hand. They walked together to Regina's car and got inside.
"So...what now?"
"Find us a hotel," she said quietly.
Nodding wordlessly, he started up the car and pulled out of the parking long.
Regina stared out the window at the passing lights until turned into the parking lot of a moderately priced chain hotel.
They walked together into the lobby and asked for a room, Regina handed over her credit card wordlessly.
The clerk swiped it and then handed it back to her, "Alright, you're all set. We have a basic breakfast from 6:30 to 10."
"Thank you," Robin said, taking the key cards from him.
He took Regina's hand, leading her over to the elevator and around to their room.
Inside, they were left in silence as he set down the cards.
"It looks like they have some recommendations for delivery," he said, picking up a laminated card on the dresser, "Did you want to order something to eat?"
She shook her head, "No, I'm not hungry."
"Okay," he nodded, "Well, I'm going to take a quick shower."
"Okay,"
As he shut the bathroom door behind him, Regina walked over to the window and drew the curtains closed all but a little bit. The streets below were lit up by lights from cars, casinos, nightclubs, and wedding chapels.
She didn't know how she stood staring out it, but was startled out of her reverie when Robin put a hand on her shoulder.
Turning, she was surprised to find that he was wearing a thick bathroom and his hair was wet.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she said, "Are you done in the shower?"
"Yes."
Nodding, she immediately made a beeline for the bathroom.
Inside, she looked into the mirror for a few moments and then quickly looked away. Drawing herself up she started the shower, waited for it to warm up, and then shed her clothes and got inside.
She stood under the spray until it went cold and she started shivering.
Turning the water off, she toweled off and wrapped up in the other bathrobe.
Stepping out of the bathroom, she found Robin sitting on the side of the bed.
Padding over, she sunk down next to him.
Silently he reached over into her lap and took her hand between his.
She stared at their joined hands, focusing on the lion tattoo on his wrist.
"Regina," he called her attention.
She looked up into his eyes.
"Do you regret this?"
"No," she shook her head, "...I'm afraid it'll all be taken away."
"I won't let that happen!" he said insistently, "I'll take care of you. I promise."
She smiled sadly at him. She could tell he meant it, and wished it were that simple.
Lifting her hand, she cupped his cheek.
He turned his head to kiss her palm, meeting her eyes.
She leaned over kissing him deeply. He kissed back. Closing her eyes, she sunk into a warm haze.
When they finally broke apart, he held her face.
She sighed, "It's been quite a day."
Robin laughed, "That it has."
Studying her, he said, "Are you tired?"
"Incredibly," she answered honestly.
"Did you want to just go to bed?"
"We have to," she answered, "We still need to consummate your marriage."
"We don't have to," he told her, "If you aren't in the mood-"
"Yes we do" she interrupted, "The law is archaic and even a bit sexist, but it'll work in our favor in this case. A marriage that was consummated can't be easily annulled."
He hesitated, "We don't absolutely have to, though. We have had sex. That's the truth. It's not like anyone's going to know for certain we didn't tonight."
She shook her head, "No, I want to. I want to forget...not think about this for a while."
"Are you-"
She cut off what he was about to say with another kiss, lifting herself up into this lap. Holding his face in her hands, she leaned her forehead against his.
Sliding her hands down his neck she pushed the thick fluffy robe open, feeling his hands moving to the belt on hers too.
She leaned back briefly, shrugging her shoulders to let it fall to the floor. Pressing her hands against his chest, Regina urged him to lay back.
They fell back against the bed, Robin wrapping his arms around her back and flipping them over so that he was lying above her.
Shifting, he tossed his robe onto the floor with hers.
Completely nude, they paused as they caught each other's eyes.
"I love you," Regina whispered.
"I love you too," he said.
They slowly came together, Regina clinging tightly. She wanted to get as much feeling of him as she could, as if she could imprint the feeling of them into her skin to make sure no one could take it away from her.
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Robin woke up slowly the next morning to a single ray of sunlight streaming through a gap in the curtains. Blinking he, slowly recalled the previous day.
He was in a hotel room in Grenway. He and Regina had gotten married the previous day.
Rolling over, he found himself staring into an empty space on the other side of the bed.
Sitting up in alarm, he looked around. The clothes they'd worn the previous day had been hung on the bathroom door...both sets were gone.
Letting the sheet fall to his waist, he took a breath, suddenly feeling cold. Had she left?
Before he could think further on the question though the door suddenly swung open noisily and Regina stepped inside.
She was dressed in jeans and a simple sweater...not the outfit she'd been wearing the day before.
Turning he saw that was holding a shopping bag, a pink box, and two cups of coffee.
Letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, their eyes met.
"Hi," she said, "You're awake."
"You got up early?" he asked.
"Yeah," she moved to the table to set down what she was carrying, "I figured we could use some breakfast and clean clothes for today."
Pushing back the covers he picked up one of the bathrobe's they'd tossed aside the night before and wrapped up in it.
After she finished putting out the coffees and opening the pink box to reveal custard doughnuts, out she turned to look at him, "Are you okay?"
He nodded, but admitted, "I thought you'd gone."
"Gone?" she asked.
He nodded again as he sat down.
Catching what he meant, she sat down beside him, "No, I just went to do some shopping before we have to face what comes next! Why would you think that?"
Looking at her he said, "I didn't really, I just…"
Nodding, she took his hand, "I understand."
He sighed, "So how bad is this going to be?"
"Well, I used my credit card last night. If the charge has posted I'm sure my parents know where we are now, or will soon," she said, "And then...we'll have to see."
He stroked his thumb over her hand reassuringly.
"You still want all this?" she asked.
To answered he leaned over to collect a dollop of cream from off the top of one of the doughnuts and dab it on her nose.
Her lips dropped open as she remembered the first time he'd done that to her, one town over in Sherwood when they first got together...when he'd already loved her and if she'd been able to be honest she'd loved him too.
Biting her lips, she leaned over and kissed him hard.
The kiss lasted a moment before they finally pulled apart. Laughing, she instructed, "Alright well hurry up and eat before we have to get going."
With a smile he picked up one of the doughnuts and began sipping his coffee.
They ate a leisurely breakfast and then took turns showering. Robin considered asking if she wanted to together, but he could tell Regina was already getting tense and, truth be told, he wasn't really in the mood for anything romantic either...and they probably wouldn't have time anyway.
After he finished showering he changed into the clothes Regina bought him, a simple t-shirt and jogging pants.
He cleaned up the remains of their breakfast while Regina showered and dried her hair.
Sitting on the bed to wait for her, he rubbed his hands against his pants to wipe away the sweat that was beginning to form on his palms.
They'd both left their phones at the estate the day before, partially because they rushed out and partially for practical reasons, but now he wished he had his...just to get some idea of what the reaction from the Mills' world had been.
Regina had seemed pretty convinced that their reaction would be catastrophic.
Even after having worked for them over a year, though, he had a hard time imagining family totally cutting off their child simply for getting married.
Of course, he didn't really know. The Mills had moguls and heiresses and Presidents in their recent lineage.
It was a world so far from that of a kid from Sherwood who grew up in a rental house that his father spent weeks out of the year on the road to keep over their head and his mother gave music lessons out of.
Standing he moved over to look out the window. Would Regina be happy with that kind of life? Before leaving the Jolly Roger he'd asked Tink if she could get John to ask around for rentals in Sherwood that were available right away.
He had quite a bit of money from his time with the Mills saved up, so he could get them into one right away if the worst really did happen to Regina.
Getting a job would be a bigger issue. He was determined to find a way, though. Find a way to at least give Regina a home.
She'd come a long way since they first met, but she did still very much live in a bubble of wealth. If her parents cut her off, it'd no doubt be a shock for her...but he loved her and he would take care of her, even if he'd never be able to give her everything she was used to.
He was brought out of his musings when Regina emerged from the bathroom, dressed again in her new outfit.
They packed their dirty clothes into the shopping bags Regina brought from the store. Once everything was gathered up they both took a stabilizing breath, nodded in agreement, and went out to ride the elevator downstairs.
The lobby was deserted other that one person behind the front desk, and they managed to check out without incident.
The clerk had just handed Regina her receipt, though, when the main doors opened behind them and Drake, along with Lot and Razoul and two Grenway police officers walked in.
The clerk's eyes widened in alarm, but she said nothing.
Pinning both of them with his eyes, Drake walked right over. He stared through Robin for a moment before turning his attention to Regina and saying, "Ms. Mills your parents would like the two of you to come with us."
Regina simply nodded wordlessly.
As the security team flanked them, Robin and Regina met each other's eyes one last time as they were lead out and to separate cars.
Somehow both knowing they were saying the same thing to each other...here we go.