Seriously, what the heck Adam and Eddy! Viva OutlawQueen in fanfic!
Updating this chapteras it was the wee hours in the morning when I finished and posted it. I reread through it and found some errors, so here are corrections.
The slow approaching steps into the kitchen pricked the hairs on the back of her neck. She busied around the kitchen making note of items they were running low on. She pretended not to hear the swinging door to the kitchen open and one of the bar stools being pulled out ever so quietly. She made her way over to the snacks cabinet and pulled it open. She hummed lightly to herself until finally the owner of the footsteps cleared his throat.
"Oh, hi dear, I didn't notice you." The young pre – teen rolled his eyes.
"Oh come on mom, you've got the ears of a dog."
"Did you just call me a dog?"
"Uh, no I would never do such a thing."
"Pretty sure you just called me a dog. Whatever it is you're planning, the answer is no."
"Come on! You haven't even heard me out!" Regina shut the cabinet and walked over to the side of the high top table with the sink and leaned forward on her elbows, resting her head in her hands.
"Alright, talk."
"Okay, well I was thinking maybe you and Robin would like a night out or in, without us kids."
"Uh huh, you thought of that all by yourself?" Henry shook his head.
"You're not a dog, you know how to speak in English. I can't hear your head rattling."
"Yes, I thought of this all by myself." Regina pursed her lips; she didn't quite believe what her son was telling her.
"Okay, since you thought of this all by yourself, have you found yourself a babysitter already?"
"Maybe."
"Uh huh, and who did you find?"
"Maybe if we give Emma a call she would love to take us to the movies."
"The movies? To see what?"
"Zootopia!"
"Zootopia? What's that about?"
"In a city of anthropomorphic animals a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy," responded Henry.
"Is that appropriate for Roland to see?"
"Yep! It's a cartoon." Regina narrowed her eyes at Henry, considering her son for a moment. Henry sucked in a hard breath. She knew he was planning something, but she wasn't quite sure how she could possibly bust him.
"You want to see a cartoon movie? With Roland?" Henry nodded his head. "Why do I get the feeling you're not being completely honest with me?" Henry leaned forward on the counter top to stare into his mother's eyes.
"Come on mom! We just wanna go to the movies without parents around. Maybe we want the large soda, the popcorn and the candy." Regina smirked, quirked up an eyebrow. His negotiation skills were approaching Regina level. She had to resist the big smile that threatened to spread across her face.
"Oh, so if I let you go with Emma she buys all these things for you? Even though she knows she's not supposed to?"
"What she does with her money is none of my concern. If she wants to buy us all that junkfood, who are we to say no?" Regina had to laugh at that one. She leaned back and threw her hands up in defeat.
"Alright, alright, let me talk to Robin and see if this works for him."
"Why wouldn't it? We weren't going to do anything fun tonight anyways."
"Having dinner with us and playing board games is fun!"
"Seriously mom? Maybe when I was five – so there's still some hope for Roland to think that's fun, but once we go to the movies, he's under my power! Ha ha ha ha!" Henry let out an evil laugh that caused Regina to chuckle more at her son's antics. She shook her head and pulled the kitchen phone off the wall so she could call Robin to see if he wouldn't mind the change in plans. After a few moments she hung up the receiver and approached Henry.
"Alright, he thinks that's something we can work out. Now, let me call Emma and sort out the particulars." Henry hopped off the bar stool and sprinted towards the wall phone, slapping his hand over it, preventing his mother from picking the phone back up.
"Henry! What has gotten into you?!" Regina admonished the pre – teen.
"Oh, uh, sorry. I just uh, wanted to show you how responsible I was. Let me call Emma for you and tell her you said it was okay. I mean, I did already talk to her about all of this." Regina reluctantly dropped her hand from the phone and nodded her head, indicating it was alright for Henry to call Emma. Regina took a few steps back and watched as her son picked up the phone and dialed the blonde woman's number.
"Heeey Emma," Henry dragged out her name.
There was silence on the line.
"I talked to mom, she said it was okay for you to take us to the movies tonight."
Henry nodded his head up and down, hmmming a few times.
"Yeah, maybe we should go see the 6:30 show so we don't have Roland out too late."
Henry chuckled a little bit.
"Don't worry about that Emma, I'm sure Robin can drop us off since you're not sure you can pick us up and get us to the movies on time. We'll meet you there! Can't wait!" And with that he hung up the phone. He turned to see his mother staring at him.
"She didn't want to talk to me?"
"Um, nope, didn't mention it at all. Robin should be able to drop us off, right? Wouldn't want to drag you out of the house."
"I'm sure if you ask him nicely. Are you going to eat here with us at least?"
"You know, I think it'll be cutting it really close to the movie start time by the time you finish cooking seeing as you haven't started on dinner yet. I'm sure Emma wouldn't mind taking us to Granny's afterwards."
"Alright, I suppose this is okay."
"Can we have some extra money?"
"Yeah, let me grab my purse." Henry gave his mother a big hug to show his gratitude before bounding out towards the den where Roland was playing.
"Did it work Henry?"
"Shhh! Not so loud! Yes, mom's gonna give us some money and your dad's gonna drop us off."
"Yay! We get to see Captain America!"
"But remember, mom thinks we're going to see Zootopia."
"She does?"
"Yeah, you're not old enough to see Captain America."
"But why are we going to see it?"
"Well, I want to see it but I don't think mom will let me. But she'll let you see Zootopia. Especially if Emma takes us."
"Emma's going too?" Henry sighed and rubbed his hand down his face. Sometimes Roland was smart. Now was not one of those times. Henry worked real hard to put Operation America Fake Out into play and Roland could possibly be his undoing.
It was around five thirty in the evening when Robin came strolling through the door. He took off his boots at the front door and tossed them in the closet. He took off his shirt and vest underneath so all he wore was his undershirt and workpants. He could hear soft sounds of the television coming from the den area and a clash of legos echoing through the hall. Robin climbed the steps of the foyer and poked his head around the corner.
"Hey boys," he called out to Henry and Roland. Roland looked up from his seated position on the floor and grinned, showing those dimples Regina loved so much. She loved them so much so she would wonder late at night when she couldn't sleep if their child would have those same dimples. Robin would scoff, telling her he hoped not because it would make fighting off the boys all the more difficult. She'd chuckle and ask him what made him so sure their baby was a girl and that maybe she would have to fight off all the girls for their son, which she was pretty sure she was going to have to do for Roland in any case.
Roland popped off the floor and ran to his father, hugging him close around his legs for that was as high as the boy could reach.
"Daddy! You're home! Are you ready to take us to the movies?" Roland asked as he pulled back a little to look at his father in the eye. Robin reached down and ruffled the curly – topped five year old.
"Well, I think Regina said your movie doesn't start until six thirty, so let me get settled a little bit, go say hi to Regina and change out of my work clothes, hmm? I'll make sure to get you there on time." Roland let go of his father's legs and dropped his head, mumbling.
"But, Regina's not here," he whined. Robin looked around den area and listening out for any telltale signs of his wife and found he hadn't heard her bustling around like she usually does when he enters the house after work.
"Ahhh, I see. Where has she gone off too?"
"She went grocery shopping. Said we were out of some stuff," Henry volunteered from his seat on the sofa, entranced in the video game he was playing.
"We're out of some stuff? Is that what she said?" Robin asked as he approached the back of the sofa. Henry nodded his head.
"Yep, something about needing more chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce and since she needed to replenish that she might as well get the grocery shopping done now instead of waiting until Sunday," Henry prattled on.
"Oh, I see. And she didn't take you boys with her?"
"No, she wasn't sure how long she'd be at the store. She didn't want us to miss our movie. She said we could wait here for you and you could take us to the movies if she couldn't make it back here in time."
"Well what are we supposed to do about getting you dinner?" Robin was used to their Friday night routine. As soon as he would walk in the door he would find the boys setting up board games and the sounds of Regina bustling around the kitchen, usually putting the finishing touches on dinner. Tonight, however, the sounds from the kitchen were missing and it was approaching dinnertime. Robin's cooking skills were nowhere near on par with Regina's, but he supposed he could prepare them sandwiches and chips.
"Don't worry about it, we're gonna grab some snacks at the movies and go to Granny's afterwards." Robin folded his arms across his chest.
"Your mother agreed to this?" Henry craned his head around to look at Robin while waiting for the next level of his game to load. With as serious a face he could muster, Henry responded to Robin,
"I know, I was surprised too! I blame Squishy, he makes her totally lax about stuff. Although, I should probably thank him! I'll be sure to thank him properly when he arrives." And then he returned his attention to his video game. Robin shook his head, dropped his hands down to his sides and made for the stairs to finish his evening routine of dressing down. He heard the garage open and made a detour towards the kitchen. He heard the car door slam and a click of heels. The door in the kitchen that led to the garage creaked open and the sweetest voice he's ever heard called out,
"Boys! Come help me carry in the groceries!" Regina hadn't even noticed her husband's presence. He quickly approached the door and pulled it open, startling his beautiful wife, for she was certainly glowing, getting more beautiful each day her pregnancy progressed. She gasped loudly, bringing a hand to her chest. She reached out and swatted his arm.
"Robin!" she admonished, "don't scare me like that! Do you want me to have a heart attack and die?" Robin chuckled and brought his arms around his wife, hugging her tight to him as much as he could with her belly. They stood close together for a few moments, him dropping a kiss to her cheek before letting go and grasping one of her hands as he squatted low so that he was face to face with her belly. He rubbed it softly before speaking to it.
"Hey there little fellow. Did you have a good day? Were you good to mommy today? Didn't give her an upset stomach or heartburn again, did you? I hear you really like playing trampoline in there. Go easy on your mom." Regina carded her free hand through Robin's sandy blond hair, chuckling silently. This was their new evening routine and as sappy as it seemed it always brought a smile to her face, no matter how her day had gone.
The pitter patter of feet approaching the kitchen broke their moment and they both looked up towards the swinging kitchen door to find a pre – teen and a five year old.
"Good grief guys, this again?" Henry moaned out at his parents.
"Oh Henry, your father used to do this too," Regina responded, getting a little misty – eyed at her son's softening features.
"Come on Roland, why don't we help Regina with the groceries," Robin suggested, sensing Regina and Henry needed a moment alone together. Ever since Regina told Robin about the little ritual she and Henry had visiting Daniel's grave on the anniversary of his death, he's made sure Regina feels comfortable talking more openly about Daniel and their relationship and telling Henry about all the little things Daniel did for her and for Henry. Robin wanted it clear that he was not a replacement father even though Henry truly had no memories of life with Daniel.
Regina reluctantly let Robin's hand go as he stretched his hand out to take Roland's and escort him out to the garage to retrieve the groceries. Henry stepped towards his mother whose arms were open for a hug. He let her wrap her arms around him and hugged her close. He gazed up into her eyes, seeing them glassed over with tears threatening to fall. Speaking about Daniel almost always brought tears to her eyes and pregnancy, well it just made everything more emotional for her. Robin convinced her to go to therapy sessions with Archie, something she was more amenable to now that she had the support of Henry and Robin and even little Roland. Once the sessions got underway she was pleasantly surprised how much she enjoyed going to the sessions and everyone commented how much more pleasant she was because they thought for sure the surprise pregnancy would make her even more bitchier. She laughed the comments off, was even a good sport about it, but it was a subject that came up often in her sessions.
Regina brought her hand to Henry's head and stroked it, eventually finding its way to his cheek. Henry leaned into the warmth of his mother's hand while he still stood tucked against her side. She waited for her son to speak. Talking about Daniel with Henry on any day other than the anniversary of his death seemed a difficult task with her and on some level Henry understood that, which is why he usually reserved all discussions for that one day a year. He was his mother's protector and didn't want to make her cry when it came to his father.
"So, what else did he do?"
"Hmmm?" she responded to his question, for Daniel did a lot of things and she wasn't sure which direction to take the conversation; she wanted to follow Henry's lead.
"When you were pregnant, I mean, with me. Did he really do those silly things that Robin does?" She softly chuckled, let out a silent 'oh'. She dropped her hand from his cheek and headed for the kitchen table to sit. She beckoned with her hand for Henry to join her. Henry sat down at the chair to the left of her. She held out her hand for Henry's and he gladly gave it, knowing it was somewhat a habit of hers, holding his hand and stroking it as she spoke of Daniel.
"Oh yes, he would indeed talk to you while you were inside me. He'd tell you stories, so many stories. He'd speak of all the adventures he'd take you on once you were big enough, after you boys tied me down to a chair, for of course I would never let him take you on dangerous adventures where you could get hurt. He would massage my belly when you were being quite active, telling you to calm down and you know what?" Henry shook his head no, "you would actually stop moving. It was the funniest thing. I even threatened he would have to leave a little early to come with me to work to keep you calm so I could get some work done." Silence overtook them, Henry not really knowing what to say. "He loved you so much, even from the moment we found out I was pregnant." The door to the garage opened, signaling Roland and Robin's return from the car, arms laden with groceries.
"Good grief Regina, how much ice cream and non – dinner items did you get?" Regina chuckled, pushed herself up from the chair to help take some bags from Roland.
"Oh hush you. Your child wants ice cream, who am I to deny it, the poor helpless little thing." Robin chuckled as he set the bags upon the table. Henry stood up and started unpacking the bags. Henry watched as Regina leaned up to peck Robin on the cheek. He didn't turn away like he usually does when they display affection in front of him and Roland. Not that he still doesn't find it gross, for it is really quite gross to him, but he understands his mother's need for the affection, to know she has found love again and after all, he is her protector and so he'll allow this.
"Anymore bags in the car, Robin?" Henry ventures forth as he starts gathering the empty grocery bags.
"Nope, we got it all, didn't we Roland?" Robin turns to the five year old who shakes his head rather enthusiastically.
"Yep! Now is it time to go to the movies?" The adults chuckled and Robin looks at the clock on the stove.
"It's six, I suppose we can start making our way there."
"Have you boys straightened up the den?" Regina asks as she starts to move to put away the groceries. Both Henry and Roland look at each other before racing off to the den to put away their toys lest Regina change her mind about their trip to the movies. Robin takes the few minutes allowed to him and Regina while the boys are straightening up to wrap his arms around his wife. She leans back into him, a soft hum escaping her lips. Her eyes close as she wraps her arms around his arms and they stand there, softly swaying. Robins relaxes his arms and goes to rubbing her belly, resuming his ministrations from earlier. Regina chuckles, stills his motions and turns in his arms. She wraps her arms around his neck, drawing him into a chaste kiss. They break apart and lean back from one another. Robin studies her face.
"What was that for?" Regina shrugs her shoulders.
"I guess I missed you. Squishy did too."
"He did, did he?"
"Uh – huh." She sighed and pecked another kiss onto his lips.
"Well, you know, in a few minutes we'll have the place to ourselves, whadya think of that?"
"I think I can," kiss, "not" another peck, "wait." She finishes off with another kiss as the boys come racing back into the kitchen. The adults slowly break apart.
"Hey mom, Robin, we straightened the den, can we go now?"
"You are in a big hurry," Robin commented as he and Regina started to follow the boys to the front door so they could grab their jackets.
"We wanna get good seats, don't we Roland?" The younger boy nodded his head so fast Regina feared it might fall off. She stooped as much as she could to help Roland zip his jacket and pressed a kiss to his head.
"Alright you two, behave for Emma and let us know when you're on your way back."
"Really mom?"
"Yes please, I need to know you're safe."
"Ohhh kay." Regina stepped forward to place a kiss on the top of Henry's head, mussing his hair a bit. He quickly rubbed his hands back through his hair to straighten it out. "Hey, don't mess up my hair."
"Oh, sorry your highness," she bowed her head in his direction. Henry gave a slight roll of his eyes. Robin held the door open for the boys and leaned out to peck Regina on the cheek as they all headed out towards the car.
"Killian, cut it out!" Emma hissed as Killian reached forward to steal another fry off her plate. It was date night and it was Emma's night to choose. She wasn't real hard to please and so they found themselves at Granny's, her with a plate of a three cheese grilled cheese sandwich and chili cheese fries. Killian ordered steak and mixed vegetables, but those fries called to him.
"Oh relax Swan, you know you never eat all of them." Emma eyed Killian.
"You never know, today could be the day I emerge victorious!"
"Ha!" Killian shouted as he stole another fry from her plate. "So, love, how was your day today?"
"Oh, same ol' same ol'. Took the patrol car out for a spin around the block, parked at the park, got out for a walk. Nothing too terribly interesting going on in this town. How was your day? What did you do?"
"Oh just took the boat out for a few hours. Early spring tourists. Fancied a deep sea fishing trip."
"Catch anything?"
"No, but they did enjoy the ride."
"Well that's good. So, Mr. Jones what else are we going to do tonight?"
"Well, I was thinking we could take a stroll around the park, walk off these greasy fries. Maybe get some ice cream?"
"Alright, that sounds doable. Shall we have another glass of the Chardonnay?"
"Why, Miss Swan, are you trying to get knackered and have your wicked way with me?"
"I haven't heard you complain about my tactics before." Killian raised his glass to her and gave her a wink.
"Nope, can't say that you'll get any complaints from me."
Robin and the boys arrived at the movie theatre around six fifteen. Robin parked the car and went to exit the vehicle. His hand was on the door handle when Henry interrupted him.
"Oh, Robin you don't have to worry about walking us in."
"Henry, your mom would kill me if I didn't make sure you were safe. And I quite fancy being alive."
"It's alright, we'll be okay. You can watch us walk up there. We're big boys, right Roland?"
"Yup!" Roland gave a heavy nod of his head. Robin let out a heavy sigh. He wasn't quite ready for Roland growing up and it seemed his growing up was accelerating thanks to Henry's influence.
"Alright, I'll sit right here and watch you boys." Both boys gave shouts of 'Yes!' and hopped out the car. Henry ran over to Robin's side of the car.
"Hey Robin, do you think you could give us some extra money, just in case?"
"Did your mother not give you any?"
"Uh, nope, pregnancy brain, gets her every time," Henry shrugged his shoulders. Robin reached for his wallet and pulled out a twenty dollar bill.
"Come Robin, snacks are gonna cost at least twenty. We need some for tickets and Granny's."
"This is turning out to be more expensive than everyone staying at home watching movies and ordering out a pizza."
"Yeah, but you get a kid free evening. You're not gonna get that for a long time after the baby's here." Robin nodded his head, Henry's reasons were somewhat true. Robin gave them thirty more dollars.
"Please don't forget to let your mother know when Emma gets here, she'll have my hide and yours if you don't."
"Don't worry Robin, Emma said she'll meet us here after she takes a quick shower, wash off the grime of the day."
"Alright. Roland, behave for Henry and Emma, okay?"
"Okay daddy."
"Come one Roland, we wanna get good seats!" Henry grabbed Roland's tiny hand and they jogged across the street to the ticket window. Robin watched from the car as Henry purchased the tickets and both boys were safely inside.
Robin started to drive off when his phone let out a chirp, alerting him to a text message. It was from Regina.
Everything alright?
Yep, just dropped the boys off.
Great, was Emma there?
No, not yet, but Henry promised to let us know when she gets there. He wanted to go ahead and get good seats.
He's really excited about this movie, huh?
It would seem so. He's usually never interested in cartoon movies
Makes me wonder what he's up to
Think he's trying to get into our good graces?
Wouldn't hurt. Are you on your way home right now?
Well, I was, but don't want 2 txt n drive
Right, well I was thinking
Uh oh, what's going on in that pretty head of yours
Perhaps we could forgo cooking dinner
Seeing as all you picked out at the store was snackfood for your cravings
Hey! Not my fault Squishy has a craving for salty things
Uh huh, so what did you have in mind for dinner?
Maybe Squishy communicated that it would really enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, from Granny's
Since when do you like grilled cheese?
It's not me that wants it, it's Squishy.
Alright, you need more protein though
Yeah, two grilled chicken breasts. On the side, not touching the cheese. And no pickles. If I so much as taste pickle juice on my sandwich I will cut you.
Alright I get the picture. Anything else?
Maybe some onion rings
Ew. Alright. Why don't you call all that in so I don't mess it up
Okay, what are you going to eat?
Order me up some hot wings and fries.
Okey dokes. Head over there. I'm going to take a quick nap while you wait for the food
Ok, luv ya babe
:-*
Robin sighed as he set his phone down. It was nearing six forty and still no sign of Emma's yellow bug. Robin was only slightly worried. He drove off in the direction of Granny's. He was certainly looking forward to his evening with Regina, alone, without the boys. They hadn't had an evening to themselves in a while and Henry was right, once the baby was there it would be a long while before they would have time to themselves. Ten minutes later found him pulling up outside the diner where a familiar yellow bug sat parallel parked right out front. Now this was even more curious. He exited the car and jogged up to the entrance. He pulled open the door to see Emma and Killian sitting at a booth towards the back, toasting each other with wine glasses. Robin steeled his face and approached the table.
"Emma, what are you doing here?"
"Robin, hey! Killian and I were having date night, what's it to you?"
"Well, aren't you supposed to be with the boys at the movies?" Emma cocked her head to the side.
"Um, I don't think so?"
"Shit."
"Wha? What's going on?"
"I think we might need to start planning Henry's funeral…maybe mine too."
"Robin, what's going on?"
"Well, Regina called me to say that you were taking the boys to see Zootopia so that we could have a night in to ourselves. I just dropped them off at the movies about fifteen minutes ago."
"You let them out without meeting me? Not that I was going to be there."
"He said you were going to meet them after you took a shower. Regina's going to pop a gasket."
"Maybe we don't have to tell her. We can just go and pick them up."
"Oh no, I'm going to tell Regina about all of this. Henry dragged Roland into this. And I doubt they went to go see the movie he told Regina he was going to see."
"And what movie is that?"
"Zootopia I think."
"Yeah, I definitely don't think he voluntarily went to see that, even if he did drag Roland along. Hey pirate, you feel like getting into a little mischief?"
"Sure, it seems it might be a lot more interesting than our walk around the park."
"Excellent."
"Alright, so what did you have in mind?"
An hour later found little Roland and Henry seated in the jail cell at Storybrooke's sheriff's department. Roland's face was tear stained and Henry was swinging his legs back and forth. Sheriff Graham was seated at the desk filling out paperwork on the two boys.
"What are we gonna do now Henry?"
"Shh, I'm thinking. I think we're supposed to get a phone call."
"Who are we gonna call? Are we gonna call my dad and mommy?"
"I was thinking maybe we could call Emma. Hey Sheriff Graham!" Henry called out. Graham looked up from his paperwork.
"Yep?"
"Do we get a phone call?"
"Yeah, after I get through processing you."
"You don't really need to do that, do you?"
"You snuck into a movie. That's stealing."
"Wha? How is that stealing?!"
"What movie did you buy tickets for?" Henry looked down and pulled out the ticket stub.
"Um, Zootopia?" Henry bought tickets to Zootopia to make the cover story about seeing Zootopia believable. In reality Henry and Roland had snuck into Captain America and were quite proud of themselves until a movie usher showed up and escorted them out the theatre where they were greeted by Sheriff Graham. He handcuffed the two boys and carted them off to the station.
"And what movie did the usher find you in?"
"Captain America," Henry mumbled.
"Right, and did you pay for a ticket to see Captain America?"
"No."
"Alright then, stealing." Graham returned to his paperwork. A few more minutes passed before Henry asked again if he could have his phone call. He certainly didn't want to spend the night in the tiny jail cell. Graham asked for five more minutes to finish up the case notes. Eventually he rose from behind the desk, unlocked the cell and escorted Henry over to the desk so he could make his phone call.
"Emma?"
"Hey kid, what's up?"
"Um, me and Roland kinda need your help."
"You do, do you? I'll see if I can help you."
"Well, you see we need someone to come bail us out of jail."
"What? Bail you out of jail? What are you on about?"
"Yeah, can you just come down here?"
"Does your mom know about any of this?"
"No, you're the first person I called. Please don't tell her about this. I'll be your personal servant for the rest of the year." Henry pleaded into the phone.
"Oh Henry. I don't know about this."
"Please, Emma. Think of Roland." A brief pause in their conversation.
"Well, give me a few minutes to get dressed. You're interrupting date night with Killian."
"I'm sorry, but thanks Emma!"
"Yeah yeah, see ya in a few, kid." Henry replaced the receiver and a sigh of relief escaped his lips. He turned towards Roland and gave a thumbs up.
"Alright, you got your phone call, back to the cell," Graham said as he guided Henry back towards the cell to rejoin Roland.
"Henry, are we in trouble?" Roland stated in hushed tones.
"Quite possibly Roland, quite possibly. Hopefully Emma will be able to help us out." Roland scooted closer to Henry and snuggled close. Henry wrapped one arm around the small boy and heaved a heavy sigh. His mom was going to kill him.
After Robin left to take the boys to the movies, Regina finished arranging the groceries in the cabinets and refrigerator. Then she headed upstairs to take off her work clothes. Nothing was freer than removing her dress pants and bra. It was probably her favorite part of the day. She found her mouth quirking into a smile at the thought of having a few hours with Robin without the boys. She loved her boys but she desperately needed some time with Robin, alone, without the threat of little children interrupting them. It was a lifestyle she was learning to work with since she never had to really sneak around with a lover before. Regina walked over to the walk in closet and pulled out a bag from the back. Mary – Margaret invited Regina out for a shopping trip to Victoria's Secret. Apparently Mary – Margaret needed some new lingerie and somehow convinced Regina to purchase a pregnancy teddy set. Regina had felt a little ridiculous, but then Mary – Margaret made fun of her so of course Regina had to prove to Mary – Margaret that she did not have a problem wearing a preggy teddy. Regina never told Robin about the little shopping trip and the item she picked up; she was saving it for just the right moment. Tonight seemed like as good a night as any. She took out the outfit, walked over to the full length mirror and held it over her body. It was a deep purple. The top was sheer and it tied just in front of her breasts, leaving the rest to fall open across her belly. The matching underwear was a delicate lace pattern. She chuckled to herself, feeling a little silly about the entire thing, but she was also feeling a little keyed up, picturing herself in the outfit and what Robin would do to her when he arrived home. Speaking of arriving home, seeing as they didn't have any dinner plans she should probably ask Robin to pick up some food for their night in. Regina went in search of her cell phone and fired off a few text messages about the boys and dinner. She was little miffed Robin wanted her to actually call the order in herself, but it was probably better that way. She could communicate how serious she was about pickles and pickle juice not coming anywhere near her food far more effectively than Robin.
Emma clicked off her cell phone and smirked.
"What was that all about, Emma?" Robin asked once Emma placed her phone on the table. Emma folded her hands under her chin and rested her elbows on the table.
"Well, that was Henry. Graham arrested them."
"Great, so what happens now?"
"Well that's entirely up to you. Shall we bring Regina in on this or really scare the boys and watch her go down on a warpath?"
"Ooo, mad Regina. We can record it and post it on youtube. We're sure to get a million hits!" Emma punched Killian in his arm. "Ow, what was that for?" Emma shrugged her shoulders.
"I'm not sure, it felt appropriate."
"Well, I do think it would be a funny thing to watch but Regina is in a delicate state right now. I really wouldn't want to upset her too terribly."
"Alright, let us pay for our food and we'll head over to your house and fill Regina in. Maybe feed her first." Robin nodded his head and went to the counter to pick up his food while Emma and Killian went to pay their bill.
Regina was seated on the sofa in the den, wearing her robe over her outfit. She hoped Robin would return soon. He was cutting into what few precious hours they had and she definitely planned on eating before they go to dessert. She was flipping through the selections in her Netflix queue when she heard the unmistakable slam of Robin's car door. She muted the tv, bit down on her lower lip, just the way he liked and posed herself seductively on the sofa, awaiting his entrance into the house. There were a few tense moments before she could hear the jingle of house keys in the door. Her heartbeat quickened. The door pushed open and she could hear her husband shuffling in the foyer.
"Hey Regina! I'm back!"
"In here Robin!" She called out to him.
"Hey, Regina, I got – whoa!"
"Oi mate, what gives?" Killian cried out as he and Emma walked straight into the back of Robin, who stopped walking upon seeing his wife displayed on the sofa. Robin quickly set the food down on the side table.
"Robin! What the hell?" Regina cried out at she scrambled to re-arrange her robe over her outfit. Robin turned around to Emma and Killian.
"Uh, how much of that did you see?" Emma and Killian's eyes were both screwed shut.
"Uh, nothing. We didn't see anything, did we Killian?"
"Nope, nope didn't see a thing. Are, are you all covered up? Can we open our eyes now?"
"Yes, you may enter into my home now. Please, have a seat." Regina huffed out angrily. "Wait, what are you two doing here? Who's at the movies with the boys? Oh my God are the boys okay?"
"Relax Regina, they're in jail." Regina's eyes went wide.
"They're what? They're in jail? How does that make them okay?"
"Regina, if you calm down for a quick sec, we'll explain everything." Emma motioned for Regina to sit down on the sofa. Robin set about removing the food items from the bags he brought in.
"Here Regina, why don't you eat a little bit first?" Regina looked at Robin offering her food and scoffed.
"No, I don't want to eat until someone lets me know why the boys are in jail. Start. Talking. Now."
"Well, uh I dropped the boys off and they went into the theatre. Then when I got to Granny's I ran into Emma and Killian. I was confused because Henry told us he was meeting Emma at the movies."
"Naturally, continue."
"Right, so Emma thought we'd give the boys a little scare and had Graham go down to the theatre and find out what they were up to."
"Uh – huh, keep going."
"So you know how Henry said they were going to see Zooptopia?" Regina nodded. "Well they weren't in the theatre for Zootopia."
"They weren't?" Robin shook his head. "Well, where were they?"
"They were in the theatre for Captain America."
"What?!" Regina slapped her hands down on her legs and pushed herself as best she could off the sofa. She paced around the den. "Henry lied to me about meeting Emma at the theatre, which movie he was going to see and what's worse he drug Roland along with him."
"Right, so then Emma thought it would teach them a lesson if Graham arrested them for stealing, essentially." Regina looked at Robin and nodded her head.
"Hmm, I see. And you didn't think to run this by me?"
"Well, it was kinda spur of the moment."
"Oh no, Miss Swan. I am the parent here. I get to make the decisions on how best to discipline my children."
"Well, to be fair I kinda agreed." Robin chimed in.
"So you did. Did you think this was really the best course of action?"
"I do. You must admit Henry's been getting kind of bold with his decisions lately. This was more of us trying to scare him straight before he gets too far off the beaten path."
Regina stopped to consider Robin for a moment. Henry hadn't really been that bad, he was testing his boundaries. She didn't really think it was Robin's place to discipline her son. Then again, Robin was now Henry's father figure and he was her husband. They needed to provide a united front. Most of the time Robin deferred to Regina for disciplinary actions with the boys. It unnerved her a little to see Robin taking action without consulting her. Yet another thing to discuss involving the arrival of a child created by them. Robin came to stand behind his wife and rubbed her shoulders. She shrugged him off and distanced herself.
"Regina, I'm sorry, I wanted to talk to you about it first, really I did." Emma stepped forward.
"Yeah, Regina, don't be mad at Robin, I kinda took the lead. Henry actually called me to come bail him out." Regina stole a side – ways glance at Emma.
"He did? He didn't call me?" Emma chuckled out loud. She brought a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter.
"Goodness, the kid's terrified of you. It's a healthy fear, don't get me wrong."
"Well, I don't want him to be too afraid to call me when he's in trouble."
"I think if he was in trouble in general, he would probably come to you, but I can see why he called me instead. You're the person he's going to be in trouble with."
"I suppose you're right. Okay, what's next in this stupid plan of yours?"
"You're really okay with his?" Regina nodded her head.
"Okay, well, we thought you could head down to the station and make a big fuss about Henry getting him and Roland arrested. What a dumb plan it was to skip movies, lie to you about his whereabouts, stuff like that. Getting arrested isn't nearly as bad as getting kidnapped and murdered and no one would know what happened to them."
"That's a bit dramatic, dontcha think?" Robin countered.
"No, not really. We want this to be a good lesson for them, right?" Regina responded.
"I suppose so. Alright, let's get this over with."
"Let me go change out of this outfit. I knew I shouldn't have gotten this, it's a sign." Regina sighed out as she headed for the stairs.
"Hey guys, I'll be right back." Robin whispered to Emma and Killian as he headed to follow Regina to the bedroom.
"Don't take too long, we want to get back to our date night too!" Emma whispered back.
"Hey babe."
"Hi," Regina responded as she tossed her robe onto the bed and set about removing the sheer top. Robin approached her and stilled her hands. "Robinnn, what are you doing?"
"Oh, nothing, just admiring this work of art." Regina blushed.
"Well get your admiration in while you can, I don't think I'll wear this again."
"Oh, why not?" Robin stated as he palmed a breast in one hand and ghosted his fingers across the other. Regina paused, enjoying his touch before she brought her hands to his and removed them.
"Please Robin, let's get this over and done with. I'm no longer in the mood for anything other than getting the boys safely home and sleeping."
"Hey, don't be that way."
"I was really looking forward to our spontaneous night in. We haven't had any time to ourselves and I'm really horny." Robin brought Regina into an embrace and laughed softly in her hair, rubbing her back.
"Oh, darling. I'm sorry, have I been neglecting you? We had sex the other night, didn't we?" Regina shook her head against his shoulder.
"We did, but I wanna get fucked. I want it rough and hard. I wanna cum screaming your name on my lips so loud we wake the neighborhood. I want angry sex. Not this gentle shit you've been doing. I know you're concerned about hurting the baby but my God I feel more keyed up after we have sex than we did before we actually had it." Robin pulled his wife back to look into her eyes, not sure where all this was coming from.
"Really now? That's what you want?" Regina shook her head. "Well, I would promise to do something about that, but we have to finish punishing our boys. I was thinking of grounding them for two weeks. Can you wait two weeks?" Regina shook her head no. "Well then, what do you suggest?" Regina's lips turned up into a smile.
"Why don't we send them over to Ursula at the pet store? They can clean out the cages, take the dogs out, pick up poop after them."
"Oh, so hard labor then?"
"Yeah."
"Hey guys! Can you finish your quickie session so we can get a move on? I wanna get fucked tonight too!" Emma yelled out from downstairs.
"In a minute, Swan! Fucking while pregnant entails some skill!" Regina slapped Robin's chest.
"I can't believe you just did that!" Regina turned from Robin and quickly divested herself of her outfit, replacing her clothes from earlier. They joined hands and headed down the stairs.
"Alright, let's get this over with so we can all get back to our respective fucking," Regina stated as soon as her feet hit the landing. They all followed outside to their cars and headed over to the station.
"Oh my gosh! Henry, Roland! Here you are!" Henry and Roland's heads snapped up at the frantic voice echoing through the station. It was his mom.
"Mom what are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? I'm looking for you! We've been worried sick! Robin dropped you off at the movies and went to pick us up some dinner at Granny's where he saw Emma and Killian enjoying dinner, without you boys anywhere in sight." Henry swallowed. "Needless to say we were quite concerned about your whereabouts. We went back to the movies and couldn't find you anywhere. We thought someone kidnapped you!"
"Well, technically Graham did kidnap us."
"Hey, I arrested you for stealing, there's a difference," Graham interjected.
"Arrested? For stealing?"
"Yeah, they bought tickets for Zootopia but they were in the theatre for Captain America."
"Henry! I thought I made it clear you could not see that movie. And what's worse you involved Roland." Henry looked down at his feet. "I am very disappointed in you. I thought you were more responsible than this. What's gotten into you?" Henry stayed silent. At this point he thought it was the wisest course of action. "Anything you want to say?"
"Sorry?" Regina shook her head and tsked.
"Alright, Graham, let them out."
"Uh, sorry, no can do." Regina's eyes went wide.
"No can do?"
"Nope, I need bail money."
"Really?"
"Yep."
"And how much is that?"
"I suppose $500 for Henry and $100 for Roland is good." Henry's eyes went wide. Were they really in that much trouble?
"Alright. Let's get this processed so we can go home."
"Alright Mrs. Mills, let's go right over here." Graham escorted Regina to the office so they could finish processing the boys. Emma approached the boys.
"Emma! You weren't supposed to tell mom!"
"Sorry kid, but when she saw Killian and I without you boys she got kinda worried. This is all on you. What's going on in that head of yours?"
"Well, I really wanted to see Captain America and I knew even if I asked you to take me she'd tell you not to let me see it."
"Look kid, I don't always listen to what your mom says. I'm the reasonable, cool, fun adult. It's her job to make the rules and enforce them to ensure you don't end up homeless and maladjusted once you get out into the real world. You see how worked up she is? She's pregnant. Stress isn't good for her or the baby. You gotta be more considerate of other people."
"We're always having to be considerate of the baby."
"Well, you know what? Someday you're going to grow up, get married and have kids. You're gonna be considerate of your wife and your unborn child. It's your job as a parent. And your job as a big brother is to protect your siblings, to be there for them like I am for you."
"Yeah, but you tattled."
"I didn't tattle, I was being a responsible adult. Sneaking into a movie is child's play compared to armed robbery, driving under the influence and a slew of other things you could get arrested for. And you know what? Mommy and daddy won't always be around to come rescue you. You gotta make smart decisions. I know you're smart, your mom knows you're smart, so we're a little confused as to why you keep acting out. The only person you have to worry about is yourself. She's trying to take care of you, Roland, Robin, the new baby and a household. The least you could do to help is to behave, be where you say you're going to be, do what is asked of you, help out with Roland. She can pay more attention to you the way you need it if she doesn't have to worry about all the trouble you might get into because she can't trust you to do what she asks or what you say you're going to do."
"But – "
"Uh – uh, no buts. There is no excuse and you know it." Emma finished off her conversation as Regina approached the cell.
"Well boys, there goes your summer vacation, I hope it was worth it."
"What?"
"We don't exactly have extra money in our budget to pay your bail and take you on summer vacation. Graham was gracious enough to allow you boys to volunteer at the station during your break and I'm going to talk to Ursula at the pet shop."
"Mom!"
"Don't mom me. This is getting off easy. Now, let's get you boys home. I'm starving and this has been rather taxing." Graham opened the doors. Roland ran to Regina and held her tightly, tears streaming down his face while Henry sulked his way out of the station and to the car.
Robin and Regina cuddled closely together on the sofa. Their boys were tucked away safely in their rooms upstairs. Robin convinced Regina to don the preggy teddy, well the top portion anyway, after they returned home. He didn't want his evening completely ruined. He lovingly stroked her belly, rubbing the anti – stretch mark cream. He even worked the muscles in her back, neck and shoulders. The television hummed in the background while they sat in near silence. Finally, Regina spoke.
"Do you think we did the right thing tonight?"
"Honestly Regina, we won't know the effects of our parenting until they are well into adulthood. We can only hope we're doing the best we can. We're winging it everyday and I'm okay with that, as long as you are." Regina hummed to herself as she stroked Robin's hands resting on her belly.
"And what about this one? We're starting from scratch with this one."
"I know, we've certainly a standard to live up to. Henry thinks we treat him harshly. I can't wait to meet this little person we've created and shower it with so much love. I love Henry and Roland, but it's different. And loving this child will be different. The challenge, as with all kids, is to figure out the right way to love it. To love it the way it needs to be loved. And that's an adventure I'm looking forward to take with you." Regina hummed again, moving her hands over her belly to soothe the gently kicks the baby was giving.
"Robin?"
"Yes love?"
"I know I was looking forward to finding out what we're having, but I think after tonight's events I wanna be surprised."
"But, we've already been surprised!"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, its presence was a surprise you know? We weren't trying for this."
"I know, I know, but I want to cherish the unknown. Get to know our baby without any gender bias. Can we do that?" Robin slowly nodded his head.
"If that's what you want sweetheart. How are we going to finish decorating the nursery and buy clothes and everything?"
"Well, we've painted it that dark green already. We can go with a forest motif. And I don't think it will care what color clothes we put it in for the first couple of months at least. We'll probably end up changing its clothes a lot anyway – spit up, pissy diapers, poopy diapers."
"I see your point. And what about names?"
"We can pick out names for both, yeah? We don't have to name it right away. We've got time," she finished off as her eyes started to flutter close. Her breathing evened out as Robin continued to rub gently at her belly.
"Regina? Love? Are you asleep?"
"Hmm?" She asked with her eyes close as she snuggled closer into Robin. He laughed and pulled the blanket off the back of the sofa to cover them. They could stay there for a little while. The evening had definitely worn her out. He wanted to give her these few hours of peace before the morning. They had boys to finish disciplining. He gazed down at the serene peace that graced his wife's face. He wasn't sure how they were going to make it through the teenage years with Henry, but one thing was certain, they would get through it together. Then they could tackle Roland, then the new baby, and who knows, perhaps another.
I know it's been a while, but please R & R!