Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait! I hope you're still out there reading and are still interested in the story. I hope to have the next update up sooner. Enjoy and please R & R!
Lips brushed the small curve of her neck as she leaned it to the side to give him better access. It was early yet, five – thirty in the morning, but she was rather enjoying this particular morning. His hand raked up against her side under her night shirt and she let out a little giggle. He pulled back.
"What?"
"That tickles!" She sighed out, giving his arm a playful slap.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were ticklish there. I'll have to make a mental note."
"Hmm," she sighed out, drawing her arms around his neck. They lay on their sides, it was the best they could do given her ever expanding belly. He leaned to peck a chaste kiss on her lips before drawing back, his eyes very serious.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" He queried, searching her face. Another sigh escaped her lips and she leaned her forehead into his, licking her lips before responding.
"Robin, we've been over this. I'll put my feet up. I'll be sure to sit down for the majority of the day. I really want to get out of this house for a change. I've got cabin fever really bad. If I start to feel anything, anything at all, you'll be the first person I call and then I'll have Mal drive me to the hospital straight away, okay?" she finishes off with a peck to his lips. "Now, why don't you go downstairs and start on breakfast, hmm?" A kiss. " Rumi and I are quite famished and I need a shower." Robin made a face. "You don't like it?"
"Meh, I suppose we could put it on the list? And didn't you shower last night?"
"I did. And growing a small human tends to make you sweat in places. Now let's get going, we still have to get the boys ready. Help me up." She reclined in the bed, reaching her hands out to her husband so he could pull her from their mattress.
"Alright, is there anything in particular you want for breakfast?"
"Hmmm, how about toasted bagel with cream cheese and some fruit? Strawberries and pineapple? Oh, and coffee." Robin nodded his head on the way out the bedroom door.
"Kay, I'll make sure the boys are up, dressed and ready to go then," he offered a simple wave. Regina chuckled and made her way into the ensuite bathroom for a quick shower. Truth be told, she was a little nervous about returning to work after being gone for two weeks on bedrest. She worried how her coworkers would receive her return. Would they tip toe around her? Would they be overly helpful? Would they allow a normal routine? Mal only commented how much she missed their banter around work and that Sydney was looking a little forlorn around the office. That man, here Regina was married and pregnant and here he was with that schoolboy crush on her still.
True to his word, Robin prepared breakfast and the boys were all seated at the table in the kitchen waiting for her to finish getting ready for work so they could enjoy the meal together. It may be the last time they could have a calm breakfast for a few years. Regina found herself smiling at the thought of having chaotic breakfasts trying to feed an infant, her two older boys, and her husband.
"Everything okay, mom?" Henry asked with a mouthful of scrambled eggs.
"Henry, not with your mouth full, and yes, everything is just fine."
"Especially now you can go to work?" piped in Roland. Regina mussed the boy's curls while she seated herself in front of her bagel and fruit plate.
"Yes, especially now I can go to work."
Robin laughed and brought his hands to his cheeks, dropping his mouth open, "Oh no! Whatever shall we do with ourselves now that mom is going back to work?"
"Well, I would hope the boys are going to summer day camp and you sir, are going to work."
"Well maybe I took the day off and us manly men are going to have a manly men bonding trip today."
"Really? You couldn't wait for the weekend?"
"Please mom? We're not doing anything special at camp," Henry begged with his hands folded under his chin.
"Except for coloring and watching movies! I don't wanna miss coloring and movies!" Roland cried out.
"Awww come on, Ro, we've got coloring books and movies here at home. You can do that anytime."
"But not with Thomas! Thomas is at summer camp."
"Is this what we're spending our money on? Coloring books and movies? I thought this was an enrichment summer camp."
"Well, we don't do this every day. Field trips are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Movie days are on Mondays and Fridays and we don't do that until the afternoon when we've finished with lessons for the day," Henry explained.
"Uh huh, and what about Wednesdays?" She asked, taking a bite of her bagel.
"Wednesdays are arts and crafts days! I brought you the picture last week!" Roland yelled as he hopped out of his chair and rushed to the refrigerator where sure enough there was a picture of what looked like Roland and Regina seated on the sofa looking at what she supposed was the television. He brought the picture to her so she could see it once more.
"Oh, that's right! I asked if you could draw us outside next time so the counselors don't think we're lazy and sit around watching movies all day."
"See dad? I have to go to camp so I can make mommy a new picture!"
"Well son, today is Monday so you still have Wednesday to go, but if you really want to go I can take you to school and Henry and I will have manly man day, just the two of us." Robin responded, standing behind Henry with his hands on the boy's shoulders. Henry simply looked up at Robin and then back to his mom. Her smile beamed back at them, reflecting how full of love for Robin her heart was at the mention of wanting to spend some alone time with her son. She gave a slight nod of her head and Henry turned around to slap Robin a high five.
"Is that what you want, Roland? Do you want to go to camp and not spend the day with your dad and Henry?" Regina asked her youngest child.
"Umm," he cocked his head to the side, tapping his chin in thought. "Yes, please!" He shook his head. Robin and Regina chuckled. She reached out and ruffled the boy's curly mop.
"Alright then, grab your stuff and I'll drop you off," Robin then turned to Henry. "Why don't you help your mom make us some sandwiches? Pack us a picnic lunch and extra snacks just in case we stay out all day?" Henry eagerly shook his head and headed off towards the counter where they kept the bread and then opened the refrigerator to pull out meats and cheese for their sandwiches. Roland took off for the stairs to get his book bag that contained his coloring books and pencils and action figures he brought with him everywhere he went. Regina chuckled and shook her head. She hauled herself out of her seat and began clearing the table away. Robin helped collect the dishes and brought them to the sink, beginning to rinse the dishes and load the dish washer.
"Okay Daddy, I'm ready!" Roland shouted as he appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. Robin chuckled, drying his hand on the dish towel before leaning over to drop a kiss onto his wife's temple. She turned to kiss him full on the mouth, trying her best to convey how happy it made her that he wanted to take Henry on a Father/Son day.
"Alright, my boy, let's go! I have to hurry back to drop mommy off at work." Roland took off in front of Robin towards the front door. Robin watched his son scamper off before pressing another kiss to his wife's lips. She gave him a playful shove.
"Go on, hurry back so you can drop me off at work. Apparently I'm too invalid to drive myself."
"Nonsense! I know you're fully capable. I'm just trying to take one stressful thing off your plate."
"Driving myself to work is stressful?"
"Yes, you have to load all your things and manage to sit behind the wheel, then look out for all the other crazy drivers that drive on the road, fine a parking spot, unload all of uour things and walk to the front door, take the elevator up to your office…see? Those are stressful things!"
"Hmmm. I'm going to gather my things and finish up in here. If you're not back in fifteen minutes I'll drive myself."
"Regina," Robin cautioned.
"Robin. The doctor said it was fine! It's just a short drive over to the publishing house, alright?"
Robin let out a sigh. He was trying his darnedest not to be overly protective and concerned, but Regina hasn't had good experiences with pregnancies and he just can't help worrying. He knows it annoys her and he tries to tone it down and she's been strangely not as annoyed lately, but he can tell her patience is wearing thin. Perhaps because of the stress of returning to work after a two week absence. The amount of pressure she puts on herself at work can't be good for the baby, but he hadn't wanted to tell her that. So, yes, he volunteered to drive her to work every morning and to get up and make breakfast for everyone and to clean up the kitchen so there are less things for her to worry about. And today's father/son trip was another one of those things. He wanted to make sure the boys spent quality time with the parents so they don't feel neglected when the baby arrived. His and Regina's attention would focus largely on the brand new addition because babies tend to need a lot of attention. And he would be remiss if it didn't make him all giddy inside to have this with Regina and he felt a little guilty that he wanted to lock the three of them away to enjoy for a little while without Henry and Roland. He couldn't possibly convince Regina to do that, but he could make the suggestion that perhaps the boys should stay with David and Mary – Margaret for a few days after the baby was born so they could get adjusted. He watched his wife continue rinsing off dishes, pots and pans and load them into the dishwasher. She bustled around the kitchen, tossing him a stern look, reminding him he needed to scoot out the door if he wanted to give her that ride to work.
Roland was seated patiently in the front passenger seat. The little boy knew he needed to sit in the backseat in his booster seat. However, every once in a while, Robin would let the boy ride shotgun if it was just the two of them. He liked to give Roland special attention every now and then and it was just a short ride over to the community center, so he figured, what's the harm?
"Alright son, ready to go?" Roland nodded his head enthusiastically.
"Uh – huh!" He declared. Robin looked over at him and smirked.
"And you're sure you want to go to camp today? Not hang out with just me and Henry? Have a guy's day?" Roland turned his head to look curiously at his father as he pondered his initial decision. Was it worth it to go to camp with all his friends and color all day long, play with his toys and hang out with his friends without having to do school work?
"Yeah, I'm sure!"
"And you understand when the new baby comes Regina and I will have to spend a lot of time with him or her? They will need a lot of our attention."
"Why?"
"Because, son, babies can't do things like you. They can't feed, or clothe themselves. They're just helpless little things."
"What does helpless mean?"
"Uh, well, it's just like I said, they need a lot of help doing things you already know how to do."
"Then I can teach them! I'll be the best big brother! Can I help you and mommy help them?"
Robin chuckled, clearly Roland wasn't grasping the concept of all of mommy and daddy's attention will be elsewhere.
"Sure, son, sure. And remember, practice patience. If Regina and I get tied up with the baby, you might have to entertain yourself for a while, or spend more time with Henry. And stay out of trouble so we're not in a bad mood if Regina and I can't attend to you right away, okay?" Roland looked down in lap, trying to absorb everything his father was saying. Robin hoped the information wasn't too much and that it wasn't too far over his head. He'd hoped to spend the day with both boys imparting all this information. He was starting to get more nervous with the fast approaching due date of the baby. He certainly didn't want to not pay attention to the boys, but he knew babies took a lot of work and sometimes the other children feel neglected. They've had all the attention from both parents focused on them for so long, they might need a little adjusting to not having that for a while.
"Okay daddy," Roland responded after a few moments.
Soon, they were pulling up to the parking lot of the community center. Robin glanced down at the clock on the dashboard. He wouldn't have time to walk Roland in and get him settled per their usual routine. Robin wasn't sure how serious Regina was about not waiting for him to take her to work.
"Alright son, I'm going to drop you off at the front door so I can get back to Regina."
"You're not coming in? Henry's not here." Robin reached out at ruffled his son's hair.
"I know, but you're getting to be a big boy now! You're going to be a big brother very soon, and this is what big brother's do. Walk themselves and their younger sibling into school, or in this case, camp. Henry does this for you, right?" Roland glanced down in his lap to consider his father's words. He looked back up, squinting his eyes as if deep in thought.
"I guess," he sighs before opening the door. Robin had never seen his son look so dejected.
"Roland, you can change your mind if you want to come back home and spend the day with me and Henry. It's okay." Roland looked up at his father.
"No, it's okay. You're right, I am a big boy now and big boys can walk themselves to camp." Roland inhaled deeply, picked up his back pack and started the journey to the front door of the building. As Robin watched his young son, he could his shoulders straighten more, his head pick up more and level out, his confidence increasing with each tentative step. Robin never considered what a transition it would be for Roland to not be the baby anymore. Now he wasn't so sure about not walking his young son to the front door for summer camp. With one last glance towards the car, Roland lifted his hand and gave his father a wave before disappearing inside the building. Well, at least the boy seemed to be in okay spirits about it now.
The short drive back to the house was filled with deep thought and heaviness in his heart. Perhaps he should have insisted Roland spend the day with him and Henry. Or perhaps he can have a day with just him and Roland. Either way, Robin decided, he wasn't going to let the disheartening exchange with Roland taint his spirits for his day with Henry. He pulled into the drive to see Regina exiting the front door with Henry. She was holding her briefcase while Henry carried a cooler, a thermos, and Regina's lunch bag and purse. Quite a pair those two made. He parked the car and exited quickly.
"Here love, let me get that for you," he outstretched his arm to take the briefcase from her as she approached the passenger side of the car.
"Excellent timing dear," she said sardonically.
"Why thank you!" He quipped with a grin. She simply shook her head. Once seated, she outstretched her arm to Henry, reaching for her lunch bag.
"Alright Henry, why don't you put that stuff in the trunk and you can ride with us." Henry nodded his head and hurried around the car to do as his mother suggested. Robin warmly placed his hand on the small of his wife's back, causing her to pause.
"Something wrong?" She whispered, turning towards him.
"Well, I wanted to talk a little bit about Roland, in private." She nodded her head, her lips forming an 'oh'.
"Um, Henry, change of plans," she called to her son as he slammed the trunk shut. Both she and Robin winced. "Henry, what I told you about slamming the trunk and doors to the car?"
"Sorry, mom," he responded sheepishly. "You said change of plans? Is everything alright? Are we not having a guys' day anymore?" Regina could hear the sadness in her son's voice.
"Oh, no, no, nothing like that. Robin and I have something private to talk about. Do you mind terribly to stay here at the house while he drops me off at work?" Henry glanced down at his feet.
"Well, I guess not. You won't be gone long. Everything okay with you guys?" Robin and Regina chuckled at his concern. Regina drew him into her side to give him a hug as best she could with her belly even more pronounced.
"No, love. Everything's alright between us. And even if it weren't we would try to work on it without dragging you boys into it," she sighed, pulling him even closer, inhaling his scent. Henry was growing up, Roland was growing up. What were they thinking having another child? Robin placed his hands on both Regina and Henry's back. Regina looked up at her husband. She withdrew from Henry and Robin spun Henry to face him.
"I just wanted to discuss with your mother some things we could do with Roland to help him."
"Help him? What does he need help with?"
"Well, he won't be the baby anymore and I don't think he realizes, or maybe is just starting to realize what that might mean for him. It could be confusing for him. Or he could be just fine, but we don't really know. And I don't know how this is all affecting you either. That's why I wanted to have this day with you, both of you. However, given Roland's priorities seem to be elsewhere, I wanted to pick your mom's brain about what we should do." Henry nodded his head in understanding.
"Okay. I think this should be a family thing, but you're the parents."
"A family thing?"
"Yeah, we're all a family, right? We should make the best decision for all of us."
"Well, ideally, yes, but sometimes the parents are better suited for some decisions." Regina supplied. Henry nodded his head. "Good, now go on inside, Robin will return shortly." Henry nodded his head and turned to head towards the door. Before he could start, he briefly turned back around, wrapping his arms tightly around his mother's middle, but carefully so as not to harm the swell of her belly. Shocked, Regina tentatively reached her arms around her son, dipping her head once more to smell the scent of his shampoo. The moment was over almost as soon as it started as he pulled away and trotted towards the front door, waving at the parents before disappearing inside. Robin allowed her a moment before clearing his throat.
"Shall we? You're going to be late." She nodded her head as he helped her slip into her seat. Robin rounded the car and climbed into the driver's side, starting the car and placed it in gear.
She cleared her throat, "So, what did we need to talk about with Roland?" Their car ride probably wouldn't be long enough for what Robin wanted to talk about.
"Well, I don't think Roland quite understands he won't be the baby anymore and that most of our attention will be on Squishy."
"He seems excited about Squishy." Robin nodded his head in agreement.
"Oh, I truly think he is. I think he's excited to have a baby around. But I don't think he knows what it means to be a big brother. He's going to be the middle child now. I don't want to give him a middle child complex, if you get my drift."
"Yeah, I hear what you're saying. But that was the whole point of having this guys' day – although I wasn't expecting it to be today," she added.
"Sorry about that. I wasn't sure when the best time to do it was and since we've been dealing with this almost premature birth I didn't want to risk missing a chance to do it before Squishy makes their appearance. And given Roland was more excited to go to camp than to hang out with just me and Henry well…" he trailed off.
"He's just a little boy. Not having all of mommy and daddy's attention must seem like a foreign concept for him. Reality won't hit him until the baby is actually here and taking all of our attention."
"Right. How are we going to handle that?" Regina pursed her lips in thought.
"Honestly? I have no idea. Henry and Roland already enjoyed each other's company before we moved in together and actually got married. I think that was easier for Henry to adapt to having a younger sibling, especially since Roland wasn't a baby. Henry's older."
"Well, for the most part Henry hasn't had a problem sharing you." Regina eyed her husband at his honest assessment of Henry's adjustment, even though it was a criticism of her baby boy.
"I know you meant that with love."
"Sorry, wasn't sure how that was going to come out. Intentionally breaking someone's toys and DVDs – well, it's hard to know if that's acting out or brothers being brothers."
"Right. Well, what do you think we should do about Roland?"
"Well, Henry's getting a guys' day with me and while I hoped to have a day with both of them, now I feel a little guilty it will just be Henry. If I wanted to do one with just Roland, I don't know how Henry would react."
"Well, I think he's old enough and wise enough to understand he got a day with you and now it's Roland's turn."
"You don't think he'll argue he and I only got a day together because Roland didn't actually want to come along?"
"If he does we'll just have to further explain that even though that was the case, Roland still deserves one on one time. Maybe I'll do something with Henry, just the two of us." Robin nodded his head in agreement with his wife. He was quite pleased with their discussion, not expecting it to go as well as it did. Sometimes she spoils for a fight, especially when it comes to their different parenting styles for their own child. Perhaps the family therapy sessions were doing some good in their lives, after all, the fetus growing in Regina's belly was going to be the biggest challenge on their ability to actually raise a child together from start to finish.
It wasn't long before Robin was pulling up to the publishing house. The drop off area loomed in front of the entrance. A glance to the side and he could tell his wife was a bit more nervous than she let on. Her chest expanded and deflated with each inhale and exhale. He reached out his hand for hers, startling her. She shook her head, silently letting him know she didn't need his comfort or support, this was something she had to do on her own. He wasn't sure what demons she was trying to comfort with this big show of hers, but if she wanted to battle it out on her own, he would let her. She would come to him if she needed him. That was the best way for them to work together; for him not to push her, she had to be ready. Once Dr. Hopper helped him realize that most important detail about Regina, he was pleasantly surprised how much more open about her feelings and dreams and love she became. It was like watching a flower bloom for the first time and she bloomed just for him. He wanted to take great care of his beautiful blooming flower – to water it and shower it with sunshine every day. He nodded his head once as she reached for the handle of her passenger seat. Robin left the car running as he exited to retrieve her lunch bag from the trunk. He quickly rounded to her side as she shut her door and handed her the bag. She took it from him, grasping her briefcase in one hand and the lunch bag across her chest. Robin smiled to himself thinking how much she resembled a schoolgirl on the first day of school. He leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead. She glanced up, whiskey brown eyes peaking from behind long eyelashes and offered a small smile, mouthing an 'I love you' she set off towards the sliding glass doors, anticipation building in her low belly.
Satisfied with his wife's retreating figure, Robin returned to the car and set out thinking what activities he might do with Henry. In truth he hadn't really thought guys' day out all the way. With Roland no longer in the mix, Robin needed to actually plan out something. Otherwise, it would've been such a simple thing for them to perhaps spend the morning with Roland coloring and Henry reading his comic books. Perhaps make lunch together or order out pizza and pick a new movie to watch and just vegetate on the sofa. Later in the evening they could head out for some grocery shopping to make dinner for Regina after her first day of work. It all seemed like such a simple plan when considering the five – year old. Now, Robin had to actually focus on Henry and have a man to man chat with the twelve – year old. He didn't want to make a big deal about more changes around the home – why make an issue out of a non – issue? So maybe he would just pick Henry's brain about what they could do today and hopefully conversation would flow from there. He's bonded the best way he knows how with Henry, given he's not biologically Henry's father. Robin has never tried to make himself more than what either Henry or Regina is comfortable with. Henry has vague memories of Daniel and seems rather indifferent, but sometimes he catches Regina with a faraway look in her eye, watching Robin and Henry interacting and he can only assume she's imagining what life would be like if Robin were Daniel. If Roland were their second son, if the baby she's carrying right now were their long awaited daughter. Yes, deep in his heart, for some reason, he knows she often thinks about them in that way, because sometimes he too wonders if this is the life he and Lydia would share. Robin also knows there's no sense in dwelling on what might have beens because that only tends to drag oneself down. He should instead revel in this new dynamic he's found himself in. To take comfort and solace in braving through those darkest of dark hours in which he found himself up in the middle of the night practically on the verge of tears asking God why oh why did He have to take Lydia from him, from them. Why couldn't he have had her for forever as promised in their wedding vows? Where had he gone wrong? Where had they gone wrong to have Death's grip take hold of her and yank her from their lives? Yes, he braved through those dark times and came out ahead of his grief – stricken heart to the light that is Regina Mills; her smile lighting up even the night sky with the brilliance of one thousand suns. And so his heart nearly shatters whenever she goes dark and he can't be the light for her as she is for him. It's different for her, he knows. Daniel was the risk she took. She gave up everything for a life with him and to lose him was the biggest loss of all. Her entire being was wrapped up in him and their life together. Her mother practically disowned her and her father was trapped in a loveless marriage, watching his most beloved daughter from afar. Somewhere, she knows, her mother only wanted what was best for her. Cora didn't want Regina to turn out like her – knocked up and in a sham of a marriage for what she thought was love. Having to give away her child because it hurt too much to try to raise the child that at one point in time represented a love she thought would last, such a painful reminder. Cora didn't want for Regina to know that pain and loss of young foolish love, misguided though she was. In some ways, it makes it hard for Regina to love – doubts like those can be buried but they never truly leave your psyche, so he is patient and gives his love more freely to her than he ever thought possible just so she knows her second marriage won't be like her parents'. He loves her and he knows her love for him is sometimes timid and other times overwhelming. It's almost like she suddenly remembers it's alright to love him with every fiber of her being and at those times she scares the heck out of him for after Lydia, he was certain he would never feel such a deep connection with anyone ever again. They're at this new place in their lives and they haven't really addressed it. He's in awe of her, in awe of them and this life they've managed to create together, like the phoenix rising from the ashes of love torn asunder. He wants to lock them away, just the two of them and their baby, in their own little bubble just for a little while, but he can't. That absolutely will not do. That's very selfish of him, but perhaps a weekend getaway with just the two of them will suffice, before the baby arrives. Maybe he could convince Emma or Mary – Margaret to keep their two sons for the weekend and he and Regina can just take time for themselves to reconnect and prepare for the next step in their lives.
He doesn't know how it happened, but Robin is too soon pulling back into the driveway of the house on Mifflin Street and there's Henry bouncing a basketball in the driveway as Robin pulls in the car. The boy's face lights up in a grin that stretches from ear to ear. He jogs up to the car as the window rolls down.
"Hey, what's got you so excited?" Robin asks. Henry simply shrugs his shoulder.
"I guess I get a day off from enrichment camp and we get to goof off and mom's not making me do stuff. It's truly a day off!"
"Alright, well hop in," Robin motions with his hand. Henry rounds the passenger side of the car and gets in, buckling himself.
"So what are we going to do?"
"Ah, well, while I had been planning on a guys' day with both you boys, I hadn't exactly planned out anything. With Roland involved, I thought we would just hang around the house, vegging out in the den watching movies and eating pizza til your mom came home."
"Robinnn," Henry whined out.
"Well, what would you like to do?" Henry tilted his head, bringing his hand to his chin as if deep in thought.
"Can we go to the arcade?"
"Video games? You have video games at the house."
"Yeah, but I don't have the same games. And it's different. And then maybe we can go fishing!"
"Fishing?"
"Yeah! My friend Grace and her dad go all the time. Sometimes they let me tag along, but it's not the same." He finishes glancing down towards his lap.
"Alright, well, maybe we do fishing another day. A day we actually plan out. We need things like fishing rods and baits and lures and I need a fishing license." Henry's bright smile suddenly disappeared from his face. Robin reached over and tilted his head up towards him. "But that doesn't mean we can't do something else."
"Do something else like what?"
"Well, it's a little known secret and I think your mom would freak if she found out about this, so we'll just have to keep it between the two of us. Not even Roland knows." Henry's eyes got big as saucers.
"Not even Roland?"
"Nope, not even my own son."
"Well, what is it?!"
"It's a surprise. We'll do the arcade first." Henry shook his head.
"No, I wanna do your secret surprise. The arcade will always be there. We won't have a free day to go off and do things that mom would freak out about." Robin let out a hearty laugh and nodded his head. Placing the car in gear, he reversed out of the driveway and set out towards the outskirts of town.
The light and excitement never died down from Henry's bright beaming eyes as Robin pressed forward to their destination. The ride was silent, only the radio on low bursting with static every now and then. Storybrooke had one radio station and it didn't reach to where they were going. Soon, Robin pulled off onto a gravel road, one Henry must recognize because he sits higher in the seat and his mouth drops open wide.
"We're going to the stables?!" He practically screeches out.
"Uh, actually, no." Henry's face drops and he curiously stares at Robin as he drives past the open coral.
"Well where are you taking me? Are you taking me into the woods to murder me and have mom and Roland all to yourself?" Robin abruptly stopped the car.
"What? Son, what are you talking about? What would make you think of something as deranged as that?" Henry shrugged his shoulders.
"Lifetime Channel movies?"
"Well, don't say stuff like that, it's not funny."
"Sorry. But if we're not going horseback riding, it is kinda weird, you a grown man, taking me, a young innocent little boy out into the woods. Where no one is around." Robin leaned in heavily and resumed his trek down the gravel road.
"I should take you out more. There's a shooting range out here."
"You're going to teach me how to use a gun?!"
"Eh, not exactly."
"Well then what?"
"How about we shoot some arrows?" Henry's eyes went as wide as saucers, a dumbfounded look making its way across his features.
"Shoot arrows? You know how to shoot a bow and arrow?" The excitement in Henry's voice worked its way into the tail end of his question. Robin nodded his head, a grin spreading across his lips. "Holy shit! Does mom know about this?" Henry asks, eyeing his stepfather carefully.
"No, she does not and I bet she doesn't know you use that kind of language." Henry quickly clamped his hands over his mouth. "Good. Now I don't want your mother knowing about this because she already worries with me working at the Sherriff's office." Henry nodded his head and climbed out the car. Robin shut off the engine and followed Henry towards the small building housing rental equipment for targeting practice.
Henry's lips spread into a wide grin once Robin parked the car. He couldn't scramble out of the passenger side fast enough. Robin couldn't help the grin that spread wide across his face or the swell in his chest at bonding even more with his wife's son. Nothing made him more happy in that moment.
"Come on, Robin!" the young boy shouted once Robin exited the car and rounded his way to an excitedly bouncing Henry.
"Calm down Henry, we have all morning, okay?" Henry nodded his head as Robin's hand found his back and he guided them over to the small post in front of the shooting range. There was a gruffy gentleman seated with his legs propped up, reading a book in the window. Robin approached and slapped the man's legs down.
"John!" Startled, the man almost fell out of his seat, dropping his book to the ground below.
"Jesus!" the man cried out.
"Not quite," Robin responded, laughing.
"Jesus, Robin you scared me."
"Business slow this Monday morning?"
"Well, you could say that," the man replied, bending to retrieve his book. "What can I do for ya?"
"Well, me and Henry here," he started, slapping the boy on his shoulder, "would like to have a go at some target practice."
"Oh, I see," the man said as he leaned forward, conspiratorially. "You let this dope convince you to come shoot some arrows?" Henry eagerly shook his head. 'Well may I be the first to wish you luck!" John bellowed out.
"Hey, don't scare the boy! I'm trying to convince him I'm good father material."
"Oh, this Regina's boy?"
"Yeah."
"You've gotten taller since the wedding." Henry's grin spread even wider. John placed his book on the counter and stepped to the side so he could exit the standing shack and approached Robin and Henry. "Alright then, let's get you all set up here. First we'll need to pick your bow and arrow. Are you right handed or left handed?"
"Um, right handed," Henry responded, glancing at Robin, who only nodded his head.
"Great, now let me get my tape measure here," John said as he fumbled around in his pockets. "Ah, here we are. Now, hold out your arms," Henry did as the man instructed. "Good, now place your hands together and straighten out your fingers." John nodded, mumbling to himself as Henry complied. He took his tape measure and measured from Henry's chest to the tips of the boy's fingers and nodded his head. "Great, you can put your arms down, I'll be right back."
Henry went to stand back by Robin while they waited for John. Robin wrapped his arms around and pulled him into his side, trying to calm down the excitement in his chest. About ten minutes later John emerged holding a bow and a set of arrows. He handed them to Henry.
"Alright, here ya go. Do I need to show him how to use these things, or d'ya think you can remember?" John gently chided Robin.
"Har – har." Robin responded with a roll of his eyes not uncharacteristic of his wife.
"Will ya be shootin' today? Do I need to get you a set?" Robin shook his head.
"Naa, I'll just get Henry set up and help him. We won't be here for too long." John nodded his head and reclaimed his perch inside his shack.
Henry skipped off to the side of the building to the open field that held targets at various distances. Choosing an arrow, he placed the rest on the ground beside his feet before attempted to nock the arrow. Robin slowly jogged up to his side.
"Whoa, there son. Have you ever shot an arrow before?"
"No, I've seen it on tv a bunch of times. How hard could it be?" Robin let a breathy laugh, trying not to be insulted. Henry placed the bow, held steady, drawing the string back and released the arrow. It fell five feet in front of him. He turned to look at Robin, his face in a scowl that very much matched his mother's. He growled out as stalked forward to retrieve the fallen arrow and returned to Robin's side, offering the bow and arrow to his stepfather. Robin tried his best not to laugh as he first took the arrow and placed it on the ground and then took the bow.
"Alright, I'm going to show you proper stance first, alright?" Henry nodded his head, squinting his eyes as if in deep concentration. "First, plant your feet so you're facing parallel to the target." Henry watched Robin place his feet before mimicking his stance. "Good, now we grip the bow." Robin brought the bow up to demonstrate the grip. Then he picked up an arrow and continued on. "Nock the arrow, draw the bow, aim and let the arrow fly," Robin demonstrated, releasing the arrow with a snap. The arrow flew across the field and landed a few inches to the right of the middle of the target. Henry let out a loud whoop.
"Wow! You're really good! When was the last time you shot?"
"Well, it has been quite some time," Robin laughed as he handed the bow back to Henry. "Alright, you want to give it a try?" The pre – teen nodded his head eagerly as he grasped the bow and reached for another arrow. Robin stepped back with a swell in his chest as he watched Henry quirk his face in concentration calling to mind the technique he demonstrated moments before.
The automated doors to the publishing house opened upon sensing her presence at the entrance. The nerves pricked the back of her neck and worked their way down to her belly where it twisted and churned and felt very much like a bout of morning sickness was coming back with a vengeance. She swallowed thickly and stepped through the doors. Her feet carried her to the reception area where Gideon glanced up from his desk in surprise.
"Mrs. Mills! I wasn't sure if you were coming back!" He called out to her with a smile. He rounded his desk, outstretching his arms.
"Well dear, you didn't think pre – term labor would keep me away, did you?" He shook his head with a laugh.
"No, I didn't think it would, but, eh, you never know. Want me to help you with those?" He nodded his head towards her briefcase and lunch bag.
"No, I think I've got it, but if you wouldn't mind grabbing the elevator for me, I'd appreciate that. Kinda hard to maneuver these things around the belly here."
"Right, no worries! Here we go," he stated as they made it over to the atrium. He pressed the up button and they stood in awkward silence until a ding indicated the elevator's arrival. The doors parted and Regina quickly stepped in. Gideon leaned forward and pressed the button numbered three before Regina could part her lips. She shed a sly smile and waved good bye as the doors slid shut. For a few moments she leaned into the back wall of the elevator, eyes close, taking deep breaths. Gideon was easy. He didn't press too much about her absence. Hopefully the rest of the staff wouldn't be nosy either and leave her be.
The elevator came to a stop on her floor. The doors parted and took a deep breath before exiting.
"Hey Regina! Welcome back!" Mal jogged up beside her as she briskly mad her way towards her office.
"Hey Mal, how's it going?"
"Going great!" Mal tossed back as they rounded the corner. Regina stopped in front of her office door, trying to juggle her bags while simultaneously searching for her key. "Here, let me get that for you," Mal offered as she held out her hand for Regina's purse.
"Geez Regina, what all have you got in here?"
"Ah, stuff. You forget what life is like with a five – year old. Must be supplied with things for entertainment." Mal cocked her head as she pulled out a baggie with cheerios, another bag with dried fruit and two protein bars. "What? We also need snacks. Have you found the key or not?"
"Yeah, yeah. Here it is." Mal smiled as she took the key to Regina's office, inserting it in the lock and pushing the door open. Mal allowed Regina to pass in front of her. Regina headed straight for her desk, plopping her briefcase and lunch bag down. Mal clicked on the overhead light as she came to sit in the guest chairs in front of Regina's desk. Regina set about pulling out her lap top and the various folders her assistant brought to her while she was on bed rest. While waiting for her lap top to power up, Regina took out the various snacks from her purse and strategically placed them around her desk. Next she stood up and headed out of her office down the hall. Mal stayed in her seat and waited for the brunette to return with their customary cups of coffee. And what appeared to be a donut from the breakroom. Regina sat in her seat and quirked an eyebrow at her friend as she took a sip of her coffee.
"What?"
"Well, I'm not sure."
"Not sure about what?" Regina asked, sitting her coffee cup on the table and punching a few keys on her lap top.
"You, being back here at work so soon after everything that's happened." Regina let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her office chair over to her filing cabinet, selecting some files and sliding back to her lap top.
"Good grief Mal, I thought you'd be on my side, independent woman and everything."
"Well I am here for independent women, but not when independent woman is what, thirty – four weeks pregnant and just possibly delivered her baby early. I'm your friend, okay? A very concerned friend. We're all concerned about you and your baby's well – being, you can't fault us for that, can you?" Mal had reached out to grab her friend's hand in a reassuring gesture.
"Look, I appreciate your kindness, everyone's kindness. Yes, it hasn't been a whirlwind of fun these past two weeks, but what I would like to do is to get back to work. I need this distraction, okay? I was cooped up in that house trying to relax and keep the baby in, which is, surprisingly a stressful and tiring thing to do. I wasn't really able to work on any of my editing, what with Robin, the boys, Emma and Mary – Margaret hovering around me. So, I am here at work to get away from them and to actually do something that relaxes me," Mal looked at Regina pointedly, "going through edits with my red pen. Now, if you don't mind, I need to finish editing the last two chapters and sit with the art department to go over mark ups for the book jacket. Perhaps sit with marketing to discuss a small book tour for the last book." Mal sat back in her chair and held up her hands in defense.
"Alright, alright, you don't need to convince me of anything. I'll be sure to warn the troops lest they find themselves at the receiving end of the Evil Queen's wrath." Regina nods her head once.
"See that you do." Mal heads for the door. "Oh, and Mal?" Mal turns ever so slightly, bracing for Regina's next words, "Seeya for lunch? Maybe we order out? I have a craving for greasy fries." Mal nodded her head, a smile spreading across her features.
"Sounds good to me."
Regina reclined in her office chair. Her feet were propped up on one of the guest chairs. She had Mal bring it around to the side of her desk. Her eyes drifted closed in the darkness of her office. The lights were dimmed. Squishy seemed to have settled into a routine of afternoon napping and Regina was keen on catching a few winks given how active the baby was. Her mind just drifted to what a romantic evening with her husband would be like, how soon she could act on her fantasies and more importantly, how to convince her husband to fuck her. They were robbed that fateful night of their anniversary and now that she thought about it, she was rather annoyed and hot and bothered that Squishy interrupted anniversary sex. She was leaking a little and couldn't decide if it was a weak bladder thanks to the baby or her own arousal and then she wondered how exactly dark her office appeared to some random person walking outside. Could she put a do not disturb sign on the outside of her office and perhaps…
Ring ring
Damnit. Her office phone startled out of her reverie. She cleared her throat before picking up on the third ring.
"Regina Mills."
"Hi, Miss Mills?"
"Speaking, how can I help you?"
"Hi, it's Ashley Boyd, from the summer camp?"
"Oh hi, is something wrong? Is Roland okay?" her voice hitching just a little.
"Well, I'm not sure. He seemed okay earlier this morning when he arrived, but he's kinda been sitting off to the side and not really interacting with anyone. I went to ask him if he was okay and he started crying, stating he wanted to go home. I know there are only a few more hours until pick up time, but I'm having a hard time consoling him."
"Well, uh, have you tried calling Roland's father?"
"We did, ma'am but he's not answering his phone." Great, Regina muttered under her breath.
"Okay, alright. Just let me finish up a few things here at work and I'll figure out how to come get him. My husband dropped me off at work so I have no car."
"Oh, well do you want me to try to reach Mr. Hood again?"
"No, no – I'll take a cab if I have to. Tell Roland I'll be there to get him as soon as I can, alright?"
"Okay. Seeya soon!"
"Alright, bye – bye now," Regina bit out tersely. Just her luck. And what the hell, what if something had happened to her and the baby? They couldn't get in contact with Robin. She was a little heated, but she would have to worry about that later. Now, now she had to figure out how to pack away all of her things, beg out of work early on her first day back and somehow manage to pick her son up from summer camp.
She sat up in her seat, shut down her lap top and began filing away the folders she had strewn across her desk. A knock sounded at her door, she looked up at the intruder with an exasperated sigh, "What?" she bit out. Mal held up her hands with two paper bags in defense. Regina smacked her forehead. "Crap, I'm sorry Mal, I completely forgot you were bringing lunch."
"Is everything okay?" Mal asked as she ventured further into Regina's office, setting their lunch on the desk. Regina sighed, shaking her head, as she continued packing up the items on her desk.
"No, Roland's either having a temper tantrum at camp or something is terribly wrong with him, I'm not sure yet."
"Oh?" Mal quirked her head as she waited for Regina to further explain.
"The camp just called to say Roland's been crying and they can't figure out why and they can't reach Robin, so I need to go retrieve him. Only problem is, Robin dropped me off this morning," Regina finished off in a huff, plopping herself down in the chair. Mal reached out to grab her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Hey, that's no reason to get worked up. I can take you." Regina looked up.
"Since when you are so sympathetic?"
"Hey, I have a heart. It might be deeply buried, but that's why we get along so well, right?" Regina stared hard at her friend. "Okay, maybe it's our mutual hatred of Mr. Gold and our mutual ambition to prove that women are just as capable of getting shit done as men."
"You brought lunch." Mal nodded her head.
"I did. Do you want to eat it now or shall we go get the little one? We can eat at home."
"You're going to come home with me? And help me entertain the five – year old?"
"I've already told you, I'm not completely heartless." Regina let out a dry chuckle.
"Alright, alright. First, I need to beg off Gold. I just started back. He's going to think I'm weak for tending to my children."
"Hey, that's bullshit and you know it. You're a damn good editor. You're just as devoted to your family as you are to your work. If he as anything to say about today, I'll personally make his life a living hell."
"Please don't go through all that trouble on my account."
"Oh, you're just an excuse. I would do it anyway."
"Well, thank you for that. Let me go talk to him. Hopefully he won't be too terribly awful and then we'll go?"
"Good, that sounds good." Regina nodded her head as she stepped out of her office. Mal began collecting Regina's things and their lunch and headed down the hall to her office to grab her purse. As amused as she was with Regina actually being afraid of Gold for once, she was more irritated that Regina couldn't get in contact with Robin after he stranded her at work with no vehicle. While she understood him wanting to take care of his wife and child, he certainly was a knuckle – head about the entire situation. Men, sometimes they're completely clueless.
Inhale. Exhale. A knock and then another.
"Yes?" his voice bellowed from inside the office. Another breath. And another and suddenly the door handle was retreating from in front of her hand. Startled, she let out a gasp.
"Miss Mills, I see you have returned," Gold greeted, pulling his office door further open, motioning Regina inside.
"Uh, yes, I have." She stood by the door, allowing Mr. Gold to precede her to his desk.
"Please, sit," he commanded with an outstretched hand.
"Thanks." Regina slid into one of the high backed office chairs which seemed to offer even less support to her strained pregnancy back than when she sat in them pre – pregnancy.
"To what do I owe this pleasure? Is everything alright?"
"Everything's great."
"Good, good," he nodded, giving her his completely undivided attention. A moment of silence passed between the two. "Well is there something I can help you with? We both know you're not one for simple pleasantries, especially not with me."
"Well, right to the chase then. I, uh, need to go home."
"So soon? The day has barely started."
"I know, but Roland he's, uh, not having a good day."
"Well, we don't always have good days, Miss Mills, and yet we seem to get through them."
"Yes, I know that. But Roland's only five years old."
"Uh – huh, I see. What about your husband?" Regina gritted her teeth.
"He's taken Henry for the day for some male bonding before the baby gets here. I can't get in contact."
"Oh, well that is most unfortunate."
"Yes, so you see, I must leave to go and collect my son." Mr. Gold paused, with his hands folded in front of him. He gave a brief nod before reaching for a stack of papers that seemed to have been pushed aside. "Does this mean I can go?"
"Oh, well, I suppose. I was hoping to discuss a book proposal with you and Sidney today."
"Oh, well can it wait until tomorrow?"
"I've been waiting for two weeks."
"Hmm, well, can we briefly go over the particulars?"
"I'm afraid Mr. Glass isn't available right now."
"You wouldn't discuss without me though, would you?"
"I've been deliberating on this for quite some time. I'm concerned with how this pregnancy and subsequent birth will affect your work life."
"I can assure you I have a very good work – life balance."
"Hmmm, but your passion for work used to be more."
"I have never sacrificed one for the other. Sure it was easier to be a little more dedicated as Henry got older."
"And it was just you and Henry. Now you have your husband, a step – son and a new baby on the way. Something is bound to get out of whack."
Knock knock
A knock sounded at the door and before either Regina or Mr. Gold could respond, the door swung open to reveal one Mallory Pendragon.
"You 'bout ready to go, Regina?" Mr. Gold looked up at the intruder then back to Regina. Regina worked her jaw.
"Mr. Gold and I were just discussing some arrangements."
"Oh okay, great! Was he discussing the new proposal he wanted you to work on? He's going to let you work on it from home, isn't he?" Regina shifted her focus back to Mr. Gold, eyeing him curiously. Mal clearly had something over him.
"We haven't exactly worked out the particulars and Miss Mills was in here to inform me she needed to leave early."
"Yes, family emergency – those things tend to happen. We can't all always be so devoted to our work, especially if we're trying to promote a family friendly business. Customers like family friendly businesses, don't they, Mr. Gold?" Regina couldn't help but smirk.
"Ah, yes, that they do. Alright Miss Mills, go on home to Roland and we'll try this again tomorrow, shall we?" Regina nodded her head.
"Yes yes, we'll talk more on this tomorrow. Thank you."
"Alright, let's get outta here." Mal squealed out as she held the door open for Regina.
'Let's? As in the both of you?" Mr. Gold questioned.
"Don't worry, I'm taking my lunch break to take Regina to pick up Roland. I'll be back within the hour. You'll be alright." And with that, she shut the door.
"Thanks Mal, you have impeccable timing."
"Well, I figured he'd give you a hard time and when it started to reach the five minute mark I thought you might need some help." Regina simply smiled and the two women found their way down the hall to the elevators and out to Mal's car.
Robin and Henry slowly opened the front door to their house on Mifflin Street. Dull light reached their eyes from the den area just off from the foyer. They could hear the low hum of the television, but not much else. Robin motioned for Henry to advance in front of him. Henry nodded, holding up the bags of takeout, indicating he would take the food to the dining room. Robin made the slow ascent up the steps and moved into the den. Roland and Regina were cuddled up against each other on the sofa while Jurassic Park played in the background. It surely must have been an interesting day for Regina to allow Roland to watch such a scary movie. Then again, it was more like the movie was watching them. He approached the sofa and knelt beside it, his knees crunching on the way down. His breath caught in his throat as Regina shifted a little, unconsciously stroking her belly. Robin leaned forward to place a kiss upon her brow, stroking through her hair to encourage her waking. She shifted with a start, her eyes slowly blinking open. She blinked once, twice and then a startled gasp escaped her lips.
"Ro – Robin," she cleared sleep from her throat.
"Hey love," he responded with an uneasy smile. "I brought dinner." She nodded her head and made an attempt to sit up. That act was somewhat difficult with a thirty – four week baby bump and a five – year old body laying limp across her lap. Robin crossed in front of her to lift his sleeping son into his arms before offering a hand to help his wife to her feet. She stood, stretching her arms to the ceiling, popping her back, rotating her neck side to side until they too let out soft little pops. A yawn graced her features. She started moving towards the dining room, the smells of burgers and fries drifting surreptitiously throughout their home. Robin prepared himself for the verbal assault he was sure to receive given how he had three missed calls from the summer camp and two missed calls from Regina, and then one surprisingly from Mal. He knew he was in deep trouble and his wife's silent walk to the dining room made him nervous. He began rubbing circles on Roland's back, trying to wake the sleeping child. "Hey bud," he coaxed. "Come on son, it's time to wake up." Roland barely stirred. Regina yawned once more, turning to her husband, placing her hand on top of his. She leaned up to peck a kiss to the sleeping boy's brow.
"Let him sleep, he's had an exhausting afternoon. Why don't you just take him upstairs to bed?" She half – suggested, half – commanded.
"Has he eaten?"
"We had a relatively nice lunch and an afternoon snack. If he wakes later because he's hungry, you can feed him." She kissed the boy's cheek and smoothed her hand through curls that were sticky in the summer heat. He could always take a bath in the morning. Robin nodded and turned towards the stairs while his wife continued on to the dining room.
Henry had set the table and was in the middle of plating their food when Regina finally made her entrance. He looked up from his ministrations, trying to gauge just how upset his mom was.
"Heyyyyy mom. We brought dinner." She nodded as she pulled out her chair.
"I see. Did you and Robin have fun?" Henry paused.
"Um, uh, yeah. It was nice."
"Hmm, and what exactly were you men doing all day?" Henry got the feeling this was somehow an interrogation and suddenly he didn't feel comfortable answering his mother's questions without another adult present.
"Oh, we went to the arcade." He stated, finally finished plating the food and sat down. Regina lifted her burger to take a bite. She slowly chewed, pausing mid – chew when she heard the heavy footsteps of her husband approach. She swallowed her bite and placed the burger on the plate.
"Hmmm, and the arcade must have terrible cell phone reception, which I find curious because I haven't had trouble reaching you before."
"Oh, sorry love, that's my fault. I uh, made him leave his phone in the car. I didn't want anything to distract him from our day of bonding."
"Right, and your phone?"
"I didn't want anything to distract me from our day of bonding?" Robin's voice hitched just a little at the end. They would keep their secret. They only needed a united front.
"Uh – huh." Regina picked up her burger and took a few more bites. She reached for some of the cheese fries in the middle of the table and followed that with a few sips from her milkshake. Robin knew he was in big trouble if this was the kind of food he brought home. "Well, I'm full right now, so, thanks for dinner, boys. Would you mind clearing all this away when you're done? Roland and I have had an exhausting afternoon. I'm going to bed early," she declared as she pushed herself back away from the table. Robin and Henry exchanged confused looks as they watched Regina saunter away. Henry leaned towards Robin.
"We are in such trouble!" The words tumbling out of his mouth in a hushed whisper.
"Yes, you are," Regina called from the hallway. Robin and Henry exchanged astonished looks. Robin half – expected Regina to return to them, but after a few minutes and no other indication, he resumed his meal and indicated Henry should do so as well.
"Are you alright enough to clean all this up while I go do some serious damage control with your mother?" Robin asked Henry once they were done with their food.
"Yeah, please fix this. I don't want her to be mad at me or you."
"Well, I don't think she's mad, disappointed maybe."
"She's really pissed, she didn't even chew you out at dinner."
"Well, no she didn't, but perhaps she's had time to calm down and would much prefer a civil conversation."
"As to why she couldn't get in contact with us to come pick up Roland? And that she can't believe you left her stranded at work? And that you promised you'd only be a phone call away if she needed anything?" Robin had played the voice messages aloud in front of Henry before he knew what they were about. He initially assumed she was feeling a little sappy because her boys were spending the day together. Her voice messages were stressed and with each one he could hear her agitation pique and the last one from Mal because Regina was too angry to make any more phone calls, well, even his small peace offering of burgers, cheese, fries and milkshake weren't even going to scratch the surface of her accepting his apology.
"Right, well, into the lion's den I go. Wish me luck." Henry nodded.
"Good luck!"
When Robin reaches the top of the landing, he hesitates, not sure he's properly prepared for whatever his wife is about to do to him, however deserving he is. His second thought is then to his young son who was in such a state at summer camp he needed to be retrieved. Robin approached his son's bedroom door, checking to see if he was still asleep or if he was waking up because the hunger pains finally started to hit. Roland was still sound asleep, the covers kicked off his body. Little kids have no spatial awareness and thank goodness his son didn't really have the need to climb into mommy and daddy's bed too frequently. He pulled the bedroom door shut. It was now or never. He took a few steadying breaths and made his way down the hall towards the room he shared with his wife.
A knock sounded at their bedroom door. Robin. She was downright furious with him, but she was also exhausted. She'd really been through the ringer today. She'd never felt so panicky before in her life and she was mad he made her feel that way. Her husband who promised to love and cherish her til death do they part. She looked up from where she was perched on the bed, clad in only a thin cotton shirt and underwear. Her glasses were perched on the tip of her nose as she read through the treatment she was working on for what she hoped would be a new project.
"Come in," she called out. Robin sheepishly stepped into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. He moved around, discarding clothes, brushing his teeth, and washing up a little bit before bed. Good. He was afraid of her, as he should be, she thought to herself. After about twenty minutes of him bustling around their ensuite and her pretending she was still writing mark – ups on her paper, he finally approached their bed and after a few moments' pause, he climbed in and rolled over to face her. She looked straight on. His fingers grasp her upper arm, massaging them and dotting feather light touches here and there on her arm, her neck, her shoulders. She still sat rigid. She wrenched her arm from his grasp, because God, his fingers were magic, easing the tension and sending her zinging in unmentionable places and she wasn't sure it was safe for those activities just yet. She tossed her papers down, tearing her glasses of her face and setting those on the night stand. "What the hell happened today, Robin?" Robin's head dropped.
"I know love, I know."
"Do you? Do you have any idea what I've been through today while you've been gallivanting around, do only God knows what because you didn't even have the decency to return any of my phone calls to let me know what the hell was going on?!" She practically shouted.
"Hey come on, keep it down a little, try not to scare the boys." If looks could kill, the expression that just passed on her face would certainly have made him a dead man ten times over. He held up his hands in ready acceptance of whatever she was about to say to him. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for what you went through today, and there's nothing I can do about that. Why don't you tell me what happened? Let me have it," he encouraged. The sardonic laugh that fell from her lips at his request did nothing to ease the knot that was forming in his stomach. He was afraid. She stood from the bed and began pacing.
"It was my first day back at work in two weeks. Two weeks!" she held up to fingers to emphasize her point. "It was almost like the first day at work in which I had to prove myself that I am more than capable of pursuing a career and being a mom and not neglect either of those duties. I wanted to drive myself to work, I like my autonomy, I know this, you know this, everyone knows this! But you lured me into a false sense of security that should I need anything, anything at all, all I would have to do is call you and just like that you would be there. But you weren't. You weren't there for me or Roland."
"Hey!" Robin started to interrupt before Regina held up a hand to silence him.
"No, you weren't. I'm stating facts, I'm not mudslinging. Ashley Boyd said she tried calling you three times before she tried calling me. I don't know where you were or what you were doing, but when she said she couldn't get in contact with you about your son, I got angry because what if I needed you? What if something had gone wrong at work and I had no way of getting in contact with you? That big speech you made about how you were so upset because I didn't let you take me to the hospital when I fell and how I essentially bullied you into not following your gut instinct all seemed bluster to me. You promised if I needed anything at all you would be right there and you weren't. You broke your promise. Your son needed you. I needed you and you weren't there." She sighed, wiping the backs of her hands against her eyes, trying to stifle the tears threatening to fall. Robin reached for her, but she stepped away from him. "Don't, I'm not finished." Robin nodded for her to continue. "I had to go into Mr. Gold's office and ask him to let me leave work four hours into the day after I just returned to work. Do you know how hard that was? To basically admit I couldn't parent and work at the same time? He was going to give me a new project for when the Forbidden Fruit series ends. He wanted me to start prep work on it, but then told me he wasn't sure I was up to the task. Never has he ever thought I wasn't up for a task. It pains him to have to try and spread projects around when he knows I can do the work. That nearly killed me."
"Thank goodness Mal was there to rescue me from Gold and run me over to the community center to retrieve Roland. Oh that little boy. Seeing his tears nearly broke my heart. His friend Thomas was home sick and suddenly he really wished he could be with you and Henry. It was heartbreaking to explain to him that Henry and his daddy were on a secret mission, without him, and even I couldn't get in contact. But you know what? We made the best of it. Mal and I picked up some ice cream to go with our lunch and we spent my lunch hour trying to cheer him up. After lunch and a few rounds of Memory and Go Fish, Mal had to bribe him with Jurassic Park. Strangely he knew a lot of the dialogue," a watery chuckle tumbled out of her mouth along with a smile that almost reached her eyes. Finally, she could breathe. She took a deep inhale and slowly exhaled. She turned to look at her husband, her hands sliding down to her sides, cocking her head to the side, almost pleading with him to not say anything stupid. He was in the wrong. She may have hurt his feelings with her harsh words, but they were valid. Her husband stepped to her, enveloping her in his arms. She leaned in, sobs racking her body and he rubbed soothing circles on her back. After a few minutes, he pulled back to look at her face. She wiped at her tears and he grasped her hand to lead her to their bed. Robin climbed in first, then held his hand out to pull Regina in close to him.
"I'm sorry for today, I really am," he started, rubbing her arms, "I wasn't thinking. I was so excited to spend time with the boys and Roland not wanting to come along threw a monkey wrench in my plans. Henry and I did something spontaneous, but he had so much fun. I couldn't've asked for a better experience. I hope you can forgive me." Regina nuzzled in closer to his side, as much as she could given her pregnant state. She rubbed his chest and tilted her face to his, looking into his eyes for depth of sincerity.
"You and Henry had a good day?" She croaked out.
"The best day, mom." Henry stood in the doorway of their bedroom. Robin and Regina both sat up with a start.
"Henry," she motioned for her son to come join them on the bed. "How much of that did you hear?"
"Doesn't matter, please don't be mad at Robin."
"Oh honey," she gasps out as Henry leans into her chest, wrapping his arms around him. Startled at first, but then she is the one rubbing comforting circles on his back.
"I'm not mad, just upset with how things were handled today. And as adults, it's important that we get out our concerns so they don't fester in our hearts and eat us up inside."
"So you're not mad at Robin? I don't want you to be mad at him. It really was an awesome day. I've never had so much fun." Regina can't help the smile that stretches across her lips.
"Well, if Robin gave you the best day ever, I can't possibly be mad at him for that, can I?" She's mad, she truly is mad, but it seems Manly Man Day was a success and so her feelings are a bit mixed. Robin leans in to peck a kiss onto her lips and rests his hand on Henry's head.
"Henry, it's okay for your mom to be upset with me. I should've planned today a little better and I most definitely should've thought to check in with your mom sooner. And sometimes it helps us feel better if we give into our emotions. If she needs to be mad at me for a little while, then she can be mad at me for a little while. What's important is that once she's done being mad we can talk it out so that mad at me for a little while doesn't turn into mad at me for the rest of her life." Regina chuckles and pulls Robin's face to hers for another kiss. Henry looks between the two of them.
"So you guys are alright? I could hear mom fussing," Henry asked once more.
"Mommy?" A tiny sleepy voice called from their doorway. Regina shoved Henry and Robin off of her and outstretched her arms towards the sleepy five – year old rubbing his eyes.
"Oh sweetheart, did we wake you?" Roland shook his head, as he continued rubbing his eyes and walking towards the bed. "Do you wanna come up here with us?" Roland shook his head again. "Mommy, I'm hungry."
"Well, I would imagine so, you missed dinner." She told him as she pulled him into her lap on the bed. He settled against her side and his eyes fluttered against her chest. Henry repositioned himself on her other side and Robin simply looked on. "Would you like it if Daddy made you a little snack?" Roland nodded his head against her chest. "Okay, how about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?" Roland nodded his again once more. Regina looked to her husband.
"Alright, you heard the little guy, peanut butter and jelly. And would you mind heating up my burger?"
"Feeling hungry now?"
"Well, I think I was hungry before, I was too stressed to eat more than what I did," Regina responded, sadness creeping into the edge of her voice. Robin reached out to caress her cheek.
"Oh love, please believe me when I say I am so so sorry. I'll make it up to you," then he turned his head towards Henry, "Hey, Henry you wanna help make snacks in bed?"
"Snacks in bed? Does mom approve?"
"Hmm, just this once. And only if you grab a sheet from the laundry closet. I don't want crumbs in my bed." Henry nodded and promptly hopped off the bed to join Robin.
Regina held Roland tighter to her chest, rubbed comforting strokes across his back and nuzzled her face into his curls. More tears streamed down her face as she rocked him side to side. Memories of his little tear streaked face when she arrived to pick him from day camp earlier that day evoked strange stirrings inside. Sure, she could blame her hormones on what seems to be an overreaction, but in reality, it is fear. The same heart – wrenching fear she felt when Daniel took too long to arrive at the hospital when she was having a miscarriage, when she needed him the most. She knew then something was wrong and while she didn't have that exact same feeling this time, that seemingly irrational fear still got the better of her. Even though Regina seemingly kept herself together while picking up Roland from camp, the dam all but broke as soon as she entered the house. Mal, not far behind, ushered her friend up the steps into the foyer and pushed her past the dining room into the kitchen, shoving her into a chair, glaring at her, daring her to move. All Regina could do was nod her head while Mal disappeared, presumably to settle Roland, with what she later discovered was a promise to let him watch Jurassic Park if he stayed quiet and at his lunch. Mal returned and Regina immediately collapsed in her arms. She's not sure how long she stayed crying in Mal's arms, but their moment was interrupted by the ringing of Mal's phone. It was Robin returning her call. Mal merely scoffed and set the phone back down. Regina's phone then rang, but Mal stopped Regina from reaching for it, telling her now was not the time. Regina nodded her head and tried her best to dry her tears. Enough of that for now. She straightened herself, wiping her eyes with a napkin from the table and silently thanked her friend. They then joined Roland in the den for a little while, coloring and playing with his Legos, letting him win Go Fish and Memory all while Jurassic Park played in the background. Soon, it was time for Mal to return to work. She'd already been gone for two hours and both Regina and Mal were surprised Mr. Gold hadn't sent out the Gestapo to return her to work. Regina felt her eyes drifting and could tell Roland was getting a little restless. Regina saw Mal out and returned to the little boy, pulling them both onto the sofa for an afternoon nap. Robin would be home soon and she required as much energy as possible to properly deal with everything.
Ten minutes later found Robin and Henry carrying up TV dinner trays to the master bedroom. Robin kicked the bedroom door open with his foot so they could pass through unencumbered. Robin set his tray down on the dresser so he could arrange the sheet Regina requested on the bed. He smiled as his wife as she woke Roland so he could sit up and eat his dinner. Henry brought the tray he was carrying over to his mother so she too could eat. After a little while, Regina and Roland finished their food while Henry and Robin recounted their day, but skipping the part about shooting arrows and how they were out of cell phone range. It would be their little secret.
Roland's little eyes started drifting closed again and Robin reached for him, causing the little eyes to flutter open.
"Can I stay here tonight, with you?" He muttered in his half – sleep state.
"Gee bud, I don't know." Robin sighed. Roland was a wild sleeper and while that was okay to deal with for Regina, because at one point in her life she too had a five year old Henry to contend with, he was worried Roland might accidentally kick Regina's pregnant belly.
"Of course you can," Regina smiled.
"Regina, I'm worried he might accidentally kick you." Regina pulled Roland closer to her, smoothing down his curls once more.
"Oh, you wouldn't do that, would you, my sweet little knight. You'll be brave and protect Squishy, right?" Roland nodded his head. "See? He'll be mindful."
"Alright, but daddy will feel better if you slept on my side of the bed, okay?" Roland pouted, but Robin was unphased.
"Can I sleep in here too?" Henry asked, feeling a little left out. Regina looked to her husband. There was barely enough room on the bed given her large belly, but Roland was tiny.
"Tell you what, why don't we grab your sleeping bags and you boys can sleep on the floor. Does that sound like a fair compromise?" Henry and Roland nodded their heads. As soon as Robin left the room, Henry climbed in the bed on the other side of his mom, resting his head atop her belly.
"What are you doing son?" She asked as she carded her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp as she did so.
"Giving Squishy a hug. She's probably feeling left out." Regina chuckled.
"Oh that's sweet. Here, give me your hand. I think she likes your hug, she's kicking." Both Henry and Roland sat up and she took both their hands in hers and moved them around to the side where she could feel the baby stretching and moving inside. Twin smiles stretched across their faces and after a few moments they both leaned back down to snuggle into Regina's side.
Ten minutes later Robin returned baring two pillows, two set of sleeping bags and the scene of his wife and their two sons sound asleep on the bed. Well, that wasn't the plan. He couldn't bring himself to move the boys and his wife probably wouldn't want him to move them anyway. He'll let them have this moment. So, instead he made himself a pallet on the floor beside their bed using the two sleeping bags and pillows. He leaned over the bed to plant kisses on each of their foreheads and soft caress to his wife's swollen belly.
"I love you guys so, so very much," he whispered before settling himself in for the night.