Well, this one is new and different for me – stretching my fic writing wings so to speak. I've never really focused a fic on Robin Hood before; though I like his character, I've never been sure I know him well enough to write him believably. Still, after the "Our Decay" (5x16) episode, I was so struck by his reaction to seeing and holding his baby once again, that this just kinda happened. I feel like it ends on a hopeful note, so I've put it in my "Swans and Swords…" collection.

I may be playing with different characters than usual, but I don't own Robin, Regina, Belle, or baby Hood any more than I do Killian or Emma…

Happy Reading, and don't be afraid to let me know what you think of it!

"Like an Arrow to the Heart"

By: TutorGirlml

The intermingled pain and joy which pierce Robin Locksley's chest in equal measures nearly steal his breath; they are physical ache which pulls him back on his heels for a moment or two while he focuses on gathering deep breaths in and out, grounding himself until the immediate shock of fear and dismay settles down. He closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them to take in Belle standing before them with his little one in her arms, and steels himself to speak calmly. No matter how good her intentions or the fact that she has kept Zelena from stealing the defenseless babe, his infant daughter is now in the Underworld, and the very thought churns his stomach.

It had not been an easy decision to leave her and her older brother with the fairies in Storybrooke. Going away when his newborn was still so tiny and needing her papa was not a choice he had reached lightly, and whether she was the girl's mother by blood or not, Robin knew it had pained and troubled Regina as well – but they had attempted to do what was safest and best for his children in a dangerous situation, while still striving to set the kind of example he had always attempted: live honestly, bravely, help those in need, and sacrifice for family, for those one loves, whatever the cost. His family was heading into danger, and Robin had simply known he would not be able to live with himself if he stayed behind in relative comfort rather than following and offering what help he could. Yet, he had never wanted his children to be endangered; there had been no question that they couldn't in good conscience come along on a trip to the domain of Hades himself. Still, despite his best efforts, here was his little girl all the same.

And, really, he can't help himself; at seeing his child again, he wants her in his arms. Somehow, Robin finds the words to thank Belle graciously for her efforts to protect his little girl. In the back of his mind, it strikes the archer once again what pluck this dainty librarian has, what a brave willingness to stand up for those in need, no matter how powerful or dangerous the opponent she faces. Her willingness once long ago, when she was still just a maid in the Dark One's palace, to defy Rumplestiltskin and set an imprisoned thief free had saved his life, and by extension, Marian and Roland's. The fact that Belle has no magic, only faith in what is true along with sterling loyalty and a stubborn desire to see the best in others, only makes it more stunning that she has tangled with countless monsters other than the Wicked Witch of the West she has just bested, and in this newest case, she did it for two babies she owes nothing but her own affection. Somehow, surprisingly, for the moment at least, she has managed to come out on top. It's enough to make him wonder – and he's surprised more people haven't – how she ended up in the thrall of a being so devious and power hungry as Rumplestiltskin.

Giving the petite brunette a tentative smile, he reaches out to receive his daughter from her arms. Belle offers the child back to him willingly, though the sheen of unshed tears glistens in her eyes and she brushes a wistful finger gently down the tiny girl's soft cheek as she draws her hand back. It is not hard to imagine she wishes for a child of her own to hold, even though he cannot know that she is already expecting and has only just learned her child is in danger of being taken from her as well, a pawn in a deal she had no part in making.

Refocusing quickly, Robin is stunned once more by his daughter's innocent beauty. Her perfect little face crinkles in sleepy confusion, clearly not sure what to make of her strange, hazy and red-tinted new surroundings. Yet, she makes a sweet little gurgle and what seems to be a gummy smile at him, 'As if she knows her Papa,' he lets himself think affectionately, and his heart truly swells when Regina inches closer to his side and looks over his shoulder to coo at the burbling little girl with him, to which the baby reaches up a chubby hand and clutches at his True Love's elegantly manicured fingers.

He hears Regina's breath catch in happy surprise, and her lovely dark eyes flicker up to meet his hesitantly, as if questioning his response or thinking he will feel her intruding on a private family moment and wish her to keep her distance - the furthest thing possible from how he really feels. For all that she has done, despite the villain she has been, he can see the great capacity for love in Regina's heart, the gentleness that has perhaps always been hiding behind the carefully constructed cold beauty she projected as the Evil Queen. Her pride and adoration clear on her face every time she looks at Henry, the doting care she has always given Roland, make him more sure than any lion tattoo or pixie dust prophecy that she was meant for him, a father with two children in need of a devoted mother strong enough to survive the life full of unpredictable dangers that they all live.

Cradling the infant close, Robin moves forward, seeking higher ground, a safe spot, and in his heart knowing the shelter he seeks has only ever been found in the forest. His love walks with him, close at his side, and Belle flanks him on the other wordlessly; each of them in their own ways wanting to help, to care for and protect his little one. The knowledge twinges powerfully in his chest once more: he isn't venturing forward on his own, won't have to be both parents to this precious baby girl, and though keeping her safe is his treasured duty, it will not be viewed as his task alone. This little one will not have merely an honorable outlaw for a father, but an entire band of heroic family who don't know how to give up.

He had wanted to keep her from danger above anything else, but some part of him thrills to hold his child in his arms once more, and he trusts more than ever that with all those around him who would see her well, they will be more than able to keep her safe after all.