A/N: Well here we are at the OQ reunion :) Hope you enjoy!

Regina had always hated flying. It wasn't as if she was afraid of heights or crashes, she just truly despised the experience. Being trapped in a confined space for hours on end breathing in recycled air just to get from one place to another. Even when her mother had forced her on the private jet for trip after trip she couldn't stand it, so being in economy class on a public flight was its own kind of hell. However, laying back in her far too small to be legal plane seat, she couldn't help but feel like the hell outside of her was nothing compared to the storm she felt within.

Regina's eyes flew open at the ding of the seatbelt sign above her head. She swallowed harshly as she realized the soft whirring of the plane's engines had lulled her into a light sleep. Her eyes dropped down to the watch on her wrist. She sighed as she realized she'd only been out for less than an hour. Still it was probably the best sleep she'd gotten in a while. Her mind hadn't stopped racing ever since Snow had showed up at her house three days ago. It hadn't exactly made resting an easy task.

Hoping to clear her head she turned on the screen embedded in the headrest in front of her. As soon as it lit up she was greeted by nothing other than the face of her father. Her throat tightened as she stared at the same photo that haunted her every minute of the last 72 hours. She silently cursed the airline for the making a news network their default station. With shaking hands, she turned off the screen in front of her but even as she closed her eyes she could still see her father's face. She can't escape her his death. It'd been on every screen, every newspaper, every article she saw. His face was everywhere taunting her with the fact that she hasn't been there for him in his final moments. A fact that she would have to live with for the rest of her life.

She took a deep breath before opening her eyes and reaching down, between her feet for her purse. Before they'd boarded been sure to get a magazine in case she couldn't sleep, which she knew was an absolute certainty. She pulled out a thick issue of Cosmo magazine and flipped to a random page. Immediately, she bit down on her lip when she saw Emma's face staring back up at her. Laying luxuriously against an expensive white chaise she modeled one of Ingrid's dresses, a shimmering gold ballgown. In her grief Regina had nearly forgotten that Snow had booked her that ad campaign. Her former nanny's face was now in magazines across the country and looking into her glossy green eyes she felt guilt rise in her chest. Emma thinks she's on a business trip for Mal, meeting with potential West Coast clients. There was no way she could tell her she was actually on her way to infiltrate her own father's funeral. Not without her whole house of lies tumbling down. She hadn't even told Snow that she was coming. She'd only try to talk her out of it. A moan from the seat beside her caused her to turn her head. Henry was still fast asleep, his head leaning against the plane wall as he curled up in his seat. The entire ride to the airport he'd reminded her over and over that she'd promised him the window seat so that he could watch the clouds go by. He'd ended up sleeping through the entire flight. She sighed sadly as she adjusted the blanket around his shoulders to ensure his warmth. It's now official. He'll never meet his grandfather. He'll never know what he did for them both. She'd always known that this was how it was meant to be, that this was the price she'd chosen to pay for Henry's safety but now that collection day had come all she felt was misery. Just pure misery. Her eyes flickered above her head as she heard the speaker system click on.

"Good morning passengers, this is your captain speaking. We are on schedule for our flight and will be landing at LAX in the next half-hour."

He continued on to describe the weather but Regina found herself tuning out. In thirty minutes she'd be back on California soil. Less than a few dozen miles away from her mother. She'd spent so long running from a monster and now she was voluntarily heading back into its lair. She knew it was an awful, sentimental decision and yet she couldn't talk herself out of it. It was her father's funeral. She had to be there. She just had to.

XXX

Robin had never been a fan of going to the airport. It was always crowded and loud, not to mention the markup in all the stores was practically criminal. Still he sat in the airport lobby without complaint as Roland played with a toy airplane in the seat next to him. As annoying as it was there was only one person he'd do this for. Or rather, two persons.

Sunshine streamed down from the skylight above him as Robin waited for Regina's plane to land. It had been a long ride from Ventura to LAX but it was worth it for him and Roland to meet her as soon as she and Henry were in-state. He leaned back in his seat as he watched Roland play with his tiny toy plane, mimicking the sounds of a jet engine. Despite it being only a short while since he last checked, his eyes flickered down to the watch on his wrist. Any minute now. He sighed as he leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He didn't know why but he'd been filled with something akin to anxiety ever since he'd gotten that text from her three days ago. Since then he'd cleaned the house more than four times, double checked the records at the bar and made sure that Roland understood that he was to be on his best behavior. It'd been three years since she'd last been in town and he couldn't help but feel the need to impress. In a way she'd become his standard for good parenting and he wanted to prove that he could live up to the example she set for him.

Roland suddenly lowered his airplane with a grin and pointed behind his father's back. "Daddy look!"

His head whipped in the direction Roland pointed and he saw her walking in his direction, though still not registering that he was in front of her. Her hair fell against her shoulder as she and Henry made their way towards them both. It was longer than when he'd last seen her, not by much but enough that he could remark upon the difference. The purple sweater dress she wore hugged her curves and accentuated her waist with the help of a thin black belt. For a second he thought that she had gotten taller but then he noticed the thick-heeled boots she wore that came up to her knees. She flipped her hair over her shoulder as she dragged her suitcase in her left hand and gripped Henry's shoulder with her right. Robin saw her lick her lips nervously as she gazed about the room clearly searching for him. She looked completely different, yet utterly the same.

He smiled as he raised his hand in an effort to gain her attention and she finally spotted him. They locked eyes and Robin felt his smile falter. It was just a brief moment, a flash really but he saw something buried deep in those familiar brown eyes, something struggling to remain hidden. Pain.

And just like that it was gone. He saw her bring a smile to her face and that flash disappeared, hidden behind a layer of excitement as she waved back to him. He quickly tightened up his smile to match hers.

XXXX

Regina rapidly blinked her eyes as she made her way through the airport terminal with Henry shuffling beside her. She could only hope to god that the eye drops she'd used ten seconds ago were as fast acting as their advertising claimed. Otherwise she'd have to explain to Robin why her eyes were still streaked with red from the hours she'd spent crying over her father. Which of course she couldn't do.

She didn't know why she'd called Robin. If she really thought about it she'd admit that it was probably better if he didn't know she was in town at all. It's not as if she could tell him about anything that was happening with her. She couldn't speak to him about her mother or her father. Or the increasingly ludicrous risk she'd be taking by going to his funeral. No she couldn't tell Robin about any of these things but that hadn't stopped her from picking up the phone minute Snow left and texting him that she would be coming back to town. It wasn't a smart decision. She knew he'd have nothing but questions for her. Why she was coming to town? For how long? How had she been? The last question being the one she was most afraid of. Her heart was broken over her father and when it came to Robin she was a bit of an open book. She didn't know if she could fake as if everything was alright around him. Not for three whole days. It was the reason she spent most of the plane ride cursing her decision to text him in the first place.

Then she saw him.

Well it was Roland she heard first. She'd been through enough video chats and phone calls with her godson to know his voice when she heard it. Even in a crowded airport. His cry of "Daddy look!" was enough to let her know she was at least headed in the right direction. She scanned the airport lobby until she saw Robin wave to get her attention.

He looked good in his plain white tee and brown leather jacket. Just as she remembered. Well perhaps there was a spare wrinkle here or there but that was to be expected. And he wore them well. The same could be said about the scruff that covered his jaw. She'd always preferred him with it rather than without. Making eye contact she quickly put a smile on her face. Now that he was in front of her it was an easier task than she'd expected.

Giving Henry's shoulder an extra shake so he would stay alert she picked up her pace as she made her way over to the bench where he stood. She saw his smile widen as she got closer and felt hers do the same. As soon as she was within three feet of him she released her grip on her luggage handle and extended her arm for a hug. A happy laugh rang from Robin's throat as he reciprocated, bringing her in for a bone crushing hug, not that she minded his intensity. On the contrary, she welcomed it.

As Robin tightened his arms to pull her closer she let her chin rest on his shoulder and brought her hands up to the backs of his shoulders. She felt her own laugh bubble up as she breathed in his scent. It had always astounded her how a man who lived so close to the beach could constantly smell like forest. There in his arms her smile didn't feel so forced. There she felt safe and comforted. And deep down she knew that was the reason she'd texted him in the first place.

"I missed you," she breathed.

"I missed you as well," she heard him respond.

XXXXXXXX

After taking a moment to marvel at each other's kids and how much they'd grown, they all piled into Robin's car. After the old Honda he'd shared with Marian had sputtered his last sooty breath Robin had reluctantly upgraded to a sturdy midsized jeep. The gas mileage was awful but it was worth it to know that in the case of a crash the car could more than take a hit. They barreled down the highway with their boys in the backseat, headphones in watching the latest Disney movie on the iPad that Regina had passed to Henry as soon as they got in the car. Robin glanced at them through the rearview mirror.

"It's so silent compared to the ride down here," he chuckled. "Might have to pick up one of those pads myself."

"It's a solid investment, I promise you," replied Regina with a smirk.

She turned in her seat to get a better look at the boys. A wistful breath escaped her as her eyes fell on Roland. Over the past few years she'd watch him grow from behind the screens of her laptop and cell phone but it was nothing compared to the real thing. Dressed for California fall, a small gray beanie covered his thick curls, leaving only a few to poke out around his forehead. His dimples had become even more defined in her absence and she could hardly resist the urge to lay a kiss on each one. At the airport she'd settled for one on the top of his head instead. He'd grown so much. The gurgling baby she'd left behind was now a giddy little boy. And despite her smile she couldn't help feeling like she'd missed so much.

"He's so big now," she marveled softly.

"You don't have to tell me," replied Robin, with a smile. "He grows like a weed. I swear it's another day, another inch. I still can't believe he'll be starting school in a few months."

His eyes flickered back to the rearview mirror where he saw his son transfixed by the screen in his lap. "You always did tell me it goes by quick."

"Even I didn't know how true that was back then," she said with a small tilt of her head. She clicked her tongue sadly before adding, "Henry stopped calling me 'mommy' a few months ago."

Robin's eyes widened as his head turned to her in surprise and then whipped back to the road. "Really?!"

"Yes, I am strictly 'mom' now," she said shaking her head with a small laugh. "God it was like a knife in the heart when I first realized it."

"Well that's frightening," laughed Robin. "I suppose I only have a few more years left before 'daddy' is no longer on the table."

When he'd first spotted Henry at the airport Robin had been a little shocked by how much he'd grown in the past few years. The last time they were in the same room Henry had been just a little older than Roland, now his head went over Robin's hip. Sitting in the backseat, he'd shed the button up coat he'd worn on the plane – what was fit for a New York winter, was not fit for a California fall – and revealed his long-sleeved superhero-themed shirt. Robin would be lying if he said he didn't feel a spark of pride when he saw the masked face of Batman on his chest. That had always been one of their favorites to read together whenever they'd talked over video chat.

"It looks like New York has been good for him," he mused happily. "I'm glad it worked out for the two of you."

Regina nodded her head at him. "I guess I have you to thank for that. I never would've gone if you hadn't given me the push I needed."

A cautious smile tugged on Robin's lips at her words. He was truly happy that she'd found success in New York. From what he'd seen her decision to move there had been the right call. She had a good job, good friends and Henry appeared to be thriving. So why didn't she seem happy?

She'd been smiling at him, sure, but Robin knew her well enough to know when it was forced. The bright, elusive smile she had when she was truly happy was one of Robin's favorite things about her and he hadn't seen it once since she'd returned. The smiles she'd given him were restrained, calculated. They didn't quite reach her eyes and they didn't light up her face like her real ones. And of course there was the flash of pain he'd seen at the airport. He didn't understand it. Her fashion show had gone well. The reviews were extremely positive; he'd been sure to read every one of them. And now she was on a business trip that doubled as an excuse to see old friends. With all of those things turning out in her favor how could she still have a cloud over her head?

Regina sighed as she turned forward in her seat and checked the clock in the dashboard. "I forgot how far Ventura is from the airport. Do you think we'll make it in time for check-in at the hotel?"

Robin nodded his head. "Yes we would… if that's where we were headed."

Regina narrowed her eyes at him. "It is where we're headed, isn't it?"

He turned to her with a sheepish smile. "It's your first visit back in years. Do you really think I'm going to let you stay at a hotel? You'll be so much more comfortable at the house with us."

Regina threw her head back against her seat with a playful groan. "Robin I told you, I really don't want to impose, especially on such short notice."

"You wouldn't be imposing!" he insisted. "I've been looking forward to showing you the house ever since you told me you were coming. I've got the guest room all set up. Just give me one night. I'll even pay your cancellation fees at the hotel."

Another calculated smile arose on her face as she snickered at his enthusiasm. "Well I suppose if you're so desperate to show off your new home I could be gracious enough to give you one night."

"You astound me with your generosity," he replied sarcastically. Still he couldn't hide the grin that showed up on his face when she agreed.

Xxxx

As they pulled up to Robin's house Regina recalled the night that he'd sent her the photos of the old, decrepit structure he'd planned to buy. She remembered all the grimacing and wincing when she did as she watched the images on her laptop screen get more and more disturbing with every click. Even though she'd told Robin to buy the place anyway she still held a bit of apprehension as he went through his yearlong renovations. But now that she was here, looking upon the finished product, she knew that her doubts were misplaced.

The house looked gorgeous. It's old rickety porch had been replaced by a sturdy front deck. She could see Roland's toys scattered haphazardly across the green lawn as she stepped out of the car. The dying oak tree she's seen in photographs still held bare branches but now she could see that it was due to the weather and not to poor care. The front of the house was truly transformed with a layer of forest green paint that was complemented by the maroon storm shutters attached to the hinges of the windows. She felt Robin walk over to her side with her suitcase in hand as she stared up at the house in awe.

"Do you like it?" he asked cautiously.

"It's beautiful," she said with a disbelieving shake of her head. "Better than I imagined."

A proud smile grew on his face at her compliment but before he could get a word in he was pushed aside by his son who grabbed his godmother's hand in excitement and began to pull her towards the front door.

"Wait 'til you see my room! It's the best one!" Roland declared excitedly.

With a smile Regina allowed herself to pulled along, not wanting to discourage his eagerness. Only pausing when he bent over to swipe the spare key from under the welcome mat Roland quickly guided Regina into the house and up the stairs, holding onto her hand the entire time. She barely had a second to take in the lower level of the house as he led her through the living room and past the kitchen. It was quite a leap from the dull interior of the apartment she remembered so fondly. The same shade of green that characterized the outside of the house graced the walls on the inside. Most of the mismatched furniture that had been present in their old apartment was now replaced with a comfortable looking living room set with a sofa, recliner and love seat in a chocolate-colored fabric. The kitchen, or what little she saw of it, was equally beautiful. Like he'd said, Robin had redone the entire room. The old tilted cabinets were gone and in their place were ones made of shiny Cherrywood. She could tell it was the same wood he'd used on the railing on the stairs as Roland rushed to show her his room.

Once they reached the top of the stairs Roland led her to the room on the right side of the hall. At last, his room.

The walls were a bright, happy yellow covered by framed posters of popular children's characters. Toys were everywhere in all shapes and sizes, scattered about the multicolored alphabetical rug. A tiny twin bed with a red frame was just beneath the window, with a blanket covered in fire engines over the mattress. Regina's eyes fell to the floor, extra cautious of stepping on the action figures Roland had left out, as she made her way around the room. She sat on the edge of his bed as she excitedly went through his toy chest and showed her his favorite playthings. As he babbled on and on she found herself distracted by the frame on his nightstand. Inside lay a picture of him and his mother, it must've been taken when Roland was only a few weeks old. Staring down at Marian's kind brown eyes and seeing their match in the excited little boy in front of her caused a smile to tug on Regina's lips.

She would've loved this place.

XXXXXXXX

When Robin convinced Regina to stay at the house with them he thought he'd be able to get more time alone with her. He didn't count on being nudged out of the box by his own son. Roland had become truly enamored with his godmother in the few hours she'd been present. He'd hardly let go of her hand since they'd gotten home.

Through the sliding door he watched them – Roland, Regina and Henry – from his spot in the kitchen as they played in the backyard. Roland happily seated in his swing as Regina pushed him higher and higher while Henry, ever independent, swung on the seat beside him. Their laughter floated through the glass in the door to the counter where Robin prepared the hamburger patties for dinner. It was nice to hear.

He'd lowered his eyes back to the hamburgers in front of him when he heard the back door slide open. Henry slipped his way into the kitchen, his face still red from all his activity outside and his hair messy from the wind.

"Tired of being outside?" asked Robin, looking up from the counter.

Henry shrugged his shoulders in response. "A little. Can I make hamburger patties with you?"

"Sure. Just make sure you watch your hands first."

A grin appeared on Henry's face as he rushed over to the kitchen sink and Robin watched him with an equally happy smile as he ran his hands under the warm water. After making sure his hands were appropriately clean he went to stand by Robin's side and without hesitation dipped his hand into the bowl of hamburger meat on the counter. His casual approach to the raw meat caused a shocked chuckle to fly from Robin's throat.

"Wow," he laughed. "Looks like this isn't your first time handling beef."

Henry sheepishly shrugged his shoulders. "Mom and Emma let me cook with them sometimes. I like it. It's fun."

"That's good," responded Robin. "Everyone needs to know how to cook. Otherwise no one would eat."

Henry let out a tiny giggle at his joke and Robin joined in on the laughter. While they were in New York he'd missed Henry as much as he'd missed Regina. In a way he considered him as much a part of his family as Roland. He'd always put in effort to make sure that they stayed close over the years. Phone calls, skyping, sending Christmas and birthday presents. He never wanted Henry to forget that he was happy to be a part of his life.

As they rolled up hamburger patties for the grill Robin's attention was split between his conversation with Henry and watching Roland and Regina outside. Moving on from the swing Roland slid down the plastic slide attached to it while Regina clapped to show off her enthusiasm. Her smile was brighter when she was with Roland but Robin could still see that she was holding something back. It made him desperately curious. If something was bothering her he wanted to know what it was.

"So how are things at home?" he asked Henry.

"Okay I guess," replied Henry, focusing on the meat in his hands. "School's fun. Last week we went on a field trip to the zoo."

"That must've been interesting," responded Robin. "And what about your mother? I heard you went to her fashion show. That must've been fun, right?"

Henry pressed his lips together at the mention of Regina's show. "It was but…"

"But what?" questioned Robin, his curiosity piqued at Henry's hesitancy.

"But she got sad after," answered Henry with a sigh. "Really sad. Sometimes she'll cry in her bathroom where she thinks I can't hear… but I do."

Robin could see worry grow in Henry's eyes and he could feel it do the same in his gut. His desire to know more doubled with every second.

"Do you know why she was so upset?" he asked gently.

"No," said Henry shaking his head. "I asked Aunt Snow but she only said that Mom's heart hurts and that's why she was sad."

Her heart hurts, Robin mused silently. A bad break-up maybe? No, if she had been seeing someone she would've told him about that. Then again, he hadn't exactly told her about the date he'd had… at all. Perhaps there had been some… person she'd been seeing. A thought that made Robin irrationally upset given that it had ended with his friend in tears. He watched her run around the backyard trying to keep up with Roland. It made no sense to him though. Regina was smart, generous, tough and, if he was being perfectly honest, a total knockout. What man would dare to break her heart?

XXXXXXX

That night Regina sat through what felt like one of the longest dinners of her life. Robin had grilled hamburgers for her and the boys and as they sat to eat she couldn't help but sense the weight of his gaze on her. It was heavier than usual, full of unspoken questions that for some reason he wouldn't speak aloud. The entire time she wondered if her mask was more transparent than she hoped. It led to her upping the ante, smiling just a little too hard, laughing just a little too much. She knew he saw right through her. She'd slinked upstairs not long afterwards, claiming a shower was long overdue after a day of traveling.

She stood in the shower now, letting the warm water run over her shoulders and back, hoping it would soothe an ache that wasn't anything close to physical. She didn't know if she could keep this up. The funeral was tomorrow and she'd told Robin she'd be spending the day in meetings for Mal. If she was barely holding it together now, she could only imagine how transparent she'd be after burying her father. Just the thought of it was enough to force a shaky sob from her throat. She took a long breath to try and swallow her heartache before stepping out of the shower.

Wrapping a towel around herself, she glanced at the sink counter where she'd left her cell phone. A quick tap showed that it was half-past eight. She should be getting Henry ready for bed. Quickly drying her hair and slipping on her pajamas, a pair of yoga pants and plain white t-shirt, she made her way out of the bathroom and towards Roland's bedroom. To her surprise she found both Henry and Roland curled up in sleeping bags on the floor, sleeping soundly as a Disney movie played on the iPad nestled between them.

She heard Robin's approaching footsteps and it wasn't long before she felt the warmth of his chest against her back.

"Didn't account for the time difference did you?" he whispered.

A soft chuckle escaped her before she shook her head. "No I did not."

It might've been only eight-thirty in California but on Henry's internal clock it was already half-past eleven. No wonder he'd knocked out so quickly. Roland had no doubt followed his lead.

As careful as could be, she tiptoed between them and gently lifted the iPad from the floor. "Solid investment," she whispered to herself smugly, as she tapped the power button.

Robin smiled at her as she made her way back toward the door. "Now that the kids are down, how would you like a glass of the best apple cider you've ever tasted?"

She arched an eyebrow at him. "From Granny?"

"No one makes it better," he replied cheekily.

Regina hummed in agreement. "I always did love her cider," she said with a smile. "Count me in."

They headed downstairs to the kitchen where Robin pulled a quart-sized mason jar filled with cider from the fridge. He clicked his tongue as he held it up to her. "I got this from her the day after you told me you were coming back."

"That's sweet," she said softly. "It's nice to know you still keep track of my favorite foods."

A little red flowed into his cheeks as he sheepishly shrugged his shoulders. "Well apples were always high on the list."

Pulling two mugs out from the cabinet next to the stove he poured them both a cup of cider and set their mugs into the microwave. The scent of apples and cinnamon began to fill the kitchen as their drinks heated up. Regina leaned against the black marble counter of the kitchen island happily breathing it in. She loved apple cider, especially Granny's. In fact, apples had always been her go to comfort food. It didn't matter whether they came in the form of a pie, a pastry or cider, they never failed to lift her spirits.

Robin handed her the warm cider once it's time in the microwave was up. It's heated ceramic mug warmed up the palms of her hands as she cautiously blew over her beverage before taking a sip. She hummed in satisfaction as the cider went down her throat.

"Just as good as I remember," she said with a smile.

Robin nodded in agreement before taking a sip from his own mug. She watched him from her spot against the counter and anxiously tapped her finger against the mug in her hands. It wasn't like this was her first time lying to him, it was just the first time it was this damn hard. She hadn't wanted to tell him a secret this badly since Marian's pregnancy. It was eating her alive.

She cleared her throat trying to force the guilt from her head. "So… how are things at the Drunken Monk?"

"Good," Robin answered automatically. "I mean it's been a little difficult breaking in the new crew, especially now that Lani's gone. Kind of feel like I've lost my right hand there."

"I still can't believe she's a police officer now," said Regina shaking her head. "Trading in her waitress apron for a badge and gun."

"I couldn't believe it at first either but it makes sense for her. And I'd be lying if I didn't say I sleep better at night knowing her stern eyes are watching over the city."

A chuckle rose from the back of her throat at the thought of the stern looks Lani used to give them all at the bar. "If anyone could keep the criminals in line I guess I'd have to put my money on her."

Robin sighed before setting his mug down on the counter. "What about you? Anything new in your life?"

"Not really." The lies felt sharp tacks as she forced them out of her mouth. "Just still reeling from the show."

She saw Robin narrow his eyes at her as he folded his arms across his chest. His motions made her throat grow tight. He didn't believe her. She brought her mug up to her lips in attempt to avoid his gaze.

"Have you been… seeing anyone lately?"

His question nearly caused her to choke on her cider. "Seeing someone?" she repeated, giving him a quizzical look.

"Yeah…" he drawled. "Just wondering if you've been dating recently?"

Her jaw dropped as she narrowed her eye at him and embarrassed snort flew from her nose. "Not at all."

"Not at all?" questioned Robin, raising his eyebrows at her. "Really?"

"No," she replied forcefully. "Robin when would I even have the time for it? Between Henry and work I barely have enough energy for Netflix and tea."

It was her turn to cross her arms as she took in Robin's reaction, the way his eyes began searching her face for a flicker of deception. She hoped he would see none. "Why are you asking?"

"Just curious," he mumbled. "I'm sure you've attracted some attention during your time in New York. Just wanted to make sure it was coming from the right people."

She scoffed at him before dropping her gaze back down to her cider. "Trust me you don't have to worry about that."

He watched her tapping the side of her tea as she frowned and he saw the storm pass over her eyes once more. The same one she'd been trying to keep hidden ever since her plane landed. After a moment's hesitation he said the four words he'd been dying to let out since he first saw her.

"Regina… are you alright?"

Her eyes flashed up to his face. "What?"

"Are you alright?" he repeated. His voice grew serious as he trapped her in his gaze making it impossible for her to look away. "Ever since you got here I feel like… I don't know you're holding something back from me. Something that you're unhappy about."

Damn it. Turns out her mask was as transparent as she'd expected. Still she tried to keep up her act. She gave her head a little shake trying to force a smile to her lips. "Robin… that's just… not true."

Her heartbeat began to echo in her ears as her face grew red. She couldn't let him know the truth. He can never know the truth. She repeated that sentence in her head over and over trying to keep from cracking as her stared at her with concern in his eyes.

Robin took a step closer to her and suddenly the kitchen felt ten times smaller. "I spoke to Henry," he whispered. Henry? "He said you've been crying in the bathroom where you think he can't hear."

She bit down on her lip to keep the gasp in her throat from escaping. Oh god. She'd been trying so hard to keep Henry ignorant of her misery the knowledge that she'd failed made her want to burst in tears. Her little boy shouldn't have to hear her cry. Unable to keep her mask up any longer she turned away from Robin not wanting him to see her distress.

"Regina… what's going on?" he asked gently. "Is it… a man?"

"No!" she replied fiercely. "It's not a man!"

"But it is something?" said Robin, quickly picking up on her word choice.

She ran her fingers through her hair as she tried to swallow her anxiety. The light above her now seemed blindingly bright, making her feel like she was in an interrogation room at the local police station. Her shoulders suddenly felt heavy as seven years of secrecy began to weigh down on her all at once. She had to remind herself to breathe.

He can never know the truth.

Her arms went rigid as she felt him comfortingly place his hands on top of her shoulders. "Regina… you can tell me."

"No I can't. I really can't." Her voice shook even as she tried to put all her power into it.

"Why?" he asked desperately. "Why can't you tell me?"

"Because… you'd never look at me the same way," she whispered brokenly. "And I just… I can't have that."

His hands left her shoulders then and she mourned their loss until she saw him walk in front of her. Before she could stop herself she looked into his blue eyes and was overwhelmed by the amount of concern and sincerity she saw in them. His hands slipped over hers and instead of letting go she began to grip them tighter.

He can never know the truth.

"Regina… do you remember how I was after Marian. I was drunk. I was miserable. And… I was a terrible father. It's been a long time since then and I've gotten better, mostly due to you but I want you to remember that you've seen me at my absolute worst and you still found a way to help me. All I want is the chance to do the same for you."

Tears began to well up in her eyes as he brought up their history together. She pressed her lips together mostly to keep her chin from trembling but also to keep the truth from escaping.

"Regina there is nothing that you could say or admit that would make me see you as less than what you are right now. So please… just tell me what has made you so upset."

At that moment staring into his eyes, gripping his hands and trying to hold back everything she'd been determined to keep hidden… Regina felt herself grow weak.

He can never know the truth.

No.

He has to know the truth.

She trusted Robin. She trusted him more than anyone. He was her friend and he was beseeching her for the truth. What else could she do but give it to him?

Her chin trembled as she opened her mouth to speak. "I… I'm not here on a business trip."

Robin nodded his head encouraging her to continue.

"I'm here… for a funeral. My father's," she finished softly.

"Your father's?" breathed Robin. "But I thought you said your parents died when you were a child."

Regina's eyes dropped to the floor as her chest began to grow tight with anxiety. "I lied," she admitted. "About both of them. About everything in my past."

She both felt and saw Robin go rigid at her admission. HIs eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he stared down at her. "What do you mean everything?"

"I mean… everything up until the day I met you," she answered tearfully. She took a deep breath working up the courage to continue, to admit the truth she'd kept hidden for so long.

"My real name isn't Regina Gardiner… it's Regina Mills."

NEXT CHAPTER: Robin finally learns the whole story. Regina prepares for her father's funeral.

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