A/N-Dedicated to the three awesome poker pals!
The next morning, Robin settled back in the limo and idly watched the city as the driver drove to the address Regina had sent him in his phone this morning. Last night had gone better than planned. It was nice finally getting her to let him in, and to see the Regina that was battling herself to come out. She was becoming captivated by his attention, as he already was by hers. When the limo pulled to a stop in front of Regina's home, she came right out from the main door. Obviously she'd been waiting for him. Robin smiled as the driver went around the back to open the passenger door. Robin climbed out to greet her. Was she that anxious to start the day with him? He hoped that was the case.
"Good morning," Regina said, her eyes bright.
"Good morning, you must have had a good night's rest, you look beautiful," Robin said deliberately, knowing she was up late with him last night.
"I could hardly sleep in anticipation of today. I'm so looking forward to the balloon ride," Regina admitted with a happy smile as she slipped into the limo. He sat beside her and in only a moment, they were on their way.
"Coffee?" Robin asked, gestruing toward the small bar in front of them. A carafe of hot coffee rested on the surface, two warmed mugs next to it. Cream was in the small refrigerator and sugar in the gleaming silver bowl.
"How delightful. Would you like some?" Regina asked.
"Yes." Robin answered.
She poured the fragrant coffee into the mugs. "Cream of sugar?"
"I prefer it black," Robin replied.
"Me, too," Regina said, sitting back and handing him one of the mugs. She sniffed the beverage and smiled. "It always smells better than it taste." She sipped and smiled at him again. "Delicious."
"We'll have an al fresco breakfast when we arrive. But this will tide us over," Robin said, longing to kiss her lips. He had to be careful in this wooing, he didn't want to push her away with his forwardness.
The ride was pleasant. The sunshine diffused by the tinted windows. The traffic light so early on a Satuday that the driver made good time. Robin soon had Regina talking about places she'd like to visit.
"Paris, I think. Doesn't everyone want to go to Paris? And I'd love to see New Zealand. The pictures I've seen of different places in that country are so spectacular. And Norway. The fjords are amazingly beautiful." Regina said.
"Take in one country on each of your vacations," Robin suggested.
"There's still a lot to explore in my own country." Regina said.
"Would you like to see London?" Robin asked. Maybe a quick trip there together would help her realize how special things could be between them. With nothing in the way of them being able to be alone.
"Of course! That almost goes without saying. To walk where kings trod, how cool would that be?" Regina asked.
"Other locations?" Robin prompted, suddenly curious where else she would like to go.
"Maybe Spain, where I could bask on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea." Regina answered. Before they ran out of conversation, they arrived at the staging area for the hot-air balloons. Robin felt curiously relaxed. He had to remind himself to not press her too much, she had an air about her that was appealing and innocent. She looked as if she loved life and found enchantment in even the mundane.
The bustle of activity belied the early hour. The sun was already over the edge of the horizon, the air warming. Large, colorful splotches of silken material covered the field, in the early stages of being filled with the hot air that would elevate them high above the earth. The sound of the fire nozzles was louder than expected. Robin got out of the car and held the door for Regina. She looked at the scene with amazement.
"There must be a couple of dozen balloons," Regina said. Two were halfway filled and looked like slightly deflated giant party balloons struggling to rise from the ground. Several were still quite flat. One was already upright but not yet tugging on the restraints. The primary colors and designs delighted the eye.
"Come." Robin said as he led the way to the large tables to one side. Breakfast was already being served, prepared on huge wood burning stoves set up in the field. The smell of bacon and sausage filled the air. Two men flipped pancakes, others stirred eggs in huge pans. One man withdrew hot biscuits from a Dutch oven. Several couples sat at the long tables, enjoying the meal.
The tables surprised Regina with their linen cloths and ornate silverware, lovely china plates and silver pots of coffee and tea. How elegant.
"This is amazing," Regina said as Robin save his name to a hostess who quickly seated them at one of the long tables. While they were eating, another hostess came over to get their names.
"You'll be in the red and green balloon over there." She pointed to one of the balloons which was already inflated and looked ready to depart. "No rush. As soon as you finish, let me know and I'll take you over." She glanced at her clipboard. "You also have lunch catered. It'll be in the basket." She looked over at Robin, giving him quite the eye which Regina noticed and for her reward she received the evil eye from Regina. She then moved on to the next couple.
"Lunch in the air?" Regina asked.
"I thought it might be enjoyable. Or we can wait until we land." Robin gave her the option.
"I don't believe I've ever had such an extravagant date." Regina said.
"You haven't seen anything yet," Robin said. "And remind me never to make you mad, if that look you gave the hostess was any indication."
"I...I have no idea what you're talking about." Regina said.
"I'm sure you don't," Robin said, he had seen the way she had looked at the other woman. It made him smile as he knew she was marking him as hers to the other woman.
Regina was having the time of her life. Everything was perfect, from her escort, to the breakfast al fresco, to the prospect of spending a couple of hours floating high above the earth, just Robin and her. And the balloon driver. For a moment she wished they could have been alone, but of course neither of them knew a thing about guiding a hot air balloon. She almost pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Never in her wildest imagination had she dreamed of such an extravagant outing.
Robin tookher hand when they left the table to follow the hostess to the balloon. Regina felt tiny surrounded by the colorful balloons, now inflated and tugging at their ropes. The geometric designs were bright and primary colors. The rattan baskets, or gondolas as she remembered they were called, were dark and gleaming. The blasts from the proane burners heating the air in the balloon envelope sounded like heavy static, blowing fiercely.
"This is Don, he's your pilot," the hostess said when they reach their balloon.
"Great to have you with us," Don said, shaking Robin's hand. "Let's get aboard and we'll be off."
In only minutes, the tethering ropes were released and the balloon began its slow accent. The burners gushed for a moment, then Don cut them off and silence reigned. Steadily the balloon rose and soon began drifting toward the rising sun. Below them the people on the field grew smaller.
"This is fantastic," Regina said softly. She looked at Robin. "Thank you for bringing me."
"My pleasure," Robin said. He reached for her hand and pulled her closer. Together they looked out over the view. The gondola sides came to about chest height. No fear of tumbling out. The burners were overhead and from time to time Don triggered the jets to keep the air in the balloon hot. When the burners were not firing, it was silent and quiet as the balloon drifted in the wind.
"I shall remember this all my days," Regina said. The morning was perfect, as special as the man was at her side growing on her. Her fingers gripped his as she relished the feel of his palm against hers, his fingers tightening in response. She let out a gasp as a thought came crashing down on her.
"Alright?" Robin asked as he looked down into her face.
"Yes, just enjoying the beautiful scenery," Regina said though that was not true.
"I'm as well," Robin said as she looked up to see he was looking at her and not the scenery. She was falling in love with him. She hardly knew the man, yet he made her feel alive. Felt an excitement that made everything seem bright and beautiful. It was as if she saw the entire world differently. But what was his feelings toward her? Yes she knew he desired her, that was never in any doubt, but did he have any real feelings towards her? Love at first sight didn't only happen to one of a couple, did it? She felt a shiver of apprehension. She shook it off. She would not let anything put a damper on their day.
He released her hand and put his arm around her shoulder, leaning closer and pointing out a landmark in the distance. "Do you see it?" Robin asked.
She nodded, her heart pounding. She wanted to turn her head slightly, have her lips touch his, take a kiss and forget about the pilot also sharing the gondola with them.
"It's so beautiful," Regina whispered.
Robin didn't respond until she turned and looked at him. His face was so close she could feel his breath brush her cheeks. His blue eyes stared into hers. "I think you are so beautiful," he said and lowered his head for a kiss.
It was more than Regina ever dreamed. She forgot about the pilot. To her there were only two people alive, Robin and herself. Floating high above the ground, being swept away by his kiss, it was heavenly. She felt she could float away without the balloon.
Robin turned her until they were face to face, breast to chest, and enveloped her into his embrace, deepening the kiss. Time stood still as the erotic feelings surged through her like the hot air of the burners. Every cell in her body was atuned to Robin, to the feel of his lips against hers, his muscular body pressed against hers. The riotous sensations that fired passion flaring.
The blast of the propane jets jarred her back to reality. Pulling back a bit, she gazed into his eyes, breathless.
"I shall never forget this day," Regina said softly.
"Nor I," Robin said, kissing her gently.
By the time they arrived to earth, Regina suspected Robin was feeling as strongly about her as she felt about him. They were in love. Where would this wondrous state take them? Could she, as she had thought about in the last few days, move on from Daniel? Could she start a new life with this wonderful man?
Regina halfway expected the aftermath of the balloon ride tot be anticlimactic, but it wasn't. The lunch was served by Don in lavish picnic style. A white tablecloth was spread on a thick blanket on the ground. A wicker basket full of picnic food also held china, crystal, silverware and champagne.
Regina laughed when she saw it. "Champagne? At eleven o'clock in the morning?"
"A champagne picnic. Let me fill your glass, then have some pate with it. Lunch looks like a feast." Robin said.
Regina would have been satisfied feasting her eyes on Robin but she dutifully accepted his offer of champagne and raised her glass when he filled his own.
"To us," she said recklessly.
He inclined his head slightly and touched the edge of his glass to hers.
They were alone on the blanket. Don explained he had to pack the balloon for transport back to the launch site. The ground chase crew would be arriving soon to take them all back to the staging ares. He went to start the laborious job of folding the balloon while Robin and Regina ate.
Regina served their lunch on the elegant china and devoured the delicious cuts of meats and various cheeses. The pate' was delicious. She discovered cut vegetables with a dipping sauce and even dark chocolate covered strawberries. She felt like she was in a movie or something. She'd never had such an elegant date in her life. Not even with Daniel.
While they ate, they talked about the beauty of the scenery before them.
"I have something for you," Robin said when they finished eating. He reached into his pocket an withdrew a small box.
Regina put aside her plate and took the box when he offered it. Opening to a delicate necklace with a small venetian mask dangling, she caught her breath. She lifted it gently from the velvet, her heart pounding.
"It's beautiful," Delicate and detailed, almost like the one she had worn the night they met at the ball.
"A reminder of our first dance, our first kiss, our first night of getting to know one another," Robin said.
"You shouldn't have been so extravagant, but I love it. Put it on me, please," Regina said, grabbing her hair and moving it to the side, as Robin moved to be behind her. He pulled it around her neck and fastened it for her, leaning down and kissing the back of her neck where her skin was exposed, he let his lips linger there, caressing her skin with his lips.
"Can I ask you if I might have the honor of your company this evening for dinner?" Robin asked. "I know it's short notice. You may have other plans."
"I don't, I'd love to have dinner with you," Regina said. She knew she should be a bit more guarded about her emotions, but she hadn't felt like this in such a long time.
"Perfect," Robin said with a gleam in his eyes.
Robin took her home, helping her out of the limo he let his hands capture hers and intertwined their fingers. "Thank you for spending this day with me,"
"I loved it, thank you for inviting me," Regina said as she raised up on her tip toes to kiss him, Robin lowered his head to help her as their lips had just met when they heard the front door open and Zelena came storming out.
"You!" Zelena said as she came storming up to the couple.
"What is it this time Zelena?" Regina asked.
"You were the one who changed my rocket with Robin's, weren't you?" Zelena was bascially screeching at Regina then.
"So what? You were the one who was bragging how you were going to make sure your rockets matched no matter what," Regina countered.
"You stole him from me!" Zelena said.
"Can't steal something that was never yours to begin with," Robin said causing Zelena to become even more angry, Robin thought he could literally see the steam coming out of Zelena's ears.
"This isn't over sis," Zelena said as she turned and stormed back into the house, slamming the door behind her in the process.
"Well that went well," Regina said.
"Do you need me to stick around?" Robin asked, he didn't know what Zelena had planned but he knew it wouldn't be good for Regina.
"No, I've dealth with her for years, I'm used to it." Regina said.
"If you're sure?" Robin asked as Regina just nodded. "I'll pick you up at seven then, till then." Robin said as he took her hand and kissed the palm, closing her fingers over, as if to capture the kiss. Robin then turned and got back into his limo, Regina watched him leave and turned and went into the house, preparing for the battle she knew was waiting for her.