Chapter 2: Day One

Regina's first night in the Locksley household ended up being an interesting one.

After dinner, Robin had insisted that since she technically didn't start until the next day, he'd put Roland to bed and let her have the evening to herself. Regina, though, wanted to watch the boy's routine so she was prepared. "I'll just hover, if you don't mind?" she asked.

"I don't mind," he replied with a shrug. "But this is still your time. You can spend it however you want."

"I'd like to spend it like this."

He smiled, revealing dimples that Regina knew could be her downfall if she wasn't careful. "Well, Jefferson did say you were very dedicated. He wasn't lying."

"I like doing my job," Regina said, frowning.

Robin held up his hands. "I meant it as a compliment. Truly."

"Sorry," Regina said, shoulders sagging a bit. "I tend to get a bit defensive easily. I'll work on it."

He studied her for a bit and she held her breath, worried she had already done something wrong. She let it out when he smiled again, picking up Roland. "Well, let's go over this little scamp's bath time and bedtime routines, shall we?"

Robin tickled his son's stomach and the boy squirmed in his father's arms. "Papa, stop!"

"Okay." He kissed Roland's cheek, bouncing him as they went upstairs. Regina followed, a smile on her face.

Robin reminded her of Jefferson, which was reassuring. Especially when she thought about her first few jobs, which had been for parents who could barely make time in their busy schedules for their children. Regina had to watch the children round the clock, trotting them out whenever the parents wanted to show them off and then ushering them back out of sight. All the while, she had to deal with boys and girls who just wanted their parents' attention and affection.

Roland, though, had both from his father. Robin hadn't just been spitting out a platitude when he called his son his everything. She watched as he washed his son and listened as he pointed out every one of Roland's favorite toys. He also knew each name the boy had bestowed on them as well, which impressed her. She crouched down next to the tub and smiled. "It'll take me a while to remember all those names. I'm probably going to need some help."

"I can do that," Roland said, smiling at her.

She smiled back at him before busying herself with looking over the shampoos and soaps Robin used for his son, just like she had memorized which toothbrush and toothpaste Roland had used before getting into the tub. Anything to avoid looking at his father. Regina could feel him watching her and it sent her stomach on a gymnastics routine.

His gaze fell away as he reached for the stopper. "Okay, little guy, let's get you dried off and into bed."

"Can't I stay in until the water runs out? Please?" Roland clasped his hands together, looking up at both Robin and Regina.

She deferred to her father, feeling him shake his head. "Not today. Stand up."

Roland did so, letting Robin wrap him up in a blanket. He picked the boy up, holding him close as he turned to Regina. "And now the hard part. Getting this one into his pajamas and then bed."

"I doubt it's that hard," she replied.

Robin chuckled. "Oh, you'll see."

Once Roland's feet hit the carpet in his bedroom, he took off running toward his toys. Robin gave chase, scooping the boy up. "Not yet. You need to get dressed."

"Nah-uh. It's time to play!"

Robin looked at Regina, raising his eyebrow as if to say, "See? I told you so." She wondered if Roland was just putting on a show for her sake. Her first two charges had tried to test her as well. She imagined Grace would've if she hadn't only been a year old when Regina became her nanny.

After wrestling his son into his superhero pajamas, Robin managed to get Roland under the covers. He tucked Roland and a teddy bear in. "Okay, here's Teddy. Now, go to sleep and I'll see you in the morning. I love you."

"I love you too, Papa." Roland wrapped his arms around his father's neck and gave him a loud kiss on the cheek. The sight melted Regina's heart.

Roland rolled over and smiled at her. "Good night, Regina."

"Good night, Roland," she replied. "Sweet dreams."

Roland nodded before looking up at Robin with a frown. "Don't forget the nightlight, Papa."

His father nodded, flipping on the little tree nightlight by Roland's bed. As Regina followed, Robin turned off the lights and closed the door, turning to her. "And that's the bedtime routine. He gets a bath every other day unless he does something that requires one. Which, lately, hasn't been often."

Regina nodded in response before an awkward silence descended upon them both. He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I'll let you have your evening alone. Good night, Regina."

"Good night," she replied, still uncomfortable using his first name. She slipped inside her room and closed the door, hoping to block out his bright blue eyes and warm smile.

"How was your first day? Settling in okay?" Henry asked when Regina called home.

She smiled. "I'm settling in just fine. Mr. Locksley reminds me a lot of Jefferson, so the transition isn't too hard."

"And your charge?"

"His name is Roland and he's an absolute sweetheart," she said, folding her clothes. "He's still hurting from his mother's death so there are some things to work through there. But otherwise, I don't think he's going to be much trouble."

"Good to hear. I'm sorry to cut this short, honey, but I'm still tired from yesterday's chemo. I'm going to pass you off to Emma."

"Okay, Daddy. Good night." She waited as she heard the phone get shuffled around. "Emma?"

"Yep. How's the new boss? Is he even cuter in person?"

"Emma!"

She chuckled. "So he is."

"I didn't say that!"

"You didn't have to. I heard it in your tone. Tell me everything."

Regina sighed. "Fine. He has amazing blue eyes and dimples that makes my heart flutter. But not for long and you know why."

"Leopold," Emma replied softly before swearing. "If I ever see that bastard again, I swear I will kill him."

"Emma, he wouldn't be worth it." Regina smiled though as she sat on the bed, grateful to have such a friend as Emma Swan in her life.

She heard Emma blow out her anger. "You're right. So tell me more about Mr. Locksley. Does he make you call him that?"

"No, he insists on Robin. I just…can't. Not yet."

"Because of the butterflies?"

"Yes."

"And you think that if you keep things formal, it'll make the feelings go away."

Damn her. "Yes."

"That's not going to work and you know it," Emma said. "Just start calling him Robin. Maybe the flutters will go away once you start seeing him as a friend, like Jefferson."

She had a point. "I'll give it a try. Thank you, Emma."

"What are friends for? Now, go get some rest. You have a busy day tomorrow."

They said their good nights and Regina plugged her phone in to charge for the night. She changed into her pajamas before setting Roland's drawing on her nightstand. It would have to do until she could get some place better to hang it. Regina vowed to do that on her next day off as she climbed into bed and turned off the lights.

She drifted off when a clap of thunder roused her again. Opening her eyes, her room was illuminated by a flash of lightning before another clap of thunder rattled her window. Rain began to pound against the window and she burrowed deeper into her blankets.

A heavy weight landed on her feet and moved up her legs before settling on her stomach. Pushing the blankets down, Regina found two tear-filled brown eyes watching her and she smiled. "Roland, are you scared of the storm?"

He nodded and she lifted her blankets, letting him crawl under them. As another thunder clap crashed outside, he curled up next to her and she rubbed his back. "There's nothing to be scared of, Roland."

"It's loud," he whined.

"I know. But it'll pass."

He let out another whimper and Regina sat up, turning on the lamp. "Why don't I read you a bedtime story? Maybe that'll take your mind off the storm?"

"Okay." Roland sat up, settling next to her. "Where's your storybook?"

"I have to go get it from my bag. Is that okay?"

He nodded. "But come right back to protect me from the thunder."

She promised to do that, hopping out of bed to grab her well-worn book of fairy tales as well as her reading glasses. Once she was back under the covers, the boy clung to her side again. She opened the book and showed him the table of contents. "Now, which story do you want me to read?"

Roland closed his eyes, spun his finger around and then dropped it onto the page. He opened his eyes and frowned. "What does it say?"

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," Regina read. "That's a good one."

She began reading the story, changing her voice for the different characters. He laughed at them, begging her to keep doing the funny voices. By the time she read that Snow White and her prince lived happily ever after, the storm was forgotten and Roland was asleep.

Putting her glasses aside and closing the book, Regina pushed the blankets back to carry him back to bed. A voice stilled her though. "I've got him, don't worry."

Robin leaned past her, gathering his son in his arms. He smiled at her. "Thank you. Usually he ends up in my bed when there's a storm but I guess your room was just closer."

"I enjoyed the company," she said, smiling back. "I hope he feels better now."

"I'm sure he will. Good night, Regina." Robin nodded as he rubbed Roland's back, leaving her room.

She pressed her hand to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart as she sat back down on her bed. This was not a good reaction to have from seeing her boss. But then again, most people didn't see their boss in their nightwear. Which for Robin Locksley, seemed to be a well-worn pair of sweatpants and no shirt. It had taken everything in her not to ogle his well-sculpted chest. She didn't know when he had the time, but Robin Locksley certainly made sure to keep himself in good condition.

At least Jefferson always made sure to put on a robe if something happened during the night.

Regina laid back down in bed, pulling the blankets up as she shut off her light again. She closed her eyes and tried not to imagine Robin, but it was no use. His blue eyes, dimples and kind smile haunted her dreams for the rest of the night.

In the morning, Regina woke and quickly changed. Once her hair was brushed, she strode into Roland's room as his alarm went off. She watched as his little hand darted out from under the blanket to turn the clock off. With a chuckle, Regina knelt down next to his bed. "Time to wake up, Roland."

"No," he groaned. "Sleep more."

She shook her head, though he couldn't see it under his blankets. "Sorry, Roland, but you need to get up now. According to your schedule, your lessons begin in an hour. And you should have breakfast before that."

"Not hungry," came the reply she was expecting.

"Maybe not now but soon you will be. And breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I'm sure Will made something yummy for you."

He pushed his blankets back, staring at her before sighing. "Fine."

She bit back her laughter as she watched him climb from his bed. "Good. Now, what do you want to wear today?"

Within minutes, he was dressed in a blue shirt and jeans and he stood still as she brushed his curls out. "You're better at this than Papa. He gets the comb all tangled," Roland told her, smiling.

Regina smiled back. "Well, you have very curly hair. It takes a master to comb these beauties out without trouble."

"And you're a master?" His eyes were wide.

She nodded. "Went to nanny school to become one."

"Cool," Roland breathed.

"Yes, it is. Now, let's go see what Will made for breakfast. I'm hungry." She held out her hand and he took it, eager to escort her back to the kitchens.

As they trekked down the stairs, Regina caught a whiff of pancakes and her stomach rumbled. Roland looked up at her, chuckling before his own stomach rumbled. She raised an eyebrow. "I thought you weren't hungry?"

"I'm not but my tummy is," Roland said.

She laughed, marveling at the wonder of child logic. "I see. Well, let's feed your tummy, okay?"

He nodded as they entered the kitchen, Will nodding as they did so. He flipped a few pancakes onto a waiting plate and motioned to the table. "Have a seat and I'll serve you in a few minutes."

"Papa!" Roland rushed toward the table where Robin sat. He folded up his newspaper in time to catch his son.

Regina hesitated, still uncertain of herself around him. He was dressed for the office, wearing a button down blue shirt paired with a navy blue tie and pants. It all brought out his eyes more, which was one thing Regina did not need at that moment.

"Go ahead. We're allowed to sit at the table," Will said, urging her on with the spatula. "I told you Robin's not your average rich guy."

"I don't bite," Robin added, smiling as he bounced his son on his lap.

Regina pushed her hair back, trying to smile. "I know. Just…does anyone want anything to drink? Roland?"

"Oi, don't be trying to do my job. I get the drinks 'round here," Will declared, indignant.

Robin laughed, winking at her as she finally took her seat. "Don't worry. He can actually make a halfway decent cup of coffee."

"Don't sass me and I'll make you an amazing cup of coffee," Will interjected.

"Please. Don't make promises you can't keep," Robin scoffed.

Will pointed at his employer. "And that's why you never get my amazing coffee."

Robin rolled his eyes as Will set down two steaming mugs in front of them. He turned to Regina. "I know how that one takes his coffee. How do you take yours?"

"Oh, one packet of sugar and a dash of milk," Regina replied, smiling. "Thank you."

"Polite too. That gets you an extra helping of pancakes." Will winked at her while Robin made indignant noises. All the while, Roland sat in his seat, laughing.

The four of them enjoyed Will's pancakes and Regina did have to admit that his coffee was very good as she asked for a second cup. He got it for her as Robin handed her the morning paper. "Not sure if you like to read it, but feel free to."

"Thank you," she said, watching as he stood.

Robin turned to Will. "Thank you for breakfast. Can you have Marco bring the car around?"

"Of course." Will picked up the house phone, speaking in hushed tones.

Crouching down in front of Roland, Robin hugged his son. "You'll be good for Regina and Miss Blanchard today?"

Neither father nor son noticing how Regina's hand had stilled and left her mug hovering over her lips. She felt the color drain from her face as a chill swept through her. It was only a coincidence, she decided. There were other Blanchards in New York.

Roland nodded. "I will, Papa. When will you back?"

"Before dinner. Probably around five, depending on traffic." Robin kissed his son's forehead. "The day will fly by. You'll see."

He turned to Regina, nodding. "I don't think he'll be much of a problem. If you need anything, Will knows how to get in contact with me. Right?"

"Absolutely." Will popped up, holding a travel mug. "Marco is waiting for you up front. Have a good day, sweetie."

Robin rolled his eyes as he took the mug from Will. "Don't think you're getting a kiss."

"This is why we have problems."

Regina started laughing, falling back into her seat. "Are you two like this every morning?" she asked.

"No," both men said, quickly.

She felt a tug on her sleeve, causing her to look down at Roland. He nodded, eyes shining with laughter as Robin left for the day. Regina was glad for the distraction and wiped the boy's sticky face. "Well, now that that's over for today, let's get you cleaned up and ready for your lessons," she said.

The door opened and she heard Will greet the person who had arrived. Regina waited outside Roland's room as he retrieved his notebook and pencils. "Hurry up, Roland. You don't want to be late," she called.

"Yes, Regina." He emerged, a few books tucked under his little arm. "I'm ready now."

"Good." She took his free hand and helped him down the stairs. As they got closer to the first floor, she started to pick up on Will's conversation with Miss Blanchard.

"So Roland's taking to the new nanny?" a familiar voice asked.

"Yeah. He really likes her, as do Robin and me. She seems like she'll fit in really well around here."

"That's good."

Regina reached the landing, freezing as she took in Miss Blanchard. She was Regina's height with brown hair cut in a pixie cut as well as warm green eyes. They widened as she took in Regina. "Regina, hi."

"Mary Margaret," she replied with a nod. "I see you're a teacher at last."

She nodded. "I had heard you left the business world. I just didn't know you had become a nanny."

"My nanny!" Roland declared, bouncing on his feet.

Everyone smiled at the boy and Mary Margaret held out her hand. "You ready for your lessons?"

"Yes!" Roland took her hand and followed her into the next room.

Will sidled up next to her. "So, you and Mary Margaret know each other? Care to share?"

"No," she said, softly.

He nodded. "Okay. Why don't you come with me and I'll make you another cup of my amazing coffee?"

"Thanks but I should probably go straighten up Roland's room."

"That's one of his chores," Will said, frowning. "I guess no one's showed you the chart?"

She shook her head. "Where is it?"

"Follow me." He led her back to the kitchen, pulling a dry erase board out of a drawer. Will handed it to her. "Marian made it for Roland."

Regina took it, looking over the neatly written chart. Several different chores were listed down the left side, including making the bed, cleaning up his toys and others. The days of the week were written across the top, with the exception of Sundays.

"Marian believed Sunday was a day to do nothing. Many times they all just lazed about in their pajamas and I bummed around the city, unless it was too cold or too hot. Robin still likes to do that," Will explained.

"Is that why I have Sundays off?"

Will nodded. "Yep. So do I. Robin does everything around here. And for the most part, I find the house in one piece."

"For the most part?"

He shrugged, before handing her a cup of coffee. "So, you know why we get Sundays off. Any reason why you wanted Wednesdays?"

She was quiet for a bit, debating whether or not to share her reason just yet. "It's my father," she said at last. "He's sick and Jefferson managed to get him into a drug trial. His appointments are every Wednesday."

"Sorry to hear about your dad."

"Thank you," she replied, voice soft. "I really hope this trial works. He's all the family I have."

Will covered her hand with his own. "How do you get your father to his treatment?"

"Usually the train. But if he's too weak, I spring for a cab. It's just…the treatment can make him sick and cabbies aren't too thrilled about that," Regina said.

"What time is his treatment?"

She frowned. "Why?"

"So I can take you two," Will said. "Mary Margaret or Doc Hopper can stay with Roland a bit longer for us."

Regina shook her head. "No, I don't want to inconvenience anyone. Thank you for the offer, but I can manage."

Sensing he was going to try to convince her a bit more, Regina took the dry erase board. "I'm going to clean this up and get it ready for use again. Can you let me know when Roland's done?"

She fled from the kitchen to the safety of Roland's room. She sat on his little bed and stared at Marian's neat handwriting. What had she been like? From the pictures, Regina believed her to be a warm and loving woman. She probably sang Roland lullabies and did silly things with him just to hear his little laughter. Regina knew she would do that if she had children.

A few teardrops landed on the dry erase board and Regina rubbed her eyes. She wasn't sure if it was the thought of children or opening up about her father. Deciding on the latter, she took a deep breath. She knew Will meant well but she didn't want to tie him up from his own duties. Robin was a sweet man, but she doubted he'd let his butler go for an hour or two just to drive the nanny and her sick father.

Roland burst in, jumping onto his bed. "My lessons are done! Play time?"

"Are your lessons really over?" Regina asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No. I told him to come up here and wash up for lunch." Mary Margaret leaned against his door, arms crossed. "Didn't I, Roland?"

He buried himself under the blanket and Regina sighed. "You heard Miss Blanchard, Roland. Go wash up and I'll give you a star on the chart."

Roland emerged from his hiding place, eyes wide. "You found Mama's chart?"

"Will gave it to me," she said, holding it up. "Is it okay if we use it again?"

He nodded and hopped off the bed to go wash his hands. Mary Margaret took his spot on the bed. "He's been talking nonstop about you," she told Regina.

"That's because I'm new. It's all exciting."

Mary Margaret shook her head. "I think it's because he likes you. Which is a relief because he hated his last nanny."

"I wasn't aware I had a predecessor," Regina said, frowning.

The younger woman nodded. "She and I were hired around the same time, not long after Marian's death. She was an older woman with some very old-fashioned beliefs about childrearing. Roland didn't like her one bit."

"I imagine she didn't last long. Robin doesn't seem the type to keep his son miserable."

Roland raced out of the bathroom, showing the women his hands. "All clean!"

They smiled and Regina held out her hand to him. "Then let's go see what Will's cooked for you."

He crossed his arms and shook his head. "Star first."

"Star first what?" Regina prompted.

"Please," Roland said, clasping his hands together and looking up at her with a wide smile.

She smiled, drawing a star on the board next to "wash hands before lunch" and then again next to "be polite." Placing the cap back on the marker, she turned back to Roland. "There. Two stars already! Way to go."

Roland took Regina's hand then and let her guide him down to the kitchen, Mary Margaret following. Will set him up with a ham and cheese sandwich and a juice box. "If you need anything else, you let me know, little man," Will told him.

He turned to Regina and Mary Margaret. "Can I get you ladies some sandwiches as well?"

"Yes, but can you give us a minute? Thanks." Mary Margaret pulled Regina into the next room.

Regina's stomach turned and it felt like ice flooded her veins. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Roland interrupted our conversation and I wanted to finish it," Mary Margaret said. "I want you to understand how far he and Robin have come in the time I've known them."

Regina nodded, her nerves on end. "Of course. I understand."

"Good." Mary Margaret took a deep breath. "Robin wasn't in a very good place when I was hired. He first threw himself into his work to avoid dealing with the grief of losing his wife. Will and that awful nanny were Roland's primary caretakers in those days."

"So Robin didn't know what she was up to?"

Mary Margaret shook her head. "After Robin hired me, I didn't see him again for a long time. Will told me he left early and came home late. Roland was often in bed, so he didn't know about the punishments she administered for even the tiniest of infractions. Or the nights Roland went to bed without dinner."

Regina wanted to find wherever that woman had crawled to and give her a good thrashing—verbal and physical. How dare she treat Roland like that? Especially after he had just lost his mother. She took a few deep, calming breaths. "How was she discovered?"

"Will and I installed a nanny cam on her day off," Mary Margaret said. "And Will managed to get it hooked up to Robin's computer. He was finally confronted with everything that was going on. I think it was a wakeup call. She was fired and he finally made time for Roland. They began healing together."

"I'm glad. They seem so close now," Regina said.

Mary Margaret nodded. "It warms my heart to see it."

"So don't worry. I have no plans to ruin it," Regina said. "I know you must have some concerns after…well…you know."

"What? Regina, I don't understand. I don't…" Mary Margaret was cut off as Will burst into the room, asking if they were ever going to have lunch.

Regina nodded. "Yes, we're coming."

"Can you give us a minute, Will? We won't be much longer," Mary Margaret said, staring at Regina.

Feeling sick to her stomach, Regina decided it was best to make a pre-emptive strike. "Why don't we agree to not mention what happened before?"

"Regina, I'm not sure I…"

"Please, Mary Margaret." Regina grabbed the younger woman's hands. "I'm trying to put that in my past and move on. Please give me the chance do that."

Mary Margaret studied Regina's face before nodding. "If that's what you want, I won't say anything."

"Thank you, so much." Regina squeezed her hands before dropping them. "Now, let's go have lunch and catch up. Are you and David still together?"

"Yes, we are," she replied, beaming as they walked into the dining room.

Robin came home just as they sat down for dinner. As they heard the door open and close, Roland started squirming in his chair. She knew he was debating whether to stay in his chair and get a star or sacrifice it to hug his father. In the end, he stayed put and waited for Robin to walk into the kitchen. He swung Roland up into his arms, kissing his cheek. "How was your first day with Regina?" he asked.

"Yes," Roland replied, nodding. "I already got five stars today."

She noticed how his eyes widened just a bit before he smiled again. "You did? It's a miracle!"

"Papa!" Roland gave his father a playful push. "I'm a good boy."

Robin kissed his cheek again before settling him back in his chair. "Yes, you are. Now, finish your dinner."

After making his own plate, Robin took a seat between her and Will. She kept her gaze focused on her plate while Will greeted their employer. "Have a good day at work, dear?" he teased.

"Not really, sweetheart," Robin shot back.

Will frowned, his teasing tone gone. "You still can't find that money?"

"No, and the finance department has been over the books several times." Robin sighed. "I hate to say it, but I may need to audit the company."

"Who will you get to do that?"

"I don't know," Robin sighed. "I guess I'll have to start looking around for reputable firms."

Regina pulled herself from Robin's conversation, looking over at Roland. He was done with his meal and looked up at her. "May I be excused?"

"Once you put your dishes in the sink," Robin said. "I'll be up in a bit to tuck you in, okay?"

As Roland cleaned his dishes, Regina took hers as well. "I'll make sure he's all ready when you come up. Take your time, though."

She met his eyes and melted a bit when he smiled. "Thank you, Regina. But I won't be too much longer," he said.

"Come on, Regina." Roland took her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. "You can read to me before Papa comes up."

Regina let him lead her upstairs, glad to be away from the gaze of his father. She could handle leers. But kindness and friendliness…those were two things that still threw her for a loop. It had taken her weeks to accept them in Jefferson and she hoped that when she accepted them in Robin, everything would normalize.

Of course, she never feared she could fall in love with Jefferson.

Roland retrieved her book of fairy tales and chose Sleeping Beauty that night. They sat on his bed, Roland leaning against Regina as she read the story. He fought off sleep, waiting for his father to come up and say goodnight.

"Read me another, please?" He rubbed his eyes and yawned.

She shook her head. "You need to go to bed and get sleep. It's important for a growing boy like you."

"You should listen to Regina. She's an expert on these things." Robin strolled into the room, hand in his pockets. He had taken off his suit jacket and tie, unbuttoning the top two buttons on his shirt. To anyone else it would be messy but to Regina, it was like something from a fantasy.

A fantasy she should not be having about her boss.

She stood, closing the book. "I'll leave you two alone. Good night, Roland."

"Good night, Regina," he said, voice full of sleep.

As she crept from his room, she glanced back to see Robin kneeling by his son's bed. He ran a hand through Roland's curls, talking low to the boy as he drifted off to sleep. Her heart skipped a beat and she hurried to her room, clutching her book to her chest.

Regina padded down the hallway, wrapped in her fluffy purple bathrobe. Her dark hair was still wet from her shower and she had yet to run a brush through it. But the hallway was dark and she doubted anyone would see her. After all, no one had spotted her coming in and out of Robin's office so she imagined everyone else was asleep.

She frowned though when she saw someone leaning against her door, arms crossed over his t-shirt clad chest. "Is something wrong, Mr. Locksley?" she asked.

"Besides the fact you seem to have an aversion to calling me Robin?" he teased. "I just wanted to see how your first day went."

"It went well, thank you. Roland really is a great kid. You should be proud," she said.

He smiled. "I am. But I think you deserve some of the credit. He's taken to you and would do anything you said."

"Well, thank you." She bit her lip before asking: "You don't mind that I'm using Marian's old chart, are you? I saw how you reacted when Roland said he had gotten five stars."

"I was surprised, yes, but not upset. I'm glad the old system is getting used. Marian probably was upset I let it slip."

The air had gotten a bit thick so Regina decided to lighten it a bit. "So, what's the reward system like?"

"Roland gets a quarter for every star earned during the week. On Sunday, I tally them up and give him what he's earned."

"Sound good to me." She ran a hand through her hair, suddenly aware how she looked. "Is there anything else you need, Mr…Robin?"

He chuckled. "Well, that's progress. And no, I think that's it. Have a good night, Regina."

When he stepped forward, her heart skipped a beat and she held her breath. Fantasies of him kissing her goodnight briefly played through her head before he passed her, arms brushing, and headed down the hall to his room.

She hurried into her own, closing the door as she tried to calm her heart. Regina plopped down on her bed, eyes closed. This was getting out of control. Of course he wouldn't kiss her. Even if she wasn't his employee, he hadn't shown any hint of attraction. This was all in her head.

As she curled up on her bed, Regina decided that maybe it was time to take Emma's advice and venture back out into the dating pool. Then maybe she wouldn't be distracted by Robin Locksley's kind eyes and sexy dimples.

Maybe.

A/N: Here it is—Chapter 2! I want to thank everyone for their overwhelming support for this during OQ Week. As I said, I had had this idea rattling around my head and it looks like people like it.

I won't be posting this on a regular schedule like I do "The Land Without Magic" and "The Prince of Darkness." Those are my "big" projects and I focus a lot of energy on them. So this probably won't be updated as often (but don't worry, I'll try not to let too long go between updates).

If anyone would like to make a cover for this story, I would be very appreciative. Let me know—here, tumblr, twitter, whatever.

Thank you!

-Mac