Chapter 5: Free Swim

"Wait a minute. You told him about your bouts with depression? Really?" Emma's surprised voice carried through the phone's speaker. "It took you until our junior year to tell me and I don't think anyone else knew. Not even Leopold—thank God for that."

Regina curled up under her covers, pushing her wet hair back from forehead as her muscles complained about her workout. She sighed as she pressed the phone closer to her ear. "I'm glad I never told Leopold about it either. But yes, I told Robin about it. It just popped out."

"Just popped out? I doubt that."

"Okay, Roland had an episode that reminded me of my dollhouse," Regina said. "And before I could stop myself, the entire story spilled out. Robin is very easy to talk to."

Emma hummed. "That one of the reasons why you've avoided it until now?"

"One? Yes."

"So, how did he react?"

"Very well actually," Regina replied. "Though he was concerned I was telling him Roland is depressed."

"Is he?"

Regina shrugged before remembering she was on the phone. "I don't think so but I told him that Dr. Hopper would know better."

"Makes sense," Emma said. "So, what happens now?"

"I guess I can't keep freezing Robin out."

"No shit."

Regina rolled her eyes this time. "Good night, Emma."

She hung up the phone and snuggled under the covers. As she reached over to turn off the lamp, a form moved in the door between her room and Roland's. She sat up, squinting to try and see it clearer. "Roland? Is that you?"

The tiny form emerged from the shadows, stepping into Regina's room. He held his teddy bear close, tear tracks on his cheeks. She hopped out of bed and crossed the room to him, grabbing a tissue to wipe his tears. "What's wrong?"

"I had a bad dream," he said, hiccupping.

Regina hugged him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He tightened his hold her neck and shook his head. She rubbed his back, saying: "It might make you feel better."

"No," he whimpered. "It was too scary."

"Okay. How about some warm milk instead?" Regina suggested.

He nodded and she picked him up, carrying him down to the dark kitchen. She navigated her way over to the light switch, using her elbow to turn it on. After shifting Roland to rest on her hip, Regina had her right hand free to pour the milk into the pot and begin heating it on the stove. She made sure to keep bouncing him, hoping it would be soothing.

Roland turned his head to watch as the milk started to boil. One arm was still wrapped around her neck, his hand playing with her hair while his other hand clutched at her nightshirt. He was warm against her body and in the late October chill, it felt good.

She poured the warm milk into a cup and carried it over to the table, where she took a seat. Roland curled up on her lap as he clutched the cup, taking a careful sip. "This is nice," he said.

"It is," she agreed. "My papa and I used to do this when I had a bad dream."

Roland's eyes lit up. "You did? You got nightmares too?"

"Want to know a secret?" At Roland's eager nod, she leaned closer to whisper: "I still do."

"Adults get nightmares?" His mouth fell open in surprise. "Even Papa?"

Regina nodded. "I'm sure he has nightmares too."

This seemed to give Roland something to think about and he turned back to his milk. Regina ran a hand through his curls, waiting for him to finish.

He started to sag against Regina, eyes fluttering closed every so often. She smiled, picking him up again. "Looks like someone is ready for bed."

"No," he murmured against her shoulder. "I'll have the bad dreams again."

She rubbed his back. "No, we'll make sure you just have pleasant dreams. Okay?"

Regina placed him down in order to straighten out his bed when she heard his little footsteps heading away from the bedroom. She sighed and gave chase, catching sight of his pajama-clad form as it turned a corner. Taking it herself, Regina found herself in a part of the house she hadn't yet been in. She had assumptions about what was down here and they were confirmed as she found the door Roland had opened.

He had gone to his father's room.

She stood in the doorway, taking in the master bedroom. It was done in greens, unlike the rest of the house, and felt like she was outside in the woods rather than in a mansion. Sliding doors led to a balcony and she could make out a table out on it even in the dark. Robin's king sized bed rested under a large window, which was covered by curtains.

Robin was sitting on the side of his bed, holding Roland close to him. He rubbed his son's back as he comforted the boy. Roland rubbed his eyes. "Can I sleep with you?" he asked.

"Of course," Robin replied, pulling back the blankets. "Let's get you settled and we'll go back to sleep, okay?"

Nodding, Roland looked back to the door and waved at her. "Good night, Regina."

Robin glanced over at her as well, smiling. "Good night," he said softly.

"Good night," she replied, nodding. Before she walked away, she watched as he curled up with his son and spoke softly to him. She closed the door behind her, heading back down to the kitchen.

She found Will puttering around the kitchen, a blanket wrapped around him as he searched from something. Regina frowned. "You should be in bed."

He opened his mouth but was overcome by a coughing jag that had him hunching over as he struggled to catch his breath. She rushed to his side, rubbing his back. "Let me guess. You're looking for the medicine."

"Yes," he rasped out when he regained his breath. "You know where Robin's hiding it?"

"He's not hiding it. It's in your medicine cabinet, where we thought you'd go first."

Will straightened up, scowling. "I always keep my medicine in here. He knows that."

"We were busy today. It was…eventful." Regina let out a deep breath. "But let's get you your medicine and then into bed."

"Thank you," Will replied. "And Regina? Sorry if I gave you a hard time earlier."

She smiled, patting his back. "It's okay, Will. I gave Robin a hard time today and I'm not even sick."

"What did Robin do?"

"Nothing. It was my own demons as usual," Regina replied as they shuffled down to his bathroom.

She entered the small room, opening the medicine cabinet over the sink. There wasn't much there—shaving cream, a razor and his aftershave—so the orange pill canister stood out. Regina took it out and filled a spare glass with water.

Will was sitting on his bed, rubbing his chest as he winced. She set the glass down on his nightstand and placed the pill in his hand. Grabbing his garbage pail and a fresh tissue, she began sweeping his used ones into it as he took his medicine. "You don't have to do that. We can't have you getting sick as well," he said.

"I'll be fine." She put the pail down and watched as he laid back on the bed. "Get some sleep."

Closing Will's door, she finished cleaning up the kitchen before finally heading back to bed. She slid under her covers and turned off her light, ready for the day to end at last.

When she woke the next morning, she felt refreshed and in a better mood. Until she glanced at her clock and adrenaline coursed through her veins. The red numbers said eleven in the morning, three hours past when she should've woken up.

She dressed quickly and hurried down to the kitchen. Robin stood at the stove, flipping pancakes onto a plate while Roland sat at the table eating a short stack of his own.

Robin glanced up, smiling at her as he held out the plate. "Good morning. Pancakes?"

"Thank you," she replied, breathless. "I am sorry about oversleeping. I don't know why my alarm didn't go off…"

"I turned it off," Robin said.

She narrowed her eyes, tilting her head. "What? Why?"

"You deserved a late morning after everything you did for us yesterday. And I can't have you getting sick as well." Robin handed her a mug filled with coffee.

Regina took the pancakes and coffee, smiling. "Thank you, Robin."

She sat down next to Roland, who beamed at her. "Thank you for helping me last night," he said.

"You're welcome," she replied. "Did you have any more nightmares?"

He shook his head. "Papa protected me from them."

"It's one of my superpowers." Robin winked at Regina, who had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.

She dug into her pancakes as Will wandered into the kitchen, his blanket wrapped around him again. He let out a cough and she frowned.

"What are you doing out of bed?" Robin asked, voicing what Regina was thinking. "I can bring you breakfast."

Will shook his head. "I need to get out of that bed. Please."

"Fine. But you are sitting at the counter. Got it?" Robin placed a plate in front of his sick butler as well as a mug.

Once Will was set, Robin joined Regina and Roland at the table. He settled into a chair and sighed. "You know, Will, I appreciate everything you have to do."

"I know, mate. Good to hear it though," Will rasped out.

Everyone chuckled as they continued their breakfast. Regina turned to Roland. "What do you think about going down to the gym today?"

"Yes!" Roland bounced in his seat. He had told Regina that he felt grown up like his Papa whenever he went to the gym.

Robin chuckled. "Maybe I'll meet you down there later. We can play some basketball."

"Really?" Roland's eyes widened. "Cool!"

"Well, let me clean these dishes," Regina said, gathering her plate and Roland's. "It's only fair since your father cooked."

Robin leaned back in his chair. "I guess I can't argue that."

She chuckled, placing the dishes in the sink before turning to Will. "You done or still working on your breakfast?"

"Still working on it," Will replied, pulling the plate closer. "I can clean it."

"You can get rest." Robin glared at his friend as he passed Will, carrying Roland. He then turned to Regina. "I'm going to get this one cleaned up and in clothes."

"Sounds good." She nodded before motioning to Will. "I'll get this one back to bed."

"I am not going back to that bloody room. I'll go mad." Will was still raspy but he sounded determined.

"Language, Will," Robin chided.

Roland shook his little finger at Will. "You have to put a quarter in the swear jar."

"Fine," Will sighed. "I'm sorry."

Once Robin was upstairs, Regina went over to Will. "Come on. We'll settle you on the couch in the den. It'll be a change of scenery and you can watch TV. And I can disinfect your room."

"Why? I'm still sick." His coughing jagged proved his point.

"Yeah, but we can't have those germs lingering. It won't help you get better."

Will shrugged. "Guess it couldn't hurt."

"Let's get you to the couch," Regina said, throwing his arm over her shoulders.

He rested heavily against her as they shuffled toward the den. She supported him as best as she could though she nearly collapsed herself when they got to the couch. Regina found a blanket to cover him with, placing a glass of water and tissue box in his reach. Handing him the remote, she smiled. "You let me know if you need anything."

Will nodded before looking up at her. "I'm glad you came to us, Regina. You're what we all needed after losing Marian."

Regina paused, touched by Will's words. "Thank you. I'm glad I came here too."

Roland and Regina spent an hour in the gym, exercising. She had called an old friend of hers, Kathryn, and asked to speak to her husband Frederick. He was a PE teacher in the Storybrooke school system and she hoped he would be able to give her some age appropriate routines do with Roland. Frederick came through, allowing her to help Roland get the exercise he needed.

They went through the exercises now. She started with some light stretches to warm Roland up before they moved into more intense ones. Roland enjoyed the jumping jacks but struggled with sit ups, even with her holding his feet for him. "Don't worry," she assured him. "You keep doing them and soon you'll be a master at sit ups."

"I want to do them now!" Roland insisted, pouting.

Regina tilted his head up. "Patience. You can't always get everything right away."

"Alright," he sighed. "What now?"

"We have to run three laps around the gym. Let's go," she said, putting on some music.

The two set off at a nice pace for Roland, though it was more like a power walk for Regina. By the time they finished, she had plenty of energy but Roland was a bit out of breath. "Why don't we sit down and take a moment?" Regina suggested.

He nodded, accepting the water she gave him. "That was difficult," he huffed.

"It'll get easier," she told him. "We just need to pace you differently. We'll work on that."

"Okay," Roland replied, he glanced toward the door. "Where's Papa? We're supposed to play basketball."

Regina smiled. "He said later, Roland. It isn't later."

"Oh." He then looked at her. "Can we play? So I can practice before he comes?"

"Sure, though I doubt I'm as good as him." Regina grabbed a basketball and tossed it to Roland. "Go ahead, show me how it's done."

He bounced the ball and headed for the hoops. Regina followed at a slow pace, letting him attempt to toss the ball up a few times before hoisting him up. "Go ahead. Slam dunk it."

Roland dunked the ball into the hoop and held up his hands in triumph. "I did it!"

"Yes, you did." Regina laughed, holding him close. "You'll beat your dad, no doubt."

"If you help me, I will." He glanced toward the door. "Is it later yet, Regina?"

She set the boy on the floor and sighed. "I'll go check. You stay here, okay?"

Roland nodded, practicing dribbling as she headed back to the main body of the house. She wondered where Robin would be and decided to check his study first. The door was opened, as usual, but it was empty. He wasn't trying to get any work done, so why hadn't he gone down to the gym?

She decided to check on Will, to see if he knew where Robin had gone. As she approached the den, her question was answered when she heard Robin's familiar voice drift from the room. "I don't think I can bear to have it this year, Will," he said.

"But you have to," Will insisted. "It was Marian's pet project."

Robin sighed. "And it's too hard to do it without her."

Standing in the doorway, Regina knocked on the wall to let them know she was there. Robin looked up from where he was sitting on the coffee table and stood, like she was his mother catching him doing something he wasn't supposed to. He was dressed in his usual workout clothing, so it seemed he had been on his way to the gym when he got distracted. "Is Roland asking for me?" he asked.

"He is," Regina said. "What's going on here?"

"Just discussing something," Robin said. "Is Roland waiting?"

Will held up his hand. "Wait, I think we should get Regina's opinion on the matter at hand."

"There is no matter. I'm not having it." Robin's voice was firm.

"Having what?" Regina asked.

Robin sighed. "Marian and I used to throw a masquerade ball right before Christmas. It was to raise money for the inner-city schools in Storybrooke."

"That sounds nice. And like it was important to Marian."

"It was," Robin and Will confirmed.

Robin continued. "People have been asking if I'll be hosting it to honor her."

"You should," Regina said. "It sounds like a lot of people want to remember and honor her."

Will sat up. "I know you usually start earlier but I think we can pull this off in time. I can help when I'm feeling better."

"And I can help as well," Regina offered. "We can pull this off."

Robin sighed. "Looks like I'm outvoted. In my own house. Okay, I'll have Tink contact you. She helped Marian plan the masquerade the past two years, so she'll have everything you need."

Regina nodded, watching as he stood with a sigh. He smiled at her and Will. "Now, I think I've left my son waiting long enough."

Once he was gone, Regina turned to Will. "Tink?"

"Don't ask," Will replied. "But she's very good. We'll be able to pull this off in a month."

Regina's eyes widened. "A month?"

"Yeah. Robin and Marian always had the masquerade the second Saturday of December."

She groaned. "What have I gotten myself into?"

"Oh, you'll see," Will replied, laughing maniacally. Regina decided to blame it on the cold medicine and told him to get some sleep.

Dr. Archie Hopper came to have a session with Roland every Tuesday afternoon so Mary Margaret cut her lessons short on those days. Because of that, Regina hardly had a lot of interaction with the psychologist beyond ushering him to and from Roland's playroom. He seemed pleasant enough and Roland liked him, so Regina gave him a pass.

This Tuesday, Robin had asked Dr. Hopper to stay after Roland's session so he could talk to him. But Robin had gotten stuck at work, leaving later than he had planned. So he asked Regina to entertain the doctor until he could get there.

"I hope this isn't an inconvenience," Regina said, handing a cup of tea to Dr. Hopper.

He smiled, shaking his head. "I'm happy to talk to Robin about what he wants. Is he concerned about something?"

"Well, Roland had an incident with a toy airplane last Friday," Regina began. Dr. Hopper nodded, meaning he was aware of what had happened. So she continued: "Well, it spooked Robin and I think he just wants to make sure it's not indicative of a larger problem."

Dr. Hopper frowned. "What kind of problem?"

"I told Robin about my struggles with childhood depression," she admitted. "I think he's concerned Roland might be depressed as well."

"Ahh. Well, I'll discuss it with Robin, but my professional opinion is that Roland is still grieving his mother and does suffer from agoraphobia, but not depression," Dr. Hopper replied. He studied Regina. "If you ever need to talk…"

She smiled. "Thanks, but I've got that in check. What can you do about a fear of swimming?"

"Depends," Dr. Hopper said. "Why are you scared of swimming?"

Regina sighed. "I nearly drowned when I was girl. Twice."

"Sounds traumatizing. Do you want to talk about them?"

She nodded. "I had been swimming for a while and thought I was an expert. So I ventured into the deep part of the lake. I was doing fine until I got tired. Forgetting I was in the deep end, I tried to stand and rest but my legs hit nothing. I panicked and began sinking, forgetting everything I had learned. Someone by me saw me flailing and alerted a lifeguard, who rescued me. I was taken to a hospital for an evaluation and was released."

"And you were fine?"

"Physically, yes. But I had nightmares for several nights after that. Dad would come in and comfort me, rocking me and telling me everything was fine."

Dr. Hopper studied her. "What about your mother?"

"She wasn't the comforting type," Regina replied. "In fact, after I refused to go swimming for a week, she took me to the public pool. She marched me to the deep end and as I cried that I didn't want to go in, she told me I needed to be a big girl, to stop embarrassing her and to get over it. She then pushed me in."

"Oh no." Dr. Hopper blanched.

"Oh yes," she replied with a nod. "I floundered again and had to be rescued by the lifeguard. Again."

He sighed. "I can see why you would have a fear of swimming."

"Do you have something that can help me?" she asked. "I'd really like to get back into the water."

Dr. Hopper leaned forward. "Well, Robin has a nice sized pool. And I've met Ariel a few times. She is a skilled swimmer and lifeguard. I'm sure she'd be willing to help you. Start small—I wouldn't advise jumping into the deep end. Just get used to being in the water and when you feel comfortable, go deeper. If you can go in with someone you trust, that'd be even better."

"Thank you." She squeezed his hand before standing as Robin burst into the kitchens, apologizing for being so late. Regina tucked hair behind her ear, heading for the door. "I need to go check on Roland so I'll leave you two to talk."

Robin blew in on Thursday afternoon, dropping his briefcase by the door as he pulled off his coat. He glanced up at Will, who was preparing dinner. "Did Regina go to the pool yet?"

"No, she's just finishing up the laundry." Will frowned, studying his employer. "Why?"

"Good. Don't let her go to the pool until I'm ready. Got it?" Robin hurried up the stairs, racing toward his room.

He closed his door as he pulled off his business suit. The shirt took some time as he undid the buttons but once it was off, he was in his swimming trunks in no time. Robin threw on a t-shirt before grabbing a towel and racing back downstairs.

Will stood there, arms still crossed as he gave Robin a knowing look. "She went upstairs to change. You're still ahead of her though I don't know why this is so important."

"You tell no one this," Robin started.

"Have I ever told anyone your secrets?"

"You told Marian when I was cheating when we tried that juice cleanse."

Will held up his hands. "That woman was a skill interrogator. I had no choice."

"I guess I could forgive you for that," Robin said, before shaking his head. "Anyway, I overheard her talking with Dr. Hopper the other day about her fear of swimming. Dr. Hopper suggested she try to overcome her fear with the help of someone she trusts. Since Emma can't be here…"

"You're going to help her." Will sighed, rubbing his hand through his short hair. "What would your board think if they knew you were playing hooky to help your nanny?"

Robin held up two fingers. "One, I'm the boss. Two, I'm helping a friend work though something."

"Would you do the same for me?" Will asked.

"Of course." Robin felt hurt that Will didn't think he'd dropped everything for him.

Will held up his hands. "Okay, maybe I was a poor example. Let me think of someone else…"

"Hold that thought," Robin said. "I need to get down to the pool. Remember?"

"Fine," Will sighed. "Have fun on the River De Nile."

Robin frowned, deciding to ignore his friend's odd words. Instead, he hurried down to the Olympic sized pool he had installed in his house…mostly because it seemed like something a rich person would do. Then there had been days he had wondered if Marian had married him just for the pool as he couldn't get her out of it. It had set unused after her death but today, it would have a purpose again.

Ariel was surprised when he walked into the room. "Mr. Locksley, hi. To what do I owe the honor?"

"Just thought I'd go for a swim," he said, dropping his towel on a chair.

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because I've worked for you for four years now and you've never just popped in for a swim. Mrs. Locksley had to drag you in here."

Robin paused as Marian's smiling face filled his vision. He closed his eyes and swallowed, letting the grief pass. When he opened his eyes again, Ariel looked contrite. "Sorry, I shouldn't have…"

"No, no. It's okay to talk about her. We can't pretend she didn't exist. That's no way to honor her," he said.

Ariel nodded. "You're right. And I'm right. So, why are you here?"

"Okay, have you met Roland's new nanny, Regina?" Robin asked. When she shook her head, he continued: "Well, you're about to. She was traumatized as a child and has a fear of swimming she's looking to overcome. I'm here to help her."

"That's sweet," Ariel said. "She must be so happy."

Robin rubbed the back of his neck. "She, ah, she doesn't know I'm doing this. Please don't let her know."

Ariel raised an eyebrow but wasn't able to comment as Regina entered the room. She was wearing a red cover up and carrying a towel of her own, her black hair pulled into a ponytail. Regina stopped, eyes widening when she saw Robin. "I didn't know you were home," she said. "I can come back another time."

"No, no. The pool's big enough for the both of us." Robin smiled. "I'll see you in the water?"

Regina gave it a wary glance. "I'm not sure. Maybe I'll just put my feet in."

"Whatever you want to do," Robin said, trying to be as reassuring as possible. He took off his shirt, setting it with his towel. "I'll be in the shallow end though if you want to join me."

"Th…Thank you," she said, her brown eyes taking him in.

Robin felt a rush knowing she was looking him over before slapping himself. Nothing's going to happen. She only sees you as her employer and maybe her friend. He took a deep breath before climbing into the heated waters.

As he leaned back into the water, he watched as Regina spoke with Ariel. The redhead nodded, looking sympathetic, before walking off. Regina pulled up her red cover up as she sat at the edge of the pool, kicking her feet in the water.

He swam over to her. "How's the water?"

"You know it's nice and warm," she said. "You pay to have the pool heated."

Robin laughed as he floated by her. "It's a decision I'm really happy I made now. We wouldn't be able to go swimming in November here in Maine."

"True," she said. She glanced over at his pool attendant. "Ariel seems nice."

"She is. She taught Roland how to swim."

Regina smiled. "So she's good?"

"The best," he confirmed. "But you know how to swim."

"It's been a while."

"It's like riding a bike. Trust me."

She chewed her lip and he held his breath, waiting to see what she would say. Regina stood and held up a finger. "I'll be right back."

Robin watched as she approached the chair where she had left her towel and in one fluid motion, pulled the red cover up over her head. It landed on the chair, revealing Regina was wearing a black one piece bathing suit underneath. Once again, Robin was able to admire how fit and beautiful Regina was for a few seconds before he caught himself.

Get a hold of yourself, Robin. She doesn't need you leering at her.

She stepped down the three wide stairs that led into the pool, standing where the water only came up to her mid-calf. Robin waded over to her, holding out his hand. "Want to venture a bit deeper? At least get up to your waist?"

"Baby steps," she said, taking deep breaths. "Let me just take baby steps."

"Okay. My hand's still there for you." He wiggled his fingers at her.

Regina laughed, taking his hand. "You don't have to interrupt your swim session to help me."

"I want to help you. Like you've helped Roland." And me.

She blushed and couldn't hide it with her hair. "I'm just doing my job, Robin."

"One day, I'll get you to take a compliment, Regina Mills."

"We'll see," she replied before pausing. "So, I talked to Tink. We've gotten everything rolling on the masquerade. She pretty much has it planned from last year."

He nodded. "That's Tink for you. She's magic."

"You're okay with this, right? I kinda feel Will and I bullied you into doing this. If it reminds you too much of Marian…"

"It does," he said softly. "But you two were right. The best way to honor Marian is to keep her charity going. Everyone was asking about it. They want to honor her."

Regina smiled. "She sounds like she was very loved."

"She was." Robin shook his head, noting they were now up to their chests in water. A rope lay next to him, separating the moment where Regina wouldn't be able to reach the bottom anymore. He glanced at it. "You want to cross now? Or another day?"

She glanced around, surprised they had made it so far in. Her grip on his hand tightened and he shook his head. "Okay, we don't have to go across it today. We can stay here."

"No." Her voice was firm. "I can't be afraid forever, right? And if I'm going to help Roland conquer his fear, I have to conquer mine first."

Robin nodded and swam under the rope. Once on the other side, he faced her. "Do you want to go under or have me hold the rope up?"

"I'll go under." Regina took a few deep breaths before submerging into the water. He kept his eye on her and noticed Ariel step closer to the pool.

She swam forward, feeling her way before pushing herself back to the surface. When she broke through, she was sputtering and Robin reached out to steady her. Regina wiped the water from her eyes and opened them, smiling. "I did it?"

"You did," he said.

Regina let out a little shriek of joy and threw her arms around him. He held her steady, keeping them both afloat as they hugged. There wasn't much between them though and he had to bite back a groan when he felt the start of his body's natural response.

She pulled away before it got awkward, treading water in front of him. "Thank you, Robin," she said. "I don't think I could've done it without you."

"Anytime," he replied, watching as she swam toward Ariel. A warm feeling filled him and he took off to do some laps of his own, to pretend he had come to the pool for a reason other than Regina.

Regina started to go to the pool more often, though she still never went alone. Sometimes, she swam when Ariel was there to keep guard over the pool. Other times, Robin would talk about going to the pool after dinner and she would grab her bathing suit to join him. He always stayed close to her, helping her as she built up her strength with the goal of doing laps with him soon.

"Robin seems to be an avid swimmer," she remarked to Will one day.

"He only just become one."

Well, that was interesting. "Why?" she wondered out loud.

"Something piqued his interest," Will replied, looking straight at her.

Regina shifted under his gaze and the silent implication that he was swimming for her. She was about to excuse herself when Robin blew in, smiling when he saw them. "Good, you're both here," he said, placing his hands on the counter. "We need to talk about Thanksgiving."

"Ahh, yes. How many people should I prepare for?" Will asked.

"Little John has other plans so he's not coming but he did ask for some sweet potatoes," Robin said. "But Paul and Vivienne have said they are coming and will stay the weekend to celebrate Roland's birthday."

"Who are Paul and Vivienne?" Regina asked, never hearing those names before. She realized she didn't know much about Robin's family outside of Roland, Marian and Will.

Robin smiled. "They are Marian's parents. They come to Thanksgiving here every year. We usually flew out to see my parents for Christmas but this year, they're going to fly in to see us."

"I can't wait to meet Roland's grandparents," she said. "All of them."

He nodded. "And as for you, I know Thanksgiving is a holiday so you do have the day off…"

"But you need my help," Regina said.

"No," Robin replied.

Will held up his hand. "Wait, if she wants to help, she can certainly do that."

"Shut up, Will." Robin looked back at her. "You have the day off but you, your father and Emma are more than welcome to celebrate with us."

Regina's mouth fell open. It seemed when she thought she was used to Robin's kindness, he went and surprised her again. "Thank you. I have to see how my father is feeling but thank you for the offer."

"You're welcome, Regina." He squeezed her hand briefly before turning back to Will. "So, grocery list. You got it?"

Henry ended up feeling better than he had in weeks after his chemo session and insisted on going to Robin's for Thanksgiving. "I want to see where you work while I can," he said. "Who knows how long this burst of energy will last?"

So Emma and Regina quickly packed bags while Will helped Henry down to the limo. Henry watched the city give way to the country as they drove closer to the Locksley mansion, arriving just as the sun began to set.

Will parked the limo and Regina unbuckled her father. "Sit tight and I'll help you out," she said, pushing Emma to move faster.

But the other door opened and she heard Robin's voice say: "Here, sir, let me help you."

"Thank you, young man," Henry replied, getting out of the limo.

Regina climbed out, peering over the top of the limo to see Robin and her father shaking hands. "It's an honor to meet you," Robin said.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet one of the men my Regina is spending all her time with now." Her father chuckled as he released Robin's hand.

Emma nudged Regina, looking Robin up and down. She leaned close to whisper: "He is even better looking than his pictures."

"Don't even go there. Can't we have a nice holiday?" Regina hissed back as Robin turned his attentions to them.

He held out his hand to the blonde. "You must be Emma."

"And you must be Mr. Moneybags." Emma shook his hand.

Even though Regina let out an indignant exclamation of her friend's name, Robin just chuckled. "I prefer Daddy Warbucks."

"So noted." Emma looked up at the mansion. "Nice digs you have here."

"Thank you. Wait until you see the inside." Robin placed his hand on her back and guided her to the kitchen door while Regina let her father lean on her as they followed.

Roland sat at one of the bar stools as they entered the kitchen. His face lit up and he raced toward Regina, throwing his arms around her. "You're back!"

"Of course I am," she replied, hugging him back. "Don't I always come back?"

He nodded before noticing the new people in the kitchen. Roland ducked behind her legs, shyly looking at them. "Hi," he said.

Regina crouched down next to him. "Roland, I would like you to meet my Papa and my best friend, Emma."

"You're Regina's papa?" Roland looked up at Henry, eyes wide.

Henry smiled, nodding. "I am. And you're the special little boy she keeps telling me about. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Roland giggled, shaking her father's hand. He then looked up at Emma, holding out his hand. "I'm Roland, Miss Emma!"

"Nice to meet you." Emma shook his hand. "And now I feel old. Miss Emma? Really?"

Robin shrugged, picking up his son. "His mother and I taught Roland to be polite."

"You both did a good job," Emma replied. "You're already raising a perfect gentleman. You should be proud."

"Thank you. I'm always proud of him." Robin kissed his son's cheek. The boy wiped it off, making a face.

Everyone chuckled before Will moved toward the stove. "I'll get dinner started. Why don't you all get settled in?"

After dinner, Regina and Emma got Henry settled for the night. Even though he was still in good spirits, he had grown tired and decided to go to bed. Roland had hugged him goodnight, which had melted Regina's heart. Henry patted her arm as they inched toward his guest room. "He's a sweet kid, Regina. I can see why you love him," he said.

Regina nodded. "He's going to have you and Emma wrapped around his little finger before tomorrow is over."

"I think he already does." Henry leaned over a kissed his daughter's cheek once they were in his room. "Have a good night, sweetheart."

"You too, Daddy." She smiled as he closed his door before heading off to see how Emma was settling in.

Regina's mouth fell open as she took in Emma in a blue bikini. "Why are you wearing that?"

"Because there is a heated, indoor pool that I am not going to pass up the opportunity to use. I brought one for you, too." She tossed something red at Regina. "Go, get changed."

Holding up the red bikini, Regina's shocked expression turned into one of horror. "I can't wear this! This house is my place of employment and this is…indecent."

"It's a bathing suit. And I got you a rather modest one." Emma sighed. "Come on, Regina. It's your day off still. Have some fun."

"Fine. I'll be right out." Regina stormed into her room, changing into the bathing suit. As she studied herself in the mirror, she had to admit it wasn't as bad as she feared. While it did show a bit more cleavage than she would've liked at work, it was as modest as a bikini could be.

The door between her room and Roland's opened before closing again. Concerned, she grabbed her red cover up and put it on. She opened the door and peeked into the room. "Roland? Is something wrong?"

"I'm ready to go swimming!" He popped up in his blue swimming trunks and holding his floaties. "Can we go to the pool?"

Regina smiled, holding out her hand. "Of course. Come on."

They met up with Emma, who smiled. "Well, this is turning into a party, isn't it?"

"Parties are always fun," Robin replied, coming from behind them to pick up his son. He placed Roland on his shoulders before smiling at the two women. "So let's get this one started."

It struck Robin that while they had this indoor pool, he and Marian had never hosted a pool party. She had used the pool for exercise, to do laps to stay in shape. Marian had never been one to just float around the pool and chat with people.

Things were going to change, Robin decided. Everyone was having fun getting ready for a dip in the pool, Will having joined them as well. He had pushed people away in his grief for far too long. It was time to reconnect with his other friends and perhaps open himself up to new ones. After all, he had gained a new one in Regina and believed he might have another in Emma. He finished blowing up his son's floaties and putting them on his arms. Robin held Roland close. "You remember the rules Ariel told you?"

Roland nodded before frowning. "We don't have a lifeguard. Can we still go in?"

"I'm a lifeguard," Emma said. "I do it during the summer for fun. And to pick up some extra money."

"Extra money? What do you need extra money for? I pay you a good salary and give you free board," Regina interjected.

"I'm saving it," Emma replied before looking back at Roland. "So there's no need to worry. Okay?"

He nodded, smiling. Looking up at his father, he pulled his hand. "Let's go in, Papa!"

Robin laughed, picking the boy up. "Okay. Regina? Are you ready?"

"Yes, I am." She appeared before him and he forgot how to speak. While he had seen her in a bathing suit, it had always been that black one piece. Now she was in a bright red bikini that showed off how toned she really was. But she still had some curves to her and his eyes raked over every one.

Roland patted his cheek. "Papa, you're being rude," he chided.

"Sorry," he said, averting his eyes. "It's just…Well, I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries as your employer, but you look amazing in that bathing suit."

She blushed. "Thank you. I know it's not work appropriate…"

"I think we're in a strange situation, Regina. Besides, I wouldn't call it inappropriate."

"Thank you." Regina held out her arms for Roland. "Ready to go into the pool?"

He cheered, jumping into her arms. She carried him into the water, Emma following them as she made silly faces at his son.

Will appeared by his side. "You're still staring, you know."

"Shut up."

"They are both beautiful."

Robin nodded. "Regina looks stunning."

"Glad you can admit it," Will said. "Care to admit anything else?"

He sighed. "I may be attracted to Regina. Happy?"

"It's a start."

"No, it's not," Robin replied. "That's as far as it goes. She's my employee. And I'm not ready."

Will's teasing grin fell. "Right, of course. Sorry to push you, mate."

"It's okay." Robin clasped his friend's shoulder.

Emma waded over to the side of the pool. "Are you two going to join us? I mean, we're not complaining about the view, but it'll be a lot more fun in the water."

The men laughed, heading toward the stairs. Roland bobbed around Regina, chatting all about Thanksgiving the next day, before bobbing over to Emma to pepper her with questions. It made Robin chuckle as he picked up his son. "Are you being a pest?"

"No, Papa," he replied. "Just getting to know my new friend!"

Emma chuckled. "I love making new friends."

So Robin let his son down, watching as he swam around everyone with energy Robin wished he could bottle and sell. It bolstered their spirits and they enjoyed just being in the water together.

Roland lasted an hour before starting to get sleepy. He clung to Regina and Robin watched his son's eyes flutter closed as she continued to talk with Emma and Will. Wading over, he held out his arms for Roland. "I'll put him to bed," he said. "It's still your day off."

He held Roland close, using a towel like a blanket as he carried the boy to his room. Roland was dead weight and provided no help as he put his pajamas on. But he was changed and Robin tucked him in, kissing his head. "I love you, my boy," he whispered.

"Love you too, Papa," Roland murmured sleepily.

Robin stood for a few minutes longer, watching his son slip deeper into sleep. Love filled him and he smiled, knowing that while the holidays were going to be difficult without Marian, he could get through them with Roland's sunny smile.

And with his friends, he added to himself as he re-entered the pool area. The others had relocated to his hot tub, sitting together as the jets made the water bubble. Will had gone to fetch them drinks, he realized as he picked up his glass of whiskey before sliding into the hot water. Regina sat to his right, sipping at a glass of red wine as Will drank from a bottle of beer.

Emma raised her glass of scotch to him. "I hope you don't mind that we raided your booze."

"It's open to anyone in my house," Robin replied, raising his glass in salute. "Here's to a great Thanksgiving."

They raised their glasses before returning to their drinks. Robin smiled as conversations resumed, Emma telling a story about her and Regina in college. He glanced down at the brunette next to him every so often, noting the blush spreading throughout her cheeks. Part of him wanted to wrap his arm around her, to assure her it wasn't terribly embarrassing (they had all had one too many at a party when they were younger) but he kept his arms at his side.

Maybe Will wasn't the only one who needed to be convinced that nothing could ever happen between him and Regina.

A/N: Happy Thanksgiving! This was also supposed to include a Thanksgiving scene but it was getting a bit too long. So I think I'll have a shorter chapter soon with just Thanksgiving and Roland's birthday.

And Regina will be going to that holiday masquerade she's helping to plan. Regina + Robin + romantic ball setting = ?

I hope to have Part VI of Comfort Food up later. That is if the turkey coma doesn't get to me first.

-Mac