Chapter 12: Roland

The skies were overcast, threatening rain any moment. No leaves were on the trees and their bare branches shook in the wind. Regina knew it was a cold one but she didn't feel it. She didn't feel anything, at all.

It was silent in the cemetery. No sounds of mourners, of birds or even traffic from the nearby roads broke the stillness. Regina stood amongst gray and black tombstones as well as imposing white statues, their unseeing eyes focused on her in her grief.

She stared at a long coffin made of wood with brass handles. A splay of roses rested atop it, the wind blowing the "Beloved Father" banner up. It whipped Regina's dark hair into her face but she didn't bother fixing it. The strands hid the awful sight in front of her, the brass plate that read Henry Mills.

Her father was dead.

Regina was all alone in the world.

The coffin lowered into the ground, disappearing from her view. Regina fell to her knees, trying to keep an eye on it but it was gone. She curled up, her sobs shaking her body as her heart broke.

"Regina? Regina, wake up," Robin's voice said, cutting through the silence at last.

She bolted upright, right into a strong chest as arms wrapped around her. Robin held her close as he rocked her and whispered: "It's okay."

Regina found it difficult to catch her breath, it coming in shallow jags. He released her, taking her hands in his as he pressed his forehead to hers. "Breathe with me, Regina. Just focus on my voice. In. Out. In. Out."

She listened to him and soon her breathing even out, air filling her lungs at regular intervals again. Tears ran down her face and Robin brushed them away. "Bad dream?"

Nodding, Regina leaned over to grab a tissue. "I dreamt Daddy had died and I was burying him and I was so alone…"

A fresh wave of tears overtook her and Robin pulled her in for another hug. She clutched onto his shirt, feeling a growing damp spot as she sobbed into his chest. He ran his hand over her hair, her head tucked under his chin.

"Come on," he whispered, helping her up from the bed. "Let's go downstairs. I'll make you some warm milk."

She curled against him as he led her downstairs, settling her at the table. He placed her cell phone down in front of her. "Call Emma," he said.

As Robin warmed some milk for her, Regina hit Emma's name. The phone rang a few times before Emma's sleepy voice greeted her. "What's wrong?"

"I know this is silly, but I had a dream," Regina began, voice hoarse from crying. "Can you check on Daddy? Please?"

Emma sighed but Regina heard the rustling of sheets, meaning she was climbing out of bed. She wasn't going to call Regina paranoid or hysterical, knew the situation better than that. "Henry's been doing fine all day. He was in great spirits when he went to bed too," Emma told her.

"I know this is silly but the dream really shook me up."

"Sounds like it but you're not being silly." Regina hears the creak of a door and Emma moving around. "He's fine, Regina. Sleeping like a baby."

Robin set down a mug of warm milk as Regina sighed in relief. "Thank you, Emma. I feel a lot better now."

"I know a way you can feel even better. Go wake up Robin and let him…"

"Good night, Emma," she cut her friend off, hanging up the phone.

Robin took her hand and rubbed it. "Your father is fine, I take it?"

"Sound asleep," she confirmed, taking a sip of the warm milk. "Thank you. How did you know I was in distress?"

"I'm a father. No matter how deep my sleep is, I will wake when I hear whimpering. It's just this time it was you, not Roland."

She nodded, leaning to rest her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you woke me up. That nightmare was awful. I just felt so alone. I guess that's one of my biggest fears. That once I lose Daddy, I'll have no one."

"Not true," he whispered. "You'll always have Emma. And you'll have me, Will and Roland."

Regina kissed him, enjoying the feel of him against her. She wasn't alone, she reminded herself. He was right there beside her. And she trusted that he always would be. Emma was right—he wasn't Daniel.

She finished her milk and he washed out her mug. Leaning against the sink, he smiled at her. "Are you ready for bed?"

"I think so," she replied.

"Well, I would like to remind you that my superpower is chasing away bad dreams. If you want, you can spend the rest of the night with me."

The offer was tempting but Regina hesitated. "What if Roland needs me? Or comes looking for me in the morning? How would we explain being in the same bed?"

"Roland is a firm believer in my superpower. He won't question that," Robin replied, sitting back down. He took her hands. "I'm not going to force you into anything, Regina. So we can go upstairs, kiss each other good night and part ways until the morning. Or we can keep going to my room. It'll be your choice."

She nodded, taking his hand. He flipped off the light before they headed upstairs, approaching her room. They paused outside her door. "Well?" Robin asked.

Glancing between him and the door, Regina made her decision. She gave his hand a tug, heading toward his room. He smiled, wrapping his arm around her. "This will be just to sleep. I promise you."

"I know," she replied. "I trust you, Robin."

His smile faltered a bit but before she could ponder it more, they had arrived at his room. Robin pulled back his blankets. "Climb in, my dear."

Regina slid in on the left side of the bed, since there was a Robin-sized indent slowly fading from the right. She curled closer to him as he settled back down in his spot, covering them with the blankets. "This is nice," she whispered.

"It is," he agreed, kissing her.

She sighed, resting her head in the crook of his neck. His pine scent washed over her and she felt her body relax, knowing she was safe. It was a feeling she hadn't had in a long time—not since Daddy's diagnosis, since she had to leave Blanchard Financials, since Daniel had left her. She was still getting used to it, to the knowledge that she could always rely on Robin.

As he peppered her forehead with kisses, she curled her fingers around his t-shirt and let sleep carry her away.

The loud incessant ringing of his alarm woke Robin the next morning. He was groggy as he reached out his hand, hitting the snooze button. As the room filled with blessed quiet again, he snuggled closer to his bedmate.

Regina sighed in her sleep, shifting slightly. Her leg ended up over his and she almost was on top of him. She smiled as she nuzzled him and he could tell she was starting to wake up as well.

Her eyes fluttered opened and beautiful brown eyes took him in. "What time is it?" she asked.

"A little after seven," he replied.

She nodded, stretching. Her pajama top rose up, revealing her tone abs. Robin licked his lips before he could catch himself and looked away when he did. He wasn't going to ogle her like a piece of meat nor did he want her to think he was just with her until they had sex.

"Hey there." Regina guided him back to look in her eyes. She gave him a soft smile. "Good morning, Robin."

"Morning, Regina." He gave her a kiss, not caring that both of them had morning breath. She responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck.

She broke the kiss and he pressed his forehead to her. "How did you sleep? Any more bad dreams?"

"No. Your superpower worked." She rubbed her thumb over his beard. "Thank you so much."

"Any time, milady." He kissed her forehead before slipped from the bed. Robin rolled onto his back, watching as she stretched again and headed back to her room. She paused at the door, giving him a smile and a wave before disappearing down the hall.

He sighed, hoping that was just the first night of many they spent together. It had been wonderful to fall asleep with her soft, warm body in his arms and to wake up with her pressed to him. All he wanted was to do that every night and every morning. But he knew he had to go slow. While Regina hadn't told him long ago she had been engaged, it still had hurt so much that she had issues with relationships. So he wasn't going to rush her at all.

Robin slid out of bed himself, pulling out a suit for the day's business. It was Friday and he had all weekend to not worry about who the embezzler was. He could just spend it with Roland and Regina.

As he walked down the hallway, buttoning his cuffs, he stopped at Roland's door. He watched as Regina helped the boy into his clothes for the day, Roland babbling away about trying to ride his bike that weekend. "Papa will help me, right?" he asked her.

"Of course I will," Robin replied, entering the room. "I'll be right there the entire time. I promise."

Roland ran to him, hugging him. "Thanks, Papa."

"Now, let's go get breakfast." Robin took his son's hand and watched as Regina rose to join them. As she approached, Roland took her hand as well. The three of them walked to the kitchen together and Robin smiled, feeling like a family.

Robin entered the kitchen the next day, whistling as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Will watched him, eyebrow raised as he handed his friend a plate of bacon and eggs. "What has you in such a good mood?"

"Many, many things," Robin replied, heading over to the table. "It's a beautiful spring day, my son is going to learn how to ride a bike and I am falling in love with a beautiful woman."

"I figured things were going well with you and Regina as things haven't turned awkward, but glad to have the confirmation." Will carried his own plate over to the table.

Robin couldn't have stopped the bright smile on his face even if he wanted to. "I enjoy being with her, Will. She's just so amazing. It's all just…easy."

"Easy?"

He nodded. "It's like being with Marian again. I mean, they're two different women with their own personalities. But that like Marian, Regina doesn't care where I take her. She just wants to be with me, so she's happy just walking the park as she is in a fancy restaurant."

"That's Regina," Will agreed. "And I'm sure you're just happy to hold her at night in the den when I'm in bed."

Robin dropped his fork, eyes wide. "You…You know about that?"

Will laughed at his friend's expression. "I know everything that happens in this house, mate."

"That kinda frightens me," Robin replied, eyes narrowing.

"Eh, it's part of the job. Butlers have to know everything."

"I thought you detested the word."

"Now you're just changing the subject." Will leaned back, sipping his coffee. "We were talking about your relationship."

Robin nodded. "There isn't much more to say. I love being with Regina. I don't have to do much to impress her, unlike how I feel anyone who dates Zelena would have to."

Will made a face. "Ugh, why did you have to bring her up? We were having such a pleasant conversation."

"I know, but it just popped into my head. I mean, could you imagine? Oh, I have to plan my date with Zelena. I'll take her shopping to all the expensive boutiques, then we'll dine at the best restaurant in Storybrooke before going to the opera. She can wear one of her new dresses and be the envy of everyone there."

"Oh, I think you'll have to fly her to Italian for dinner. So she can have actual Italian cuisine instead of the American knockoff."

Robin nodded. "So then we'll have to stay for dessert, meaning we won't be able to catch the opera."

"Unless you go to one in Milan."

"Or Venice," he said, nodding. "And then Zelena and I could share a kiss while riding in a gondola."

Will shook his head, grimacing. "Okay, I almost threw up. We need to stop."

"Yeah," Robin agreed, his stomach turning as he shuddered. "I was starting to weird myself out. Trust me, the only woman I want to kiss is Regina."

"Well, if you want to go do that, she mentioned she was going to do a few chores before you helped Roland learn to ride that bike of his," Will told him, gathering their empty dishes.

Robin chuckled, standing. "Then I have an idea of where she is. Thanks, Will, for breakfast and for a good time."

"Any time, Robin," he replied. "After all, what are friends for?"

Regina stood in the laundry room, folding Roland's shirts. She made two piles—spring clothing to be returned to his room and winter clothing to be given away as no doubt he wouldn't fit in it the next year. As she separated the clean clothes, a familiar strong arm wrapped around her waist. The smell of pine washed over her as Robin kissed her cheek. "So this is where you've been hiding."

"I haven't been hiding," she replied. "I've been keeping busy since someone decided to sleep in."

She expected him to chuckle and then banter with her some more. Instead, he grew serious and asked: "Do you take a day off, Regina? Just relax on the couch? Do nothing?"

"I have Wednesdays and Sundays off." She ignored his other questions.

Robin was undeterred. He turned her, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I know. And I know you spend Wednesdays with your father at the hospital before taking him home to care for him. And I suspect you do the same on Sundays, sans the hospital visit. When was the last time you spent a day taking care of you?"

It had been the Winter Masquerade, when Robin had brought in a team to pamper her and Emma. He knew it, too, she was certain of that. "I can't just leave my father," she said. "And Emma deserves time off too."

"I agree. But it's okay to take some personal time yourself."

She knew was right. If she still saw her therapist, the woman would be telling her the same thing. Personal time, though, seemed easier for everyone else to take. For Regina, it was draining just to make arrangements for a day with no responsibilities. And even then, she would still worry too much to enjoy herself.

Robin rubbed her arms. "How's this? Next Saturday, I'll give you the day off so you can finally use that spa certificate Roland and I gave you. If you want to take Emma, I'll even make arrangements for Henry. Okay?"

"You don't have to…"

"True," he cut in. "I want to. As your employer and your boyfriend."

He had her. There wasn't much else she could protest. So she smiled and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you."

"Just take care of yourself," he told her. "And maybe one week, you can join Roland and me for a lazy Sunday. We'll show you how to really relax."

She laughed, picking up the laundry basket. "Shall I go get Roland so he can learn how to ride his bike?"

"Yeah. Let me go get everything ready outside." He gave her a kiss and then another before leaving the room.

Regina entered Roland's room, finding it empty. She shrugged, figuring she would check his playroom after putting away his clothes. While the mansion was large, Roland tended to stick to the same few rooms. She would have no trouble tracking him down.

As she placed the clean pants in a drawer, she thought she heard sniffling. She paused, waiting to heart it again. It was soft but it was definitely real. Glancing around, she noticed Roland's pile of stuffed toys began to move.

She knelt down in front of it, spying two tear-filled brown eyes between Teddy and Puff the Magic Dragon. "Roland? What's wrong?" she asked.

"Papa's new girlfriend is Ms. Ozgreene," he said, voice muffled by his toys.

"What?" She pushed a few toys aside and pulled Roland out. "Where did you hear that?"

"I heard Papa's voice so I went down to the kitchen. He and Will were talking about his next date with Ms. Ozgreene. He's going to take her far away to Italy and he won't be safe and what if he doesn't come back…"

She let out soothing sounds as his face scrunched up, fat tears rolling down his cheeks. Regina rocked him, unsure what exactly the boy overheard. Perhaps Robin and Will had been talking about a business trip he needed to send Zelena on? Whatever it was, she knew she could reassure him of one thing: "Your Papa's new girlfriend isn't Ms. Ozgreene."

"Are you sure?" He wiped his nose on his sleeve, leaving a trail that made her grimace.

Regina pulled out a tissue and had him blow his nose into it. "Yes, I'm quite sure."

"Have you met Papa's girlfriend?"

"I have," Regina said, nervous about where this line of questioning would take them.

His brown eyes fixed on hers. "Is she nice?"

"Oh, yes, she is." It was a bit boastful but she liked to consider herself a nice person.

"And you swear it's not Ms. Ozgreene?"

"What about Ms. Ozgreene?" Robin entered the room, frowning when he saw his son. "Roland, what's wrong?"

Roland launched himself at his father, clinging to him as he cried again. Sighing, Regina explained: "He thinks you're dating Ms. Ozgreene."

His brow furrowed. "What?"

"I heard you and Will talking," Roland said, voice muffled. "I don't like Ms. Ozgreene, Papa. She's mean to me and says bad things about people."

Robin took a tissue and wiped his son's face. "Ms. Ozgreene can be mean, I agree. Which is why I would never date her."

"But I heard you talking about it with Will."

She watched as realization dawned on Robin. He shook his head, holding his son closer. "Will and I were only goofing off. I am not dating Ms. Ozgreene."

"Can I meet your girlfriend? Why won't you bring her here?" Roland asked.

Robin sighed, his eyes meeting Regina's before looking back down at Roland. "You are the most important person in my life, Roland. So before I bring anyone home to meet you, I want to make sure she's worthy to get to know you and be in your life."

"Is she?"

Once again Robin's eyes locked onto Regina's. "Yes, she is."

"So then can I meet her? Please?" Roland's eyes pleaded with his father.

Robin nodded. "I'll talk to her and set something up. How's that?"

As Roland cheered, Regina's heart sped up. She was going to be introduced to Roland as his father's girlfriend soon and she still wasn't sure how he would react. He had been upset when he thought it was Zelena. Would he be just as upset that she was now dating his father?

"Regina? Is something wrong?" Roland climbed onto the bed, kneeling next to her.

She shook her head, smiling. "No. But I think it's time for you to go learn how to ride your bike."

"Indeed. Why don't you go wait for us in the kitchen? I just want to talk to Regina about something," Robin told his son.

Once Roland was gone, Robin sat next to her on the bed and took her hand. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know," she replied. "This all happening faster than I thought."

"I know. But I also feel it's time. I've meant it each time I've said I'm serious about you. And you're more than worthy to be in Roland's life."

Regina smiled, warmth filling her at the thought that Robin trusted her so much with his son. "You and Roland are two of the best things to happen to me," she said. "But I'm worried he won't be happy about us."

He nodded, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. "I have the same worry. We'll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it. Talk to Dr. Hopper maybe.

"Now, let's go teach my son how to ride a bike before he comes up and drags us outside." Robin patted her knee before kissing her. "I promise everything will be fine. You'll see."

Regina stood, taking his hand in hers. She hoped everything would turn out just like Robin said but her stomach still churned at the uncertainty of it all. All she could do was hold on tight to him and pray Roland still adored her after learning she was the one dating his father.

The next evening, Regina sat in the back of Marco's car, fidgeting with her skirt. She wore a nice blue dress sundress which she had paired with a white blazer. Her diamond necklace sparkled in the setting sun and her earrings were a comforting weight. A blue bag sat next to her, containing the present she had bought for Roland.

She and Robin had agreed the night before that tonight was the best night to introduce her to Roland as his father's girlfriend. They thought it best if Regina actually came to the house rather than just came downstairs, that he would believe it easier. And she usually came home on Sunday night anyway, so Emma didn't lose any time from her day off.

Regina was still nervous though. They still didn't know how Roland would react to the news and she was bracing herself for the worst. She knew though that all the preparation in the world still wouldn't stop the hurt if he stormed off, never to trust her again. And if they couldn't bring Roland around, she knew she would have no future with Robin. She wasn't going to make him choose between her and his son because there was no choice. Roland came first.

"Are you okay, Regina?" Marco asked, glancing at her using the rearview mirror. "You seem a bit nervous."

"I am. I don't know if you know but…Robin and I…well, we're dating," she confessed, figuring everyone else knew than Marco probably did as well.

Marco smiled. "About time."

"Even you knew?" Regina was surprised as she could count on one hand how many times Marco had seen her with Robin.

"I suspected," he replied, turning onto the long road that led up to the house. "I could tell in the way Robin said your name and would bend over backwards to make things easier for you that he cared for you. You were a bit more difficult to read…usually because everyone is zoned out that early in the morning. But you seemed pretty cozy when I picked you up in December, so I figured you probably felt the same."

She smiled before it faltered. "We're telling Roland tonight. I'm nervous about how he'll react."

Marco nodded. "I can understand that. I haven't seen the boy much because…you know. But from what I've heard from Robin's conversations with his son on the phone, Roland likes you. I doubt the fact you're dating his father is going to change that."

"I hope so," Regina whispered as he pulled up to the front door. She took a deep breath before collecting her purse and gift bag, getting out of the car.

"I will bring your other bag round to the kitchen. You can get it there later," Marco said, taking her hands in his. "Good luck, Regina. I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Robin keeps saying the same thing."

"Well, then, I think you should start believing it." He winked at her before heading back to the car.

Regina took a deep breath and walked up to the giant wooden doors she hadn't gone through since her first day at Nottingham. She pressed the white button by the door, the doorbell chiming inside the house, and waited for Robin to answer.

He smiled as he opened the door, leaning forward to kiss her. "Hello, love. You look absolutely beautiful tonight."

"Thank you," she replied, taking in his light blue polo shirt and khakis. "You look handsome. Did Roland dress like you again?"

"Yes and no." He helped her inside, closing the door behind her.

She frowned. "What does that mean?"

"It means that while he's not imitating this particular style," he said, motioning to his outfit, "it does mean that he's still dressing like me."

"Papa? Is she here?" Roland left the living room, stopping short when he saw Regina standing there. She took him in, looking at his white button down shirt and black pants, much like something his father would've worn to work. He was even wearing a dark blue tie, which she thought looked adorable on him.

As he tilted his head, Robin urged Regina forward. "Roland," he began, "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Regina Mills."

Roland looked between the two of them and Regina held her breath. She felt like he was waiting for one of them to say they were kidding, but it wouldn't come. Realizing she would have to say something, she stepped forward and held out the gift bag. "I got this for you. I think you'll like it."

He stared at the bag before running toward her, knocking the wind out of her as he hugged her. Robin steadied her, smiling as she hugged Roland back. He leaned forward, giving her a quick kiss.

"I'm glad it's you," Roland said, voice muffled as he spoke into her dress. "I like you."

Relief spread through her and she dropped her knees, holding him close to her. "I love you, Roland," she replied, kissing the side of his head. "And I really like your father."

He pulled away from her, turning to Robin with hands on his hips. "Regina is the best! You didn't have to hide her!"

"I see that now. Can you forgive me?" Robin asked, smiling down at his son.

Roland seemed to consider it for a few seconds before nodding. "As long as I can have two pieces of cake."

"We'll see," Robin said, taking his son's hand. "Now, why don't we go show Regina the meal we prepared for her?"

Nodding, Roland took Regina's hand and the three of them walked toward the dining room together.

Robin leaned back in his armchair, a glass of whiskey in his hand. On the couch next to him, Roland sat in Regina's lap as he played with Sparky, the stuffed dragon she had bought him. They spoke in low tones, Regina smiling the entire time as she rubbed his back. Pulling out his phone, Robin quietly snapped a picture and set it as his lock screen. Now he would be able to see his two favorite people whenever he wanted.

While he had been nothing but reassuring to Regina, he had had the same fears she did. He had lain awake the night before, all the possible worst case scenarios running through his head. And he knew she had been right—Roland could make or break their relationship. So he sent a silent prayer of thanks for the boy's acceptance.

Roland leaned against Regina to rest his head on her shoulder. He clutched his dragon close and seemed to be fighting to keep his eyes open. Glancing at the clock, Robin saw it was almost nine o'clock. Time for bed, he decided as he set down his glass.

"Okay, Roland, say goodnight to Regina," he said, standing up.

"Not sleepy," Roland argued, though his eyes were closed.

Robin chuckled. "Nice try. Let's go."

Sighing, Roland lifted his head and pressed a kiss to Regina's cheek. "Good night, Regina."

She kissed his forehead. "Sweet dreams. I'll see you in the morning."

"Will you still be my nanny?" he asked, panicking as if he hadn't considered it before.

"Of course I will," Regina assured him. "I can be your nanny and your father's girlfriend, no worries."

Roland wiped his forehead. "Phew! I was worried there. I don't want a new nanny."

The adults chuckled and Robin picked up his son. "Come on, boy. I'll go tuck you in. Regina, I'll be down in a bit."

"Take your time," she called out after them.

Robin carried Roland up to bed, helping him out of his clothes and into his pajamas. Once the boy climbed into bed, he pulled the covers over his son and knelt next to the bed. "Are you happy I'm dating Regina?" he asked.

"Yes," Roland said, clutching Sparky closer. "She's a lot nicer than Ms. Ozgreene. And she'll be a really good mommy, not like those stepmothers in her storybook."

"She will, but let's not rush things. Marriage is a really important decision, Roland. Regina and I aren't going to rush into it. That wouldn't be fair to any of us."

He doubted the boy fully comprehended what he was saying when Roland just shrugged. "Okay. But I think Regina is going to be my new mommy."

Robin smiled, loving the boy's faith and secretly sharing his conviction. He kissed his forehead and stood up. "Good night, Roland. I love you."

"I love you too," he mumbled, eyes closing again. Robin closed the door behind him and then hurried back downstairs.

He found Regina still on the couch, sipping her wine. She glanced up at him and smiled. "Looks like you were right. Everything turned out fine after all."

"Yes, it did. I'll admit, I was nervous there for a bit too. I didn't think he was going to believe us." Robin plopped down next to her.

She hummed, lying her head against his shoulder. "So, displays of affection around him. What do you think?"

"I think you know where the line is and I trust you will not cross it. I trust also that you will let me know if I'm crossing it." He could put up clear boundaries but now that he didn't have to hide how he felt for this amazing woman, he doubted he would be able to keep his hands off her. Robin was a tactile person, always wanting to touch his lovers.

"Sounds good," she said, lifting her head again. "This has been a wonderful night."

He leaned forward, kissing her as he guided her until they were lying on the couch. She was pressed between him and the cushions, her body soft and warm underneath his. As his tongue dipped into her mouth, his hands roamed her curves.

Regina slipped her hands beneath his polo shirt. One glided up his chest while its mate went to his back. She wrapped her legs around him, her skirt riding up until the only thing separating his knee from her was her lacy underwear. His head began to spin as he trailed wet kisses to her ear. "May I touch you?" he whispered.

"May I?" she whispered back.

He nodded and the hand on his back fell away, disappearing under his pants and boxers until her fingers curled around his half-hard cock. She pumped slowly as his lips latched onto a spot on her neck he had learned was particularly sensitive. Within seconds she gasped, her body arching against his as he sucked.

Desire warmed his body and he fought to keep control of his mind as her pumping continued. He didn't want to push Regina too far, didn't want to let his baser instincts take over. Not until she was ready for that step, he promised.

A haze was starting to settle in his mind as he breathed in the scent of her vanilla shampoo mixed in with the apple scent of her body wash. She smelled so delicious he just wanted to eat her up and he licked where her shoulder met her neck, going down to where the swells of her breasts peeked out from her dress.

His cock was now straining against its material confines as her rhythm had picked up. She swiped her thumb over his tip, playing with his foreskin before withdrawing her hand completely. It did little to alleviate the ache, unless the little minx was determined to make him come in his pants again.

Regina gave a soft tug on his hair and he lifted his head from her neck, panting as he took her in. Her lips were swollen from his kisses and he could start to see the purpling of one of his love bites. With hooded eyes, she took him in before freeing one of her breasts and guiding him to it.

Taking her nipple in his mouth, he swiped his tongue over the bud before blowing on it. She writhed under him, her head falling back as she gasped. Robin repeated it a few more times as he watched it pebble from his actions.

"Do you have protection?" she asked and it took his mind a few seconds to process what she was asking as most of his blood had gone south.

Robin glanced up, meeting her eyes. Desire and want had darken her light brown color and he saw the trust in her gaze. He swallowed as he nodded. "I have condoms in my bedroom."

They practically ran to his bedroom, trying to stifle their laughter so as not to wake Roland. Especially as they were both partially undressed—her bra was exposed and his shirt had been discarded in the living room. They did not want to explain any of this to the six years-old.

But Regina was eager to get to the bedroom as fast as possible, before her head could catch up to her heart and her body. She wanted this—she wanted Robin. Everything felt right now that Roland knew. It was as if she had confirmation that they really did have a future together. And she trusted Robin with her heart, whole but fragile after she spent years gluing the pieces back together after Daniel broke it. She knew it was safe in his hands.

He guided her into his bedroom, hands on her hips. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him. They fell back on the bed together, his pine scent driving her to madness as it surrounded her.

Robin pulled away and she whined. He chuckled, kissing her hands. "I'll be right back, lovely. The condoms are in my nightstand."

She nodded, watching as he opened the drawer and pulled out a box. As he pulled out a wrapped square, she began to shimmy out of her dress. It would make getting to the sex happen faster.

"Impatient?" he asked, chuckling as he climbed back onto the bed.

"Yes. Off." She undid his belt and pulled on his pants.

They made short work of their clothes until she was in her panties and bra while he still wore his boxers. It was like when they wore their bathing suits in the pool and yet so much more intimate.

Maybe it was the lace.

"You are so beautiful," he breathed, kissing along her abs as she dug her fingers into his hair.

She moaned, picturing his own toned abs and rippling muscles. "You're exquisite," she told him.

He reached her panties and began rolling them down. She began to panic and she her fingers gripped the sheets. "Robin…"

"What's wrong?" He cupped her cheek, pulling himself up to look her in the eyes.

She looked away though, embarrassed. "It's…It's just been so long since my last time."

"It's been a while for me too," he replied, his thumb rubbing her cheek in a soothing manner.

"Trust me, it's been a longer time." She sighed. "I guess I'm just nervous."

Robin kissed her forehead. "It's okay. If you get uncomfortable, you're allowed to stop this at any time."

She smiled, rubbing her nose with his. "Thank you so much. You're amazing."

"I have to keep up with you." He kissed her neck, his hand ghosting between their bodies until his fingers found her clit.

Regina gasped as warmth pooled low in her core and her toes began to curl. She sighed, her breath hitching as tingling spread through her body. Bucking her hips in time with his ministrations, Regina ran her nails down his back.

He hissed before nipping at her ear. "Do that again."

So he liked a little pain. That thrilled and surprised Regina but she raked her nails across the wide expanse of his back, feeling his muscles move under her. He groaned into her neck, mumbling something that sounded like "sweet torture."

He cupped her breast, his thumb teasing her nipple again. The warmth began to wind itself, ready to spring as an all-consuming fire. "Robin," she moaned, "inside. Please."

"Okay." He pulled back, tossing aside his boxers to roll on his condom. Positioning himself at her entrance, he kissed her before slowly inching inside.

She gasped, feeling him stretch and fill her in ways she had forgotten. He continued to be slow and gentle with his rhythm, doing little for her.

Grasping his hair, she pulled his head from where it had settled against her neck. "Look, it's been a long time and I'm nervous, but I'm not going to break. Fuck me harder," she told him.

He chuckled, picking up his speed and power as he found a good rhythm. Regina closed her eyes as she moaned again, gripping his back. The tingling turned into a burning as she grew closer and closer to exploding.

She felt her walls tighten around him as white stars exploded behind her eyes. Regina gasped his name, riding the waves of pleasure crashing through her. He came a few minutes later with groan.

Regina drifted down from her high, her cheeks hurting from the smile on her face. Her limbs felt like jelly and her eyelids like lead. A good long sleep sounded really good at the moment.

A chill descended upon her as the bed shift from the loss of Robin's weight. She barely had time to wonder where he had gone when a damp cloth was gently swiped over her body. Opening an eye, she watched Robin wash himself before he tossed the facecloth back into the bathroom.

He climbed into bed and laid on his side, propping his head up with his hand as his eyes looked her over. "Do you want to sleep here or go back to your bed?"

"Are you kicking me out?" she teased.

"Never," he said, seriously. He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers.

She loved how she felt with Robin, never wanting to leave his bed again. He pulled his blankets over them, wrapping the both of them up. Regina rested her head against his chest, curling against his body as she pressed a kiss over his heart. "Good night, Robin."

"Good night, Regina," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "Pleasant dreams, milady."

It seemed like only minutes later when the alarm on his phone chirped. Robin cracked open an eye, picking up the device to hit the snooze button. Pale rays of early morning sunlight streamed in through his window, illuminating Regina's skin as she slept on beside him.

He didn't want to leave this bed, not with her in it. All he wanted to do was wrap the blankets tighter around them and ignore the world. Only Roland would be allowed in and they could stay there, happy forever.

Of course, he couldn't do that. In a few minutes, his alarm would go off again and they would have to face the real world. But at least he had her to come home to.

Robin set his alarm for another twenty minutes. He could be a little late today, he decided as he set his phone down. The screen illuminated, though, as a message filled the screen:

Finally have some movement on Blanchard investigation. Can you meet today to discuss?—AB

His thumb hovered over the reply button. In the few weeks since he had asked August to start this investigation, he had had some second thoughts about it. There were a few times he almost asked Regina outright but things were going so well, he didn't want to throw cold water on their relationship. Now he wondered if he wanted to know what August would uncover or if he was better off leaving the past in the past and dismissing the investigation.

Regina sighed, rolling closer to him to bury her head in the crook of his neck. He smiled at her attempt to ignore the brightening sun and the new day upon them. She was at peace and seemed more carefree as she slept beside him, her breath warm against his neck.

Whatever had happened at Blanchard Financials haunted her and would continue to do so. He didn't like to go into any fight without having all the information he needed. With even Will unable to get anything out of her or Emma, Robin believed August was his only choice so he could figure out how to best protect Regina.

He tapped the message and sent a quick reply before cuddling with Regina again.

My office. Noon—RL.

A/N: Happy Easter! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Roland is a little cutie isn't he?

As I've said on a few other stories, I'll be going away later this week to celebrate my birthday! I do hope to have some downtime to write, so I'll be working away on the next chapter.

Have a great week!

-Mac