Chapter 13: Surprises and Answers

August arrived moments after Robin's lunch came. Opening his lo mien, he motioned to another container with his chopsticks. "Moo shu pork if you want," he offered August.

Grabbing the food, August thanked him and sank down on the couch. "Getting information out of the government would be easier than getting answers from anyone at Blanchard Financial."

"I was wondering why I hadn't heard from you," Robin replied.

August nodded. "All I've been able to do with them is confirm Regina Mills worked at Blanchard Financial and left ten years ago. Otherwise, their lips are sealed."

"But you said you had movement."

"I do," he replied. "I recently had an interesting encounter with Sidney Glass."

Robin scowled. "The editor-in-chief of The Mirror? Isn't that a tabloid?"

"And a second rate one at that," he agreed.

"So how could Sidney Glass possibly help you with your investigation?"

August swallowed his bite and put the container down. "Because Sidney doesn't have scruples and was willing to discuss the rumors everyone else skirts around. At least the ones about Regina and Leopold, that is."

Robin raised his eyebrow. "I didn't send you chasing after rumors. I sent you to find the truth."

"I know," August said. "But to get to the truth, I need to know where to start looking. The rumors help with that."

"Okay, okay." Robin took a deep breath, not sure he wanted to hear what someone like Sidney Glass printed about Regina.

August took a deep breath. "You know Leopold Blanchard lost his wife to cancer, right?"

"Yes," Robin replied, crossing his arms. "What does that have to do with this?"

"Because it was around the time that whatever happened at Blanchard Financials went down. At the time, it was rumored that Leopold wasn't the devoted husband caring for his sick wife everyone thought. It was said that he had taken a young lover as his wife wasted away in the hospital."

Robin's stomach twisted in knots. "And the rumors said that young lover was Regina?"

"Pretty much," August confirmed. "Sidney said people would whisper about late nights the two spent in the office. And she was observed coming and going from the Blanchard residence."

"She and Mary Margaret seemed to have been close once upon a time. Perhaps all she was was a friend?"

August shrugged. "It's possible. But I do know that Leopold gave Regina a lot of gifts while she was at Blanchard Financial. Well, that is if Sidney is to be believed."

"And I'm sure we know the answer to that." Robin's voice was as hard as the look he gave his investigator.

"Right," August said, standing. "Well, I'll continue running down whatever leads I get. Thanks for lunch, boss."

Robin nodded, softening as the other man reached the door. "August," he called out. "Thanks for this."

With a smile, August left the office and Robin only had his thoughts to keep him company.

Regina sat at the kitchen table, helping Roland with his homework as Will prepared dinner for the night. She heard the door open and the soft thud of Robin putting down his briefcase. But she continued to focus on Roland as he concentrated on writing his letters as neat as possible, his little tongue poking between his lips.

"Hello there," Robin said, resting his hand on the back of her chair. She looked up and he gave her a quick kiss before kissing the top of Roland's head.

She smiled at the fact that they could finally be so open about their relationship in the house now that Roland knew. Laying her hand on his arm, she asked: "How was your day?"

"Busy. I'm so glad to be home with the two people who mean the most to me." When Will cleared his throat, Robin rolled his eyes. "Sorry, three people."

"Thank you. I'd hate to think I was chopped liver," Will replied.

Roland made a face. "Chopped liver. Yuck."

"See? Thank you for making my point, Roland." Will shot Robin a look before glancing at Regina. "Dinner will be ready in a bit. Can you set the table for me?"

"But she's helping me with my letters," Roland said, frowning.

Robin picked up his son, taking his seat and settling Roland on his lap. "I'll help you, how's that?"

As he guided his son in his penmanship, Regina stood and pulled out the plates for dinner. Will leaned closer to her. "I'm glad things went well last night."

"Me too," she said, softy. "I was a nervous wreck the entire way here. When Roland hugged me, I never felt more relieved."

"He seems very excited that you're dating his father."

Regina nodded. "We almost feel like a family. And I'm afraid I might jinx it."

"You've never stuck me as the type to be superstitious."

"I know," she replied. "But still…"

Will patted her hand and moved to the stove. She carried the plates over to the table where Robin was now tickling his son. Roland laughed loudly as he tried to wriggle away from his father. "Regina! Help me!"

"Be careful, Robin, we don't want him to get hiccups right before dinner," she warned her boyfriend.

He sighed, ceasing his tickling. "I see how it is. You're going to side with the kid over me, huh?"

"He is cuter," she told him.

Robin glanced down at Roland, who smiled up at him, and sighed. "Can't argue that."

He sent Roland upstairs to put his books away and to wash his hands. Standing, Robin pulled Regina close and gave her a proper kiss. It made her go weak at the knees and she held onto his arms as his tongue swept her mouth. "God, I missed you," he whispered when he broke the kiss.

"It's only been a few hours," she teased.

"I know. But I didn't even want to get out bed this morning. Not with you in my arms."

She melted at his words, popping a few buttons on his shirt open. "I know the feeling."

He kissed her again until a disgusted voice said: "Are you two going to keep doing that?"

Regina looked up to find Roland standing by them, his nose scrunched up. She then looked at Robin, who grinned. "Of course, my boy. People who are dating kiss, right?"

"But it's gross!"

The adults chuckled and Robin crouched down. "Trust me, Roland. You'll be singing a different song when you're older."

"Indeed," Will said, bringing dishes to the table. "But for now, can we eat dinner and discuss kissing later?"

Regina tucked Roland into bed, Teddy on one side and Sparky on the other. She sat on the edge of the bed and opened her book. "What story do you want today?"

"The Frog Prince," he said, clutching Teddy close. "It sounds funny."

"Well, I doubt the prince thought that." She smiled. "But, okay, then we'll read that."

Roland snuggled closer to her as she read on, laughing whenever she tried to ribbit like a frog. When she finished the story, he looked up at her with wide brown eyes. "Are you and Papa going to live happily ever after?"

"I hope so," she replied, closing the book. She patted his blankets. "Good night, sweetheart."

"Night, Regina," he mumbled, rolling over as he drifted off to sleep.

Regina closed his door and hurried downstairs to the kitchen, where Will and Robin were waiting for her. She raised an eyebrow. "Is something going on?"

"Will supposedly has a surprise for us," Robin told her, pulling her close to him. "To be honest, I'm a bit scared. Hold me."

She laughed, wrapping her arms around him. They watched as Will brought out a cake dish from the pantry and set it on the counter. "I had to hide this from Roland. The message isn't very appropriate for him."

"Will…" Robin warned.

Grinning, Will lifted the lid to reveal a red velvet cake. Red letters spelled out "Congrats on the sex!" against the white vanilla.

"How…How did you…?" She couldn't finish her thought, suddenly growing hot.

Robin's head snapped up. "This 'I know everything' schtick is getting very creepy, Will."

Will held up his hands. "Sorry, sorry. When I came home last night, I saw your unfinished drinks and I decided to go give Robin hell. So I went up to his room."

"Did…Did you see us?" Regina asked, color draining from her face as a chill swept through her body at the thought.

"He's making eye contact with us, so no," Robin replied. "One time, he accidentally walked in on me and Marian. Couldn't look at us for a week."

Will nodded. "You two were asleep when I looked in. I saw the trail of clothes by the bed and then saw you two curled up in each other's arms. There was still a musk in the air and I knew what happened. So I decided to make you a cake."

"Will Scarlet, you scoundrel!" Robin took after his friend, the two sprinting down the hallway.

Regina chuckled, feeling better to know Will hadn't walked in on them. And the cake was pretty funny. She took out her phone and snapped a picture, sending it to Emma with the message: Guess what happened last night?

Within minutes, her phone rang and Emma's face filled her screen. She picked it up. "Hello?"

"YOU HAD SEX WITH ROBIN?"

"Say it louder, Emma. I don't think the rest of Maine heard you," Regina hissed into the phone.

"Very funny," she replied. "Now, tell me everything. And don't suddenly get shy on me. We've told each other this stuff before."

Regina sighed and started from the top. By the end, Emma let out a low whistle. "Good job. So, how was he?"

"He was amazing, Ems," she replied, smiling. "So tender yet passionate. I never felt so loved, even with Daniel."

She could hear Emma's smile in her voice. "I'm happy for you, Regina. You deserve someone like Robin."

"Thanks, Emma. So how about you and Killian?"

"I'll tell you about it on Wednesday. I promise. Right now, I have to go help Henry to bed. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely." Regina hung up the phone as Robin's arms wrapped around her.

He kissed her neck. "Tell Emma the good news?"

She hummed, resting her arms over his. "What did you do to Will?"

"Let's just say he's very wet right now," he whispered, nipping at her ear. "Vengeance was swift and mine."

"Don't you think that was a bit much? The cake is a somewhat sweet gesture," she replied. "And it does look delicious. What do you say we eat it…naked in your room?"

Robin's arms fell away and he turned her gently. "After one night together, you've become a little minx. And I love it. Grab the cake and let's go."

For the second day in a row, Robin had woken up with a naked Regina in his arms. She had had her arms wrapped around him and her head nestled against his chest. It took everything in him yet again to wake and leave her embrace.

Now he sat at his desk, staring at a picture of her from the Winter Masquerade he had framed. She was standing by the snowman and was smiling at all the guests gathered for the festivities. He thought she looked so much younger, so carefree in those moments before her mother re-entered her life. Robin loved to look at it every so often, usually when he needed a reason to smile.

Knocking made him look up, finding Mulan standing in the doorway. "The investigator is here to discuss the embezzlement," she told him. "Do you want him in the conference room?"

"No, no. It'll be better to discuss it in here. Please bring him in." Robin stood and headed over to his chairs, pulling water out of his refrigerator.

Mulan led in a lanky man of average height with brown hair. He wore a suit, taking in Robin's office. Smiling, Robin held out his hand to him. "Robin Locksley, pleased to meet you."

"Graham Humbert," the man replied, shaking his hand. "I'm sorry we must meet under these circumstances."

"The same. Please, have a seat." Robin motioned to the chairs. The three of them settled around the coffee table.

Graham pulled out his pad. "We've received the results of your audit but our own forensic accountant will go over your books again. We can go a bit deeper than your average auditors."

"Of course," Mulan said. "Is there anything else you need? We can make sure all our officers are available to you."

"Thank you. I have a colleague out on the West Coast who will be talking to everyone at your San Diego office. They are aware of it, right?"

"Only one for now. Just like here for now, only Mulan and I know about this investigation. We didn't want to tip off the embezzler," Robin explained.

Mulan nodded. "Your colleague can reach out to Alan Dale. He's been briefed and will provide any help needed."

"And you trust him?" Graham asked.

Robin blew out, running a hand through his hair. "Frankly? I trust everyone but I know one of them has to be stabbing me in the back. I just can't imagine any of them doing it though."

"Most people I speak with say that." Graham tucked his pad into his coat again. "If you don't mind, I'd like to just look around. Get a feel for everything."

"That's fine. Mulan, will you show Graham around? I trust you to come up with a plausible cover story," Robin said, standing. He held out his hand again. "Thank you for all your help."

"Thank me when I find your embezzler," Graham replied before following Mulan out of the office.

Robin returned to his desk and rubbed his face. This whole affair made him want to take Regina and Roland, hop on a plane and go spend a month in some exotic land. But he had responsibilities, a girlfriend with a very sick father and a son who wouldn't leave his property, so that was nixed. Maybe he could take a day off, give Mary Margaret a day off and finally convince Regina to relax in her pajamas all day long.

His phone rang and he picked it up with a sigh. "Robin Locksley. How may I help you?"

"Robin? It's August."

"Ahh, August." Robin leaned back. Just what his day needed—reminder of how he was investigating his girlfriend behind her back. "Found anything new?"

"Not yet. But I've decided to take Deep Throat's advice."

Robin frowned. "Who?"

"Deep Throat? All the President's Men? Helped break open the Watergate scandal?" August sighed. "Anyway, he advised Woodward to 'follow the money.' I'm going to do the same to learn the truth about Leopold Blanchard's relationship with Regina. It may require some travel."

"Travel? Why?"

August sighed. "I've gotten another lead to Edgar Gold, Leopold's CFO and Regina's direct manager. He might have more answers."

"And he doesn't live in Storybrooke anymore," Robin guessed.

"Correct," he confirmed. "I've tracked him down to the Scottish countryside."

"Scotland? Well, I guess it could be worse. Just turn in the expenses when you come back. I'll square it away with finance."

"Thanks, boss. I'll report back to you as soon as I can."

Robin thanked him and hung up the phone with a sigh. He rested his head in his hands and reminded himself he was doing this for Regina's sake.

He was starting to believe himself less and less.

As March began to give way to April, Robin lost Will and Regina to Dancing with the Stars on Mondays. They took over the living room, making themselves comfortable on the couch with snacks and drinks. Robin would hear them arguing about dance styles, the likeability of some celebrity and if someone was a ringer. He would just shake his head and continue reading his Wall Street Journal.

But when the show ended, Will would drift off to his room while Robin ended up with a lap full of Regina. She'd give him a sweet, languid kiss before they would curl up together and just talk until she'd start to nod off. It proved patience paid off.

Regina also started to spend a couple nights a week in his bed, though not always for sex. She loved to extend their nightly cuddles and make them last until morning. He enjoyed it and wanted her always in his bed, but knew better than to push her. She also preferred to be closer to Roland more often than not, which he admired.

One night, Regina went straight to her room after dinner and he didn't see her for hours. Concerned, he went to her room and knocked on the door. "Regina? Are you okay?" he called out.

The door opened and she smiled. "I'm fine. I just had a few things to take care of tonight. Did you miss me?"

"Absolutely." Robin stepped into her room, watching her close her door before he drew her into his arms. "So what were you working on?"

"Just some stuff." She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, kissing his neck.

But he wasn't deterred. "What kind of stuff? What kept you from my arms for so long?"

"I was just settling some things for Daddy," she explained, turning to power down her laptop. "It took a long time but I think everything is squared away."

"You could've told me."

Regina sighed. "I know. But I also know you. You would've tried to fix it and while I love that you want to take care of me, I still would like to do a few things on my own."

"Of course," he conceded, knowing Regina was an independent woman. It was one of the reasons he loved her. But pulling her into his arms, he added: "If you need any help, though…"

"I'll let you know," she finished, smiling. "I promise."

He nodded, pulling her down onto the bed. "Now, I believe you owe me some cuddles."

She curled against his side. "I do? And are you going to demand I give you the cuddles right here and now?"

"Why not? The bed is soft and warm and you're here. What's the downside?"

"Proximity to your son's room."

"Well, I wasn't planning on those types of cuddles, but if milady insists." Robin grinned as he started to stand, tugging on Regina's hand.

She laughed, pulling him back down. He landed on her bed with a little bounce before settling down. Regina laid her head against his chest and he wrapped an arm around her. She sighed, content. "I'm just happy to do this."

"Me too," he said, closing his eyes. He felt her click off the lamp and set her alarm clock. A few seconds later, her blankets covered them as she laid back down against him. Her fingers curled around his t-shirt as he felt her breathing even out.

Robin pressed a kiss to her forehead as he tried to ignore the funny feeling in his stomach. He trusted her and what she had said. She wasn't doing anything behind his back and she didn't have tell him everything she did.

Maybe he was just projecting his own guilt onto her.

"Slow down, mate!" Killian yelled as he clutched onto the back passenger door handle. "You're going to kill us!"

Robin laughed, switching gears as he pressed down on the gas pedal more. "Oh come on. We're just having fun!"

"I am not going to bail you out of another speeding ticket!" John said, sitting white-faced in the front passenger seat.

"It's my private road, John. No cops, no worries." Robin hit a button and he heard his phone dial a number over the speakers. "Tuck, you there?"

Tuck's voice echoed through the car. "Yes, boss?"

"Can you open the gate for me? I'm about to speed through and I don't want to stop until I'm at my front door."

After a moment's hesitation, Tuck asked: "Do you think that's wise, sir?"

"Listen to reason, man!" Killian called out.

Robin chuckled. "Just open the gate, Tuck. It'll be fine."

The call ended and as Robin pulled up to the gates, he found them open. Smiling, he maneuvered the car and applied the brake at the right time to coast to a stop in front of his mansion. When the car stopped, he turned to his passengers. "Well?"

"I ought to have you committed," John wheezed as Killian fumbled his way out of his seatbelt and out of the car. He fell to his knees, kissing the ground.

Robin rolled his eyes as he turned off his car, pulling his keys out. "Very funny. Come on, let's go have a beer."

"I signed up for a nice lunch with friends, not a ride that risked my very life," Killian said, getting up. "A beer is the least you can do."

He followed John and Robin into the mansion, which was a bit too quiet for Robin. But he shook it off as he retrieved some beers from the kitchen. Once the tops were off, he held them out to his friends. "Where would you like to enjoy these?"

"How about out on your patio? Get a nice view of that lake," John suggested, motioning to the back door.

Robin opened the door, stepping outside as a bunch of voices shouted: "SURPRISE!"

His backyard was filled with his family, friends and coworkers. Several tables were set up under a big white tent. Trays of food lined a few tables as did drinks. Speakers blasted music as everyone milled about.

Regina hurried toward him, holding onto Roland's hand. She threw her free arm around him and held him close. "Happy birthday, Robin."

"I…What?" he asked, mind still trying to process everything.

"I know your birthday is really the eighteenth but today seemed like the best day to get everyone together. And since you didn't celebrate last year for obvious reasons, I thought a big surprise party could be two celebrations in one," she replied, rambling.

He set down his beer bottle and picked up his grinning son before snaking his arm around Regina's waist. "Regina, you did…"

"Don't say I didn't have to do this," she said, covering his mouth with her hand. "I don't have many people to throw a party like this for and well…You've given me so much, more than you probably know, and I just wanted to celebrate the amazing man you are…"

Robin lowered her hand. "I was about to ask if you did this all by yourself, lovely."

"Oh." Her cheeks turned pink. "No, not really. Will and Tink were a big help. So were John and Killian, who distracted you while we set everything up."

"You owe us. He almost killed us," Killian said, heading down into the yard. He wrapped his arm around Emma, who waved at Robin.

He waved back before turning to Regina. "Is your father here?"

"Yes. He's sitting with your parents, Vivienne and Paul." She pointed toward the tent.

"My parents?" Surprise turned his voice into a squeak. His eyes widened as he saw Jane and Andrew conversing with Henry at a table. Paul and Vivienne sat across from them, smiling at whatever his mother had said. All had glasses of lemonade or iced tea and seemed to be getting along.

Roland nodded. "Gran and Gramps came for your birthday as a surprise!"

"Will helped arrange that," Regina added. "Tink helped with all your colleagues."

He kissed her forehead. "You are an amazing woman, Regina Mills. Now let's go enjoy this incredibly party you've thrown for me."

After a few hours of partying, Robin went into the kitchen to get some more beer. He was pleasantly buzzed and if he was lucky, he could maintain it for the rest of the evening. Robin hummed along to the music playing outside as he opened a fresh bottle.

"Robin!" Mary Margaret stepped into the kitchen, pulling a blond-haired man with her. "I wanted to introduce you to my fiancé, David Nolan."

David held out his hand. "It's good to finally meet you in person."

"You too," Robin replied, shaking his hand. "I'm sure you've met Roland by now. He'll love the fact you're a cop. He considers them to be like the knights who fight dragons in his favorite stories."

"And that explains the dragon questions," David said, realization dawning on him. He let out a little chuckle.

Mary Margaret chuckled as well. "He's fascinated by dragons. Won't go anywhere now without the one Regina gave him."

"Ahh, yes, Regina. Thank you for bringing that smile back to her," David told Robin.

He frowned. "You sound like you've known her a long time."

Mary Margaret shifted from foot-to-foot. "Regina asked me not to talk about our past…"

That interested Robin. "I know she used to work for your father and that you were friends."

"We were like sisters," she replied, smiling. "When I met David, I really hadn't much dating experience. So Regina and her…boyfriend then…. double dated with us until I felt comfortable."

Robin took a sip of beer. "By 'boyfriend,' do you mean her fiancé Daniel?"

Mary Margaret looked relieved and surprised. "She told you about him?"

"She did." He glanced between the two. "So you knew him. What was he like? What were they like?"

They paused before David shrugged. "Daniel seemed like a nice guy. He was friendly, had a good sense of humor. He worked with horses…equine therapy for children with special needs, I believe."

"She was so in love with him," Mary Margaret continued. "She just lit up around him, much like she does around you."

Robin imagined the Regina who loved Daniel was more open and trusting with her heart. It made him happy then to know he caused the same reaction in the more guarded woman whom he loved. A woman who had been created partially by what Daniel had done to her. "Do you know why they broke up?"

Mary Margaret stared at the floor while David huffed. "There were rumors flying around Storybrooke and he chose to believe them rather than Regina."

"Rumors that she was a gold-digger who was having an affair with your father, Mary Margaret?" he asked, watching for her reaction.

Her transformation was startling. She snapped her head up, fire burning in her green eyes and her cheeks turning red. Her voice was cold when she asked: "Who told you about that?"

"Chryseos Midas."

"Midas can jump off the Storybrooke Bridge," she spat. "And I hope you didn't put any stock in what he said."

"Of course not," he replied, though guilt burned his stomach. He had asked August to investigate after speaking with Midas, but only to prove the rumors false.

Mary Margaret was on a roll now, though. "Good. Because those rumors were awful. I've learned my father was no saint and did step out on my mother as she got sicker. But he preferred professional dates, if you know what I mean."

"Escorts." As a man of means and considerable wealth, he knew about Storybrooke's escort businesses. The madams longed to have him as a client, both for his money and for blackmail. All were disappointed.

"Regina was a member of our family," she continued. "Mom loved her and Daddy treated her like a second daughter. Yes, he gave her gifts but everything he gave her, he also gave me. And yes, she was constantly over at our house as Mom deteriorated before our eyes. Daddy and I relied on her a lot. She was our rock."

"So what happened? From past comments, it seems you two were estranged until she became Roland's nanny."

The fire left her eyes, replaced by tears as she sagged into David's arms. "I was awful to her, a real brat. I only learned about Daddy's escorts after had already encouraged the rumors that Regina was his mistress. He 'broke up' with her, fired her and took back all the gifts while I passed judgment on her. I thought she had used me and betrayed Mom, preying on my father. All the while, she was just his scapegoat."

It all made sense to Robin now. Leopold had sacrificed Regina to save his own reputation. People would feel sympathetic toward a grieving man who fell prey to an ambitious young woman already dubbed "The Evil Queen" rather than a man cheating on his dying wife with high-end call girls. No wonder Regina had resisted getting close to Robin, fought their apparently obvious attraction and always tried to refuse his gifts. It had blown up in her face before and she feared it would happen again.

"Mary Margaret, I hope I do not see your father for a long time because I will have more than a conversation with him when I do," Robin said, balling his hands into fists.

She nodded. "When I finally got the truth out of Daddy, I was devastated. I…I banned him from Mom's room at the hospital, though I relented to let him say goodbye. Mom's treatments weren't covered by insurance and had drained a lot of our money. That's why he took back Regina's gifts, for the money. Daddy also retired early—forced out by the board to avoid the escort scandal, I suppose—and his golden parachute was enough to get me a nice apartment and him a place down in Florida. We talk and I visit him a couple times a year but it's not the same. Not after what he did to Regina.

"And I think Regina thinks I still think she's a harlot who tried to break up my parents' marriage and she's okay with that so I will still idolize my father but all I want to do is hold her and apologize over and over…" Mary Margaret finally took a breath, her voice tight from the tears she was fighting.

David pulled her close as she sobbed into his chest. Robin grimaced as he met the man's eyes. "Sorry. I didn't mean to open old wounds."

"It's okay. I think she needed this," David replied. "I'm just going to take her into the next room to calm her down."

Robin nodded. Once they were gone, he set down the beer bottle on the counter before placing his palms flat against the surface as well. He hung his head and closed his eyes.

"Oh no. That stance is never a good one. What did you do?" Will asked.

"Something stupid."

"Usually is. So what is it?"

Robin sighed. "I asked August to investigate Blanchard Financials. Specifically Regina's time there."

"Wait," Will said, coming to stand next to him. "You've been investigating your girlfriend? For how long?"

"Almost two months," Robin admitted.

Will sputtered before slamming down his beer bottle. "Your entire relationship?"

"Not the entire relationship," he argued before sighing. "But most of it, yes."

Pulling up a chair, Will sat down. "Tell me everything."

Robin sat down as well and told him the entire story. When he finished, his friend shook his head. "You're a right idiot, you know that, right?"

"I do," Robin replied.

Will sighed, standing up again. "So, what are you going to do now?"

"Now?" Robin stood as well, grabbing his beer. "Now, I'm going back out there and enjoying my party. Tomorrow…I don't know."

His friend made a buzzer sound. "I'm sorry. The answer we were looking for is—tomorrow, I'm going to end the investigation."

"I don't know, Will. There are still too much that doesn't make sense."

"Really?" Will raised an eyebrow. "Fine. But I think you should trust Regina and be patient."

Robin sighed as Will left. He took a deep breath and headed back outside to this party. As he said, he was going to enjoy the rest of his party. Then he would worry about what he was going to do.

Regina smiled as she saw her father deep in conversation with Paul and Andrew, the three seemingly on their way to being fast friends. She took a sip of her water as Emma wrapped her arm around her. "Aren't you going to drink something a bit stronger than that?" she asked.

"Eventually," Regina replied. "But for now, I'm good. Has Killian recovered?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "He says he hasn't but he's fine. Besides, how fast could Robin have been driving anyway?"

"One hundred twenty miles per hour," John replied, approaching them. "I was in the front seat and could see the speedometer. There's a reason he usually is driven around."

Regina let out a low whistle while Emma shook her head. "Okay, I think I need to go apologize to my boyfriend. I'll meet up with you in a bit, Regina."

Once she was gone, Regina turned back to John. "Can I ask you something?"

"In what capacity?" he asked back.

"Lawyer," she replied.

He nodded, setting his beer bottle down. "Sorry, I don't like do any lawyering while holding an alcoholic beverage. Proceed."

"Robin and I are getting serious," Regina started, smiling as she said the words. "I'm not saying we're going to be rushing down the aisle, but we've both assured each other we're in this for the long haul."

"Okay…"

She took a deep breath. "There's a lot in my past I haven't told Robin about yet. And now that I trust him, I need to know if I can legally tell him."

"Oh?" John's eyebrow shot up and he let his arms fall to his side, leaning closer. He was clearly intrigued now.

"It's a long story that I can't disclose because of a non-disclosure agreement."

John nodded. "I see. And somehow you feel telling Robin would violate this agreement?"

She shifted as she sighed. "I'm not sure. All the legalese and the wording…That's why I was wondering if you could look it over for me. See if I can tell Robin without violating it?"

"Of course," he replied. "Before I leave, remind me to give you my business card. You can either e-mail me or drop it off at my office. I'd be happy to look it over for you."

"Thank you so much. As for payment, I'm sure we can work something out…"

He waved her off. "Nonsense. Consider your payment the fact you brought my friend back to me. Robin was broken after Marian's death and while he had started putting himself together again before you arrived, you brought light back to him. And that has made a big difference."

She smiled, feeling some heat raise to her cheeks. John picked up his beer and made his excuses right before two familiar arms wrapped around her. "Have I told you today that you're amazing?" Robin asked.

"Today?" She played along, pondering it. "No, I don't believe you have."

"Ahh. Then let me rectify it. You're amazing." He kissed her cheek.

She leaned into his embrace, resting her head in the crook of his neck. "Are you enjoying your party?"

"Very much so. Thank you for putting it together." He kissed her forehead this time.

Roland raced up to them and looked up at Regina with a smile. "Is it time for the other surprise?"

"Another surprise?" Robin looked between his son and her. "What could that possibly be?"

"Well, you can't have a birthday party without cake, right?" She glanced up to see Will and Killian rolling in the giant vanilla and chocolate cake she had ordered. Several candles covered it, their flames flickering in the warm breeze.

Robin picked up Roland and turned to her. "Good lord, woman. How old do you think I am?"

"Haha," she said, rolling her eyes. "We're going to sing you happy birthday and then you're going to blow them out. Got it?"

"I'm going to need some help." He pulled her against him and looked at Roland. "Can I rely on you two?"

Roland nodded and once everyone finished the worst rendition of the birthday song Regina had ever heard, she pulled her hair back. She leaned forward with Robin and together with Roland, they managed to blow out all the candles Will had placed on the cake. Everyone clapped and Robin kissed her.

Will began to slice up the cake and Robin dipped his finger in some of the icing. He placed a bit on Roland's nose before turning to her. Regina's eyes widened and she shook her head. "Don't you dare, Robin Locksley!"

"It's good luck," he said, approaching her. "We want that, right?"

She shook her head before racing away from him. "You'll never catch me!"

Robin chased her, laughing they left the tent and the party guests behind. She heard him and picked up speed, her lungs burning from the exertion and her own laughter.

He grabbed her, lifting her off her feet and swinging her around as he dabbed the icing on her nose. Robin then swung her into his arms to carry her bridal-style back to tent. "Looks like I won, milady," he said.

"We both won," she replied, resting her head on his shoulder. He smirked as they joined the party and she was certain she had never loved anyone so much before in her life, not even Daniel.

Even better, it didn't frighten her like it might've only a few months ago.

A/N: So there you go—some answers on what happened with Regina and Leopold. But Robin's instincts that there's more to this story are right. What is with that nondisclosure agreement? What does she want to Robin but is afraid to tell? And what consequences might Robin's investigation still have?

It is funny that my version of Alan a Dale comes out to Alan Dale, the name of the actor that played King George/Albert Spencer. So I guess that's also a shout out. "The Frog Prince" is a shout out to the movie Prince Charming, starring Sean Maguire. Look it up on YouTube if you haven't seen it.

This chapter had a lot of Robin, which I guess makes up for no Robin in Sunday's episode. The next chapter will be fluff and smut, so I'm afraid that means angst…she is a-comin'. Brace yourselves.

-Mac