Chapter 15: Storm

Regina snuggled deeper into the soft, warm blankets that smelled of pine and Robin. She sighed as she rolled closer to him, feeling his hand come to rest on her hip. His thumb brushed the bare skin where her pajama shirt had ridden up and it started to lull her back to sleep again.

Until the bed began to rock as someone jumped on the mattress. "Happy Father's Day, Papa!" Roland declared.

She and Robin sat up as Roland landed on his back between them, grinning at them. Robin ran a hand through his hair before looking at his son. "You know, some children let their fathers sleep in on Father's Day and not give them a heart attack."

Roland giggled, burrowing himself under the blankets. "Why are you sleeping in Papa's bed, Regina? Did you have a bad dream?"

Even with the increased number of nights Regina was now spending in Robin's bed, she realized this was the first time Roland caught her in it. She sent a panicked look at Robin, who shook his head as he laid down next to his son. "Do you remember when you asked me why Mama and I shared a bed?"

"Uh huh," Roland replied, nodding. "You said when people love each other very much, they get married and want to sleep in the same bed together."

"Right. But even if they aren't married, people who love each other very much want to sleep in the same bed together. So sometimes Regina sleeps in my bed with me and sometimes we sleep in her bed."

She laid down on the other side of Roland. "I'm always here for you, sweetheart, no matter which bed I'm sleeping in."

"I know," he said, trusting her completely. He rolled closer to her, hugging her as his head rested against her chest.

Robin reached out and wrapped his arm around both of them. They laid there a bit longer, Regina's eyes closing as sleep tried to claim her again. It was so comfortable there with Roland's warmth and the weight of Robin's arm, making her feel safe and loved.

After what seemed like a few minutes, Roland began to squirm. He pushed against her and Robin. "I'm hungry. Can we have breakfast?"

"What? I don't get breakfast in bed?" Robin murmured, his eyes still closed as a smile tugged at his lips.

Roland shook his head. "Mamas get breakfast in bed."

"So what do Papas get?"

"Uh…" Roland looked up at Regina, his eyes wide.

She chuckled. "I think Papas get bacon, eggs and coffee. Maybe an omelet if Papa is really nice to the nanny."

"It's Sunday. You're not the nanny today. You're just the woman I love." Robin sat up and kissed her.

Regina smiled as they broke apart. "Okay, that works. You get an omelet. Come on, Roland. Let's go make a nice Father's Day breakfast."

She picked up Roland and carried him down to the kitchen, where Will was already making coffee. He gave her a sleepy nod as she set Roland down again. "Okay, are you going to be my helper?" she asked the boy.

"Of course! What's first?" Roland bounced on his feet.

"Eggs," Regina instructed. "And be very careful, okay?"

Roland nodded, heading over to the refrigerator as Regina retrieved one of the pans. Will watched her, drinking his coffee. "And what are you doing in my kitchen?"

"Making Papa breakfast for Father's Day!" Roland explained, handing her the egg carton.

"Thank you," she said. "Now go wash your hands while I get the rest of the ingredients for the omelets."

Will approached her as Roland did as she instructed. "Do you need any help?"

"I have a helper," she told him.

"Who is six."

Roland stormed over to Will and gave him a little push. "I'm a big boy and I'm gonna help Regina. You go back to your room."

Will's lips parted in surprise while Regina felt her brows furrow from concern. She knelt down, ignoring the creaks in her knees as she did so, and pulled Roland close. "Is that how you speak to Will?" she asked him.

"I'm gonna help you!" Roland protested, stomping his foot.

"Not if you act like that," she said, voice stern. "The only thing you're going to do is sit in a timeout."

He pouted. "I just want this to be me and you. Please?"

She glanced up at Will, who nodded. "I can busy myself for a bit. As long as I get an omelet as well."

"Deal!" Roland said, shaking Will's hand. He then hesitated before answering: "I'm sorry I pushed you."

Will ran his hand through the boy's curls. "You're forgiven. Now, I'll leave you to assist Regina in making breakfast. Good luck."

Once he was gone, Regina turned Roland so he faced her again. "I'm not going to start making breakfast until you explain what that was all about, young man."

"I'm sorry, Regina," he said, tears welling up in his eyes. "But this is something mamas and sons do for papas. Not with the butler. And without my mama, you're all I have."

She was once again reminded that he was a motherless child trying to navigate a normal life anyway and she gathered Roland close to her. "I love you, Roland, and while I won't replace your mother, I will be there for you since she can't be. But I also won't let you disrespect Will like that. Would your mama?"

"No," Roland muttered, hugging her tightly. "I'll be nicer to him. I promise."

"Good. Now let's make breakfast before your papa falls asleep on us again," she said, making the boy laugh. She helped him onto a stool and gathered the rest of the ingredients for their omelets.

Robin had brought Henry and Emma out for Father's Day so that they could all spend the day together. Killian was coming over later, Regina knew, but for right now, it was just her growing little family. She sat between her father and Robin, sipping her coffee as Emma and Robin finished their second omelets. Will leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach while Roland had crawled onto his father's lap. He sat there, content to be in Robin's arms for a bit.

She glanced down at her father's plate, frowning at his half-eaten omelet. "Did you have enough, Daddy?" she asked.

"I did, dear," he assured her, patting her hand. "No need to worry."

"I always worry about you."

Henry chuckled. "Well, I still worry about you. So we're in good company, I say."

Roland looked around before beaming. "Is it time for presents?"

"Presents?" Robin asked, looking down at his son. "And who are the presents for?"

"You and Mr. Henry. They're in Will's room." Roland looked at the man in askance. Will nodded and he hopped off Robin's lap, hurrying away from the kitchen.

Henry looked touched. "He got me a gift?"

"Apparently," Robin replied before looking at Will. "I'm just wondering how."

Will chuckled. "He used the money he saved up from his allowance and we went on the internet. I think you'll like the presents he got you."

Roland bounded back into the room, placing a small wrapped box in front of Henry before handing a bigger one to Robin. He climbed onto his father's lap again and kissed his cheek. "Happy Father's Day, Papa."

"Thank you, my boy. I think I'll let Mr. Henry open his present first, okay?" Robin asked Roland.

Roland nodded and everyone watched as Henry tore off the wrapping paper and opened the box inside. It was a small figuring of a man holding a little girl's hand. She had dark black hair in pigtails and if Regina was honest, looked a lot like her when she was younger. Tears welled in Henry's eyes. "Thank you," he said to the boy.

"It made me think of Regina," Roland explained. "So you have something to remind you of her always."

As Henry ran a finger over the little girl in the figurine, Robin turned to his gift. He tore off the paper and opened the box, lifting a travel mug from it. Pictures of him and Roland covered it. "It's better looking than yours right now," Roland told him.

"That it is, my boy," Robin replied, hugging him. "It definitely is."

Regina beamed at the scene and leaned back in her seat, feeling ready to cry at how sweet it was.

Emma leaned over. "Someone's getting sentimental."

"Shut up, Emma," Regina whispered back. "I'm appreciating the beautiful and loving scene before me."

"Of course. And you deserve it. I'm so glad you finally found happiness." Emma hugged her.

Regina leaned against her friend and sighed happily.

The air conditioned air washed over Robin as he stepped into the kitchen. He hadn't realized how hot he had gotten until then and he paused, closing his eyes as he cooled down. It was only for a moment, though, and he was soon heading toward his real target—Regina.

She stirred a pitcher of lemonade and he wrapped his arms around his waist, kissing the side of her head. "You know, I have a butler to do that."

"He detests that word, you know," she replied, leaning into his embrace. "And it's his day off."

"It's also yours."

She hummed in agreement. "He also doesn't use as much sugar as Daddy likes in his lemonade, so it's better I make it."

Robin nodded, holding her closer. Henry was sitting outside under a tree with Emma and Killian as Roland ran around the yard with Will. Robin had promised to come in and get Regina so they could teach the boy how to fly a kite together. It was all so very domestic, giving Robin an idea. "Regina?"

"Yes?"

"Do you…Do you think your father would sell his apartment? And then you, him and Emma can move into here? With me, Roland and Will?"

She froze as Robin held his breath, awaiting her answer. It wasn't totally thought out and really just something he thought between the tree Henry sat under and the kitchen, but it also felt right. He wanted Regina in his life all the time but he knew she wasn't ready for even a discussion of marriage. Not with how Daniel had smashed her heart before. But moving her, Henry and Emma into the mansion seemed like the next step.

Regina turned in his arms, uncertainty in her eyes. "Don't you think that's a big decision?"

"Of course. I'm not looking for anything definitive. Just…hypothetical. Do you think that could happen? Do you think you all could move in here?"

She bit her lower lip. "Do I think it? Yes. But not now, Robin. I love you but this is still all so new."

"Of course," he replied, his heart sinking. He knew it was a longshot but part of him had hoped that she would say yes and jump at the chance. "Then forget I said anything."

Regina stopped him. "No, I won't forget it. I just said not now. It's all too new and with Daddy's health…Ask me again in six months' time. How's that?"

"Why six months?"

"Because it seems like a good period of time," she replied with a shrug. "And because it'll give Daddy more time to improve."

He nodded but didn't meet her eyes, knowing his eyes held his disappointment. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel guilty. "Then six months it is."

She tilted his head up, smiling. "I love you, Robin. And I do want to move into the mansion with you and Roland permanently. But…"

"There's a lot to consider," he finished, giving her a soft smile. "I get it. So if we start sorting it out…?"

"In six months' time, you might have a full house as a Christmas gift," she said, laughing. "If you're a good boy."

He pulled her closer. "That might be a bit difficult. I have some very naughty thoughts."

She moaned as he kissed her neck, sending the blood in his body racing toward his cock. Nipping at her ear, he whispered: "Can I convince you to go upstairs for a bit?"

"Not for that," she admonished him. "Everyone is waiting for their lemonades."

"Even though it's Father's Day?"

Regina kissed his nose. "I think there's a special Father's Day gift for you tonight. How's that?"

"I guess I can wait," he sighed as he let her go. "Now, pour those lemonades and I'll help you carry the tray out."

They returned outside, hand-in-hand. Roland ran up to them, asking if it was time to fly his kite. Robin chuckled. "Yes, it is. Shall we?"

He and Regina were able to help Roland get the kite aloft. Robin stood under it as it soared on the breeze, watching as Regina knelt behind Roland and helped him guide the line. The breeze also blew back their dark curls and he thought he had never seen anything more beautiful in his life.

This was his future, he knew. And he would do anything to ensure it.

Regina and Emma helped Henry to bed that night. He eased into bed and sighed. "I think I'm going to have a great night's sleep. It's so quiet here."

"It is," Regina agreed, thinking of Robin's offer again. She knew her father loved his apartment but she believed he would gladly move here to be with her. And to be in such a beautiful surrounding.

But it was too soon. She didn't want to uproot her father or have Roland bond with him if things didn't take a turn for the better. Roland had too much loss in his life already.

"Regina? Is something wrong?" Henry asked, patting her hand.

She smiled, shaking her head. "No, everything is great. Good night, Daddy."

"Good night, sweetheart." Henry settled down before lifting his head again. "Regina? I'm glad you've found Robin. He's really good for you."

"Thank you, Daddy. I think so as well." She closed the door behind her and headed next door to Emma's room.

Her friend handed her a black shopping bag with a devious smile. "I hope Robin enjoys this present."

Regina rolled her eyes but thanked her friend. She headed to Robin's room, changing into the lingerie she had trusted Emma to buy for her. The lacy bra and panties were a forest green color and there was a black short, sheer robe to put over them. As she tied the robe closed at her neck, she heard Robin approach the room.

"Regina, are you in…" He stopped short, his mouth falling open when he saw her.

She smiled, approaching him. "I told you I had a special Father's Day gift for you."

"This certainly is special. I almost feel guilty about taking this off you so soon."

"Well, you won't just yet," she replied, reaching for the little black remote on his dresser. "First, I'm giving you one of the dances I owe you. But before I do that, I think you're a little overdressed for this."

He grinned, quickly shucking off his pants and shirt until he stood only in his navy blue boxers. "How's this?"

"Much better." Regina pressed a button and Whitney Huston's I Have Nothing began playing. She wrapped her arms around him.

Robin's smile softened and his blue eyes shone with love as he pulled her close. "That sounds perfect."

They swayed together in time to the music, Regina resting her head against Robin's shoulder. He pressed his cheek against her hair, humming along as Whitney sang.

When the music ended, Robin tilted her chin up and kissed her. She wrapped her legs around him, letting him carry her to the bed. He laid her down, standing over her and admiring her. "Beautiful," he breathed.

He climbed into bed with her, kissing her as his hands roamed her every curve. Each caress sent tingles throughout her body and she sighed happily into his kiss, letting his tongue enter her mouth. She brought one hand up to her robe, untying the bow so he could help her out of it.

Robin's nimble fingers undid the clasp of her bra and he tossed it aside. His lips found a sensitive spot on her neck, sucking there as her hand wrapped around his cock. One of his hands came to cup her breast while the other one toyed with her panties.

She slid her hand between them and wrapped her fingers around his cock. Regina ran her hand up and down his shaft, feeling him shudder under her ministrations.

He lifted his head to nip at her ears. "My beautiful minx."

Regina gasped as his fingers found her clit, brushing against it softly. Her hips bucked with each caress as they got progressively firmer and faster. She let her head loll back as warmth pooled low inside her. "Robin…"

He took her nipple between his teeth, teasing her a bit before laving the bud with his tongue. She dug her nails into his scalp, keeping his head there as she tried to keep up her rhythm along his cock. But all she really wanted was the sweet friction between her legs to increase. Wanted his fingers to bring her higher.

Wanted him inside her.

She pulled down his boxers before guiding his cock toward her entrance. "Please," she pleaded.

"Not yet," he replied after releasing her other breast. He kissed his way down her stomach before pulling down her panties. "You're not quite ready."

His scruff tickled her inner thigh before his lips closed around her clit. She grasped at his cotton sheets, trying to find purchase as the warmth began to boil. Her toes curled as his tongue lapped at her, sending her climbing toward a peak she was enjoying more and more. "Robin…"

She reached down, yanking on his hair again. This time, he let her pull him up so that their lips met in a fierce kiss. Regina wrapped her legs around his waist, her wet sex rubbing against his hard cock. He reached down, positioning himself better so that her next thrust had him entering her.

Regina gasped as his tip brushed her spot. He thrusted into her repeatedly, filling her completely. The assault left her gasping for air and relishing the fire burning through her. She found a sensitive point on his neck and bit down gently, hoping to leave her own mark on him this night.

He brushed his nose along her cheek, kissing her gently in between pants. "I love you."

"I love you too," she moaned, feeling her walls tighten around him.

"Then come for me," he whispered.

She shouted his name as she came, darkness over taking her vision for several moments as the fire consumed her. As she floated on her high, she felt him groan and something warm flooded in her.

Robin rolled over and laid next to her, letting her curl up against him. He kissed her forehead. "Do you want me to get a washcloth?"

"Not yet," she murmured, tightening her hold on him. "I want you to stay here for a bit longer."

He chuckled, wrapping his arm around her. "Whatever you want, milady. Good night."

"Good night," she sighed, letting his warmth lull her to sleep for the night.

Regina wandered Storybrooke's Main Street, several bags clutched in her hands. She was picking up some more summer clothes for Roland. The boy was growing like a weed, leaving her and Robin to fear that they would need to get more clothes before the summer was out. It also saddened Robin to realize his son was growing up every day, she knew, though he didn't say anything. She also figured he was thinking of the other child he had wanted with Marian and wondered if perhaps she could give him that one day.

She turned the corner, pausing outside one of the dress shops. A wedding gown rested on the mannequin and Regina studied it. It wasn't her style, but it still sent flashes of her walking down the aisle to Robin. He stood there in a tuxedo, as did Will and Roland, while Emma waited in a sleek black dress they had agreed on after several arguments. And they were all smiling as she approached, ready to start their new lives as a family.

"Someone dreaming of happily ever after? Maybe with a certain Prince Charming for whom you work?" her mother asked.

Regina closed her eyes, biting back a groan before she turned to face her mother. Cora stood there in a crisp crème pant suit, a black clutch tucked under her arm. She smiled at her daughter. "You didn't call for Mother's Day."

"I haven't celebrated Mother's Day for twenty-eight years, Mother. And you've made it clear that you don't want to be my mother. So why pretend?" Regina backed up. "Good day, Mother."

Cora reached out, grabbing her arm. "If I were you, Regina, I wouldn't be so quick to run away. Come have a late lunch with me."

"I don't think so."

"Fine. If you want to go to prison…"

That word froze Regina's blood and she felt rooted to the ground. Breathing grew harder as sound seemed to fade away. She stared at her mother. "What do you know about that?"

"Come to lunch with me. I think it'll all be clear then." Cora tugged her down the street and into a nearby eatery.

Regina's heart stopped when she saw who else was joining them for this lunch. He was an older man with shaggy dark hair, loose around his shoulders. He had a hawkish appearance and he leaned on a cane as he watched them approach the booth. "Regina Mills."

"Edgar Gold," she replied, voice cold. "I thought you were living in Scotland now."

"I was. But something drew me back. Have a seat." He motioned to the other side of the booth.

Regina took her seat as Cora slid in next to Gold. He slid a picture across to her. She picked it up, studying the man in it. He had short dark hair and blue eyes, looking like he could be a model. "Who is this?" she asked.

"I thought you would know," he replied, "considering he was asking questions about you and your time at Blanchard Financials. Thankfully, your mother does."

"Well, Zelena does. His name is August Booth and he's a private investigator on Sherwood's payroll. According to Zelena, he usually takes orders straight from Robin himself," Cora said, leveling Regina with a taunting look.

Gold hummed. "Now why would your boyfriend be looking into you?"

"Maybe things aren't so rosy after all," Cora added.

Regina felt her stomach drop but she refused to let it show on her face. "Why should I believe you?"

"Do you really think I would be here otherwise? I was enjoying a happy and peaceful existence in Scotland. This whole affair was behind us and then this man comes poking around, asking questions we both know we don't want answered." Gold leaned forward, his eyes boring into her. "You know the consequences of telling."

"I haven't told him anything. I want to but I haven't because you and Leopold have threatened me to kingdom come," she hissed. "Even though I did everything you two asked of me and more. So much more."

"Not enough."

Regina began to tremble. "Bullshit. You know what Leopold did to me to ensure my compliance. Don't pretend you don't, you fucker."

"Well, I wasn't the one doing the fucking."

She crushed the photograph between her fingers and began to slide out of the booth. "I'm not going to listen to this. You have no power over me. I don't believe Robin sent someone to look into me, I didn't break our precious fucking agreement and so there's nothing you can do."

"Fine, dearie. If you're willing to chance a prison stint, be my guest and leave." Gold waved to the door.

Cora leaned forward. "But what will become of your father without you?"

She was being manipulated and she knew it. Regina had been through enough therapy in her life to recognize it. Yet leaving her father alone was not an option. So it worked and she sat back down. "If that is the case, what do you want me to do now?"

"The same thing you did ten years ago," Gold told her as Cora handed her a picture.

Regina studied it, finding the picture of a man about her age with short blond hair. He wore a button down shirt, tie and a pocket protector. "Who is this?"

"He's some pencil pusher at Sherwood. You are going to tell Robin that he's the embezzler. There are other parts ready to go into motion to back this up," Cora explained.

Frowning, Regina wondered why her mother wanted to set this person up. Who was he really taking the fall for? The only person Cora would really care about was…"Zelena. She's the embezzler," she said. "But why?"

"Chester's pension wasn't exactly what we were hoping for, not after how the markets tanked in 2008. So Zelena funneled us some money to help us maintain our lifestyle. She's a good daughter," Cora stressed.

"She's caused Robin endless hours of worry and concern," Regina argued. "And why should I set up this poor soul to take the wrap for Zelena?"

Gold leaned forward. "For the same reasons you set up the last poor soul. To save your own ass."

Dread filled Regina as she approached Robin's study. Her conversation with Gold and her mother played in her mind over and over. She needed him to prove them wrong. Needed Robin to say he didn't know August and didn't know why he was digging into her past.

Robin looked up, smiling as she entered. "There you are. We missed you at dinner."

"Sorry," she said, sitting down on the couch. "I got held up."

He joined her, looking concerned now. "Did something happen?"

"I had a run in with my mother and Edgar Gold. I used to work under him at Blanchard Financials."

"I've heard of him."

Her stomach twisted as she continued: "He, uh, he said he had been visited recently by someone named August Booth who was asking a lot of questions about me and my time at Blanchard Financials."

When guilt appeared in Robin's eyes, she felt like the floor had dropped out from underneath her. A chill spread through her as she leaned away from him. "Robin, no…"

"Regina, let me explain…"

"Explain?" She jumped up, angry. "You sent someone to investigate me. And since Gold said it was recently, it wasn't to verify my suitability to be your nanny."

Robin stood as well, hands raised in a placating manner. "You're right. I had a meeting with Chryseos Midas shortly after we started dating and he mentioned rumors regarding you and Leopold."

"And you believed him?" Her heart stopped—this was Daniel all over again. Except Daniel at least had the decency to be upfront with her about it.

Robin shook his head. "Of course not."

"But you still asked August to look into my past. Why?"

"Because I've learned that the best way to fight gossip is with the truth. So I felt that if I had the facts, I could fight Midas and anyone who tried to slander you."

Anger surged through her. "I told you I didn't need you to fight my battles for me. All I needed was for you to believe in me. To trust me."

"I didn't think for a moment you were the gold digger Midas tried to paint you as," Robin argued. "And at my party Mary Margaret told me what really happened. I called August off the next day."

"That was still two months you had him looking into me. And you never told me. You never asked me. I then could've explained that I couldn't legally tell you a lot, that I have John trying to see if I can get around my non-disclosure agreement," she yelled. "Instead, you just went behind my back. How could you, Robin?"

He ran his hand through his hair again, a nervous habit she had come to learn. "I thought I was helping you. Really."

"Well, you thought wrong, Robin," she spat. "And now thanks to you, my very freedom is at stake. My father is going to be screwed if I end up in prison."

She watched his brow furrow. "Regina, why would you end up in prison?"

"I'm an embezzler, Robin," she admitted, tears starting to fall. "I stole money from Blanchard Financials."

A/N: A little more about Regina's time at Blanchard Financials has just been revealed! And we're not too far off from the big reveal!

Most of you guessed who the Sherwood embezzler is, congrats! So now, will Regina tell Robin the truth or let the poor soul take the wrap like Cora and Gold want her to?

I know after everything we've been through this month, Outlaw Queen angst is probably the last thing we want. But this has been where the story is going and I'm sorry the timing is a bit poor. There will be a couple more chapters of angst as Regina and Robin navigate the curveballs being thrown at their relationship.

I'm off on vacation tomorrow and I don't think I'll be able to get "Comfort Food" up in time. So sorry, guys, but it's been kind of a crazy month between jury duty, trying to get some work in and a few other things. I hope to have it up really soon though!

See everyone soon!

-Mac