A/N: Alright, so I haven't updated in sometime, but since my last update, I decided to change up my story a little. I don't know if it was clear in the first chapter, (I actually think I was a little vague on their ages) but to be clear, they're in their late teens early twenties. I'm changing this chapter to fit the new storyline and I hope all of you still want to read. This suddenly came to me and it seemed like a better storyline than before. I hope this may clear up any confusion to people who were reading this story before this newly updated chapter. (Some details are the same, others have changed, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure that out.)
The pub he had lead her to, was not exactly what she was expecting. It was very much fashioned like a medieval pub, more like the ones you'd see in Europe rather than a beach-side city in America. It had Jasmine growing up it's walls and over the tops of trellises, giving a natural cover to the patio portion of the bar. Strings of lights were weaved with the vines and made a magical scene, the setting sun making the perfect backdrop.
How had she never seen or heard of this place before? It suddenly sunk in that it was because of Mother.
Hardly any of the places Cora dragged her to for events and parties, were ever as casual as this. And so inviting. Regina never felt quite welcome where her mother so desperately wanted her to be, but once they entered the bar, Regina felt the total opposite almost immediately.
And Robin was obviously a regular. A man from behind the bar, greeting Robin and asking if he'd want his usual table.
"No, actually, I have a guest tonight." Robin said, moving over slightly to reveal Regina from behind him.
The man nodded and winked and pointed him to a side door next to the bar.
"What can I get you two?" The bartender asked as Robin stopped and leaned on the bar for a second.
Robin then turned to face Regina.
"Anything you'd like?" He asked.
"Honestly, I'll just take a water with lemon." She said, shrugging.
"You sure?" He asked.
"Yeah. I think I've had enough to drink tonight, even if most of it did soak my shirt." She smiled.
He chuckled and the bartender looked absolutely puzzled.
"Dad, I think we're going with that." Robin smiled. "I'll have my usual."
His father?
Robin took her by the hand once more and lead her to the side doors. It lead outside to their patio area and it was much more appealing up close. Robin moved them towards a high table in a secluded corner. Regina hadn't realized until they sat that they were the only ones out here.
"Your father's a bartender here?" Regina asked.
"More than that; he owns it." Robin said, pulling a seat out for her.
She sat and regarded him once he sat across from her.
"What?" He asked.
"Is this how you reel in business for your dad?" Regina smirked. "Spill drinks on girls then turn on the charming smile so they come here?
"You think I'm charming?" He asked.
Regina felt herself blush and looked down at her hands. She heard him chuckle.
"Would it make you feel better if I told you how I feel about you?" He asked.
She looked up and gave him a soft smile.
"I think you're quite beautiful, not to mention audacious. I like that." He said.
Her blush didn't fade and suddenly she wanted his focus back on how she thought of him.
"I'm not those things." She said.
"Of course you are." He said seriously.
She looked up to him once more and bore holes in his soul, probably. She was desperately searching for some type of joking in his blue orbs, but he seemed rather adamant.
"How do you know? We just met." She asked.
"I suppose I don't, but I'm sure once we got to know each other better, I'd be able to read you more accurately." He smirked.
"Are you suggesting we'll be seeing each other again?" She asked.
"I hope so." He said.
She tried to push down the giddy smile about to grace her lips, but he must have noticed the force she was holding back because he began to smirk, too.
"I'd like that." Regina finally said.
He drove her home, which she hoped he would do, but also regretted it immediately. She didn't want Cora to know about her evening escapades and a strange vehicle dropping her off in front of her home would most certainly spark a conversation. So, she told him to drop her off a block away instead.
"And why here?" He asked.
"Long story." Regina told him as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
"Parents?" He asked.
Regina looked at him and sighed.
"Yeah. But it's my mother. She's...a real piece of work." Regina replied.
"I understand. I mean, not from experience but, I get it. My mom died when I was born, so.." Robin said.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine." Robin chuckled. "You didn't know. But now you do, so we know each other a little better now." He smiled.
"I guess so." She said. "Thank you for the ride home...or almost home." Regina laughed.
"Anytime."
She got out of the Jeep and gave him one last glance before he spoke.
"Tomorrow night. Are you doing anything?" He asked.
She shook her head.
"Meet me here, tomorrow at 7." He said.
"Why?" She asked.
"I'd like to see you again." He simply said.
She smiled and gave him a shy 'okay'.
Regina quietly opened the side door and shut it gently. The kitchen light was off, with the exception of the light above the sink; they always kept that one on. She noticed the hallway light was off and the living room looked like not a soul occupied it. Careful steps lead her to the edge of the stairs where she ascended them slowly and softly. It looked as if she'd be getting away with her night out.
"Where have you been?" A stern, yet calm voice asked.
Regina looked up to see her mother at the top of the stairs, her face void of emotion.
"I went out with Emma, remember? We went to see a movie. It ended late." Regina lied.
Cora looked down at her daughter with a scrutinizing glare.
"You know your curfew, Regina. Perhaps you should have planned your evening better." Cora said calmly.
"I understand." Regina said, eying her mother.
She silently wondered if Mother was buying it, which she must have because she then told Regina to get to bed. She hurried up the stairs and past her mother, who then grasped her arm forcefully.
"I'm sure you won't let this happen again, Regina." Cora said.
Regina nodded and then Cora released her and made her way to her and her father's room. Regina watched her mother's figure disappear behind the door before she rushed to her own. She reached the door and ascended the spiral staircase. Her home had a tower; her own lofty perch, really. It was a Victorian-style home yet it was painted a bright blue to match the other beachy-themed houses surrounding it. When they moved here, she was ten, and she picked this room because she would be away from everyone else. Only her father was allowed, at least in her mind. Zelena and Cora were never welcomed, but they came in anyway.
She reached the top and threw her things on the beanbag chair by her window and then plopped down on her bed. She couldn't help the smile on her face.