Hi, guys. I'm really sorry for the delay updating! I had planned updating earlier, but had really busy days since the beginning of the year. However, I didn't want to wait more, because... well, the Christmas mood is over, but still I wanted to deliver this last part, at least by the last day of January.
This is last part is un-betaed. I apologize for the mistakes.
Hope you enjoy this and let me know what you think!
Robin watches her step into his office and immediately realizes that Tink wasn't exaggerating. Regina is, in fact, breathtaking and he can hardly take his eyes away from her. He thinks he's lucky that she has a coat on, and can't wait to help her take it off.
Regina greets him with a warm "Hello! I see you did a good job decorating your office! It's nice", and Robin remembers she hasn't been there in a month because her last monitoring session was the week before Thanksgiving. And, Robin, who is already standing by his desk, replies "It was all Tink's doing …. You know her … full Christmas mood since Halloween!" and when he finishes talking he is already by Regina's side asking "May I?", ashe gestures with his hands making evident that he is requesting permission to help her with her coat. Always the gentleman.
Regina thanks God and all the saints in heaven that this session takes place in December, and that she needs a coat because the sensation of him behind her, beginning to take her coat off and brushing her arms accidentally while doing so, is everything she has dreamt of.
She turns her head to thank him, and realizes they are very close. In fact, it's the first time both are that close, and she thinks how it would be to kiss him. But suddenly she hears a little voice inside her head which reminds her that she is still his patient, and that kissing him would be a very inappropriate behavior that definitely would harm Robin. So, she just steps back.
For him, things aren't easy either, because hearing her little giggle, watching her turn her head to look at him saying a quiet "Thank you", looking at her intense brown eyes and feeling her scent, make him realize how physically close they are. He enjoys that sensation and thinks that this will be a hard session. Tink had been right. To feel this magnetic attraction towards her, to need her, but to be aware he can't have her yet is becoming torture.
Still with those thoughts filling his mind, Robin observes her, he can tell Regina is nervous as well, and thinks that maybe it's just because this is their last session and she must be recalling all the process she went through and what brought her to him: the loss of her husband, a painful memory indeed.
After hanging her coat, Robin takes a look at Regina's outfit and tries not to, really tries, but with that outfit he just can't help to ogle at her … she's stunning.
Regina's outfit is a nice two piece skirt and jacket suit, that is about to cross the line between a working attire and a formal sexy one. It is formal, yes, but fitted enough to display all her curves. The skirt is knee high and has a slit on one of its sides that allows him to take a peek at one of her upper legs. The jacket is only buttoned up with three simple buttons showing a generous amount of cleavage, and it's obvious that she has nothing below. He just hopes she had worn a scarf or shawl at her office, because the only thought of that Sidney or her boss looking at her inappropriately is killing him inside.
#######
Robin and Regina, take a seat in front of each other, as always. He, on the armchair next to his desk; she, on the coach, separated by a little round coffee table at the center of his office.
Robin is the first to begin talking, after taking a deep sigh "Well, Regina, this is our last session and as I usually do in a patient's last session I don't schedule any other appointment after this, just in case we need more time to organize some things… and, well, to define the steps that will follow".
Regina hears with some disappointment to the word "patient" and she thinks that maybe that's all that she has been to him all this time and that's the only thing she'll ever be: his patient or former patient, but nothing more.
And, for Regina being Robin's patient had been one of the issues that had bothered her the most when she accepted her feelings and decided that maybe she needed to give it a chance. Regina had had doubts about how a relationship between two people could develop as equals when one of them had been the other one's patient. Would Robin treat her as a patient always? Would he treat her as if they were in therapy, at the first bump in the road? Would the information Robin had gathered as her therapist, be a disadvantage for their relationship? She had thought a lot about this during the past few months, and hearing him say the word "patient" arose the doubts that she thought she already had overcome.
So, she only nods her head and lets him continue "Okay, as this session is our last one and a Christmas Session as well, I want to have a free, honest conversation between friends, because that's what we'll become after this ends. And, I very much want to hear your evaluation of this whole process, and of my intervention as a professional and… well, anything you want to share or that you want me to tell you. We have time".
Regina listens with attention, and now she realizes that he said the word "friends", and maybe that's a good point to start, one that would give both of them a chance to explore whatever it is between them, if there is something at all, once therapy is officially over.
She also notes she is overthinking, and is aware it isn't healthy to analyze every word he says. She knows Robin is thinking exactly the same because this is one of the issues they have worked on during the past years. And it happens that Regina isn't wrong because while Robin talks, he notices how Regina listens with attention to every word he says, and he knows she is analyzing each of his words and is choosing very carefully what to say next, since she takes her time before answering. He notices how she plays with her fingers … and he knows that she is nervous.
Regina doesn't let Robin's words impact her and begins saying very calmed, slowly and in a low voice "Okay…. hmm Robin, I've thought a lot about our last session, and first I want to thank you because I wouldn't be here without you. You …" her voice breaks a little and it's not that it would be the first time she cries in front of him, but she doesn't want that for today.
Robin notices when her voice begins to break a little, and he knows what would come next, so he uses the pause she makes to recompose, to hand her a box of tissues that is over the coffee table. But he doesn't know the exact reason, maybe it's just an impulse, why he suddenly stands up, gets close to where she is and takes a seat next to her. He tells himself that his intention solely is to give her the box of tissues because in his original seat he couldn't reach her easily … at least, that's what he tells to himself and what he wants to think.
Regina doesn't seem bothered by Robin's proximity, and after recomposing herself, she takes a deep breath and continues "… you have been of great help, you have been a guide, the first person besides Emma and Daniel to whom I opened up, someone I trust … I … I want to thank you, Robin for all of that … you've made a painful process a better one for me".
Robin listens while she speaks and gives her a little squeeze on the hand. It's a simple touch, it's not the first time that he touches her this way, as a way of reassurance and support, but this time it feels different … it feels more personal.
Robin notes Regina is not uncomfortable with him seated next to her, nor with the little touch he just gave her, so he continues "Regina, I'm glad I had been of help. It's my job and as a psychiatrist and therapist I feel rewarded when I get to this point with a patient, where I'm discharging you because you are able to establish healthy relationships with others and, what is even healthier, you have a better understanding of yourself". She is about to answer, but before she can say something, he adds "It's my job, but to be honest it's been a very pleasant one for me… I'd say the most pleasant and rewarding in my career".
At Robin's words, Regina smiles softly and bites her lower lip with that look on her face that makes him melt and almost forget that she is still his patient.
"I think I accomplished what you say, Robin. I feel confident, I can establish relationships with other people, I can function romantically, I can take my own choices acknowledging their consequences, I don't have those negative destructive thoughts anymore …. I did it, Robin!" says Regina visibly excited.
"Yes, you did it! Congratulations, Regina. But you know this is a process. It's not over for you … I might be out of the picture from now on, but from your time in therapy you are prepared to continue on your own. However, Regina, I still need to know something else, because some months ago you told me you weren't happy ... and, I need to know if you are happy now?"
Regina looks down, it seems she's thinking, and after some seconds she says "Well, I'm in peace ….kind of, being honest". And, well that's the truth, she has found peace because, among other things, she had accepted her feelings towards Robin. She is not fighting her feelings anymore…. but happy? She has moments where she's happy, yes, and feels complete … but, she has others where she feels there's something missing.
Robin's answer doesn't take long "Kind of … huh? But that was not my question, Regina. Being in peace and being happy are two different things".
Regina just takes her eyes away from him, looks down, and doesn't answer. She is thinking, that much he can tell. But after some time just staring at her own hands playing with her fingers, she answers "Happiness is about little moments, Robin. Sometimes I have some; other times, I don't …" and she doesn't want to answer more questions about her lack of happy moments, so she just smiles playfully, almost flirty. Robin is sure she is just trying to change the topic, as she usually does when she's uncomfortable, and as she lifts one of her eyebrows in a very suggestive way, she asks "… you know … this is a Christmas Session… so I also get to ask, and I want to know the same about you, Robin … tell me, are you happy?"
Her question catches him off guard, and he is amazed at how quickly she gets over an uncomfortable question and turns the tables on her. And to be honest, after that playful smile, and the look she just gave him… well, he could answer anything she asks.
"Hahaha … Nice move! I asked you first, and you haven't even answered, Regina" replies Robin, but the rules of the session are clear. Either of them can ask, and technically she answered… well half an answer, but still an answer, so he needs to say something, and he does "Being honest, no… I'm not happy … I'm conflicted about something that doesn't let me enjoy the things that usually make me happy".
Robin notices her face of surprise when he admits he has some conflict in his life, but that expression only lasts a few seconds, before her face changes to one in the middle of concern and sadness "Well, isn't this a strange coincidence?, because it's exactly the same for me, Robin", she says "I'm in peace and happy with part of my life, but I'm terribly conflicted with another part … and I just need to put an end to that conflict by making a choice".
Robin mutters an almost imperceptible "A strange coincidence indeed", and he's sure she hears him, because as soon as she lifts her gaze, she finds him looking deeply into her eyes and, for a moment, both are lost in each other's eyes. This is the first time he remembers having a moment like this with her: intimate, personal, definitely beyond a patient/therapist relationship.
Regina hears with surprise Robin's revelation, and when she finds his eyes looking at her in a way she long ago recognized as something beyond a professional concern, she says to herself that she needs to put an end to that moment. From the look in Robin's eyes, she can guess she is part of Robin's conflict: his behavior during their sessions, how he looks at her, his reaction when she shares some information regarding other men, Emma's words …. and, now, this conflict. She needs to find out what's troubling him.
The awkwardness of the moment is interrupted by Regina's intentional "ahem" and Robin is brought back to reality by asking "And have you already made up your mind about this choice?"
Regina only answers "hmmm …. kind of…", smiles at him and he returns the smile, but as soon as he hears what she says next, the big smile he had just one second ago is gone from his face and instead there's an expression of total astonishment "…. and, let me ask … do you know what's conflicting you, Robin?"
She can't believe she just asked him that! Well, it seems Emma was right and the little sips of liquor she took in her car, gave her just the push she needed. Regina waits for Robin's answer and notes he is shocked to say the least.
Robin is speechless. Of course, he knows very well the situation or more precisely the person responsible for the countless nights he spent just staring at the ceiling, picturing her face. So, a single "Yes" is the only word that leaves his mouth, but she seems not to note his uneasiness and just goes on, determined to find the truth about Robin's conflict "… and have you made up your mind on what will you do about it?"
Shit. She doesn't stop asking questions he doesn't want to answer. This is not how Robin imagined their last session, but he reminds himself this Christmas Session thing was his idea and sometimes Regina had been the one subjected to similar interrogation, and never had refused. It'd be unfair if he just stopped answering her questions, so he answers "hmmm … kind of".
And, there's when Robin watches Regina's eyes glowing with excitement and a big beautiful smile on her face, and he knows he's fucked … he is sure that she has something in mind … he realizes she just came up with an idea and suddenly is terrified, because he knows that Regina is a bold woman, a courageous one, a confident one (now, thanks to therapy) and he is well aware that if she is determined she will succeed in making him answer any question, also those he doesn't want to answer at all.
#######
Robin isn't wrong.
Regina is determined by any means to find the truth behind Robin's conflict. With her husband's death she learned to take chances, so this time she won't let this opportunity slip through her fingers. For months she has felt he was interested in her, but couldn't act upon his feelings; and, more recently she has had some indications that she might be right. She knows that there are no objective facts, it might only be a hunch but, still she has to know the truth …. And her eyes glow when she realizes she has the perfect opportunity to find out: the Christmas Session.
Suddenly, she begins saying "So, what do you say if during this Christmas Session, and our last one, we both share what's conflicting us … and it will be like a test, you know… at least for me … it will prove if I am capable enough to make a healthy choice …" Robin hears relieved what Regina says and thinks it's not that bad. What would be the harm with this? He only needs to be smart enough to answer ambiguously, and if he couldn't, there is still the one rule of the Christmas Session, which establishes that they can refuse to answer a question that makes any of them feel uncomfortable.
Robins feels Regina is not done talking, waits for her to continue but when she doesn't say a word he does "Seems fair to me. Do you want to begin?"
She nods her head in approval and then she just says something that will change everything for them "Okay … but, I think we should make a change and go on with no rules … no possibility of withholding an answer. What do you say?"
Robin can't believe what he hears. She just changed the rules of his Christmas Session technique, and he's supposed to be the qualified professional, the therapist and the one that defines where each session goes. This woman is amazing!
And while he's thinking about how awesome, beautiful, gorgeous and sexy she is, she just says "I'm conflicted with my feeling towards someone".
Well, this revelation is definitely something Robin doesn't expect at all. He remembers still that July afternoon, just some months ago, when Regina told him she was conflicted because she was interested in someone different than Graham, her boyfriend at that time; and, remembers quite well that was the reason she ended that relationship. But, as months went by, she never mentioned this issue again and still was single, so he thought she had moved on.
Robin can't hide his disappointment and only gets to ask "Is this 'someone' the same guy of some months ago?"
As soon as Robin finishes talking, Regina realizes she has been right just from the sadness in his eyes, his expression of shock and disappointment and the tone of his voice.
Her answer comes in a whisper, quiet, almost for no one to hear, but, oh … he does hear and very clearly the "yes" that escapes her mouth. But, as soon as she finishes answering, she has second thoughts about all this, because Robin might think she's interested in some other man. Still, she thinks, it's worth the risk.
Robin needs to ask something more because he is confused. Since last July Regina had not given any signs this man even existed, and now she brings this up? Maybe this is his opportunity to figure out why she didn't mention again this man, so he continues asking "You never mentioned him again … I … thought things between you two cooled down".
"Well, it's complicated … hmm… I never mentioned him again because even though we still see each other… hmm regularly, it's like if we are stuck. I don't know for sure if my feelings are reciprocated and also …hmm…. it would be an inappropriate relationship… so I guess we don't have a future, at least right now."
Robin watches her struggle to find the right words, talking slowly and pausing several times; and he is astonished to say the least. He had planned to tell Regina how he felt after the session ended, but now, everything has changed. How would he say something like that, when she just admitted she is interested in someone else?
Robin still finds something in him to continue with this torture and asks "Is he married?" Maybe the bastard is married, and that's why Regina considers it an inappropriate relationship. His mind is full of thoughts, possibilities and speculations but none of them is helping. He tries to focus on her answer, a "No" that leaves her mouth almost as a silent cry.
"I don't understand Regina. What's the problem then? Or is he a priest, or something like that? Or your best friend's boyfriend?" continues asking what he very well knows are absurd options because he is aware there are lines Regina would never cross.
"None of the above" answers Regina, but before Robin can ask again she says "Okay, I've answered enough. It's your turn now. What's your conflict,
Robin looks at her, directly at her beautiful caramel eyes, and says "It's something like yours …. It's funny, but it is… I'm interested in someone … had been for a while … a whole year to be exact".
He doesn't know if it is his idea but he notices her eyes glow with excitement for a fraction of a second …. Maybe it's just his idea, he thinks.
But that revelation gives her the last clue, and the confirmation she just needs. He said "a whole year", and that's exactly the Christmas Session of last year, the session where Robin had an outburst after one of Regina's revelations, an odd behavior indeed that hid Robin's true feelings towards her …. Emma had been right!
Regina only says "One year? That's a long time. What happened? Did she reject you?"
"No. I haven't shared my feelings with her. Haven't even dated her" he admits almost embarrassed of the way this is going to sound to her, but still it is the truth.
"But, why? A whole year and you couldn't date her?" continues Regina, and her face can't hide the fact that she is totally intrigued by this.
"Well, it's complicated. She was in a relationship with another man, so I couldn't act upon my feelings towards her, and when she broke up with him, some months ago, it would have been inappropriate".
Oh God! He is just faced with the fact that both, him and her, are interested in someone that is somehow inappropriate for them. In his case he knows it's because that person is his patient, but he is in the dark about Regina's person of interest.
Regina is now convinced that he's talking about her and that this can't be a coincidence, so she continues asking, maybe with the intention that it'd be him the one that voices this revelation "But why? Was she married, and maybe she still is? I don't understand….if she broke up with someone she is free and has no commitment to the other guy".
He only replies "Let's say it would have still been inappropriate".
After his answer there's an odd silence, in which each of them seems to be lost in their own thoughts.
#######
Robin is an intelligent, perceptive and empathetic man. As a man of science, because he is a medical practitioner, he is drawn to objective facts, but as a man that deals on a daily basis, at work, with people's emotions, he is able to anticipate what his patients are thinking and what their choices and reactions would be. But, after hearing that Regina is still interested in someone else, he is confused, disappointed and disconcerted.
He is running out of options and doesn't know what to do next. This is not how he thought to share his feelings with her. Maybe, it'd be better if he just finishes the session the best way he can, and says good bye to her, at least that way he won't be making a fool of himself and perhaps, he still can call her later with the excuse to check on her. Yes. That's what he needs…. just to wait until this session is over, but still he wants to be sure the conflict Regina has doesn't trigger some behaviors that she already overcame. He is still her therapist and Regina's wellbeing is the priority.
So, decided to lead this session in other direction and trying to gather some more information, Robin continues "Okay, Regina. It's enough on my side. I see we both have similar personal stuff going on in our lives. I just want to make sure you'll be fine and that the issue that's conflicting you doesn't arise the anxiety levels you showed in the past".
Regina just hears, looks at him, doesn't smile and only says "I told you Robin when I arrived that I got over all those issues. This conflict is already solved, because I made a choice before I came here today, but still I need something from you".
"And what do you need?"
"I need you to answer three questions honestly", says Regina and when he nods she begins "First, I need you to ask if you are still seeing this woman, the one you are interested in?"
Robin only says "I am" and as soon as he finishes, Regina continues "When this woman broke up with her boyfriend, last July, did she say it was because she was interested in someone else?"
Robin is shocked.
He is sure he has not mentioned in this session that the conversation between him and this woman happened in July nor that this woman was interested in someone else, so if Regina is asking about what she released to him while in therapy it means she has realized he's talking about her … no! …it can't be! …but still he has to answer and he says "She did say that".
He watches Regina and observes on her a face of satisfaction, but the last question she asks makes his knees go weak "Is this woman your patient?"
Holy shit! He is abruptly faced to deal with the truth and to just tell her right there that he's crazy about her, madly in love, that he craves for her … and being aware that this was the moment of truth he says, looking directly into her beautiful brown eyes, "Indeed she is … until today".
Regina is astonished with the revelation.
Robin can tell she wasn't expecting this and is in shock. Still, Robin needs to know something more. These odd coincidences… She just figured out he had been talking about her all the time, and what if … what if she had also been talking about him. Yes, it could be possible. Everything fits right in place: she has feelings for someone else, for months, she continues seeing him regularly, she says that it'd be an inappropriate relationship… and a patient / therapist relationship is just that.
He has to ask. He needs to ask.
They both stare deeply at each other. Robin's heart beats quickly and loudly, he is sure Regina can hear its beating. He knows he doesn't have nothing left to lose, so he breaks the silence and only says "May I answer one question?"
She doesn't say a word. Just nods, still in shock. And he shoots "Is the man you're interested in your therapist?"
Regina just looks into his eyes with tears, and only an imperceptible "yes" leaves her beautiful mouth … and, it's like if time stands still in that precise moment and everything but them cease to exist. They just look at each other, both with tears in their eyes, visibly emotional about the revelation that just hit them: both have had feelings for the other one for months.
Robin is the one that talks first, he takes her hands very gently in his, almost as if asking for permission to touch her, and says "Regina … this … this isn't the way I expected or planned to share this with you. I'm sorry. Technically you're still my patient and that's exactly the reason why I was waiting to end the whole process with you, and finally discharge you".
"Don't be sorry, Robin. I'm glad this is out. I couldn't handle it anymore…. This was eating me alive".
They both can't hide the excitement in their eyes but Robin is the one to talk first "So? What's next, Regina?" She only says "I just need to ask you one more question".
And at his "Go on", she asks him "Am I discharged?" and he replies with a big smile on his face "I guess you are".
"So, this means you're not my shrink anymore?"
"I'm not"
"Okay, then I guess this is next" and he watches with excitement and nervousness how she closes the distance slowly, approaching him, and before he has time to react he feels her lips on his.
#######
Robin has imagined many times what would be to kiss her. These thoughts had filled his mind in moments where he had been alone, all by himself; other times, while he had been in therapy with her; and, other times, this had happened in his dreams. But nothing he had imagined or dreamt of, prepared him for what kissing her in real life is.
Her lips are soft and gentle. She kisses him tenderly, and he returns the kiss the instant he feels her lips on his. She tastes like some liquor mixed with peppermint …. It is a delicious mix. The kiss is slow and soft, just as if they both are savoring what they both had craved for so long.
They are both still seating on the couch and are facing each other. Robin needs to touch her, a complete year he had been deprived of this, so he slides a little on the couch to be closer to her. Their knees are touching, and he takes one of his hands to Regina's neck, interlocking her hair with his fingers. His other hand goes to her back, caressing it in a slow up and down movement.
As soon as he puts his hand on her back, he feels both her hands on his arms, and thinks they must have gotten closer without noticing because he can feel her breasts pressed to his chest … and, he is sure she must have felt something or it's just a coincidence because both opened their mouths at the same time to begin a more intimate exploration of the other one.
Robin feels a sensation of electricity that goes exactly to a part of his anatomy that soon will be very evident to Regina; and, he doesn't know for sure if this is because of how Regina´s tongue feels or because of the erotic "mmm" she emits.
When both of them part, the only sounds that are heard in the room are their agitated breaths. Robin is the first one to speak "You can't even begin to imagine how much I wanted to kiss you". He watches her smile, take her eyes away from him and bite her lower lip, and the only thing he thinks on is that he wants to kiss her again; and, in almost a whisper, he gets to say "Come here".
Regina closes the distance again and, now, is Robin the one who kisses her first. The kiss is almost innocent, at first, only little kisses; but, seconds later it becomes a hell of an openmouthed kiss, fierce, passionate, eager…
They kiss … the only sounds in Robin's office are the ones that come from them, some mmmmms that are difficult to identify from which of them are. However, despite the way they're kissing now, they're still seating on the coach facing each other; and, none of them ventures further, nor touches the other one in a more daring way.
They continue kissing, but now their hands wonder on the other's body. His, all over Regina's back and waist; and hers on Robin's arms and chest…
He needs more, he knows that but he doesn't want to push her, so he decides that it's her the one in charge.
When the kiss ends, both are obviously very turned on. Well, it's more evident for him, and Regina just smiles at the realization of the effect she has on him.
Robin notes that Regina has not said a word since they kissed, and he waits, just staring at her and kissing her forehead. It seems she's thinking. He can say she's comfortable… but he needs to know what comes next for them. He doesn't want this to be a onetime thing. For him, this is not a simple attraction. He is in love with her, so he wants this to last.
But when he is about to talk, Regina clears her throat and says "I think we need to talk, Robin". He is glad to have the opportunity to have a conversation with her about their future, and responds "Yes. I think we do".
Robin begins saying "Regina … hmm, look, I need to be honest with you. I've been developing feelings towards you for a long time, and I really need you to know that this is not an infatuation. I have waited. I thought this would pass, but it didn't. It's been a whole year, so I've had enough time to be sure about this … and believe me, this is serious, ….but I … need to hear what does this mean for you?".
Regina smiles, and just says "Well, I had some suspicions that you were attracted to me … but hearing you say it'd been a year… I'm surprised."
"Regina, you are not answering me…. but, don't …. don't answer yet."
Regina's look of interrogation is enough for Robin to realize that he needs to elaborate, and he does "I think that we do need to talk, but not here. My office is the place where I treated you and where we developed a relationship therapist-patient, a relationship that is over now. So, we better talk elsewhere … Do you want to join me for a drink?"
Regina watches her clock and realizes it's almost 7:30 pm, and remembers she has the evening free. Her son is with Emma, they went for some Christmas shopping and he will spend the night at Emma's place. It's a tradition they have every year, on the day before winter break and one that Henry loves, because Emma is just like another child, so they watch a movie, eat lots of unhealthy high-calorie food and stay up late… One day off fromHenry's routine won't matter because the next day he doesn´t have to go to school … so, there´s no excuse for her to decline Robin's offer.
"Okay. Lead the way" answers Regina as she stands up.
#######
They leave the office holding hands.
It's not that late, but with Christmas just in a few days, the waiting room is empty and even Robin has dismissed Tink just after Regina arrived because he knew there wouldn´t be any other patient. They are relaxed, and when they are just about to cross the doorstep and close the door behind them, they realize they're not alone.
It's a loud "Holy shit! I knew it!" that echoes in the empty room, and when Robin and Regina turn around to see the person responsible for interrupting their bliss, they see that Tink has been just behind her desk and they haven't seen her, well, because both their minds have been wondering in other things, and in what was about to be addressed in their conversation.
Robin is the one to talk first. Besides, Tink is his secretary, and he has some responsibility for hiring someone that nosy. "Tink! You scared us! I thought you had already left".
"And miss this?" Tink answers visibly excited, gesticulating with her hands in Regina and Robin's direction, and looking directly to their intertwined hands "No way, Robin. I've waited months for this to happen … and I knew today would be the perfect opportunity and the last chance you had to sort things out …. So, no … I didn't leave."
Regina blushes slightly and looks away, embarrassed by the situation. Robin intervenes trying to fix somehow the awkwardness of the moment "Tink, this is not what you are thinking. Regina has finally ended therapy, and we are going to celebrate this". And, well, technically this isn't a lie, Regina just finished a long process, they are no longer a therapist and a patient; and, they are going to have a drink…. He just left aside the fact that they kissed … a lot, actually … and kind of shared their feelings, but Tink doesn't need to know those details.
Also, there are two other reasons why Robin avoided sharing more information with Tink. First, it is that they are just going to talk about them, and their new relationship; and he doesn't even know if he can call whatever it is between them a relationship. So, it's not the right time to share with other people what they don't know yet. And, second, it is that he doesn't know for sure if Regina is comfortable enough to let other people know about their new relationship.
So, this is what he came up at this moment, but it seems this isn't good enough for Regina because Robin notes that she is still uneasy, and he continues to apologize for Tink's impertinent behavior "Regina, I'm so sorry. I'm sure Tink didn't mean to interfere or anything like that …", but then he realizes that Regina might think this was Tink and Robin's doing and …no, no, no … he can't let Regina think that he is such a coward that needed someone else's help in a matter like this "… Regina, I'm totally unaware of Tink's intentions or what she has been thinking about …." he pauses, and in a low voice says "… us".
But, suddenly, as if Tink hasn't been totally out of line just minutes before and hasn't been listening to Robin's efforts to apologize, she just exclaims "Look, the mistletoe!"
And upon Tink's exclamation Robin remembers that some mistletoe in his office or waiting room can't be possible because he had been crystal clear with Tink about Christmas decorations. He clearly had said "No lights that'll make people dizzy, no Christmas Carols that my patients and I will have to hear ad nauseam; and, definitely no mistletoe hanging in the most awkward places, because I don't want to witness make out sessions the whole month", so he is pretty sure this has to be a joke.
"No, Tink. There's no mistle…" begins saying Robin, and as he talks he lifts his gaze and watches in shock the little sprig of mistletoe hanging from his office's doorway. It definitely wasn't there when Regina arrived some hours ago. Tink must have placed it while they were in his office.
"Well, it seems there is, Robin", says Regina with a playful smile "… and I think we have to honor the tradition." Robin can't believe what he's hearing. He just looks at Regina and swallows. He is about to kiss a former patient in front of his secretary, but then he remembers this mistletoe thing and, well, a peck on the lips would do the trick, so really this wouldn't have to be a big deal.
But if Robin thinks that he'd be out off the hook with a peck on the lips, he is wrong, because definitely Regina has other plans in mind. And, in fact, Regina is thinking that if Tink had been aware of Robin's feelings for some time now, and this hadn't been a surprise for her and, on the contrary, Tink had been waiting for this to happen, maybe it would be time to let Tink know the truth in a more evident way.
So, Regina closes the distance, takes Robin by the collar and kisses him.
The kiss seems innocent at first, only joined lips, but then Regina half opens her mouth, and takes Robin's lower lip in hers … it's still not totally inappropriate, but perhaps a little too much for a kiss in front of someone else. However, it seems this is enough to heat things up and forget (or maybe not forget at all) that Tink is still there.
They continue kissing, both open their mouths and when their tongues meet… it's not only that they're kissing, but it's how they're touching the other one. Robin has one of his hands on Regina's neck, his fingers in her hair (it seems he has a thing with her hair); his other arm, embraces her waist strongly pulling her to him in a way that there's no space left between the two of them. Regina has both hands on Robin's arms and is caressing them in a slow sensual movement.
Tink is watching this display astonished, and, well, if she thought that she had made Robin and Regina felt uncomfortable with her comments just minutes before, let's say she is now the one struggling between leaving or continue watching.
When Robin and Regina part, they both turn to look at Tink that is still in shock for what she just witnessed.
None of them say a word. Robin turns to close and lock the door of his office, then turns to Regina and says "Milady, let's go", they hold hands again and begin walking. When they pass by Tink's side Robin says "Tink, please be sure everything is closed and I'll see you after New Year. Happy Holidays!" Tink, is still surprised and tries to seem as if nothing just happened minutes ago, only gets to say "Oh, the same for you Robin, Regina". Regina answers "Merry Christmas, Tink".
Robin and Regina continue walking, and as soon as they arrive at the elevator, both begin laughing at the same time. A loud, relaxed, beautiful, sincere laugh erupts from both of them … maybe because of what just happened, maybe because of Tink's reaction, maybe because of what they are going to discuss just in a few moments.
Still holding hands, waiting for the elevator, he asks "Ready for a new adventure?"
Her answer doesn't make him wait "Indeed I am".
THE END
If you want to know what happens in their conversation or more about this story...just let me know... Thanks for reading.