It all started with a cup of coffee. Or rather, a refill of one. He had stood next to her table, dark green apron over his gray shirt and blue jeans as he held a pot of coffee. She had gotten lost in his bright blue eyes and the dimples that had formed as he smiled so he had to repeat himself. "Can I get you a refill?" his accented voice asked.

She blinked a few times before recovering her senses. "No, thank you. I think I've had enough."

"Exams?" he asked, looking at the books spread over her table. When she nodded, she gave her a sympathetic smile. "Me too. Once I'm off my shift, I'll be hitting the books as well."

"When do you have time to sleep?"

He laughed. "Right now, I don't. I can sleep when I'm dead."

"That doesn't seem too healthy."

"And seven cups of coffee is?" He raised an eyebrow before holding out his hand. "Robin."

She took his hand, shaking it. "Regina."

He glanced around and seeing that there were only a few patrons in the café, he slid into the seat across from her. "So, where do you go?"

"Columbia," Regina said. "Like my mother, so I guess I'm a legacy."

Robin nodded. "I'm attending Brooklyn College."

"Really? What brought you to Brooklyn from…some place in England?"

He laughed. "I'm from a small village there, yes. Wasn't fond of the small town life and so I ran away to a big city."

"So you came to New York rather than London because…?"

"I wanted a complete change of pace," he said. "Have I passed?"

Regina laughed, realizing she was grilling him. "Yes, sorry. Turn about it fair play, so fire away."

"You from here in New York?"

She nodded. "We live up in Westchester but I'm staying at Mother's company apartment while I'm studying."

"Big expensive one?" he asked.

"Does it really matter?" she shot back before sighing. "But yes. Mother's company is very affluent and wouldn't pay for anything that was…subpar."

He chuckled. "Her words?"

"You can tell?" She then dissolved into giggles, shaking her head. "Maybe I need to go to sleep."

"Maybe you do."

"So should you," she said.

He nodded. "Maybe I should. But I have a couple hours left on my shift."

"Well, you better get some rest afterwards. Got it?" She stood and gathered her books. "Have a good night, Robin."

"You too, Regina." He stood, moving back behind the counter. She felt his eyes on her as she exited the café, a stupid smile on her face.

Regina returned to the café several times over the next month. She would set herself up with her books and her laptop at the same table, one of the ones he covered. And then she would do her work while drinking coffee. Most nights, he'd join her once the café emptied out and they would talk until she would excuse herself, not wanting to be stuck on the subway at an ungodly, unsafe hour.

"Why do you keep coming here?" he asked her after several weeks. "Certainly there are cafes in Manhattan. So why do you keep coming to Brooklyn?"

She shrugged. "I like the coffee."

"Really?" He raised his eyebrow. "Well, I'm sure management would love to know that our coffee is worth a trip across the East River."

"Well, why else would I come here?"

"Maybe for the company." He winked at her.

She gave him a look. "Don't flatter yourself."

"So the coffee just tastes best from this particular table during my shift?"

"It's out of the way and lets me do my work in peace."

Robin smiled, leaning forward. "Dunno. Pretty sure you're stalking and flirting with me."

"I'm not flirting with anyone," Regina shot back. "I have no use for a relationship."

"Busy with school?"

"I don't believe in love. It doesn't exist, so why bother looking for it?"

Robin frowned, leaning forward. "You really believe that?"

"Yes," she replied, meeting his eyes. "If had you lived with my parents, you'd understand why."

"So because your parents' marriage was bad, you swore off love?"

"It was more complicated than that," Regina replied. She crossed her arms. "Is this where you try and convince me that love is real and amazing and I shouldn't close myself off from it?"

Robin tilted his head. "I could but I doubt anything I say could get you to change your mind."

"Good," Regina replied, ready to move on from this topic.

"So I'm going to show you."

She groaned, leaning back in her seat. "Really?"

"Really," he replied. "Are you free tomorrow? And don't lie."

"Like you would know."

He raised an eyebrow and she knew he was going to challenge her. "Would you like to test me?"

"I have an honor society meeting tomorrow night. I'm the secretary so I can't miss it." She met Robin's eyes and waited for his verdict.

Robin narrowed his blue eyes before nodding. "You pass. That's the truth. Okay, are you free the next night?"

"Study group."

"Now that is a lie."

She frowned, crossing her arms. "What makes you say that?"

"Someone who comes all the way to Brooklyn to study strikes me as someone who doesn't want to study with others," he said, raising his eyebrow in another challenge.

Regina threw up her hands. "Fine, you caught me. I'm free on Saturday night."

"Great!" Robin stood, smiling. "Meet me here. Dress nice but not fancy."

It was her turn to raise her eyebrow. "What are we doing?"

"That is a surprise." He winked at her before disappearing into the kitchen.

Regina sat there, staring toward the swinging metal doors as she chewed her pen. Though she wasn't sure why, she found she was excited for her date.

Two days later, Regina approached the café with a pounding heart. She had spent the afternoon planning her outfit, often telling herself it didn't matter. It was just a stupid challenge that would end with Robin realizing what she already knew—love wasn't real. He'd admit she was right and they would move past this.

Robin was waiting outside for her, wearing a blue polo shirt and nice pants. She felt her choice of a jean skirt and nice shirt fit right in with him and she relaxed a bit.

Until he smiled. She had seen it several times since she started going to this café but it seemed different today. For the first time, it made her heart beat faster and she felt like a flustered school girl. "Well," she said, forcing her voice to stay even, "you clean up nicely."

"I do my best," he replied, voice light. It then changed to all sincerity when he said: "You look lovely, Regina."

"Thank you," she replied, praying she wasn't blushing. "It was a bit difficult deciding what was appropriate for our unknown destination."

"I can assure you that you are dressed perfectly. Shall we?" He held out his arm to her.

She gave him an incredulous look. "Really?"

"I plan on wooing you properly."

"Did you just say 'wooing'? What century are you from?"

He chuckled. "I like being old-fashioned. Throws people off."

Regina looped her arm with his and he led down the street toward the water. She glanced around. "DUMBO? That's where we're going?"

"It has a really good place I want to take you to," he explained. "It's really romantic. We can eat right by the water."

"I wouldn't call the East River romantic."

Robin chuckled. "I take it you wouldn't call anything romantic."

They arrived at a restaurant and Robin held the door open for her. He followed her in and a staff member—a rather portly fellow—waved to him. "I have your table ready, Robin. Follow me," he said.

"Thank you, John," he replied, placing a hand on Regina's back. "That's my roommate. He got us a reservation."

"I didn't realize you were so well connected," she teased him.

He winked. "There's a lot about me you don't realize."

Little John motioned to a table for two on the establishment's patio. Robin pulled out her chair and she took it, letting him continue with his ridiculous and over-the-top display of "wooing" her. He thanked his friend as he passed before sitting down across from her.

"So, Regina, what do you want to talk about?" he asked.

She shrugged. "What's romantic?"

"Regina…" Robin sighed. "I want to get to know you."

"You have been doing that at the café. We didn't need to have a date."

Robin studied her before sighing. "You really don't like romance, do you?"

Leaning forward, she shook her head. "I told you love doesn't really exist. If that's the case, then why bother with romance?"

His shoulders sagged. "Fine, you seem set in your ways. So don't think of this as a date. We're just two friends having dinner together."

"Really?" Regina asked, surprised.

Robin nodded. "Really. I want you to have fun and it's clear you won't if I continue treating this like a date."

She should've felt relieved and triumphant—she had won. But Regina felt horrible for ruining his plans. "Thank you," she said softly.

"So, what looks good to you?" Robin asked, opening the menu.

Robin was right. Once they stopped treating it as a date, Regina began to enjoy herself more. They shared a plate of calamari as they talked about anything and everything. As their entrees arrived, Robin confessed to watching romantic comedy movies.

"Really?" she asked, eyebrow raised. "I would've pegged you for an action-adventure kind of guy."

"I like a good action movie but rom coms are my weakness." He looked sheepish, shrugging.

She smirked for a moment before shrugging. "Maybe you'll have to show me some of your favorites one day. Perhaps they'll make me believe in love."

"Now you're just teasing me, aren't you?"

"Yeah," she replied, apologetic. "But I mean it about at least watching them with you."

His eyes widened. "Really?"

"We're friends, right? Friends have movie marathons."

"I like having you as a friend," he said, smiling.

She shrugged. "You're not so bad."

He tossed some bread at her and she let out a squeal. They continued to eat and chat, moving on to their childhoods.

Or at least onto Robin's. He spoke of life in a small village in Essex, growing up with two doting parents who he confessed he did miss. "But they understood I needed to go exploring. And we talk every Sunday," he said.

"Sounds nice," Regina sighed.

He nodded, leaning forward. "What about you? How often do you talk to your parents?"

"I haven't seen my father since the divorce. Mother won't let me," she replied, voice flat. "And I try to avoid talking with my mother unless absolutely necessary."

"You two don't get along?"

"That doesn't even start to describe our relationship." Regina stared at her plate, frowning. "But I don't want to talk about it. We're having a pleasant night out. We shouldn't let my ugly family relationship ruin it."

He took her hand. "Okay. But if you ever want to talk about it, I'm a really good listener."

"Thank you," she replied, softly. They changed the topic but she kept her fingers laced with his for the rest of their meal.

After dinner, he took her on a walk along the riverfront as they shared a pastry from a local bakery. "This may be worth a trip over the bridge," she said, pulling off another piece. She popped it into her mouth and let out a moan of pleasure.

He chuckled. "I knew you would like it. I try to get something from them once a week."

"I'm impressed you show such restraint. If it was me, I'd be getting something from them once a day."

"Well, if I had the money…"

Regina fell silent, forgetting that for as much as she hated her mother, she still financed the good life she lived. She admired Robin for doing it mostly on his own, his parents' contributions not as much as Cora's. "Being rich isn't all it's cracked up to be," she whispered.

"I don't think it is," Robin replied. "I don't want to be rich. I just want a few more dollars here or there for more pastries."

They leaned over the railing, looking at the city skyline across the river. Dusk had fallen and the lights were starting to come on, reflected in the gentle waves of the East River. Regina stared at them, still captivated as she been as a child. "It's so beautiful," she said.

"Yes, it is," Robin replied. "That's what I came here instead of going to London. I thought it was more beautiful."

She turned to look at him, taking in the amazed look on his face. He was handsome and her heart did flutter as he was bathed in the lights from Manhattan. If love did exist, she believed she could fall in love with him.

If only.

Regina and Robin's friendship continued to blossom after that failed date. She made trips over to Brooklyn to visit his small apartment, watching the romance movies he loved and talking about life.

She loved his place. It was cozy and was a reflection of himself, unlike her place. There was a blanket his grandmother had knitted for him when he was kid thrown over the couch and the two often curled up under it during their movie marathons. He had his school books scattered around the apartment—on the coffee table he rescued from a garage sale as well as the kitchen table—and he was always picking up some stray article of clothing when she visited.

"What are we watching today?" she asked, settling on his couch with a bowl of popcorn.

He threw a pair of jeans into his room before shaking his head. "We're not watching anything today."

"We're not?" She frowned. "Then what are we doing?"

"We're going for a walk."

Regina's mouth fell open. "A what?"

"Come on, Regina. You know what it is." He gave her arm a tug. "Come on."

She stood and let him lead her from the apartment. Their fingers were laced together as they strolled down the block from his house, heading to a nearby park. "What is this for?" she asked.

"Fresh air," Robin replied. "We've been cooped up indoors due to the rain for far too long."

Regina crinkled her nose. "Fresh air? This is New York. There is no fresh air."

"We both know that's not true. And doesn't this feel good?"

She had to admit to herself that it did. A warm breeze played with her loose hair, a light scent of flowers and rain in it. It almost felt like summer.

What also felt good was her hand in Robin's. To have their fingers laced together, hands swinging between them with each step. She enjoyed being close to him, to feeling his skin against hers when their arms brushed.

They entered the park, joining other couples walking hand-in-hand in the nice weather. She gave him a look. "I thought you weren't going to convince me romance and love are real?"

"I'm not," he replied, frowning. "We're just two friends going for a walk."

She glanced down at their clasped hands and he pulled away. "Sorry," he said.

"That's okay," she replied. It wasn't but not for the reason she had always thought it would be. She missed the warmth of his hand and the closeness of him.

Robin stuffed his hands in his pockets. "So, are you ready for finals?"

"I think so," she replied. "You?"

He shrugged. "I think I've studied so much, my brain has stopped working."

She laughed. "Is that why we're really taking a walk? So you can jump start your brain?"

"Maybe." He chuckled. "I don't know. Brain's stopped, remember?"

Regina gave his arm a little push, shaking her head. He laughed as they continued on toward a grassy hill. Stopping, he took her hand again. "Ever roll down a hill?"

"Not really. Mother would've killed me if I got grass stains on any of my clothes."

"Then we need to rectify that." Robin sat down and patted the spot next to him. "Come on. You're only young once."

Regina glared at him before sighing as she flopped down next to him. "Only because it's you," she said.

"I'm honored." Robin pressed his hand to his heart. "Now, do you need instructions?"

"I think I can figure out how to roll down a hill."

He smiled. "Okay. I'd only advise covering your face. Just in case."

She rolled her eyes but did as he instructed. "On my count," his muffled voice said. "One, two, three."

Pushing off, Regina rolled down the hill. Her stomach felt like it was flying about her body and the grass felt cool against her exposed skin where her shirt had hiked up. She felt like she was picking up speed and going impossibly fast, likely to crash into something.

But then the ground leveled off and she ended up on her back. Lowering her hands, she stretched her arms out as she watched the first stars appear in the sky. She felt Robin land next to her, his hair brushing the top of her head. "That was a lot of fun," she said.

"Good." He rolled over, his face coming into view. "I like making you smile."

She wasn't sure what changed in her but she found herself craning her head up, pressing her lips against his. He responded eagerly, opening his mouth to let her slip her tongue inside as they deepened the kiss.

They broke apart and he helped her into a sitting position. He laced his fingers with hers again. "I thought you didn't do romance?"

She shrugged. "I guess you made me change my mind after all."

"So I can ask you out on a date now?" he asked.

Regina tilted her head. "I think it's my turn. Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?"

"I'd be honored," he replied. Robin pulled her close again, kissing her. They fell back onto the grass, exchanging lazy kisses as the night fell around them.

Regina paced their apartment, brown eyes darting to the clock every so often. Midnight. One AM. One-thirty. She sighed, hugging herself as she wondered where Robin was. He had been coming home at all hours of the night lately. Usually, she would lay in their bed and pretend to be asleep, listening as he would lock the door and throw the deadbolt. Then he would toss his keys into the bowl they kept by their coat rack. She could see him in her mind's eye toeing off his shoes before he would pad into their room. The bed would dip as he sat, beginning to strip down to his t-shirt and boxers. He'd slip under the covers, kiss her cheek and roll over. She would pick up his discarded clothes in the morning, ignoring the smell of alcohol and perfume on them.

She sat down on their couch, sighing as she rubbed her neck. Her law books were spread out over their coffee table, notes partially completed before she gave up due to being too distracted. Graduation was so close and she was already looking at places to work after school. Robin had been so supportive of her and because of him, she had decided to use her law degree to help make people's lives better as an advocate. Once both of them got more experience, more connections and a little more money, they would start their own organization to help the less fortunate.

Turning her head, she saw the framed picture of her and Robin at his graduation. He had stayed an extra year in school to earn his MPA and had started working for a non-profit that helped inner city kids. It didn't pay as much as they would've liked, especially with Regina going to school fulltime and not working. She had also lost her mother's contributions to her tuition. Cora Mills had ordered Regina to break up with Robin but she had held firm, not wanting to give him up like she had her high school sweetheart Daniel. So Cora had cut her off and kicked her out of the apartment in the city. Robin had immediately found them a new apartment and they moved in together.

Free from her mother's clutches, Regina felt happier than she had in a long time. She was able to reconnect with her father and the two had rebuilt their relationship again. While Henry wasn't as wealthy as his ex-wife, he still had enough money to help with Regina's schooling. He had offered to help them in other ways, but she and Robin had politely refused. Staring at the bills resting on their kitchen table, Regina wondered if maybe it was time for them to swallow their pride and accept some help.

Or perhaps she should get a job. She was able to focus on schoolwork and be gainfully employed. The extra money would help them greatly, she knew. And maybe then things wouldn't be so tense between them. Maybe Robin wouldn't be staying away because he resented her for not doing her part in their relationship.

She curled up on the couch, hugging her knees to her chest. That was what she feared the most—that Robin was coming to resent her. He had promised to show her that love was enough and that they could make it, but she knew there would come a day when she showed him the opposite. She was driving him away with her selfishness like her mother had to her father. But unlike her mother, Regina wanted to fix it. Because she could see a future with Robin, could see them growing old together and could finally believe that love was enough.

A key turned in the lock and she sat up, knowing it was Robin. He opened the door, looking fatigued. Robin closed his eyes as he leaned against the closed door for a few moments before kicking off his shoes. His briefcase fell from his fingers and landed with a dull thud on the floor.

He turned around, frowning. "Regina, what are you doing up? Don't you have class in the morning?"

"I know you've been coming home late," she said. "And that you reek of alcohol. I can smell it from here. What's going on?"

Robin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Can we not do this now? Let's get some rest and we can talk in the morning."

"No. We're going to talk about it now."

"There isn't anything to talk about, really."

Regina frowned, crossing her arms. "There is something. Do you hate me?"

"What?" His head shot up and his eyes grew wide. "No, I could never hate you."

"Really? Then why don't you come home on time anymore?"

He sighed again. "Regina, it's because I hate you."

"You just don't love me anymore."

"What?" His voice came out sounding strangled.

Regina swallowed back her sob, her voice thick. "Is it…Is it another woman? Have you found love with someone else?"

"Regina, stop. That's not…"

"Please, Robin," she sobbed. "Just tell me the truth."

He closed his eyes, nodding. "You're right. I can't do this anymore…"

Regina's blood froze, her heart stopped and she suddenly realized she didn't want to hear the truth. She didn't want Robin to break her heart.

And so she ran.

She ran down the three flights of stairs and out into the chilly spring night. Regina made it to the corner before reality hit her—it was almost three in the morning and she had nowhere else to go. And she hadn't grabbed anything—no wallet, no keys, no phone—that could help her get away from the pain.

"Regina!" A warm coat covered her shoulders and she smelt Robin's familiar aftershave. He turned her to face him, pulling the coat tighter around her. "Please, just let me speak."

"You said you can't do this anymore."

He nodded, taking her hands. "I have been sneaking around, but it's not another woman. It's another job."

"What?" The lump stuck in her throat started to disappear. "Another job? Why? Where? And why didn't you tell me?"

"I took a job as a bartender at a pub close to where I work so I could get a little extra money to help with our bills. And I didn't tell you because you're so close to finishing law school. I know how guilty you feel, like you could be doing more but your studies are so important." He reached into his pocket. "And I was earning more money to help pay for this surprise for you."

He pulled out a blue box and Regina forgot how to breathe. Dropping to one knee, Robin opened it to reveal a simple but beautiful princess cut diamond surrounded by two rubies. He took her hand in his free one. "Regina Mills, I know you have a lot of reservations about marriage. I've met your mother and I understand every one of them."

She let out a watery chuckle and he smiled. "But years ago, I was attracted to a beautiful brunette who always sat at my table. That beautiful brunette told me she didn't believe in love, so I decided to show her she was wrong. Granted, I went about it the wrong way and almost pushed her away, but when I stopped trying I then saw it—the flicker of belief.

"Over time, that flicker grew and you finally believe in love…you believe in me. And I believe in you. I thought I knew everything about love and looking back, I was a fool. You've shown me so much and something tells me that you'll show me more in the upcoming years."

By this point, Regina had tears running down her face which were freezing to her cheeks. She didn't care. This was the best moment of her life so far and she smiled brighter than she ever smiled before.

Robin's smile grew as well. "So, Regina Mills, will you do me the honor of teaching me about marriage for the rest of our lives?"

"Yes," she said, voice hoarse. "I love you so much, Robin."

"I love you too." He slid the ring onto her finger before standing. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her.

She melted into him, surrounded by Robin between him and his jacket. "I'm sorry," she said. "I'm sorry I thought you were cheating."

"I'm sorry I made you think that," he replied, his hand cupping her head. "Now, let's head back upstairs and go to bed. It's late."

Regina nodded, taking his hand. They climbed back up the three flights of stairs and Robin let them back into their apartment. She helped him undress this time, able to put the clothes away without having to wait until morning. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the back of her neck. "I am so lucky to have you in my life," he said.

"And I you," she whispered back.

They climbed into bed, knowing that there was still a lot to discuss between the two of them. An engagement ring didn't make the bills disappear or make groceries any less expensive. But it meant they would face those things together for the rest of their life.

As she laid her head on his chest, she listened to his heartbeat and thought only thing:

Mine.

A/N: Thanks to Chocopic31, both for the idea of this series of one shots over all and for the song suggestion for this chapter.

-Mac