The house did not take much cleaning up. David had already taken it upon himself to measure the glass in the window, and get a replacement piece that now sat in his truck. Robin had never replaced glass, but with David's help the two men were able to position and properly putty in the piece.
The broken glass was easily swept up, the furniture was set to right, and the mirror was taken down. Robin stashed it in a spare bedroom closet. Granted, the hallway looked bare without it, but he'd let Regina sort that out another time.
Afterwards, Robin took a few moments and figured out Regina's car, following David back to the hospital in it. Granted, he'd only driven a few times since he'd come to Storybrooke, but he couldn't very well let Regina walk home from the hospital.
Whale was outside of Regina's room when they returned. Immediately, Whale raised a hand.
"Don't panic, she can still go home, but we did find something minor."
"What?" Robin was suspicious of any statement that started out with "don't panic."
"It's very minor, and nothing an antibiotic won't clear up," Whale assured him. "But Regina was having some back pain we thought was just another result of the ordeal. But it worsened this morning, so I checked on a couple of things."
"And?" Robin was feeling exasperated.
"Regina has a kidney infection."
That didn't sound simple to Robin.
"Isn't that bad?" How was this man writing it off so easily?
"No," Whale assured him, "they can be serious, but we caught this one early. They can be relatively common in women. The antibiotic she was already on wasn't strong enough to take care of it, so I'll just have to switch them. She can still go home, just make sure she takes her medicines. And if she gets worse, she needs to come back in."
"Of course." That seemed sensible enough to Robin. But he did wonder just how hard it was to get Regina to take medication. He proceeded to slip passed Whale into the room.
Emma and Henry were sitting on either side of Regina. Emma immediately got up, letting Robin take her place.
"You waited until after I left for an unknown ailment?" Robin ducked his head to kiss her. He liked the way Regina smiled at him under her dark lashes. It was real….like the woman he knew was coming back.
"It's nothing serious." She assured him.
"So everyone says." Robin draped an arm around her.
"Ok, Kid," Emma tapped Henry on the shoulder. "We need to head out."
"And we're going to Mom's house, right?" Henry prompted. Emma gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Hey, as much as I know you'd like that, your mom really needs to get some rest right now." Henry turned anxiously to Regina, giving her a look to prompt her to counter Emma's statement. Robin held his breath for a moment, but was pleased when Regina shook her head.
"You know I'd love to have you at home, but I really don't think I'm up to it today." At Henry's disappointed expression, Regina took his hand. "But tomorrow, I can't wait for you to come over."
"We'll go over first thing tomorrow morning," Emma promised him. "I'm sure your mom will be feeling better then." Regina nodded, pushing Emma's point.
"Ok," Henry finally relented. Regina reach out and tussled his hair. Henry gave her a warm smile before reaching out to hug her. Regina embraced him tightly.
"Now go on with Emma. I'll text you when we get home and situated." Henry leaned in for another hug and kiss, and then got up from the bed. Emma gave them both a quick wave from the doorway before guiding Henry out.
Robin wrapped his arm around Regina and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm glad you told him not tonight."
"Well, it wasn't because I wanted to." Regina leaned into him. "But I thought of all those years I didn't feel well and wished I could have a few moments piece to recuperate alone. As much as I love Henry, I finally have a chance to recover."
"Are you really not feeling well?" Robin asked, stroking her hair. Regina shrugged, making a face.
"I'm very tired. And my back does hurt. But I think I'll feel better in my own bathtub. And my own bed."
"With me," Robin kissed her cheek.
"With you," Regina smiled, lacing her fingers through his.
***Scene***
Whale disconnected the IVs and gave Regina a handful of pill bottles and paperwork before agreeing she could go.
She dressed in the pair of black cashmere slacks and the pale purple sweater Snow had brought for her. Since Snow hadn't grabbed her a coat, Robin wrapped his own around her.
"I like that color on you," he told her as they walked to the car. Regina snorted.
"I bought this sweater online three years ago. I ordered it in cream. They sent it in lavender. I waited too long to return it. I think it's hideous."
"It's beautiful." Robin pulled the car keys out of his pants pocket. Regina gave him a look of alarm.
"You're driving?"
"I drove here," Robin soothed her, "and I've done it a few times. It can't be that hard."
"I'll drive." Regina reached for the keys. "You don't even have a license."
"Neither did you when the first curse hit," Robin smiled, "you figured it out. Come on, you're in no shape to drive."
"We're driving across town, not to Boston." Regina grumbled. But she gave up arguing and got into the car.
***Scene****
Robin noticed Regina tense up when they entered the house. She froze in the hallway, staring. Robin reached out, gently rubbing her back.
"Come on, let's get you upstairs, out of these clothes and into a hot bath. After that, I'll go out and get us some dinner."
"Why don't you go now?" Regina turned to face him. Robin opened his mouth to protest, but Regina shook her head. "I really don't want to be alone here after dark. Please…if you're going to go, go now and be back quickly."
Robin felt like his heart was breaking for her. His Regina-frightened to be alone in her own house.
"Ok," he leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I'll be back in just a few moments." Regina nodded.
"I'll take a bath…and be in bed."
"You do that." Robin nuzzled her forehead against his own. "What do you want to eat?"
"I don't have a taste for anything." Regina answered him honestly. "I'll eat whatever you bring for me."
"Fair enough." Robin kissed her. "I'll be right back."
He left, locking the front door behind him. Regina stood in the hallway, staring into the living room as she wrapped her arms around herself.
She heard the shatter of glass, but he was in the room too quickly…before she could really think about it. And something, something was stopping her magic.
Regina shivered. Maybe if she went upstairs, she'd feel better. She started slowly up the staircase.
Her last option was running. Without magic, she had no other choice. So it's what she did. If she could make it out the front door, she was fine….
Regina spun around, her eyes jerking to the mirror. The wall was empty. No doubt Robin's doing to keep her from thinking about it. It hadn't worked. Idly, her fingers pressed to the bandage covering the cut on her forehead.
Her legs felt weak. Maybe it was just lack of food, or fever from the kidney infection, but regardless she thought she was going to faint.
She sunk down onto the stairs, staring at the entryway. She couldn't be alone here….wasn't sure if she'd ever feel safe here again.
****Scene****
Robin entered Granny's, and felt all eyes turn on him. Most apparent was Granny, who was behind the counter.
"How's Regina?" She asked as he strolled over to the counter. Robin let his hands rest on the counter, sighing.
"Tired. Sick-literally. She has a kidney infection on top of all the other aches, pains, and general misery she's already going through." Granny winced.
"Poor thing. What can I get you?"
"I don't know. Burger and fries I guess. What does Regina usually order when she comes in?"
"Depends. She's partial to the apple pancakes."
"No," Robin shook his head. "She needs something more substantial. What else?" He hadn't eaten with Regina much, but he couldn't imagine she was big on burgers and fries. Granny considered for a few minutes.
"Well, she eats the lasagna." Robin shook his head again, more firmly again.
"No. The sauce might be too much for her stomach right now. What else?"
"Well, I guess there's the meatloaf," Granny clicked items off in her head. "Wait, she's been eating the chicken stir fry I just started making. That might be good for her."
"That sounds reasonable," Robin nodded. "Just get everything together a quick as you can. I need to get back."
"I'll do it right now." Granny gave him a reassuring smile before patting his arm. "Dessert?"
"Maybe. I don't care." He doubted Regina would eat it, and he had no taste for it. But with the boys in the house, it surely wouldn't go to waste.
"What kind of salad dressing for her?"
"I have no idea. You've been bringing her food longer than I have." He hoped he didn't come across too frustrated. Granny gave a look of acceptance.
"I'll send you both regular Italian and Creamy Italian. She doesn't always get the creamy, but it might be good right now. She needs calories."
"She will disagree." That made them both laugh.
Granny brought bags of food to him. She also placed a Styrofoam to go cup with a lid in front of him.
"What's that?" He asked curiously.
"Cranberry juice." Granny informed him. "Make sure she drinks it-no matter what." Robin snorted, holding back his laughter. He didn't know why he felt like laughing. Maybe he was finally that exhausted.
"I will. Also," Robin squinted at a shelf behind the counter, "can you give me a bottle of Sam Adam's Boston Lager?" Granny gave him a disapproving look.
"Don't let Regina have any. She doesn't need that right now."
"Oh I promise you, that's not for her." Granny laughed harder this time as she finished ringing up his order.
****Scene****
Robin let himself into the house, hands full of bags.
"Regina?" He called into the quiet house. No answer. Putting the food in the kitchen, he made his way upstairs.
He expected to find Regina curled up in bed, but she wasn't. The bathroom door, however, was closed and locked.
"Regina?" Robin knocked on the door. "Let me in."
From the other side, the lock clicked. Robin pushed it open. Regina was sitting in the bathtub that was filled with water that was coated with a fine layer of soap bubbles. Her forehead rested on her knees that were pulled up to her chest. She raised her head as he entered, her dark hair stuck to her damp face in an un-Regina-like mess.
"Hey," he sat down on the edge of the large tub beside her. "How are you feeling?" There was a collection of band aids beside him. Taking her hand, he examined her fingers. They were still red, but not the way they had first been.
"Tired." Regina pulled her hand away and rubbed her eyes She shoved her hair out of her face. Beads of water dripped from her hands and made the dark tresses along her hairline wetter.
"Then we should get you into bed," Robin rested his hand on her back. "But I got chicken stir fry from Granny's, and I think you need to try and eat some of it."
Regina stared at the soap swirling on the water's surface.
"Ok, I'll try."
"Good." Robin kissed her temple as his arm slipped tighter around her. "Then maybe we can settle down for awhile. Watch some of that show you got me into for awhile…what was it again?"
"Scandal." That got the first faint smile from her.
"Ah, right." Robin nuzzled her hair, smiling at the memory. "You get out and get dried off. I'll find you some clothes."
While Regina let the water out of the tub and dried off, Robin found a pair of pajamas with a navy tank top and navy and white checked pants in the closet. Regina pulled them on before grabbing a brush and yanking it through her tangled hair. Her hair fell almost to its normal zest.
In the kitchen, Regina's hunger got the best of her and Robin watched as she ate the salad without much thought and then started on the stir fry. For a moment, he thought of suggesting she slow down, but decided he was just happy she was eating.
"Here, you need to drink this." He pushed the Styrofoam cup in front of her. Regina arched a brow.
"What is that?"
"Cranberry juice. Granny said you need it. And did you take your medicine?"
"No, and I don't like cranberry juice unless it has vodka in it."
"Well, that certainly isn't happening." Robin got up. He found the pill bottles in Regina's purse. Placing them before her, he brought her a glass of water. "You supposedly need both."
Regina laid down her fork, strategically twisting off the childproof bottle cap. She shook one tablet into her pain before popping it into her mouth and downing it with a swig of water. She popped off the plastic cap on the Styrofoam cup and frowned as she sipped the red fluid inside.
"This is so bitter." Robin opted to see for himself. He pulled the cup over to take a quick drink.
"That is terrible. Don't think I've ever had it before. And it's supposed to help?"
"Supposedly it's good for kidney health." Regina picked up her fork again, this time to begin pushing her food around her plate. Robin allowed it for a few minutes as he finished his beer. Finally, he reached over and laid his hand over hers.
"Why don't we clean this up?" Regina looked at him. He saw a mixture of emotions on her face. He wanted to reach out, hold her. But he let her call the shots, and Regina simply got up and scraped the rest of her food into a plastic container, snapped on the lid and put it into the refrigerator.
They cleaned up what little was in the kitchen. Then Regina settled onto the den's sofa. Robin crawled on with her, using the blanket from the back of the sofa to cover them. Regina showed him once again how to work the DVR-even he had to admit he was rusty-and then snuggled into his chest. Robin wrapped his arms around her. For the first time in days, he finally felt like she was safe.
Robin woke up. He had been sleeping for an undetermined period of time. In his arms, Regina twitched. She moaned a little, jerking against him.
"Hey," Robin stroked her hair, "shush. It's ok." Regina woke up with a gasp. Neither of them had to discuss what she was dreaming about.
"It's after nine." Robin rubbed her arm gently. "We slept through dinner."
"Mm, you should eat something." Regina stretched, letting her head come to rest on the arm of the sofa.
"You too." Robin patiently nudged her. "Come on, let's go."
They ate the pie Granny had included, plus tea Regina made. She was so eerily quiet. Robin hated that. He wondered just what was going on in her head.
Regina got up from the table first. She began putting the dishes into the dishwasher. Robin quietly put the trash into the garbage can and wiped down the table and counter tops. When he turned next, Regina was leaning against the counter. Her eyes were glued to the back door. Robin knew immediately what she was thinking. Going to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"More TV? Or should we just go upstairs to bed?"
"Bed." Regina rested her hands over his. Robin kissed her cheek.
"Go. I'll lock up." Regina turned, shaking her head no.
"I…want to watch."
"Well, not usually the type of things people want to watch, but all right." He gave her a quick smile as he checked the back door. Regina turned off the lights before taking his hand and following him to the other room. They turned off the TV, killed the downstairs lights, and checked the lock on the front door before they went upstairs.
As she washed her face in the master bath, Regina reminded herself that Sidney would not come into the house with Robin here. But he was out there…and not coming in didn't mean he wasn't watching the house…watching them.
Regina gasped in horror. Robin-dressed in his boxer shorts and undershirt-appeared in the doorway.
"What is it?"
"Nothing." Regina grabbed a towel, pressing the rough terry cloth to her face. "Nothing."
She was lying to him. He knew that. She knew that he knew. But there were so many things that could be upsetting her, what was the point in pressing it?
Robin moved to her, laying his large hand on her back.
"Come on. Bedtime."
She went willingly, ignoring the fact that she was about to go to bed in pajamas she'd worn half the day. Instead, she simply crawled under the covers and let Robin fold her into his arms. His fingers stroked her sides and his breath was warm on her throat.
She couldn't deny that she was tired.
"I love you." He told her, kissing her cheek.
"I love you too." Regina reached for his hand, yanking it against her abdomen to lace her fingers through his. She fell asleep clinging tightly to him.
***Scene****
Sidney's hands were on her body. They tugged up the hem of her skirt, pushing it well over her thighs. Regina couldn't pull away, couldn't scream, couldn't defend herself. Nothing worked. She could only lie there and let him touch her.
He was pressed against her, his body moving in hers. Of all the things in her life Regina thought would happen to her, this wasn't one of them. She tried to pull away, but he held her tightly. His fingers were bruising her skin. She-.
Regina woke up with a small scream. She was no longer trapped in Sidney's cage. She was in her own still dark bedroom, in her own bed. Beside her, Robin was asleep on his back, but his right arm feel in the way she knew he'd been holding onto her.
She thought about getting out of bed, going and taking a shower. Maybe if she scrubbed enough, she could take the feel of his hands off of her body. There had to be a way. There had to be a way to take it away…to stop remembering how his hands felt on her….how he felt inside of her.
Her eyes fell on Robin. She supposed there was one other way she could make it stop.
Leaning down to him, she pressed her lips against his. Robin stirred awake, surprised and started to pull back. But Regina wrapped an arm around him and held him close.
"Wake up." She breathed against his lips.
"What are you doing?" He breathed back. "Regina, we shouldn't-."
"Yes, we should." Her hand slipped under the waistband of his shorts, fully encircling him.
"Regina, no." He made an attempt to push her back. "You're sick, and you're hurt, and you're-."
"Robin." Regina held his eyes. "I need you. I need this. Please. I have to get the feel of him off of me…out of me. I need to replace his touch with yours. Please."
Her fingers were moving all the while she spoke. And maybe it was just the time of day, or maybe it was just her, but his body wanted to.
Regina caught his moment of weakness and crawled on top of him. Robin gave up the fight and let his hands push up her top. Satisfied, Regina leaned down to seal her lips over his, and Robin forgot his objections.
****Scene****
They awoke to the sound of Regina's phone ringing.
"What is that?" Robin muttered, not opening his eyes or lifting his head.
"Text message." Regina groaned, forcing herself to sit up. She reached for the phone on the nightstand. "Henry wants to come over." She rubbed her eyes to wake herself up.
"Now?" Robin asked, staring up at the ceiling. He looked at his watch. It was after nine. It wasn't unthinkable company would want to come over.
"Yes." Regina stretched, and Robin took the moment to enjoy the sight of her beautiful body.
"Can he give us an hour?"
"He's a teenaged boy, he can do whatever we tell him to do." Robin had to laugh. Regina finally sounded a bit like herself. She sent the text before lying back down on the bed beside him.
"I need to shower."
"Ok." Robin pulled her head to his. "How do you feel today?" Regina weighed her choices. She was still sore, and the nagging pain in her lower back told her the kidney infection wasn't fully gone.
"All right I suppose. My back still hurts a bit."
"We probably didn't do it any good a few minutes ago…." Robin almost felt guilty. He'd known they probably shouldn't have done that. Regina reached out, laying her hand on his.
"What we did made me feel worlds better. Don't worry. I'm fine. I'm going to take a shower."
"I'll start some breakfast." Robin slipped out of bed, reaching for his boxer shorts that had landed on the floor.
"Just be careful. I know how difficult it can be going between the Enchanted Forest kitchens and here."
"Ye of little faith." Robin kissed the top of her head before reaching down to the side of the bed for his shirt. "I'm better than you think."
And he was. When Regina came downstairs fully dressed, breakfast was on the table. They ate together before Robin went upstairs to shower, and Regina loaded the last of the dishes into the dishwasher and started it up