Chapter 9

Regina walked up to him and gathered Robin in her arms. Together they stood there for a long time.

Robin gently placed a kiss on the big red scar that marred Regina's shoulder. She stepped back.

'Don't'

Robin didn't say anything. He let her take the lead and let go. Regina proceeded to put her shirt back on.

'I could do with some coffee' She said and walked to the kitchen. Robin followed quietly. She poured him some coffee and sat down in the livingroom. He joined her and sat across from her.

'I still don't understand, you had every right to defend yourself'

'I was actually stunned that you started to hit me and after that I couldn't do anything anymore. It all happened in flash and the entire time I was thinking, he is drunk, he doesn't know what he is doing, he isn't himself' Regina took a deep breath and continued 'then there was the sudden pain from the sword. You passed out after that and it gave me time to pull the sword out. I passed out too after that and when I came to I called the others. I healed myself as best as I could but John saw right through me. He urged me to see Whale, he even brought me to the hospital and waited for me afterwards.'

Robin stayed silent after Regina's recount of events that night. He didn't know what to say.

'Would you mind a whole lot if I gave a toast at our wedding that didn't include alcohol' He all of a sudden said. Regina chuckled. 'No, I wouldn't mind'

Robin stared at her, did she just basically agreed to marry him just now, even after all he had done.

Regina realized what she had just agreed to. She turned bright red. 'I mean…well let's not go there right now'

Robin smiled. 'No, we should get to know each other first' Regina smiled. 'Yeah, let's get to know each other first' She leaned towards him and kissed him on the cheek.

Robin got up, grabbed both cups of coffee and deposited them in the sink. 'I am going to see Archie again next week'

'Good'

'I want to ask you to join me'

Regina had to think about that. 'Can I get back to you on that'

Robin nodded. 'Sure. I am not going to pressure you, if you don't want that is fine to'

He was about to walk to her front door when he hesitated.

'Regina'

'mmm'

'May I give you a kiss'

Regina stayed silent and after a few seconds she nodded. Robin slowly came closer, he could see she became nervous.

'If you don't want me, I won't do it but for what it is worth you can trust me'

He slowly kissed her on her lips and Regina felt her body betray her. She didn't want to but she moaned, quickly she got up and walked away from the couch towards the front door.

Robin followed her but remained at a respectable distance.

'Don't get me wrong, Robin. I do still love you but this, you and me it's too soon'

'I understand'

'I need time'

'That's fine, all I am asking for is a chance to make it up to you'

Robin said his goodbyes and with a lighter step then he had in days he walked back to his home in the woods.

The next week Robin sat at Archie's once again, he was wondering if Regina would come, she hadn't been in contact with him but he hadn't given up hope. Archie had just taken a seat opposite from him when there was a knock on the door and when Archie called out Regina entered.

Robin got up rather quickly and as a true gentlemen grabbed her coat and escorted her to the remaining empty seat. Archie was rather surprised that Regina had come but he was very pleased about it, progress was being made.

'First of all, thank you Regina for taking the time to join us' Archie started. 'Last week Robin and I were both left with the question as to why you didn't defend yourself but I understand that Robin went to see you and asked'

Regina nodded. 'Yes, he did and I explained it to him, so I hope that is cleared up'

'Good, I think we should go for the big questions now. Do you still trust him'

'In a way I do but on the other hand I don't. I mean I am very glad he is doing what I asked him to which is seeing you and as far as I know he is not consuming alcohol anymore but it's still very fragile'

'I understand, it will take time Regina, trust me on that' Archie said. 'You have been hurt in a way that has shattered your trust in him but are you willing to give him a chance'

'Yes' came the very confident reply. 'but I have to confess I didn't know it until I stepped into this office'

The three of them talked for a good half hour when Regina got up saying she had to go to Henry's school due to a teacher parent meeting. Archie called it a day for the evening and Robin escorted Regina to Henry's school.

'Do you want me to wait for you'

'No, I have much to think about and it's better that you are not around for that. You are quite distracting'

Robin smiled. 'I am distracting you?' Regina nodded and became serious. 'Like I said Robin, I need space and time to get over this..if I ever get over this. I will need to be able to trust you completely if we 're going to be in a relationship'

Robin was over the moon, at least she was considering having a relationship with him again. He would be patient, he could wait as long a she needed him too.

He backed away, bowed. 'Forever at your service, milady'

TBC…