A/N: So here we go peeps chapter 2. Thank you for your kind responses I'll hope you keep enjoying it!

A big thank you to Abi again don't know what I would do without you!

Trigger warning: Mentions of rape but nothing graphic

If you want to talk to me you can find me on Twitter (OnceUponAHappy) or Tumblr (onceuponahappytime)

"Define 'bad'," Regina says, leaning back in her chair. Her day has already been crappy and a nightmare-inducing case isn't actually what she needs now.

"Are you alright?" Gold questions, instead of giving her an answer. There is real concern in his eyes even if his voice stays rather cold. Gold is a son of a bitch, Regina knows that well, but after all he is the man who taught her everything, and who- usually- does have her back.

Somehow he has taken a liking to her so yes, his question is a genuine one; but he is still one of the last people Regina wants to talk about the painful chaos inside her, so she replies with "My doctor cleared me for work. I'm good to go."

She knows Gold doesn't believe her, but she seems to be in good enough shape for him to let it slide. So her boss merely sighs and sits down opposite her and takes out a file, the look in his eyes turning from worried to tired.

Regina raises her eyebrows at him, waiting for him to start speaking. He throws one last glance at her and opens the file.

"We found a body early this morning. Ruby Lucas , 22." Damn! 22- that's young Regina thinks with a frown. "How did she die?"

"We don't have an official cause of death yet, the dragon is working on it but there is a hole in her head that has many similarities with a bullet hole." The dragon-the nickname for Dr. Malina Bauer, their medical examiner. A brilliant woman- but a sharp tongue and sometimes lacking some basic social skills like politeness or sympathy. Except her patients; there the blond woman shows a kinder side of herself. Regina likes Mal, has from the beginning.

She might be a scary dragon bitch from time to time, but she is damn good in her job; cuts to the chase and- if you are in her good books- very loyal and caring. But she does have the nickname dragon for a reason… if you piss her off and she spies fire you'd better run as fast as you can. Because it won't be pretty if she roasts you.

"Does Mal have any idea when she might have the final results? Or any preliminary hints?" Regina asks even though she knows her blond friend hates the guessing game. She is a scientist and only answers questions about the bodies after having all the facts. Regina has heard those words quite a few times from the medical examiner.

"The girl was burnt pretty badly. Same applies to the house. Which is the reason why Locksley is here. He works for the OFI and if you haven't spent your youth as a firefighter or anything like it you will need his help," Gold tells her with a role of his eyes.

"Office of Fire Investigation; well that explains his need to play the hero," Regina mumbles to herself too quietly for Gold to hear. She has no intention of telling her Captain how she and the good looking British guy met.

"What was that Regina?" Gold asks, but she just shakes her head. "Nothing. Alright young girl with no cause of death yet, but burnt. Why do I get the feeling there is something else, Gold?"

Her boss takes a deep breath before he answers "There might be indications that the girl was sexually assaulted." Regina rubs her temple at this. This day gets worse and worse by the minute.

"The house belongs to Eugenia and Geppetto Lucas who both are on vacation in New York. They will be back by tomorrow. Ruby was their granddaughter and was only supposed to go to their house to feed the cat. Mrs. Lucas told us Ruby sometimes stayed the night when she needed the calm to study."

Regina looks at her Captain for a moment thoughtfully, and then says "So you're saying she wasn't supposed to be there? So we aren't even sure if she was the actual target?"

"No we don't. And-"Gold stops as his phone buzzes and as he looks up the pain in his eyes hasn't disappeared entirely. "That was Dr. Bauer; she needs you down in the morgue. And Regina, I want you to work with Locksley- together- and behave yourself. I know you've been through a lot lately but he's good in what he does and that young girl deserves both of you at 100%. And if you're thinking about acting out like a five year old you'll be on desk duty for the rest of the year. Do I make myself clear Detective?"

"Crystal clear, "Regina grits through her teeth.
"Good. So get your new partner and get down to the morgue. Hush hush dearie."

With those words and another role of her dark eyes Regina gets up and leaves the office, readying herself to face her new partner and the young girl which had to die such a senseless death.

Robin shakes his head in disbelieve as he leaves Gold's office. It's only 11 am and he already hates this day. Getting woken up to a burnt 22 year old isn't exactly a nice way to start his morning. He had to be at the crime scene so soon that he didn't have time to bring his son to day-care but had to rush out of the house at 6.30 am, without a coffee. And finding a babysitter at this time is bloody impossible and he owes his neighbor big time.

Later he was glad that he didn't have time for coffee the image of the burnt young girl still in is head. Robin of course has seen many burn victims in his years first as fireman and later as fire investigator but Ruby… she has to be one of the worst.

Robin usually doesn't mind sharing his cases with the homicide department but this time… he needs somebody with a sharp mind, somebody who is at the top of their game. And Regina Mills… well she certainly hasn't been.

He has been standing behind her for full 5 minutes before she even realized his presence and to be honest she doesn't look like somebody he wants to have his back.

It's not that he isn't fascinated by her- he is actually rather sure that he has never seen a more beautiful woman than her. The whiskey colored eyes have already caught his attention outside. Robin has never seen more expressional eyes than the ones of the dark haired woman. It was like the brown orbs are a window to her soul. Robin knows it sounds cheesy, but it does seem that way.

Her hair was the second thing he noticed. It was black, shoulder-length, and it looked soft and silky (Robin wonders for a moment how it would feel in his hands and scolds himself a moment later- he has work to do) falling down in soft waves.

Her lips were painted in a bright red, matching the red of her blouse which clung to a perfect body. She was rather small; even in heels she barely reaches his shoulders.

So yes, Robin did notice the beauty of his new partner. But he isn't here to find a girlfriend, but a competent partner and he is not so sure if that applies to the olive skinned detective.

Gold did assure him that Det. Mills is his best cop on the force, and even though Robin is inclined to believe the Captain words he is warry. Better too careful than bloody hell get screwed over by her.

The door to the office suddenly opens and said woman emerges of it head held up with her rather regal posture. She kind of reminds Robin of a Queen.

He can see her searching the office for him, looking less pleased to work with him than he is about this entire arrangement. "Locksley! Morgue now," she snaps at him and Robin raises his eyebrows at her bossy tone.

"Easy there, milady. I'd like to remind you that I'm supposed to work with you and not for you," Robin tells her, not moving a bit. She rolls her eyes at this (and looks rather adorable doing so) and growls "Mal has a COD if you want to stay here and stare holes in the wall be my guest. And don't call me milady; I'm not your lady." With that his new lovely partner turns around and just walks away.

Damn woman

But she doesn't reach the door before swings open from the other side where a very pissed of woman waits. She is about his age (short dark hair, a bit taller than Regina) and she is very clearly blood pissed at his new partner if the fire in her green eyes is any indication.

Regina stares in her partner's wife eyes and she can feel her heart stop. She knows what's coming next; knows it and fears it at the same time. The woman in front of her has almost lost her husband because of Regina's stupidity, almost had to raise their son by herself because Regina couldn't keep it together.

"Look Mary Margaret I know you are angry and you have every right to be. I'm so so sorry I screwed up and David… I won't-" but Regina can't end her sentence as the other woman interrupts her
"-You foolish idiot."

Well 'foolish idiot' is rather harmless, Regina would've used stronger words if she was Mary Margaret here, but she is a different person than the pixie-haired district attorney who still believes in happy ending and rainbows and unicorns.

Still- she and David have become something like family for Regina and her son, and she does care a great deal about them, even if Mary Margaret's hopefulness gets on her nerves from time to time.

"Regina did you seriously think David and I would be angry at you for the shooting? You were on the job- it happens. David said he came out of nowhere you couldn't have seen him and…" Now it is on Regina to interrupt the district attorney "I had a different angle than David, I should've seen him."

"Regina it wasn't your fault, and neither David nor I blame you for it. For the shooting- you not showing up for two damn weeks that's another topic." Mary Margaret tells her and Regina is not sure if she ever has heard the younger woman say "damn".

"David was lying in his bed in great pain waiting every day for you to show up or to fucking call but nothing. And then we have to hear that nobody has heard a word from you. Thankfully we reached Henry otherwise we would've though you were lying dead in some alley going after that son of a bitch by yourself. I mean what the hell is wrong with you Regina?" Mary Margaret almost yells, tears now in her eyes.

"I didn't think he would like to see me," Regina whispers, surprised at the other woman's reaction. "You are his partner Regina, he loves you. He knew you were hurt too and damn, all he wanted was for you to come! Nothing else mattered except that you didn't come to visit him. I know you're going through a lot right now Regina, but you are like family to us and you can't just disappear like that."

Regina swallows hard, trying to ignore Robin's gaze she can feel so intensely when she looks into her friend's eyes, and shame in her own. "I'm sorry Mary Margaret."

It is the defeat in Regina's tone which makes the district attorney calm down and take Regina's hand into hers "Then you better get your ass to the hospital today if you don't want to hear for the rest of your life about how you didn't visit David."

"I will I promise," Regina tells her and then after a short moment of silence adds smirking "Idiot, damn and ass; you're really pissed off aren't you?"

"We were worried out of our minds Regina, so yes- I'm really pissed off," the other woman replies squeezing Regina's hand "I heard you got a case so I'll let you go for now but you better show up today."
"I will," Regina repeats, avoiding her friends gaze this time.

With one last squeeze of her hand Mary Margret walks away, still as worried about her friend as she was before.

Robin has silently watched the interaction between the Detective and the district attorney wondering what exactly is up with his new partner. Speaking of which, Regina is now taking a deep breath and he has to admit it's impressive how fast she collects herself. When she turns to him her expression is blank and professional. (He notices again how truly beautiful she is)

"Let's go, Locksley," she tells him and already starts walking so fast he has to hurry to catch up with her.
"You alright?" Robin asks her as soon as he is next to her.
"I'm fine," is all he gets back and she is clearly avoiding his gaze. Something is definitely up with his new partner

"Look, Regina, I don't know what's going on but with all due respect don't you think you should take some time off? This case is rough and…" Robin doesn't get to say whatever else he thinks about the case as Regina stops and spins around- fire burning in those dark orbs.

"No Locksley, I don't need some time off, I've already had that. I said I'm fine and I mean it. I'm not a cop since yesterday; I've been doing this for 11 years and I'll tell you they were damn fine years. I'm a Queen in my job and a bullet isn't going to change that. I can work this case," She practically snarls that at him but then adds almost softly "I'm sorry that I seemed off before, it won't happen again," and Robin can see so much pain and self-loathing shimmer in those whisky colored eyes for a second that it takes his breath away.

But her voice doesn't break once; she seems calm and ready. Regina doesn't break eye contact the entire time and Robin has to admit that he might not be so cool after taking a bullet and almost losing his partner, so he should cut her some slack. Many have indeed assured him that she is the best in her field so a second chance is maybe called for.

"What happened to your partner?" Robin asks curiously. If he has to work with her he needs to know what's going on.

"He was shot," is the short reply he gets.
"But he will be alright?"
"Yes he will be," again a short reply. Knowing that he is on thin ice here Robin decides to push a bit further.

"You were shot, too."

"It's only a scratch and like I told you I'm fine. Can we move on now?" Robin looks at the dark haired beauty thoughtfully and keeps pushing even further. "Why were you staring at the window?" She flinches at this, but just like before composes herself within seconds.

"That, Lieutenant, is none of your damn business," there is it again- the fire in her eyes. Robin thinks for a moment that yes there might be a reason why people call Det. Mills the Evil Queen, but he tries to forget about it. Things like that are unprofessional.

"I rather disagree, Detective. If we stay partners I need to know that you have my back and are not daydreaming. Can I be sure of this?"

For a moment Robin thinks she seriously considers punching him (which is a rather hilarious picture because of their height difference) "Like I said I know what I'm doing. I assure you I will save your ass when you inevitably get yourself in trouble."

Their eyes lock for a few moments and neither of them breaks eye contact until Robin finally slowly nods

"Alright milady I'll give you a second chance," Robin tells her, giving her a soft smile. A soft smile which is only answered by another role of her eyes and a "How generous of you Locksley. And I already told you- I'm not your lady. Call me that again and I'll show how hard a lady actually can punch someone," with that she turns around and walks into a door next to him which Robin assumes is the morgue.

This bloody woman is seriously getting on his nerves.

This damn British man is seriously getting on her nerves.

Questioning her judgment- how dare he! Admittedly it's not her best day today but still- how dare he. Regina isn't sure if she's ever met somebody as annoying as the fire marshal currently walking behind her. He is attractive, that was without question. She does have to swallow once or twice when he looks at her with those deep blue eyes. He also has a nice smile and dimples oh my god she almost forgot those.

Those dimples might be the most attractive thing about this man. This or the accent even, though his body is rather nice too. Not that it mattered- it is just an observation.

"Well well look what the cat dragged in. Good morning little one," Malina doesn't smile often but Regina is usually one of the few who is at the receiving end from such a rare thing.

"Hey Mal, nice to see you," Regina replies, smiling back softly. She really does like this woman. The smell not so much, nor the burnt body Regina's gaze lands on. She was small… Ruby, right, that was her name. It's the first thing Regina notices and she had to take a deep breath to keep her emotions at bay.

Which might not be the best idea because the smell in here is actually really bad. But Regina has seen and smelled worse so she pulls herself together. She has a job to do. Getting justice for that girl lying in front of her.

"Who are you?" Mal almost snaps at Robin; not the biggest fan of new people either. "Lieutenant Locksley my new partner for this case," Regina explains to her friend, rolling her eyes while doing it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Bauer," Robin tells Mal, nodding since she clearly isn't able to give her hand without getting body tissue all over Robin. "Likewise, hot shot," the doctor replies, smirking. Robin chuckles at that.

Regina sighs, annoyed, and then returns her attention to the medical examiner "Do you have a cause of death, Mal?" The blond woman nods and points at an X-ray.
"Bullet through the head. I also didn't find any carbon monoxide in her lungs indicating that she was dead before the fire started."

"A bullet… so I guess that means we can rule out accident," Regina says with a sigh. "Gold said there is a chance that she was raped?" Regina asks, already afraid of the answer.

"I can't tell for sure but it's very likely. She wasn't wearing any pants or panties when she died so unless that's her thing…" The dragon explains and all three of them know that the chances of Ruby Lucas not being raped before she was murdered are very slim.

"So possibly raped, then shot and burnt. Gold was right- that's a lovely case," Regina mutters sarcastically.

"Is there anything else you have for us Doctor?" Robin asks her, seemingly unaffected by all this but Regina can see the pain in his blue eyes; can see a look in them that probably matches the one in her own.

"Not at the moment, no. I'll call you if I find anything else," Mal replies and with that Regina and Robin both throw one last look at the girl, nod at Mal, and leave.

"I need to take a look at the crime scene," Regina tells Robin, who nods and gives her a smile but this time it doesn't reach his eyes.

This day truly sucks

Robin is surprised that Regina lets him drive, she seems to be the bossy kind who doesn't like to give up control but then he sees her wince. Her gun-shot wound he realizes. It's probably more than just a scratch after all.

"You alright?" He asks her again when she sits next to him in his car.
"How often do you want to ask me that Locksley? I told you I'm fine," she snaps at him, looking straight forward.

"Yeah you can tell somebody else this bullshit. I saw you wince in pain twice alone in the last five minutes," Robin tells her, grabbing something from the glovebox .
"I'm fine," is all he gets again, but he simply holds a pack of Advil and pushes it into her hand.
"You are in pain. Take one. I won't start driving till you take one."

She glares at him but finally takes a pill- swallows it with some water she takes from her purse- and again stares out of the window.
"Good girl," Robin tells her touches her shoulder softly but she flinches back from his touch. He thinks he can see fear in her eyes for a moment in her eyes but it's gone when he looks again.

"Would you please be so kind to finally start driving? I'd like to see the crime scene while we still have sunlight," Robin rolls his eyes at her bossy tone but starts the car.

They drive in silence, Robin throwing subtle glances at this new partner. He has seen her flinch at him or more at the words he said. Not that you would see something now; Regina looks perfectly calm and collected (the Advil seemed to help) so he doesn't push further.

"Ruby's father and grandfather were cops," Regina tells him, going through the file in her lap.
"You think there might be a connection between their job and Ruby's death?" Robin asks casually.
"Maybe. Being a cop's daughter isn't always easy," his new partner replies, still reading the file

"Speaking from experience?" Robin questions throwing a curious glance at her. "Not directly no. But my step-father was a judge so close enough," Regina tells him still not looking up.
"'Was'… as in retired or-"
"Dead. He died three weeks ago," Robin is rather stunned by her answer- or more the calm tone she delivered it in.

"So in the last three weeks you lost your step-father, almost lost your partner and took a bullet yourself? That's a bloody lot to deal with, milady," Robin tells her almost admiring. No wonder she has been a bit off.

"Like I said I'm fine. And you have to turn left at the next intersection," Regina mutters, clearly still avoiding his gaze. Robin wants to say something else but then her phone rings and his comment is cut short.

Regina is uncomfortable. Her side hurts (less since the Advil) and she had the feeling that Robin- contrary to most others- sees right through her. She is jumpy today, nervy, and she thinks he recognizes it. But to be honest her flinching hasn't been very subtle but a touch and "good girl"- it brings back memories; memories Regina likes to forget.

And usually she is very good at that but lately… yeah Robin is right, she has a lot to deal with right now (he has no idea how much actually). Thankfully before he can keep asking questions her phone rings.

Henry.

This makes her smile for the first time today. Her little prince usually has that effect on her. She picks up the phone with a soft. "Hello sweetheart, everything alright?" Regina isn't really worried- Henry often checks in before lunch when she gets a new case. He tells her about his day, how school was, how yummy his lunch at their neighbor Belle has been (but not as good as her's he insists) and that they are now watching television (yes he already did all his homework, he promises) and that they are having a great time.

"That's good to know, honey. So it's just you and Belle on my wonderful sofa right?" She asks because she has a very clear idea who else might be there to. Somebody her son dearly loves (and she too she might not always admit to it) but who is clearly not allowed to sit on the soft or any similar surface in Regina's house.

This who else is Ayla, their golden retriever. Regina found the dog 4 years ago during a case and as soon as she and Henry had met they were inseparable. So after many conversations Regina finally gave in and now Ayla is fix part of their little family.

As much as she fought against her in the beginning, even Regina has to admit that coming home to a very enthusiastic dog with warms eyes who loves to cuddle is… nice.

Nice- as long Ayla stays away from her sofa.

"Where is Ayla?" Regina asks her son, knowing fully well that the dog is very likely next to her son at the moment. "She is at her pillow I swear mum," Regina isn't exactly sure if her son tells her the truth, but it has been some tough weeks for Henry too so she lets it slide.

"I'll try to be home before bedtime, sweetie. Be a good boy for Belle alright?" Henry tells her yes he will, that she should be careful and that he loves her. Regina ends the phone call with an "I love you too," before she directs her attention back to Robin who she is very well aware has been throwing glances at her the entire ride.

First they were more concerned, now they have changed to genuine curiosity. She thinks; hopes.

"You have a son?" Robin asks her, that soft smile back at his face, maybe a bit of surprise in his tone. And the dimples- god why does she find them so attractive?

"Yes I do. Henry. He turns 10 in a week." Regina replies now smiling too. It sometimes amazes her how much light and joy her son brought into her life.

"Henry is a beautiful name." Robin takes his eyes of the road for a moment and directs his smile at her. And she returns it even if just for a moment.

"Do you have children?" Regina asks curious.
"Yes I do actually. Also a son. Roland is five." Regina can tell how proud he is of his son too, and for some reason that warms her heart. There is something attractive about a man with young children.

"May I ask you if Henry's father is still in the picture?" Regina has expected that question- has seen his blue eyes gaze down to her ring finger (has done the same to him out of simple curiosity of course)

"No he isn't. Daniel died before Henry was born," Regina tells him, surprised at herself for even saying that much. She only wanted to say no but his blue eyes looked so understanding. She won't say more though too many old and painful wounds come with Daniel's death.

"I'm very sorry to hear that Regina. A child shouldn't have to grow up without a father," Regina hears something like recognition in his tone so she dares to ask "And Roland's mother?" Because Robin isn't wearing a ring either and as he looks up she can see the same pain mirrored in his eyes that she knows is in hers.

"She died one year after Roland was born. Car crash."

He loved her, Regina can tell that much at the tone of his voice and he still misses her. But well there isn't really a day that passes by where she doesn't miss Daniel so she understands.

They share another look and then both smile- it's just a moment- and then Robin stops the car. They'd arrived at the crime scene. "So here we are," Robin tells her, still smiling softly and for some reason Regina suddenly can't wait to get out of the car. She suddenly sees something in his blue eyes- some kind of understanding and it scares the hell out of her. So she almost jumps out of the car (leading to hiss of pain on her part) and a concerned "Are you alright?" which she only answers with a sharp "If you ask me that again I'll put a bullet between your eyes and tell the Captain it was self-defense- the only way to finally make you shut up," with that, Regina walks towards the entrance door leaving a stunned Robin behind her. He follows her a moment later.

That woman is driving him crazy. One moment she is all warm and open and the next she throws the door into his face. Which she now almost does- quite literally- and just thanks to Robin's quick reflexes he gets the door before it is pushed into his face.

"Thank you for holding the door open, Detective," Robin calls after her where she replies with a "Not my fault that you are too slow. If you want to work with me you have to catch up with me," she tells him, walking straight to the crime scene.

"Milady, be careful there a places you rather should not set f-," but she interrupts with a "I know what I'm doing Locksley. Hurry up," and she is gone again.

Robin catches up leading her to where they found the girl, making sure she arrived there safe (they did ensure this morning that the house was safe but you still have to be careful) and opens the next door for her- she answers with a "I can open doors by myself."

Robin sighs deeply and he tells her "A simple 'thank you' would've sufficed." But she already isn't listening anymore

This gorgeous stunning and bloody annoying woman is going to be the death of him, Robin Locksley thinks as he dutifully follows his new partner. And maybe- just maybe- rolls his eyes once or twice.