a/N: Hey peeps! Okay here we have OQ and OQ Family feels and it might turned out more angsty than fluffy but yeah you know me :) Thank you to my wonderful beta Abi!

Enjoy and please review cause your wonderful comments always put a big smile on my face (and make me write a loooooot faster ;))

Regina presses her lips together, careful not to moan in pain when her fingers grip the box she is carrying tighter. Since they aren't any closer to catch the man who let Ingrid burn and bleed out at the same time they're back to going through files.

Files of Ingrid's cases and Ruby's father and grandfather's. Social services just brought over the last few boxes, boxes full of broken families, full of pain and motives.

The box isn't heavy, not really, but Regina's side burns and she knows she just should've let Locksley carry both- but her pride has forbidden her to do such a thing. He already saw too much and Regina would prefer to walk over broken glass than let him see more.

Regina doesn't do vulnerable.

So she just tries to ignore the sharp pain and keeps walking till she finally, finally reaches her desk. With a soft sigh she lets herself fall on her chair watching how Locksley is about to do the same

And before she can stop herself she tells him: "Don't"

Robin stops within moment and looks at her, confused for a moment before he seems to understand what upset her. So much for not being vulnerable in front of him anymore, Regina thinks with a sigh when he apologizes.
"I'm sorry milady. I know it's David's desk and I'm…," but Regina doesn't let him finish.
"There is no need to apologize. David wouldn't mind. I'm just tired and annoyed. Sit."

"Are you sure?" And now it's time to roll her eyes no matter how embarrassed she is.
"Of course I'm sure, unless you'd rather sit on the floor which is fine by me." "Well if you are certain I do prefer a chair and desk." He smiles at her but she doesn't answer his smile with one of her own. Get a grip on yourself Mills, she thinks instead and just turns her attention back to the files.

"We are supposed to find a connection between Ingrid and Ruby aren't we?" With that Regina starts to read the file in front of her and ignores Robin's gaze on her.

Robin's gaze is still on his new partner and he knows he shouldn't look at her but rather those bloody files in front of him. But somehow he can't tear his eyes away. She's in pain, he can tell that much, but she still holds her head high- won't back down- and he has to say besides everything that has happened between them he rather admires her strength.

Could do with less stubbornness but he no longer doubts her capability to have his back- the last 24 hours have changed his mind about that. He just wishes she would take it easy. Can't stop himself from frowning as he is again noticing how pale she is- how dark the circles under her chocolate colored eyes are.

"You are supposed to go through the files Lockley, not stare at me. It's unproductive and quite frankly, creepy."

She doesn't even look up and Robin's cheeks turn slightly red at being caught staring. "I apologizes milady, but those boxes were rather heavy and you have a hole in your side. I can't imagine carrying them did you any favor."
"It's only a scratch Locksley, stop worrying about it," she finally looks up at him, well rather glares at him, and he sighs. Maybe he just should keep his mouth shut, it wasn't as if she would ever admit to being in pain.

"If you say so," he tells her and shrugs, making it clear that he doesn't believe a word she says. "Yes Locksley I say so and-…," but Regina gets interrupted by a "Detective Mills?" and a young woman with long blond hair and crystal blue eyes. Eyes which are full of tears and Robin doesn't have to ask who the woman is.

Regina's face softens immediately as she faces the younger woman and Robin watches the change, fascinated. It amazes him over and over again how fast Regina can jump from on emotion to another. "That would be me. How can I help you?"
"I'm Elsa Arendelle, Ingrid's niece."

Well just as Robin thought… the similarities between her and the poor dead woman they found are rather strong. The young woman looks like she is about to burst out in tears again- her hands are shaking and it is clear as day that the death of her aunt has taken its toll on this girl. Robin just hopes she isn't too upset to talk with them, they are desperate for leads.

"Miss Arendelle I'm so sorry for your loss. Please have a seat," Regina tells her and Robin is again impressed by his new partner. He has heard/ said the phrase I'm sorry for your loss about 100 times (got told the same when Marian died) and he knows people mean well when saying it but it's just a phrase and nothing more.

But the way Regina says it… there is so much understanding and compassion in her dark eyes and the soft smile, the soothing calm tone of her voice seems so earnest; so much more than what this simple line usually means.

And Robin can see that Elsa is feeling the same, can feel how the blond woman starts to trust Regina, can feel her calm down when she whispers "Thank you. And please, call me Elsa."

"Elsa, I know this isn't easy but we need your help. We are doing everything we can to find the person who did this to your aunt but we don't know her. You do. And we need all the information about Ingrid and her life that we can get. Are you okay to do that?" Regina's voice is still soft but her eyes find Elsa's, their gaze locks and a few seconds later Elsa takes a deep breath and answers. "Ask me whatever you need to ask. I want to help."

"Thank you, Elsa," Regina tells her and Robin doesn't dare to interrupt. "We need to know if there is anybody your aunt had problems with; anybody who would hate her enough to hurt her."

"My aunt was a social worker for over 25 years, Detective Mills. Getting kids out of broken homes… there are a lot of people who aren't the biggest fan of my aunt but no one specific comes to mind. I mean she's gotten letters, threats, calling her a monster- some said she was a cold heartless witch- but none of them seemed angry enough t-t do s-something like t-this," tears are now streaming down her face and Robin's heart breaks for her. He remembers the pain of loss all too well.

He is about to get up and get some tissues but Regina already gets some out of her purse, handing them over and as soon as Elsa dries her tears Regina is taking a hand into hers and squeezing.
"Okay Elsa, we will look into those threats. Just take a deep breath, you are doing fine sweetie." Regina smiles at the girl before she adds "I need you to think about the last few weeks. Was there something unusual; something that caught your attention?"

Elsa thinks for a moment before she answers "No not really but…"
"But?" Robin coaxes gently, earning a glare from Regina which clearly says stay out of it.

But Elsa doesn't even look at him, eyes still on his partner when she tells them "My aunt had nightmares, nightmares about the children she couldn't save. She feared that she overlooked something- that she would fail to protect a child. Aunt Ingrid always had them but they were worse lately. I thought it might be because she quit but I mean, maybe it has something to do w-wit h-her d-death?"

Robin and Regina exchange a short glance before Regina thanks the young woman for all the information and walks her out, still deep in thought when she comes back.

"Do you think those recurring nightmares are a coincidence?" Robin asks but as expected Regina shakes her head.
"I don't really believe in coincidences."
"Good, me neither."

"You were good with her," Robin tells her, smiling. "She was very upset, You calmed her down, you made her feel…"

"Safe?" Regina ends his sentence and yes safe is probably the word he aimed for. But somehow he has the feeling that there is a weight behind the word 'safe', there is a weariness- a shadow in her dark eyes for just a moment when she says the word.

"Yes, safe. Well done Detective."
"Not that your opinion actually matters but thank you I suppose," she snaps at him and he has to chuckle.

Regina can't stop a small smile appearing on her face at his compliment but makes sure he doesn't see it. It's only when her phone rings that she stops grinning and picks it up with a sigh. It's Sidney.

"Who was it?" Robin asks her curiously when she hangs up.
"Sidney," is all she answers, thoughtfully. She can't stand the other man- doesn't like the way he looks at her- but the information he just gave her might promote him from creep to useful creep.

"What did he want?" Regina's eyes widen at Robin's sharp tone but she doesn't comment on it, only says "And this is any of your business because?" She can hear him sigh and he is angry. Good, because she is too.

"Because we are working on the same bloody case, detective, and I think this call has something to do with said case."

"Well you would be- as usual- wrong Lockley. Sidney's call wasn't about our case."
"Are you going to tell me what's going on or are we playing a rather childish guessing game?"

Regina rolls her eyes at him- god that man annoys her, every word annoys her. "So it's childish that I don't want to share my own business with a man I've known since yesterday?" He looks at her for a moment, still as annoyed as she is, before his gaze softens and he tells her "It seems I'm misstepping rather often today. As to your question, no I don't find it childish and I apologize for the wording. I assumed it would concern our case and you are just annoying me on purpose."

"But to my defense I do not trust Sidney," he adds, eyes all apologetic, and Regina has to bite her lip this time to stop the smile appearing on her face. She expected him to insist on knowing what the call was about, but he respected her boundaries. He might be overly-concerning but he knows when to step back. And he does have a point about Sidney. She doesn't trust him either.

Regina didn't mean to tell Robin what the call was about, just wanted to leave and take care of it alone but his answer gained him something.

Respect

Besides, she might be stubborn but not stupid and going alone might border on recklessness and she is a single mother after all.

So she tells him "Thank you for saying that." Their eyes lock for a moment before she adds "But I might actually need your help on this." He stays silent waiting for her to continue. "Sidney knows where Percival is."

"Percival?"
"Alex Matthews, the drug dealer who shot my partner. Percival is his street name," Regina explains and she can see that Robin wants to say something- likely that she should let somebody else do it- but he surprises her again.
"Alright detective, then let's go and put the bastard where he belongs."

"You are coming? Just like that? No talking me out of it?" Regina asks, watching how Robin gets his gun.
"Would it work?" She raises her eyebrows at his questions and answers with a simple.
"No"

"I didn't think so. Besides, that scoundrel shot your partner and you. I wouldn't be able to stand down if I were you. So yes I'm coming and I'm going to have your back."

This time Regina smiles and actually lets him see it. He might not be a complete idiot after all.

It doesn't take long to find Percival, Sidney's instructions were rather accurate. They close in but Percival doesn't go quietly. As soon as he sees Regina and knows he is backed into a corner and can't run he goes at her. Robin wants to interfere- to protect her because bloody hell, that moron is fast but he doesn't get the chance and he has to say it again.

His new partner is full of surprises

Regina might be 5'4 he guesses which is rather, well, tiny. Or at least she's much smaller than Percival so a one against one fist fight should have a clear winner- Percival. But before he (and Robin is quite sure also that bloody drug dealer) knows what is happening Percival is lying on the ground with a split lip and Regina on top of him handcuffs clicking.

"You bitch you damn cunt I will-," but he doesn't get to end the sentence because Regina pulls him onto his feet and crashes him against the next wall, and all that is heard is a painful sound from the guy.

"Yeah, shut up and be glad that you aren't worth jail time or I would've put a bullet right between your eyes, dear," Robin can only stare at his partner at the fire in her dark eyes; can feel the anger which radiates from her. She is pissed, and to be honest an angry Regina is a terrifying Regina.

And a hot one, but mostly terrifying.

"Let's go you piece of crap," his partner hisses, dragging Percival with her while reading him his rights while Robin follows dutifully, carefully watching his new partner.

But it's only when Percival looks up awaiting his bail hearing and his lawyer and Regina is sitting at her desk taking deep breaths Robin finally takes out a box of Advil. Because Percival wasn't the only one wincing and he can see the toll tackling down that bastard has taken on his partner.

So he takes the pills and a cup of water and puts it in front of Regina and tells her "I have to say I'm quite impressed, detective. Taking down a man who has 100 pounds on you… remind me to never anger you."

She smiles at that and he can't stop himself from smiling too. She just has such a pretty smile.
"You've been angering me since you appeared here Locksley it's a bit late for that. But like I said neither he nor you are worth the jail time. If I ever get caught of course," she tells him, eyes sparkling but she then adds, softer "But thank you"

"You're welcome. And now please take one of this pills, it hurts just thinking about how much your side must burn right now." To his surprise she takes the pill without another comment which likely means it hurts like hell.

"Yes mom," she says, rolling her eyes at his strict tone. He rolls his eyes too and simply shrugs.
"If I'm already the parent here you could do us both a favor and be a good girl for once," Robin regrets his word choice the moment he says it, sees her flinch back just like in the car. Sees the pain in her eyes and even though it's gone as fast as the last time he would like to kick his own arse

He is a bloody idiot.

"Regina I'm…"
"It's still Detective Mills for you Locksley. And how about we go back to work? Those files won't read themselves." With that she swallows the pill and starts to read the file again. Robin wants to say something but in the end he thinks it might be better to stay silent.

He is really doing a poor job of gaining his partners trust. It's one step forward and two back.

Regina is reading the files; at least she is supposed to but she has read the same line five times and she still can't tell what it says. She knows she might've been unfair to Robin, who now looks positively like a kicked puppy but the fact that he feels guilty tells her that he already knows far too much- can read her far too easily and this is concerning.

Now even more than usual. Because usually she is a master of hiding her emotions- professional mask always in place- but she is off and knows it. Everything hurts, and she might should've taken another week off. Regina is angry at herself, angry for letting Robin get under her skin like this. He knows something is wrong.

But he also told her twice today she was impressive and she has seen something close to honest admiration in his blue eyes. He seems to know, but still respects her. That not something that usually happens in her line of work.

She has to work twice as hard to get the same respect her male colleagues get and it's unfair but it is the way things are. But not with Robin. If she had shown that much weakness (oh, only thinking of that word leaves a bitter taste in her mouth) to anyone else… but he doesn't hold it against her.

That does count for something in Regina's book.

Still, he sees right through her and that makes him dangerous. Dangerous to trust because it seems so easy with him and even though deep down Regina thinks he won't betray her trust there is no way in hell she will take this risk.

She will keep him at arm's length.

She takes a deep breath, tries to ignore him and focus on the files. At least she tries.

It's a couple of hours, many files, phone calls and theories later when Regina and Robin decide it might be time to call in for the night. Both of them are tired and there is nothing else they can do for today.

And Regina is glad that she can get away from Robin's intense gaze. She is ready to head home, have dinner with her son and try to forget about a handsome British guys. But well, fate is a bitch

Belle calls them for the second time today (the first time was to assure Robin his son was well cared for) and tells them that she picked Roland up from day-care- apparently to let Roland's usual babysitter deal with some private love emergency- and if Regina and Robin would come home soon they could all eat together.

Regina sighs and knows Belle means well and she's glad that Henry and Roland apparently also hit it off (if you could trust her son's excited words on the phone a couple hours ago during their regular lunch call) and well, there is the fact that Robin gave her a ride to work.

Not that that ride was voluntary but still she has no car so there is really no way she can get herself out of it. Regina sighs and tells Belle they will be home in about half an hour.

Robin looks at her curiously waiting for her to explain.
"That was Belle. It seems she, Henry and Roland got along rather well. They made dinner and Henry wants to invite you and Roland to join us."

"I'm glad to hear they had a good time," he smiles at that, before he adds with a frown "Are you alright with me tagging along? It was a long day and I would understand if you want your peace." He gives her a way out, Regina realizes with a frown, but to be honest saying no would be rude and she wasn't raised to be rude.

"No it's fine. You have to pick Roland up and since you drove us both here… it makes sense. Come on let's go, I'm starving." With that she grabs her purse and heads out without waiting to see if Robin catches up or not.

Robin does catch up rather soon, unsure of what to say. He knows she doesn't want him to come home with her, but he can't say he isn't happy about it. Happy and curious why Regina's boy invited them both over. And besides he knows Roland is a good kid but Henry is still 6 years older and a 4 year old might not be the most fun to hang out with.

They say goodbye to the other detectives and walk out to the car, and through most of the drive Regina stays silent- besides giving him directions to her apartment. He would probably remember without her help but he decides it's best to keep his mouth shut.

Keeps it shut till they are in front of her apartment and she sighs deeply and Robin feels the need to tell her again "Regina I can go in and pick Roland up and go. I don't want you to feel obligated, and I don't want to be here if you don't want me to. Which would be alright."

It wouldn't, but he isn't going to tell her that. Her home, her choice. She shakes her head when she looks at him and then he sees her smile at him. It's a real smile small but genuine.

"It's fine really. I'm just tired. But Henry insisted on this dinner, it seems important for him, and he went through a lot the last few weeks. If he wants dinner with you guys' then dinner he shall have."

Robin looks at her for a moment silently and only says something when she asks "What?"

"You might be a pain in the arse milady, but you are a good cop and probably an even better mother. That's all." Her entire face softens at this and when she tells him to move his butt out of the car she is hungry it almost sounds affectionate.

A boy with dark hair and green eyes is already waiting for them at the door as they come up. The boy smiles at Regina but then his eyes wander over to Robin and the boy's gaze is just as intense at his mother's.
"Hey mom," Henry says but doesn't move to let them in, his eyes still glued at Robin. The boy is still sizing him up but there is a protectiveness in the lad's gaze and Robin has an idea why they boy insisted on this dinner.

"Henry would you please let us in," Regina asks, seemingly a bit irritated at her son's behavior.
"It this your new partner?" Is all Henry says and Robin can see Regina frown at her son's behavior and is sure she says Henry with a warning in her voice.

But since Robin has a pretty good idea what this is about he simply puts his hand out and says "Lieutenant Robin Locksley, nice to meet you Henry. And yes, I would be the person with the honor of having your mother as partner." Robin holds the boys gaze and he seems to pass whatever test the boy had in mind. Henry takes his hand and shakes it.

"Nice to meet you, Sir," Henry tells him, all polite now and Robin tells him then that 'Sir might be a bit formal, call me Robin,' and with that Henry finally smiles at him and lets them pass.

Robin speed walks over to his son, leaving Regina and Henry a few minutes alone knowing that Henry is probably about the get scolded for his behavior, but when they emerge a few minutes later- Roland sitting in Robin's lap telling him all the great things they did today- Henry seems rather satisfied with himself.

"Henry! Look; this is my Papa. He is hunting bad guys!" Roland jumps up and down from excitement at showing Henry his hero and the boy grins at Roland and tells him "I know Roland, that's cool. He is just like my mom." Roland practically beams at Henry's words, clearly happy to have something in common with the older boy.

"Oh hello Miss Gina! Did you and Papa catch any bad guys today?" Roland asks curiously. Regina comes closer at that, a soft smile on her face when she says "We did Roland."

"So he is in jail now?" Robin has to chuckle at his son's excitement and even more when Regina taps his son on the nose and tells him "He is sweetie. Your Papa and I did a good job."

"Really Papa?" Roland asks, turning to his father who answers with a grin.
"Yes my boy, even though I didn't do much. Regina did most of the hard work. Quite impressively, so we better not make her angry, alright?" Robin tells him, grinning.

"Wow Miss Gina. And I'm not gonna make you angry I promise."
"Oh sweetheart you can't make me angry like that, don't worry. Your Papa on the other hand…," but she winks at him.

Then fast steps are heard and suddenly Belle is standing in front of them, already heading for the door:

"Oh thank god you two are here. Hi Robin nice to see you again, you have a wonderful boy. Regina I have to go; Jefferson has some kind of emergency. Food is on the stove you only have to get it. I'm sorry, see you guys later," and with that and a short kiss on top of Roland's head and a squeeze of Henry's shoulder Belle is out the door.

Robin would've been worried at her quick exit if he hadn't noticed that the table is only set for four people and he has the suspicion that Belle never intended to stay for dinner.

Why the girl would do such a thing… well that's beyond Robin.

They all shout goodbye after Belle and then she is out the door, leaving Robin and Regina alone with the boys.

"Well that must be some kind of emergency," Robin says, grinning when Regina rolls her eyes. He sort of finds that adorable. Finds it adorable before Henry playfully punches his mother, but with her side even the lightest touch makes her hiss in pain.

A hiss Robin knows she wanted to suppress at all costs but well, gunshot wounds do hurt like a bitch.
"Mom, are you alright? What did I do?" Robin can see how Regina almost flinches at the guilt in her son's voice but when she turns to her son she smiles and tries to reassure him.
"You didn't do anything sweetheart, I'm fine. Percival's wasn't too happy when we arrested him and I had to tackle him," and she adds at Henry's shocked expression "But I'm fine Henry. Just a bit sore."

"You arrested the man who shot you? Today?" Henry's voice is calm but his eyes are sparkling with the same fire Robin has seen in Regina's. Said woman realizes too late that she has said Percival's name and now bites her lip anxiously.

"I did. Henry I'm…," but her son interrupts her with a "You promised to be careful! You promised! And you," he points at Robin and looks at him rather accusingly, "You are her partner; you are supposed to protect her. And don't tell me you are fine I can see that you are in pain," with that Henry runs in his room, ignoring Regina's 'Henry wait'.

She goes after him but he locked the door and neither her soft reassurances nor the "mom-voice" gets the boy to open his door. When she turns around she looks so tired and slightly embarrassed when she tells Robin "I'm sorry, he is normally better raised than this. I don't know what's going on with him today."

"He almost lost you, Regina. He is afraid- that's not something you need to apologize for," Robin tries to comfort her while stroking up and down his son's back, making sure he doesn't get too upset over what just happened.

"Well yes. But you should probably go. I know you are hungry and I…" but Robin interrupts her gently "Regina please, try not to take this the wrong way but I think I should talk to him," and of course she takes it the wrong way.

"Why do you think I can't handle my own son?" Oh she is angry at him now, her voice like acid and her hands balled to fists.

"No Regina, I'm quite sure there isn't anything you can't handle especially not concerning your boy. But Henry is upset and scared and to be honest rightfully so and you reassuring him that you are fine… I'm sorry milady but it's not true and he knows it. Which is probably a big reason why he wanted me here today- he wanted to see who has his mother's back. And it doesn't matter that he knows that his mother can very well take care of herself, all he knows at the moment is that you-" Robin stops for a moment, well aware that things like you almost died or you were shot might not be best discussed in front of a four year old.

So he settles with "-were hurt. How about you get dinner ready, take minute for yourself, and I talk to Henry and make sure he knows that you won't get hurt again?" She just looks at him for a moment, seems to consider his words, and for a few seconds there are tears in her dark orbs which she blinks away, her voice steady when she says "Alright. Go" and then "Roland, do you want to wait in the living room with Ayla? I'm sure she can use a good cuddle?"

Robin has to grin as the golden retriever he assumes is Ayla comes running, pushing her head on Regina's thigh knowing that her owner is upset. Robin decides that he might really like this dog.

Roland is excited- clearly already adores the dog and after another nod his father disappears into the other room. Robin is a bit concerned for a moment, leaving his son alone with the big animal but he also knows that Regina wouldn't have suggested it if it wasn't safe so he stays silent.

Regina then moves away from the door to let Robin pass, exchanging a look with him even though Robin isn't entirely sure what it means.

Robin knocks softly at the door as soon as Regina and his son are gone and says "Henry, I know you are upset but I need to tell you something. Please let me in," he waits a bit and then slowly the door opens and Henry stands in front of him, tear traces on his cheeks.

"Can I come in?" And at Henry's nod Robin slowly walks over to the bed and sits down, waiting for Henry to join him which the boy does after a second of hesitation.

"She could've gotten shot again today. He could've tried again. He could've killed her this time," the boy sounds defeated and it breaks Robin's heart; he chooses his next words very carefully.
"Henry please look at me," he waits till the boys does and then tells him "Henry I know you are scared for her and that's alright, but I meant it when I said your mom was quite impressive. She took this guy down… your mom is a badass and an extremely smart and strong woman. The kind whom I would trust with my life.

I'm not sure I've ever met somebody I would trust this quickly to have my back. Your mom is a very good cop Henry, who can take care of herself. But the thing is, even if your mom would roll her eyes at this… so am I. And in case your mom needs somebody to save her and not the other way around, I'll be there to protect her. I'll have her back and she'll have mine. I'm not going to let anything happen to her."

"You promise?"

"I will do anything in my power to protect her Henry, you have my word," Robin assures him and sees how the boy finally relaxes a bit.
"She really is a badass isn't she?" Henry sounds so proud that Robin has to smile when he answers.
"Oh yes, she is. Which reminds me, we should probably look and see if dinner is ready; I don't want to get my arse kicked by her." Robin adds with a sheepish grin "Oh Henry?"
"Yes?"
"Can you please forget I said arse? I'm sure your mother will have my head for saying it."

"Sure Robin," but he is grinning so much Robin isn't all too confident that the boy will keep silent.

Regina is in the kitchen cooking spaghetti and trying to hold the tears in. Her son is scared and it's her fault. She did her best to keep Henry out of everything- tried so hard not to affect him.

She should've known better. He is a smart boy, her little prince, and it has been a close call. He knows about David, knows how close they both were to death.

She just hopes she can keep him out of the other things that trouble her. She hopes she really can. She made many mistakes in her life but Henry- Henry she got right and she is incredible proud of her little boy.

You are a good cop Regina, and probably an even better mother.

Robin's words soothe her broken heart and even though she doesn't understand it she lets it happen. What a great evening, Regina thinks, the guilt still eating her alive.

David almost died. Because of her

Henry is scared. Because of her

She failed and she keeps failing

And now she has a practical stranger fixing her mess. This day probably will go down as one of the worst in her history. And that's saying something

Her side hurts, her head hurts and she is a bad mother she is… your mother is quite the badass

Robin's voice. Regina knows eavesdropping is not nice but he is talking to her son, so she doesn't really care. And a tear finally slips down at Henry's fear and Robin's reassurance that she is, well, a badass, and the faith he has in her. He has known her for two days- two days where she was awful to him most of the time.

But here he is, sitting in her son's room telling him that he would trust her with his life and it does wonders for her bruised ego; the part of her who can still hear her mother's poisonous words about not being good enough.

Well, and then her son proudly agrees with him and another tear is falling down at her boy's words; so full of love and admiration. She listens and listens and slowly starts to feel better, less like she can't breathe, less anxious.

She hears them come out and wipes away all her tears fast and tries to get herself under control again when she takes the spaghetti out and places it carefully on the table.

"Mom," Henry hugs her tightly (but careful not to hurt her again) then looks up and tells her "I love you." And again a few tears slip away, slip down her cheeks when she hugs her son back and tells him that she- of course- loves him too, so much. And that she is sorry, so sorry.

"I know mom. I know you are only doing your job and I'm proud. But can you promise me something?" Henry asks and Regina softly strokes over his head, ready to promise him anything.

"Of course sweetie."
"Promise me you'll be extra careful. I know you are a badass, but promise me that you'll let Robin protect you mom. He seems like he knows what he is doing," Regina hears Robin chuckle at that and doesn't know what she should think about her (nearly) 10 year old asking her to let her annoying partner protect her. Or that he is teaching him words like badass, even if it's rather flattering.

"Henry I…"
"Mom you said you would promise," and the way he looks at her, tears in his eyes, she knows there is only one right answer.
"Okay Henry, I promise. You don't have to worry alright?"
"Alright."

"And Henry, I don't want you to lock that door ever again no matter how upset you are. Am I clear?"
"Yes mom I won't," and with that she presses a kiss to Henry's forehead and tells him to get Roland (and don't you dare bring Ayla with you to the table)

When they are alone Regina turns to Robin.
"Thank you. Thank you for talking to him. I-I didn't know he w-was this scared I-I…"

"Regina, its fine. Even if we both didn't want it at the beginning, we are partners and I have your back. And I meant every word I said in there."

"You did?" And Regina hates how young she sounds but she just spent the entire day tearing herself down; that kind of compliment coming from him… well it soothes.

"Yes I did. I don't know what's going on in your life besides the obvious and it seems like some really bloody shitty stuff and you still hold your head high. You still bring 100% to your job; you take down morons which are twice as tall as you. You get through to upset witnesses and I didn't think you had in you when we first met, but now I know you do."

"Robin?"
"Yes milady?"

"You might be less of an idiot than I thought," Regina looks up at him with a watery smile.
"Coming from you I'll take that as an compliment," Robin grins at her and for a moment their eyes lock, brown finding blue, and for this moment things are alright, Regina is alright.

"Papa I'm hungry," Roland comes running and the moment is gone.
"Well then let's get something in your belly shall we, my boy?" And soon after that they all are sitting around the table eating spaghetti.

Eating and laughing, Robin telling them about his bow and arrow (oh can Robin teach me mum please?) Roland telling them about his day in daycare and Henry explaining his new book.

Regina doesn't exactly know how it happened- how a man whose head she wanted to rip off just a few hours ago is now sitting at her dinner table, Ayla on his feet, and chatting happily with her and his son.

How that annoying idiot manages to make her feel something she hasn't felt in quite some time.

Safe

She feels safe

At least for tonight.