A/N: Hey my lovely peeps I know its been forever and I'm very sorry for the long wait but i had one if not the most important law exam ever and just didn't have time. It's over now and I finally have time for our lovely Queen and Thief. Hope you all enjoy the new chapter! We'll get some family time and one moment which could change the relationship between Regina and Robin forever.

Big thank you also to Abi, my wonderful beta!

As always I don't own anything and I'm responsible for all mistakes in it.

Have fun and please don't forget to review!

PS: For the visual: Regina is wearing the dress from 3x16

She is bloody gorgeous.

That's all Robin can think when their lips meet for the first time; lips painted in that bright red that suits her so well. God, he's wanted to kiss those lips since the first moment he saw her. His fingers find their way into her raven hair, pressing her closer to him and only breaking their kiss when they're both running out of oxygen.

Not that he can stop, just keeps pressing soft kisses down her neck moaning at her hiss when he sucks her pulse point.

She is bloody gorgeous

Robin keeps kissing her, his hands now roaming up and down her arms feeling Regina press her breasts against his chest and he can't wait to touch them- to suck on them.

Their eyes meet and all Robin can see in her dark eyes is lust, the pain gone and god; he wants her so badly, wants to kiss, wants to worship every part of the stunning woman in front of him. He is painfully hard now when he slowly unbuttons her blouse and when he sees the purple lace she is wearing underneath it.

He takes her hand, leading her to his bed and she lets herself fall and within seconds he is on top of her, their lips finding each other for another passionate kiss. Robin's hand is cupping her lace covered breasts and the moan Regina lets out at this goes straight to his cock.

"Robin?"

"Yes milady?"

"Touch me"

Well he doesn't have to be told twice, his hands moving to tug on her nipples but she stops him.

"I want to feel you"

With that Regina moves and gets rid of her blouse as well as her bra and Robin finally sees those breast free and within seconds is mouth is on one nipple, sucking and making her arch off the bed.

"You are so bloody gorgeous milady."

Robin kisses and touches every part of her he can reach and when she rubs her pelvis against him he almost loses it. He has probably never been turned on more than he is now, can't wait to be inside her, to make her come on his tongue, there is so much he wants to do but they have time, they have the entire night, they have—

RING

Robin wakes up with a gasp in this bed. Alone. And still hard. It had just been a dream; a very good one, he might add, but just a dream. One that means nothing. Regina Mills is a beautiful woman, he's never denied that, so having some rather naughty dreams about her is normal right? They are still just friends- nothing has changed.

He might be attracted to her but to be honest… who wouldn't be?

Robin shakes his head and gets up, heading for a cold shower and trying not to think of Regina's lips on his, his hands on her breasts. He has to see her again today, Henry's birthday party starts at two and it's really not the time to have inappropriate thoughts about his partner.

Yes he really needs this cold shower now.

Regina has been up since dawn. She woke up from another nightmare and there was no reason to try to go back to sleep. Besides, she has a ton of things to do before the guests come.

The guests and Robin.

Something she's trying not to think of right now. She is barely holding it together (she has to, Henry deserves better) and he is so kind, so calm. He feels safe and Regina knows– even if she can't understand why – she wants to tell him.

Tell him what makes her feel like breathing is impossible, someone to share her burden. But it's not fair; it's not fair to pull him into something he has nothing to do with.

Besides she doesn't know him, can't trust him

Even if she finds she does.

Regina gets pulled from her thoughts as the phone rings and when she sees the caller ID her mood turns even darker – she didn't know that was even possible

It's her mother.

She shouldn't be surprised, its Henry's birthday after all – one of the very few times Cora calls. Not that Regina would permit more than that. Some wounds just don't heal even with time.

Not that her dear mother would ever admit to any wrongdoing on her part. One of the many reasons why Regina cut her out of their lives; her way of keeping her son safe. Safe from the woman who chose everything over her own daughter.

She lets it ring, Henry isn't even up yet and she just can't stomach a conversation with her mother this early in the day. Instead she gets up; it's time to wake her birthday boy anyway. Regina takes a deep breath and forces a smile which turns into a real one as soon as her eyes find her son.

Henry is still sleeping deeply, peacefully. Regina doesn't remember the last time she looked like this sleeping. And she is so grateful that Henry never had to deal with things that made her childhood a living hell, which made her this person- this broken and damaged one.

"Good morning my little prince."

Henry stirs a bit but it takes another soft shake of his shoulder to get him to wake up. Regina's smile broadens when he looks up at her, still sleepy

"Happy Birthday Henry"

Suddenly remembering again that today is his 10th birthday Henry jumps up so quickly that his mother has to bite her lip to prevent herself from laughing. His excitement is adorable.

"Morning Mom! Can I have my gift please?!" He looks at her with big pleading eyes reminding her so much of Daniel.
"How about breakfast first darling? I made waffles."

He seems to consider for a moment whether getting his gifts or his waffles fresh was more important, the gifts winning out in the end

"Please mom? I promise I'll be quick unwrapping it!"

Regina chuckles, feeling light and happy for the first time today, kissing the top of his head. "Let's make a deal sweetie. One gift now, the others when the rest of our guests arrived. How does that sound?"

"I get more than one?" Henry smiles brightly at her when she nods.

Soon Regina and Henry are sitting in the living room, Ayla at their feet, opening gifts. Regina had gone overboard but she thought her son had a rough year too. There was no harm in spoiling him a little.

Henry is thrilled about the books she got for him and Regina is relieved. Relieved that at least some things work out. He hugs her tightly thanks her again and again, already reading through the first few pages. They share this – their love of books. They've often spent rainy days reading in the living room together, a big cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows next to them.

It's their little thing and Regina loves it.

Breakfast is nice too, Henry chatting and she is happy just listening.

"Thank you for all of this." Henry tells her, still chewing his waffles and making Regina scold him softly, "We don't talk and chew at the same time in this household even on birthdays alright?"

Henry quickly swallows and mutters a "sorry mom" which Regina answers with an approving nod.

"You are very welcome sweetie," Regina looks at him for a moment before adding "I know things haven't been easy lately and you've beena great help Henry. I'm incredible proud of you. The least I can do is give you a nice birthday party."

There is a strange look in her son's eyes, a look Regina can't really define; it's gone to quickly, the happy sparkle returning. "I didn't do much Mom. You take care of me and I take care of you right? We are a team."

He says this with such earnest and pride Regina has to bite back tears. Tears and shame. A 10 year old boy isn't supposed to take care of his mom. "Henry you don't have to take care of me, I can do that myself."

"I know Mom." Henry tells her simply shrugging his shoulders and taking a last huge bite.

Regina is too stunned to say anything and then Henry changes the topic, telling her about what Ayla did yesterday (she ran straight into a tree when he and Belle were walking her) and then gets up, taking his new books and starts reading.

Regina gets up and cleans the table, getting everything ready for the party later. Thoughts still with her son, who is growing up far too quickly.

Roland is a chatterbox. He doesn't stop talking the entire ride to Regina's house; so excited to be invited to a big boy's birthday party. Not that Robin is any less excited. He likes Henry, is impressed by the boys brightness and empathy and well… his mother.

Regina has occupied his thoughts the entire day (and night but he tries to push those thoughts away, he is going to a child's birthday party after all).

"Do you think Henry will like our present Papa?" Roland asks biting his lip worriedly.

"I'm sure he will, my boy." Robin smiles at how nervous his son is – not that he is faring any better. Things between him and Regina are… complicated.

But today is not the time nor the place to think about it, so Robin just presses the bell and waits for Regina to open the door.

It is Henry who opens it, a big grin on his face.

"Hi Robin, hi Roland, come in." Robin has to chuckle at how excited the young boy is. Regina's place has changed quite a bit since the last time he was here though. Balloons in all different shapes and colors are places all around the house which probably will break down under all the decorations at some point. There is a table filled with all kind of food, some clearly for the kids (who are already running around) some more for the adults in this house.

Robin can spot David and Mary-Margret with their son and with a closer look he also can see Emma and Dr. Bauer and Neal and- to his great misfortune- Jefferson talking to Belle.

Bloody moron.

"Look who the cat dragged in. Hello Roland, Robin," Regina's comes closer and she looks amazing in a blue-black dress.

"Hello Regina. Thank you for the invitation again."

"It's our pleasure Robin, no need to thank me."

"See if you still say that after Roland and I eat all the cake. You look stunning by the way."

Robin notices that she blushes at the compliment turning his smile even brighter. "Come on Papa I wanna give Henry is present," Roland tugs at his hand and Robin finally looks away from Regina and to the birthday kid.

He hands Henry the wrapped present and the boys eyes light up when he holds a bow and arrow in his hand. It's one for children- not the real deal- but it looks pretty nice and will probably be fun to play with.

"You were so excited when I talked about shooting arrows the last time, so I thought you might like those."

"It's so cool thank you so much Robin! I need to try this out right now." Henry still looks at it like it's the best gift he's ever received, taking Roland with him.

"Thank you Robin, he loves it. Even though I will send you the bill for all things he is very likely to break, you are aware of that right?" Robin grins at this, glad to see her laughing and teasing after their last rather intense and emotional conversation.

"If the boy has fun this is a burden I am willing to accept," he teases back. "So this house has kinda… changed a bit since I was last here."

She seems proud when she looks around and tells him "Henry has been a great help in the last few months; he deserved a nice birthday party. Which means your threat to eat all the cake is an impressive one. We have rather lot of it."

She pulls him with her to the kitchen and bloody hell she wasn't lying. The entire kitchen is stuffed with cake, cupcakes and all kind of food. Including tables full of vegetables and fruits in funny forms and shapes. Wouldn't be Regina if she didn't try to get something healthy into these kids too.

"Who is supposed to eat all of that Regina?" He grins as she hands him a glass of wine.
"Growing boys are very hungry, Locksley. As is Emma Swan."

"Hey Your Majesty, do you have another one of those damn good sandwiches? I don't know what kind of magic you put in those but I already had three of them."

Both Robin and Regina start laughing loudly at this, leaving a very confused Emma Swan.

"What's so funny guys? Let me in on the joke?"

"Nothing dear, nothing. Sandwiches are next to the fridge; eat as many as you want. I'm glad you like them."

Emma only shrugs and does as told before leaving the kitchen again.

"Okay I get your point. I know we are supposed to take today off but did we any new information since the last time we talked?" Robin asks sipping on his wine.

"No I fear not. We still have nothing." She sighs deeply and since Robin doesn't want to bring the mood down any further he quickly adds "Alright. But that's something to worry about tomorrow. Let's enjoy Henry's birthday, shall we milady?"

Regina laughs again (god does he love that sound) takes his outstretched hand and together they make their way over to Henry and his friends trying out his new toy.

Robin sees about four different books and as many video games and just overhears Henry telling his friend that yes he indeed got them all from his mom. Robin makes his way over to Regina ready to tease her again about maybe spoiling her son quite a bit when he sees her getting up and reaching for her phone, her face turning as white as the wall.

Regina's phone rings for the second time today and she knows this can't ignore mother again. Knows that the she has to go through this as much as she hates it. Those are the moments where she misses Daniel a lot. Daniel and Zelena.

Regina takes a deep breath and picks the phone up

"Hello mother"

There is a coldness in her voice a distance. Its Regina's way of coping with the woman who hurt her more than she thought was humanly possible. It's always the people who are meant to protect you who hurt you the most of all

The people who know your soft spots, and mother knew them all; used them with a cruelty that sometimes makes Regina speechless, even to this day. She shouldn't have been surprised after all, but she foolishly believed her mother loved her

She has learnt that lesson.

A phone call for their birthdays and Christmas is all that's left. Regina knows she probably should cut her off entirely but Cora pays for Zelena's lawyer and Regina… well she doesn't make that much but she'd rather spend a day in Emma's hideous red leather jacket (she loves Emma but that jacket… it sometimes makes her doubt the detective's sanity) than ask her mother for a penny.

But Zelena needs that lawyer and Regina won't let her sister suffer any more than she already has to. Its Regina's fault, after all, that Zelena is where she is.

Her son and her sister are all that she has left and she's vowed to protect them no matter what, consequence be damned

Consequences she feels every bloody day cutting into her flesh like a never ending wound.

It's worth it though. Every bit of it.

"Good afternoon dear. I already called you today but you didn't pick up. I assume you were… busy writing tickets."

There is a disgust in Cora's voice, making it clear what she thinks of Regina's profession and as much as she doesn't want to let it get to her, Regina's shoulders become tense, her breathing uneven.

"I'm a Detective mother, I don't write tickets." Regina tries to defend herself, feeling even more stupid. She is a grown woman for heaven's sake.

"Whatever dear. Is my grandson around? I think I still have the right to talk to him don't I? Or are you planning on keeping this childish behavior up Regina?

"I had a birthday party to prepare, forgive me for not waiting next to the phone for your call. And I am not being childish mother. You know very well why we have this arrangement."

It takes everything for Regina not to throw her phone against the next wall as she can hear Cora sigh like she was acting like petulant child.

"Regina it is not my problem that you had an overactive imagination. Do not blame me for your mistakes."

Her mistakes… HER MISTAKES

Regina would like to say she can't believe the conversation she is having with her mother but the truth is… it plays out every time like this when Cora is on the other line.

She hates her mother, she really does. She just wishes hatred was the only thing she would still feel for her.

Regina closes her eyes before she answers and when she opens them Robin is looking at her, his blue eyes worried. Great, just what she needed now; another moment where Robin Locksley sees her breaking down.

She should start giving him a dollar or shot of whiskey every times that happens lately. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

"Regina?"

Oh yeah right mother is still on the phone and Regina has to once again remind her that she is a single mother she can't spent the rest of her life in prison for killing her mother as much as she wishes it.

Expect those moments where she does love her mother.

Why does everything have to be so complicated?

"They were not my mistakes mother and I'm done with you blaming me for them. As I am done talking to you. You get two seconds with Henry, no more."

Regina doesn't wait for an answer and just calls her son over and two seconds is really all she gives her mother. Henry isn't complaining just throws a look at his mother before he gives her the phone back. He doesn't really know what happened between her and Cora (thank god for that) but he knows it was bad so he doesn't question it and just runs back to his friends.

And Regina turns around walking past Robin and straight to the bathroom. She needs five minutes to herself to calm down, to recover. It's pathetic and stupid but she can't help it.

Neither can she stop the first tears falling down her cheeks. Mother has that effect on her

"Regina?"

She jumps and when she turns around Robin is standing behind her chewing his lip worriedly. She wants to tell him that she is fine that he should go back out that she will be there in a few minutes too but all that comes out are choked sobs.

Robin is at her side within seconds; arms waiting for her. He doesn't touch her, waits for her to come to him, and Regina is so glad that he somehow understands she lets herself be pulled close to him.

Robin doesn't know what happened- doesn't know why a phone call with her mother has her upset like this. But he slowly understands that whatever is going on in Regina's life is not something that is taken care off with a good cry and an open ear.

This goes deeper.

He pulls her close, always aware of her body language and waiting for a sign that she needs to get away from him. Somehow he knows holding her as tight as he wants is a bad idea so he gives her enough space. Enough space so she can easily withdraw.

He presses a soft kiss on the top her head and just holds her while she cries. Just holds her.

Till she takes a step away grabbing a tissue from the box at the sink and dries her tears.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He looks at her with a soft smile, no judgment patiently awaiting her answer.

"No I don't." Suddenly her voice turns as cold and distant as she did at the phone call; her pain disappearing behind a mask as she looks in the mirror making sure her makeup is still in place

"Regina I think we-"

"I'm fine Robin, don't worry about it," Regina interrupts him before he gets his sentence out, forcing a smile. He sees right through it, sees through the smile that doesn't reach her eyes.

"You don't look fine."

"Well I am. My mother knows how to push my buttons that's all. Forget about it. And now we have a birthday party to get back to."

With that she walks past him and is out the door before he can say her name again. When he emerges too she is already at the table with Henry, one arm around him listening to him talking about the party. At least that is what Robin assumes, based on the big grin of the boy.

Well at least someone is happy today.

He has no idea what Regina's mother said to her but after knowing that her older sister robbed a bank to get Regina away from her… Robin isn't so sure he wants to know.

He's never met her mother but he already hates her with every fiber of his being.

"Papa! Come!"

Robin turns around and finds his son sitting on the ground playing with Ayla, a big smile on his face. He answers his son's smile with one of his own and joins him on the ground (Ignoring the way his bones crack sitting down)

"Hello my boy. What are you two up to?" Robin reaches out to pet the animal while listening to his son talking about the dog and the best birthday party ever. He is so excited it warms Robin's heart.

"Papa can we have a dog too? Please?" The question comes with big pleading eyes and Robin has to stop himself from just saying yes. His son really has the whole puppy eye look thing figured out perfectly, he has to admit that.

And that sometimes he might say yes to things he shouldn't. Not this time though

"I'm sorry Roland but we just don't have the time for a dog alright?"

"But Papa, Regina has time too. Why don't we? Please Papa?"

"Roland I said no. And we are not going to cry alright my boy? We don't want to ruin Henry`s party do we?" Robin adds quickly, already sensing a temper tantrum. Thankfully he gets saved a moment later

"Hey sweetie look at me." Regina voice's is soft when she sits down next to Roland, waiting for him to do as told.

"A dog is a lot of work honey, really a lot. It's far more fun to just come over here and play with Ayla. And you can do that whenever you want. How does that sound?"

Roland considers her words and even though he doesn't seem entirely convinced (he wants the dog, but if Regina says it's a lot of work… it's really a lot of work, Roland knows) and nods.

"Okay Gina. But I can see Ayla a lot right?"
"Of course sweetie, as promised"

Robin tries to find Regina's eyes to ask her if she really is sure about that, knowing that Roland will make use of that offer and milk it for all its worth. He doesn't want to burden her, even if it's his son. He is the most wonderful boy on the planet but also a handful and he doesn't want to add more to her plate.

"But I can also come and visit just you right? That's okay too?"
"Just me? What about Henry?"

"I want to visit Henry too, he is the best! But would it be okay if I wanted to visit just you? I really like you too."

There is more behind that sentence and the way his son looks at Regina and when their eyes finally do meet Robin knows that Regina knows that too.

And what she does next warms his heart in a way nothing has in a very long time. She tips his nose, a real smile on her lips when she tells him

"You are always welcome here Roland. Always. Because I really like you too."

Regina lets out a surprised gasp when Roland practically jumps into her arms hugging her tightly, her finds once again finding Robin's. Blue eyes that look at her with so much adoration it almost blows her away.

That and the fact that she clearly found a way into this little boys heart. How? She has no idea.

"Hey guys everything okay here?"

Henry comes over looking at them with a mix of concern and curiosity. Regina opens her mouth to answer her boy but Robin beats her to it.

"It is. Your mom just told Roland how much better it is to come here and visit Ayla and you guys then to have our own dog."

Thankfully Henry understands the looks his mother is throwing at him, understands that encouraging Roland's wish is a bad idea.

"That's true Roland. Besides you and your Dad can visit us more often."

There is an excitement in her son's voice that mirrors Roland's from before. Her son is clearly happy about the idea of spending more time with Robin and Roland. And Regina isn't sure how she feels about that.

"Yes! Henry can we play with new game you got?" Regina has to chuckle as Roland's puppy eyes seem to work very well on Henry who nods and reaches for Roland.

"Sure thing. Oh and Robin are you gonna talk with Mom about next week?"

Regina looks up confused throwing a questioning look at Robin who just shrugs.

"Henry and I were talking about me teaching him how to shoot an arrow, but that I had to run things by you first."

"And, Mom? Can I?" Regina almost rolls her eyes, no wonder Roland and Henry get along so well; they both are great in trying to get their parents to agree to things.

"I will talk to Robin about it first alright? I need to know more before I let him show how to handle possible deadly weapons. I'm not going to pay for the doctor if he pokes his eye out showing you things."

"Hey you wound me milady. I'm very good at this I'll have you know! Otherwise I wouldn't have offered."

Robin doesn't seem to actually be offended so Regina rolls her eyes at him. "There you have it mom. He is really good at it!"

Regina can hear the admiration her son clearly has for her new partner; knows how much he looks up to Robin.

"We'll talk about it, okay? Now didn't you want to show Roland your new game?" Henry, smart enough when to let something go, just nods and drags Roland with him.

"So Regina, what do you say?" Regina sighs as she looks at Robin.
"Why does it have to be shooting arrows? Can't you play chess with him or something like it? Or ask me first before you talk to him about it?"

Robin suddenly feels guilty because she is right, he should've talked to her before suggesting it to Henry.

"You are right Regina. I'm sorry, I should've asked you first but it just came up in our conversation. I can find an excuse if you aren't comfortable with it."

So much for not adding more stress to her life.

"But I didn't lie when I said that I'm very good at this. I spent many summers teaching kids. I won't let any harm come to him. Or my eyes," he adds with a wink.

He watches her; practically sees the wheels in her brain working.

"Apology accepted. Just don't do it again."

"I won't," he tells her quickly, blue eyes all earnest.

"And my answer is yes, you can teach him."

Robin is a bit surprised- he was sure she would've said he should come up with an excuse. Regina is an amazing mother but slightly overprotective, Robin knows that

"Really?"

"Yes really Locksley. I trust you to keep my son safe. And you know that I own a gun."

"Thank you milady. And yes I do know that and will keep that in mind."

They both smile at each other and for a moment it feels it's like it's just them, forgetting the word around them.

"Hey Regina where did you hide the cookies?" David's shouts and their moment is gone.

"They are… wait I'll just show you before you mess up my kitchen again."

They share on last look before Regina gets up, both grinning at David's muttered "That was one time! One time, years ago. You are pretty unforgiving"

"Hey hot shot, you comfortable on the floor?"

It's Dr. Bauer who suddenly stands next to him, a glass wine in her hand, smirking. She looks different out of the doctor's coat, good different though.

"Can't complain Dr. Bauer. Might answer that one differently though when I try to get up."

She laughs at that and after a moment decides to sit down next to him. How she manages it so gracefully in heels that high is a mystery to Robin though.

"You can call me Mal, hot shot."

"Oh I can? Great honor I presume?"

"Oh yes. But I find that you are rather tolerable and less annoying that I originally thought."

Robin has to chuckle at that and answers with a cheeky

"Coming from you that's rather a big compliment. So thank you Mal. Which reminds me that I have a name too, you know."

"I know but hot shot is fitting for now." She hesitates a moment before asking "What were you and Regina doing in the bathroom?"

Robin is a bit thrown by her direct question and can only stare for a moment before he answers with a polite but clear

"With all due respect Mal, that none of your business. If you want an answer to that you'll have to ask Regina."

Robin thinks he might get an angry response but the opposite happens. The blond woman looks at him for a moment before she smiles, looking satisfied and says

"Good answer Robin."

That's when he realizes Mal didn't want to know what they were talking about but whether he would betray Regina's trust or not.

"Was that just a test?"

"Yes" Mal says simply not feeling the slightest bit guilty and adds at his surprised look

"Regina is one of my closest friends and she likes you. As a friend it's my job to see if you are about to betray her trust. You didn't."

"What would've happened if I did? Just out of curiosity?" The look Robin now gets makes him actually shiver there is a fire in her blue eyes.

"You don't want to know, believe me hot shot."

And Robin finds that yes he actually doesn't want to know. That woman scares the bloody crap out of him.

"And since you passed… how about some wine?"

Robin agrees with a smirk and soon finds that he does like Mal. She might be really a bit of a scary dragon lady but her care for Regina is clear as day.

And Robin appreciates that.

"Looks like Mal is about to fry your new boyfriend over there," Emma mutters while she steals the cookies Regina just gave David.

"Hey Swan get your own cookies, those are mine." Emma ignores David and just takes another bite. "Shit happens Nolan, Regina's cookies are worth killing for. Be quicker next time"

Regina turns her head rolling her eyes at Emma and David. They usually behave like little children and it's as much annoying as its adorable.

"Miss Swan, Robin is my partner not my boyfriend, get your facts straight."

"Mhh if you say so Mills. You seemed to get along pretty well." Emma grins holding the cookies high up so David can't reach them.

"Can you two behave any more like children?" Regina scolds them lightly, eyes wandering worriedly to Mal and Robin. She loves Mal but she also is well aware of her sharp tongue and her rather intense way of handling things.

"What do you think they are talking about? Should I go and help him?" Regina asks her friends who are still busy fighting for the cookies.

"It's Mal, she is probably telling him about all the pretty disturbing ways she could kill him," David tells her with shrug.

"Don't worry Mills he seems to be able to take care of himself," Emma adds with a mouth full of cookies.

"Oh for heaven's sake Emma I have a hole in my stomach, can I get one cookie? Before you get fat?"

Regina isn't entirely sure if Robin can indeed handle himself- again Mal isn't an easy person and can be very protective, but she gets distracted by the people next to her.

"Okay that's it. Emma give David a cookie, I made enough for everyone. David don't use the word fat while talking to a woman if you know what's good for you. And if you two excuse me I'm going to bring the rest of the cupcakes to the other children in this house as it seems I'm the only adult here."

"Yeah yeah, your Majesty."

Regina leaves, shaking her head with a full plate of cupcakes ready to keep celebrating her son's birthday and when she looks up Mal and Robin are laughing with each other. Regina feels more relieved than she probably should but if Mal gives her the okay… it means a lot let's just leave it like that.

The birthday party continues smoothly and Regina can see how much fun her son has, making everything that has happened lately worth it. Still, Regina has to admit she is glad when the people leave and she has to house to herself again.

David, Mary-Margret, Robin and Emma are the last ones who stay behind, helping her clean up while Henry and Roland sit in his room, going through all of Henry's gifts.

David and Mary-Margret leave when Tim makes it pretty clear that he is tired and Emma follows closely behind, being slightly green. Someone might have eaten a bit too much after all.

Which leaves just Robin and her and the boys. Well not so much the boys, Robin tells her as he comes back from their room wanting to pick Roland up.

"They are asleep Regina."

"Both of them?"

"Yes both. I guess the party wore them out."

"Well in that case… do you want another glass of wine?"

Regina isn't sure why she offers, Robin could just pick Roland up but somehow she doesn't want to leave him just yet.

"If you aren't too tired, yes sure."

"This is not my first birthday party Locksley, I'm good." With that Regina gets the wine and soon she and Robin are sitting on her couch sipping wine and eating some leftovers.

"This was a great birthday party Regina. Henry is really lucky to have you."

"Thank you Robin."

Regina blushes once again today but hearing she has done well after how hard she tries for her son… it makes her happy.

They start talking about everything and nothing the conversation is easy and fun. He has a lot of charm, a lot of humor and Regina enjoys every minute. The wine is helping too and soon Regina feels more relaxed than she has in weeks.

"Regina I promised you I won't push but… are you alright?" He looks at her with concern and worry; worry that he might've just done that- pushed her.

Regina sighs and knows she won't be able to hide her pain forever from him. It's hard enough with her friends and her sister or her son but Robin… he has a way of looking straight through her, of making her wanna open up and maybe she should.

"I'm not but I will be Robin. Please stop worrying? I can handle myself" She smiles at him, not sure if she wants to convince him or herself.

"I know that you can Regina, I've seen it more than once. I'm just saying that maybe you don't have to. I'm a very good listener." He winks at her but she knows he means every word.

And maybe he is right. Maybe she doesn't have to handle it all by herself. And she wants- no, needs- to talk about it with someone else; doesn't want to be alone with it.

But she doesn't want his pity, doesn't want him to see her any differently than he does now.

Doesn't want him to know what she did.

"Good to know Robin, but I can't. Not today, maybe never."

She can hear him sigh, thinks she might finally did it and pushed him away but all he does is take her hand in his and squeezes, telling her softly.

"Whatever you need Regina. Just know that I'm here and that you can tell me everything and that nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever stop me from seeing who you really are."

"And who am I?"

"A stunning brave woman. A person who fights for what she believes in and isn't afraid to stand up for it. A person who loves her son with all her heart and even though she likes to make everyone believe she is a very tough cookie has actually the biggest heart I've ever seen. A person who is witty and smart, bold and audacious. A person I would trust with my life and I'm bloody happy I got to meet. That's who you are Regina."

For a moment Regina can only stare, the words soothing something deep inside; his words so full of honesty and affection and she knows he means every word, knows because that's the kind of man that Robin Locksley is.

She just feels and acts.

Regina reaches forward and before either can process what happens Regina kisses him, their lips meet and it's like the world stands still.

For a moment a blissful moment all the pain and sorrow is forgotten, for a moment when Robin answers her kiss Regina feels happy.

Happy and safe.

Till the reality of what happened and what she has done crashes down on her.

She is kissing a man who thinks the world of her.

Oh how different would that be if he only knew

If he only knew who she really was and what she has done.

He would run. He should run. He will run.