NOTES: I have a thing for "ladies nights" I'd pay money to see the women of Storybrooke out and about. I think it would be hilarious. That's probably why I always write it . . . I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

CHAPTER 3

Regina was grateful that Emma offered to drive to "The Rabbit Hole" she wasn't sure how she'd get home but she didn't care. She hadn't had a night out with the girls in ages and it was long overdue. She wore her favorite red dress for the occasion and when Emma picked her up she immediately started asking questions about Robin "Did you guys sleep together last night?"

"Emma . . . no and stop asking me a million questions."

"I'm sorry but it's obvious you really like him because here we are going back to the bar again."

"That's not the only reason we're going to the bar; I want to spend time with my friends."

"That's bullshit and you know it."

"It is not! When is the last time we all hung out and drank?"

"I will admit it's been a while but still your new boyfriend is bartending tonight . . ."

"First of all he's not my boyfriend."

"Oh' that's bullshit too."

"It's not - we haven't made anything official."

"Well, maybe you should. You know what . . . don't worry I'll talk to Robin."

"Emma Swan you will do nothing of the sort."

She laughed "I love when you get all regal it's hilarious. Seriously, though the two of you are so good together. You should make it official."

"It's only been two weeks."

"That doesn't matter and you know it," Emma replied. They pulled into the parking lot and noticed the group of ladies waiting for them "The more the merrier."

"Tink wasn't kidding; Ashley is even here!"

"We haven't seen her in forever." They got out of the car and everyone hugged and kissed; Emma, Regina, Tink, Mary, Ruby and Ashley all headed inside "I'll grab us a table." Everyone followed Emma to the other side of the bar and Regina didn't even look for Robin. She didn't want to be obvious. When they all sat down Jefferson came over smiling and chatting with all of them and promised he'd be back in a few minutes with water for all of them. He informed them that he was helping Robin behind the bar and to please ask if they needed anything.

It was pretty busy "I'll go up and get the first round. Is everyone okay with Corona?" They all nodded and Emma was up and pushing her way to the front of the bar rather quickly. She was chatting with Robin.

Mary leaned over to Ashley and said "That hottie behind the bar is my neighbor and I didn't know he worked here."

"Who is he," Ashley asked. "He looks familiar and cute." Tink and Ruby exchanged looks and glanced over at Regina; they both knew Robin was off limits. Ruby works with Robin at the diner and was constantly teasing them and Tink of course already knew what was going on between them.

Regina cleared her throat and before she could stop herself she said "He's mine actually."

They all looked at her stunned "What do you mean," Mary asked.

"She's right. Robin and Regina have been seeing each other for about two weeks," Ruby said.

"Oh' my God . . . Regina he's hot," Ashley exclaimed.

"Aren't you two married," Regina said.

They laughed "We're married not blind," Mary replied as she sent a wink toward her friend.

"Seriously, they are too cute. Wait until you see them," Tink teased.

"He's working and very busy. He doesn't need me distracting him," Regina said.

"We're happy for you. It's about time," Mary said. "I've actually watched Roland a few times for Robin. He's a cute kid." Regina glanced around at her friends. She felt close to all these women. Mostly, because they all grew up in the same town and they'd been friends forever but she was closest to Emma and she didn't feel like sharing everything with them just yet. Ruby and Ashley were a few years younger and so was Tink but Mary was the same age and already married and settled down with her husband David who is the Sheriff. Sometimes, Regina wondered what it would be like to get married, have a family and hire someone to work more hours so she didn't have to. But other times, she liked her freedom.

Emma came back over "What did I miss?"

"Mary and Ashley were out of the loop. They didn't know about our hottie bartender and Regina," Ruby said.

"We're not talking about Jefferson," Mary added.

Emma came around and hugged Regina "Okay guys, don't tease her."

"I can take it don't you worry. Plus, he is hot and he's mine so stop looking," she said seriously. They all laughed and a few minutes later Jefferson came over with their Corona's. He was gone in a flash and Emma challenged Ruby to a game of pool. Tink and Ashley went over to watch but Regina wanted to catch up with Mary so they stayed at the table and chatted. She finally let herself glance over at the bar and she noticed Robin was busting his ass as usual. She noticed that he was always cleaning and that was probably how he and Jefferson were able to get out so fast at night after closing. He must have sensed her eyes on him because he finally glanced up and noticed her. He smiled and she shook her head and laughed.

Mary shoved her "He's very handsome. Tink's right he's been glancing over here every second he can."

Regina cleared her throat "It's intense."

"I'm so happy for you. You deserve this after everything that happened." She placed her arm around Regina and she leaned her head against Mary's shoulder.

After a moment they both downed their beers "I haven't thought about Daniel much lately. I mean even before I started seeing Robin. I guess time does heal but part of me will always have a hole in my heart."

"That's normal Regina. You loved him and he was taken from you."

"Sometimes it still feels like yesterday . . . the accident."

"I know it was awful but Daniel would want you to find love again."

"You're right. I know you are. Let's change the subject. Did you like the necklace David got you for Christmas?"

"Of course; it's beautiful don't you think?"

Regina reached over and touched it "I told him it would look amazing on you." A few minutes later they noticed Tink and Ashley going over to the bar. They must have been ordering another round and Tink was introducing Ashley to Robin. They shook hands and he was saying something to her and then nodding toward their table "Shit, God only knows what they're saying."

"I'm sure they'll tell us."

Sure enough the pair of them walked back over to the table and sat "Robin says he'll be over shortly with our drinks and he says you look beautiful as always," Ashley said smiling.

"Good grief," Regina whispered.

Ruby and Emma came back over as well "She kicked my ass."

"Killian is teaching me," Emma replied.

"I bet he is," Regina added. They all laughed and that's when Regina saw Robin walking toward their table with a giant tray of Corona's.

He put the tray down on the table "Hello lovely ladies. I'm so sorry I couldn't come say hello until now. I have your drinks; nacho's and cheese fries are on the house because well I have that kind of power around here." They all laughed as he set everything on the table "If you need anything else please let me know. Emma this Corona is on me and you know why," he said winking at her. Regina rolled her eyes as he came over; leaned down and kissed her in front of everyone. He caught her off guard completely and when he slowly pulled back he whispered "Hello milady," against her lips.

"Hi," she replied.

He stood up straight and shot her a smile that went straight to her gut "Please let me know if you need anything else ladies."

"Don't worry we will," Ashley yelled as he walked away.

They were all staring at Regina "Okay you idiots stop it!" They all laughed and then toasted to Robin – the new hottie bartender of 'The Rabbit Hole'.

Robin tried very hard not to watch her but he couldn't help it. One of the hardest things about being a bartender wasn't making drinks – it was the customers. For instance, he knew Emma and Tink were driving so they'd only had two beers each. Now, they were drinking soda. But, Mary, Regina, Ashley and Ruby each had 3 beers and now they were doing shots. He could tell Regina was loosening up; she was laughing and talking with her friends – she was adorable and beautiful. He cleaned as he went along in the hopes that he could get out somewhat early and he was thankful when the rowdy crowd he'd been taking care of all night left at midnight. They left him a very nice tip that he shared with Jefferson since he'd helped him most of the night. He knew those blokes only had one designated driver and he cursed them for getting in their vehicles and getting on the road. Jefferson wanted to call them cabs but they got nasty and then left – idiots. The time had gone by quickly and he was grateful for that. He looked over at his ladies again and they were all passing money around and Emma seemed to be organizing it. He placed their tab on the bar and she came over and placed a bunch of bills down "Are you heading out," he asked.

"Yes, but I have a question – what am I doing with Regina?"

He laughed "How drunk is she?"

"Not that bad; keep the change by the way," she said.

"Thank you. I'll be over in a few minutes and I'll talk to her."

"10-4," she said as she hit the bar and walked back over to the table. Tink, Mary, Ruby and Ashley waved to Robin and then headed out themselves. He watched as Regina chugged back a whole glass of water. She must have been trying to clear her head. He told Jefferson he'd be right back and then he headed over to their table "Look who it is," Emma said to Regina.

He grabbed a chair and pulled it over toward her "Hello, it's my hottie bartender," she said smiling.

He laughed "Hello beautiful. How are you feeling?"

"I feel really good actually. How are you?"

He took her hand "I'm fine. I'm here to ask if you'd like Emma to take you home now."

"What's my other option," she asked as she leaned in closer.

"You come home with me tonight."

"I'd take option two," Emma teased.

"Emma Swan who asked you," Regina replied.

"If you're too tired I understand," Robin said.

"That would mean that we would fall asleep together two nights in a row."

"Yes, that's true."

"I'll wait," she said.

"I'll stay with her until you close," Emma said.

"I don't need a babysitter."

"Shut up and don't argue. I'll stay with her until you close." Robin nodded and then kissed Regina's forehead. He headed back over to the bar and he and Jefferson started wiping down tables and flipping chairs.

Regina downed Emma's water "I need to get sober," she said.

Emma laughed "You have forty minutes to get your head on straight."

"I shouldn't have had so much to drink."

"You were having fun. I'm proud of you Regina you're opening up your heart again."

"I don't want to talk about it. I already had a small heart to heart with Mary earlier."

"I'm happy for you." They chatted and Regina was finally feeling better after about thirty minutes. Before they knew it Jefferson was locking the door and he told Emma she could wait with Regina for Robin. She decided to stay since it appeared they were almost done anyways. Jefferson came over to check on them "Thanks for letting us wait."

"It's no problem. I take care of my regulars and Robin is a hard worker and a great guy so I don't mind."

"Thank you Jefferson," Regina added. He smiled and headed off to the kitchen to check on things in the back "I don't want to keep doing this though. I don't want to be a distraction," she said to Emma.

"I'm sure Robin would tell you. Plus, he only works here a few times a month."

"I know but it's still his job. I don't want to get in the way." A few minutes later; Robin came out of the back and Jefferson let them out. Regina hugged Emma and so did Robin "Be safe."

"I will. Have a good night."

Robin opened the passenger door for her and she slid in "Are you alright," he asked.

"Yes, thank you." He got in and headed toward town – to his apartment "I'm not going to brag but for one night I made decent money."

"That's good."

"Yeah, Jefferson wanted to know if I could work another night during the week in the future. I told him I had to think about it."

"He likes you and respects that you're a hard worker."

"I know but that would mean working a double shift maybe twice a week."

She took his hand "You should only take on what you think you can handle. But, during the week probably isn't as busy as Saturday nights," she said.

"You're right," he replied.

"I had fun tonight."

"Good, you deserve a night out with your friends."

"Are you tired?"

"Yes," he admitted.

"Two nights in a row," she said softly.

"Is that alright?"

"I made my choice."

"I'm glad. I like spending time with you."

"You have a nickname . . . you are now known as the hottie bartender."

He laughed "I've been called worse."

She cleared her throat and shifted in the seat "I got territorial tonight," she admitted.

"How, so," he asked.

"Mary and Ashley didn't know about us and I might have gotten a little defensive and . . . said you were mine."

He pulled into the parking lot and turned the car off; he sat back and ran his fingers through his hair "Oh' I see. Well, now might be the perfect time to bring this up then."

"What?"

He turned toward her "I don't know how to say this without sounding like a dork."

"A dork," she said laughing.

He smirked "Yes," he admitted.

"Try me,' she whispered.

"Well, I don't want to see anyone but you and I'm hoping you wouldn't want to see anyone besides me. Does that make sense?"

"Robin, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"

"Yes, see I sound like a loon."

"Did you think of this all on your own tonight?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"What made you decide this?"

"This is going to sound corny but since I took this job I've come into contact with a lot of beautiful women. They've been drunk and thrown themselves at me and they've offered . . . things and of course I've turned them down. I never cared to look at anyone until the night I met you. I can't explain it. I just like being with you. Does that make sense?"

There were tears in her eyes and she bit her lip "I understand and yes I want to be with you too," she admitted. She practically jumped into his arms and whispered "Yes, the answer is yes."

He laughed "Thank God. C'mon let's go inside." He kissed her quickly and then got out and went around to the passenger side door. He took her hand and they went into his building. He lived on the third floor and once they were inside he hung their coats in the closet. He took off his shoes and she followed suit "So, this is my living room and the kitchen is over there. The first bedroom on the right is Roland's."

She peeked inside "It's a decent size."

"Yeah, he loves it. Would you like a drink?"

"No, I'm okay. I drank so much water. Don't Mary and David live in the building next door?"

"Yes, Mary has actually watched Roland for me a few times." He dragged her to his bedroom and she sat on the bed as he went into the closet to find her a shirt to wear. It was a decent room. He had a queen sized bed so they wouldn't have as much space as they did in her bed but she didn't care. There was a dresser and a nightstand – it was basic but it was Robin.

He came out carrying a red shirt "I thought I would stick with the red theme," he teased.

She laughed "That makes sense."

"You can change in the bathroom."

She smiled "Or, I can change here and you can unzip me."

"Regina . . ."

"You let me look at you last night. So, I can return the favor."

"I don't know about this," he said.

"Unzip me please," she asked as she turned around. Robin pulled the zipper down and she turned back around to face him "Thank you. Robin, don't you want to see me?"

"That's a stupid question – hell yes." She didn't know where her courage came from. It could have been the three beers and the two shots she'd had or it could have simply been that she was happy and having fun for the first time in a long while. She let the dress fall to the floor and then stepped out of it. Robin's mouth opened and he bit his lip. He drew blood; he felt it. He cleared his throat and his eyes moved over her body. She was standing in red; matching bra and panties and he was praying that he wasn't drooling. There was definitely a red theme going on here and he loved it. He shook his head and handed her the shirt. She took it from him and put it over her head. He stripped his shirt off and unbuttoned his jeans. He motioned to the bed and pulled down the covers. He took off his pants and tossed them to the floor. Then they got in and she scooted into his arms "Jesus, I almost blacked out Regina."

She laughed "Shut up."

"No, I'm dead serious. God, you're so sexy. I don't know how I haven't stripped you naked yet."

"You're a man of honor – that's why."

"You are right about that and I haven't been with anyone in a long time. I want our first time to be special. You are a vision."

"Thank you."

"I'm not going to lie. I'm exhausted."

"You worked hard tonight. Go to sleep Robin."

"I'll try but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to stop thinking about my sexy girlfriend who was just half naked in front of me."

"Shit, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You're stunning."

"So are you," she replied. They fell asleep in each other's arms and Regina wondered how long they would be able to resist one another. These sleepovers would have to stop if they were going to take their time. But, it seemed neither one of them could resist falling asleep with one another. Only time would tell.