A/N : Hey there my friends ! How are you? :)

I'm sorry for the delay but work is really exhausting ... Anyway, I hope you will like this ! I love you all and I wanted to thank you for your support, love, reviews and feedback! It means the world to me and this is what makes me write :) 3

LOVE YOU ALL !

July 23 - The Nanny AU; one becomes the nanny for the other's child.

You. [AU]

A baby was crying in the building.

Robin was trying to soothe his newborn son, whispering to him.

"Please buddy, daddy has to go to his evening class now." Roland cried. "I know, I don't want to leave you either but I have to. I have to, buddy. So I can give you a better life." he kissed his son's head and closed his eyes. "You miss your mother, don't you?" his voice broke. "I miss her too, you know." Then he looked down at his son and saw him look at him intensely, like he was closely listening to him. "We'll be alright, buddy." he murmured. "You and I, we'll be alright."

Roland looked at him for a few seconds,

And then resumed crying.

Robin cursed and started soothing him again.

Robin Locksley was only 21, his girlfriend and mother of his child had passed away during childbirth and he had to try and raise that little boy alone, and while keeping evening class.

"Please, Roland." breathed Robin and then, his door rang and he closed his eyes, cursing softly. It wasn't even that late for God's sake!

But he was left breathless when he saw who was there.

Regina Mills.

His neighbour.

She lived on the flat in front of his and was always kind and polite.

Also, she was beautiful. The most stunning woman Robin had ever seen in a long time with her dark eyes and hair, red lips and shy smile. Marian had not been gone for long ( almost a year ) so he didn't dare look at other women, but she had caught his attention.

And she was there, now.

"Give me the boy." she said soflty.

"What?"

He didn't understand a thing of what was going on.

"Give me the boy and run to your evening class, you might still be on time."

His eyes widened and she chuckled.

"You leave everynight at the same time." she explained. "And I am sure this is not to see a girl, you'd be happier if it was that." she smiled sadly. "So I think you're taking evening classes. But you can't bring him tonight because he is fussy and refuses to stop crying." Really, he couldn't speak. He was breathless. "You can trust me." she said softly. "I've got a younger brother, Henry whom I practically raise on my own." she smiled then, proud and love in her eyes. "You probably saw him around."

Robin nodded.

He had seen a boy around the building, all polite and kind.

Just like her.

He smiled then and laid his son in her arms, kissed his head tenderly whispering words of love and then squeezed Regina's hand.

"Thank you." he only breathed and the smile she gave him in return was dazzling.

"What are you studying?" she asked one night when he came home after his class.

"I want to be a policeman." he said and she smiled slightly.

"That's brave of you." she answered and he tilted his head.

"What are you studying?"

"Law." she answered. "I've seen too many horrible things, I want to be able to fight back."

This time, it was Robin's turn to smile and she looked down, blushing slightly.

"Maybe we'll work together, one day."

"Maybe."

"What happened to Roland's mother?" she asked, one night when Roland is cuddled against her chest and it stirred something inside of Robin to see them like this.

But her question took him by surprise and open wounds opened back.

"It... She..." he took a deep shaky breath. "I..."

Regina's eyes widened and then she laid Roland back on his small bed and walked to where he was, leaning on the doorframe; she cupped his cheek and his eyes opened wide, skin burning where hers touch it.

"It's ok." she breathed, her voice soothing him. "You don't have to tell me. I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."

He smiled sadly and his hand raised to cover hers where she was on his face,

"I am fine." he breathed and this between them whispering, with her so close to him he could feel her breath against his face... It had his heart pounding in his chest so loud he was afraid she might hear it. "She died in childbirth." he quickly said and she looked so sad, he squeezed her hand.

"I am sorry." then her eyes found Roland's sleeping form. "So sorry."

Robin didn't know what to add, so he opened his arms and in one very impulsive gesture, he took her into his arms.

She cuddled against his chest.

A few weeks later, she was in front of him, looking all nervous suddenly and he frowned, Roland in his arms.

"Is everything alright?"

"Hm." she started and he noticed she was fidgeting. "I won't be able to watch over Roland on friday night."

"Why?" asked Robin, more afraid about the answer than he cared to admit.

Her eyes widened and blue eyes locked onto brown before she bit her bottom lips worringly.

"I've got a date."

Robin's heart stopped.

And then all he saw was green.

Green like the monster who was crawling under his skin, finding his way toward his heart and mind.

Jealousy.

He had no right to feel what he was feeling. Regina was not his and the time they spent together was not dates. She had the right to see other men. God, she wasn't his woman anyway.

"Oh." was all that he breathed and she took a deep breath.

"You're not mad, are you?

Yes he was.

He was really, truly mad.

But not at her.

He was actually mad at the man who had the courage to do what he wanted to do for a while now, and asked her out.

He was mad at this man.

"Of course not." he smiled and she smiled shyly, kissed his cheek, Rokand's nose and then she was out.

Robin took a deep breath and looked at his son. He could almsot swear Roland was looking at him with reproachful eyes.

"I know buddy." said Robin. "I've messed up."

Friday night had Robin unable to think of anything else but Regina.

6 pm ; she must be getting ready.

7 pm; perhaps he had picked her up by now, she must look stunning ( she always did) with perhaps a red or black dress, red lipstick and her hair down.

8 pm; perhaps they're eating or...

And then, Robin couldn't take it anymore.

He took his phone and dialed her number, waited for her to take the call.

"Robin?" she asked then and his blood froze. Her voice seemed a bit breathless, didn't it?! "Robin?"

"I've got a problem." he only said because really, his plan had been to call her. He just forgot to think about what he would say.

"Is everything alright?"

"It's Roland."

"Oh God." he heard the worry in her voice, but right now he was losing his mind.

He needed her here with him.

Not out there with another man.

"He..." the man searched for something. "I can't get him to sleep."

"What?"

"You're the only one who can calm him."

Robin looked at his son, deeply asleep on his bed.

"Robin, I'm in the middle of-"

"I know." he cut her. "But I need you."

He heard her sigh.

"I'm on my way."

The grin didn't leave Robin's face even after her closed the phone.

When Regina arrived, she was breathless and Robin couldn't help but look at her.

"What?" she asked, "And where is Roland?"

Robin shook his head.

"You're beautiful." he breathed and then brown eyes locked onto blue and she blushed.

He had been right on the dress, she wore a tight black dress with red lipstick.

"Where is Roland?" asked again Regina, frowning now.

"He fell asleep after all." only shrugged Robin.

"You must be kidding me." she breathed, taking a step closer. "Robin, you interrupted my date!"

"I'm sure it wasn't that good." only said the man. "You wouldn't have left otherwise."

"I only left for you!" she exclaimed and a small silence settled on the room.

Robin's heart was beating so fast.

"I know. Thank you."

"Why did you call me?"

He swallowed.

"I needed your help with Roland."

Regina frowned and took a step closer, until they were facing each other.

"Why did you call me, Robin?"

He sighed and searched for his words, but before he could, she caught the lapel of his sweat and brought him to her, kissing him. Robin froze and then,

He kissed her back.

He kissed her back with everything that he had, hands tangled in her hair while hers was on his chest; the kiss heated and passionate.

But then,

Robin realized what he was doing, and he froze before receding.

Blue eyes met brown once again and she seemed so vulnerable right now, he wanted to kiss her again, but somehow couldn't.

God,

He just kissed another woman.

He swore never to replace Marian.

And now, here was he.

"Oh God." she breathed, taking a step back. "I am so sorry, I-"

"No, I am sorry-"

"I didn't think-"

"I wasn't thinking-"

Regina only looked at him and he saw her eyes were glassy suddenly.

"I should go." she breathed.

"Perhaps you should."

"See you tomorrow?" she asked shyly and he nodded.

But once she was outside, Robin knew

She wouldn't see him the next day.

It had been a week now.

Robin has been avoidingher because he couldn't.

He just couldn't.

The feelings he had felt when they kissed...

He wasn't supposed to feel that again.

It was wrong.

His heart was beating fast, he was feeling feverish and he had trouble focusing.

He didn't know what was going on with him.

Or he knew, but refused to admit it.

It had been several months now, since Regina and he had their little arrangement. She would come on the evenings at night to watch over Roland ( it was much easier than having to watch him during his class) and in return, he would cook for her saturday and sunday nights. Which included that they now spent most of their weekend together, and most of their nights.

There was something.

Something he was afraid to find out.

Because he didn't want to betray Marian and the memory of her, because he didn't know if Regina felt the same ( who was he kidding there?), because there was Roland and he didn't want his boy to be too deep in this ( too late for that if the smile his boy gave Regina was of any indication ), because he didn't want to be too deep in this ( much too late for that if the way his heart took a speed when he caught a glimpse of her was of any indication).

Because he was afraid.

And now that kiss.

He wanted to have a real chance with Regina. He wanted to take her to dinner, and to kiss her; he wanted her to be a part of his life. He really, deeply wanted that.

But what would Marian think?

Then he remembered a talk he had with on of his best friends,

"You're thinking too much, Robin." said Will and the man sighed, buried his face in his hands.

"I don't know." he sighed again. "What would have Marian thought? Seeing me moving on from her so quickly?" tears stinged at the back of his eyes. "God, I feel like I'm betraying her."

"You're not." said firmly his friend and Robin looked her. "Robin, you are not betraying Marian." then, he said softer. "You know she wanted your happiness." Robin swallowed. "She wouldn't want you to spend the rest of your life feeling alone and heartbroken, she would want you to move on with someone who loves you as much as she did. She would have wanted you and Roland to be as happy as possible. She was that type of person."

A sob escaped Robin.

"She was, wasn't she?" he shook his head tenderly. "My Marian."

"She will always be your Marian." smiled sadly Will. "Always. You're not replacing her, Robin. You're not replacing her in your heart and you're not replacing her in Roland's life. You have the right to fall in love again. You have the right to move on. There is no right time for that, it just happens. A part of your heart will always be Marian's, but it is right to open it to a second chance. It is right to admit you love Regina."

Robin closed his eyes tightly, taking a deep breath.

Now, an entire week after that kiss, they were dining together and he noticed Regina was tensed and looked slightly tired.

He had not noticed it until now,

Granted they had spent less time together this past week because selfishly, he was avoiding her.

He was avoiding her because he was afraid of his feelings for her.

"Are you alright?" he asked and she froze but laid her fork and swallowed.

"I don't know. Are you?"

He frowned.

"I don't understand."

She looked at him, brown eyes unreadable yet he saw she was nervous.

"You've been avoiding me." she finally said and his heart stopped.

Oh God.

"I... I've been busy."

She chuckled bitterly and he felt terrible.

"If you do not wish to see me anymore," her voice broke but she tilted her chin. "At least you could have to courage to say it to me."

A small silence could be heard then and Robin didn't know what to do.

He wanted to stop her,

He really, really did.

But he couldn't.

He needed to sort out his feelings first, needed to understand what he wanted.

"If this is about the kiss..." she started, looking down a few seconds.

"Regina-"

"I shouldn't have." she said, "And I am sorry." she chuckled sadly. "I've misread the sign you sent me."

"It's not that." breathed Robin then. "And you didn't."

"Then what is it?"

Robin took a deep breath.

"The kiss isn't the problem, Regina." he said and then cleared his throat. "I ... I wanted to kiss you and I think that was pretty clear."

Regina took a deep breath and tilted her head slightly,

"Then what is it?"

"I..." Robin's voice broke. "I just can't."

She frowned and then looked pained.

"It's about Marian, isn't it?"

"I can't do that to her."

"Robin," sighed sadly Regina before taking one of his hands and squeezing it. "You can't spend your life unhappy because you're afraid of betraying the memory of your first love."

"But-"

"No," she said softly and brown eyes were shining with tears. "I love you." he froze at her saying these very important words and squeezed her hand. "And I love Roland. I want to be a part of your life, I want that more than anything. But I can't do anything if you're not in this with me."

She got up and Robin got up too, afraid to see her leave now that he had gotten her back

"Regina..."

"What?" she asked, turning around and he saw a tear leaving her eye. "Stop me, Robin." she breathed and he swallowed. "Stop me. Tell me you love me, tell me you don't want me to leave and I won't." her voice broke. "I promise I won't."

He opened the mouth

He wanted to stop her.

God, he wanted to.

But nothing came out.

He saw Regina's face crumbled and then, another tear left her eye.

"Goodbye, Robin." she breathed, kissing his cheek.

And then she was gone,

Leaving Robin with nothing else but his broken heart at his feet, looking at the place she left with glassy eyes.

"I love you, too." he breathed to the empty place.

He had not seen her for a day, but it was already terrible.

Even Roland must have felt something was wrong, because he had been fussy and grumpy all day and now, he was crying on top of it.

"I know, baby." breathed Robin, trying to calm him. "I miss her too."

And he did.

He missed her more than he could say.

He had messed up.

He should have stopped her.

Regina was right, Will was right

Marian wouldn't have wanted that.

She wouldn't have wanted that for him, nor for Roland.

And just because he lost one happy ending didn't mean he would lose this one.

He needed to be strong, now.

So Robin took a deep breath and left his flat to knock at the one in front of his,

Regina Mills'.

The door opened after a few seconds of waiting and she appeared, still wearing her pajamas, her face naked of any makeup and her hair down and curly.

But she had never been more beautiful to Robin.

He smiled tenderly when he saw her, and her eyes widened.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"We miss you." he only said and saw her melt a little, then she looked at Roland who held his little arms to her and she smiled before taking him.

"Hey there, little man." she breathed and Robin's heart roared with love for this woman who had won over both his son's heart and his. Regina looked at Robin and sighed, "Fine . Come in. But just for a second."

Roland was playing on the ground, Robin and Regina sat besides him. Robin could see she avoided his eyes and that was making him feel ill.

"Regina." he said but she didn't look at him. "Regina" he said again softer and this time she turned toward him, brown eyes wide and glassy with tears.

"Don't say something you've already said." she breathed.

"I won't."

"Robin," she murmured. "This is already hard enough, so please-"

But she never got the chance to finish her thoughts because Robin's lips had crashed on hers. She let out a small moan of surprise before kissing him back, just as tenderly. When they receded, Robin nuzzled her nose and she swallowed.

"What was this for?" she murmured and he smiled against her lips, before leaning in and kissing her again.

Just because he could.

Just because this amazing woman was all his and he couldn't get enough of her.

"Robin?" she asked again and this time, their eyes met.

He took her hand and laid it right to his heart.

"You were right." he only said, "I can't keep on living like this. Marian wouldn't have wanted that." she nodded, still without understand and he smiled again. "I love you too, Regina." he breathed and she looked taken aback, but then the most radiant of smiles lit up her face and she chuckled happily.

"You do?"

"I do." he nodded, eyes glassy too. "And we want you to be a part of our lives," then he strokes Roland's belly, "Don't we, little one?" Roland smiled then, as if he agreed. "if you're up for the challenge, of course." smirked Robin and she laughed before kissing him again.

"I am more than ready." she breathed against her lips and he smiled again.

Robin then put an arm around her waist, bringing her to him as she took Roland in her arms. Regina leant into Robin and he kissed her temple lovingly, closing his eyes, enjoying this feeling of happiness he had not had in a long time. The woman closed her eyes again, smiling happily.

Neither of us noticed the blurry woman standing in the flat, tears shining in her brown eyes.

Only Roland looked up and she smiled at him, kneeling beside them.

"It will be alright, sweetheart." Marian said to her son. "Daddy and Regina will take care of you, and I will always look out for you both." she smiled and corrected, "Well, the three of you now." she put her hand on the woman's and saw her jumped suddenly, eyes wide opened. "Thank you for taking care of the two love of my life." she breathed, even though adults couldn't see her. She watched as a serene smile crossed Regina's face, and she leant further into Robin's hold. Marian then looked up toward the man, and tears rolled down her cheeks. She laid a hand on his cheek and his eyes opened too, "Be happy, Robin." she breathed, "That's all I ever wanted for you."

And then she got up, and smiled

Reday to leave.

Robin tightened his hold on Regina, lost in the feeling of this woman he loved so much.

"I love you." she breathed, laying a kiss on his chest and he smiled.

"I love you too."

Something hapened a few minutes ago, and Robin was ready to bet Regina felt it too. Like ... Like someone was there with them, touching them, watching over them.

And somehow,

Robin knew.

That's exactly what Marian wanted for them.

A/N : So ? ;)

Just in case it wasn't clear, the woman at the end is the ghost of Marian. Only children can see ghosts so that explains why Roland sees her but Robin&Regina don't!

I hope you liked it !

Love you all 3