Chapter Fifteen: Fight Song

For Robin, the summer had officially begun. He still awoke each morning to prepare Roland for his walk to school with Henry and ensured Regina arrived to work on time. He met her for lunch in her office everyday, once even bringing an assortment of fresh pastries from the local bakery for her coworkers. This, of course, impressed Mallory and she made sure to point it out to Regina.

The blonde had joined them for lunch the first day he visited, uninvited, and questioned (more like interrogated if you asked Regina) the man about his intentions and morals. When the conversation took an inappropriate turn to the topic of the brunette's sexual ability, Mal was dismissed. Robin found it quite appealing that she kept the intimate details of their relationship hidden; like it was a secret only the two of them shared. He respected her greatly for her modesty on the subject.

The Friday before Memorial Day, Leopold Blanchard always gave his employees the day off. Attorneys were rarely afforded any vacation days so he rewarded their hard work with a four day weekend rather than the national three day holiday. It was one of the few times of the year she really looked forward to.

Friday morning, Regina remained in bed while Henry readied himself for his school day. She wasn't asleep, but she kept her eyes closed and hugged the blankets to her chest, reveling in the comfort of her much deserved vacation day. Her son entered and she felt his presence, though her eyes were too tired to provide him with a proper greeting.

"Mom, I'm leaving to take Roland to school. I'll be home around four," he said from the doorway.

"Okay sweetie. Have a good day," she yawned before blowing him a kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too," he smiled, happy she was finally able to have a day to herself, before leaving the apartment for the day.

Only a few minutes went by before she heard the sound of her front door opening, immediately clicking shut, and heavy footsteps headed toward the master bedroom. She smiled, knowing exactly who was visiting her. A second later, she felt the bed sink in from his weight as he crawled up the length of her body until his face was parallel with hers. He placed gentle pecks on her neck, jaw, cheek, and then finally on her lips; deepening it with tender affection and eliciting a hum of satisfaction from the sleepy woman.

"Good morning," he whispered, his voice soft with adoration.

"Good morning, my handsome man," she replied through a stretch, her eyelashes fluttering as her lids opened to reveal the deep brown irises he dreamt about each night. She draped her arms over his shoulders as he smoothed her bedhead away from her face, brushing the back of his fingers across her cheeks.

"You're so beautiful," he breathed out before adding, "I can't wait for Roland to start summer camp so I might actually have a chance to hold you through the night."

"I have to admit, it would be nice to know we're sleeping together and then actually get to sleep together," she chimed, both chuckling at her comment.

"I'm going to make you breakfast. Any requests?" He asked and she shook her head in protest.

"You don't have to do that. I'll get up in a minute," she responded, already attempting to wiggle her body out from beneath him.

"I'm perfectly capable of cooking, love," his voice filled with only a hint of frustration. He wanted to do a nice thing for her, but she was always so persistent; having to do everything herself.

"I know you are, Robin, but-" her words were interrupted as his lips crashed into hers, his tongue licking along her bottom lip before they parted.

"Why must you be so stubborn?" He said with a soft laugh, his question rhetorical. She sighed, giving in to his romanticism.

"Egg whites and turkey bacon would be divine," she said and he smiled, complacency in his expression showing his satisfaction of winning that battle.

"Strawberries or a banana with your yogurt?" He kissed the corner of her mouth before rising to his feet.

"Surprise me," she said, rolling over through another stretch as he left the room.

Regina didn't realize she'd drifted back to sleep until the smell of the sizzling bacon filled her nostrils. She hummed in delight, excited to fill her hungry belly after a long night's sleep. She rolled her eyes upon hearing the sound of Robin swearing as he fussed in the kitchen.

Moments later, he entered with a tray held out in front of him displaying a rather impressive feast. Her eggs were scrambled and arranged in the shape of a heart on her plate, the bacon like an arrow shooting through it. She grinned at the sight and decided it wouldn't be so bad to wake up to this every morning. Her small bowl of vanilla yogurt was beside the plate, sliced strawberries mixed throughout and a dash of granola sprinkled on top. Instinctively, the first thing she reached for as he placed the tray in front of her was her vanilla bean cappuccino.

He made his way into the bed beside her, laying down and resting his head in the palm of his hand as his elbow supported his weight. He watched as she closed her eyes and allowed each taste bud to appreciate the flavor of the hot liquid. When she swallowed, she vocalized a sigh of enjoyment as she smacked her lips together.

"Where's your breakfast?" She questioned, realizing he hadn't made a plate for himself.

"I hoped you'd share considering the effort I put into preparing the perfect breakfast for Her Majesty," he quipped and she chuckled. Normally she disapproved when people referred to her as royalty in any way; it was rarely paired with positive statements, which could explain her discomfort with it. But there was something different about the way Robin said it. He was genuine; in his eyes, she was a Queen and he treated her exactly as such.

She simply shrugged her shoulders and gathered some eggs onto her fork to feed them to the chef. Before long, the meal was completely finished; not a single crumb remained. He didn't hesitate before he jumped up and took the tray back to the kitchen. She shook her head and finally stood up, reaching down to stretch the stiffness out of her back.

When she walked through the foyer to meet him in the kitchen, her hair was brushed back into a messy ponytail and her glasses rested upon the bridge of her nose. She walked over to him and hugged him from behind, kissing his back atop the fabric of his t-shirt as he washed the dishes.

"Thank you," she mumbled sleepily into his right deltoid.

"You're very welcome, my sweet," he replied with a smile and they lingered there until his task was complete.

Regina turned and took her seat at the counter, opening the New York Times as Robin started the dishwasher and wiped the countertops dry. He made himself a cup of coffee as she turned each page of the paper, stopping to read any articles that sparked her interest. She sipped from her mug, scrunching her forehead and furrowing her brow as she retained the information provided for her. He took his mug and leaned across the island, watching her eyes as they skimmed over a particularly complicated story.

"Anything good?" He asked and sipped the hot beverage, careful not to burn his lips.

"I wouldn't say good, but it's certainly fascinating," she replied, turning the page and folding the paper over to make it smaller in her hands.

"Care to enlighten me?"

He gave her a moment to finish the article and she placed it flat on the marble. She flipped it so the words were now right-side-up for him to scan the pages. Just as she had done, he tilted his head as he read on. When she figured he'd gotten about half way through, she decided to start the conversation.

"Interesting, right?"

"I suppose so," he replied, his eyes still focused on the ink.

"You suppose so? He walked into an elementary school and murdered 12 children in cold blood," her jaw clenched, anger building in her core at the thought of such a monster.

"It's horrific, but I rather agree with the protestors. What gives the government the right to take his life? He is still a human being and I like to think all human life is valuable, even those sick enough to commit such violent acts," his voice was calm, nonchalant. For some reason this infuriated Regina even more.

"What's wrong with a death sentence for a monster that would take the lives of children? If Henry were one of the victims, I'd rip the bastard's heart out myself," her voice was cold, fire burning in her eyes.

"I don't doubt you would, love, but try looking at it from the other perspective. What if Henry was the shooter? Would you go ripping out the hearts of the entire judicial system of Ohio? His life may seem meaningless to you, but the reality is he's not a monster; he's a person, with as much value as you or I. What gives us the right as simple humans to decide the fate of another?"

"What gave him the right to decide the fate of 12 innocent children, Robin? He is a murderer, plain and simple. Capital punishment isn't cruel or unusual when there is sufficient evidence proving that," she countered.

"That's a very Conservative mindset, Regina," he scoffed, unintentionally belittling her opinion with his tone.

"So what if it is?" She shouted before leaning forward, her frustration boiling in her core. "At least my 'Conservative mindset' is encouraged here. Please, educate me on the fundamentals of democratic ideals, Robin."

"Alright, Regina-"

"No. Clearly you would know a lot more considering the impact the English citizens have on their government," her sarcasm finally sparking his anger.

"Oh come off it! You Americans are all alike, what with your unsubstantiated sense of entitlement. Democracy isn't a respectable system when the people voting are more concerned with Kim Kardashian's panty line than the amount of debt the government has put them in! At least the people in Parliament are educated compared to the sorry blokes here," he paced, running his hands through his hair and exhaling roughly through his nose.

"Because the English have it all figured out, is that right? Let the 'Queen Mum' roll around in her diamonds while some of her citizens are starving in the streets? You expect me to take you seriously as you talk about how we're all just simple human beings with equal value yet you worship a woman whose only qualification to run an entire nation was that she be born," Regina stated, her hands curled into tight fists on the counter. She stood up dismissively and scoffed as she entered the living room, "I may have a 'Conservative mindset,' but at least my opinions are not contradictory."

She jumped when the sound of Robin's fist slamming against the side of the cabinet cut through their tension. She turned slowly on her heels to face him, narrowing her gaze to scold him for his outburst. He scratched at his beard as he moved toward her, frustration still seeping from his pores willing his next words out before he could stop them.

"You are so incredibly infuriating, Regina," he gritted his teeth together and stalked toward her. She took a step back defensively, but allowed him to put his hands on her cheeks as he continued, "Yet I am madly in love with you."

Did he just- she froze. He couldn't have- We're fighting. Who confesses their love during an argument? Especially about... Wait, how did this start? Her heart was racing in her chest, but her body was so numb she had to focus to feel it. He's in love with you, Regina.

"You are?" She questioned, her voice soft now as she felt tears building in her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time a man admitted he was in love with her; she knew it had to have been Daniel, but for the life of her she couldn't recall the last time he said those exact words.

Robin's body relaxed, all the tension of their previous conversation evaporating into nothingness as he looked into her eyes. He could tell she wanted to cry from his words even as he gazed through the lenses of her wide-rimmed spectacles.

I really, truly am.

"How's that for contradictory?" He said and Regina laughed, tears finally escaping the corners of her beautiful, almond-shaped eyes and sliding down her blushing cheeks. He wiped them away with his thumbs, refusing to look away from her as he pressed his body firmly against hers.

Robin pulled her face into his with a passionate yet gentle force as he trapped her lips in an affectionate kiss. She reciprocated her fondness for him instantly, wrapping her arms around his muscular waist in a silent plea for them to be closer. When they finally parted, he rested his forehead on hers as his fingers curled into the hair at the nape of her neck. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in preparation for the vulnerability she was about to expose.

"I have never felt more certain of my feelings in my whole life than I do about my love for you," she whispered, exhaling with relief and beaming with joy. She'd done exactly what he asked her to do: love him honestly.

Robin lifted her into his arms bridal style and carried her to the master bedroom. She nestled her face into the crook of his neck and closed her eyes, placing soft kisses against his collarbone. He lowered himself to his knees as he seated her on the edge of the mattress. He reached forward, removing her glasses and placing them safely on the nightstand. Without parting their tender, loving gaze, they began to undress one another.

Robin unbuttoned the front of her silk pajama top, revealing her beautiful, bare breasts and sleek stomach. His palms caressed her smooth skin as he guided his hands up her torso to slide the garment off her arms. Regina reached down and pulled the hem of his t-shirt up over his head, letting it fall slowly through her fingertips to land gently on the ground. He stood in front of her and she applied adoring kisses to his defined abdomen before gradually slipping her fingers into the waist of his pants. She pulled down, feeling each muscle tense in his legs as his flannel pajama bottoms reached the floor.

He stepped out of them and helped Regina scoot back to the head of the bed. He pulled the elastic band from her hair allowing it to fall against her shoulders. He pressed his lips tenderly to her flesh, working downward along her midsection as he removed her matching, silk pajama pants. He kissed his way up her body from the center of her abdomen, through the valley between her breasts, up her neck, her chin...

Their lips locked together; a perfect fit. Their bodies were warm as they pressed firmly against one another, the sensual heat of their desire engulfing them. They took their time, enjoying being close to and holding the person they loved; legs intertwined, arms enveloping their two bodies into one coexisting physical expression of their devotion.

Robin positioned himself against her opening when her legs widened for him, brushing softly to drive her arousal. She exhaled loudly, her hot breath kissing his cheek as she pressed the side of her face into his neck. When he felt she was ready, he slipped into her so slowly; allowing themselves to be fully aware that, for the first time, they were making love.

"Robin..." She breathed out, tilting her head back and holding him close; her limbs desperate to feel all of him as they wrapped, unwrapped, slid up, slid down, clenched, unclenched...

"Yes, my love?" He whispered into her shoulder, closing his eyes and allowing his slow thrusts to consume him.

"Tell me again," she begged softly, her feet sliding up and down the backs of his legs.

"I adore you," his voice muffled as he kissed her shoulder. "I cherish you," his lips moving to kiss her heart. "I desire you," he licked her hardened nipple. "I respect you," he looked into her eyes then, wanting her full attention. "I am in love with you, Regina Mills."

He stole her into another kiss, slightly faster than before, but just as passionate. He moaned into her mouth as she urged her hips to move in sync with his. This, this moment, was not about pleasure. It was about vulnerability, expression, authenticity; filling one another with their deep, honest love.

He knew he was getting close, the anticipation of his affection flowing through her overwhelming his senses. His speed increased, but his focus on their kisses remained. They parted, catching their breath as their foreheads touched. He gripped one of her hips with his hand, squeezing tight so she knew he was almost there.

"Don't wait for me," she muttered, sucking on his neck.

"I want you to-" he paused and clenched his jaw in a forceful exhale as a wave of pleasure swept over him. "I want you to feel how much I love you."

She lifted her hands, each palm resting softly on his cheeks as she forced him to look into her eyes. His ocean blue irises stared longingly into her dark brown eyes, both reflecting a glimmer of happiness that wasn't there before.

"I do feel it," she assured him.

Robin slid his hand, the one holding him up, under her shoulder as he lowered his chest to press against hers. He was right there.

"I have to cum," he groaned out, focusing all his energy on waiting for her to get to her peak.

"Let it out. Don't hold your love back, baby," she continued to hold his gaze, watching his lips press together in her lower peripherals. "Fill me with it."

He cried out her name over and over, pulling her warm, glowing body tighter in his embrace as his love spilled into her. He couldn't hold himself up anymore and his arms fell weak at her sides as he continued to empty himself. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, kissing the skin there with repetitive pecks.

Her legs were wrapped around his hips, hugging his pelvis into her as her biceps held his broad shoulders in place. He was shaking, his breath heavy as his large frame lay limp on top of her. She moved one hand up to the nape of his neck and stroked his hair between her fingertips.

"Wow," he exhaled into her neck and she grinned happily, holding him tighter.

"I know," she nodded, kissing his exposed flesh anywhere she could.

Robin rolled over onto his back beside her and winced at the loss of contact against his member. He forced her on to her side as his arm wrapped around her waist. She rested her arm loosely around his torso, her chin on his pecs as she stared up at him.

"I'm sorry," Regina whispered. "I have to remember that not everyone has the same views. And I shouldn't have insulted your country; I'm sure the Queen is lovely."

"Quite," he chuckled before adding, "I apologize as well, my sweet."

"I am so in love with you, Doctor Locksley," she said with a smirk. He released a quiet laugh and pulled her closer, both arms holding her in a warm embrace.

Robin didn't have to respond. Regina could see just how much he loved her when she gazed into his eyes.