Chapter Twenty-Six: Feast of the Crocodile
Regina and Robin wrapped themselves in the quilt as they lay close to one another by the fire. The crackling of the wood grew quieter with each round of their lovemaking until finally burning out. The room was still, the couple having moved from their spot on the floor to find warmth and comfort in the cozy bed.
They faced each other, arms wrapped tightly around the waist of their lover as they lingered in the intimate beauty of their comfortable silence. Eyes met in deep, loving gazes as exposed bodies pressed tenderly together. It was Robin who spoke first, the vulnerable atmosphere bringing out the honesty in him, "I've been seeing a psychiatrist."
"I think that's wonderful," she replied with a supportive smile. "Do you think it's been helping you?"
"It's not really a formal therapeutic experience or anything. He's a colleague of mine at the university who was kind enough to lend an ear," Robin shrugged before continuing, "But he's been rather insightful."
"I'm proud of you," Regina stated. "It's very brave to open yourself up to another person like that. Especially to a colleague."
"He told me I'm inconsiderate toward myself. What do you think?"
"It doesn't really matter what I think, babe," she said. "That's something you need to discover on your own."
"I know, but I'd like to know your thoughts," he responded and waited as she decided whether or not to speak.
"I wouldn't say you're inconsiderate. At least not intentionally. You're just the kind of person who puts others before yourself. So you end up pushing your own needs aside."
"Archie also said you're the greatest thing that's ever happened to me," he fibbed as a way to flirt with her.
"Well, now we know he's credible," she smirked, earning her a laugh from the Englishman. "Did Archie also say you should fix that hole you punched into my wall?"
"Ah ha. He did not," he rolled so he was above her, his lips mere centimeters from hers. "But I believe you just did."
The couple laughed as they connected in a deep kiss, bodies rolling heavily in the sheets as limbs coiled around one another. They made love more than they slept that night, but neither one regretted it the next day-or ever.
The weekend was a complete success for all involved. Robin and Regina were able to rekindle their flame, Henry embraced his inner child and freed his worries with the time away from the city, and Roland was finally able to sleep through the night without nightmares of being kidnapped.
After hours of skiing and snowball fights and countless cups of hot cocoa, the family returned home to Enchanted Plaza early Sunday evening. The boys worked together to complete some last minute homework before crawling into bed for the night. The couple closed out the weekend with one more blissful encounter before allowing sleep to claim them.
The early weeks of November zipped by as Robin prepared for midterms and Regina was faced with a troublesome copyright case for a composer. Thanksgiving neared, now only a day away, as she hurried to get herself to work that Wednesday morning.
"Tamara, I drew up those documents a week ago! Why were they never faxed over?" She barked into the phone as she pulled her black slacks on. Robin, classes out of session for the entire week of the holiday, did his best to assist her out the door that morning. He heard her arguing with her assistant on the phone, something she did quite often since their return from the cabin, and took it upon himself to brew her coffee.
He poured the vanilla bean cappuccino flavored coffee into a travel mug and started toward the bedroom. He stopped in the doorway when he saw her standing there in just her pants and a bra as she spit fire through the receiver.
"This is completely unacceptable, Tamara. I am the most successful intellectual property attorney on the entire east coast with clients worth more than the island of Manhattan. I can't afford to lose my left arm just because the right is incompetent," she huffed in frustration. Robin placed her mug on the nightstand and picked up her maroon button down blouse from the bed. He stood behind her and helped her arms through the sleeves before reaching around to close each button. She continued into the phone, "Your ass is not the only one on the line because of your mistake. Get them sent. Now. And be sure to include a heartfelt letter of apology for your insolence."
Regina ended the call with a sigh and Robin kept his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck and swayed their bodies, an attempt to get her to calm down. When she remained tense, he tried his best by saying, "You're the best of the best. Why hire a schmuck when they can hire you?"
He caught her smirk as he quoted her from their first date, but she was just too anxious about the case to fully enjoy the moment. She sighed again and tried to release herself from his embrace, "Today I am the schmuck."
"Don't beat yourself up over this, my love. You're going to make things right. You always do," he tightened his grip and teased playfully at her ear.
But Regina was really not in the mood. She pushed him off of her and snapped, "Don't tell me how I should or shouldn't feel about this. Believe it or not, your hugs and butterfly kisses can't solve everything, Robin."
She stepped into her shoes and grabbed her coffee from the nightstand, shaking her head in frustration. She wasn't mad at him, but she couldn't help it. The room felt like it was closing in on her and all she wanted to do was run.
"What can I do?" He asked, his voice soft. He knew she was stressed, but he had no idea how to help or if he even could. Clearly affection wasn't the answer. She looked down at the time on her phone and realized she needed to leave.
"I have to go. I'll see you later," she started to make her way toward the door, but Robin reached forward and pulled her into him. She was about to lose it when he crashed his lips into hers. He felt her relax and return the gesture, but only slightly. He didn't let it linger, he knew she was in a rush.
"I love you," he said and released her from his grasp.
"Text me what you guys want for dinner and I'll pick it up on my way home," she sighed.
And then she was gone. He wasn't angry with her for her tantrum. He wasn't even angry that she'd failed to tell him she loved him. He already knew that she did and was too stubborn to vocalize it. But that was okay. Because tomorrow would be a new day, a day where she didn't have to work, and things would all blow over.
What am I picking up for dinner? I'm leaving the office in 5. She texted to him as she gathered her belongings. Her day was finally almost over and she couldn't have been more thrilled about it.
Things had been figured out with her client. He'd called to apologize to her and Tamara for the mishap, explaining he did receive the paperwork, but that it was misplaced. Regina felt terrible. The whole ordeal had her in a fit of rage and she was so harsh with her assistant. She apologized, knowing she was wrong, but the young girl seemed to take it well. She even told her boss she understood and would have reacted the same way, but thanked her for not firing her on the spot like some of the other attorneys in the office had a habit of doing.
Ding! She looked down at her phone as she walked out of the main office to the elevator. Dinner has been taken care of, milady. Just come straight home to relax. His text brought a smile to her face, the first one all day she realized. And then she remembered how poorly she'd treated Robin that morning. She would apologize and everything would be fine, but she felt so guilty. He didn't deserve to be pushed aside like that.
Her walk back to Enchanted Plaza from the subway station wasn't very far. A few streets and one avenue and there it was. She took a deep breath of the fresh November air before entering the building. She stopped at the mailbox while she waited for the elevator, shifting her weight between each leg to relieve the pressure on her feet.
When she opened the front door of the apartment, she was happy to find her three favorite men all seated around the table. Their hands were folded in front of them waiting patiently for her arrival. She put her things on the side table and proceeded toward them once she closed the door. Before reaching her chair, Robin stood and pulled it out for her while her children stood politely and respectfully to greet her. Once she was seated comfortably, they did so as well.
Henry took her dish and filled it with hearty portions. It smelled delicious as he set the plate back down in front of her. There was a baked chicken breast that appeared to be marinated, but she wasn't sure in what. Next to that was a large helping of roasted broccoli and cauliflower topped with the same marinade as the meat. There was already a glass of red wine poured for her at the head of her place setting.
"This looks wonderful," she smiled and began cutting into her food once the rest of her family was served. The first bite melted in her mouth; the chicken cooked to perfection and with just the right amount of marinade. The sauce was not something she'd ever tasted before, but she absolutely loved it. "Robin, what is this?"
"I call it Red Pepper Sauce. It's something I whipped together once and it's always been a big hit on holidays," he chuckled before continuing to describe its ingredients, "It's a plain Greek yogurt base with crushed almonds, ricotta cheese, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It's the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy."
"Well, it tastes amazing. Especially on the cauliflower because it's such a plain vegetable; the flavors really stand out," she nodded, taking another forkful into her mouth.
When she was too full to even consider another bite, Roland stood from his chair and came around to her side. He took her plate and utensils and cleared them to the sink. He returned to do the same for his own plate as the others stood to join him, but were interrupted when they heard Regina say, "Please. Sit. I want to enjoy this for just another minute."
And at her request, they sat down. Not a single word was spoken as she gazed at each male that sat before her. She admired the little boy's innocence as he grinned back at her. She shook her head in disbelief at her growing son as she observed his straighter posture and polite smile. And when she peered at Robin, she felt her heart melt; he wasn't looking at her, but instead his eyes were focused on their children with the same pride and affection she was feeling.
"Okay, you can all get back to work," she chuckled and stood from the table as they did. The boys cleared the table and washed the dishes as Robin took her by the hand and led her to the bathroom. A bath was already drawn with lavender scented bubbles poured into the tub. Candles were lit all around, her towel and robe already hung on their designated hooks.
"The kids already took their showers so take as long as you'd like," he said with a smile. His dimples were so deep Regina wished she could jump into them. She took his hand to turn him back to her as he exited, moving her body closer until it pressed into his. He gently grasped her hips when she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"I love you too," she said and he released a soft laugh, realizing she was finally replying to his statement of affection from that morning. "And I'm sorry I was so short with you."
"I understand you're stressed, my love. But I appreciate the apology," he kissed the spot on her forehead where her vein often appears, "Now, relax your mind and focus on that warm bubble bath that awaits you."
Robin exited the bathroom to give his beloved her privacy and returned to the kitchen to help the boys with the post-meal cleanup. Regina removed her clothes, letting them gather in a neat pile on the tiles of the floor, and wasted no time dipping her body into the warm water. The liquid surrounded her as she tilted her head back on the edge of the acrylic basin. The scent of lavender filled her nostrils and she closed her eyes, immediate relaxation taking over her body.
She was overcome with the release of her tension that she began to run her wet fingers along the more sensitive parts of her body. Completely submerged in the water, her hand kneaded circles over her own breast and pinched gently at her hardened nipple. She moved down over her abdomen, reveling in the smoothness of her soaked muscles under her fingertips. She outlined the definition of her obliques, sending chills down her spine.
In the hall, Robin asked Henry to tuck Roland into bed while he checked on his mother soaking in the tub. It had been a while and although he told her to take her time, he was concerned when she'd still been in there after they were finished in the kitchen. He knocked softly on the door before turning the knob and entering. The door clicked behind him and he leaned his back against it when her naked body caught his attention.
He'd seen her naked before, of course. And he'd seen her in the bath countless times. But never like this. Never with such sensual appreciation of her own features. He watched her hands wash over every part of her own torso, popping bubbles to reveal more of her skin to him. Her eyes were still closed, perhaps not having heard him enter as she was pulled deeper into her reverie.
She was clearly fine. Nothing happening in the tub for him to be concerned about. Yet he couldn't bring himself to move. He liked the idea of watching her please herself in secret. But this was supposed to be her time. He shouldn't intrude.
"See something you like?" She whispered, her eyes still closed. So she did hear him. So much for watching her in secret.
"When it comes to you, my sweet, there's nothing I don't like," he replied, finding the knob with his hands and turning the lock.
"Care to join me?" She smirked and her eyes slowly fluttered open to peer at him lurking by the door.
"As tempting an offer as that is," he began as he inched forward and knelt down beside the tub, "I quite enjoyed watching you alone in there."
She hummed and continued to move her hands against her wet flesh, opening her legs as she looked seductively at him, "Is that so?"
"Very much so," he nodded, biting down on his lower lip as his eyes wandered to follow her hands. "Would you mind if I watch you?"
"I'd only mind if you didn't," she smirked and circled her middle finger over her bundle of nerves. She breathed out and closed her eyes, her other hand moving back to her breast to aid in her arousal.
Robin was in awe of her. He was constantly admiring her, but in this moment she was truly remarkable. It fascinated him to see what made her feel good, to simply be an observer of her pleasure rather than the cause of it. He felt a wave of ecstasy flow through him as he wondered which would be more satisfying: assisting her if she asked or denying and watching her fend for herself?
"What are you thinking about?" He whispered as he leaned closer to her ear, his eyes continuing to peer down at her ministrations.
"You," she breathed out and tilted her hips up as her finger found its way to her opening.
"What about me?" He urged her forward, hoping just the sound of his voice could send her into a frenzy.
She hummed as she thought back to the day they first met, the outfit he wore: khaki cargo shorts, white undershirt, sweat, sweat, sweat.
"Sweat," she replied and he furrowed his brow, but let her continue, "The way your muscles look when you sweat."
Regina recalled the first time they'd been intimate together, after his lecture on happy endings. She remembered the intensity and the urgency, the way they'd almost gone into Henry's room. Her first look at his exposed erection, her erotic surge of pleasure when she first felt his thickness inside of her.
Her breath hitched at the thought when her fingers moved in and out, lifting her leg onto the edge of the tub. She whispered, "Your thickness."
Robin watched the muscles in her calves briefly when her leg rose from the water. Her words were like fire in his veins. They were specific memories or details about him. He wondered if she fantasized about him; desired anything specific from him.
"Do you think about things you want me to do to you? Things we haven't already done," he pried, hoping to lead their evening in the direction of fulfilling her fantasies.
Regina smirked as she thought about the places she wanted to go to make love to him. Some were romantic: the balcony, Strawberry Fields. Others were hot: sneaking into a dressing room, in her office with all those windows. And some were just plain naughty: her childhood bedroom, all over every square inch of Graham's apartment.
She imagined how his mouth would feel around her sex if she sat above him, what he would do differently and where he would touch her. The sudden thought of her turning around in that position, his face between her legs and her face between his. Her heart was racing, the competition of that position striking her curiosity: who could make the other cum first?
"69," she whimpered, pumping her fingers harder and arching her back to open her walls.
Robin was taken aback by what he'd heard. It wasn't unimaginable... Not in the slightest. Now that she had brought it up, he felt himself growing excited to experience that with her. The image of her body above him, legs trembling from his ministrations as she concentrated on her own for him.
"How badly do you want it?" He asked, his husky voice speaking from the deepest part of his throat.
As if his words were all she needed to hear, she came into her hand. Her walls clenched around her fingers as she used the thumb of that same hand to rub her clit. She tried to remain quiet, careful not to wake the children and scar them for life with her moans. She relaxed into the water and let her hands fall weakly at her sides. She closed her legs tight, tensing her pleasure center as she rode out the last of her orgasm.
"Have you thought about this before? Watching me?" She asked, catching her breath.
"I can't say that I have, but I certainly will now," he commented, reaching into the water and pulling the plug to drain the liquid from the tub. He dried his hand and then held them both out to her as he stood, assisting her from her pool of relaxation. "Did you mean what you said?"
"Every word," she smiled and peered down at the bulge in his jeans as he wrapped her in a towel and reached for her robe. "Leave it. Just more to take off."
He groaned with anticipation as she pulled at his hand and led him to the door. On their way, they each blew out the candles that burned before shutting the light and taking their leave to the bedroom. No time was wasted as Robin walked through the door, already stripping himself of his own clothes. Regina turned the lock and made a bee-line for the mattress, removing her towel, but keeping it close knowing there was sure to be a mess for them to clean once they were through.
She turned her head and noticed the hole in the wall was no longer there. The spot where it used to be still appeared to be wet, but otherwise it had disappeared. She looked at him and said, "You fixed the wall."
"As requested," he followed closely behind, his bare back meeting the softness of the comforter while his head rest comfortably on his pillow.
She leaned down to place a firm kiss upon his lips before stating, "I'd wish you luck, but I already know I'm going to win."
He laughed, pressing his lips together to muffle the sound as she positioned herself on top of him. Her feet were on either side of his head and he smoothed his palms along the backside of her legs until his arms were draped over the small of her back as he said, "You shouldn't underestimate me."
Simultaneously, the couple began to pleasure their partner. Regina's mouth teasing his tip while Robin flicked her clit with his tongue. They both moaned against the other, but continued with determination. He felt himself being sucked deeper and deeper into her mouth, her tongue licking the length of his shaft. He stopped, needing a moment to revel in the sensation she was providing for him.
He was so hard, her teeth biting gently into his shaft causing him to cry out and dig his nails into the flesh where her ass met her back. She smirked and increased her pace, moving her hand along his member to the same rhythm. Just when she thought it would be easy, she whimpered when he sucked on her opening and moaned against it. She could feel him resonating through every bone in her body, removing him from her mouth with a 'pop.'
"Fuck," he muttered into her sex and squeezed her thighs. She continued as he ceased his moans and moved his lips to kiss at her bundle of nerves. She gasped when she felt him slip a finger into her and curl around to her pelvic bone.
"Jesus Christ," she breathed out, moving her hand faster along his shaft before sloppily sucking around his tip. During their time together, she knew that would get him; it was his most sensitive spot. Anytime she had him there he begged her to stop, said it was too much. But she never stopped. Even as he came she kept going and felt an immense amount of pleasure when he shouted and swore for her.
His eyes widened and he wanted to cry out, but he refused to give up. He added a second finger and pumped in and out of her, increasing the urgency of his lips against her clit. Both breathed heavily, so close to their peaks. But it was Robin who finally tapped his palm against her hip and cried, "Stop, please. It's too much!"
Got him, Regina thought as she worked him harder and faster. Just as she felt his muscles tightening, her mouth ceased and she put his tip between her breasts, stroking him fast with her hand as he came.
He growled and cursed as he felt the warm liquid ejaculating from his cock, flowing through her cleavage and onto his sweat soaked pelvis. Every muscle in his body grew tense as time stood still for him, his erection becoming limp between her bosom.
He lost, but he needed to at least finish the race. He thrust his fingers deep into her and worked the tips on the underside of her pelvic bone. She cried out his name, biting down on his thigh to muffle her sounds. Her walls opened and she reared back, dropping her hips in a desperate plea for more. That rare yet familiar pressure was building inside of her, a rush of liquified pleasure threatening to escape. He changed from kisses to pulsating flicks with his tongue against her sensitive spot and that was all it took.
She reached for the towel and shoved it into her mouth, desperately needing to shout through her climax, but not wanting to wake the children. His mouth was at her opening below his fingers just in time, drinking in the juices that were squirting out of her. He hummed against her, indulging in her succulent taste.
When it was too much and her body was starting to go numb, she begged in a tight whisper, "Please, baby. No more."
Robin removed his lips and pulled his fingers out of her slowly, bracing her hip with his other hand as she winced through the last of her orgasm. Regina relaxed her weight on top of him, unable to will herself to move away just yet. He turned his head and placed a gentle kiss to her ankle, soothing her thigh muscles by kneading them with his palms as he let her take her time.
After a minute or so, she slowly rolled over Robin-with his assistance- her back falling softly against the bed. He sat up for the towel and wiped his seminal fluid from her chest. When he was sure he hadn't missed a spot, he did the same for his pelvis. She leaned up onto her elbows and grinned at him, "Told you I'd win."
He threw the towel onto the floor and crawled up so their noses touched. With his arms linked under hers so his hands could support him, he replied, "Best two out of three?"
She laughed as his lips crashed into hers and she leaned back, accepting his weight above her. It was evident as they made love in the early hours of that Thanksgiving morning: Robin and Regina were very grateful for one another.
As per tradition, Regina awoke to cook breakfast while her and her son watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade televised by NBC. This year, however, their family was blessed with the presence of two additional members. Henry and Roland cuddled together on the couch snacking on some grapes as they anxiously anticipated the arrival of Santa Claus. Robin was standing at the Keurig brewing Regina's coffee first and then his own.
On holidays, she was a bit more lenient with the rule about food in the living room. She enjoyed the feeling of eating breakfast curled into the warm bodies of the people she loved most. Robin sat on one end of the couch, one arm around Regina while the other guided her fork to her mouth. If Roland didn't insist on sitting on her lap, she might have been able to feed herself. Her lover, though, was happy to assist and truth be told, she loved holding the little boy close to her. On her other side was Henry, holding her hand in his lap while the jolly old man made his big entrance.
"He's here! He's here!" Roland shouted and beamed at the television. Regina squeezed Henry's hand, remembering the many years he shouted the same thing from her lap.
Robin leaned over and kissed her cheek softly before whispering, "I love this."
She turned her head toward him and smiled lovingly. They were a family and this, this moment of togetherness, was what life was all about. She never felt happier in her entire life.
"Robina!" Neal shouted from the opposite end of the lobby as the couple entered with their children.
Every year the owner of Enchanted Plaza, Mr. Gold, hosted a Thanksgiving feast for all of his tenants. It was the one day a year they looked forward to seeing the man considering he only ever came around when something was wrong or the rent was due.
Robin held out his hand as their neighbor approached and gripped it in a firm handshake, "Neal. Happy Thanksgiving, mate."
"Same to you and yours," he nodded and allowed his hand to return to his pocket. He turned and spotted a glass bowl in Regina's hands. "Oh no. Is that your homemade applesauce?"
"None other," she smirked and then added, "We also brought a vegetable platter and Robin's Red Pepper Sauce as a dip. You're going to love it."
"Mr. Scrooge will be delighted," Neal joked, referring to the landlord. The boys ran off to mingle and play with their friends while Regina approached the large table of food.
Robin turned to his acquaintance and asked, "Has Graham arrived yet?"
"Graham? Uh, yeah. He's over at the bar," he pointed and continued, "Please don't punch him, alright?"
"I'm on my best behavior," the Englishman promised before heading toward the bar. "Graham, could I have a word?"
"You can have several if it keeps my face from being beaten to a bloody pulp," he quipped as he leaned back against the wooden edge of the counter and sipped his beer.
"I merely came to apologize. The past is the past and I should have realized what's done is done. It seems I let my anger get the best of me and that was wrong," Robin held out his hand, hoping for a friendly shake or at least a symbol of their truce.
Graham hesitated for a moment, but met his hand with his when he said, "I'm sorry too, mate. I shouldn't have been so disrespectful toward you and especially toward Regina."
More guests began to arrive and the food table was starting to overflow. Regina mingled with fellow tenants, lingering with the ones she knew better than others. She scanned the room to check on the kids: Roland playing off to one side with the Nolan twins while Henry was deep in conversation with Emma at one of the tables. She was most intrigued when she saw Robin. Practically hidden from view beside the large statue at the center of the lobby, she spotted her lover conversing in what appeared to be a serious conversation with Mr. Gold.
Gold was a man of lower than average height who needed the assistance of a cane to walk. He told different stories to each person who asked what happened to his leg, no one ever truly knowing the truth behind the mysterious man's injury. His hair was long and stringy, parted down the middle and brown in color with subtle streaks of gray appearing as he aged. He spoke with hints of a Scottish brogue and although his teeth were crooked, they were well-managed with the exception of a singular gold tooth on the lower left. His style was dapper, always dressed in fine-tailored suits and recently shined shoes.
Regina tried to get a better view, but their conversation ended with a mutual handshake and a pat to Robin's shoulder. She tried not to appear too curious when he approached her, but she couldn't help herself. "Did you find out the truth about his leg?"
"Not quite," Robin laughed and added, "Unless crocodile bite is the truth."
"He told me he lost it in Vietnam," she shrugged and dipped a carrot into Robin's dip. They were silent with the exception of Regina's chewing before he finally broke the tension.
"I'm not going to tell you so don't even think about asking."
"What? Why not?" She whined and he placed his hands on either side of her face. He leaned down and kissed her, leaving that to be the end of their discussion on the topic.