First of all apologies for the delay. Real life continues to be really busy and looks set to continue that way for the rest of the week/weekend. Next week looks a little clearer so I will hopefully have a little more time to write and edit.

Thank you to those who have supported this story so far. You're awesome!

Starbucks 'date' and their first scene as their TV characters anyone?

And the theme tune for the show is the middle section of the musical masterpiece that is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (from Mama I killed a man)

Disclaimer. I do not own OUAT or any of its characters. All rights belong to ABC and A&E.

OQOQ

Regina hadn't actually expected him to go and buy her a Starbucks, so when fifteen moments later Robin Locksley returned a smug grin on his face and coffee in hand she was once again shocked. Regina Mills, no matter how much she hated her reputation as the Evil Queen, liked the privacy it created for herself. She was most certainly not going to let this sickeningly sweet gentleman win, whatever battle they were playing.

"Congratulations, you brought coffee. Would you like a gold star?" she teased

"A simple thank you would suffice" he replied.

Damn him he was just like Mary Margaret, eternally happy and optimistic no matter how much of a bitch she was. She offered him a begrudged thank you before sipping on her coffee, a smile ghosting her lips.

She shouldn't have been surprised when he got her coffee order, a large Americano, right. After all he had made an insight to her deepest fears, not that she'd let him know that, and seemingly understood her after a mere half an hour. Everything about him surprised her, his constant kindness, his sass that almost rivalled her own, and his smile. The way she could feel herself relaxing around him. It was the very fact that she could feel herself relaxing that terrified Regina; she couldn't feel comfortable around someone. Not yet, it was too soon. She had to rely on herself and not anyone else. She was not getting hurt again. Robin seemed genuine, full of honour and a real gentleman. She just couldn't take the chance that she was wrong about him. She had to distance herself from him. She had to be alone, that was the only way she could survive. Keeping her distance should be easy. It wasn't like he was the only person who had dared to approach her, the stupid fool, he also happened to be her co-star.

OQOQOQ

Robin had noticed Regina drifting into deep thought, this time he decided not to interrupt. She had made it quite clear earlier that she did not want to talk, and he had to respect that. He didn't really know why he had gone and got Starbucks, other than the need for proper coffee. He was an addict like most other actors. Regina interested him. She was an enigma that he wanted to crack. She came across as, well as a bit of a bitch. He didn't believe that was the true her though, even though she tried to portray that image. Sarcastic, yes. Someone who could switch moods near instantaneously, definitely. There were moments though, when she thought he wasn't looking, where she seemed like a nerdy actress, trying to make a living out of something she was passionate about.

He wanted to get to know her. It could just be the lack of adult interaction he had had recently. Killian didn't count he was a child most of the time, but he wanted to talk to her. God listening to himself it sounded like that he had some kind of feelings for her. It wasn't like that. Robin was perfectly content with himself and Roland. He wanted a friend. He wanted to be her friend.

He noticed her expression change from one of happiness; yes coffee could do that to a person to one of sadness and reflection

"Regina are you alright" concern lacing his voice. He knew she would happily brush him off if she didn't want to talk.

Tears welled in the corner of her eyes, he didn't comment knowing she didn't like to be seen as vulnerable. She soon regained her composure; he knew he wasn't going to like what came next.

"Robin I can't do this"

God this woman was a pain in the ass sometimes "Can't do what, Regina" He was angry now "This isn't a date. Or me asking for one. Hell we've only known each other all of an hour and a half. I have apologised when I realised I had overstepped my mark. I haven't asked about your life because it's that- your life. It's your story that you can tell to whomever you wish, whenever you wish. I tried to give you a chance. I thought maybe we could be friends or at least civil co-stars. Clearly you don't want that. You want to live in your own little world and be a bitch. Fine. Sooner or later though you are going to have to realise that there is more people in the world that you Regina." He couldn't look at her. He was angry and upset. He needed time to calm down.

If he had looked he would have seen her close to tears once again. Anger overriding all over emotions.

"Robin, don't you dare walk away from me. Not after acting like a child: shouting and screaming when someone says something you didn't want to hear. I never said it was anything to do with you. I know it's me. It's all me. You are right I am a bitch. A bitch that only thinks of herself. That's why I can't do this. I can't deal with the real world. I can't deal with other people because I can't control what other people do. I need to have control in my life and the only way I can do that is to shut myself from the world. So yes there are more people in this world than me. Just like there is more people than you. Oh and Robin it'll take a lot more than a coffee from Starbucks to date me, not that I would ever even consider that"

Well now he felt like a bastard. A complete and utter bastard. Shit. This was a total and utter balls up. He was thoroughly embarrassed and ashamed. Naturally he did the mature and sensible thing and went to hide in his trailer.

Regina was monumentally pissed off. She had thought Robin was different. The anger and upset she had expected, she would have been able to accept that. She had expected him to at least let her explain herself. No he had just let anger control over him. Regina was just glad that it was still early and that not many people were around.

OQOQ

Robin was dreading this, filming their first scene. It was always somewhat awkward filming with a new co-star, both unused to each other's affectations. The characters still evolving in their own minds. This was going to be even worse though, after the stunt he pulled earlier. The best he could hope for was a good and civil first run through. He already wanted this to be over so he could enjoy a glass of whiskey and a good night's sleep

Regina had tried and failed to think of a way to delay their scene. She had been nervous about the first scene, it was the first time her character, Lucia would truly come to life. She had no idea how the dynamics she had imagined would work when acting alongside other actors. She was grateful that, at least it was a team scene, so it shouldn't be as awkward. Regina was just going to be professional and look forward to the glass, or two, of wine after the scene. Today was a short day for the actors, allowing the crew to set up and any of the final adjustments to be made. She arrived at the stage door and took a deep breath, composing herself.

He had arrived on the stage early, and spent some time getting to know the crew, a good rapport was needed if they were going to be with you every day for fourteen hours a day, for 6 months.

He was already here; well at least he was punctual. The set director kindly told her where all the objects, that would be added later, would go. This scene was set in a conference style room, so had the basic furnishings. It made it easier to visualise for the first scene.

Before either of them was really ready it was time to shoot the scene.

The scene centred on an introductory meeting of a new team, an amalgamation of various other departments, merged after recent cuts.

Lucia was the head of the unit. Previously working in the witness protection scheme she was quick to make decisions, a good judge of character. She was also good at finding the true motivations behind a crime, useful for when you have multiple suspects and a complicated case. Robin's character Flynn was clever and tenacious, if a bit quick to jump to conclusions. Behind the impulsive nature though he was a kind hearted man. As such he and Lucia would make a good duo. Mallory- a former detective was unforgiving and frank, never one to mince her words. David was a local Sherriff, whose charming nature had caught even the most hardened con artists unaware. Belle and Gold were to be the 'couple of the show'- Belle was intelligent, if a little ignored by the rest of the team, Gold was enigmatic and eccentric. He also had a penchant for deals.

The set director motioned for them to start.

Robin or rather Patrick opened the 'door' to the conference room "So I heard we are working together"

"Really, because I heard I was your boss" Lucia replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Well this is going to be fun" Mal snickered, as she walked in the room"

"Yes I think it will, as long as well all work together. This team is newly formed; we don't need to give the District commissioner any reason to disband it." David said.

Lucia rolled her eyes "Seriously Charming, who is the boss here? No one asked for a motivational speech. This team won't get disbanded, because I won't let it, understand"

"Yes Ma'am" he actually saluted idiot.

Shit she had forgotten her next line. Her mind was totally blank.

Robin could see she was panicking, he decided to step in. Hoping she wouldn't mind too much. "No one likes a kiss ass David"

Of course it would be him that helped her. She didn't need rescuing; she wasn't a damsel in distress.

She nodded her appreciation, figuring that could work both as Regina and Lucia and continued with her lines;

"No they don't but believe me you also don't want to be my enemy. This job isn't easy, it isn't supposed to be. We will deal with difficult cases, some will make us cry, some will make us question humanity, and some will just make no sense to us. Some will be exhausting. Some will emotionally drain us. None of your mothers raised a quitter though so we will get through them and we will solve them. If things get too tough, or a case hits to close to home though, you tell me. That's not quitting, that's being brave enough to admit you are vulnerable. An admirable quality to have. We need to trust each other. At all times. Are we clear?"

"Aye Aye Captain" Patrick chuckled

"Do you always act like a child" Lucia questioned

"No Ma'am"

"Well why you insist on acting like that in front of me"

"Don't know ma'am just thought I'd lighten the mood for a minute" Patrick had the decency to look embarrassed.

"Well at least I know I won't have to find room in the budget for a clown at any fundraisers seem like we have one right here" Lucia joked.

"I would rather not"

"Oh we agree on something then. Fabulous."

"Now are we all clear on the seriousness of our jobs"

Faces that had been amused by the spectacle turned into solemn nods.

"Good, well we start bright and early tomorrow."

The set director called "CUT". They ran through the scenes, cameras at different angles, different inflections here and there before the scene were finished. It would be edited later on but for now it was complete. It actually wasn't too awkward and the crew and cast seemed pleased.

Regina still couldn't wait to get into her pyjamas and have a glass of wine though.

Robin had been hoping to catch her at the end of the shoot but it appeared she had already gone. Sighing to himself he made his way back to his trailer

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