Chapter 5: Halloween
"How do I look, Majesty?"
Roland stood next to her bed as he held out his arms, slowly turning around to show off his Spiderman costume as Regina inspected it. She smiled before motioning for him to come closer. Kissing his forehead, she said: "You look amazing, sweetheart. Have a good day at school."
"I will," he replied, hugging her. "Will you be able to take us trick or treating later?"
"Yes," she assured him. "I'll definitely be finished on time to do that."
He pulled back, grinning. "Good. I really like it when you take us around trick or treating."
She chuckled, brushing his curls back. "I like it when I can take you around trick or treating as well."
"Time to go, Roland," Henry said, entering the room. He was dressed as Indiana Jones, complete with a whip tucked into his waistband.
Regina motioned for her son to come closer before tugging on his plastic whip, raising her eyebrow. "I don't think you will be allowed to have this in school. I would leave it here if you don't want to have it confiscated."
He let out a groan but nodded. "Yes, Mom."
"Good," she said, kissing his cheek. "Have a good day and I'll see you later. You have fun at the school party, okay?"
"I will, Mom," he replied, hugging her. "And I'll probably see you for some trick or treating later as well."
That surprised her as Henry had already stopped trick or treating the year before when he got into high school. She tilted her head. "Are you sure? You don't have to feel obligated to go if you don't feel comfortable going."
"I know," he replied, "but I figured you and Robin would take Roland straight from the show and since we're going to be there anyway..."
"You're coming to the show?" she asked, even more surprised. She didn't recall discussing having the boys there, though she had no objections to them coming for Halloween Week. It was almost as fun as Disney Week and she knew they had enjoyed it in the past.
He nodded, grinning. "It's Halloween Night. And rumor has it there may be something special happening on the show that no one should miss."
She chuckled, knowing what he was referring to, and nodded. "I've heard the same. You're right. It should be an amazing show."
"I can't wait," he said, backing out of the room. "I'll see you later. Have a good show, Mom, I love you!"
"Love you too," she called out as he left. She imagined that Robin was calling for Henry so that they weren't late to school and she chuckled to herself as she curled up under the blankets again. Regina closed her eyes, hoping for a little more rest after being up earlier with another bout of morning sickness.
In what felt like only a few minutes, someone started to shake her. "Regina, love, you need to wake up. We need to head out to the studio soon," Robin told her.
She let out a soft groan. "Five more minutes."
He chuckled before shaking her again. "I wish I could give you those five minutes but you need to eat. And we don't have much time for that so you need to get up now."
"Ugh," she said, opening her eyes to find him hovering over her. "I hate it when you make sense."
"I know," he replied. "Now you know how the children feel when we wake them up."
She chuckled. "I probably sounded like them just now, didn't I?"
He nodded as he sat on his side of the bed. "For that moment, I heard Henry when I try to wake him on the weekends."
"Well, he is my son," she replied. "Though I swear he gets that from Emma somehow."
"Nature versus nurture," he said, shrugging. He then patted her arm. "Enough chit-chat. It's time for breakfast."
She sighed, nodding. "Yes, Dad."
"Very funny," he said, climbing off the bed. He came around to her side as she pushed the blankets back and held out his hand to her. "Here."
"Thank you," she replied, taking his hand and letting him help her to her feet. He then pulled her in for a hug, kissing the top of her head as she melted against him.
She looked up at him, smiling. "You ready for tonight?"
"Oh, yeah," he said, grinning. "It's going to be a spooktacular event."
Regina let out a little groan. "Did you just?"
"Yes. I am a dad and therefore I'm legally obligated to make a dad joke whenever possible," he told her.
She rolled her eyes but she felt only fondness for him. Patting his chest, she said: "Well, I guess I can't have you end up in prison. I need you tonight and I doubt Henry wants to suddenly start taking the bus in the morning."
He laughed. "No, I think he likes sleeping a bit longer in the mornings."
"Are you two going to have breakfast or not?" Claire said, appearing in their bedroom door. She crossed her arms as she frowned. "You have to leave soon and I would like to get some food into Regina before you do."
"Yes, Mum," Robin said sheepishly as he pulled away from Regina. "We'll be down shortly."
Claire shook her head. "You're going down there now."
Robin and Regina shared a look and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing as he responded that they were going down now. He took her hand and they left their bedroom, the two fighting laughter as they walked to the kitchen and the breakfast that Claire had waiting for them. Even though it was the day of the show, Regina felt as if she didn't have a care in the world. With Percy gone, everything seemed lighter and brighter.
She could finally revel in the joy of her pregnancy and the happiness that filled her life thanks to her family.
"Ten minutes to places for the show," a PA said, peeking into Regina's trailer. "You two ready?"
Regina nodded, checking her witch inspired costume for the opening number. "Yes. We'll be there shortly."
"Good," the PA said, closing the door again.
Standing, Regina approached her couch and held out her hands to her husband. "You ready?"
He nodded, taking her hands and standing up. Robin pulled her in for a hug. "Break a leg, sweetheart."
"Thank you," she said, hugging him back. "Knock them dead."
They left the trailer together and entered the studio. Another PA greeted them, checking something on his clipboard. "Okay, Mr. Locksley, you're going to come with me and Regina, you're going to go to the dance floor. Any questions?" he asked.
"No," Robin said, kissing Regina's cheek. "See you after the opening number."
"Yep," she replied. "Try to behave yourself."
He winked at her. "No promises."
She shook her head as she walked toward the stage with the PA. Ingrid greeted her as she stepped onto the floor. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm good," Regina said, still surprised by how protective Ingrid had gotten since Regina informed her of the pregnancy. She did feel touched by the concern and appreciated Ingrid's commitment to making sure she was safe while dancing.
"Good," Ingrid said. "Then take your place. We're going live soon."
Regina nodded and stepped out onto the floor. She greeted her fellow dancers as she crossed to her spot, standing next to Killian. "Here we go," she said.
"I hope I remember all the new choreography," he replied. "I don't think we've ever changed so much in such a short period of time before."
She nodded. "I know. But I think the audience is going to be pretty forgiving if we do mess up. They'll know things got changed last minute and why."
"True," he agreed. "Especially as the show is going to have to acknowledge it right at the very top."
"I know," she replied, having already gone through this with Nimue and a quick rehearsal with August and Belle. "It's best to get out of the way and then banish the specter of Percy Pellinore for good."
Killian chuckled. "Damn right."
"Okay, places, everyone," the director called out. "We're live in one minute."
The audience cheered as the judges filed past them and went to their seats. Before sitting, they all waved to the crowd as the lights came down. Regina hit her opening pose with Killian as the announcer's voice boomed through the dance floor.
"Live from Storybrooke Studios in Hollywood, it's Halloween Night on Dancing With the Stars!"
Regina took a deep breath as the music began to play and then as the lights came up, she started to dance with Killian. Ingrid had choreographed a paso doble for them to open the show and Regina was in her element with the Latin dance. She swished her skirts with the other female pros, all charging toward the male pros in a coordinated line. They each then danced toward the edge of the dance floor as the pros still in the competition got ready to meet up with their stars, who were now entering the dance floor to applause from the audience.
Once the remaining couples paired up, Regina now danced with Thomas since Killian was with Moana in the center. They finished the song as flames erupted from strategically placed shooters as the audience cheered wildly.
"Happy Halloween, everyone!" August said, greeting the audience and the viewers at home. "Once again we're calling upon all ghosts, goblins, witches, zombies and monsters to come to our dance floor and show us what they've got."
"Yes, indeed. Each of our remaining couples is ready to dance Halloween-themed routines before we have our spooky dance off," Belle continued, reading her lines.
August nodded before growing serious. "As you may have noticed, Percy Pellinore is not here tonight. Based on his behavior this past week and comments he made as well, he has been officially disqualified from the competition. Let's take a moment to cheer for his partner, Regina Mills, for a wonderful season."
The audience clapped loudly for her and Thomas led her to the center of the dance floor so she could take a bow. She curtsied before waving to the crowd, who only applauded and cheered louder for her.
"Regina, of course, will continue to dance with the troupe for the rest of the season and may even have a special treat for us later tonight," August teased. "But first, let's kick things off with a monstrous samba from Charlotte and Walsh."
Everyone walked off the floor and Regina joined the other non-competing dancers as they headed toward wardrobe to change for their next number, whatever it was. She smiled as she saw Robin waiting for her. He pushed away from the wall and wrapped her in a hug. "You good?" he asked.
She nodded. "I'm very good."
"Good," he said, kissing the side of her head. "I'll go wait in the skybox for you. I'll see you soon."
"Looking forward to it," she said, squeezing his hand. "It'll be just like old times. Only this time we don't have to hide our relationship."
He chuckled. "That's true. I'm going to look forward to being able to cuddle with you in the open."
"Will you two stop being so sweet?" Greg asked, sticking his head out the door. "Some of us are trying to keep our meals down."
"Go suck a lemon, Greg!" Tink called from inside the room.
Regina chuckled as she let out a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad Greg's the only jerk left now. At least we know his bark is worse than his bite."
"True," Robin said, kissing her cheek. "I'll see you in a few minutes."
"Can't wait," she replied, releasing his hand so she could head into wardrobe. She was whisked away to change into her next costume but relaxed, knowing she didn't need to be right out like she had when she was still in the competition. This was the best show of the season and it had only just started.
Regina sat on one of the couches in the Skybox with Robin, pressed against his side as he wrapped his arm around her. They watched the show together with the other eliminated dancers, the entire atmosphere feeling lighter now that Percy was gone. He wasn't the first difficult star they had had on the show but it still amazed her how eliminating just one person could change the entire vibe and experience.
"Robin? Regina?" A PA appeared beside the couch. "We're going to need you downstairs now."
"Showtime," Regina said, patting Robin's knee. "Ready?"
He nodded, standing and holding out his hand. She took it and helped her stand, pulling her close for a kiss. "Oh, yeah."
They followed the PA down to the dance floor. He had them wait in the shadows as the show prepared to come back from commercial break. "Once they bring the house lights down, you two will take to the floor to preserve the surprise for as long as possible," he told them.
"Alright," Regina said, knowing how careful the production had been to hide Robin since the show began. The cameras had pretty much avoided her or Robin had been forced to dive behind the couch for shots that featured her. It had been pretty funny to watch, if she was honest, and she was glad that Robin was such a good sport about it.
"Here we go," the PA said as the lights went down. "Go take your spots."
Robin and Regina crossed the dance floor in the darkness. He hit his mark first and she continued to her spot as a single spotlight rose on August. The host looked into the camera, addressing the audience at home as well as in the studio. "Welcome back. As we said at the start of the show, Percy Pellinore has been disqualified and therefore eliminated from the competition. Before this decision, his partner Regina had put together a routine for them for tonight and we want you to still see it. And there was only one partner for her. So we hope you enjoy this ghostly Argentine tango from Regina and a special guest."
The announcer's voice then echoed through the studio. "Dancing the Argentine tango, Regina Mills and her partner Robin Locksley."
A roar rose from the audience as they cheered for the couple. It grew in intensity when the lights came up to reveal the couple and Regina had to fight to keep from smiling. Even though the music wasn't playing yet, she was in character. She couldn't smile now.
Choosing Robin to dance with her had been the obvious choice. He had already helped her come up with the choreography as well as the story so he was familiar with the routine. And everyone knew the Argentine tango was their best dance. No matter what or where they were, they tended to set the dance floor on fire when they danced it together. With Robin also being a past champion who was still very beloved by the show's fans, it promised to be ratings gold and the reaction of the studio audience proved that.
With Robin now her partner, though, she had changed up the routine and the story. Gone was the idea of former lovers doomed to haunt each other and she went back to Robin's original idea - lovers who were still drawn to each other even in death. She also added more tricks to the routine, trusting Robin and knowing he was capable of pulling them off. He also knew about her pregnancy and would be extra careful with her.
After all, the baby was his as well.
She loved their costumes for this routine and believed the wardrobe department topped themselves. Her was a white gown with thin straps and silver beading on it, giving it a very 20s feel that inspired her stylist to curl and pin her hair into a bob. Three white flowers were tucked into her hair as well. Makeup had then done their magic to make her look ghostly and had done the same with Robin.
Robin was dressed in a white button shirt with a silver vest and gray pants to give him a ghostly appearance. The stylist had also used spray on hair dye to make his blond hair silver for the routine, which only enhanced how much of a silver fox her husband truly was. She resisted the urge to lick her lips as the music started and they began their routine to Beyonce's "Haunted."
Their routine started with them across the dance floor from each other, "rising" from their graves and crossing to a crashed car in the center of the stage. Robin and Regina pretended to explore the wreck before catching sight of each other. He held his hand out to her and she took it as he pulled her toward him.
"Here we go," she whispered. He nodded as they went into hold and began to dance the tango.
They started with some basic steps and crosses, their bodies pressed together and twisting in time with the music. Robin turned her and she kicked her leg up before crossing her feet in front of her, almost stalking toward him.
They pressed their cheeks together as they moved down the dance floor together. Pausing, she kicked her right foot out before curling it back to run it down Robin's leg. With their bodies still pressed together, they entered the sweetheart promenade as they approached the judges' table. She alternated between a front and back bolero, kicking her leg up high before wrapping it around Robin's middle. He spun her around before they paused in front of the judges' table, holding the pose.
She had added this part after confirming that Robin would be dancing with her, trusting he wouldn't drop her. Regina also knew he was partial to this pose, liking when she sat on his hip. There was another move that featured that and she had added it later in the routine just for him.
Pressing their cheeks together, Robin pulled her down the floor as her toes dragged along it. When they stopped, he then led her around him as she drew a circle with her toe against the floor. She pulled her leg up, kicking it around and behind his leg as she held his gaze. The intensity in his blue eyes made her heart skip a beat, something that still felt novel despite their years together.
She hoped it never stopped.
They went into another walk and a promenade, moving down the dance floor toward the cameras. He then pulled her close and she raised her arm before gently bringing it down, brushing her hand against Robin's cheek. They pressed their foreheads together as the song continued.
They spun around before going into another promenade, walking toward the camera. Robin dipped her before slowly lifting her again until she could grip his cheeks. She gazed into his eyes for a beat before they went back into the traditional tango hold. They then moved in a series of steps that had to be executed perfectly or else they would end up sprawled on the dance floor. Robin kept his eyes on her and she was proud, knowing he had kept looking down at this part to watch his feet. It seemed all her barked reminders had finally paid off.
"Ready?" She nodded and he bent his knee so she could use his lap as a step. Once she was perched on his leg, he then lifted her over his head and spun her around as the audience applauded.
Coming to a stop, Robin held onto her as she spun down into his arms. He held her in the bridal carry before placing her on her feet. She wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting her knee. Robin held it with one hand as she pointed her other foot. He moved backwards, pulling her with him as they headed toward the center of the dance floor for the next part of their tango.
Robin turned Regina and pulled her so her back rested against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and they moved together briefly pressed against each other. She then turned to face him again, leaning at an angle with her legs spread out behind her as Robin supported her. Keeping her eyes locked on his, she walked toward him - placing one foot in front of the other as she crossed her legs. As she straightened up and drew closer to him, she began kicking her legs behind her until she paused with her right knee raised and creating what looked like the number four with her legs. He supported her as she gave a little jump and turned them so they were facing the other way now.
She loved how in sync they were. Regina had missed having this with her partner.
And she was very glad that Robin was now her lifelong partner. She couldn't imagine her life without him now.
"Love you," Robin whispered to her, their cheeks pressed together. It made her smile for a moment before she let it fall again. She needed to stay in character.
The time for smiles would be for later.
He led her into a walk before doing a few reverse turns. They paused by a camera, both stretching out one leg while bending the other and leaning away from each other. After holding that for a few beats, they returned to proper hold and continued moving along the dance floor. It was almost time for their grand finale.
She stretched her legs out behind her, pointing her toes as Robin twirled her in a circle. He picked up speed until her feet rose off the ground. When he stopped, he held her in the air as she pointed one leg behind her and bent the other. She looked right into his eyes, their noses almost touching. Her heart skipped another beat as love filled her.
Robin lowered her and she sat on his hip as he took a few careful steps with her sitting her as he held her in place. She then hooked her leg around his and spun down until she was kneeling and looking up at him. They held on by their hands, longingly looking at each other as the song - and their ghostly dance - ended.
The lights went down and Robin dropped to his knees, wrapping his arms around her. He kissed her forehead. "That was amazing, darling."
"Thanks to you," Regina said. "I love you too."
He chuckled at her delayed response to his statement during their dance before helping her up. The lights brightened again as the audience continued to applaud, cheering for them. August motioned for them to come over and Robin placed his hand on Regina's back, guiding her over to the judges' table.
"Welcome back, Robin," August said. "How did that feel?"
"It felt good," Robin replied, holding Regina close. "I'm always willing to share a dance with my wife and without the pressure of elimination, it's very freeing."
August chuckled. "I imagine. I'm guessing it was a no-brainer to ask Robin to dance with you, huh, Regina?"
"Pretty much," she replied. "Robin often helps me come up with my dances and this one was no different. And I know everyone loves to watch us dance the Argentine tango as much as we love to dance it"
As if to prove her point, the audience erupted into cheers, applause and catcalls. Listening to it, August nodded. "We certainly do.
"Even though you are not being judged, I am going to give our judges a chance to speak," he said, turning to the judges. "Cru?"
Cru fanned herself. "You two are still burning up the dance floor. It's good to see marriage hasn't cooled your passion. Robin was definitely the right choice for this dance, hands down."
"Thanks," Robin said as Regina believed that was the tamest critique Cru had ever given their spicier routines.
August turned to the other end of the table. "David?"
"I honestly don't think there's anything I can say that wasn't already said while you two were competing," David replied, smiling. "You two always remind us of how beautiful dance can be when partners are as connected as you two. Such a powerful connection is rare and you two are just so special."
"You'll get no argument from me," Robin said, kissing the top of Regina's head as the audience awwed behind the judges.
August nodded. "And Eudora? You're the only judge who didn't get to see them when Robin was a contestant."
Eudora smiled. "I know and so I think I was just as excited as the audience to see Robin. And while I have a lot of thoughts, I'll try to limit them.
"First, I have always heard about the chemistry between you and I watched some of your past dances, finding it was true," she said. "But to see it live, it's absolutely palpable. It's so much different and just blows me away."
Regina pressed her hand to her heart. "It always feels different when I dance with Robin. I can never recreate that."
"Agreed," Eudora said. "And honestly, Robin, if I didn't know your true profession, I would've thought you were a professional dancer. So bravo to you. You, sir, are a true natural talent and it certainly shines forth in your dances as well as your music."
"Thank you," Robin said, pressing his hand to his heart. "That means the world to me."
August nodded before motioning to the middle of the dance floor. "Regina, why don't you take your much deserved final bow of the season?"
Robin escorted her to the center and a single spotlight shone on her. He started to clap and the audience joined in as she dipped into a low curtsy, her heart swelling at the love and adoration shown to her by the fans. But the most important was her own husband, who pulled her into his arms once she rose and kissed her as the audience continued to cheer.
"Regina Mills and Robin Locksley, everyone," August announced. "We'll be back with the dance off after the break."
The lights went down as Robin hugged Regina, holding her close. August and the judges came over from the table to congratulate them further. David reached them first, hugging Robin and then Regina. "Great job, you two," he said.
"Thank you," she replied, hugging him tightly. "That was a lot of fun."
"It looked like it," Cru said, running her hand down Robin's arm as she looked at him hungrily. "And very sexy."
Robin stepped back. "Uh, thanks."
"Down, girl," Regina told the judge, rolling her eyes. She hooked her arm with Robin's again. "He's taken. You know. You were at our wedding."
Cru shrugged. "I can still look."
Eudora motioned for Cru to step aside. "You can look from over there. I want to talk with them before we have to come back from commercials."
"Fine," Cru said, pouting. "Spoilsport."
"Do you ever get used to her?" Eudora asked, hugging Regina.
Regina chuckled. "You do. She's relatively harmless and you learn to ignore her."
"Good to know," Eudora said, releasing her. "Once again, good job, you two. I hope I get to see you dance more in the future."
"I'm sure you will," Robin said, wrapping his arm around Regina's waist again. "I never pass up a chance to dance with her."
August pressed his finger to his ear, nodding. "They are saying we need to get ready to come back so we need to clear the dance floor."
Robin nodded, gently urging Regina to move toward the stairs. "We'll talk to you later."
"See you all soon," Regina said, knowing she had a group number still to go before the show ended.
She and Robin headed up to the skybox, where everyone else stood and applauded as they entered. Killian gave them a thumb's up. "Excellent work, you two. I have no doubt that will be another routine of yours that goes viral," he said.
"I wish I had someone in my life who I had such a deep connection with," Charlotte said with a wistful sigh.
"You'll find them," Robin assured her, wrapping his arms around Regina. He smiled at her as he said: "They'll walk into your life when you are least expecting and change everything for the better."
She smiled as her heart skipped a beat. "Absolutely."
"You two are such relationship goals," Charlotte said with another sigh.
"Agreed," Tink said, nodding. "They are the best."
Robin led Regina to the couch. "Let's relax and enjoy the rest of the show."
They curled up on the couch and we wrapped his arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder and let out a sigh. "This is so much more fun when we don't have to hide our relationship," she said.
"It is," he replied, giving her a squeeze. "I can be as affectionate as I want and not care about the camera."
"And I'm going to take full advantage of that." She hummed, closing her eyes. "Let me know when I need to get changed for my next routine, okay?"
He kissed the top of her head. "Will do. Just get some rest. I've got you."
Regina let herself float between sleep and waking, knowing that Robin would take care of her. After how tense her past episodes had been that season, this one felt like a vacation. She allowed herself to relax and finally enjoy being on the show yet again.
It wasn't the season finale but it was a perfect ending.
There was supposed to be a double elimination that night but since Percy had been disqualified, they only eliminated one couple that night. Tiana and Naveen, a new pro for the season, were eliminated and the two took their final bow like Regina had done earlier that episode. She clapped with the other eliminated dancers in the skybox, Robin by her side.
And then the show was over.
Robin took her hand. "Do you think wardrobe would let us keep these costumes while we go trick or treating with the boys?"
"Probably not," she replied, knowing how serious that department was about the costumes.
He sighed. "Yeah, you're right."
"Besides, we don't want to outshine the boys," she reminded him. "We should probably just wear our normal clothes."
"Yeah, that seems to work the best," he said, no doubt recalling their past trick or treating adventures together. Most of their neighbors just treated them as another set of parents taking their kids around on Halloween and not as celebrities.
She squeezed his hand. "Then let's go transform back into normal parents and leave our celebrity personas behind for a night."
"Sounds good," he said, swinging their clasped hands as they approached Wardrobe.
A few steps from the entrance, though, Regina's stomach churned in a now familiar way. She paused, pressing her hand to her stomach before groaning. "Shit."
"What's wrong?" he asked, now rubbing her back. "Are you going to be sick?"
Regina nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She released his hand and ran toward the nearest women's room. Ursula opened the door for her as Regina darted inside. She dropped in front of the first toilet she saw, throwing up her dinner as Ursula stood there with her.
When she finished, Regina leaned back as she tried to catch her breath. "Morning sickness sucks."
"I can tell," Ursula said. "Can I get you anything?"
Regina shook her head. "I think I'm okay. I can brush my teeth once I get back into my trailer."
"Alright." Ursula held out her hand. "Do you want to head out or stay here a bit longer, just in case?"
"I want to get out," she said, taking Ursula's hand. The other woman helped her to her feet and Regina took a deep breath. "I want to get out of the costume before Wardrobe kills me and then escape to the privacy of my trailer."
Ursula nodded. "Sounds good."
She wrapped her arm around Regina and ushered her from the bathroom. Robin was waiting for them and took Regina from Ursula. Gratitude filled his eyes as he said: "Thank you for helping her."
"You're welcome," Ursula said. "And happy Halloween, you two."
"Happy Halloween, Ursula," Regina replied, resting her head on Robin's shoulder. "See you tomorrow."
They walked toward Wardrobe as Regina shook off the bout of morning sickness. She looked forward to taking Henry and Roland trick or treating before relaxing at home. It was going to be the perfect end to her last competitive show of the season.
In the morning, she would be part of the troupe and have a less stressful schedule, which would better suit her pregnancy as well as give her more time with her family. She couldn't ask for anything more.
"Majesty!" Roland hugged her as soon as he stepped into the trailer. "You and Papa were amazing!"
She laughed, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, sweetheart."
Henry followed him, nodding. "Yeah. It's always great to see you two dancing. Though I must say, I miss the days when I didn't know what made a dance steamy."
"I miss those days too," Regina said, pulling her teenage son into a hug next. "I miss my little prince."
"Mom!" he groaned but tightened his arms around her. She knew that no matter how old he got, they would always have a special bond that nothing could destroy.
They released each other as Emma climbed into the trailer, grinning. "I'm surprised they didn't have to extinguish the dance floor after you and Robin set it on fire."
"One day they will," Robin said, sitting on the couch with their sons now. "It's my ultimate goal."
Emma laughed, nodding as she sat on the couch's armrest. "That's why I like you."
"And here I thought it was because I let you live in my house," he teased her, grinning.
She shrugged. "I'm not going to complain about that either."
"Alright, you two," Regina said, amused by her friend and husband. "Let me just get my shoes on and then I think we have some trick-or-treating to do."
"Yes!" Roland cheered, jumping up and down in his Spiderman costume. "It's time to get some candy!"
She laughed as she tied her shoes. "Why don't we get started here in the lot? I think if we go to the different trailers, everyone should have candy available."
"Candy for giving out or candy that we're going to guilt them into giving us even though it is their own personal stash?" Henry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's the former," Regina assured her son. "Some other cast members and crew members have brought their own children to go trick or treating as well. Which reminds me…"
She opened the cabinet behind her and pulled out a bag of candy. "We need to bring this so we can hand out candy as well."
"I'll take that," Robin said, holding up his hands. She tossed him the bag and he easily caught it. "I think we're ready to go then."
Regina stood, helping Roland put on his Spiderman mask. She handed him his basket and nodded. "I think we're ready as well," she said.
Emma opened the door, grinning. "Let's go get some free candy then."
Henry and Roland stepped out of the trailer, followed by their parents. Robin took Regina's hand as they walked behind their sons, watching as other children – and some adults – in costumes raced around the lot to go trick or treating after the show. "Things like this reminds me of when you threw Roland a birthday party with the cast and crew," Robin said.
"That was so much fun," Regina replied, remembering everyone hanging around one of the rooms and enjoying themselves while celebrating Robin's son. "It was the first time you met Henry. I remember you two sitting together and I was so touched by how attentive you were to him."
"We had a good talk," Robin said, nodding as he looked toward Henry. "He was very protective of you."
"He was," she replied. "I think he's relaxed more now that you're in my life. He doesn't feel like he has to be the man of the house, even if Emma and I did our best to never make him think he had to be."
They stopped as Roland and Henry got some candy from Moana's trailer, talking with her for a bit. Robin wrapped his arm around Regina, holding her close. "I think I started to fall in love with you that night. You baked my son a cake and threw him an amazing birthday party even though you had just met him. The way you loved him almost immediately…it warmed my heart and brought it back to life."
"That week was a pretty big one for us, huh?" she asked, finding herself falling even more in love with her husband. It happened every single day but she was still surprised to learn that she could love him even more.
She hoped it never stopped.
Robin kissed the side of her head. "I think that week changed the course of our lives. I don't know if we would be here without it."
"Maybe, maybe not," she agreed, remembering how strained the relationship was between them before they decided to call a truce. Without Roland or Henry or the party, would they have become more or would they have just ended the competition as friends? Would they have remained friends or drifted apart, both still single parents living their own lives rather than married and expecting their first child together?
She pressed her hand to her stomach, unable to imagine a life without Robin and Roland in it or without her growing child. Regina was glad that week went the way it did and allowed her to have the life she did today.
It was funny how just one week or even one day could change everything.
"Slow down," Robin called out, interrupting her thoughts. She then realized that Henry and Roland had gotten a good ways ahead of them, which was why Robin was trying to slow them down. "We may be on the lot but we still want to see you."
Henry stopped Roland, giving the two a little wave. "Sorry. We'll try not to get too far ahead," he said as they got closer.
"Thank you, Henry," Robin said, sounding relieved. He leaned closer to Regina as their children started to walk again. "He's the best big brother for Roland I could've asked for. Thank you."
"I couldn't ask for a better stepfather for Henry," she said, kissing his cheek. "Or a stepbrother. Or a step-grandmother."
He laughed. "We all gained a lot of family, didn't we? Roland got a stepmother and a fun aunt…as well as a step-aunt and step-uncle and step-cousin."
"The show really changed my life," she said, thinking about her reconciliation with Mary Margaret. "One bad season can't change that."
"So I'm guessing you'll want to return after giving birth?" he asked, no judgment in his tone. He just sounded curious.
She nodded. "I think I do. I may change my mind once the baby is here but for now, I want to come back for at least a couple more seasons. I think I have the left in me."
"Oh, I think you have a lot of dancing left in you," he said, kissing her head. "But I will support whatever you want to do."
"Thank you," she replied, appreciating his constant support and love. "I know I can always rely on you."
He nodded. "Just like I can always rely on you."
"Always," she assured him, kissing him in the middle of the lot. He held her close, kissing her back. Neither of them cared that people moved around them or that they were in a very public place. All that mattered in the moment was the two of them, their past and their future.
But most of all, their very, very happy present.
A/N: Here's the next chapter! Congratulations to everyone who guessed that Robin would be the one who danced with Regina! (Though I guess that was a bit of a no-brainer). I hope you all enjoyed it!
We'll jump around a bit since Regina is no longer in the competition but there's still plenty of story to tell.
I hope you all have a great week!
-Mac