Chapter 2: The Wedding Date

Regina Mills opened her apartment door to find a tired looking Robin Locksley standing outside her apartment. She gave him a sympathetic look. "Long day?"

"You have no idea," he sighed.

"There's beer in the fridge and, of course, mac and cheese on the stove. Help yourself." Regina closed the door behind her.

Robin opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle. He smiled when he saw the label. "You stocked up on my brand?"

"Well, I kinda stole it and made it my brand," Regina admitted. "It was just so good. And it goes well with mac and cheese."

"Now you know why I like it. Speaking of mac and cheese…" He glanced at the stove and then back at her.

She patted his hand. "You sounded off when you called, so I made you some."

"Thank you. That means a lot to me actually." He leaned down, kissing her.

Robin got himself a bowl and settled next to Regina on the couch, devouring his mac and cheese. She leaned back, watching him while sipping her own beer. "Slow down," she cautioned. "I'm not up for performing the Heimlich today."

"Noted," he said, smiling. He also slowed down as Regina slid over and leaned against him. As he wrapped an arm around her, he held out a forkful of mac and cheese for her.

She ate it, letting out a content hum. "This is nice."

"It is," he agreed, feeding her another forkful. "This might be my favorite date so far."

Regina closed her eyes, taking in the moment. Six weeks ago, she wouldn't have imagined doing this. Then again, six weeks ago, she didn't know Robin Locksley. Every moment she spent with him, she thanked whoever was looking out for her that their local supermarket only had one box of macaroni cheese. That they both had had lousy weeks and that they both needed that box to make themselves feel better.

And that Robin was a man of his word who had called her the next day to set up their first date.

"Penny for your thoughts?" he whispered. "Or rather, more mac and cheese for your thoughts?"

She opened her eyes as well as her mouth. He placed the last forkful in there and she swallowed. "I was just thinking how lucky I was to have met you."

"Well, I can say I share that sentiment." Robin set the empty bowl on her coffee table, wrapping her in his arms. "You are the best thing to happen to me in a long time."

Regina rolled over to look him in the eyes. "Anyone ever tell you that you're a sap?"

"John's mentioned it a few times. Marian said it too."

His eyes clouded at the mention of his ex-girlfriend and Regina frowned. "Haven't decided whether or not to go to her wedding?"

"On one hand, I'm the ex-boyfriend," he said. "On the other, Marian and I had been friends since childhood."

"I see your dilemma."

Robin nodded. "I probably should go, to honor what Marian and I had meant to each other before…It's going to hurt because I really thought we were going to get married but…"

As he trailed off, Regina lifted her head to find him staring off into space. Her heart hammered in her chest but she had to know the answer to the question rattling around her head. Especially if she wanted to keep seeing him. "Robin, are you still hung up on her?"

"What?" His eyes focused and he shook his head. "I've moved on from Marian, trust me. It's just that this wedding is, well…"

"Bringing back feelings you thought were resolved?"

He nodded before tilting his head. "Dabbled in psychology, did we?"

"You need to understand how people think if you want to sell them things," she replied. "So did I guess right?"

"Yeah, you pretty much hit it on the head. Have any advice?"

She nodded. "Go to the wedding. It might be the only way you fully get closure."

"I guess you're right. Would you come with me?"

"What?" Regina sat up, surprised.

He sat up as well. "I can bring a plus one. And I would be honored if it was you."

"I…well…Okay." She smiled. "For you."

"Thank you." Robin pulled her close for a kiss. They fell back down on the couch, exchanging lazy kisses as some mindless reality show played on in the background.

A month later, Regina raced around her apartment as she finished getting ready for Marian's wedding. Robin said he would pick her up at five to give them time to get to the wedding venue, located about a half hour from them without traffic. But with rush hour…well, they didn't want to risk it.

She had taken a half day at work, which had surprised her assistant. "You never take one of these," Mary Margaret commented. "It's difficult enough convincing you to take vacation days."

"I know, but this is important to Robin. So I want to look my best."

Mary Margaret smiled. "Things are getting serious?"

Regina used to have a policy of separating work from her personal life. But when she hired Mary Margaret as her private assistant that changed. The woman worked at tearing down Regina's walls and over time became something that resembled a friend. Regina never said it aloud, but she appreciated having her in her life.

Now, she shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, yes, he's taking me to his ex's wedding. That has to mean something. Right?"

"Of course it does." Mary Margaret checked her tablet. "Okay, you're confirmed for a hair appointment in half an hour. Then for a mani-pedi right after. You need anything else?"

Regina shook her head. "Thank you. And since it's Friday, feel free to leave early."

"Thank you. And have a good time tonight." Mary Margaret beamed at her.

Her hair done in a French twist and her nails painted, Regina had returned to her apartment to put on the dress she had gotten the week prior. Marian had chosen the fanciest venue in a hundred mile radius to have her wedding and Regina had gone to the best boutiques to find the perfect dress. She found it in a navy blue strapless gown with a heart-shaped neckline, the bodice covered in rhinestones that sparkled whenever they caught the light.

A knock came to her door as she finished putting on the strappy heels she had gotten to go with her new dress. Smoothing down her skirt, Regina opened the door to find Robin standing there. For a moment, she forgot how to breathe. He wore a tuxedo that was tailored to fit him well, she noticed, as well as chosen a navy blue cummerbund. His blond hair was brushed back and he had trimmed his scruff.

His eyes widened as he took her in. "You look beautiful," he breathed.

"Thank you." She blushed as she pulled him inside. "Have a seat. I just have to grab my purse and then we'll be off."

"Thank you again for doing this. I know this will probably be awkward for you."

"Me? I imagine this would be awkward for you." She grabbed a shawl and her purse. "Marian is your ex."

"I guess." He stood, straightening his jacket. "How do I look?"

"Amazing. If Marian isn't having any second doubts, she will be after seeing you. And I'll be sitting there, gloating." Regina smiled at him.

Robin laughed, taking her hand. "Come, milady, your carriage awaits."

"Ooh, a carriage?"

"Well, my beat up Ford. But since we're all dressed up, tonight it's a carriage."

"I like that thinking." She smiled, sliding her hand up to his elbow. "Lead the way, good sir."

Traffic agreed with them and they made it with plenty of time to spare for Marian's wedding. Robin let out a sigh of relief as he pulled up to the valet. He turned to face Regina. "You ready for this?"

"Are you?"

He took a deep breath. "I think so."

They got out of the car and Regina took his arm again, using her other hand to hold up her skirt as they climbed the stairs. A doorman greeted them as he pulled open one of the frosted glass doors, letting them into the catering hall.

A large crystal chandelier hung over head, illuminating the foyer and the sweeping staircase. It had a red runner down the marble stairs and Regina figured Marian was going to descend from them for the wedding. "It's like something from a fairy tale," she whispered to Robin.

He smiled. "Why are you whispering?"

"It seems like anything louder would break the spell."

"I guess," he said. "Would you like to get married here someday?"

She shook her head. "My mother would love it if I did, but this is too big, too grand for me. I've always wanted something small and intimate."

"I told Marian my dream wedding was in our backyard," Robin said with a smile. It fell away after a few seconds. "She looked like I said I didn't believe in marriage."

"Ouch." Regina flinched. "I think that sounds lovely."

Robin stopped for a moment, a small smile on his face that she found absolutely stunning. He glanced down at the place settings. "Ahh, here we are. Mr. Robin Locksley and guest, table eighteen."

"Who else are we sitting with?" Regina glanced around the place cards, trying to find their tablemates.

"Well, I know I am one of the lucky few who have the pleasure." A man with an accent thicker and coarser than Robin's walked up to him. He held out his arms as he smiled. "Robin. It's been too long."

"Will Scarlet, you old devil. How you've been?" Robin hugged the man, laughing.

They pulled away and Will nodded. "Can't complain. I'm now in the states."

"For good?"

Will nodded. "I looked around my life and didn't like what I saw. And I realized the only way to change was to get out of London, get out of England all together. You and Marian seemed to do well here, so here I am!"

"You'll have to give me your number and address later." Robin took Regina's hand, pulling her forward a bit. "Will, this is my…date, Regina."

Regina noticed the hesitation but she understood it. She herself hadn't been sure how she was going to introduce herself to people. Now, she could follow Robin's cue. Smiling, she held out her hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

"And you." Will shook her hand, giving Robin a look. "You still have all the luck with the ladies, Locksley."

Robin laughed, placing his hand on her waist to draw Regina closer. "Yes, I do."

"Robin? Is that you? George! I've found him!" A tall blonde woman emerged from the crowd to approach the three. She wore a long black dress with short sleeves and her hair was loose around her shoulders.

"Mum?" Robin sounded surprised and panic flowed through Regina. She hadn't expected to meet his parents so soon.

A tall man stepped next to Robin's mother. Regina could tell he was Robin's father—father and son had more than a passing resemblance. But there was something different about him. He didn't seem as friendly as his son.

"Robin, I'd thought you'd be off brooding over how this could've been your wedding," George Locksley said. He then glared at Regina. "And who is this?"

Robin wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close as he introduced her. His mother held out her hand. "I'm Susan, Robin's mother."

"Nice to meet you," Regina replied. "I didn't know you were coming to the wedding."

George let out something that sounded like a grunt. "Well, our son doesn't ring home that often. If he did, then you would've known."

"And we've known Marian since she was young. We wouldn't miss this for the world," Susan added.

"Though it should be our son marrying her." George glared at his son, who began to squirm.

Regina patted the hand on her waist as he tightened his hold on her. "We should probably go find seats. I'm sure the ceremony will be starting soon."

She pulled him away and when they were a good distance from his parents, he pulled her in for a hug. "Thank you," he murmured into her hair.

"You're welcome. I take it you're not close to your parents?"

He shook his head. "Not since Marian and I broke up."

"Ahh, there you two are!" Will appeared by their side. "Let's make sure we get seats together. Don't want to be stuck next to a crier or the like."

"The horror!" Regina said with an eye roll.

Will smiled. "I like her, Robin. You better not let her slip through her fingers."

They found seats on Marian's side, a bit father back, while George and Susan took seats closer to the front. Robin did his best to get as far from the aisle as possible, not wanting to be seen, Regina figured. She held his hand as the string quartet began to play. "This is very fancy," she said, leaning over to speak in Robin's ear.

He turned his head to speak in hers. "It's very Marian, I can tell you that."

The groom and his best man processed down the aisle and Regina watched Robin as his eyes followed the man who was to marry Marian. His eyes showed no sign of jealousy or envy, instead just curiosity. When she glanced up at the groom, she saw he bore some resemblance to Robin and knew it had not escaped his notice either.

After several bridesmaids wearing bright pink gowns processed in, the music changed to the bridal march. The three of them rose to their feet with the others and Regina took Robin's hand as Marian's father escorted her down the aisle.

She wore a dress fit for a fairy tale princess—a large lace skirt that fell to the floor paired with a bodice covered in jewels that sparkled like the chandelier above them. Her veil was attached to a diamond-encrusted tiara which was nestled amongst her black curls. Marian smiled as she took her groom's hand and Regina thought she could be a fairy tale princess.

They sat down, Regina once again watching Robin. His eyes remained fixed on Marian and she wasn't sure what she saw in his blue orbs. It didn't seem to be regret or envy, but she couldn't tell if it was adoration or, worse, love. He continued to hold her hand through the whole ceremony as Regina wondered what he was thinking.

A few hours later, Regina fled to the quiet and solitude of the patio that overlooked the lake the catering hall was built by. She leaned against the iron railing, watching ripples form in the dark water below as a cool night breeze toyed with a few strands of dark hair that had come loose from her twist.

"Regina?" Robin appeared by her side, hand on her back. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

She took a deep breath. "Sorry, but if I had to hear one more word about Marian, I was going to scream. I needed a break."

"Yeah. I think my parents love her more than they love me," Robin admitted. "Sorry about that."

Regina shrugged, gathering her courage to ask the question that had plagued her since Marian walked down the aisle. "Robin," she started, "are you sure you're not still in love with her?"

He didn't answer right away, staring out into the night. She watched him, holding her breath as she waited for his answer. At last, he said: "I'll be honest. There's probably always going to be a part of me that loves Marian. She was my first love."

"Oh." Regina felt her heart breaking and she turned away from him, feeling tears prick her eyes.

"Hey." He turned her face back towards him, his eyes shining with concern. "I may always love her, but it doesn't mean I'm in love with her."

"Oh. So you don't wish you were in there with her right now?"

Robin shook his head. "I'd rather be out here with you."

She leaned toward him and he wrapped her in a hug. Resting her head against his chest, Regina took in his woodsy aftershave. It was a smell she was growing to like more and more.

Pulling away, Regina took his hands. "Robin, why did you Marian break up?"

"We grew out of each other," he answered. "And when it came down to it, we realized we wanted different things out of life. I mean, we knew relationships meant working together and comprising, but there were just too many differences to keep compromising."

"Like how you wanted a small wedding and she wanted…well…this." Regina waved her hand at the catering hall.

He nodded. "Amongst other things. The one that was the real deal breaker for both of us was children."

"You don't want children?" Regina frowned.

"She doesn't. And she has her reasons that I respect. But when it came down to it, we realized that we needed to find people who wanted the same things we wanted rather than growing to resent each other."

"That sounds very mature of you two." Regina glanced down, her hands toying with her skirts. "So, children are important to you?"

He nodded. "Why?"

She took a deep breath. The moment had arrived earlier than usual but she guessed she should be grateful for it. She'd tell him and he'd break it off before they got too invested. Before she could get hurt again.

"Robin, there's something I should tell you," she started before taking a deep breath. "I can't have children."

He was silent for a bit and Regina was too afraid to look up. Instead, she sat down on a bench and waited for the end.

His sleeve brushed against her bare arms as he sat down next to her. "Regina," he said, voice low, "do you want children?"

"More than anything," she replied, tears brimming in her eyes.

Robin smiled, taking her hands in his. "Then that's all that matters."

"What?" She blinked a few times, some tears running down her cheek. "You…You don't care that I can't have children?"

He shook his head. "Being a father means more than just contributing half a child's DNA. I don't care about blood or genetics. There are other options."

She sobbed, collapsing into his arms. Robin rubbed her back as she cried into his shoulder and whispering soothing words to her.

As her tears dried up, Robin handed her a tissue. "Feel better?"

"Strangely, I do," she said, wiping her eyes. "That conversation usually ends in two ways—my date breaking up with me because he wants a kid that has his gene or my date saying that this means he doesn't have to use a condom."

"Wow. They didn't deserve you."

Smiling, she leaned toward him and kissed him. "Thank you," she whispered. "Though that was a very serious conversation for two people who don't even know who they are to each other."

He stood, pulling her up with him. Taking her hands in his, Robin looked Regina in the eyes. "Regina Mills, will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

"I thought you'd never ask," she replied, laughing as she kissed him.

They broke the kiss but he still held her close. She rested her head on his chest and they stayed like that for a bit longer, until a flash startled them. Regina pulled away as she searched for the source.

"Sorry!" A petite blonde woman wielding a camera stepped from the shadows, looking sheepish. "I didn't mean to intrude. It's just…you two looked so sweet. And the bride's been insisting on only posed shots that I couldn't let my chance to get a genuine candid pass."

Robin and Regina exchanged looks before she smiled. "That's okay. We were just startled."

"Once again, I'm sorry. I'll just get out of your way." The photographer started to walk back into the ballroom, but Regina stopped her.

She dug through her purse, pulling out a business card. "I'd like a copy of that picture, please. You can send it here."

"Thank you." The woman took the card before pulling out one of her own. "Here have mine. Maybe I can take the pictures at your wedding."

Regina smiled and thanked her. She looked at the card and smiled. "Pixie Dust Photography?"

The woman shrugged. "Friends call me Tink. It seemed appropriate."

"Well, I'll definitely keep you in mind." Regina tucked the card in her clutch before moving back to Robin's side.

Tink smiled at them. "Well, I won't hold you two up anymore. Enjoy your evening!"

Once she slipped back into the catering hall, Robin pulled Regina closer to him. "So, what do we do now?"

"I think we should head inside. Your parents and Will are probably wondering where we went to," Regina replied.

Robin hummed in response. "We could. Or we could go home, get out of these clothes and have some mac and cheese."

"That does sound tempting. The food here isn't very filling." Regina paused before shaking her head. "But we haven't even danced together yet. Can we at least have one before we leave?"

"Whatever milady wishes," he teased her. He tucked her hand into his arm and led her back into the ballroom.

Will looked up as they approached the table, relieved. "I thought you two had abandoned me! Where did you go?"

"Just needed some air," Regina replied. "What did we miss?"

"The best man's speech. It was long and boring. I'm pretty sure half of us fell asleep during it," Will said.

Robin chuckled. "Good thing we missed it."

"Yeah, but could you have taken me? We are friends, yeah?"

"We are," Robin said but he held her close. "But I was spending quality time with my girlfriend."

Will raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Good for you. Do you have any friends, Regina?"

"Don't know you well enough to set you up with any of them."

"Fair enough." Will looked at Robin. "I like her. Don't let her slip away."

As Robin assured his friend he had no intention of doing that, the band began to play a slow ballad. He smiled at Regina. "I believe you wanted a dance, milady?"

She took his hand and he led her to the dancefloor. Placing his hand on her waist, he held her hand tight in his other one. Regina rested her head on his shoulder as they began to sway to the music. He was warm and soft, causing her mind to wonder what it would be like to fall asleep next to him. Excitement pricked at her as she realized she now had a chance of finding out soon.

He rested his cheek against her head as one slow song gave way to another. Regina didn't mind, not wanting to leave his embrace just yet. She could do this forever.

As the band switched back to songs with faster tempos, Regina leaned up to tell Robin she was just going to the ladies' room. He nodded, letting his hand slide from hers as she walked away. Will joined him on the dancefloor and she smiled, glad the two friends would have some time together.

Regina left the stall, washing her hands as she took in her appearance in the mirror. She thanked her lucky stars she decided to use clear mascara so she didn't look like raccoon after her cry out on the patio. Opening her purse, she pulled out a few makeup items she managed to fit in it and decided to freshen up.

The door swung open and Marian entered, her maid of honor holding up her dress. "I don't know how I'm supposed to actually go in this. I'm tied in pretty tight," she was saying.

She stopped when she saw Regina, taking the woman in. Regina felt like she was being judged and knew that Marian knew who she was. Putting on a bright smile, Regina held out her hand. "I'm Regina. Congratulations on your wedding. Everything so far has been very grand."

"Thank you," Marian said. She tilted her head. "You're here with Robin, aren't you?"

Regina nodded. "We're seeing each other and he invited me to be his plus one."

"So, it's nothing serious?"

"Yes, I would say we're serious about each other." Regina tried not to squirm, but she found it odd that Marian would be grilling her about her relationship with Robin now. Then again, Marian had been friends with Robin for a long time. She must've still felt something toward him the same way Robin still cared for her.

Doubt still crept into her mind when she saw something that wasn't kindness or caring flash in Marian's eyes. It almost seemed like jealousy. Regina gave herself a mental shake, telling herself she was seeing things. This was the woman's wedding—she had moved on from Robin and loved someone else.

It disappeared and Marian smiled. "Good for you."

"Well, I'll get out of your way," Regina said, picking up her clutch. "Once again, congratulations. I hope you two have many happy years together."

She hurried from the bathroom, feeling unsettled by her encounter with Marian. But it melted away when she saw Robin doing some weird dance while Will stood by, shaking his head. Regina laughed as she joined the two men. "What is that?"

"It's going to be the latest dance craze," Robin said. "Watch and see."

Will groaned and turned to her. "Take him home. He's drunk."

"I am not drunk." Robin stopped his weird dance to cross his arms and glare down Will.

"Whatever. Friends do not let friends dance like that."

When Robin turned his glare to Regina, she shrugged. "Girlfriends neither."

He sighed and threw up his hands. "Fine. But don't come crying to me when that's the hottest dance."

Regina laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. They began moving in time with the music and she realized that all joking aside, Robin could dance. So could Will, once he joined them again. The trio kept to the edge of the dancefloor and had fun together. It was the start of a beautiful friendship.

People began to leave in drips and drabs, mostly after the cake was cut. Regina and Robin had returned to the table, eating their slices as they watched the bouquet toss. "You sure you don't want to go out there?" he asked.

She shook her head before resting it on his shoulder. "I'm good."

"You two are already sickeningly sweet," Will said, sitting down with a beer.

Robin made a face at him. "You're just jealous. Why don't you go catch the garter? Maybe you'll find your true love."

"Amongst these people?" Will looked around, shaking his head. "They're a little too highbrow for me."

"Don't sell yourself short, Will. You're just as good as them." Regina patted his hand.

He smiled and looked over her head at Robin. "I've told you to hold onto this one, right?"

"Yes, you did." Robin kissed her head as her eyes began to close. "Are you ready to leave?"

Regina nodded, sitting up to kiss Will's check. "It was nice meeting you. I hope we see each other soon."

"I hope so as well." Will stood, shaking Robin's hand. "You can come too."

"Oh, gee, thanks." Robin rolled his eyes before wrapping his arms around Regina, wishing Will a good night.

He guided her toward the door but Regina stopped him. "We should say goodbye to your parents," she said. "It's only right."

"You're right," he said with a sigh.

They walked over to where George and Susan were sitting with Marian's parents. Her mother jumped up and hugged Robin. "I haven't seen you all night. Where have you been hiding?"

"I'm afraid that's my fault" Regina said. "I've been hogging him."

After looking Regina up and down, Marian's mother smiled. "Well, I can't fault you there. I'd do the same."

"Robin, your mother and I aren't in town for much longer. We will have breakfast tomorrow," George ordered.

Robin bristled under Regina's grasp and she understood. She hadn't spent much time with George Locksley and she already detested him with every fiber of her being.

But Robin nodded. "Where?"

"I wrote everything down." George handed his son a piece of paper he pulled from his pocket. "We'll see you at ten. And bring Regina."

Robin glanced down at her but she smiled, nodding. "I look forward to it. Good night."

Once back in the car, Robin looked at her. "You don't have to come tomorrow. I can make up an excuse for you."

"I don't mind, Robin. After all, I am your girlfriend now," she said with a smile.

He smiled as well before it fell. "It doesn't mean you have to deal with my parents two days in a row."

"Robin, everything will be fine. I'll be fine." She took his hand and held it as she leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes.

It seemed like only a few minutes later when the car came to a stop and she opened her eyes again. Robin's suit jacket covered her and she felt disoriented. "Where are we?" she asked.

"Outside your building," he said, unbuckling her. "You fell asleep."

That explained why she felt so groggy and confused. She nodded, handing him back his jacket. "I guess I didn't realize how tired I was."

"Understandable. I'm not entire sure what's keeping me up right now." He tossed his jacket in the backseat. "Do you want me to escort you upstairs?"

She shook her head. "Thank you, but I think can I make it to my apartment without falling asleep."

"Okay. I'll pick you up around nine?"

"Nine," she confirmed. Leaning in, she pressed a sweet goodnight kiss to his lips. "I'll see you then."

Regina opened the door, stepping out into the cool night air. She picked her skirt up as she hurried toward her front door, nodding as the night doorman opened it for her. Pausing, she looked back at Robin and waved to him. She waited until he drove away.

"Have a good night, Miss Mills?" the doorman asked.

She nodded. "I had a very good night. Thank you."

He tipped his hat to her and she headed toward the elevator. As she rode up, she caught sight of herself in the silver doors. There was a slight blush to her cheeks and her smile hadn't gone away yet. She liked the effect Robin Locksley had on her.

Regina washed off her makeup and changed into her pajamas. Sliding into bed, sleep reclaimed her quickly. Her dreams were filled with Robin.

A very good night indeed.

A/N: Thanks to OQ Forever for the prompt! If you have any prompts for this series, let me know. I'll see if I can fit them in. -Mac