Home for the Holidays

"Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays for no matter how far away you roam, when you long for the sunshine of a friendly gaze…" Regina's singing trailed off as she realized it was just her and Karen Carpenter.

She glanced over at Robin, who was now staring out the window as they entered Mist Haven. Was the blown opportunity for his company still on his mind? There had been talk of a makeup dinner but no invitation had come yet. Robin had already figured he had lost his chance but she knew he still harbored hope to get it. She wondered if part of him still blamed her.

"Robin?" she asked. "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head but didn't look away from the window. "Just thinking."

"About that dinner? I'm still sorry about that."

"Stop beating yourself up over it." He turned to face her, giving her a weak smile. "And that's not what's bothering me."

"Is it the song? Are you homesick?"

Robin shook his head. "England stopped being home for me a long time ago."

"Then what is it? You can tell me."

He sighed, biting his lip. "Does your dad own any guns?"

"Yes, he does. But he doesn't keep them in the house. Mother won't let him. So he keeps them at the hunting cabin he shares with my Uncle Xavier." Regina frowned. "Why?"

"So he's never threatened a boyfriend of yours with one?"

A flash of her father on their front porch, pellet gun in hand as Keith Nottinham crouched behind his car filled her mind. She sighed as they passed the Lake Nostros sign, meaning they were almost at her parents' house. And her boyfriend was afraid of getting shot.

"Regina?" She could hear panic fill his voice. "He has, hasn't he?"

She sighed. "He's threatened a boy with a gun but I wouldn't call Keith a boyfriend. We were dating for a bit in college until I found him cheating on me with a girl in another sorority. He didn't deny it, saying he just wanted to be my trophy husband when my trust fund kicked in. Which I don't have, by the way."

"I'm not with you for money, Regina," he said. "I love you."

"Right. Just talking about Keith brings back that old insecurity."

"He was a douche."

"And that's why when Ursula called to warn me he was coming to try and win me back, Dad went and borrowed a neighbor's pellet gun with Mother's blessing. He stood on the porch and shot around Keith until he left."

Robin sighed. "So if that's what he did to a douche, I can imagine what's awaiting me since I was an arse."

"Daddy is not going to be waiting on the porch with a gun." Regina shook her head. "I told you, they understand that couples fight. They've been married for almost forty years and I told you I'm a lot like Mother. Trust me—they understand."

"Understanding that couples fight is one thing. It's another thing when it involves your only child."

Regina sighed, turning into her parents' driveway. She knew there was nothing she could say to assuage Robin's fears. The only thing that was going to help was for him to hear it from her parents themselves. She parked the car and turned it off. "We're here. See? No armed father on the porch."

"Alright. So far, so good." Robin took a deep breath as he unbuckled himself. "Doesn't mean I'm not in for a holiday weekend filled with barely hidden distaste and overly polite smiles."

"My parents aren't yours."

"Oh no, they aren't. Mine wouldn't even attempt polite."

They got out of the car, shrugging on coats. Regina grabbed the dishes she and Robin had made for dinner the next day while he got their bags out of her trunk. She smiled at him. "Come on. It's going to be okay."

She and Robin climbed the porch stairs as the door opened to reveal Cora. Her brown hair was loose, falling over her shoulders in well coifed curls. She wore a crème colored shirt with an attached shall and black slacks. Regina had very rarely seen her mother look anything less than magazine-worthy and always admired her fashion taste.

"Regina, darling! It's so good to see you." Cora embraced her daughter, hugging her tightly. "How was the drive?"

"It was good. We only hit traffic getting out of Avalon but it was smooth sailing otherwise." Regina tightened her hold on her mother for a moment, enjoying the embrace.

Cora released her daughter and turned to face her other guest. "Robin! We're so glad you're joining us this weekend."

"Thank you for inviting me, Cora," he said.

Her mother tilted her head, studying him and Regina knew her mother suspected something was off. But she couldn't question it with Henry and Granny coming in from the kitchen as Ruby hurried down the stairs.

Henry held out his hand to Robin, who shook it. "Good to see you, Robin."

"And you, sir," Robin replied.

"No need to be so formal." Henry clapped the younger man on the back. "Ruby, be a dear and take the bags from Robin."

"Of course, Uncle Henry." Ruby paused to give an air kiss to her cousin before approaching Robin. She hugged him. "Nice to see you again."

Robin returned the hug. "You too, Ruby."

She picked up their bags and turned to Cora. "Are they both going into Regina's old room?"

As Cora confirmed that Robin and Regina were sharing a room, Granny took the dishes from Regina's hands. "You two didn't have to make anything. I think we have it covered."

"I know, but of course we had to bring something." Regina kissed the older woman's cheek. "It's good to see you, Granny."

Granny smiled. "You too, Regina. And it's good to see that handsome lad of yours. He's going to be fun to look at over the weekend."

"Granny." Regina gave her a look.

She chuckled in response. "I said look, dear. No harm in that, right? Besides, it's clear he's crazy about you. I doubt he's about to run off with me."

"I don't know. Robin hasn't tried your sweet potato casserole. It's mighty tempting."

Granny let out a bark of laughter before heading into the kitchen, muttering about Regina's sense of humor. Ruby had gone upstairs and Henry had gotten Robin into the living room, leaving Regina alone with her mother.

Cora raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with Robin? He seems very…stiff."

"He thinks you're going to punish him for our fight," Regina said. "Apparently, you and Daddy did a very good job at threatening him. Though I'm not sure when you did that."

"We've had some time to be alone with Robin, dear. And we're your parents. We'll protect you from whatever hurts you as best we can." Cora cupped her daughter's cheek, smiling. "You're always our little girl."

Regina rolled her eyes but smiled. "Thanks. But could you two assure him he's not in any danger this weekend? Please?"

Cora chuckled. "We'll talk with Robin, don't worry. Now, come on into the living room and we can all catch up."

After a light dinner and an evening of stories—including a few Regina had begged her mother not to tell—everyone bid each other good night and drifted toward their rooms. Regina watched as Robin wandered around her childhood bedroom, taking in all the remnants of her past.

"See anything interesting?" she asked, wrapping her arms around him from behind. She laid her head against his back.

He hummed. "Everything about you is interesting, lovely. I loved hearing stories about you."

"Well, that makes one of us." Regina made a face as she recalled wanting to crawl under the couch and dying when her mother told about the time she decided to give herself a home perm. Instead of beautiful curls, she ended up with smelly frizz instead that she had to suffer with for a week before Cora let her go to the salon to get it fixed. She vowed to never do that again and banished the memory from her mind.

Too bad there were still pictures of her from that week.

Robin turned in her arms, gathering her to his chest. "They weren't that bad, trust me. And you know I'm just glad I'm here and not sleeping in the yard."

"Didn't my parents talk to you?" Regina asked with a frown.

"They did," he assured her with a chuckle. "Doesn't mean I'm not grateful they were so understanding."

She smiled, pulling him toward her bed. "Well, I guess you could say that tomorrow when we go around the table saying what we're most grateful for."

"I'll keep that in mind." They laid down, Regina resting her head on his chest. He toyed with her hair. "Wait, do you really do that?"

Laughing, she shook her head. "Dad usually gives a short speech and then we eat. You won't be forced to do any public speaking tomorrow."

"I know what I would've said. I'm grateful for you, Regina."

She smiled. "I'm grateful for you too. I never thought I would've met a man like you, been loved by someone like you do."

He tilted her head up, kissing her. She cupped his cheek, feeling his scruff tickle her palm as their kisses grew more passionate. Regina's other hand slipped under his shirt and toyed with the tie on his pajama pants.

Robin still her hand, licking his lips. "I love you, Regina, and would love to go further than this…but we're in your childhood room. With your family on either side of us."

"It would be awkward, wouldn't it?" At Robin's nod, she sighed and nestled against him. "Fine. We can just cuddle for now."

He kissed her forehead. "Don't worry. We'll have all of Sunday night."

"So what do you want to do now?"

"Can you tell me a bit more about your family? Who is Granny related to and how?"

Regina chuckled. "She's my mother's aunt. She and my grandfather were brother and sister."

"And Ruby?" he asked.

"Is Granny's granddaughter," Regina replied. "Her daughter, my Aunt Anita, died when Ruby was a baby and I was a little girl. We know nothing about her father and honestly, I don't think Ruby has cared to learn. So Granny raised her."

"That's admirable." Robin rubbed her arm. "What about your father's family?"

"The Mills family is a big bunch and we mostly see each other at weddings and funerals. We do spend Christmas with my Uncle Xavier and his family, so you'll meet them then. If you want to come to Christmas, that is."

Robin kissed her forehead. "I'd love to celebrate Christmas with your family."

She smiled, gathering his t-shirt in her fist as she curled closer to him. "I wasn't sure if you had plans to go back to England. Celebrate with your grandparents."

"I'll talk to them, yes. But they understand why I stay away," he replied. "If you want to meet them in person, you can come with me to Grandpa Roland's birthday in March. Get to meet all the assorted Locksleys."

Regina sat up. "You want me to come with you?"

"Of course I do," he said, running his hand through her hair. "I want to show you off."

She gave him a playful shove and he pulled her back down to his chest. "And you mean a lot to me, so of course I want you to feel a part of my family. Well, the ones I like."

"Of course," she replied, laughing. "I can't wait. Besides, I've never been to England. Can we also go to London?"

"We can do whatever you want, lovely." He nuzzled her as his heartbeat lulled her to sleep.

Thanksgiving morning started early with the Mills and Lucas women in the kitchen, preparing the food. Granny prepared her famous sweet potato casserole while Regina was given the task of making the stuffing. Cora and Ruby worked on the turkey together as the parade played in the background.

Henry and Robin wandered into the kitchen not much later and were immediately put to work. The older man began peeling potatoes while Robin stood around, looking awkward. "Is there anything I can do? I want to help."

"You can give Regina a hand with that stuffing. It's daunting for one person," Cora said, motioning to her daughter.

Regina frowned. "I can handle it, Mother. I have the past few years."

"We know. Because you're too stubborn to accept help," Ruby said. "But we figured if anyone could convince you otherwise, it would be Robin."

She glanced over, meeting his eyes. He gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll do whatever you want, Regina."

"I guess I could use some help," she conceded. "It'll go faster."

Robin joined her at the stove, accepting the fork she handed him. She showed him how to press down the moist pieces of bread to pick up the celery and onions in the pan. Their arms brushed as she tossed more bread in or added butter when needed. They were a great team and Regina had to admit it was easier and more pleasant to work with him as her partner.

Within the hour, the stuffing was made and ready to go into the bird. "I think that's the quickest I've ever made the stuffing," Regina said as Robin wrapped his arms around her.

"Amazing what happens when you accept help," Cora teased her. She kissed Regina's cheek. "You did a great job, Regina. You too, Robin."

He smiled at her. "Thank you. I must say, everything looks really good."

"It'll taste even better," Granny promised. "But for now, breakfast."

That afternoon, the men disappeared into the living room for the Knights game. Regina found her father in his favorite recliner while Robin was stretched out on the couch. She leaned against the armrest as she smiled at the two. "Can I get you anything? Snacks? Beer?"

"I'm good," Henry said. "Thank you anyway, dear."

Robin smiled up at her. "I'll take a beer. Whatever your parents have, I'm not picky."

"I asked Mother to pick up a case of your beer. I'll get you one."

"Why do I feel like you did that more for yourself than me?" But he took her hand, kissing it. "Thank you though."

Regina walked back into the kitchen, Granny watching her. "I love that smile," she said. "It's so beautiful on you."

"What smile?"

"That 'I'm terribly happy because I'm in stupid love' smile," Ruby clarified. "You had it at Halloween and you have it now."

Tucking her hair behind her ear, Regina shrugged. "I'm in love. And this time, I'm not afraid to say it."

"Are wedding bells in the future?" Granny asked.

"We haven't talked about it," she answered. "But I do feel like Robin is 'The One' so…maybe?"

Ruby looked at her grandmother. "I told you this one was different."

"Where did you find him again?" Granny asked.

"The grocery store."

"I am going to the wrong store," the older woman replied. "Because mine certainly doesn't have a good-looking and considerate British man aisle."

Regina laughed, grabbing Robin's beer. "I'll be right back and I'll tell you the whole story."

When she returned to the living room, her father and boyfriend were in a deep discussion about game plays and stupid referee calls. She left the beer on a coaster and dropped a kiss into Robin's hair. He squeezed her hand but never took his eyes off the TV. Regina didn't mind; she was already used to being a sports widow.

She returned to the kitchen, helping Granny with her apple pie. "So, yes, how I met Robin. It started with a really, really bad day at work…"

Cora Mills had a knack for timing her turkey to finish exactly at the end of the Knights' game, even the ones that went into overtime. Regina never understood how she did it and wondered if maybe her mother was magic. Just like clockwork, Cora took her golden brown turkey out of the oven as cheers erupted from the living room, meaning the Knights had won the game.

The men wandered into the kitchen to check on their meal. Henry smiled as he saw the turkey. "Time for me to carve, my dear?"

"Absolutely." Cora handed her husband the knife before turning to Regina and Ruby. "Why don't you two go finish setting the table?"

Robin perked up. "I'll help them."

"Oh no," Granny replied. "I need your help carrying the dishes into the dining room. You stay right here."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied, giving Regina a look. She just shrugged and grabbed the silverware, following Ruby into the dining room.

As they set each place, Robin and Granny kept coming in and out of the room with more and more food. He stopped by Regina at one point to ask: "Isn't this a bit much?"

She shrugged. "We'll probably be eating leftovers all weekend but that's okay. Tis the season to overeat."

"We'll work it off tomorrow morning at the Black Friday sales anyway," Ruby said. "Or at least us women will. I'm not sure what you and Uncle Henry will do."

Robin glanced at Regina. "You're going to get up early to go shopping? How early?"

"Before dawn. Don't worry, I won't wake you." She kissed his cheek.

Granny led Cora and Henry from the kitchen, the man carrying a plate laden with carved turkey. She clapped her hands. "Okay, everyone take your seats! It's time to eat."

Regina guided Robin to the seat next to her. Henry and Granny took the two end seats while Cora and Ruby sat next to each other as well. Once everyone was settled, Henry raised his wine glass. "I'd like to make my customary Thanksgiving toast. Once again, I am grateful for you, my family. I am one lucky man, surrounded by so many beautiful and strong women.

"This year, we are also grateful for Robin. You've made Regina happier than we've seen her in a long time and as long as you keep doing that, you'll always have a seat at this table," he said.

"So…no pressure," Robin deadpanned, causing everyone to laugh.

Henry held his glass up again. "So here's to the year that was and to the year that will be. May we always be grateful for every day. Cheers!"

"Cheers," they echoed, clinking their glasses together.

Granny took a sip before declaring: "Dig in!"

They passed the different dishes around as everyone filled their plates with as much food as possible. Ruby initially dominated their conversation, talking about her latest assignment as a photographer. She had been taking pictures in Beijing and had only gotten back that Monday. "I was glad to be home though," she said. "The air quality is as horrible as all the news reports say. It was awful."

"Well, we're glad you got back in time," Cora said, patting her cousin's hand. "It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without all of us."

Granny nodded. "While Ruby always has great stories, I want to know more about you, Robin. You're new."

He chuckled, leaning back to stretch his arm across the back of Regina's chair. "Well, what do you want to know?"

"Everything," Granny replied. "We have all night."

Regina shook her head. "Not everything. Robin and I are both enjoying discovering new things over time. Sorry, Granny."

"Well, then, I guess you can tell us everything Regina already knows and one new thing. How's that, dear?" Granny looked over at the rims of her glasses at Regina.

"That's fine," Regina conceded and Robin chuckled, starting with a few stories about his childhood. She rested a hand on his thigh as she continued to eat, letting his voice wash over her.

"And since last night was all about embarrassing Regina stories, I think it's only fair that I tell you one about me," he offered. "When I was younger, maybe about thirteen, I decided to give skateboarding a try. I saved up money I earned from some odd jobs and bought myself one. Will and I would watch the others at the park and mimic them. But one day, some girls were hanging around and we decided to impress them."

Ruby held up her hand. "Does this end with a broken leg or a broken arm?"

"Both," Robin replied. "Arm for me, leg for Will."

"I'm afraid to ask but what did you do?" Regina asked.

He sighed. "We decided to attempt some of the tricks we saw the others doing. He went down trying to jump with the skateboard and I hit the railing the wrong way."

Everyone grimaced and Regina rubbed one of his arms, unsure if it was the one he broke. He covered her hand with his. "I don't know what hurt more—the pain in my arm or their laughter."

"What did your parents do?" Granny asked. Regina held her breath, worrying about the answer.

"Mum fussed over me for a week after that," he replied. "But my dad kept lecturing me about how stupid I had been for months after that. Actually, I'm sure if you would even mention skateboards around us, he'll still lecture me."

Cora's mouth pressed into a thin line and Regina knew she had some thoughts about George Locksley. She had heard more about Robin's father from the two of them and Regina could tell her impression of the man wasn't favorable. Part of her wanted the two to meet just because she wanted to see her mother put him in his place.

Regina smiled at him. "So you can't skateboard. Thank goodness because you were starting to be a little too perfect."

"Can you skateboard?" he asked.

"No, she can't. But I can," Ruby said. "I can always teach you if you ever want to try again."

Robin held up his hand. "I'm good. Thanks anyway."

Granny chuckled, standing up. "Well, who's ready for some dessert?"

Everyone turned in early that night, all suffering from food comas. Regina convinced Robin to take a bath with her and she rested against him as the warm water lapped at them. He wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you for my first Thanksgiving," he said.

"I couldn't imagine sharing today with anyone else," she replied. "I love you."

He dropped a kiss to her shoulder. "I never get tired of hearing that."

"You ready for the rest of the weekend?"

"Why, what else is in store for us? I mean, I'm not going to the Black Friday sales with you."

Regina chuckled. "I didn't think you'd come. But we're usually back during the morning, so there's still plenty to do."

"Like?"

"Decorating the house," she replied. "I get my love for Christmas from my parents. We go all out, putting you and your Halloween decorations to shame."

"That seems like a challenge, milady."

"It's just the truth."

He hummed. "We'll see."

She laughed, pulling the stopper to drain the tub. Patting his leg, Regina climbed out of the tub. "Come on, I have a very early morning and I hope to get in some cuddles."

"I am expert cuddler," he said, climbing out after her. He pulled her flush against him, kissing her. Robin's hands skimmed over her curves as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

As his hand squeezed one of her ass cheeks, knocking disturbed them. "Are you two having sex in there?" Ruby asked through the door. "Because I need to use the bathroom."

Regina groaned as she broke the kiss. "I love Ruby but there are times like this that make me want to kill her."

They wrapped themselves in towels, stepping out to find Ruby waiting with her arms crossed. She gave an exaggerated sigh. "Finally! I mean, I'm all for Regina getting laid but don't inconvenience the rest of us."

"I hate you, you know that." Regina glared at her cousin. She took Robin's hand and led him back to her room.

Once the door was closed, Robin collapsed onto her bed, laughing. She crossed her arms. "I don't know what you're laughing about. No doubt my father heard that. You have to stay here with him while we're shopping."

"Oh, come on, Regina," he said. "I may feel awkward having sex in your parents' house, but they have to know we're having it. They did let us sleep together."

She sighed. "I guess you're right. Still doesn't mean I don't want to strangle Ruby."

"Well, if you need any tips on committing murder, I'm your man." He gave her a wink.

It was her turn to laugh, climbing into bed next to him. "Who knew there would be perks to dating a serial killer?"

He held her close, their legs entwining. "I love your family, though. So let's keep Ruby alive for now. How's that?"

"If you insist," she sighed. "Besides, I'm too tired and comfortable to do anything else."

Robin reached down and pulled the blankets over them. He turned off her lamp before settling back down next to her. "Good night, Regina. And happy Thanksgiving."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Robin," she murmured back.

A/N: So I'm a few hours off Thanksgiving. Oops. I hope everyone enjoyed their meals. I know I did.

No sex this time, so sorry to the guest reviewer who wanted make up sex between Robin and Regina. But there will be Christmas sex next month. And I'm sure there will be more arguments between the two, so there will be more chances for makeup sex.

The Prince of Darkness will be updated later today. So you get two stories today rather than yesterday. Yay?

-Mac