Ghosts of the Past
Robin pushed aside the wrapper from his sandwich as he brushed away the crumbs. Looking up, he smiled at his coworkers. "Okay, so what's next on the agenda?"
"We've received some offers based on the bids we put in before the holidays," Tuck said, pulling out a folder. "Judging by our current staffing, we can only take on one more right now. So we need to pick which one."
"I say we take the one that will allow us to support more staff so we can start taking on more projects," Mulan advised.
Robin nodded. "Sounds good. So, Tuck, which one do you think would allow us to do that?"
"Avalon Mercy Hospital," Tuck replied, plopping down one folder. "It's almost as good as the Norris project."
Everyone grew silent at the mention of the Norris project. It would've covered a large campus in Mist Haven and brought in a lot of money. But Robin had blown the dinner with Mr. Norris. Worse, he had almost destroyed his relationship with Regina in the process. In the end, he was glad to still be with her than working on Norris' property.
Robin cleared his throat. "Well, then, we should take it. The hospital has a large campus and a lot of open spaces to maintain. We might have to move a few people from some other projects but we'll be able to manage it I think."
"Doesn't Marian work at Avalon Mercy?" Tuck asked. "You okay working for her hospital?"
"She's a respected neurosurgeon. I doubt she spends a lot time outside. And even then, we're adults. We can be civil to each other." When Tuck still didn't look convinced, Robin sighed. "Besides, I wasn't going to take the lead on this anyway. I like the Storybrooke park project a bit too much. I was going to give this to either Will or Merida."
Tuck nodded. "Then are we decided? Mulan?"
"I think Avalon Mercy is the best choice as well," she agreed. "It'll help us expand payroll and afford to take on another project or two later this year."
"Then we're agreed. I think this has been a very productive meeting." Robin smiled at his employees. "Now, I love you all…but get out."
Tuck and Mulan laughed, gathering the remnants of their meals and wandered out of his office. Robin closed the door behind them, hoping to get some more work done while everything was still quiet. He sat at his desk and stared at the pictures lining it.
First was a picture of him and Will taken when they were still in secondary school, probably no older than thirteen. They were posing in their local park, convinced they could become models. Next to it was a picture of him and Will now, taken only months ago at Marian's wedding. Right in the middle was a picture of him with his grandparents, taken at his grandfather's last birthday. And at the very end, where he could always see them, were the pictures of Regina.
He had several, all grouped together: Regina making a silly face as they sat on her parent's deck, the two of them sleeping on her parents' couch over the Thanksgiving weekend (taken by her cousin Ruby, who had also covered them in tinsel), her sitting on Mary Margaret's roof in her cowgirl costume, him and her facing each other as they sang at his company's Christmas party, and the couple posing with Mary Margaret and David at Regina's office party.
Robin smiled at her image, warmth spreading throughout him. He was a lucky, lucky man who had been in the right grocery store, in the right aisle at the right time seven months ago. It had allowed him to meet a spitfire named Regina Mills who shared his penchant for eating mac and cheese after bad days. She had captured his heart and made his life richer the past seven months.
They hadn't done much for their anniversary as it was a week after New Year's. He had taken her out for a nice quiet dinner before they returned home to finish off the last of the champagne before switching to beer. They figured they had gotten a bit too drunk when they awoke the next morning partially dressed on her living room floor. It appeared that they had attempted to have sex but passed out before they could do anything. As they sat against her couch—her shirtless and him pantless—they had a good laugh at the whole situation.
It was another moment where he knew he wanted Regina in his life forever. He could see it with her, see their house with the white picket fence, cars in the driveway, them coming home after long days at work and making dinner together. Then they would cuddle on the couch while watching TV before heading to bed to either sleep or make love. Robin wanted that future so bad, it was almost a physical pain.
Robin realized Regina was "The One" weeks ago. But he wanted her to get the official Locksley seal of approval from his Grandpa Roland. Which would have to wait until the man's birthday in March. Then Robin would really consider proposing in earnest…though perhaps he ought to make sure Regina was on the same page.
Buzzing interrupted his thoughts. "Mum" flickered on his cell phone screen and he debated whether or not to pick it up. His relationship with his parents was complicated at best but there was a good chance of having a decent conversation with his mother. So taking a sigh, he decided to answer. "Hello?"
"Robin? Are you busy?" his mother asked.
He sighed. "I have some time. What is it?"
"I just wanted to see how your holiday went. Did you do something special for it?"
"I spent it with Regina and her family," Robin replied. "It was a nice day."
His mother paused. "So you're still with her?"
"Yes, Mum, I'm still with her."
"Are you two getting serious?"
"Pretty much."
"Oh." Susan Locksley fell into silence.
Robin sighed. "What's so wrong with Regina?"
"Nothing. She's a lovely woman."
"She's just not Marian."
"Exactly," Susan replied, perkier. "You realize that too? So why are you still with her?"
"Because I love her!" Robin yelled. He took a calming breath. "The fact she's not Marian is a good thing to me, Mum. I love her because she's Regina."
Susan was silent for a bit before she asked: "What if I told you that Marian's marriage was on the rocks?"
"I'd feel sorry for her but fail to see why that should be any of my concern," he replied, frowning. Marian hadn't even been married six months. And he had a feeling he knew why it was on the rocks.
"Because if it goes south, maybe you two could try again," Mum said, hopeful.
"No," Robin said, firm. "We broke up for a reason, Mum. I know you and Dad have had this fantasy of us but the truth is our lives aren't compatible. We wanted different things and parted ways so we could find people who shared our wants."
"I know, but maybe those wants truly aren't as different as you two thought. Maybe you just needed a break from each other."
Robin sighed. "No, Mum. We're happier apart. I'm in love with Regina and I don't want to leave her."
He considered just ending the call but felt too guilty to just hang up on his mother. Even if she wasn't really listening to him. "I heard it's an issue over children," Susan continued. "Can you imagine someone not wanting to have children with Marian? She'd be a great mother."
Another part of his mother's fantasy. Robin still didn't want to shatter it but he knew the truth. He had seen how awkward and uncomfortable Marian was around children and so had to have the serious talk that ultimately ended their relationship—motherhood wasn't for her and she agreed it was best if Robin found someone who wanted to be a parent, just like him. Someone like Regina.
"Mum, I'm not going to speculate about the state of Marian's marriage," he said, trying to keep his voice even. "If all you want to do is gossip, I'm hanging up."
"Robin, please…For Marian's sake…"
"Goodbye, Mum."
"No, wait, Robin. Could you promise to call Marian? For me?"
He sighed. "No. She has her own friends she can call."
"You were once her friend."
"I really need to get back to work. Goodbye, Mum." He hung up before his mother could come up with another reason to keep him on the phone.
He tossed down his cell phone with a sigh and leaned back in his chair. It was definitely a good thing he didn't plan to take the lead on the hospital project. Who knew what plot his mother would hatch if she knew he would be around Marian more often?
"Gold wants to see you in his office at two," Mary Margaret said, handing Regina a note as she returned back from lunch.
Regina sighed. "Did he say what for?"
"No. But I imagine it's whatever assignment he's been buttering you up for during the holidays."
"You're probably right." Regina placed her things down before grabbing her folio. "Wish me luck."
Mary Margaret gave her a thumbs up as she left the office again. Regina headed down to the elevator to head up to Gold's office, groaning when she saw Zelena getting on as well. No wonder he was buttering her up.
Zelena smiled as Regina stepped onto the elevator. "You get called to Gold's office too? Or you heading someplace else?"
"Unfortunately, Zelena, we're heading to the same place."
"Oh, goodie. We must be working together."
Regina grit her teeth as she rolled her eyes. "Don't pretend this is going to be great. You know we tend to clash when on the same assignment."
"I know," she said. "That's why it's going to be fun."
"You have a strange sense of fun."
The doors opened and Gold's secretary ushered them in. He smiled at the two women and motioned for them to take the two chairs in front of his desk. "Thank you both for coming," he said.
"We're just a bit surprised you want both of us," Regina replied.
Gold chuckled. "I imagine so. It's because our next client has two projects. So we'll need two teams working on it."
Zelena looked as intrigued as Regina. "And who is this new client?" she asked.
"Humbert Wildlife Preserve and Education Center," Gold replied, not meeting Regina's eyes.
Her stomach turned. Gold wasn't just buttering her up because she would be working with Zelena but because they were working for her ex-boyfriend, Graham. She swallowed. "Really?"
"Ooh. How is Robbie going to take you working with your ex?" Zelena asked, sounding like she was about to hear some gossip.
Regina frowned. "I'm sure he won't mind because he trusts me and knows I love him."
"Even if you and Graham were pretty close to getting engaged?" Zelena pressed.
"We're grownups, Zelena. We can work together and not fall into whatever lusty affair is going on in your head." Regina rolled her eyes.
Zelena huffed. "You ruin all my fun."
"Are we done, children?" Gold asked, eyebrow raised. After they nodded, he smiled. "Good. Now, who wants to take the Wildlife Preserve and who wants to take the Education Center?"
"Will the Education Center project involve children?" Zelena asked.
Gold sighed. "Of course."
Zelena looked over at Regina. "You can take it, then. You seem to have an affinity for those little brats."
Regina sighed, looking at Gold. "I can handle the Education Center, no problem. Anything else?"
"Not right now. Graham will probably be in contact with both of you in the next couple days. I'd like you to remember you're working for the same client and communicate regularly. Got it?" He leveled a look at them, though it was mostly aimed at Zelena.
They agreed and stood. Regina smiled at her coworker, trying to be pleasant. "I'll have my assistant work with your assistant to set up weekly check ins. How's that?"
"Fine," Zelena replied, already engrossed in her phone as she left the office.
Regina shot a look at Gold. "You owe me."
"I know," he said. "But I have the utmost confidence in you."
When Regina got back to her office, Mary Margaret seemed off. She frowned and motioned for her assistant to follow her. Closing the door, Regina asked: "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Mary Margaret replied, quickly.
Regina shook her head, always able to read her friend. "Liar. Try again."
Mary Margaret sighed. "It's David. They just arrested his partner on corruption charges and he's being investigated himself."
"David? Mr. Straight-And-Narrow, Dudley Do Right himself?" Regina raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure they won't find anything against him."
"I know, but he's upset anyway. And I think it's more that Arthur was doing all of this behind his back that hurts him more."
Regina nodded. "Of course. Arthur was his partner and his best friend. That's a big betrayal."
"I don't know what to do for him," Mary Margaret confessed.
"Just be there for him," Regina told her. "That's all he's going to need from you."
Mary Margaret nodded. "Thank you. This is going to affect everything for David. Including our wedding…Oh god, Arthur is David's best man!"
As her assistant grew more upset, Regina stood and went to crouch down next to her. "Don't worry about that now. The wedding will sort itself out. Trust me. Why don't you go home?"
"No, no. I should stay here. Keep my mind off everything." Mary Margaret started to stand.
Regina put pressure on her shoulder to keep her sitting. "No. Not in the state you are in. Go home and be with David. I insist."
Mary Margaret sagged in the seat. "Thank you, Regina. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Of course," she replied. "But call me tonight. Okay?"
With one last nod, Mary Margaret left the office and gathered her things. Regina went back to her work, ready to get her mind off the situation as well.
Robin hummed as he moved about his kitchen, finding the spices the recipe called for. Dinner was at his place tonight and he wanted to cook Regina something special…just because he loved her.
(And maybe because he was nervous about telling her about possibly working in close proximity to Marian, though he wasn't going to lead that project).
The door opened and he smiled. "Is that you, lovely?"
"Well, as long as that's not also your pet name for John, yes," Regina replied as he heard her close the door.
Robin chuckled turning from the stove long enough to give her a kiss. He turned back to the sauce he was making as she wrapped her arms around him. "What are you making?"
"Some pasta dish I found online," he replied. "I hope it's as good as the website says."
"If not, there's always mac and cheese." She let him go and pulled out the bottle of wine she bought. "Want a glass?"
"Yes, please." He accepted the glass she offered and watched as she took a seat at his table. "Stressful day at work?"
"Not at first. But then this afternoon happened," she replied, launching into a story about how Mary Margaret was upset and why.
Robin frowned. Since meeting David Nolan at Halloween, Robin had become fast friends with the man. They often met for friendly games and the occasional beer for Thursday Night Football. He had met a few of David's friends, but he didn't recall an Arthur King. "Was he at the Halloween party?" he asked Regina.
She thought about it for a few moments before shaking her head. "He probably was off with his own wife. They're pretty picky about what they attend."
"You don't sound like you're a fan."
"I really am not. There was always something off about them that I could never put my finger on," she replied.
Robin took his glass and sat down across from her. "So do you think the allegations are true?"
"Against Arthur? Probably," Regina admitted. "But David? Absolutely not. He's one of the good ones."
"Then he'll be cleared."
Regina nodded before taking another sip of her wine. "There's something else. I found out why Gold was buttering me up during the holidays."
"Oh?"
"I'm working on a project with Zelena."
Thoughts of the redhead made him grimace and he took her hand. "So sorry. I thought Gold liked you?"
"He does. It's just a big project, with two separate parts. So we'll both be handling our own project but we still have to check in with each other," Regina sighed.
"What's the project?"
"The Humbert Wildlife Preserve and Education Center. I'm handling the center and she's handling the preserve."
Robin frowned. "I wouldn't want her near children but I don't want her near animals either. This doesn't seem right."
"She'll be fine," Regina replied. "She'll send someone on her team and take all the credit. That's what she always does."
"Still doesn't seem right."
Regina nodded, before playing with her wine glass. "There's a bit more, Robin. About the Humbert Wildlife Preserve and Education Center."
"Oh?"
"I, uh, know the owner and founder. Graham Humbert and I…well, we dated."
Robin raised his eyebrow. She had told him about a few ex-boyfriends but he never pressed her for more information. It didn't seem terribly important…until now, given how nervous she seemed to be to tell him about him. How serious had she been with this Graham? Was he a threat?
(Of course he wasn't a threat. He was just being foolish).
"Robin? Robin, can you say something?" she asked, concerned.
He almost slapped himself when he saw fear in her beautiful brown eyes. "Sorry. I was just…We just accepted a proposal to do the landscaping for Avalon Mercy Hospital."
"Marian's hospital," Regina noted.
"Right. But I wouldn't lead the project. Just oversee the setup and then turn it over to someone else. I probably wouldn't even see Marian…"
Regina took his hands and Robin took a deep breath, realizing he was rambling. She smiled. "It's okay. Now, go check your pasta before it burns."
"Oh!" He had forgotten their dinner. Jumping up, he managed to prevent a disaster and soon everything was plated, ready to eat.
As they ate, a few questions plagued Robin but he wasn't sure if he wanted to voice them. He loved and trusted Regina. What did her relationship with Graham matter?
She put down her fork, studying him. "Okay, what's wrong?" she asked.
"What? Nothing," he replied. "Why?"
"You're glaring at your pasta like it personally wronged you. So what is it? Is it Marian? Graham?"
He sighed, guilty, and put down his fork as well. "It's Graham. Were you two serious?"
"Yes," she replied. "We were together for three years. He was my longest relationship since high school."
A knot settled in his stomach. "What…What happened between you two?"
Regina took his hand. "In some ways, the same thing that happened between you and Marian—we just wanted different things."
"Like?" His fists clenched, afraid that this Graham was going to be a prick who left her because of her infertility. That her entire worth had once again been boiled down to if she could provide children.
She shrugged. "I guess when it came down to it, he was more interested in a nomadic lifestyle, going to where the animals needed him. Me, I had put down roots here and didn't want to leave."
"That Cape Cod in Storybrooke, a white picket fence, two and a half kids and a dog?" he asked with a smile.
"Yeah," she replied, but grew quiet.
He frowned and took her hand. "Regina, what is it?"
"It's just…I didn't want to leave my family and friends. Graham…Graham was always more of a loner, not really having much by way of family. So he didn't understand why I didn't want to spend my life traveling from place to place. He gave me a plane ticket to India and told me I had to choose."
"Your choice is clear."
She nodded. "It was the only Dear John letter I ever wrote but I felt we both needed closure. He sent me a postcard."
"Do you regret not going?"
"Not for a single day," she told him, smiling.
He smiled again, nodding. "Are you nervous that you might see him again?"
"A bit. You nervous you might see Marian again?"
"I am, though my mother would be over the moon." He frowned as he remembered his phone call with her that afternoon.
Regina laced their fingers together. "Robin? What happened?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes," she insisted. "It's clearly upset you and I want to know what she said so I can comfort you."
Gratitude for this amazing woman filled him and he smiled at her. "You're comforting me now. But okay, Mum called about Marian…"
Consciousness pulled at Regina and she burrowed deeper into the blankets to ward it off. Arms tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against Robin's naked body yet again. She sighed as he buried his nose against her neck, his even breaths ghosting her still drying skin. Why was sleep losing this battle?
She shifted and her bladder demanded her attention, explaining why she was awake. With another sigh, she slipped from Robin's tight hold and grabbed one of his shirts to throw over her naked form. John was supposedly on a business trip but she didn't want to take any chances as she darted toward their bathroom.
Once she was done, she turned off the bathroom light and stepped out into the hallway. A dim light drew her attention and she head toward it, curious. "Hello?"
"Regina?" John poked his head from the kitchen, his tie undone and looking disheveled. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"
She shook her head. "I was just unsure why the light was on. I thought you were coming home in the morning."
"I was but when I saw the hotel they booked me into, my skin started to crawl. So I decided to just drive the rest of the way home."
"Then you should go to bed," she said. "You must be bone-tired."
He nodded. "But I'm also very hungry. Dinner was about seven hours ago and I didn't grab anything for the road."
"Oh. I think we have some leftovers in the fridge. Do you need me to help you with anything?"
"John?" Robin yawned as he entered the kitchen, his green flannel pajamas hanging low on his waist.
John nodded. "Did I wake you?"
"Kinda," he admitted. "Regina leaving the bed started to rouse me but when I heard the voices, I grew concerned."
"And you rushed out here to defend me I see," she teased him.
He grew sheepish. "I didn't think you were in trouble…"
"Some hero." She then pushed him with her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm just teasing. You're still my knight in shining armor."
Robin wrapped his arm around her as John let out a groan. "Could you be mushy in your room? I want to keep my meal down please."
"Sorry." Robin studied his roommate. "You look like shit. Maybe you should go straight to bed."
"I want to but my stomach demands otherwise," John replied.
Regina nodded. "He should eat, Robin."
"Okay. But why don't you get changed? We can heat up something for you. Right, Regina?" Robin asked.
She nodded and John's shoulders sagged in relief. "Thank you both, so much," he told them. "I'm glad I have such good friends."
Once he was gone, Regina grabbed the container and started to heat it up in Robin's microwave. She felt his arms wrap around him as he kissed her shoulder. "You're an angel, Regina Mills."
"Well, you're a demi-god. So I guess I would have to be angel to be in a relationship with you."
He chuckled before moving away to get John something to drink with his meal. "You know, I feel like we're two parents taking care of their child in the middle of the night."
"Me too," she agreed. She saw it in her mind's eye—the two of them taking care of a hungry infant, a sick child, a heartbroken teen, an adult child who still need his or her parents every now and then. A whole life, all shared with Robin.
"It will be a reality," he whispered to her, kissing her cheek as he passed her.
Her heart skipped a beat. They hadn't discussed marriage, but many of Robin's actions and words told her that he was thinking of forever with her. And that was another nugget she filed away, under a mental file marked "Robin's intentions."
John wandered back into the kitchen, now dressed in a faded t-shirt that Regina believed once had his college's name on it and flannel pajamas. They sat with him as he ate before they all turned in at the same time.
Once they were back in bed, Robin pulled Regina close. She sighed as he threw a leg over her, wrapping himself around her. He kissed the back of her neck before saying: "Looks like there goes the plans for morning sex."
She elbowed him in the stomach but he only chuckled in response. They fell asleep together, comfortable and content.
Avalon Mercy Hospital was a gorgeous state-of-the-art facility with a beautiful landscape. Robin and Merida were given a tour of the grounds by the property manager. He pointed out various areas the hospital administrators were hoping could be improved, especially one courtyard in the center of complex. "They want to make this a calming place for staff, patients and family," he said.
Merida nodded. "It has a lot of potential. I can start looking up aesthetically pleasing flowers that also would serve to calm people."
"You lot really do your work," the manager said with a smile.
"Yes we do," Robin replied. "We pride ourselves on that."
The manager nodded. "Is there anything else you want to see?"
"Merida will be the lead so I'm going to leave it to her." Robin turned to his colleague. "Merida?"
She smiled. "Can I see the areas around the parking lot? No need for those to go untended."
"Of course. Are you coming?" the manager asked Robin.
He shook his head. "I think I'll look around here. Merida has everything under control."
They left him alone and he wandered around the courtyard, taking in the stone pathways and iron benches. Merida would do amazing things with this space, he knew. The administrators would love it.
"Robin? Is that you?" Marian's soft voice disturbed his thoughts.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to find her standing in her bright pink scrubs. She wore a white coat over them, her hands in her pockets. Her dark hair was pulled into a bun, still neat though he figured she had been working another long shirt. There were telltale dark circles under her eyes.
"Hello, Marian," he replied.
She tilted her head. "What brings you here? Is everything okay?"
"Yes. We're doing the landscaping for the hospital now."
"Oh," she replied. "You're doing well then."
He nodded. "We're expanding every year. I'm very proud of it."
"I can hear it in your voice." She motioned to a nearby bench. "Do you have a few moments? I wouldn't mind catching up."
Robin hesitated, but reminded himself that it was his mother who still hoped he would end up with Marian. He doubted Marian held the same wishes. So he nodded. "A few minutes couldn't hurt."
They sat down and Marian played with her stethoscope. "So, that woman you were with at my wedding. Are you two…?"
"Yes, we're still together." Robin smiled as he thought of Regina as she was that morning, hair mussed from sleep and curled up in bed as she wore one of his company t-shirts. It had taken all their willpower to leave each other and go to work.
Marian tilted her head, studying him. "You're in love with her, aren't you? I can see it in your eyes."
"I am," Robin agreed. "She's amazing."
"Oh." She averted her eyes, sadness emanating from her.
Robin sighed. "I spoke with my mother recently. She mentioned you were having…well…"
"Marital problems?"
"Yeah," he replied. "If you don't want to talk about them, we can forget I mentioned that."
She shook her head, checking her watch. "It's not that. It's that my break ends in a few minutes. Maybe we can talk about it another time? Over drinks?"
Robin hesitated. Drinks seemed dangerous though he couldn't explain why. But he figured if he was honest with Regina, she wouldn't object to him having one night with someone he had once been friends with.
"Drinks sound fine," he said. "When are you free?"
Marian smiled. "I'll call you. Number's still the same, right?"
"Yes, it is." Robin stood, holding out his hand. "Until then."
Regina and Belle went on a tour of the Humbert Wildlife Educational Center together. Belle took copious notes while Regina chatted with the head of the facility, Jane Porter. She was knowledgeable about nature, animals and had a deep love of education. Regina liked her and looked forward to working with her.
"And that's the tour for now," Jane finished, leading them back to the lobby. She smiled at them. "Do you have any questions?"
Belle tucked her pen behind her ear, frowning. "I have a few follow up questions, if you don't mind?"
"Of course. We can go to my office." Jane motioned down a hallway. "Ms. Mills, Graham has asked to see you. I can show you his office on our way to mine."
Regina took a deep breath and nodded. "That would be great. Thank you."
As they followed Jane, Belle leaned over. "You okay?" she asked in a low voice.
"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because this will be the first time you'll see Graham in almost five years," Belle said.
Regina hummed. "I'm a big girl, Belle."
"Okay." She squeezed Regina's hand. "Good luck."
Jane stopped before a door bearing Graham's name on the glass. She smiled at Regina. "Just go in. He's waiting for you."
"Thank you. Belle, I'll see you back at the office?" Regina asked. Belle nodded, winking at her before following Jane down to her office.
Regina took a deep breath before opening the door. She stepped into the office and stared at the man behind the desk inside. His brown curly hair, thin frame and scruff hadn't changed in all these years. "Hello, Graham."
"Regina." He looked up, smiling. "It's so good to see you again after all these years."
"You too," she replied.
Graham stood and held out his hand. "I thought it would be safe to start with this."
"Why are you asking? I'm the one who didn't show up at the airport and wrote you a letter." Regina leaned against the chair in front of his desk.
"Well, to be fair, I did put you in an awkward position," he admitted. "Making you choose between me and your family? That wasn't the smartest thing to do."
She bit back her reply and instead said: "You've done well for yourself. This is your fourth preserve and education center, right?"
"It is." Graham puffed out his chest with pride.
"Well, congratulations. I'm proud of you."
"I'm proud of you. You've accomplished so much since I've left. And so when I brought the preserve to Avalon, I knew I had to go to Gold and ask for you," he said. "I hope you didn't mind."
Regina bit her lip. "I'll admit that I was a bit nervous. But I know we're both adults and we can be professional."
Graham smiled. "I have to run for another meeting. Maybe we can have dinner? Catch up?"
"I'll have to see, but I think that will be fine," she said. "See you then."
They said their goodbyes before she left, meeting Belle out in the lobby. She knew Robin was a bit nervous about Graham but he wouldn't mind if she had one professional dinner with the man.
Right?
Robin told Regina about the first time he went out for drinks with Marian. She had grown quiet but in the end, was okay with it. Especially when she admitted she was going to have dinner with Graham. "It's just business," she assured him.
"I trust you," he replied, taking her hand. "And I'm just going to meet an old friend. I don't want her to be anything more."
Smiling, Regina laid her hand against his cheek. "I know, Robin. I love you and you love me."
And he loved her. Which was why he hated himself for lying to her, for not telling her about the other drinks he got with Marian. But she needed someone to talk to, he told himself, and he was in a unique position to see both sides of the situation. It helped her, she said. And he was sure Regina would understand.
But still he hesitated to tell her about them.
"He knew about my work schedule before he married me," Marian moaned to him, motioning for the bartender to refill her gin and tonic. "He said he didn't care."
"And now?" Robin frowned as he took a sip of his whiskey.
Marian let out a humorless chuckle. "Now, he wants June Cleaver. He wants to come home to a wife who has dinner on the table and the house cleaned."
"He doesn't do anything?"
"He makes you look neat," Marian replied. "But I don't have the time to pick up after him. So I ask him to do at least that. You would think I asked him to kill someone!"
Robin chuckled. "At least I cleaned when you asked me to."
"And you would make dinner…or pick it up, whatever was easier."
Nodding, Robin set down his almost empty glass of whiskey. "So he wants the perfect wife. And you discussed this before you got married?"
"We did," she said. "I thought James and I were on the same page. But now I fear he was just saying what I wanted to hear and believed he could change me after the marriage. I thought that was what women did."
"That's a sexist thought and you know it."
She sighed. "Yeah…"
Robin downed the rest of his whiskey and pushed his glass closer to the bartender. He only ever stayed for one glass, nursing it for about an hour. Then he would stay for another half hour, sipping at water before driving home. Ninety minutes with Marian didn't seem like a big betrayal to Regina.
(It still was).
Marian glanced at his empty glass, eyes growing sad. "Are you leaving?"
"Not yet," he said, motioning for the bartender. "But soon."
"Do you have to?" She pleaded with him through her eyes. "Can't you stay a bit longer? Please?"
Robin hesitated, a weird feeling coming over him. Like something bad would happen if he stayed. "I don't know…"
Marian took his hand. "Please, Robin. You're the only one I can talk to. All my friends are also James' and they tend to take his side. Please."
The bartender approached Robin. "Sorry for the wait, buddy. Can I get you a glass of water?"
"No," Robin said. "Another whiskey on the rocks, please."
"Of course." The bartender took his empty glass and returned within the minute with a new whiskey for him.
Marian leaned back, beaming at him. "Thank you so much, Robin. I have so much more to say."
"Just one more drink," Robin said. "Then I won't feel comfortable driving myself home. Understand?"
"Of course." She nodded.
He took a sip. "So, what else is there?"
"James has been talking about children."
"I see." Robin paused before asking: "I'm sure you told him your feelings on the subject before the marriage?"
"Of course I did. I learned after what I did to you, pretending to want children when I didn't."
"And he was okay with it then?"
Marian nodded. "At least he said he was. But that's also changed lately. He throws it in when he's going on about dinner and a clean house."
Robin sighed. "So now he wants children?"
"I think he's always wanted them," she replied, "but just wasn't as forthright about it as you."
"I see." Robin took a gulp of whiskey, feeling it burn as it went down his throat. "Okay, so what are you going to do?"
The White Rabbit wasn't her usual hangout but it was close to Graham's apartment and he swore the burgers were the best in Avalon. Regina had just smiled and nodded, doubting anyone could make a better than Tiana by her apartment but not wanting to fight him over pub food. So she agreed to meet him here and was just relieved to get out of the cold, howling January winds.
She scanned the establishment but didn't see Graham. Checking her phone, she saw a text from him: Running late, grab a table and I'll meet you.
Regina dropped her phone back into her bag and found an empty table for two by the wall. A waiter came by, handing her a menu. "Dinner for one or are you waiting for someone?"
"I'm meeting someone," she said. "He's running late, though."
"Do you want to order something to drink or wait?" the waiter asked.
"I'll take a Cosmo to start. Thank you." She glanced toward the door, waiting for Graham.
Her eyes again swept the White Rabbit to see who else frequented this place and was surprised to find the patrons weren't as…rough…as word of mouth had led her to believe. Most looked like her—average people stopping by for a drink or a meal after work. Some were alone, some were with other people. Like the couple at the bar. The couple who looked awfully familiar…
Regina's stomach dropped as tears pricked her eyes. The cozy couple was Robin and Marian, sharing drinks and talking low to each other. She had to look away, trying to get her breathing and heart rate under control.
It was her worst nightmare come to life. No matter how many times he had assured her otherwise and no matter how much he loved her, she knew a part of his heart would always belong to Marian. They shared a history she couldn't with Robin, meaning Marian knew him better than Regina could hope to achieve.
She glanced up, finding Robin laughing as Marian leaned closer. Her heart broke even more. Robin had told her about going for drinks one time. Had told her when and where. He had even called her afterwards to assure her he had gotten home in one piece. They had chatted for a bit longer and he had said he loved her before they hung up.
Robin wasn't cheating. She knew that in the very depth of her soul. He was too honorable to do something like that. But this could be the start of the end for them. Regina couldn't compete with Marian.
A body blocked her view of them and she looked up into the concerned face of Graham. "Regina? Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, standing up. She was doing the same thing Robin was doing—sneaking around with her ex, lying and betraying him as well. "This was a mistake. I need to go."
She brushed past Graham as he tried to reach out for her. "Regina?"
"Regina?" Robin's voice echoed.
Her heart stopped but she didn't. She kept weaving her way past tables until she reached the door, wrenching it open to head back to her car.
"Regina, wait," Robin called, his voice now closer. "Please, talk to me."
Though her car was only steps away, Regina stopped and turned to face him. He only wore his green sweater over his button down shirt and she knew that though it was thick, it wasn't warm enough. "Go back inside. You'll freeze."
"Not until we talk."
Regina shook her head. "Not now. I…I can't do it now, Robin. Please."
"Regina, it isn't what it looks like," he pleaded, reaching for her.
She flinched, unable to believe he just used that line. "So you aren't having drinks with Marian? Getting all close and cozy? Is it just like old times between you two?"
"Me? What about you?" Anger radiated off him now. "That was Graham in there, wasn't it?"
"Yes," she whispered, feeling even worse.
He nodded. "Didn't you have your dinner with him already?"
"I did." She stared at his boots. "We've had one more since then. This would've been the third dinner."
"Are you getting cozy with him?"
Her head shot up and she glared at him. "No, it's just business."
"Really? Then why not tell me about these dinners?" He crossed his arms.
Regina stepped closer. "How many other times have you had drinks with Marian? Did you tell me about those?"
"It's been a few more than the one I told you about," he admitted softly. "She needs someone to talk to."
Now it was Regina's turn to cross her arms. "And she doesn't have friends? Coworkers? Her own mother? Anyone but her ex-boyfriend?"
Robin sighed. "I…I can understand both sides and give her insight she can't get from anywhere else."
"Bullshit. She's seizing on a chance to worm back into your life and get back with you. She's not over you. I saw it at her wedding."
"And what about Graham? Does he want to get back together?"
"What? No," she insisted, though she lacked real conviction. Maybe he did, she now thought.
"Do you want to get back together with Graham?"
"Do you want to get back together with Marian?"
They stared at each other, Regina holding her breath for Robin's answer. He shook his head. "Regina, of course not. I love you."
"You have a funny way of showing it right now," she snapped.
His frown deepened. "I could say the same of you."
Regina felt her breaths coming in shallower and she shook her head, backing up. "I can't do this now. I need…I need some space, okay, Robin? Before I say something I can't take back."
"Okay," he agreed, voice softening. "Okay. Twenty-four hours?"
She nodded, recalling their agreement. "Twenty-four hours, Robin."
Taking a deep breath, she unlocked her car and got in. She avoided looking at him as she started it, pulling out without looking back. All she wanted was to go home, climb into bed, and end this day at last.
Robin had his office door closed but he wasn't doing work. Instead, he sat in his oversized leather chair and held one of his pictures of Regina, running his thumb over her image. He thought he had fucked up in November but that now paled in comparison to what he had done now. Would she take him back after this?
Someone knocked and he placed the picture down, trying to pretend like he was being a responsible boss. "Come in."
Tuck opened the door, looking stern. "Marian is here."
"She is?" Robin rose, frowning. "Did she say what she wants?"
"She wants to talk to you."
Robin nodded, heading toward the door. "Okay, thanks, Tuck."
He felt the eyes of his Merry Men on him as he approached the lobby, where Marian stood in her coat. She smiled at him. "How are you? You left so suddenly last night. Is everything okay with Regina?"
"No, it's not," he admitted softly. "And I'm not fine either."
Marian rubbed his arm. "Why don't I take you out for lunch? Let you vent to me for a change?"
"Let me grab my coat. Wait here." Robin turned back and walked back to his office, Tuck still waiting at the door.
"I trust you know what you're doing," Tuck hissed as Robin passed.
Pausing, Robin nodded. "I think for the first time in a few weeks, I do."
"And what about Regina? Are you going to throw all of that away?"
"No, of course not. I'm trying to salvage it." Robin squeezed Tuck's shoulders. "Thank you for looking out for me. But please, trust me."
"I trust you, Robin," he replied. "I don't trust her."
Robin nodded again. "Frankly, I don't either but I think I need to do this. I'll be back in hour."
They went to a little café near Robin's workplace, taking a table in the back as they waited for their food. Marian sighed. "Did I cause trouble in your relationship with Regina?"
"No," he said with a sigh of his own. "I caused the trouble. And I'm going to do everything I can to repair it."
Marian reached out, laying her hand on top of his. "Or maybe this is a sign. I'm having trouble with my marriage and you're having trouble with Regina. Maybe this is the universe telling us to get back together. That we belong together."
Robin pulled his hand out from underneath hers. "No. I don't want to go backwards, Marian. I want to move forward. With Regina. I came here to tell you we can't keep doing this. And then tonight, I'm going to go to her apartment and grovel."
"Why should you grovel? She was also out with her ex-boyfriend without telling you. Seems she should be groveling too."
He frowned. "We'll work out what we need to work out. And you need to start talking to someone else. Or go to marriage counseling. Just…just stop coming to me."
"What if I don't want to? What if I'm realizing I made a mistake marrying James? What if I want to be with you?" She took his hand.
He frowned, pulling his hand back. "You can think you made a mistake getting married and you can end it, but we are not getting back together."
Marian grew upset. "Why not? We were good together. And you were my most understanding partner."
"No, what you meant was that I was the one who would give into your wants the most," Robin said, feeling his face grow hot from his anger. "Now that James is demanding that you compromise, you want to bail."
She frowned, leaning back to cross her arms. "That's not it at all."
"Isn't it? Because the issues that broke us up still seem to be there and I'm not going to give in any more. I don't have to because I have Regina."
Marian glowered as their food arrived, stabbing her steak with her fork. "So Regina is so perfect, is she?"
"That's not what I'm saying."
"Hmm." She laid down her fork. "Robin, do you still want children?"
He frowned. "Of course I do."
"She can't give you children."
Robin's eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?"
"I know it wasn't right, but I found her medical file and I looked at it." Marian took his hand again. "Robin, she's barren. Her condition makes it so even her eggs aren't viable, ruling out in vitro."
"You shouldn't be telling me this," Robin said. "You could get in serious trouble."
"I know. But I thought you deserved to know."
"You thought it would break us up."
"Fine," Marian hissed. "Maybe I did. But are you really going to sit there and tell me this isn't the same issue that broke us up?"
"Yes." When she scoffed, he held up his hand. "Let me explain. One, there were several issues that broke us up. And two, yes, this is different. You can have children but don't want them. Regina's can't have them but wants them."
"And you know this for a fact?"
He nodded. "We've discussed this. I've known about her condition since your wedding. We both know, though, there are other ways to become parents and we've talked about them."
Marian sat there in a stunned silence, her hand falling to her lap. "You're that serious about her?"
"I'm taking her to England to meet my grandparents in March, Marian. I want to get their blessing."
"I see," Marian said. "What if she doesn't take you back?"
"Then I'll live with that regret for the rest of my life. But I still wouldn't come back to you."
She grew quiet and he flagged down their server. Robin motioned to his food. "Can you wrap this for me? I have to go."
"So that's it?" Marian asked when the server left them.
He nodded. "I had hoped we could be friends, like we once were, but I realize that is never going to happen. So I wish you well, whether you decide to salvage your marriage or not. Goodbye, Marian."
Robin stood, shrugging on his coat before throwing down some bills. "That should cover it."
"She won't make you happy," Marian called out.
He shook his head. "She's already made me happier than I've been in years. So leave us alone."
Without looking back, Robin took his bag from the server and walked out of the café. He didn't stop until he was back in the office, his Merry Men's eyes on him as he walked passed them.
Only Tuck followed him, closing the door behind them. "Well? Is it over?"
"With Marian? Yes," Robin said.
"For good?"
Robin nodded. "I told her that I was in love with Regina and I want to make it work with her."
"Well, you better prepare for some serious groveling," he replied. "And good luck."
Regina sat on her couch that night, wrapped in a blanket with a cooling bowl of mac and cheese sitting on her coffee table. Her phone rested next to it, taunting her. They were approaching twenty-four hours and she knew she needed to call Robin. But she feared it would be the end, that he was choosing Marian or unable to look past the fact she was out with Graham.
He had called her at the office, to check in with her and to apologize if he had caused any trouble in her relationship. It was a thoughtful gesture and she appreciated it. But she told him that they could only have a professional relationship going forward, meeting only at his office or hers. Graham had agreed and wished her well.
Now, though, she had to work up her courage to speak with Robin. She took a deep breath and picked up her phone, ready to call him as someone knocked on her door.
Still holding onto her phone, Regina opened the door and her heart jumped to her throat. Robin stood in the hallway, a bouquet of red roses in his hand. "Twenty-four hours," he said.
"Twenty-four hours," she repeated, holding up her phone. Regina stood aside, letting him enter her apartment.
He held out the roses to her. "I've come prepared to grovel properly. I'll even get down on my knees if that's what it takes."
Relief spread through her. He was choosing her, wanted her. She threw her arms around him and held him tightly. "I thought I had chased you away."
"What? Because of Graham?" He rubbed her back as he shook his head. "I was the fool who kept seeing Marian despite knowing it made you uncomfortable."
"I told Graham we could only meet professionally," she continued, as if not hearing him. "No more secret dinners. I'm sorry about those."
He pulled away, tossing the roses on her end table. "And I'm sorry about the secret drinks. I don't know what I was thinking."
"You're a good man who thought a friend needed you. So you helped her." She smiled at him, amazed again that she had found such a wonderful man. Well, except for one thing. "You didn't have to lie to me about them."
"I know. I guess…I guess I didn't want to put in a difficult situation, choosing between agreeing to something that clearly made you uncomfortable or having to forbid me from doing it." Robin plopped down on her couch.
She sat down next to him, curling her feet under her. "I would never forbid you from seeing someone. I probably would tell you I wasn't thrilled about it but I don't think I'd forbid you."
He sighed, inching closer to him. "You really thought you chased me away?"
"It's what I tend to do," she replied with a shrug. "And I thought that was why you were spending time with Marian. You yourself said there would always be a part of you that loved her."
"Well, that part has been obliterated, trust me." Robin felt his face grow hot as he thought about the argument at the café.
She frowned. "Did something happen?"
"I had lunch with Marian, to tell her that we couldn't keep having drinks. She tried to use our fight to her advantage, saying she wanted out of her marriage and to get back with me."
Despite the fact he was with her, Regina's stomach tightened up in knots. "What did you say?"
"I said no, of course. I've moved on and have no intention of going back," he replied, reaching out to take her hand. "Since meeting you, I've realized how unbalanced our relationship had been and now that I've experienced having a supportive lover, I'm never going back to her."
Regina smiled, leaning closer to kiss him. He pulled her closer, moving so that he was lounging on the couch and she was lying on top of him. One of his hands pushed up her shirt, coming to rest against her bare back.
She broke the kiss, sitting up to straddle him. "So you really chose me?"
"There really wasn't a choice, love," he replied, tucking her hair behind her ear. "And I'm sorry that I ever made you think I wouldn't choose you."
"I forgive you if you forgive me."
"I do. And I promise, no more secrets like that."
She nodded. "Same here."
Robin slid his hands up her shirt before pulling it over her head, tossing it over the back of the couch. He raised an eyebrow. "No bra?"
"I was expecting a quiet evening in, alone."
"You didn't think I'd come over? We said twenty-four hours."
She finally divested him of his coat and began to work on his shirt. "I know. But I figured we'd arrange to meet tomorrow."
"I couldn't wait." He sat up as she tossed his shirt aside and kissed her again, hand cupping the back of her head. The other massaged her breast as his tongue dipped into her mouth.
She ran her hands down his chest until they reached his belt buckle. As she undid it, he trailed kisses along her jaw until he reached her neck. He found a spot, nipping and sucking while she pulled off his belt and unzipped his pants. She was momentarily distracted by his tongue against her skin, closing her eyes as she let out a pleased gasp.
"Shall we move to the bed?" he asked, voice husky.
"No," she replied. "I want you here and now."
He nodded, pulling her pajama pants down. "Do you think you can take off my pants? Or do I need to stand?"
"I'll figure this out." She stood, feeling his eyes roaming over her naked form as she pulled off his pants and boxers. Leaving them in a pile by her couch, she straddled him again. The feeling of his heated bared skin against her sent a thrill running through her. "There."
Robin ran his hands over her, eyes dark with desire. "So beautiful," he breathed. "I love you."
"I love you…" Her statement turned into a moan as his finger slipped between her folds and rubbed her clit.
She leaned down, kissing his chest before flicking her tongue over his nipple. He moaned and she repeated it, over and over. "You tease," he told her.
Laughing, she sat up as her hips bucked in time with his rhythm. She braced herself on his shoulders, letting out a shuddering breath. "Inside. Now."
"You're driving," he grunted, letting his head fall back against the armrest. "Christ, Regina. Just do whatever you need."
His fingers fell away as she slid herself over his cock. She took a few deep breaths before finding her rhythm. Robin sat up to kiss her, cupping her ass to pull her closer, to bury himself deeper inside her.
As he nipped at her neck again, she closed her eyes and let her feelings consume her. Lights danced in front of her eyes as she moaned his name. She rode out her orgasm before stilling, tired.
Robin came inside her after a few more thrusts, groaning into the crook of her neck. His hot breath teased her tingling nerves and almost sent her spiraling back toward bliss again. As he cradled her, he rolled them over so she was pressed between him and the back of her couch.
"You're amazing, lovely," he whispered, running his fingers through her hair.
She hummed. "I love it when you call me that."
He kissed her forehead. "You know what would make this even better?"
"Mac and cheese is on the stove. You'll have to heat it up," she mumbled, sleeping pulling at her.
"Maybe later," he replied, snuggling closer to her. "In a few hours, after we rest."
It was after midnight when he woke her, handing her the Knights jersey she had stolen and made hers. He himself had changed into the pajama pants he kept in her apartment. "Put that on and I'll bring your bowl over."
She sat up and pulled the jersey over her head before trying to locate the blanket she usually kept by the couch. Leaning over the back, she found it on the floor and frowned. "Robin? Could you get that, please?"
"In a minute," he replied, handing her the bowl. "Careful its hot."
Regina nodded, blowing on the cheesy noodles as she waited for him to return. He set his bowl down before wrapping them in the blanket. "Better?" he asked.
"Much," she replied, moving closer to him as she ate her dinner at last. He grabbed his bowl and sighed in contentment.
It was a feeling she understood all too well now.
A/N: I missed January. Oops. Well, February 1st isn't too bad, right?
I also apologize that this seemed to morph from the jealous prompt to one more about betrayal. But there was still some jealous aspects in there…I'll try to tackle jealous!Robin and jealous!Regina in later installments.
Anyway, who thinks Marian is going to stay away from Robin? Show of hands.
On a different note, I've created a separate Wattpad account for my original fiction—GraceMackenzieNess. I've started to post one story there, Long Live the Queen, and just updated to add Chapter 2. I hope that if you like my fanfiction, you give my original fiction a try.
Anyway, next time should be just fluff, so I hope you enjoy it!
As always, if you have a prompt, don't be afraid to send it to me!
-Mac