Playing Cupid
Regina laid in her bed, head pillowed on Robin's chest. Both of them stared at her ceiling, bodies cooling after an evening of sex as she played with his hand. He kissed the top her head. "Regina? Would you say we're in stupid love?"
"I have already said that several times," she replied, smiling.
"And that we're happy?"
"Exceedingly so."
"So you know what comes next, right?"
"Marriage?" She furrowed her brows. "Please tell me this is not your idea of a proposal."
"Of course not. I'm the walking romantic cliché, remember? Besides, we talked about this. I want you to meet my family first."
Rolling over, Regina rested her chin on his chest as she smiled at him. "I know. I was just teasing you."
"I see." He reached out, tucking her hair behind her ear. "So do you want to know what comes between being exceedingly happy in our stupid love and getting married?"
"Sure."
"Setting up our single friends so they can be exceedingly happy and in stupid love."
She raised an eyebrow, deciding to play along with his little game. "Really? And who would our victim be?"
"Will."
Regina sat up, leaning against her headboard as she realized he was serious. "Will? And who would we be setting him up with?"
"Your coworker, Ana."
"Ana?" Regina let out a little laugh. "How did you ever put those two together? And don't say it's because she's British."
He sat up as well, leaning closer to her. "No, it's not just because she's British. They seemed to get on at your party and I think I saw a real spark between them."
Regina thought back to the party the night before, held on Mary Margaret's rooftop in her honor. It had been a surprise her assistant and her boyfriend had been planning for a few weeks and she had to admit she had no clue about it. Mary Margaret had taken a half day, but with so much going on as her wedding approached, Regina had thought nothing of it. Nor had she questioned why Robin had shown up at her office to pick her up for their date.
Even when he had insisted on blindfolding her blocks from her office building, she still didn't think much of it. She thought he was just going to surprise her with a special dinner, not a party. When the blindfold was removed after an elevator ride, she found herself staring at all her friends on the rooftop terrace. Lanterns were hung around to light the area and happy birthday tablecloths, plates and cups covered the tables set up.
They yelled "Surprise" before rushing toward her. She was swept up in hugs, kisses and congratulations as she was pressed further and further away from Robin. He caught up with her at the end of the crush of people, gathering her up in his arms again. "Enjoying your birthday surprise?"
"Yes," she replied, "though it's very overwhelming. I can't believe you and Mary Margaret planned all of this."
He smiled. "Anything for you, love. And I think she wanted a break from wedding planning."
Robin led her to the makeshift bar and she remembered being surrounded by her friends as she munched on hors d'oeuvres. Ana had been there as well as Will but she couldn't recall seeing them together. In fact, she had been focused for a bit on the fact that Robin had invited Graham, her ex, and that he seemed pretty cozy with her cousin Ruby.
She frowned and shrugged. "I'll have to take your word on that. I don't really recall seeing them together."
"Well, there was definitely a spark. Do you think there's a way we can get them together again? To fan the flames?" He leaned closer, his body warm against hers.
Regina shrugged. "I'm not sure. Maybe we can do something for Valentine's Day. I'll think about. But promise me one thing."
"What?"
"If either gives any sign that they aren't interested or don't want to be set up, you stop." When he hesitated, she glared at him. "Robin Michael Andrew Locksley, promise me."
He nodded, taking her hand. "I promise you."
"Good." She slid down under the covers again, sighing.
Robin, though, climbed out of bed. She watched as he pulled on his pajama pants and frowned. "Where are you going?"
"To get some water. We're going to need to stay hydrated for round two of birthday sex," he replied.
She grinned. "Round two? How many rounds do you think you can go for?"
"We're going to find out." Robin winked at her before slipping out of her room.
Regina wrapped herself in her blankets and let out a little laugh. So far, Robin was giving her the best birthday she had had in a long time. It made her excited to see what his romantic soul would plan for Valentine's Day.
He returned carrying two glasses and handed one to her. "Am I going to get any covers? Or are you just going to let me freeze out here?"
"It's not that bad." But she held up the blankets, allowing him to slip in. They sat together, sipping their water.
She curled next to him as he set his half-empty glass on the nightstand. He kissed her hair as he took her glass as well. "What do you want to do? Sleep, sex or plot setting up Ana and Will?"
"Sleep sounds good right now," she replied. "And then sex."
"As the birthday girl wishes." They snuggled together under the covers and Regina drifted off, safe in his arms.
A jolt of pleasure woke Regina. She kept her eyes closed as she felt the scratch of Robin's scruff against her labia, his tongue teasing her clit. He sucked and lapped as a moan escaped her lips.
Heat pooled low in her stomach. She felt herself getting wetter by the moment and her breathing grew shallow. "Robin…"
His hum sent her over the edge, fingers grasping at her soft sheets as she let out a scream of pleasure. Robin raised his head, concerned. "Are you okay?"
"Never better," she panted. "That was an amazing way to wake up."
"But you screamed…You're not a screamer."
She let out a soft chuckle. "You bring out sides of me I never knew I had."
"You're okay, though?"
"Perfectly fine." Regina pulled him up so she could kiss him, tasting herself still on his tongue.
He broke the kiss, pressing his forehead to hers. "Well, lovely, what do you want for your birthday breakfast?"
"You." She kissed him again.
Chuckling, he pulled away. "You can have me later. Right now, we need food."
"Fine," she agreed, pulling the blankets around her. "Surprise me."
He shook his head but smiled. "Whatever you want."
She closed her eyes, hearing him leave the room and pad down to her kitchen. The rattling of pots and pans drifted down the hall and she sighed, happy. Robin was going to pamper her and treat her like the queen he saw her as all day long.
Regina knew she was truly blessed.
The smell of sausage wafted down the hallway and she groaned. He was also determined to make sure she gained several pounds this weekend alone. But her mouth watered and she knew she would wolf down whatever he made.
"Hey, birthday girl," he said from her doorway. "Time to get up and have some breakfast."
She sat up and pouted. "No breakfast in bed?"
"You don't like crumbs in your bed," he replied, arms crossed. It still amazed her how much he knew and understood about her in only eight months.
"Too true," she said with a sigh. "Okay, hand me my pajamas. I'll get dressed and be out in a few minutes."
He handed her the pajamas she kept tucked in her drawers and kissed her. "Not too long or your breakfast will grow cold."
She quickly changed and slid her feet into her slippers, padding down toward the kitchen. Robin sat at the table already, reading the morning paper as two plates of sausages and eggs sat on the table. Taking her seat, she smiled. "This looks delicious."
"Thank you." He folded up the newspaper, pushing the ketchup toward her. "For your scrambled eggs."
"You know me so well." She drowned her eggs in the ketchup before beginning to eat her birthday breakfast.
Robin watched her before leaning back in his chair. "So, ideas for setting up Will and Ana…"
"You're persistent. Why?" she asked, setting her fork down.
"Will's my best friend. And we've known each other since we were kids. I know him. I know he won't take a leap with a woman he likes," Robin replied. "He's not going to be the one who decides to go back and invite the beautiful if bitchy brunette who tried to steal his mac and cheese over for dinner. I don't want him to let the chance to be happy to slip through his fingers."
Regina reached over and took his hand. "You're a good friend, Robin. Will is lucky to have you in his life."
"I'm lucky to have him. He's proven to be a true friend. After all, he's really the only one of the friends Marian and I shared who stuck by my side after the Marian breakup."
"Okay, then let's plan how to set them up," she said, wanting to support him. "Do you mind if I bring in help?"
Robin raised an eyebrow. "Help? Can they be trusted?"
"Yes, I believe so. She is very good at getting information out of people," Regina replied, nodding.
"If you trust her, then so do I." He dug into his own meal as Regina smiled, happy to help him.
Mary Margaret accepted her special assignment with the air of a soldier being sent on a secret mission. She nodded and jotted down a few notes. "Step one, find out if Ana likes Will. We'll proceed to Step Two from there," she said, standing up.
"And you'll be discreet?" Regina asked.
"Of course." Mary Margaret smiled. "This is going to be fun. I haven't set anyone up in a while!"
Regina raised an eyebrow. "And who was the last person you set up?"
"Anna and Kris," she replied. "And look how happy those two are."
Those two were very happy, Regina had to admit. So she nodded. "Fine. Just remember that this is important to Robin so it's important to me."
"Don't worry. You and Robin won't be disappointed." Mary Margaret saluted her before leaving the office.
Regina had given her that assignment on Monday and it was now Friday. Mary Margaret had invited her and Robin over for dinner with David and Regina hoped she would have something to report.
She knocked on their door, Robin's hand on the small of her back. "What do you think we're having?" he asked.
"I don't know," she replied, tapping her foot. "But whatever it is, it better be worth the wait."
The door opened and David smiled at them, his coat on. "Sorry. I need to go to the store to pick something up. Robin, care to come with me?"
"Sure," Robin replied, kissing Regina's cheek. He followed David down the hall as Regina stepped into the apartment.
"What do you need that your fiancé just took my boyfriend on a run to the store for?" Regina shrugged off her coat and hung it on one of the pegs Mary Margaret set up by the door.
Mary Margaret sighed. "Nothing really. David just wanted to talk to Robin alone."
"About what?" Regina asked, sliding into one of the kitchen chairs.
"The wedding," her friend answered, also sitting down. "With Arthur's indictment and impending trial, of course he's out of the wedding party. David's asked Lance to step in as best man and he said yes. But that leaves two groomsmen to my three bridesmaids."
Regina's eyes widened as she realized what was going on. "David is asking Robin to be one of his groomsmen?"
Mary Margaret nodded. "They're good friends now and since you were the bridesmaid losing her escort, we figured it would be nice to pair you and Robin."
"It would be nice," Regina mused. "And it would make up for the fact you're making me wear pink."
"It's a nice shade of pink," Mary Margaret protested.
Regina gave her a look as the door opened, the two men hurrying in. She directed her look then to David. "Did you get what you needed?"
He chuckled. "He said yes."
"Looks like I get to be the lucky gent to escort you down the aisle," Robin added, kissing her.
"You and David can also be the lucky gents who get to serve us dinner." Regina patted his cheek as he chuckled.
David clapped Robin's back. "You heard the lady. Get that coat off and help me with the plates."
Once dinner was served, the four of them sat around the table and struck up a friendly conversation. Halfway through her meal, Regina put down her fork. "Mary Margaret, do you have anything to report for me and Robin?"
"Yes, I do," she replied, smiling. "I ran into Ana and said I was happy she was able to come to your birthday party. She said she had a good time. And then, on her own, she asked how well I knew Will."
Robin was vibrating from his excitement and he beamed at Regina. "You see? I told you there were sparks there."
"What about Will? Have you been able to get anything out of him?" she asked.
He sighed. "Will's proving a bit more difficult. I haven't been able to get more than one word answers out of him for any question that isn't related to work."
"Is that unusual?" David asked.
"For Will? Yes," Robin replied.
Regina frowned. "What do you think it means?"
"Something happened at the party and he's hoping I won't bring it up."
"Don't you think you're reading a bit too much into that?" David leaned back, taking a sip of his beer.
Robin shook his head. "I've known Will Scarlet nearly my whole life. I can read him like a book."
"Well, can you get him to reveal his secrets to you?" Mary Margaret asked. "Or do you need some help?"
"I can get him to open up. David, care to have a guys' night out soon?" Robin asked, raising his own beer bottle to his lips.
David grinned. "Sounds great."
"Well, Regina, want to do something when they're having their guys' night out?" Mary Margaret grinned, biting back some laughter.
Regina shrugged. "I suppose a girls' night out would be nice. And I know with you I won't come back feeling like my head's full of concrete."
"So it's set," David said. "Let's pick a night and step up this plan so Robin can play cupid."
Guys' Night Out ended up being "Guys' Day Out," with Will joining Robin and David at the Avalon YMCA for a friendly game of basketball. So Regina arranged for her and Mary Margaret to go get some spa pampering. "The bride-to-be deserves it," she said as they walked out of the spa.
Mary Margaret sighed. "I wish that is what we were doing for my bachelorette weekend but Ariel seems stuck on taking us someplace like Atlantic City or Vegas."
"Ruby would back those plans, but I think I can get Anna to rebel with me," Regina replied. "We should do what the bride wants."
"Thank you," Mary Margaret replied, checking her watch. "Should we see what our guys are up to?"
"One step ahead of you," Regina said, pressing her phone to her ear.
Robin picked up on the second ring. "Hello, lovely. Enjoy your spa date?"
"Yes, we did. Are you ready for a shot of estrogen or should we stay away a bit longer?"
"I think we've all had enough testosterone for tonight," he replied. "Come on and join us, lovely."
"We're on our way," she replied, smiling at Mary Margaret as she ended the car. "Let's see what they discovered."
Regina parked her car in her garage, knowing it was just a short walk to Robin's apartment. She and Mary Margaret locked arms, bracing themselves against the February cold. "I can't wait to get upstairs into David's arms," Mary Margaret said.
"I have to agree," Regina replied, thinking of Robin's embrace. And maybe wrapping themselves in a blanket for good measure.
They were still shivering as Robin ushered them into his apartment. He took their coats and then wrapped his arms around Regina. "You're ice cold. What type of treatments did you have at that spa?"
"It's not the spa," Mary Margaret replied, teeth chattering. "It's like the arctic out there."
Regina looked around and frowned. "Where are Will and John?"
"They decided not to be fifth and sixth wheels, their words, and went out to some sports bar to catch the basketball game," David answered, rocking his fiancée gently.
"We have some wings and other unhealthy finger foods to eat," Robin offered. "Or I could order some healthy alternatives."
Mary Margaret nearly dived at the table. "Wings and unhealthy stuff sounds wonderful. I just can't have too much. Regina, you need to spot me."
"You're fine, Mary Margaret," David told her, settling next to her on the couch.
She sighed. "You're sweet, but the dress cannot be altered anymore. We're too close to the wedding."
"It's still two months away!"
Regina gave David a look. "Dress alterations take time. Pretty much we're all working just to maintain our present measurements until you two tie the knot."
"Thank god we don't have those pressures, right, Robin?" David asked his friend.
"I wouldn't say that," Robin replied. "I just had to run down to the tux place to get a new one since Arthur and I are nowhere near the same size. He's shorter and slightly bulkier than me."
David rubbed the back of his head. "Ahh, right. Thanks again for this. It does mean a lot to me."
"It means a lot to me too," Robin replied.
"Do you two want to be alone?" Regina pointed between her boyfriend and David.
They laughed and Mary Margaret put down her plate, wiping her mouth. "Sorry. Anyway, did you two get anything out of Will? Is he interested in Ana?"
"He's interested in somebody, he just wouldn't say who," David said. "Was really vague about it all day."
"But he did say it was someone at Regina's party," Robin added.
Mary Margaret frowned. "There were a lot of women there. And he didn't just talk to Ana that night."
"So what do we do now?" Regina asked, leaning against Robin.
He sighed. "I guess we think on it a bit more."
After some more talking, Mary Margaret and David excused themselves. Robin saw them out before returning to the couch, wrapping Regina up in a blanket. "You still seem cold to me," he explained.
"Uh huh," she replied, snuggling into his embrace. "So, is Valentine's out for setting up Will and Ana?"
Robin shook his head, brushing her hair back. "It's our first Valentine's so I'm going to be selfish and focus only on us."
She smiled, leaning against him. "That sounds wonderful. But I think I have a solution for our Will—Ana situation."
"Oh?" Robin kissed her neck. "Do tell."
"I usually host a friend's valentine's day celebration. Just a small gathering at my apartment. Will is definitely invited and I can also invite Ana."
Regina squirmed as Robin found her pulse point, sucking it. She gasped and he chuckled, nipping at her ear. "I think you're amazing, darling."
"I know," she replied, feeling smug as she reached for the remote. "So, what do you want to watch?"
Regina held her friends' get together the Friday before Valentine's Day. Ana had been surprised but seemed pleased to receive an invitation to attend. "I know I'm still just a junior associate, but I'm feeling more like I'm part of your team," she admitted.
"You are a part of our team," Regina reinforced. "And you're a great part of it. So I hope you can come on Friday."
Ana smiled but grew sheepish. "Will...I mean, is Will going to be there?"
"Will's invited," Regina confirmed.
"Oh, good. We were having a nice conversation at your birthday and I was hoping to continue it," Ana replied, her cheeks turning slightly pink.
Regina's smile grew. "Well, I hope you get that chance."
It didn't surprise her, then, that Ana was one of the first guests to her apartment. Robin greeted her warmly as he let her in, telling her that August and Belle were already there. "And, of course, help yourself to the snacks," he told her.
She nodded and headed over to her coworkers as Robin joined Regina in the kitchen. He smiled and bounced on the balls of his feet. "She's here. And Will's on his way. This is going to be great."
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Regina warned him. "They could just end up being great friends."
"I have a good feeling about this." Robin perked up when another knock came to the door. He flew across her apartment and she rolled her eyes.
August chuckled as he came into the kitchen for another beer. "I don't know whose party this is—yours or Robin's."
"Robin has a plan and he's excited for that," she replied, handing him a beer. "Just…keep an eye on Ana for me, please?"
He looked confused but nodded. "That's what we do on this team. We look out for one another."
Robin returned to the kitchen, shaking August's hand as they passed. She wrapped her arms around her boyfriend. "Not Will?"
"John," he replied, disappointed. "He said Will's running late."
She rubbed his arm. "He'll come. For now, just enjoy the party and put cupid's bow aside."
"Very funny." He pulled a face before taking a beer from her kitchen. "But okay. I'll be sociable."
They joined their guests and Regina felt Robin relax beside her. Soft music provided a good ambience as people laughed and chatted about various topics. Belle smiled as she approached Regina and Robin as they spoke with Kathryn and Frederick. "I'm glad you've kept this tradition up despite the fact that you have someone to celebrate Valentine's Day with this year," she said.
"What?" Robin asked, confused.
Belle chuckled. "She didn't tell you why she started hosting this little get-together?"
He shook his head and looked at her. "Regina? Why did you start hosting this little get-together?"
"It was after Graham left," she replied. "I was feeling blue as Valentine's approached and one day decided to cheer myself up. So I invited a few friends over to get my mind off the holiday and it grew from there."
"While that sounds nice, I see no reason not to stop just because we finally found each other," Robin said, kissing her.
Knocking echoed through her apartment and she excused herself, Kathryn following her. "I'm so glad you and Robin are working out. You two are great together."
"I love him, Kath," she replied, smiling. "I can't imagine my life now without him."
Her friend hugged her and whispered: "I call dibs on being your matron of honor when you marry him."
"You got it," Regina replied, opening the door. She threw her arms around the man at the door. "Will! About time you got here!"
Will chuckled as he patted her back. "If I knew I'd get such a welcome, I'd have tried to come earlier."
"Oi! You flirting with my girlfriend again?" Robin teased, walking over to him. He held out his hand to Will. "Good to see you."
Will shook his hand, rolling his eyes. "You just saw me a few hours ago."
"Come in," Regina said, ushering him into her apartment. She pointed to Kathryn. "You remember my best friend, Kathryn, right?"
"Right. Nice to see you again." Will shook Kathryn's hand.
The four headed back to where the others had grouped, watching something on Regina's laptop. She frowned in confusion. "What's going on?"
"Your screensaver started to play and we all got distracted by the cute pictures of you and Robin." Ana looked up, smiling. "Will! You're here!"
Will smiled as well. "It's nice to see you too. How have you been?"
"Good," she said. "Can I get you something?"
"That sounds lovely." Will followed her into the kitchen as Regina watched them.
She glanced up at Robin, who was beaming. "See? I told you."
"I guess so," she replied. "Now, let's break up everyone and see if we can entertain them a bit better than my screensaver."
As the party continued, Regina noticed that Will and Ana seemed to be missing. Robin didn't seem to mind—in fact, he was thrilled that they were off by themselves. She, though, wanted to make sure there wasn't anything wrong. Her apartment wasn't that big, so there weren't many places for them to hide.
Regina found them in her bedroom, just sitting on the bed and talking low. Ana had a beautiful smile on her face while Will was transfixed by her. They looked comfortable with each other and Regina closed the door again, backing away and into Robin's waiting arms.
"Well?" he asked, kissing her neck.
She tilted her head to give him better access. "They're just talking but it looks like cupid's arrow has hit its mark."
He chuckled. "Can I say I told you so?"
"You just did." She turned in his arms, patting his cheek. "Come on. Let's go back to our other guests."
Valentine's Day began with flowers.
Regina and Mary Margaret arrived at their office to discover flowers had been delivered to Mary Margaret's desk. She ran over, smiling. "Snow bells," she murmured. "My favorite."
"David certainly knows how to treat his bride to be," Regina teased, coming over to touch the petals of the roses in the other vase. "Snow bells and roses?"
Mary Margaret pulled the card out of the roses and smiled as she handed it over to Regina. "They aren't for me."
Regina looked at the card, smiling herself. Happy Valentine's Day to the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so lucky that our store only had one box of mac and cheese that night. I love you. Robin.
"How did we get so lucky, Regina?" Mary Margaret asked.
"I don't know." Regina picked up her vase. "But I'm going to cherish every moment I can."
She entered her office, setting the roses on her desk. Pulling out her phone, she sent off a quick text to Robin. Loved my Valentine's surprise. The roses are gorgeous. Love you.
A few minutes later, her phone dinged as a text message alert popped up on her screen. That's only just the start, lovely. I have our evening all planned. See you later. XO Robin.
Regina set her phone down and tried to focus on her work despite how excited she was for whatever else Robin had planned for her that night.
By the time five o'clock rolled around, she had felt she had worked an entire week. She turned off her computer and leaned out of her office. "Mary Margaret, pack it up and go home to your Valentine," she ordered.
Mary Margaret saluted her. "Yes, ma'am. And you go home to yours."
Regina didn't need to be told twice. She pulled on her coat and was buttoning it as she powerwalked to the elevator, her bag dangling from the arm clutching her roses. "Well, someone's anxious to get out of here," Zelena's familiar voice drifted over her.
Today, though, she couldn't bring Regina down. Regina got on the elevator and flashed a smug Zelena a bright smile. "Yes, I am. Robin has an amazing evening planned for us. So while I'm off with the hot man who loves me, you're off to a night alone with a box of chocolates. Enjoy!"
She took her finger off the "hold open" button and watched as the doors closed on Zelena's annoyed expression. The elevator began its descent and Regina used the trip down to revel in Zelena's misery. Once the doors opened again, she put Zelena out of her mind and eagerly hurried home to see what Robin had prepared for her.
Robin opened her door as she struggled to get out her keys with everything she was holding. He was wearing a white button shirt and black slacks, smiling as he took her bags from her. "Hello, gorgeous."
"You look amazing yourself," she said, setting down the roses. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Happy Valentine's Day, love."
"It's only just starting." He winked at her. "We have reservations in about a half hour. Do you want to change?"
She shrugged taking over her coat to reveal her red silk blouse and black slacks. "Will this fit where we're going?"
"Of course, I was just hoping…" He trailed off, looking a bit embarrassed.
Regina knew instantly what he meant and held up her finger. "Give me a few minutes. I think I know the perfect outfit for tonight."
She hurried to her bedroom and pulled the red dress she had gotten for her Christmas celebrations from her closet. Robin was always turned on whenever she wore it and she certainly wanted him to be that night. Casting a glance at the box sitting in her bathroom, Regina bit her lip as she took a calming breathe. They had a whole evening to get through before they got to Valentine's Night.
Once the dress was one, she grabbed a black blazer to finish her look. The necklace Robin had gotten her for their five-month anniversary was securely around her neck as she sauntered back to the living room. "Is this what you were hoping for?"
He swallowed before nodding. "I absolutely love you in that dress."
"You absolutely love taking this dress off me," she replied, teasing him.
"Guilty as charged." He held out her coat for her. "Shall we head out?"
She nodded, putting her arms into her sleeves. Once they were all wrapped up to face the cold, Robin took her hand. "Your carriage is around the corner."
"We have to drive to this place?"
"Not really. But I don't want my Valentine to freeze," he replied. "So we're going to take my nice warm Ford instead."
They stepped out into the cold February night and Robin wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to share body warmth. "Only a little bit further, I promise."
He ushered her into his car and turned the heater on. It hadn't been too long since he had driven it, so it was still blowing hot air as he drove off. Regina leaned back in her seat, enjoying the warmth. "So where are we going?"
"That," he replied, "is a surprise."
"You're as into Valentine's Day as you are Halloween."
"Oh no. Nothing comes close to my devotion to All Hallow's Eve. I just really, really want to spoil you tonight."
Regina smiled. "What did I do to deserve you?"
"Just be amazing," he said. "And have a penchant for mac and cheese."
She laughed and took his hand when they were at a stop light. "You're pretty amazing yourself, Robin Locksley."
He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it gently before the light changed. They drove off, making a few more turns before stopping by the Lakehouse. Regina's mouth fell open as she took in the stone structure designed to look like a castle. "You got us reservations here?"
"Only the best for my Valentine," he said, turning the car off. "I hear the Valentine's menu is to die for."
"I hear all their menus are to die for," she replied, letting him help her out of car. "And expensive."
Robin stopped outside the door, taking her hands in his. "You know I do a good business at Sherwood. I have the money, so let me spoil you at least for this one night. Okay?"
She nodded, letting him open the door so they could escape the cold in the warm establishment. It was brightly lit though there were candles on every table as well as a vase full of flowers. A string quartet played in the corner as couples chatted over their food and wine.
Or waited in the foyer for their tables. Robin had to fight his way up to the podium to check in for their reservations. He motioned for her to join him and she squeezed past people who shot her dirty looks.
"They must not have had reservations," she muttered, taking Robin's hand. They were led to their table and Robin pulled out her chair for her. She sat with a smile, taking the menu offered as he took his seat. They were left alone with a promise that their waiter would be with them soon.
Regina scanned the menu, marveling at each mouth-watering option laid out before her. She frowned, though, to see the prices. "Robin…"
"Ignore them," he told her as the waiter approached. "Remember what I said."
The rather harried looking waiter pulled out his pad, ready to take their orders. She listened as Robin ordered the filet mignon—cooked until there was only a little pink, he added—and she chose the chicken marsala. "And a glass of pinot noir, please," she added.
"I'll just have a Coke," Robin said, handing the waiter their menus. He nodded and disappeared back into the dim restaurant.
Regina sighed, taking his hands. "So, what else do you have planned for this evening?"
"Those are surprises."
"Can I get a hint?"
He chuckled. "I guess so. Let's just say it involves candles and soft music."
"Sounds like a rom com," she replied, letting go of him as their drinks arrived.
Robin held up his glass. "To you, the love of my life."
"And you," she replied, clinking her glass. "The man I love, even if he may be serial killer."
He snorted into his soda, putting the glass down to wipe his face. "Well, that was certainly unsexy."
"I made you laugh. I love doing that."
The waiter returned, placing their plates down in front of them. "Enjoy," he said, smiling at them.
"That was fast," Robin replied, getting ready to cut into his steak.
Regina frowned, poking around her plate. It was mostly the sauce and mushrooms, but she didn't see any chicken. "Robin, I think something's wrong with my meal…"
"Mine too." He was trying to cut his steak, frowning as well. "I think they overcooked my steak."
"Do you want to send them back?"
Robin shrugged. "I guess so. See if they can give us a better order."
She stared down at her plate before glancing around the room. It was crowded and she saw many couples starting to get angry. One stood, abandoning their half-drunk wine as they just left the establishment. Another man, red-faced, argued with his waitress as he motioned to his food.
"Regina? What's wrong?" he asked.
"I think I just want to go home," she admitted. "This place looks like it's overcrowded and understaffed."
Robin nodded, flagging down the waiter. "Then we'll go home. I want you to enjoy your Valentine's, Regina."
"What about you? This is about you as well."
"I want to enjoy my Valentine's too," he replied. "And you're right. We're not going to get good service here tonight and may end up leaving even more upset than we are. That's not going to be enjoyable."
She nodded, smiling. "Well, let's clear this matter up and head home. I know the perfect dinner for us."
The manager only charged them for their drinks and Robin left the waiter a decent tip, aware that he had done nothing wrong. A discount was offered for the next meal; Robin had pocketed it though Regina doubted they would be coming back.
At home, Robin lit several candles that he placed around her living room. Soft music played as he set the table while she made their dinner. Regina placed down two bowls of macaroni and cheese before getting them both beers from the fridge.
"Well, this wasn't the dinner I had planned for you," he said, sitting in his seat.
Regina shrugged. "I think I prefer this. Our first meal again."
"This is better than filet mignon," he agreed, smiling. Like he always did, he held out a forkful for her to eat. She smiled, lips closing around the utensil in a coy manner.
He grinned. "Oh, tonight is going to be a fun one."
"I hope so." She lifted his pant leg with her foot, brushing it against his bare leg.
Robin swallowed his forkful of mac and cheese, closing his eyes. "I won't be able to finish if you keep doing that."
"Someone's very impatient tonight."
"Someone's very saucy tonight."
"Do you blame me?" she asked, voice low and sultry. "Look at my dining companion."
He swallowed again, pushing his empty bowl away. Desire filled his eyes as he leaned closer. "Dessert?"
"After you clean the dishes," she said, standing. "I need to get ready."
Robin stood as well, catching he as she moved toward her bedroom. "Don't you dare take off that dress," he growled. "Don't deny me that pleasure."
She kissed his cheek. "Wouldn't dream of it."
He removed his arm and she walked away, rolling her hips with each step for good measure.
Regina locked herself into her bathroom, pulling off her dress to change into the lacy bra and panties she had bought for the night. A gold chain fell from between her breasts, down her stomach and attached to her panties. She admired herself before quickly putting the dress back on.
After going through her nightly routine with the added step of reapplying her lipstick, Regina stepped out of her bathroom. Robin had moved all the candles into her room, casting it in a soft yellowish-orange glow. He sat on the bed, holding a brown box with a bow, a relieved smile on his face. "I got worried for a moment."
"I promised," she said, sitting down next to him. "The room looks beautiful."
"All for you. Just like this." He handed her the box.
Regina opened it to find a pair of earrings inside. Two dark diamonds were surrounded by a ring of diamonds set against a gold backing. She gasped as she took one out of the box. "Are these from the chocolate diamond collection?"
"Yes, they are. Two beautiful chocolates for you to wear." He ran a finger along the shell of her ear. "And there's real chocolate for you in the fridge. Though I'm sure the box will end up under your comic book stash."
She shrugged, setting the box on her nightstand. "I like to feel like I'm sneaking it. Anyway, onto your present."
"You didn't have to get me anything."
"Hush." She covered his mouth. "Of course I did. Well, I will. Tomorrow, we're going out and you're going to pick out a new laptop. It's time to give your old one the burial it deserves."
His eyes lit up and he was smiling when she lowered her hand. "Thank you."
"Now, there is something for you to unwrap." She turned her back to him, revealing the zipper.
Robin unzipped her dress, his fingers trailing down her exposed back. The dress slid off her shoulders and fell down to pool at her feet. She turned back to him to show off her lingerie. "What do you think?"
"I think you keep getting amazing outfits I just want to take off you," he said, running a finger along the gold chain.
She chuckled, straddling him as she undid the buttons on his shirt. "You have plenty of outfits I just want to take off you. Like this one."
Regina pushed his shirt off, tossing it aside before running her hands over his chest. She leaned closer, kissing him as his warm hands rested on her back. Her hands slid down to his pants, making quick work on them. Robin kicked them off as he laid her on the bed, now only in his red satin boxers.
He held her arms over her head as his lips trailed down her neck. Finding the right spot, he began to suck as she bent her legs. Her hips bucked, rubbing against the tent growing in his boxers. She felt herself getting wetter as her body prepared for the inevitable end to this evening.
"Regina," he moaned, fingers toying with her bra.
"Touch me," she whispered back.
He undid the chain before unlatching her bra. The garment was flung away, replaced by his warm hands as they cradled and massaged her breasts. She dug her fingers into his hair as he teased her nipples, dull undercurrents of pleasure starting to course through her.
Robin moved below her neck, his tongue flickering over her nipple. She gasped, body arching off the bed. "Don't stop."
He responded by trailing hot kisses down her stomach, tongue dipping into her navel. Lips grasped her panties, pulling them down most of the way. She kicked them off as he spread her legs again. A glint shone in his eyes before he lowered himself to lick at her clit.
She moaned his name, grasping at her sheets as he licked and sucked her toward more pleasure. His tongue pushed her higher, made her lighter and sent her reeling toward bliss. With an incoherent yell, she came apart.
The satin of his boxers brushed her tingling skin, making her groan. She tugged at them. "Off."
He obliged and as he tossed them away, she wrapped her hand around his hard cock and began stroking. Robin tangled his fingers in her hair, pressing his forehead to hers. "I want to watch you," he whispered.
"What?" She furrowed her brow as her hand stilled.
"We've never…Well, I've never watched you. I usually close my eyes or press myself right here." He ran a finger along the curve where her neck gave way to her shoulder.
Through her sex-induced haze, she realized he was right. She always closed her eyes before she came, never watching him. Resuming her strokes, Regina nodded. "We'll watch each other."
His fingers teased her clit again, making sure she was still ready for him as she released his cock. As he positioned himself, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes almost closed as he entered but she fought it, keeping them wide open to meet his blue ones.
Not that there was any blue left. Black met hers but she could still see the blue. Their bodies moved in a well-rehearsed danced, breaths mingling together. As she quivered with pleasure and heat burned in her core, she worked hard to keep focused on Robin's eyes.
Her eyes hooded as she approached her second orgasm, her grip tightening on him. "Robin," she whined.
"Keep your eyes on me, lovely," he whispered, his hands now cupping both her cheeks. "Look at me."
She did so and felt herself falling even more in love. It was the most intimate moment of her life, both of them bared before the other. Tears pricked at her eyes as she came, moaning his name. A few seconds later, he followed—his face blurred from her tears.
Robin held her close, rubbing her back. "Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
"No," she whispered. "I just…I just was so filled with love. Thank you."
He kissed her and pulled the blankets over them. "Get some sleep, love. You've had a long day."
"I love you," she whispered, curling into him. "So, so much."
"I love you too," he whispered back, running his hand up and down her back. She drifted off to sleep like that, safe and loved.
Robin roused a few hours later, when the first pale rays of sunlight began to pour past Regina's curtains. She was still curled against him, her head pillowed on his chest. It was an unusual occurrence as Regina tended to move in her sleep. He ran his fingers through her hair as he watched her sleep, dark lashes fluttering as a dream played out.
A soft ding came from his phone, which he had placed on the nightstand Regina had designated as his. He picked it up to find a new text message from Will. Opening it, a picture of Will and Ana popped up. The two had their arms around each other, smiling for a selfie in front of the ice skating rink in Storybrooke Park.
Thanks for playing cupid, mate. We really appreciate. Hopefully, we'll be as happy as you and Regina one day. Cheers.
Robin chuckled, putting the phone back before shifting Regina in his arms. She squirmed, her nose scrunching up, but she settled down as he melded his body against hers. Their legs tangled under the sheets and he breathed in her vanilla scent before closing his eyes again, determined to get a little more sleep with his love in his arms.
A/N: Enjoy a little Valentine's Day in…March. I'm so sorry I fell behind again. I am going to do my best to try to get March's out on time as I will be spending a few days on a cruise at the end of the month to celebrate my birthday on April 1st.
I had intended to reveal both Robin's and Regina's middle names but looks like only Robin's got out. But next time, Regina's will be learned when she goes through customs in England. She's on her way to meet the rest of Robin's family, so expect drama.
Thanks again for reviewing, commenting, favoriting, etc. You're all the best!
-Mac