"Girls' Night Out"
Traffic in Avalon had reached a standstill and Regina tapped her fingers against the steering wheel impatiently. "You were right. We should've taken the train."
"There's a concert at the Avalon Pavilion. Everyone is heading to see The Lost Boys," Robin replied. "Well, everyone with teenagers."
"How do you even know about this?"
Robin chuckled. "I have employees with teenagers. This boy band is the hottest thing out there right now. Maybe we should just turn around."
"But it's your birthday!"
"It's okay, lovely. I just want to spend it with you. So turn around and we can have a quiet evening at home."
She bit her lip. This was not her call to make but she couldn't let Robin know that. It would ruin everything. "But this night is all planned out."
"Plans change. We usually have wiggle room. What makes this time different?" She felt his eyes boring into her but she refused to look at him. He shifted in his seat. "Regina, are you taking me to a surprise party?"
Damn him. Regina looked at him, grimacing. "You have to act surprised, okay? Tuck and them have been planning this a long time."
"My employees. Of course. They've wanted to throw me a surprise party for a long time. I keep ruining their plans every year. I've gone soft," he said, rubbing his beard. "You were part of it?"
"They called me to see if there was anyone else they should invite and Tuck asked if I could bring you. I said yes...and now I've failed at that."
Robin reached out and took her right hand off the steering wheel. He brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. "You haven't failed, lovely."
"We were supposed to be there fifteen minutes ago."
Her cell phone began to ring and Will's picture popped up on her screen. Robin picked it up as she shook her head. "Will? Is something wrong?" he asked, smiling at her.
She rolled her eyes as she gripped the wheel, waiting to hear where this went. Next to her, Robin nodded. "I see. Well, she can't talk right now. We're stuck in traffic. You should tell everyone else that."
"Robin!" she hissed, glaring at him.
He held up his hand, silencing her. "She didn't tell me, I guessed. No, I'm not mad. Slightly amused that it almost worked this time. Too bad about the traffic."
As she hit her head against the steering wheel, he chuckled. "We're still on our way but I don't know when we'll get there. Yes, I'll keep you updated. Thanks for taking this in stride, Will. And tell the others not to be mad at Regina. She did a really good job hiding your secret. Thanks."
"You had to rat me out?" She glared at him as he handed her phone back.
"I didn't rat you out. And if anyone gives you a problem, point them to me. I'd be happy to have a conversation with them." He cracked his knuckles as he glared at her dashboard.
Regina raised an eyebrow. "You would fight your friends over my honor?"
"If they disrespected you, yes," he replied, taking her hand. "You're the most important person in my life, Regina."
She smiled, kissing his hand. "Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that. And it might if we don't move any time soon."
"True," Robin replied, stretching out. "Since we have time, do you want to finally talk about moving in together?"
"I wanted to talk about it when we got back from the wedding last week. You were the one who scooped me up and took me straight back to bed."
Robin shrugged. "I'm not apologizing for that."
"I wouldn't expect you to," she replied. "Nor do you have to apologize for being busy all week."
It had seemed that every site Sherwood tended to had an infestation of sorts—from dangerous insects to gophers. Robin and his Merry Men had been busy contracting professionals to handle the invaders before going back to clean up their damage. He had often fallen asleep on the couch before dinner was even ready and she had to rouse him to get him to eat.
He sighed. "Yeah. This week has been godawful. I'm surprised my Merry Men had enough energy to pull this off still."
"They love you, Robin. That's an energy boost enough, trust me." She smiled at him. "So, moving in, right?"
"Right. When is your lease up?"
"July. Yours?"
"Doesn't really matter," Robin said. "John's going to continue living there and has a good relationship with the landlord. He'll work it all out."
Regina bit her lip. "Will it be a burden? Paying the rent all by himself?"
"John's better off than that apartment suggests. He'll be fine," he assured her. "So, we're looking to move in the summer?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
He nodded. "It'll probably be hot but that can't be helped. There really is no good season to move, is there?"
"Probably not," she agreed, putting the car in drive as she moved up a few feet at least. "Well, we're inching our way closer."
"We might make before tomorrow." They shared a chuckle together before Robin grew serious again. "So, do you want to stay in Avalon? Move elsewhere?"
She shrugged. "I don't want to go too far from Avalon. Everyone else is here—my family, our friends."
"I know. I wasn't suggesting we move far from here. I meant Storybrooke or Mist Haven or Lake Nostros."
"Suburbs. Right." Regina shrugged. "I guess Avalon is fine for now. Give us time to save up for a house somewhere in the burbs, right?"
Robin nodded. "Sounds fine to me. When do you want to start looking?"
"Soon," she promised, inching up more. "I think I see a way off this congested road. We might make it after all."
"Or we can lie, turn around and just go home."
She shot him a look. "Is that really you, Robin?"
He sighed, shaking his head. "I'd feel guilty for leaving my friends after they went through all this trouble to throw me a party."
"Exactly," she said, pulling off the nearest exit ramp. "Now start up the GPS on your phone. We're taking the side roads there and then we're going to have a fun time at this party."
By the time they got there, the food at the buffet set up was served and quite a few people had started to eat. Tuck greeted them at the door, giving them an unapologetic smile. "We couldn't wait any longer."
"That's okay. I'd rather everyone eat than be hangry," Robin said, shaking his friend's hand. He then chuckled at Tuck's confused look. "It's what they call being angry because you're hungry."
As Tuck tried to process that, Regina hugged him. "I'm so sorry he found out. He just…guessed."
"He has a talent at that. We've never been able to surprise him," Tuck told her. "And we've tried."
She shrugged. "Oh well. But at least we get to celebrate his birthday, right?"
"Yes. Let me show you where your seats of honor are." Tuck guided them toward the back of the room.
They passed a table filled with her friends and coworkers. Her cousin sat at the head of the table and Ruby grinned at them as they approached. "There you two are. Finally finished…"
"Don't finish that thought unless you want your embarrassing stories told for the next two hours," Regina threatened.
Ruby pouted but sat back in her seat. Chuckling, Robin wrapped his arm around her waist. "Was that necessary?"
"With Ruby? Absolutely," she replied. "If I didn't put her in her place, she'd tease us all night long."
"Ahh. Well, then, thank you." He kissed the side of her head as Tuck stopped at the furthest table.
Tuck motioned to two chairs at the head of the table. "These are yours."
"Could you put us any farther away?" Robin asked, pulling out one of the chairs for Regina.
She smiled as she took her seat. "I don't know. I think I like it back here. Gives us some privacy."
"Oh no. You didn't let Ruby go there, so I'm not letting you go there. It's only fair," he teased her.
Regina narrowed her eyes but didn't saying anything more. Instead, she rested her hand on his thigh. Every so often, her pink finger brushed his crotch and he would give a little jump. She grinned, enjoying her sweet form of torture as she started up a conversation with Ana, who was sitting with Will at the table.
After a few hours, Regina abandoned her torture of Robin and had melded against him as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She rested her head on his shoulder, satisfied after a very good meal. It also was making her sleepy and she did her best to keep herself awake.
Her bladder was helping, though. With a groan, she stood up. "I have to run to the ladies' room. I'll be right back," she told Robin.
"I'll be right here," he replied, kissing her cheek.
She hurried out into the main part of the restaurant, easily locating the restrooms. As she stood at the sink washing her hands, the other occupant of the ladies' room exited a stall. "Regina?" a familiar voice asked.
Regina looked up to find her old friend Ursula reflected in the mirror. She smiled and turned to face her sorority sister. "I didn't know you were in town."
"The aquarium needed my help for an emergency so I flew in today," Ursula replied. "I'll be in town until next week. Maybe we can convince Mal and Cru to come down as well? Have a good old fashioned girls' night out?"
"I don't know. We barely survived the last one." Regina winced as she remembered the horrible hangover she had suffered back then.
Ursula chuckled. "Too true. I don't know how Cru's liver hasn't shut down on her yet. But I miss all of you. So maybe we can convince Cru to ease up on us just so we can all spend time together."
Regina smiled. "Perhaps. Why don't you call me tomorrow? I'm here at my boyfriend's birthday party…"
"Boyfriend?" Ursula perked up. "I didn't know you had a boyfriend. Where have you been hiding him?"
"I haven't. There are pictures of him and me all over Facebook."
She nodded. "I deactivated my account. It just got so…tedious and impersonal, you know?"
"I guess. But if you want to meet him, you can come with me and I'll make the introductions." Regina tossed her paper towel and waited for Ursula to finish up.
She led her friend toward the backroom, waving Robin over when she caught his eye. He wrapped his arm around her, kissing her head. "I was wondering what was taking you so long. Ruby was about to go looking for you."
"I ran into a friend," Regina explained, motioning to Ursula. "This is my sorority sister, Ursula. Ursula, this is my boyfriend, Robin."
Ursula looked him up and down, giving a look of approval. "You've always had the luck landing the handsome ones, Regina."
"I really lucked out with this one," she replied, gazing up at Robin with admiration. She meant every word.
He kissed the side of her head. "We both lucked out."
"Aww, you two are so sweet," Ursula said. "Well, I'll leave you to your party. Happy birthday, by the way."
"Thank you," Robin replied.
Regina hugged Ursula. "Give me a call about girls' night out, okay?"
She promised to do that before heading out of the party room. Robin gave Regina's hand a tug right after. "Come on. We've been waiting for you to have the cake."
"Ahh, cake. Sounds delicious." She followed him toward the table with the cake. "Just be warned—if you try to put any icing on me, I will slice you up instead. Got it?"
He chuckled, tightening his grip on her. "I love it when you threaten me."
"There she is! What took you so long?" Cru demanded as Regina walked up to the trio of women gathered outside one of Avalon's hottest clubs. She was a tall woman with dark hair streaked platinum blonde. Her blue eyes pierced Regina as she adjusted the white fur shrug she wore over a black corset top and leather pants. Tonight, she towered over Regina in what had to be five-inch stilettos.
Ursula was the one closest in height now to Cru, her brown hair falling in waves around her face. She wore a black leather jacket over dark jeans and bright blue heels. Regina suspected she wore a similarly colored top, which would go well with her darker coloring.
Mal was the closest to Regina's height but still stood a bit taller than her. She had pulled her hair up in a bun, a gray fedora sitting on top of her head to match the gray skirt she wore with a white silk shirt. Turning her head, she gave an approving glance over Regina's outfit-black pants, red strapless shirt and matching red heels.
Regina sighed. "Because I really, really hoped you weren't taking us to another club. We're not in college any more, Cru. It's time to throw in the towel and stop pretending."
"And what pray tell do you suggest we do? Go to some boring restaurant and have dinner?" Cru made a disgusted face.
Ursula nodded. "That sounds lovely. We can have some good food, some wine and actually talk. This may seem strange to you, Cru, but I want to know what's going on with all of you."
"It's time to acknowledge we're not twenty-two anymore, Cru. The rest of us have matured." Mal crossed her arms and glared down their friend.
Cru groaned. "You all became sticks in the mud. Live a little. Be wild. Age is just a number. So let's go inside, get drunk, grind on some good looking men and maybe get lucky."
"I'm practically engaged," Regina hissed.
Mal nodded. "And the last time I let you talk me into getting wild, I ended up with the kid. I love Lily but she's staying an only child."
"So I think dinner is our best bet," Ursula concluded.
Before Cru could throw another fit, Regina stepped in. "You know what, this area has a lot of bars and pubs all within walking distance. I will agree to a pub crawl. We can get drunk, Cru can chat up some of the guys there, and a few have some great musical acts. So we can dance as well."
"I can agree to that," Mal added, glaring at Cru. "Can you compromise?"
She sighed. "I guess I can do a bar crawl and come back to do this amazing club with my other friends. So, where to first?"
"I know the perfect spot. Follow me," Regina instructed, walking past her friends as their leader for now.
They were on their third bar and Regina was happy. She was also pretty sure she was drunk, but still aware of their surroundings. Even though the Rabbit Hole was not the seedy place she had once thought it was, she knew she needed to be alert anyway. But to be on the safe side, Robin knew where they were-she had made it a point to text him each time they moved on to the next bar.
After the first time, he wrote back: I trust you, lovely. You don't have to tell me where you are. Just have fun.
She smiled at the sweet message before typing back her reply: It's not that. I want someone to know where I am at all times. Just in case.
Oh. In that case, text away. I'll be waiting in case I need to rush to your aid. Otherwise, just have fun. XOX
Regina's phone buzzed as Robin's reply to her checking in text came in. Have fun at the Rabbit Hole. Will said there's a good band playing there tonight so enjoy it. Just don't get too wild. XOX
Will keep that in mind. And thanks for the heads up!
"Put that phone down and take this shot," Cru ordered. She handed Regina a shot glass filled with tequila before raising her own. "To my girls, reunited once again!"
It was the same toast she had given at the other bars, but Regina raised her glass anyway. She clinked it with the others and downed the tequila, feeling it burn her throat as it went down. Her head began to swim a bit, making her concerned she was more drunk than she thought. As Cru ordered them another round, Regina wondered if she should switch to water.
"How much longer are we going to do this? I don't think I can make it to last call," Mal moaned, rubbing her head.
Ursula sighed. "I have to agree. And she's already asking about our next stop."
"Okay, I think I can slow her down. There's supposed to be a good band playing here tonight. We can convince her to stay and do some dancing. How's that?" Regina asked.
Mal nodded. "That sounds fine. I can always listen to some music."
"And if she wants to move on after that, we can make our excuses," Ursula added, checking her watch. "It should be late enough."
"What are you talking about?" Cru returned, handing them new shot glasses.
Regina answered first. "I heard there was supposed to be a band here tonight. Do you mind sticking around here longer to listen to them?"
"A band? I'm always up for a band. And the booze ain't bad here either," Cru said. "Maybe I can make it with one of the musicians."
Ursula put on a fake smile. "Sure, Cru. You never know."
"I'll go get us another round!" She bounded back toward the bar while her friends groaned.
Mal rubbed her temples. "Next girls' night out, we leave her out and go to a nice restaurant for dinner and drinks."
"Agreed," Regina and Ursula said in unison.
Cru carried over their third round of shots. They clinked glasses and downed them. As Regina coughed and sputtered, she motioned toward a table with her head. "Why don't we sit and rest before dancing our hearts out?"
They grabbed the table and Ursula ordered them some appetizers. "Can't keep drinking on empty stomachs," she reasoned.
"Good point," Regina agreed, looking around. A nice crowd was starting to fill the bar and she hoped it meant the band was a good one.
Cru scanned the crowd, a hungry look on her face. "Mama needs some action. Watch my seat, girls. I see some good-looking studs in need of a cougar."
They rolled their eyes once she was gone. "Well, it's never boring when she's around," Ursula said.
As Cru chatted up a few men, Ursula excused herself to go to the ladies' room. Mal decided to go with her, leaving Regina to watch their appetizers and purses. She munched on the nacho chips they ordered, watching as two men started to set up for the band.
"You!" A dark haired woman sat down across from Regina. It took her a few moments to realize it was Marian, Robin's ex-girlfriend.
Regina frowned. "What do you want?"
"I want you to stop ruining my life," she spat back. "I'm on leave from work while they investigate me and Robin has cut me out of his life. My husband and I are separated and I really, really need his friendship."
"His friendship? Or are you hoping to win him back?" Regina crossed her arms.
Marian mimicked her posture. "We're meant to be. Robin and Marian, please. It's fate. Not Robin and Regina."
"I think he disagrees. He's turned you down and we've been discussing our future. Moving in together, marriage, children…"
She snorted. "Children? Do you think you'll magically start producing eggs, Regina? You need those to have babies."
"There are other ways of having children, Marian. I'm sure you know that. Robin and I have been exploring those," Regina replied before leaning back, crossing her arms. "I don't know why I'm even telling you any of this. It's none of your business."
"Well, you have ruined my life."
Regina raised an eyebrow. "I have done nothing of the sort. I don't really know you or your husband, so I can't comment on what's going on with your marriage. But professionally, I am not the villain in this. You went into my medical records without my permission and revealed very private and painful information not only to Robin but to his parents, who then told the rest of his family. Actions have consequences, Marian. Including yours."
Marian's mouth fell open. "I could lose my job! I could have my medical license suspended or revoked! There goes my livelihood."
"You should've thought about this before you went snooping and violated my right to privacy," Regina shot back.
"You need to watch yourself," Marian said, wagging her finger at Regina.
Regina felt a few shadows over her shoulder and knew she wasn't alone. It was confirmed when Cru asked: "Are you threatening our friend?"
"Because if you are, you're going to have to deal with all of us," Ursula said.
Mal placed her hand on Regina's shoulder. "I think you should leave before my friend becomes my client. Got it?"
"Yes, I do." Marian stood, glaring at Regina. "I hope you're happy. But I know one day, Robin is going to see you for the cold-hearted bitch you are and leave you."
She stalked off as Regina's friends took their seats again. Ursula frowned at the woman's retreating form. "Well, isn't she pleasant?"
"Who was that? And how does she think you ruined her life?" Cru asked, munching on a nacho.
Regina sighed. "It's a long story. Do you really want to hear it?"
"Depends," Cru said. "Just tell me who she is first."
"Robin's ex-girlfriend."
Cru leaned forward. "Okay, it's worth a long story. Proceed."
When she finished, the band was starting to warm up for their gig. Mal shook her head, pushing her empty glass away. "Shit, Regina. If you really do want to sue her, let me know. We can nail her to the wall."
"Thanks, Mal, but I think it's fine for now," Regina replied. "She's being made to pay for her actions and that's all I want."
Cru shrugged. "I don't know. I think I would take her for everything she's got."
"I don't think she has much right now."
"Well, let's not think about it for now. I've heard some people talking and they said this band is good for great dance music. So why don't we go pretend we're still in college and dance like we won't feel it in the morning?" Ursula suggested.
They agreed, heading out to the dancefloor where others were congregating. As the band started, Regina found her rhythm easily. She let herself go, aided by the copious amounts of alcohol Cru had ensured she had downed. Cru had already found a dance partner while Ursula and Mal stuck close to Regina.
Several songs in, she was starting to get thirsty and tired. Regina leaned closer to her friends. "I'm going to get some water. You two want anything?"
"I'm good," Ursula yelled over the music while Mal just shook her head. Regina had long lost sight of Cru so she didn't bother to ask her.
Regina weaved through the dancers, approaching the bar. The bartender leaned closer and she yelled her request for a cup of ice water. He nodded and disappeared. She leaned against the bar, bobbing her head to the beat.
A man nursing a Jack Daniels sidled up to her, reeking of alcohol. "Hello there, lovely," he slurred.
She recoiled at his use of that word. Robin used it, usually when they were in bed, and it when he said it, she felt like a goddess come to earth. The way this man said it made her skin crawl and her stomach turn. She scooted away as she said: "Not interested. Move along."
"Aww, come on. Don't be like that," he slurred. He motioned for the bartender. "Get her a drink on me. Whatever she wants."
"I'm still just drinking water," she insisted, taking the glass from the bartender. "And I'll pay for it myself."
The bartender shook his head. "No charge for water. Enjoy."
She thanked him and hurried away from the bar, hoping the drunken lout would stay and nurse another drink. But as she weaved through the dancers, she felt a presence behind her every step of the way and knew he was following her.
"Come on. It's just one drink. Don't be a bitch and realize I'm being polite, you whore," he called out.
Regina stopped, turning slowly to face the man. "You're not being polite. If you were, you would've backed off the first time I said no."
"So you're playing hard to get."
"I'm not playing anything. I have a boyfriend."
He raised an eyebrow. "You do? And I suspect he ain't here, right?"
"Well, no…" She was starting to regret not saying she had a girlfriend. It wouldn't be the first time any of them had shared a kiss to get out of a tight spot.
The man chuckled. "I thought so. You realize you gave me the oldest excuse in the book? So it ain't gonna work on me."
"Just leave me alone. Okay?" She turned and tried to walk away, to get to the safety of her friends.
He grabbed her arm, proving to be stronger than she thought. The man easily swung her around and pulled her flush against his body. She felt suffocated by the smell of alcohol coming off him and her stomach turned as she struggled against him. He enjoyed it, chuckling. "Come on. Give me a kiss."
"Fuck off." She tried to scratch him but he chuckled.
"Save that for the bedroom, sweetheart." He puckered up and she turned her head, getting a sloppy kiss on the cheek.
"Get off her, you cretin!" Cru flew past her, knocking the man back.
Ursula took her arm and pulled Regina closer to her and Mal. "Are you okay?" she asked.
"Just get me far away from him," she said, motioning to the man now under Cru's heels. She watched as he struggled to get up, pleading with people to help him.
No one did.
The bouncer came over and escorted him back to the bar to settle up his tab before ejecting him from The Rabbit Hole. Cru returned to them, pleased with herself. "Hopefully he'll think twice next time he harasses another woman in a bar."
"Come on," Mal said. "Let's get you back to the table. Let you recuperate after that."
"Maybe I should just go home," Regina replied.
Cru shook her head. "Don't let one asshole ruin your night out. Dance, drink and be merry into the wee hours of the morning."
She knew her friend was right. Yet she also knew she was tired. All she really wanted to do was to go home, change into her pajamas and let Robin wrap her up in his warm embrace. What they did after that didn't matter—whether they watched TV or went to bed. She just wanted to be there with him.
"Look, I think it's been a good night," Mal said, taking Regina's arm. "But I think we should all go home."
"We can meet up tomorrow for brunch," Ursula suggested, nodding.
Cru made a face. "Brunch? We're not old ladies. You all maybe ready for the old folks' home, but I'm still young."
"Fine. You can stay and pretend you're still in college. We're going to all go home, get some sleep and then have a nice brunch without you." Mal linked arms with Ursula as well. "We're going to go call a car. Good night."
The three of them started to walk away when Ursula stopped short, cursing. "I forgot something at the table. Go on and I'll meet you."
"Go with her," Regina suggested, pulling her arm away. "I'll go outside and call the car."
Mal looked unsure. "I don't really want to leave you alone after all that."
"I'll be fine. The danger is in here not out there. Go with Ursula and I'll see you guys outside."
Regina walked to the front door, her head held high. Her purse buzzed under her arm and she paused, pulling out her phone. A message from Robin was on her screen and it brought a smile to her face.
Now you have me doing it—just checking in, lovely. Hope you're having a blast with your friends. You deserve it. XO
She swiped her phone to respond but a voice froze her fingers. "Another boyfriend in the wings, Regina?" Marian asked, voice slurring the words together.
Frowning, Regina turned to find the woman stumbling toward her. Her brown eyes were unfocused and Regina knew she wasn't thinking things through. She glanced around but it seemed Marian was alone. "Marian, did you come with anyone?"
"Why? Hoping you could steal another man from me? Get him to join your harem? Does Robin know about all your other men?" Marian hiccupped.
"You're drunk, Marian. I want to make sure you get home safely, though I'm not sure why." It was true. But even after everything Marian had done to her, Regina was still a firm believer in the Girl Code. She wasn't going to leave the woman when she was like this.
Marian shook her head. "I'm fine. I see things clearer now. You just like collecting men, playing good ones like Robin for fools while grinding against barflies."
"You're really drunk if you couldn't tell that he was harassing me. So if you're not here with anyone, why don't you come with my friends and me? We're going to call a taxi…"
"I'd love to come home with you," she replied, lurching forward. "Then I can tell Robin all about your cheating ways."
Regina raised an eyebrow. "Even if you weren't drunk, he wouldn't believe you. Robin trusts me and your credibility factor with him is very low right now."
She scoffed. "Robin and I have been friends from childhood. Of course he's going to believe me over you."
"Sure. You live in the land of denial over there. I'm going to go call us a cab, okay, Marian?"
Regina turned and started to walk away before she felt something hard and sharp against her head. She jerked forward as her head began to pound, pain radiating throughout her scalp. Raising her hand, she felt something wet and sticky. When she withdrew her hand, it was covered in blood.
She turned slowly but was soon pushed down, the pain in her head doubling as it hit the wood floor of the bar. Her vision began to swim and breathing grew difficult as a figure sat on her chest, clawing at her face. Regina tried to fight back but her limbs felt like lead. Some dim part of her knew she needed to stay conscious but darkness was creeping on her and soon swallowed her whole.
Robin laid on Regina's couch, his phone resting on his chest as he tried not to panic. There were several reasons she hadn't texted back yet—the music was too loud, she was having too much fun dancing, she thought she had responded but was too drunk to realize she hadn't hit "send." Oh, yes, the list went on and on.
Yet his gut told him something was wrong.
He was about to give in and call her when his phone started to buzz. Regina's face and number filled his screen and he sighed in relief. "Having fun, lovely?"
"Ooh, I like his voice," a woman with a posher, London accent said.
There was a scuffle over the phone before another woman took over. "Robin? This is Regina's friend, Ursula. We met the other day at your party…"
"Right," he said. "Is something wrong with Regina?"
"Yes. Your ex-girlfriend whacked her upside the head with a beer bottle," the other woman said.
His heart stopped and he struggled to breath. "Marian attacked Regina? How bad is she hurt?"
"She's on her way to Avalon Mercy with our other friend, Mal," Ursula told him. "We also called her parents and they are on their way there. We're waiting for a car to take us there and I thought you should know."
He thanked Ursula, hanging up before pulling on his sneakers. Grabbing his wallet and his car keys, Robin was out the door and on his way to his car two blocks over.
After no doubt breaking the speed limit and possibly blowing a stop sign, Robin rushed through the doors of Avalon Mercy's emergency room. He spotted Henry in the waiting room along with Ursula and who he assumed was the other woman on the phone call. Robin hurried over to them. "Any word?"
The other woman looked him up and down. "Oh, Regina did alright for herself. I could eat you up."
"Cru!" Ursula snapped.
Henry stood, approaching Robin. "We haven't heard anything. Mal and Cora are in there with her, but you should go in. She'll want you there."
"Don't you want to go in there? You're her father," Robin said.
"True, but I've come to terms with the fact that I'm no longer the most important man in her life. And I wouldn't turn that title over to anyone but you, Robin." Henry smiled, squeezing his arm. "Go be with her, my boy."
Robin squeezed Henry's hand in return before hurrying into the space broken up into cubicles by blue curtains. He walked down a hallway, scanning for Regina. When he spotted dark hair, he stopped. "Regina?"
"Robin?" Marian turned to face him, her eyes unfocused and a too sweet smile on her face. It had been some time since he had seen that look, but he knew what it meant. She was drunk. "You came for me."
He took a few steps back. "I came for Regina, not you. You assaulted her, Marian."
"She deserved it," she replied. "She has all these other men and you're nothing to her. But you're something to me."
"You're drunk and talking nonsense. Now I'm going to find the woman I love and see what damage you did." He started to walk away.
Marian grabbed his arm. "Please don't leave me. I don't want to be alone."
He closed his eyes, counting down from ten to keep his voice calm. The hurt and vulnerability in Marian's voice tugged at his heartstrings but at the same time, she had put Regina in the hospital as well. "I'm sorry you feel like that," he said. "But we are through, Marian. Why don't you just go home? Spend some time with your parents? Just…not hang your happiness on me, okay? Move on. I have."
"Robin, please…"
"Goodbye, Marian." He wrenched his arm from her grasp and hurried away from her cubicle.
A blonde woman with a piercing gaze followed his movements before calling out: "Are you Robin?"
"Mal?" he asked. When she nodded, he jogged up to her and pointed to the nearest cubicle. "Is she in there?"
Mal nodded but placed her hands on his chest, keeping him from moving forward. "I just want you to know that it looks worse than it really is."
A chill swept over him and bile rose up in his throat. "How…How bad is she?"
"Robin?" Regina's voice was hoarse and it almost sounded like a croak. But it spurred him forward, pushing past Mal to step inside the area they had given her.
He stopped short as he took her in. Red scratches marred her face and her right eye was swollen shut, already purpling. She had a split lip and Cora stood behind her, holding a wad of gauze against the back of Regina's head. Some strands of her black hair were streaked red and he knew it was blood.
"Oh, sweetheart," he breathed, stepping closer. He rested his hands on her lap and she grabbed onto his arms.
She sniffled. "I'm so glad you're here. All I wanted to do was go home to you and wrap us up in a blanket."
"We can still do that. Once the doctors patch you up, I'll take you home and we can wrap ourselves up in your warmest blanket. Okay?" He rubbed her arms as he met Cora's eyes. She gave him a small smile before checking on her daughter's wound.
Mal huffed behind him. "What is taking this doctor so long? The police took their pictures so he can stitch her up now."
"Pictures?" Robin asked, looking up at Cora.
She nodded. "They needed it as evidence in the assault case against Marian. We're definitely going to be pressing charges."
"Damn right," Mal said, coming back into the cubicle. She glared at Robin. "I don't care that she's your ex. She's going to pay for this."
"I agree," he replied. Regina was now leaning against him and he rubbed her back in soothing circles. When Cora moved the gauze again, he caught sight of the gash across her head and he felt his blood boil.
A young doctor entered, pulling on gloves. "Sorry for the wait, Ms. Mills. Let's get that wound patched up."
"About time," Mal muttered. She patted Regina's knee. "I'm going to go wait with the others. You stay strong, Warrior Queen."
Robin figured it was something from their college days but he took comfort in it as well. She was a Warrior Queen and would get through this. He kissed her forehead. "I'll be right here, lovely."
"Holding my hand?" She looked like a child, scared and vulnerable. He nodded, lacing his fingers with hers and letting her squeeze as the doctor worked.
Tears fell down Regina's cheeks. "I was going to get her home, you know that? She was drunk and alone, so I told her I was going to have her join us in our car and get her home safely. Instead, she attacked me."
"You were doing the right thing, Regina," Robin told her. "I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's all my fault."
"It's Marian's fault. No one else's. Don't feel guilt for her actions or her situation," Cora replied, firm and authoritative. "She made her choices and she's suffering the consequences. How she deals with them is her own problem, not yours."
Robin knew there was truth in her words. Yet each time Regina squeezed his hand, every time he thought she was going to break a finger or two and fresh tears fell down her cheeks, guilt continued to gnaw at him and he felt responsible yet again.
There had been some talk of admitting Regina but in the end, the doctors decided to release her and send her home to rest. "I guess you'll be taking her back to your house?" Robin asked Cora.
She shook her head. "I think she'd rather go home to her apartment. With you."
"Well, yes, but I thought…"
"That Henry and I would want to take care of her?" Cora gave him a soft smile. "Well, you're right. But we also know we need to step back and entrust her to you. You're going to be the one taking care of her for a long time."
He nodded. "The rest of our lives."
"But Henry and I will be there constantly until we're sure she's healed," she added.
"Of course." Robin crouched down to look at Regina, who had been dosed with heavy-duty pain medication. Her brown eyes were unfocused as she looked at him but he smiled. "You ready to go home?"
She took his hand. "Are you coming with me?"
"Wouldn't be anywhere else," he told her, kissing her hand. He stood, pushing her wheelchair out of the ER.
Henry, Cru, Ursula and Mal stood from their chairs as they approached. Looking over Regina, her father paled. "How are you, my dear?" he asked.
"Good," she said, slurring the word before giggling.
Cru raised her eyebrow. "Good Lord, they gave her the really good stuff. Good luck, Robin. She's going to be looped."
"And very affectionate," Mal added, seeming to speak from experience.
Robin filed that away for later as he nodded. "I'll take good care of her."
"You better." Ursula crouched down. "We'll have to take a raincheck on brunch, okay, sweetie?"
Regina nodded but Robin doubted she had understood anything of what Ursula said. Cru and Mal said their goodbyes before Henry offered them a ride home. They accepted, staying with Regina as Robin ran out to get his car.
As he left, he saw Marian being led toward a cop car with its blue and red lights going. Her hands were cuffed behind her and she still stumbled a bit. She caught sight of him, jerking the cop's arm. "Robin! Robin, please don't let them do this to me!"
Her panic did tug at his heart but then the image of the ugly gash on the back of Regina's head chased it away. Robin turned on his heels and walked in the opposite direction, pointedly ignoring her cries and pleas for him.
When he returned, Marian and the cops were gone. Only the small party surrounding Regina waited for him. She was starting to fade but she was fighting sleep as her parents helped her into his car. Robin buckled her up before waving at Cora and Henry. "I'll call you in the morning," he promised.
"You can make it early afternoon if need be," Cora told him. "Don't forget to get some rest of your own. Got it?"
He promised he would before they closed the door. Regina had finally given in and fallen asleep. She was facing him so he was able to see her. Despite the bruises and swollen eye, she looked peaceful and for that, he was glad.
Robin drove off, ready for the long night ahead of them.
The next twenty-four hours had been tough yet interesting. When Robin got Regina home, she had woken up but was still looped from her medications. She had mistaken why he was undressing her and tried to take off his clothes as well. By the time he got her in the Knights jersey she had nicked from him and into her bed, his shirt was gone and she had tried to give him a hand job.
He slept on the couch for a few hours before having to wake her for a concussion check. She answered his questions and when he started to back away, she grabbed his wrist. "Stay," she pleaded. Though he had been afraid of accidentally hurting her given how bruised and battered she was, he couldn't deny her. So he climbed in next to her and fell back asleep.
A few checks later, Regina finally snapped at him and answered his questions with several expletives thrown in for good measure. She also threatened to disembowel him, which he took as a good sign. He had never been so happy to be threatened and cheerily reported it to Cora when she called. She only chuckled in response and agreed it was a good sign.
While Regina slept and recovered, Robin kept himself busy. He cleaned her entire apartment, knowing she wouldn't want it to get too messy (never possible, but still). Then he reorganized her cabinets before doing the same with the drawer he had in her apartment.
He was scrubbing her toilet when she appeared on shaky legs in the doorway. "Robin, what are you doing?"
"Cleaning." He sat back and frowned. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to use the bathroom."
Robin jumped up. "Right. Sure. Let me take off these gloves and I'll help you."
She gave him a look which he thought was supposed to be withering but it lost its potency when she only had one eye open. The swelling had gone down but it had to still be painful to open her injured eye. "I love you, Robin, but I think I can handle this on my own."
"Okay. I'll just be outside if you need any help." He stepped outside, hovering by the door until she finished.
The door opened and she wavered on her feet. So she agreed to let him help her back to bed, pulling him down next to her. "I need some cuddles to help my recovery," she said.
"Even with the person responsible for this?" he asked.
She frowned. "Robin, you had no control over Marian's actions last night."
"I know. But I'm the one who brought her into your life. And I'm so sorry for that," he said, gingerly rubbing his thumb over one of her bruises.
"Don't be. I could've easily been the one who brought the crazy ex into the relationship. In fact, I have a few candidates. But in the end, we are not responsible for their actions."
He chuckled. "You sound like your mother."
"Thank you." She rolled closer to him. "So, cuddles?"
"Not yet. You need to eat first. You haven't had anything all day. So I'm going to make you a nice soup, you're going to eat it and then we can cuddle. Promise." He kissed her forehead before climbing out of bed.
Robin prepared a bowl of soup for her, setting it up on a tray with a glass of juice for her to wash it down with. Before he could bring it in though, his phone began to ring. He picked up, wondering who it was. "Hello?"
"Mr. Locksley? This is Simon at Storybrooke Diamonds. I'm calling about the ring you custom ordered with us?"
"Right," Robin said, giving the call his full attention. "What about it? Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no. I'm just calling to let you know it's in. You can come in whenever you want to inspect it and make the final payment. Have a good day, Mr. Locksley."
Robin thanked him before hanging up, smiling. Everything was falling into place. There were just a few things he needed to work out and then he would be able to do the one thing he had wanted to do for months:
Spend the rest of his life with Regina Mills.
A/N: Aha! Got this out in the nick of time! I hope everyone enjoyed some time with the Queens of Darkness there!
Marian's really hit rock bottom, hasn't she? Hopefully this is the wakeup call she needs to get her life back on track and to realize Robin can't be the one to do that for her.
I don't know, I really liked the idea that they can't surprise Robin. That somehow, he always figures out when they're going to do something for him.
Anyway, I promise the wait for the next chapter will not be very long. I've actually been writing Part XIII simultaneously with this one in order to have it up by June 8th, which is the anniversary of when I published the first part as a response to a tumblr prompt and is also the date I decided to give Robin and Regina as an anniversary. I think you'll really, really like that chapter.
Thanks to everyone who has sent well wishes regarding my father. He's out of the hospital and back home, resting. He needs to build back his strength and make a few adjustments, but otherwise he's doing well. So, thank you again!
See you soon!
-Mac