Long Live the Queen
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
Regina groaned, burying her head into the crook of Robin's neck. Even through the haze of sleep, she knew it was Saturday so there was no reason for her phone to be ringing so early. Whoever it was could just leave her a message and she'd return their car at a more decent hour.
Silence enveloped the room again and she sighed, hoping to sink back into her deep sleep quickly. Robin shifted a bit, bringing his arm up to wrap around her and hold her close. His lips grazed her forehead as he turned his head toward her.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
"I think someone is really trying to reach you, darling," he murmured. "You should probably get that."
Regina sighed, rolling away from her husband's warm embrace to grab her phone off the night stand. David's face filled the screen, which also showed her it was 6 AM as she hit the green answer button. "Hello?" she croaked.
"It's a boy!" David yelled. "I have a son!"
She blinked a few times before asking: "What?"
David cleared his throat and answered in a calmer tone: "Sorry. I have a son. Neal Leopold Nolan, six pounds eight ounces and twenty inches long."
"Oh my god." Regina sat up, excitement coursing through her as a smile spread across her face. "I didn't know Mary Margaret was in labor."
"I took her to the hospital yesterday afternoon and didn't have time to text anyone but her parents and my mom. They've been here since then. I just convinced Mom to go home and get some rest. I can't get Leo or Eva to do the same though," he said.
Regina chuckled. "Do you blame them? But I'm sure they'll go home once they realize Mary Margaret, you and baby Neal need your rest."
"I hope so," David sighed. "She was in labor for about fourteen hours."
"Fourteen? When exactly did she give birth?"
He paused, no doubt to check his watch. "An hour ago at two forty-six."
"And she's not sleeping?" Regina asked, running her hand through her hair. "I would think I'd be passed out."
"I want her to get some sleep but she won't let Neal go. She's absolutely transfixed by him," he said.
Regina chuckled. "Do you blame her?"
"No, I don't. I'm transfixed by him too."
"Well, you go stare at him some more. Robin and I will see you three soon, okay?" she said.
"Thanks, Regina. And sorry to wake you."
Trying not to yawn, she said: "It's okay. This is the only other acceptable reason to call this early. Good night, David."
She ended the call and placed her cellphone onto the nightstand with a sigh. Beside her, Robin kissed her shoulder. "So they went with Neal?"
"Apparently," she replied, turning over to face him. "We should get him something and then see when Mary Margaret is okay with us visiting. I can't wait to see him."
Regina really couldn't wait to see the baby boy that had been growing inside her friend for nine months and whose arrival she had been waiting as eagerly for as if she was his mother. She had even put up one of Mary Margaret's sonograms on her desk, right next to the picture of Regina and Robin at Marian's wedding, and had a picture frame all ready for the little guy's first picture.
Yet there was still an underlying sadness in all of it. She knew she would never have those moments—finding out she was pregnant, sonograms, shopping for maternity wear, Lamaze classes, and all that. Perhaps she was living vicariously through Mary Margaret…
"Regina?" Robin asked softly. He pushed her hair behind her ear. "Are you okay?"
"No," she admitted, feeling the tears in her eyes. "Just thinking of everything I'll never have."
He wrapped his arm around her, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. "I know. But think of everything you will have when we become parents. We'll have all the other moments and milestones. We'll have our own memories."
"I still miss what we won't have," she admitted, grasping his shirt. "I just…I just need a moment. To grieve."
"Understandable. Let me just get us more comfortable, okay?" He laid down, guiding Regina down until her head was pillowed on his chest. She heard his heartbeat as she sniffed, tears running down her cheek.
Robin rubbed her back as she cried silently, her tears forming a wet spot on his shirt. He handed her several tissues and she took them with a soft "thank you." Wiping her eyes, she sat up.
He sat up as well. "You feeling better?"
"A bit," she said. "I think I need to sleep as well."
"I agree," he replied, glancing at the clock. "It is an ungodly hour, isn't it? Let's go back to sleep."
She chuckled a bit, lying back down as Robin turned off their lamp. Curling against him, she let out a content sigh. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Just doing my job," he replied, kissing her head. "Good night, lovely."
"Good night, Robin."
Baby Neal was warm and squirmy, smelling of baby powder and Regina never wanted to give him back to his parents. She held him as he slept, rocking him and humming as Robin chatted with Mary Margaret and David. Regina, meanwhile, catalogued each tiny finger and was tempted to take off his socks to check each little toe. She loved when he opened a blue eye to glance around before going back to sleep and she brushed a finger over a brown wisp of hair.
"I think someone is in love," Robin said, coming over to her. He kissed her cheek. "I love when your maternal side comes out."
She laughed softly. "He's absolutely beautiful, isn't he?"
"He is," Robin agreed. "A perfect mix of Mary Margaret and David, if you ask me."
"Yes," she replied softly. Neal was replaced in her mind by a blue-eyed, dark haired little boy and Regina bit back another sob.
"Regina? Are you okay?" Mary Margaret asked, sitting down on her couch. She frowned as she looked over her friend.
Taking a deep breath, Regina nodded as she handed Neal back to his mother. "I'm just admiring your beautiful, beautiful son. Congratulations, Mary Margaret."
"Thank you," she said, rocking him. "We're absolutely over the moon about him. And we're glad you are too."
Regina sat down on the couch next to Robin, curling against him as she frowned. "Why?"
"Because we would like you and Robin to be Neal's godparents," David said, sitting down next to his wife.
Surprise filled her as her mind processed what he had said. It seemed like they would've had several other friends to ask before them—Lance, Ariel, Anna and Kris. Regina cleared her throat. "Are you sure?"
"Of course. There isn't really anyone else we would trust with Neal, except maybe our parents," David replied.
Mary Margaret nodded. "We know you'll love him and raise him should anything happen to us."
"We're honored," Regina said, glancing over at Robin. He nodded with a soft smile and she continued: "We accept."
"Thank you so much!" her friend replied as David's phone rang. He excused himself, disappearing into another room to answer it.
Robin leaned forward. "So, how little sleep are you two really getting?"
She sighed. "It seems he's hungry every four hours, like clockwork. David and I take turns, but it's definitely more tiring than anything I've done before."
"Even dealing with me?" Regina asked teasingly, knowing how tough she could be on her assistant.
"Believe me. You are far less demanding than this little man." Mary Margaret smiled, though, as she glanced down at her sleeping son.
"I didn't think that would be possible," Regina quipped as Robin chuckled softly beside her.
David returned to the room looking grim. Mary Margaret frowned as she looked up at him. "What's wrong?"
"I'm being called in to work," he said, tucking his phone in his pocket.
Her frown deepened. "I thought you were on a leave?"
"I am, but they're predicting a bad Nor'easter heading our way. So the chief is calling everyone in in case evacuations are ordered and to just keep everyone safe." David frowned, looking over his family. "Maybe you should take Neal to your parents' house for the storm."
She nodded, standing up with Neal in her arms. "I should start packing then. And you promise to be safe?"
"I do," he said, kissing her as he grabbed his keys. He turned to Robin and Regina. "I hate to run out on you…"
"It's okay. We should probably head out to pick up a few things ahead of the storm once we know Mary Margaret is on her way," Robin said, shaking David's hand.
He sighed in relief. "I'll be happier knowing she has you two looking out for her. Thank you."
Once he was gone, Mary Margaret laid Neal in his bassinet. She turned to them. "Do you mind helping me pack? A baby requires a lot, even for a short stay."
"We'd be happy to," Regina replied, standing up. "Just let me know where you want me to start."
Once Mary Margaret and Neal were safe at her parents', Robin and Regina had headed to the store to stock up on things they would need to weather the storm. They returned home and bunkered down, ready for the worst.
Wind howled outside their window and rain pounded down on the house. Despite it being late summer, Regina felt a chill in the air and she wrapped a blanket around her as she watched the weather report.
"Believe it or not, this is just the first bands of the storm," the meteorologist said. "The storm will continue to batter our area for the next several hours. Be prepared for high winds, flooding from ground swelling and dangerous lightning. If you're not some place safe, please get there now."
"I've gotten out some candles and flashlights, just in case we lose power," Robin said, handing her a bowl. "And of course, made plenty of mac and cheese."
"What about the beer?" she asked, settling against the couch back.
He set down his own bowl. "Just give me a moment, lovely."
She nodded, watching as he disappeared into the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with two bottles in hand, perspiration running down the brown bottles.
"Here you go," he said, handing her one. He then sat down next to her, grabbing his bowl again. "What are they saying?"
"It's bad and just going to get worse," Regina replied, moving closer to him. "We may need to use those candles and flashlights."
He nodded. "That's why I got them out."
"I guess we'll just have to figure out a way to keep ourselves entertained when the power goes out, though." She batted her eyes at him.
"Oh, I think we'll find something," he said, holding out a forkful of mac and cheese for her.
She ate it, smiling as she chewed. As she swallowed, the lights began to flicker. Robin set his bowl down and looked around. "Looks like we might have some trouble," he said.
"Well, you said we were ready. I believe you and I'm not scared. Besides, we're not in a flood zone." She frowned. "Right?"
"We're not. But they're warning of ground swelling. I'll need to keep an eye on the basement, just in case. Especially if the sub pump stops." Robin sighed.
She groaned. "The joys of being a home owner."
"I'll drink to that." He took a long pull from his bottle.
"Does that cancel our plans to entertain ourselves once the disco light show ends?" Regina glanced around as everything continued to flicker, the TV turning off.
The room plunged into darkness and Robin let out another exasperated sigh. "It doesn't cancel it but delay it for a bit. Let me go check a few things. I'll be right back."
"Okay," she replied, setting down her bowl as he left. It seemed the room had gotten chillier and she wrapped the blanket around her shoulders as she retrieved a lighter.
By the time Robin returned, she had lit several candles and placed them around the room. She laid on the couch, watching as he closed the basement door. "How is it?"
"So far, so good," he reported, setting his flashlight down. "I'll check on it later to make sure it stays that way."
She nodded, starting to undo the buttons on her shirt. "Does that mean we have some free time now?"
Robin grinned, kneeling on the couch. "I think we do. However will we spend it?"
"I think you had some ideas earlier." She grabbed his t-shirt, pulling him down until her lips met his.
He moaned as she shimmied out of her shirt and brought his hands up to cup her breasts. Robin moved his lips to press against her ear. "You weren't wearing a bra? Since when?"
"Since we got home," she replied, pulling up his shirt. "It seemed unnecessary and my breasts feel much better now that they are free."
She pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor to join her shirt. He kissed her as his thumb teased her nipple and he laid her flat on her back as she started to undo his belt.
Robin turned his attention to her neck and she gasped as he found a pressure point, sucking on it. He slipped a leg between hers and she began to rub against it, creating friction as her jeans brushed against her clit.
"God, that feels so good," she moaned. "Don't stop."
He chuckled before lowering his mouth to her breast. She bucked as his tongue brushed over her nipple, teasing it as she let out another moan.
"I love that sound," he said, dropping a kiss between her breasts. "I would rather hear that than the thunder."
"Then let's see if we can drown it out," she replied, guiding him to her other breast as she continued to rut against his leg. The chill in the air now felt refreshing as her skin heated up, sweat starting to coat her skin.
Robin released her breast, both nipples now hard, and trailed kisses down her stomach until he got to her jeans. He tsked as he shook his head. "These won't do. I'm afraid they have to come off."
"Only if yours come off as well."
"Fair enough." He popped open his jeans and unzipped them before pulling the pants off, leaving him in bright blue boxers. Robin hooked his thumbs around the waistband. "These too?"
She nodded. "I want you naked as the day you were born."
"Your wish is my command." He pulled his boxers off, freeing his hardening cock. She wrapped her hand around it and gave a few lazy pumps before he batted her hand away.
She pouted and he chuckled. "In good time, lovely. For now, though, I want you as naked as I am. And then I'm going to eat you out for dessert."
Her juices gushed out at the smoldering look in his eyes and the way he flicked his tongue over his lips. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Instead, she reached back and grabbed the armrest as he slid off her jeans.
Once she was laid bare before him, Robin urged her to sit up. She frowned. "What for?"
"I think I'll get better access if you're sitting and I'm kneeling. Let's see." He climbed off the couch and knelt as she sat up.
He pulled her until she was perched on the edge of the couch and her legs were hooked over his shoulders. Robin trailed kisses up her thighs before lapping at the wetness already pooling between her legs. As his tongue flicked over her clit, she groaned and leaned back on her elbows.
She gasped as a finger toyed at her entrance. Robin continued to lap and suck at her clit, making her grip the couch cushions as pleasure coursed through her veins. His finger entered her, brushing her g-spot and making her toes curl against his bare back.
"Slow down," she gasped. "If you go too fast, I'll finish too fast."
He chuckled, sending wonderful vibrations throughout her. "Don't worry, lovely."
Regina groaned as he added another finger, filling her even more. She brought up a hand to toy with her nipple, still pert from Robin's attentions earlier. The dual onslaught heightened the feelings coursing through her and she trembled.
"Robin," she whined. "So…fucking…close…"
One more finger had her up and over the edge, shouting her climax. Robin continued to lap as he slowed his pumping, letting her ride it out and come down gently.
Thunder rattled their windows and the winds howled outside. It sent a draft through the house but this time, it felt good against her skin rather than chilling her like it had earlier. She panted as Robin hoisted himself onto the couch again, nuzzling her neck. "How was that?"
She answered with a kiss, nibbling his bottom lip. He opened up easily to her, letting her tongue sweep his mouth. Regina tasted herself there, making her wet all over again as she straddled him.
They broke the kiss with a wet pop and he chuckled. "I guess that means it was good?"
"Very good," she purred.
He smirked, brushing her hair away from her shoulders. Robin pressed kisses along one until he reached her neck, finding her pressure point again. She threaded her fingers through his hair, moaning as he sucked.
She rocked against him, her clit rubbing against his hard shaft. Regina reached down to pump him again, ready for round two.
"I thought you didn't want to go too fast," Robin said, nipping at her ear as he palmed one of her breasts.
"Too late," she gasped. "Fuck me."
"Your wish is my command," he repeated before kissing her.
She guided his cock to her entrance, sliding herself over it until he filled her completely. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she began to ride him hard and fast.
Robin's hands splayed across her back, anchoring her as she gripped his shoulders. Her nails dug into him as the familiar wave of pleasure coursed through her again. His moans only urged her to go faster before his lips clasped over her nipple again.
His teeth pulled on the bud before his tongue teased it, making her moan. She held his head in place as she felt herself reaching her peak. Adjusting herself on his hip, his cock hit her g-spot and she saw the first stars appear before her eyes.
She felt her rhythm grow erratic but she didn't stop until she hit that peak, more stars exploding before her eyes. Regina stilled, moaning Robin's name as he continued thrusting in and out of her.
"Regina," he moaned, spilling inside her as he rode out his own orgasm. When he stilled, he was panting as hard as she.
The sound of the rain pelting against the window mixed with their pants as they pressed their slick foreheads together, holding each other as hot breaths mixed together. "I don't think I would mind more storms if it meant that," he rasped.
She laughed, kissing the tip of his nose. "Me too. Just as long as it didn't come with any damage or flooding."
"I hear you." He groaned before depositing her on the couch. "Speaking of that, I should go check the sub pump."
"Naked?" Regina raised her eyebrow, taking in her husband's undressed form.
He chuckled, retrieving his jeans. "I could. It's just us, right? I doubt the sub pump would care."
"And yet you're covering up that amazing ass anyway." She leaned back, looking him up and down.
"Yes, I am." He grabbed a flashlight. "Lie down and get some rest, lovely. I'll be right back."
"Hopefully," she muttered, curling up on the couch. She felt around for the blanket and wrapped it around her as her eyes closed.
She wasn't sure how long she had laid there before she heard Robin pad back into the room, but she didn't think too much time had passed. There was some rustling before he lifted the blanket and laid down next to her. Regina pressed herself against him, realizing he was naked again. "All good?" she asked, whispering.
"Yep. Sub pump is still working and there doesn't appear to be any flooding. So let's get some sleep and I'll check again in a few hours." He kissed her shoulder.
Regina nodded, letting the sound of the rain and his steady heartbeat lull her to sleep.
When she awoke, sunlight was streaming through the window and she realized she was in her bedroom. Regina sat up, frowning at Robin's empty side of the bed. When did she get up here and where was her husband?
She heard someone on the stairs and tried to see out her bedroom door. "Robin? Is that you?"
"Yes," he replied. "I just went to check on the basement. There's some water but nothing the wet vac can't deal with in short order. After breakfast, I'll need to check the outside."
Regina pushed back the covers and started to climb out of bed when Robin entered, carrying a tray. He frowned at her. "What are you doing?"
"I was going to make breakfast but I have a feeling you've already done that."
His frown turned into a grin. "I did. French toast, coffee and the morning paper."
"The paperboy still managed to deliver our paper?" Regina chuckled. "I'll have to give him a good Christmas gift then."
"Plenty of time for that. Eat up," he said, placing the tray down. "I'll be right back with my own coffee. One of those is mine, by the way. It was easier to put them all on one plate."
He gave her a warning look before slipping back out of the room. Regina chuckled, cutting into one of the pieces of French toast and trying to figure out if she could pretend she ate both before he got back, just to have some fun with her.
Robin returned a few minutes later with his own coffee and his cellphone pressed to his ear. She figured he was checking in with his employees, to see if any of their sites needed to be fixed after the storm, and paid him no mind. Until he said: "Sure. We'll be down there in a little bit, okay? Thanks."
He hung up as he climbed into bed with her. Regina frowned at him. "Who were you talking to?"
"The animal shelter," he replied. "After I moved in with John, we volunteered to foster animals in emergency situations. It's flooded and they need to get the animals out while they clean up."
Regina sat up straighter, unsure if she was ready to share her home and husband with an animal just yet. "So we're taking in a…?"
He shrugged. "Remains to be seen when we get there. I signed up for a few animals—dogs, cats, birds…"
"Birds?" She sighed, imaging a parrot screeching at her all-day long. But it was just like her husband to volunteer to care for such helpless creatures. Who was she to stop him? "Well, I guess it won't be too bad. They'll give us what we need to care for the dog or cat or bird for a few days, right?"
"They should," he replied. "We'll see when we get there. Now, eat up. We're probably going to need our energy."
She nodded, digging into her French toast. Regina paused, staring at the piece on her fork. "I do notice you made your favorite breakfast."
"I was in the mood. And I didn't know that I would be telling you we'd be taking in an animal for a few days until after I made it." He grinned at her.
"I'll give you that," she allowed before kissing his cheek. "And you did make me breakfast. So thank you."
Robin nodded. "Anything for you."
"Especially since you're bringing home a temporary pet." She was going to tease him all the way to the animal shelter and back. It was going to be more fun than pretending she ate his breakfast.
He chuckled. "Who knows? Maybe our temporary pet will turn into a permanent one?"
"Don't get your hopes up, Locksley. We discussed this," she reminded him. "We agreed to discuss pets after a year of marriage."
"I know, I know. Just…keep your mind open, yeah? You never know," he said. "I certainly wasn't looking for love when I went to pick up a box of macaroni and cheese two years ago and look at us now."
She gave him a look. "I doubt the same will be true of a pet. That's a big responsibility and commitment."
"And a girlfriend isn't?"
"At least I was housebroken," she quipped.
He let out a belly laugh, holding his coffee mug so it didn't spill onto their sheets. Shining blue eyes took her in. "Well, I guess you have me there."
She nodded. "Of course I do."
"Just finish your breakfast and we can head into town," he said. "No matter what, a dog or a cat needs a home for a few days. We can do that, right?"
Regina softened and she nodded. "Of course. Just…don't get too attached. That's all I'm saying."
"Understood," he replied, kissing her cheek. She cringed, feeling the sticky residue of maple syrup there.
She was careful to avoid her tray as she climbed out of bed. "Thanks. I need to go wash my face now. Might as well get ready too."
"That's the spirit!" he cheered and she rolled her eyes as she entered the bedroom. It would probably be a miracle if she didn't kill him today.
The police forced them to park almost three blocks from the animal shelter. As they walked to the building, they spotted David directing traffic and hurried over to him. "Good to see you," Robin said, holding out his hand.
"You too," David replied, shaking his hand. "Thank you for taking care of Mary Margaret and Neal for me."
"Of course. Are they okay?" Regina asked.
He nodded. "I spoke with her earlier. There was no flooding by her parents' and they only lost power for a few hours."
"Sounds similar to our situation," Robin said. He glanced around. "How bad is the flooding around here?"
David sighed. "The Storybrooke River overflowed and flooded everything within a ten-block radius. This is on the shallower end of things. We had to ask the National Guard to use boats to get those living closer to the river out of their homes."
Robin let out a low whistle. "How long do you think it'll take to clean it up?"
"Dunno," he replied. "I overheard some people from the city saying a week, maybe two."
"Two weeks?" Reginas asked, glancing over at Robin. "That's a lot longer than a few days."
David looked between the two, frowning in confusion. "What's going on?"
"A few years ago, I signed up to foster animals if the shelter every needed it. With the flooding, they've called us all in. So Regina and I are taking a dog or cat in for a bit," Robin explained.
"How nice," David replied with a smile. "Maybe it'll become…"
"Don't!" Regina held up her finger, silencing their friend with a look.
Robin rubbed the back of his head. "I've already broached that conversation and been reminded, quite rightly, that she and I agreed it would be best to wait to adopt a pet. Give us some time to each other before we were responsible for another living being."
"I guess it makes sense," David replied before sighing. "I won't keep you. Good luck and follow the officer's instructions, okay?"
They nodded and Regina took Robin's hand as they headed toward the animal shelter. She could see large puddles in the middle of streets and in people's yards in some cases. Regina was glad she had put on her rainboots even as Robin gave her a lift over one puddle in their path. "I'm really glad we live where we do," she told him.
"Me too," he replied, setting her down again. He motioned toward a large gray building. "We're here."
There was a line of people waiting when they got in and Robin approached one of the people waiting. "Is this the line to foster?"
"Yes," the woman replied. "I'm the end of the line. You can get behind me."
"Thank you," Regina told her, stepping behind her. Robin joined her, rubbing her back.
The line moved quickly and Regina watched as the people ahead of them left with dogs and cats. She wondered if there would be any left for them to foster and then wondered just how many animals needed homes.
"Next!" a volunteer called. She smiled at Robin and Regina. "Thanks for coming down to help. Name?"
"Robin Locksley," he said, leaning against the counter. "I also need to update my address. I moved a couple years ago and forgot to do that."
She nodded, pulling out some forms. "Just fill these out and we'll update our records once everything is up and running again. Do you have any preference for which animal you foster?"
He shook his head while Regina bit her lip. "You'll give us everything we need, right?"
"Oh, yes," the woman assured her. "Don't worry about that."
She then disappeared into the back as Robin finished up his paperwork. As he set down the pen, the volunteer returned with a small dog with silky brown fur and large ears that framed its face. It sat at her feet, staring up at Regina and Robin with soulful brown eyes.
"We call her Terry cause she's a Boykin terrier. They're a lovable breed who are affectionate and fiercely loyal to their owners. They're also good with children, if you have any," she said.
"No children," Regina replied, "but she does look adorable."
The woman nodded. "She doesn't really react to her name since we haven't had her long and we don't think her previous owner gave her a name. We found her in a crate, emaciated and shaking."
Anger and sadness mixed together as Regina took in Terry. Who could treat such a sweet and beautiful animal like that? "Some people don't deserve to be called people," she muttered.
"I agree," Robin said, frowning. He took Terry's leash before crouching down to pet her. "Don't worry. We'll take good care of you while you're with us."
She seemed hesitant but leaned into his touch, her tail hitting the floor as she wagged it. As Robin continued to lavish the dog with attention, the volunteer turned to Regina. "Do you want the items you'll need to take care of her?"
"Yes, please," Regina said. "Is it a lot?"
"No, just a crate, a couple bowls, some food and a few toys. We might have some problem getting her back in her crate," she replied, looking down at the dog who was halfway to a puddle of goo under Robin's hands.
Regina could relate to that.
"I think we'll manage," he said, smiling at the dog. "Terry is in good hands."
It took some time to coax the dog into her crate and by the time they got her home, she refused to leave again. She sat inside, shaking, and it broke Regina's heart again. "What do we do?" she asked Robin in a whisper.
"Just be patient," he whispered back. "We can't force her out. So if we leave her alone with the door open and maybe her food dish nearby, she'll come out on her own."
Regina nodded and watched as he filled the dishes the shelter gave them. He set them by the crate and then motioned for her to move away. They curled up on the couch and turned on the TV, waiting for Terry's next move.
It took almost an hour, but they watched as she poked her nose out of the crate. She sniffed around before stepping out and taking a few cautious steps toward her bowls. After a few more sniffs, she ate some of her food and then lapped at her water. Beside Regina, Robin started to shake with excitement. "She's coming out," he whispered.
"I know," she whispered back. "What now?"
"Watch." He stood and laid down by Terry, not moving. The dog regarded him for a bit before sniffing around. She then licked his face and let him pet her.
Regina smiled. "Do I have to do that as well?"
"Only if you want to," Robin replied.
"I'll think about it," she said, unsure if she wanted to bond with the dog like that. Not when they were going to return her soon so she could find a good forever home.
She stood up. "I'll make us some dinner. Do you want anything specific?"
"Whatever you make, I'll eat," he answered, still wrapped up in their canine visitor.
Regina nodded, heading into the kitchen while she tried not to worry that Robin was already becoming too attached to Terry and fought jealousy that the dog had her husband's complete attention.
That night, Regina sat up in bed and got some reading done. She had finally given up the fight against blurring words and bought a pair of reading glasses, which were perched at the edge of her nose as she read on. As she got more into the book, she grew less aware of her surroundings.
Until a small, warm but solid weight landed on her legs. She lowered her book, raising an eyebrow when she saw Terry on her legs. "Yes?" she asked.
The dog climbed up her body, lying down on her chest and looking up at her with big brown eyes. "Where's Robin? Isn't he your buddy?" Regina asked, noting the absurdity of having a conversation with a dog.
After a few minutes, she sighed and scratched Terry behind the ear. Her fur was silky soft and the dog was a comforting weight against Regina's chest. She watched as Terry closed her eyes, enjoying what Regina's fingers were doing.
It was a quick scratch and Regina turned back to her book. Except Terry had other plans, butting Regina's hand until it was on top of her head again. She stared up at Regina as if to say "Well? Aren't you going to pet me?"
"You're a bit demanding, aren't you?" she mused, scratching the dog's ear again. "There? Happy?"
Clearly Terry wasn't because she kept chasing Regina's hand, doing everything to keep it on her. After a few attempts to pull away, Regina gave up and set her book aside. She then focused on Terry, who lavished in the attention. "You're like a queen, aren't you?"
"Ahh, there you two are," Robin said, entering the room. He leaned over the bed and kissed Regina. "Getting to know our guest?"
"More like she's insisting on it," Regina replied. "She's a bit demanding."
"Then you two should get along just fine." His eyes sparkled with mirth as she gave him a playful swat.
Robin pulled away, still grinning. "I'm going to take a shower. Will you two be okay?"
"She's just a needy puppy," Regina assured him. "We'll be fine."
"Okay. I'll be right out." He slipped into their bathroom as Regina slid further down in their bed.
Terry adjusted, now curled up on Regina's stomach as she continued to pet the dog. Regina glanced down at her. "You're not sleeping on the bed. I draw the line there. But you can stay on until Robin gets out of the shower. Got it?"
The dog only yawned in response, closing her eyes as her tail thumped against Regina's legs every so often. Regina didn't know when she fell asleep, but when she woke up the next morning, Robin was asleep beside her and Terry was curled between their legs.
Over the next few days, Terry made herself at home with the Locksleys. She took over one of the armchairs in the living room, curling up on it constantly. Regina started referring to it as the dog's "throne" and one day, she came home from work to find Terry sitting there. Without thinking, she gave a little bow and said, "Your Majesty."
Even Robin took to calling the dog "Your Majesty" and "Queen," like Regina did. Like when she would pick up her leash in her mouth and then go sit by the door, waiting for one of them (him) to walk her. Or when she jumped on his lap and rolled onto her back, belly bared for a good rub. "She definitely knows what she wants and goes and gets it," he said.
"You certainly have a type," Regina teased him. He let out a bark of laughter which startled Terry from her spot on the bed curled up between their legs. She glanced them over before resting her head on her paws again, certain they were okay.
Queen Terry, though, was starting to worm her way into Regina's heart. She had to admit it was nice to have someone greet her at the door on the days she beat Robin home. And even if she had to be careful in the kitchen with the dog now underfoot, she liked to sneak Queen Terry a few pieces of meat. She learned that Terry knew some tricks that way and Regina was slowly teaching her a few more.
Regina loved when Queen Terry curled up on the couch with her and she just absentmindedly ran her fingers through the dog's soft fur. She also loved taking Queen Terry on a walk with Robin, the two holding hands as the dog trotted happily in front of them. And she loved watching her husband with Queen Terry, how he lit up no matter what he had to do with her. He coddled and adored that dog.
She just fit so well with them.
They had Queen Terry over a week when Robin got the call. Regina had watched from the kitchen table as his face had fallen and he told the person on the other side that they would "bring her back tomorrow." It was then she knew and her stomach clenched as she looked at the dog sleeping under the table.
"The shelter is all fixed up," he said, taking his seat again. "They're calling for all the animals that were being fostered."
She nodded. "So this is our last night with Her Majesty?"
"I'm afraid so," he replied, sadness tinging his words as he looked down at the sleeping dog. Regina reached over and took his hand, lacing her fingers with his as they continued to watch Queen Terry.
Regina lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Beside her, Robin was sound asleep but not even his rhythmic breathing could lull her to sleep. All she could focus on was the warm weight on her legs as Queen Terry slept on. She realized in twenty-four hours there would be no more Queen Terry sleeping between their legs, greeting her at the door or cuddling on the couch. And that hurt almost as much as the three days she spent arguing with Robin early in their relationship.
She had come to enjoy the dog's presence and having someone who relied on her. Regina loved taking care of the dog, no matter how demanding Queen Terry could get. Late night walks, tricking her into eating her kibble, teaching her tricks, brushing her soft fur…Regina enjoyed it all. She also loved when the dog curled up on her lap, her warmth, breathing and heartbeat comforting. Everything would feel emptier with all that gone.
Tears spilled down her cheeks and the truth hit her with such clarity, she gasped. She then shook Robin, who grunted in response. "We can't give her back," she sobbed.
"What?" he asked, sitting up as he blinked away sleep. "Who?"
"Her Majesty. She belongs with us. She needs to stay here," Regina said, trying to speak around the lump in her throat.
Robin nodded, now fully awake, and brushed some tears from her cheeks. "I agree. I've known it from the first day we had her, but I didn't want to push you into doing something you didn't want."
"I want her, Robin," she said. "We need her and she needs us."
"Then I'll call the shelter in the morning to see what we'll need to do to officially adopt her. How does that sound?"
She wrapped her arms around him, hugging tightly. "Thank you so much. I can't believe I've gotten this emotional over a dog."
"I think it's been a long time coming," he replied. "Most likely since Neal was born."
Regina pulled away, annoyed. "Not everything goes back to the fact I can't have children."
He sighed, turning on the lamp as he sat up properly. "I know. And if I've ever given you that impression, I'm sorry. It's just…I don't think you can deny that holding Neal sped up your biological clock. Because it certainly sped up mine."
"It did?" Something shifted in Regina and she moved closer to Robin, feeling guilty. Sometimes she got so wrapped up in herself, she forgot that Robin was affected too and wanted a family just as badly as she did. Regina wrapped her arms around him again. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have accused you of boiling me down to just my POI. You've never done so before…"
"I get it," he assured her, pressing her against him as he kissed the top of her head. "And I get that we agreed to timelines and the ones we worked out were more than reasonable. But maybe we just need to let life happen, whether it sticks to our timeline or not. Like sending us Her Majesty."
She clutched onto his shirt. "You think it might be telling us the same about becoming parents?"
"All I know is that holding that baby boy felt so right and that I know we're ready to be parents." He smiled down at her.
"Maybe we are," she said, glancing down at Queen Terry. "We are ready for a dog, after all."
He kissed the top of her head again. "So you're willing to at least start considering it?"
"Yes," she said. "But first let's adopt ourselves a dog. We can worry about adopting a human being after that."
"Sounds like a plan to me," he replied, chuckling.
Regina pulled away, kissing him. "Good night, Robin."
"Good night." He kissed the tip of her nose before turning off the lamp again. They settled back down and within minutes of lying her head on his chest, Regina was sound asleep.
Queen Terry was not happy to be put into her crate again. She cried all the way back to the shelter, which almost broke Regina's heart. Throughout the drive, she had to remind herself that it was necessary so that they could take the sweet dog home forever.
It took some time but Regina and Robin walked out of the shelter with the newly rechristened Queen in tow. She trotted happily between them, tail wagging as she realized she got to stay with them.
After a trip to the pet store to get more items they would need, they all arrived at home. Queen immediately jumped onto her chair and curled up there. Regina smiled as she shook her head, resting against Robin as he came to stand behind her. "Looks like Her Majesty has reclaimed her throne."
"Indeed," he murmured. "How about I order us some sushi and then we can go over some of the pamphlets I picked up about adoption?"
"That sounds wonderful," she replied with a sigh. She kissed him. "I'm the luckiest woman in the world."
He chuckled. "Well, I think the luckiest woman should go relax on the softest couch in the world."
"Oh? And where would that be?" She bit her lip to hold back her laughter.
Robin rolled his eyes and nudged her closer to their couch. "I'll be right back. Try not to hog the entire couch."
"No promises," she called to his retreating form. She sat down on the couch, curling up on it as she sighed. It had been a long day getting everything they would need for Queen but it was worth it.
Queen leapt from the armchair to the couch, curling up against Regina. Chuckling, Regina rubbed behind her ear and the dog's tail began to wag. "You're the luckiest dog in the world, you know that? You are going to be so spoiled by Robin, I just know it."
"Not just me," Robin said, entering the room again. He grinned at her. "After all, who spent twenty minutes choosing the perfect collar for her?"
Regina toyed with the little crown dangling from the pink collar around Queen's neck. "It was a big decision."
"Of course," he replied, moving toward her. She sat up, letting him plop down before lying across his lap with Queen.
He scratched behind the dog's ear. "We definitely lucked out with that storm. It brought us Her Majesty."
She hummed in response, watching Queen's eyes close. Regina leaned closer to Robin. "Do you think we're ready to adopt?"
"I think we're ready to begin the process," he said. "It's going to take a long time. We've been told that."
Regina nodded, knowing that it could take a few years before a child was placed with them. It gave them plenty of time to experience their life together before adding a third person into the mix. Still, she had her doubts now that her dearest dream was about to become a reality. "Are you sure we're ready?"
He kissed the top of her head. "How do you feel when you hold Neal?"
"Like I never want to let him go," she replied. "I want to rock him and take care of him, no matter what happens—sleepless nights, dirty diapers, spit up, fussy eater. I'll take it all and I want to make him happy."
"We're ready," Robin assured her, tapping his heart. "I can feel it here. We're ready to share our lives with someone else, to devote ourselves to that person and making sure he or she has the best life possible. We're ready to share our love."
She tugged on his shirt, pulling him down so she could give him a searing kiss. He moaned into it, starting to shift closer to her before a yelp startled them. Queen had retreated to the other side of the couch, giving them an annoyed look.
"Oops. Sorry, girl." Robin reached out his hand toward her. Queen sniffed it before licking it, climbing back between them.
Regina chuckled before reaching for one of the pamphlets. "Alright, let's see how painful this is going to be."
"It's going to be worth it," Robin reminded her, rubbing Queen's stomach as the dog lay on her back.
She nodded. "I know it is. We're going to be parents and it's going to be amazing."
They laid there on the couch, going over the information about adoption and different agencies in Storybrooke as Queen drifted off to sleep. Regina smiled, realizing her dream was slowly coming true—she had the loving husband, the dream house and the dog. It was more than enough for someone like her who once had that all yanked out from under her with one diagnosis but she knew she could have it all. She was going to be a mother and she was going to love her child with everything she had.
Just like she had come to love the sleeping terrier weighing down her legs in such a short time.
A/N: This is dedicated to RegalHoodie17 (OutlawQueenFaith), who asked for Robin and Regina to adopt a dog way back in October.
As a reminder, I do accept prompts/suggestions for this verse. Feel free to leave them in reviews or on my tumblr (believingispowerfulmagic).
I've also started our couple on the path to parenthood. So we'll have to look forward to!
Thanks for reading and being so patient! But it does look like I'm back on my once a month posting schedule. And I'll try to keep to it.
-Mac