Chapter 4: Sleepless in Storybrooke

"I'm glad the heatwave finally broke," Mary Margaret said, setting two glasses of lemonade down on her patio table. "I hated keeping Neal cooped up in the house."

She sat down as she looked out to where David and Robin were playing with the kids in the pool. Neal splashed around, soaking his father, while Margot was content to play with an octopus as she floated in her father's arms. David and Robin talked as they stood in the water, happy as clams.

"I know," Regina said. "I felt the same about keeping Margot in that hotel room. But she seemed to be okay with it."

"You all could've stayed with us," Mary Margaret insisted. "We have plenty of room."

Regina sighed. "I know but I think it was probably better if we just stayed in the hotel room. We didn't know how long we would be and you know what they say about guests and fish."

Mary Margaret gave her a pointed look. "You would not start to stink after three days, Regina. We would've loved to have you, Robin and Margot for however long it took to get your AC fixed."

"Well, we can't go back and change the past," Regina said. "I think it worked out for everyone in the end."

She glanced over at Robin, recalling the few nights they shared a bed together. Regina missed falling asleep by his side and waking up curled around him. She swore she slept better with him than when she was on her own but figured that was just her feelings for him romanticizing the truth. It was very likely she slept the same with or without him.

But part of her hoped it was true.

"You're staring," Mary Margaret whispered, though it felt like she had shouted it as Regina nearly jumped out of her seat.

Regina slowly turned to her friend, who was smirking. As the adrenaline ebbed, Regina asked: "What?"

"You're staring at Robin," Mary Margaret replied smugly. "What exactly happened in that hotel room?"

"Nothing," Regina insisted, knowing it was the truth. "We just shared a bed together and spent time as family. It was pretty sweet but nothing newsworthy."

Mary Margaret's eyes narrowed as she leaned closer. "I'm sorry, did you saw you two shared a bed?"

Regina swallowed before trying to play it nonchalantly, not wanting her friend to make a big deal of it. "The hotel only had a room with a single bed. It was big enough for the two of us and so we shared it. No big deal."

"Uh huh," Mary Margaret said, tilting her head. "If it's no big deal, why aren't you meeting my eyes and why are your cheeks turning pink?"

"Okay, okay," Regina said, leaning closer and dropping her voice. "There may have been some cuddling going on."

Mary Margaret squealed and Regina hushed her, motioning for her to lower her voice. "Robin doesn't know."

"What do you mean Robin doesn't know?" Mary Margaret asked, frowning. "How were you cuddling then?"

"It happened when we were asleep," Regina explained, recalling waking up pressed against Robin as he held her close. "We must've just gravitated toward each other and snuggled together."

"That sounds really sweet," Mary Margaret said, going doe-eyed. "And you never told Robin?"

Regina shook her head. "He had already been nervous about that happening and making me uncomfortable, even offering to go sleep in our hot house to prevent it. I didn't want him to know that it had happen, even if I was the one cuddling him."

"You cuddled him?" Mary Margaret leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Tell me more."

"What?" Regina asked, not sure what her friend wanted to know and worried that Robin would overhear their conversation the longer it went on.

Mary Margaret rolled her eyes. "Come on. Were you spooning? If so, who was big spoon and who was little spoon? Or was it something else entirely?"

"Something else entirely," Regina told her, hoping to end the conversation quickly. "I was wrapped around his side and he had his arm around me, holding me close."

"That sounds sweet," Mary Margaret said, sighing dreamily. "Did you feel uncomfortable waking up like that with him?"

Regina shifted in her seat. "No, but I am uncomfortable talking about it here. Robin can get out of the pool and walk up to us. So please, just drop it."

"You can't keep running from your feelings for him, Regina," Mary Margaret insisted. "It will only hurt you and him in the end."

"Now you're just being hyperbolic," Regina told her, almost hissing. "I know you mean well but I really, really need you to stop meddling in this case. Okay?"

Mary Margaret pressed her lips together but nodded. "Fine. But just know that I want what's best for you, Regina. I just want you to be happy."

"I know you do," Regina admitted with a sigh, knowing that in her heart. "I just need you to trust that I know what makes me happy and not to push whatever fairy tale is playing out in your head on me. Okay?"

"Okay," Mary Margaret said. "I just don't want you to look back and regret not giving Robin a chance."

"I'm sure I won't," Regina lied, wondering if maybe her friend was right after all.

A shadow fell over her and she felt drops of cold water hit her skin. She recoiled as she looked up, finding Robin standing there with a fussy Margot. He gave her a sheepish smile as he said: "Sorry to interrupt but Margot is hungry. Do you have her snacks?"

"Yes," Regina said, reaching for the diaper bag. She pulled out a container with Goldfish crackers in it and opened it. Holding it up to Margot, she smiled. "There you go, sweetheart."

Margot let out a cry of happiness as she took the cup. She picked up a fish and placed it in her mouth, chewing it happily as Robin kissed the side of her head. "There you go, sweetheart. I told you Mama would have a snack for you," he said.

"Do you want to sit?" Mary Margaret asked, pulling out a chair. "We can put a towel down for you."

"Yeah, that sounds good," Robin agreed, nodding. "Thank you."

Mary Margaret jumped up and retrieved a towel to place on the chair. Robin then sat down, settling Margot on his lap as she placed her cup of Goldfish on the table, still happily munching on them. He kissed the top of her hat, unable to reach her head due to it.

"So, Robin, Regina was telling me about your adventure in the hotel," Mary Margaret said, clearly ignoring the look Regina shot her.

He chuckled. "Adventure? Was it that bad?"

"Not bad," Mary Margaret said. "Just cramped."

"Cramped? I'd say cozy," he replied, shrugging. "I think Margot enjoyed her time there and getting to spend more time with us."

Mary Margaret nodded. "Neal enjoyed the hotel we went to when we visited David's mother. I think he enjoyed having all our attention and nowhere else for us to go. I imagine Margot was the same."

"She was," Regina replied, reaching out and brushing some crumbs from Margot's face. "And I know I enjoyed all the cuddling we did."

"Me too," Robin said. "But we still get cuddling in at home. Right, sweetheart?"

He rubbed Margot's stomach and she let out a little laugh before turning back to her snack. Love bubbled through Regina and she smiled, pleased with her little family. It was certainly unconventional but it worked for her.

"You're so great with her, Robin," Mary Margaret said. "You're a natural father."

"Thank you," he replied. "Margot makes it easy. So does Regina. She's a natural mother."

Mary Margaret nodded. "I know. She's always been great with Neal."

Regina's cheeks burned. "How did this turn into lavish praise on Regina time? And does this mean you two need me to do something?"

"Not at all," Robin said, looking affronted. "You know I never pass up an opportunity to praise you, ulterior motive or not."

Mary Margaret raised her hand. "I do need you to do something but that's not why I complimented you."

"Uh huh," Regina teased her, knowing that her friend was right. Mary Margaret had only piggy-backed onto Robin's compliment and had said something she had said many times before. Still, she wanted to have a little fun with her. "Sure."

"Well, if it gets you to agree to help me carry out some things for dinner, I won't mind," Mary Margaret replied with a grin.

Regina rolled her eyes but stood. "Fine. Lead the way."

"Is there anything I can do?" Robin asked, still holding Margot as she finished her snack and started to bang the cup it had been in.

Mary Margaret shook her head. "I think Regina and I can manage. Can you let David know that we're getting ready?"

"Sure," he said, taking the cup from Margot and standing. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go talk to Uncle David and Neal."

She clapped as they approached the pool and Regina headed inside with Mary Margaret. Thankfully her friend dropped her interrogation and was now focused on getting dinner ready. Regina relaxed, ready to enjoy the rest of their day together.

Just as long as Mary Margaret didn't say anything about the cuddling that happened while they were staying in the hotel.

Margot and Neal played in the pack and play on the patio, rolling a ball between them. Robin grabbed a can of soda this time, knowing he would need to drive them home soon. Sipping it, he approached the grill. "Need any help?" he asked David.

"I think I got it," David assured him. "It's only the four of us."

"Alright," Robin said, sipping his soda. "You know how much I hate standing around."

David nodded. "I know. Do you want to toast the buns then?"

Relief flooded Robin and he set down his soda. "Yes, that sounds great. Thanks, mate."

"Anytime," David replied, clapping him on the back. He motioned to the bag of buns. "Help yourself."

Pulling out a few buns, Robin separated them and placed them on the grill to monitor them. "There. I know Regina likes her only a little toasted and you like yours burnt, so I'll have to be careful," Robin said.

David chuckled. "You all love to tease me about how I love my buns."

"It is a bit weird," Robin said. "But you do you."

"Thanks," David replied, sipping his beer. "So, tell me more about this hotel stay you and Regina recently had."

Robin shrugged. "Not much to say. Except that we enjoyed spending a lot more time with Margot. She loved crawling over the bed with us."

"Bed?" David asked. "As in one?"

"Yes, the hotel only had a single left and so Regina and I shared a bed," Robin said. "Why?"

David raised an eyebrow. "Seems like an important detail to leave out."

"No, it doesn't," Robin replied, hoping David would drop the subject and move onto something else.

Unfortunately, he didn't. "Oh, come on. You got to share a bed with the woman you're pining after and you want me to think it's not an important detail?"

"I'm not pining after Regina," Robin lied. "No matter what your wife thinks."

"Not just her. I think it and so do most of our friends," David said. "You can deny it all you want but the truth is that you love Regina and pine after her. Just make a move already. Please."

Robin frowned, sipping his soda. "There's no move to make. We're just friends. That's it."

"You are so much more than friends and you know it," David said. "What you two have is special."

"Exactly. So I'm not going to do anything to ruin that," Robin argued. He glanced at Margot. "There's too much at stake."

David sighed. "So you're just going to ignore your true feelings for her forever?"

"Who said I'm ignoring anything?" Robin asked.

"You," David said. "You keep vacillating between insisting that you love Regina as a friend and fearing that confessing that you love her romantically would ruin everything. So what is it?"

Robin shifted, forgetting how perceptive his friend could be. After all, he didn't become one of the best in the sheriff's office for no reason. "It could be both."

"It could be," David agreed. "But I don't think so in your case. I think it's your tell."

"That I'm really completely in love with Regina?" Robin asked, uncomfortable with how honest this conversation was getting.

David nodded. "Pretty much."

"Well, I'm not," Robin lied. "And I would appreciate it if you and your wife stopped insisting otherwise. Okay?"

"Okay," David replied, holding up his hands in a surrender position. "But I think you both are fools missing out on the loves of your lives."

Robin shrugged. "We have each other as friends. Do we really need more?"

"Yes," David said. "But it's your loss."

"What his loss?" Regina asked, leaving the house. She looked between the two expectantly, waiting for the answer.

Robin held his breath, wondering what David would say. To his relief, his friend answered: "I asked Robin if he wanted to go to the shooting range with me but he told me he's not going to switch from a bow and arrow to guns and bullets."

"Of course not," Regina said, setting some bowls down on the table. "I also wouldn't be comfortable with a gun in the house."

"That's what I told him," Robin lied, going along with the cover story. "Especially with Margot in the house."

She nodded, looking pleased. "Exactly."

David sighed. "Oh well. Maybe one day."

"Keep dreaming," Regina said, patting David's cheek before she returned into the house.

Once the door was closed, Robin glared at David. "That was cutting it close."

"Sorry," David said. "But if you and Regina are just friends, why would you care that I was encouraging you to date her? Wouldn't it just be something to laugh about once you get home?"

"Maybe," Robin replied, knowing his friend had a point. "Or it would make things awkward and we don't want that."

David sighed. "Alright. I can see I'm not going to win this argument. I just hope neither of you look back on this in ten, twenty or thirty years and wish you had made a move."

"I doubt we will," Robin said, certain he was lying. "But thank you."

Mary Margaret came out and looked at the men. "How are those burgers coming?"

"Should be done any moment," David replied. "And Robin's been toasting the buns as well."

"Sounds good," Mary Margaret said, heading toward the table. Robin and David focused on getting the hamburgers and cheeseburgers on to the buns before Regina took the plate for them. They turned off the grills before joining the women at the table.

Robin sat next to Regina, watching as she bit happily into the hamburger. "Good?"

She nodded, chewing before swallowing. "You toasted the bun to perfection. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied, placing some toppings on his cheeseburger. "But David did the hard work."

"And now I'm going to enjoy all my hard work," David said, taking a bite into his hamburger. He chewed before swallowing, giving a chef's kiss. "Perfection."

Robin chuckled before taking a bite of his dinner. It tasted amazing and he chewed it happily, enjoying every moment. He nodded after swallowing. "Yes, indeed."

"So, Mary Margaret, looking forward to the end of the school year?" Regina asked their friend. Robin was glad for a good topic, knowing that their shared hotel room likely wouldn't come up again any time soon.

"Yes," Mary Margaret replied. "This class has really been trying my patience this year. I don't know what it is but they just are all way too hyper for their own good."

Regina chuckled. "You say that now but I know you'll be all teary-eyed on their last day of class."

Mary Margaret shook her head. "Not with this group. I will happily wave them off and let their second grade-teacher deal with them. I spoke with all the kindergarten teachers and they assure me next year's group are not as crazy as this year's."

"That's good," Robin said, wondering what teachers would be saying about Neal and Margot once they got to school. He then pushed that thought away, not ready to think about his little girl in school. That led down a path that usually made him tear up and get a little depressed as he ultimately thought of her leaving home to live her own life.

He wanted to cherish all these moments with her when she was younger and not worry about the future.

"We're thinking of going on vacation next month," David said. "I can't get too much time off but we're thinking of going to the cape for a long weekend."

"That sounds like a lot of fun," Regina replied before taking another bite of her hamburger.

Robin nodded, thoughts running through his head as he turned to her. "Do you want to go on vacation too?"

She shrugged. "I honestly hadn't thought about it. Where would we go?"

"Your call," he said. "But I guess some place we can take Margot as well. Do you want to go to Disney?"

"I think we should hold off on Disney until she's older," Regina said. "That way she can really enjoy it and we don't have to deal with an overheated and overstimulated toddler."

He nodded, knowing she had a point. "Okay."

"We don't have to go this summer," she pointed out. "She's not in school yet. We can go in the autumn or winter."

"That is true," David agreed. "And there are plenty of cool things to do in those seasons."

Mary Margaret nodded. "Not to mention getting away from the snow if you want."

"Or heading toward it," David said. "Don't you both ski?"

"We do," Regina replied, "but I still don't know if I want to start Margot that young."

He nodded, realizing there were so many pros and cons to possible vacation spots. "I think we need to do some research before we make a decision," he said.

"Agreed," she said. "We'll find the right vacation in good time."

David chuckled. "You two are really great together."

Robin's stomach tightened as he prayed their friend wasn't about to force them to talk about their feelings. But to his relief, David then said: "That's why you two are best friends."

"Yes," Regina agreed, placing her hand over Robin's. "Exactly."

He nodded. "Best friends forever."

"Well, if you find a great vacation spot, let us know," Mary Margaret said. "And we'll do the same for you. Deal?"

"Deal," Regina said.

Margot let out a cry and banged her empty bowl against her tray. Robin chuckled, his attention now on his daughter. "Are you still hungry, sweetheart?" he asked her.

"Food," she said. "Food!"

"What do you say?" Regina asked, leaning closer to Margot. "Can you say please for Mommy?"

Margot tilted her head. "Food?"

"Please?" Regina repeated.

"Food," Margot said. "Peas?"

Robin chuckled. "I think that's close enough, don't you?"

"I do," Regina replied, starting to stand. "I'll go get her some food."

He stood instead, motioning for her to sit down. "I'll go. It's in the diaper bag, right?"

She nodded, sitting back down as relief filled her eyes. "Thank you so much. I appreciate that."

"You've done a lot today while I've been relaxing. It's only fair," he said, picking up Margot. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go get you more food."

"Food!" Margot cheered, hugging him. "Food."

He chuckled, kissing the top of her head as he opened the back door. "Yes, indeed."

They crossed to the kitchen where Robin found Regina's diaper bag. He quickly located her extra food for Margot and undid the top, holding the container out to his daughter. "Here you go, princess."

"Food!" She happily dug into the easy to eat finger foods, feeding them one by one to herself. Robin kissed her forehead before carrying her back toward the backyard.

He paused by the backdoor, admiring Regina through the glass. She laughed at something Mary Margaret said, her brown eyes shining. Dark curls framed her face and her tan skin had darkened in the summer sun. Regina always looked beautiful but there were some moments where he was stuck even more by her beauty.

This was one of those moments.

"Mommy is really pretty," Robin told Margot. "She's like a queen."

Margot looked up at him before looking toward the door. She reached out her hand. "Mama!"

"Yes," he replied, chuckling. "Mama. You want to go see her?"

"Mama!" Margot said again, now leaning forward as if trying to go through the door to Regina. Robin opened the door and carried her out to the table.

Regina looked up as they approached, frowning. "Is something wrong?"

"She wants you," Robin explained, holding Margot out to her. "She was saying your name once she saw you."

"Mama!" Margot said, leaning toward Regina.

Laughing, Regina took the little girl from him and kissed her cheek. "Did you miss me, sweetheart?"

Margot rested her head on Regina's shoulders as she laid against her body. Regina rubbed her back as she gave Robin a knowing look. "I think someone's had a little too much fun in the sun today," she said.

"Me too," he replied. He looked at Mary Margaret and David. "Do you mind if we take our desserts to go?"

"Of course not," Mary Margaret said, standing. "If Margot is about to go, I'm sure Neal is as well. Do you want to put her in his crib for now?"

Robin glanced down at Regina, knowing they did have Margot's pajamas in their diaper bag. They could change her and put her down with Neal so they could enjoy a couple more hours with their friends. But when Margot started whimpering, he knew the answer.

"I think it's best if we head home," Regina said apologetically. "We'll have to take a raincheck on dessert."

David nodded as Mary Margaret stood. She smiled softly. "I'll go get you those desserts."

"Thank you," Robin said. He turned to Regina. "Do you want to change her before we go or wait until we get home?"

"I think a bath will help," she said, standing as Margot continued to fuss in her arms. "We can change her at home."

He nodded, heading back into the house to get the diaper bag. Mary Margaret met him, handing him a container. "This is your dessert – one for you, one for Regina and one for Margot," she said.

"Thank you," he said, taking the container. "We'll have to have you and David over for coffee and cake one day to make up for this."

"We'll look forward to it," she replied. "Have a good night."

He nodded. "You too."

After placing the container in the diaper bag, Robin shouldered it and pulled out the car keys. Regina entered the house with a red-faced Margot, giving Mary Margaret a one-armed hug while thanking her for a good day. She then nodded at Robin, sighing. "We better head home," she said.

"I'll go start the car so that it's not so hot," he said, hugging Mary Margaret as well. "Give me a few minutes."

She nodded. "Thank you."

Robin shook David's hand before leaving the house. He climbed into his SUV and felt the heat press down on him. Starting the car, he immediately blasted the AC and tried to chase the heat away. Leaning back in his seat, he smiled as the air began to cool and feel less oppressive. Regina came out with a pouting Margot and buckled the girl into her car seat. "We're on our way home," she told the girl. "You'll be in your crib soon enough."

"I think I'm going to turn in early as well," Robin said, buckling up as Regina climbed into the passenger seat. "A little too much sun and fun for me."

"I think it's just going to be an early night for all of us," Regina said, closing her eyes after buckling herself in. "We had a lot of fun."

"We did," he said, pulling away from the curb to head home. "And now it's time to rest."

Regina didn't respond. As he stopped at a stop sign, he glanced over at her and saw her breathing had evened out. He chuckled, looking back at Margot. "Mama's fallen asleep," he told her.

She just blinked in response before staring back at him with glazed eyes. He nodded, checking for oncoming traffic before moving again. "Okay, sweetheart, I'll get my girls home and into bed. Just relax and leave the driving to me," he said.

No one responded.

Robin drove in complete silence, taking the longer way home so that Regina and Margot could get some sleep. It was just a small thing but it was one of the many ways he took care of them, loved them.

Even if they never knew.

He did and that was all that mattered.

Why was she awake?

Regina lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as she pondered that question. Her room was dark and cool enough. And she knew she was tired. She had fallen asleep on the short drive from Mary Margaret and David's. Robin had nearly tried to carry her in but she managed to walk from the car to the house.

Though she wished she had let him.

Sighing, she rolled over and closed her eyes. Regina tried to will herself to sleep but it just wasn't coming. It was unlikely that her nap in the car restored any energy and she could feel how tired she was in her bones. She should be sound asleep.

Yet she was still awake.

What was she missing?

You know what you're missing, a voice that sounded like Mary Margaret's whispered in her mind. Robin.

"Fuck," she whispered, knowing the voice was right. Ever since they spent those days in the hotel, she had missed falling asleep with him and waking up with him. And she missed cuddling with him, no matter how accidental.

But she couldn't just sneak into his room and climb into bed with him. It would likely freak him out and he could decide to move out, removing her from Margot's life. She loved that little girl as her own daughter and she wouldn't do anything to jeopardize her relationship with Margot.

She was just going to have to find a way to fall asleep without him.

Regina pushed back the blankets as she climbed out of bed. Perhaps she could cuddle a pillow. It would be a poor substitute for Robin's warm solid but soft body yet it was the best she could do.

As she padded down the hallway, she heard soft crying coming from Margot's room. Concerned, she opened the door and walked into the room. Leaning over the crib, she sat Margot sitting up and crying.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" she asked, turning on the light. When she looked back, the answer was clear – Margot was covered in throw up and it was on her bedding as well. Regina's heart sank as she picked up Margot. "Are you sick?"

Margot nodded, trying to cuddle with Regina. She wrapped her arms around Regina's neck and Regina tried not to wince as she felt the girl's soiled nightgown press against her shirt. It seemed she was going to have to change too.

But first, she needed to take care of Margot.

"Okay," she said, shifting Margot to her hip. "Let's go get you into a bath and get you all clean."

"Mama," Margot said, resting her head on Regina's shoulder. "Mama make better?"

Regina nodded. "I'm going to help you feel better."

She carried Margot into the hallway and headed down to the bathroom. For a moment, she considered waking Robin to help her but she decided that would take too long. Regina was certain she could handle getting Margot and her bed clean on her own.

But as she ran the water for the bath, she felt a shadow fall over her before Margot said: "Papa!"

"Hello, princess," he said. Regina turned her head to see him crouch in front of their daughter, frowning. "Are you sick?"

She nodded. "Mama make better."

He smiled, glancing up at Regina. "I'm sure she will."

"Would you mind going and cleaning up her bedding?" Regina asked him, relieved to have some extra hands. "I'll wash her."

"Okay," he said, but he didn't move. He frowned as he pressed his hand to Margot's forehead. "Do you think this is because she was in the sun too long today?"

Regina paused, her heart skipping a beat as she considered his question. "I don't know. What are the signs of heatstroke?"

"I'm not sure if they are different for her age," he replied. "I think I'm going to call the hotline."

She nodded, taking off Margot's nightgown. "I'll put her in the bath to cool her down if that's the case."

"Let's take her temperature first," he said, reaching for their thermometer. He held it to her forehead and waited for it to beep. "One hundred one."

"That doesn't seem too high," she said, calming down as Robin left the room. Perhaps it wasn't heatstroke after all.

Regina placed Margot in the bath and poured some water over her blonde curls. She tried to smile as Margot just sat in the bath, not splashing, but it was concerning. Praying that nothing serious was wrong with her daughter, she continued washing Margot up.

"She is a bit lethargic," Robin said, coming into the bathroom with his phone pressed to his ear. "No, she doesn't look red. She looks pale, honestly."

He paused for a moment and Regina held her breath as he nodded a few times. "So it's not heatstroke? Thank god…"

"Thank god indeed," Regina said, relieved as she started to wash Margot's hair.

"Likely a stomach bug?" Robin asked, sounding as relieved as Regina felt. "Okay. Yeah, we'll keep her cool and hydrated. Thank you so much."

He ended the call and ran his fingers through his hair. "The hotline doctor thinks she might have a bug that's going around the daycares right now but we can always bring her to the doctor in the morning to confirm if we want."

"Sounds good," Regina replied. While she hated that Margot was sick, at least she knew she could handle a stomach bug rather than possible heatstroke.

She looked up at Robin. "Can you go change her bedding? She was sick all over it."

He nodded. "Got it. Do you want me to bring you a change of clothes as well?"

"No," she said. "I can change once she's settled in bed again."

"Okay," he replied. "I'll be back shortly."

Robin left the room as Regina rinsed out Margot's hair. She then washed her daughter's body before rinsing her off again. Grabbing a towel, she lifted Margot from the bath and held her close. "Do you feel better, sweetheart?" she asked.

"Tummy hurt," Margot said, cuddling against Regina. "Mama make better?"

"Yes," Regina promised. "I'll help you feel better."

That seemed to please Margot and she closed her eyes as she rested her head on Regina's shoulder. Regina carried her down the hall and into the nursery, finding Robin just finishing with the crib. He held out his arms. "Here, I'll dress her. You go take your own shower," he said.

"Thank you," she said, handing Margot to him. "I'll be right back."

He nodded, cuddling Margot as he rubbed her back. "Let's get you changed and back into bed. You have nice clean sheets and I'm sure they'll feel good against your skin."

"Tummy hurt," Margot repeated. "Make stop."

Robin kissed her forehead. "Mama and I will do our best to make it stop."

Knowing Margot was in good hands, Regina slipped out of the room to head to the shower. She started the water and shed her pajamas, dropping them into the hamper before jumping into the shower. Regina didn't need a full wash and just ran a sudsy loofah over her body before rinsing herself off.

She wrapped a towel around her and stepped out into the hallway to head back to her bedroom. Regina paused at the nursery, smiling when she saw Robin sitting in the rocking chair with Margot resting on his chest. His eyes were closed but his breathing hadn't evened out, so she knew he was still awake – unlike Margot, who thankfully had gone back to sleep. Relieved, Regina completed the journey to her room and changed into fresh pajamas.

"I can sleep in here with her," Regina said, returning to the nursery. "You can go back to bed."

Robin opened his eyes and shook his head. "You get some sleep. I've got her."

"No, it's fine," Regina insisted, knowing that she was likely to get any sleep in her bed. Her best bet was to blow up the air mattress and spend the rest of the night by Margot's crib in case her daughter threw up again.

He looked hesitant before saying: "I really wasn't sleeping so I'll be fine."

"Oh," she replied, surprised they were both having the same problem. "I wasn't either."

"That's strange," he said. "What's keeping you up?"

She shrugged, not wanting to admit that she had been struggling to sleep by herself since sharing the hotel bed with him. Instead, she said: "I think I'm overtired."

"Overtired?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Regina nodded. "You know, so tired but you can't seem to relax to get sleep because you're just too tired."

He hummed. "I thought maybe it was too much sun."

"Probably both," she said. "At least we all know we didn't get heatstroke."

"Oh, yeah," he agreed, kissing Margot's head. "We can definitely handle a stomach bug, right?"

Margot stirred on his chest, frowning. "Mama! Tummy!"

Regina quickly grabbed a bucket as Robin held Margot out just as she threw up again. She then started crying before almost flinging herself into Regina's arms. Robin took the bucket from her as she rocked Margot. "Oh, yeah, we got this," she said.

"I'm going to clean the bucket and I'll be back with the air mattress," he said. "I'll set you up since it looks like she wants you."

"Thank you," she replied, rubbing Margot's back. "You're the best."

He left the room and she paced with Margot, still rubbing her back. "Feeling better, baby?" she asked.

"No," Margot said, sniffing. "Feel bad."

Regina sighed. "I know. But I promise you'll feel good soon. Okay?"

Margot nodded before closing her eyes, still clinging to Regina. She continued to walk with her daughter, hoping the girl got some sleep. It would help her fight the virus currently making her sick.

"Here we go," Robin said, bringing in the air mattress. "Do you want to leave with her while I blow this up?"

Regina looked down at her daughter, who was almost asleep, and nodded. "I'll go into my room. That should muffle the sound enough."

He nodded, stepping aside so she could pass. Regina carried Margot down to her room and continued pacing that room, wanting to make sure Margot was really asleep. She even hummed softly, knowing that still soothed her daughter.

When the dull buzzing noise died down, she opened her bedroom door and found Robin grabbing bedsheets and blankets from the linen closet. She followed him inside the nursery and laid Margot down in her crib as Robin made up the bed for her. He stepped back, placing his hands on his hips. "I think you're all set. Need anything else?" he asked.

"No," she said, resisting the urge to ask him to stay. "Thank you, Robin."

"You're welcome," he replied, kissing her cheek. "Remember, I'm just down the hall if you need me."

He started to head out the door when a little voice said: "Papa stay."

Surprise filled Regina as she turned back to the crib. Margot sat up again, looking at her father with teary eyes. "Papa and Mama."

"Okay," he said, his expression softening. "Papa and Mama will stay with you."

Pleased, Margot laid back down but watched them through the bars of her crib. Robin turned to Regina. "I can sleep in the chair if you want."

"I think we can share the air mattress," she said, hoping she didn't look as happy as she felt. "We can both fit."

"Alright," he said, laying down. "But if you get uncomfortable or I start to snore, just elbow me and I'll move."

She turned off the lights and laid down on the air mattress next to Robin, pulling the blanket over her. Regina kept her eyes on Margot, watching the little girl close her eyes and fall back asleep. Once she was certain Margot was fine, she let her own eyes close. With Robin's familiar weight and warmth now next to her, sleep carried her away immediately.

Robin let himself into the house and took a deep breath, closing the door behind him. He rested against it for a moment, enjoying the silence that greeted him. It had been a long and stressful day and all he wanted was a cold beer and to turn in early.

"Papa!"

Margot raced toward him with her little arms outstretched and energy surged through him. He leaned down and picked her up, hugging her tightly. "Hello, sweetheart," he said, kissing the side of her head.

She kissed his cheek and he rubbed her back. "You feeling better?"

"She is," Regina said, stepping out of the dining room. "But I'm going to give her some light and bland food tonight just in case."

He nodded. "Sounds good."

"I figured we could eat rather bland as well," she said. "It seems unfair to have something savory while she can't."

"I don't mind," he assured her, chuckling.

Regina seemed to let out a breath and nodded. "Chicken and rice good, then?"

"Whatever you want," he replied. "I'll eat it. You know that."

"And right now, I'm really grateful for that," she said, kissing his cheek before kissing Margot's. "Dinner will be ready shortly."

Robin bounced Margot. "You want to come help Papa get dressed?"

She nodded, wrapping her arms around Robin's neck. He carried her up to his bedroom and placed her on his bed. "You stay here, okay?"

"Okay, Papa," she said, lying down on his bed and looking up at him.

Robin kept an eye on her as he changed out of his suit and into a T-shirt and jeans, sitting down next to her as he put on his pants. She crawled over to him at that point, sitting next to him as she watched him. "What do you think?" he asked her.

"Papa pretty," she said, making him chuckle.

He scooped her up. "Thank you, sweetheart. Let's go see if dinner is ready, okay?"

She nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "Sit next to Papa?"

"Of course," he said, heading back down the stairs. Her highchair was set up between his and Regina's so she could sit between both her parents. Either one of them would be able to help her, though she tended to have a preference. Sometimes she wanted "Mama" and sometimes she wanted "Papa." It seemed that after spending the day with her mother, Margot wanted him tonight.

He certainly wasn't going to complain.

"Good," Regina said, smiling as he and Margot reached the landing. "You're just in time. Dinner's almost ready."

"Here that? We have impeccable timing," he said, giving Margot a little bounce as she laughed.

Regina rolled her eyes thought her smile never wavered. "Can you put her in her highchair and then help me set the table, please?"

"Of course," he replied, resisting the urge to kiss her cheek. "Anything special?"

"Nope," she replied. "Just plates, forks and knives for us."

He nodded. "Sounds good."

Robin headed into the kitchen and placed Margot into her highchair. She laughed, banging on the tray. He smiled, tickling under her chin. "You're ready to eat, aren't you?" he asked.

When she let out another squeal of laughter, he nodded. "Mama and I are ready too. We're all going to enjoy our dinner together."

"But only if Daddy sets the table," Regina reminded him, sounding amused.

"Uh oh," Robin said, tickling Margot's tummy. "Daddy better do that before Mommy eats without him."

Margot laughed as he straightened up, passing Regina as she spooned some rice onto one of their daughter's tiny plates. He pulled down two big plates and set them on the table for her, retrieving silverware as she served Margot. Regina snapped Margot's bib into place before handing her a fork. "Enjoy your dinner, sweetheart," she cooed.

"Thank," Margot said, eagerly using her fork to get some chicken and rice.

"She's getting closer to saying the full thing," Robin noted, proud of his daughter's progress.

Regina nodded, bringing the bowl of chicken and rice over to them. She ladled some into Robin's bowl as she said: "Now we just need to work on 'please.'"

"No problem," he said, going to the refrigerator. "What do you want to drink?"

"Seltzer is fine," she replied. "Do we still have apple?"

He nodded, pulling out a can of apple-flavored seltzer as well as a Diet Coke for himself. Robin poured them both into two separate glasses and carried them over. "Here you go," he said, handing Regina hers.

"Thank you," she replied. "You're the best."

"I try," he said, sitting down. "Besides, you made dinner. It seemed only fair."

She hummed. "Well, you get to make dinner tomorrow. How does that sound?"

He nodded. "Sounds good. Do you think I'll need to stay home with Margot as well?"

"I don't think so," she replied, leaning over to brush some rice from Margot's cheek. "I think she's feeling better and can go to daycare. But we can see in the morning."

"Sounds good to me," he said. "But I'm willing to stay home if need be."

She smiled as she narrowed her eyes. "Robin Locksley, are you trying to play hooky from work?"

"Not at all," he replied, doing his best to keep his face neutral. "I just want to take care of my daughter and make sure she's completely recovered."

"Uh huh," she said, sipping her drink. "That was almost good. But your lips twitched. You really wanted to smile."

He sighed. "Damn. I guess I wouldn't mind a mental health day of sorts. Besides, is it such a crime to want to spend time with my little girl?"

"No," she replied, her expression softening. "I know how much you love her."

"I do," he agreed, leaning over to wipe Margot's face. He smiled at her. "Papa loves you."

Margot laughed before throwing some chicken at him. He sighed, wiping his face next. "I'm going to assume that means you love me too," he replied.

"I think it does," Regina said. "Strangely, I think she was trying to share her food with you."

"Well, thank you, sweetheart, but you enjoy your food," Robin said, picking up her abandoned fork. He scooped up some rice and chicken, guiding the fork to her mouth. "Can you take another bite for Papa?"

She opened her mouth and let him slide the food into it. After a few chews, she swallowed and clapped her hands. "More!"

"Only a couple more bites," Regina advised. "I don't want to push her stomach."

He nodded. "Understood."

After those forkfuls, Robin took the plate and fork from Margot's highchair. "All done!" he chirped.

"Good job," Regina said, standing as she picked up Margot. "Let's get you cleaned up while Papa cleans the kitchen."

"Sure, you get the cuddles while I get the dishes," he teased her, pretending to be put out. He was happy to clean up since she cooked. After all, that had long been their agreement – the person who didn't cook then got to clean.

She hummed, cuddling with Margot as she nodded. "Exactly. Have fun!"

He laughed as she left the kitchen and he gathered up the plates. Robin knew that he wouldn't take too long to clean everything up and then he would be able to cuddle with his daughter as well.

And maybe if he was lucky, he could sneak in a cuddle with Regina too.

Sleep came easily to Margot that night.

Not so much to Regina.

Again.

She climbed out of the bed after two hours, deciding that maybe something warm to drink would help her to sleep. Regina padded downstairs and paused, hearing a soft sound from the living room. Walking toward it, she saw the TV was on and its glow illuminated Robin as he sat on the couch, sipping something from a mug.

"Can't sleep either?" she asked him.

He sat up, frowning. "No. What is keeping you?"

She shrugged, sitting down next to him. "You?"

"I don't know either," he replied. "Hoping some hot chocolate will help."

"I'm pretty sure there's caffeine in chocolate," she told him, chuckling.

He paused before grinning at her. "Good thing I added whiskey to it too, huh?"

She chuckled even as she rolled her eyes. "Alcohol, huh?"

"Seemed easier than driving to the nearest store to pick up melatonin," he replied, raising one shoulder and then lowering it.

"True," she agreed. "I think I'll have some hot chocolate with whiskey as well."

He raised his mug. "At least we won't be drinking alone."

"That's true," she said. "I'll be back shortly."

She went into the kitchen and heated up some hot chocolate for herself. Robin padded into the kitchen and sat down, watching her. "Thought I would keep you company," he said.

"I'm sure the couch is more comfortable," she said, glancing over her shoulder at him.

"Maybe," he replied. "But the TV doesn't talk back."

She laughed, nodding. "Or if it did, I would question how much whiskey is really in that mug."

He chuckled. "So would I, honestly."

As Regina waited for the milk to warm up for her hot chocolate, she turned to face him. Leaning against the counter, she said: "I feel like I've somehow messed up my sleep schedule."

He nodded. "Same, though I don't know how."

Regina turned toward the milk, checking on it as she gathered her thoughts. She knew her schedule had been thrown off since they returned from the hotel and she stopped sharing a bed with Robin. For some reason, she just slept better with him next to her.

But she couldn't tell him that.

So as she added the milk to the chocolate mix, she sighed. "This doesn't seem like it will have an easy fix."

"No, it doesn't," he agreed. "Maybe it's just a phase? And in a few days or a few weeks, we'll just start falling asleep easily again and sleeping through the night."

"I hope so," she replied, mixing her hot chocolate as she walked toward him again. "I don't think it will help either of us to be exhausted."

He nodded before standing. "Shall we head back to the couch?"

"Sure," she said, knowing it would be more comfortable than their kitchen chairs. "What were you watching?"

"Whatever was on," he replied. "I'm not entirely sure what it is."

"It's just background noise, right?" she asked, sipping her hot chocolate.

He nodded. "Pretty much."

They settled back on the couch as some infomercial played on the TV. He pulled out a blanket and laid it over their legs. "There. Might as well be comfortable while we're suffering from insomnia."

"Can't argue with that," she said, sipping her hot chocolate. "So, we're just going to watch infomercials till we fall asleep from boredom?"

"We can do that," he said. "Or I can go into the music channels and find one that plays soothing music if you want."

She perked up at that. "I like that idea."

He nodded, calling up the guide and searching through the music channels. She pointed to one. "Soothing Sounds. That should work," she said.

"Let's give it a try," he said, clicking it. "Hopefully it's not just whale sounds or something like that."

"You don't find whale sounds soothing?" she asked, teasing him.

Robin snorted. "Not at all. Rain sounds, yes. Whale noises? No way."

She chuckled. "I guess you learn something new every day."

"I guess so," he said, setting the remote down as soft jazz filled the room. She felt him relax more. "Oh, good. I can also handle jazz."

"Jazz is pretty good," she replied, already starting to feel her eyes grow heavy. She wasn't sure if it was the music, the hot chocolate, the whiskey, or Robin's warmth. Perhaps it was a combination of all of them.

He hummed, resting his cheek on her head. "Do you find whale noises soothing?"

"Not really," she replied. "I think I agree with you about rain sounds. I think I would prefer that as white noise."

"Looks like we're two peas in a pod," he said, chuckling. "Imagine that."

She chuckled, taking another sip of her hot chocolate as she now fought to stay awake. "I can. We're always two peas in a pod. That's why you're my best friend."

He kissed the top of her head. "You're my best friend too."

"Good," she said, giving in and closing her eyes. She felt Robin take the cup from her hand before kissing her head again. But he made no move to tell her to go to bed which she was grateful for. She worried that if she moved, she would wake back up again and would be back at square one.

Instead, she just floated next to him as they sat on the couch and decided to worry about going to bed later.

"Papa!"

Robin opened his eyes at his daughter's call. He blinked a few times as the room came into focus, showing he was still in the living room. The scent of vanilla wafted over him and he glanced down, finding Regina curled up next to him. It seemed they had once again fallen asleep on the couch together.

He hadn't slept so well since their time in the hotel.

And he wasn't sure he wanted to consider what that meant.

"Papa!"

Margot was growing more insistent and Robin knew he couldn't make her wait much longer. He carefully tried to extract himself from Regina's hold, not wanting to disturb her sleep. But as he sat up on the couch, she tightened her arm around him. He realized he was doing to have to wake her. Robin gave her a gentle shake and she blinked her eyes open as she retracted her arm from around him.

"Good morning," she said before frowning. "Wait, where are we?"

"Oh," he said, realizing that she didn't know he had slept on the couch with her. He decided to be honest with her. "On the couch in the living room."

Her eyes grew wide. "Were we both asleep on the couch?"

"We were," he confirmed. "I guess that hot chocolate, whiskey and easy music combination really worked."

"I guess," she said, sitting up as well. "I'm sorry, were you trying to go somewhere?"

He nodded just as the baby monitor crackled to life again. "PAPA!

Regina's eyes widened and she stood up from the couch, smiling at him. "You better go. She might start climbing out of the crib," she said.

"I hope not," he replied, standing as well. "I don't think I'm ready for her to graduate to a big girl bed just yet."

"She is going to do it whether we're ready or not," Regina replied, walking with Robin toward the stairs. "But I think we've got a good year to go before we have to worry about that, honestly."

Relief filled him as he wanted Margot to stay little for a bit longer. "Good."

They parted at the top of the stairs and Robin headed into Margot's room. Her eyes lit up and she lifted her arms toward him. "Papa!"

"Good morning, princess," he said, picking her up. He kissed her cheek. "Did you have a good night?"

She giggled, cuddling against him. "Yes."

"Excellent," he replied, kissing her forehead. "And so are you ready for another fun day?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, throwing up her arms with a smile.

He chuckled as he placed her down on the changing table. "Good! Let's get you ready for the day then!"

Robin changed her diaper and then dressed her in a little yellow sun dress. He slid matching socks over her tiny feet before grabbing the brush Regina kept by the changing table. After using it to untangle Margot's curls, he then put a yellow headband on her to hold them back.

"There we go," he cooed, picking her up. "You're already for the day. So I'm going to hand you off to Mommy and get ready myself."

"Mama!" Margot said, clapping her hands. She looked excited to see Regina as Robin opened the door.

Regina stepped out of her room, smiling. "I think I heard my name."

"Yes, you did," Robin said, trying to keep a good hold on Margot as she strained in his arms to get to Regina. "Someone is very excited to see you."

"I can see," she replied, taking Margot from him. She kissed their daughter's cheek. "Good morning, sweetheart."

Margot wrapped her arms around Regina's neck, hugging her tightly. Regina rubbed her back with the sweetest smile Robin had ever seen. It made his heart melt as he fell more in love with her, no matter how dangerous that was. He knew he couldn't ask for a better mother for his daughter and was so grateful she was in their lives.

Realizing he needed to put some distance between himself and Regina before he did something he regretted, Robin took a few steps backwards. He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "I'm going to get ready. I'll meet you in the kitchen for breakfast," he said.

"Sounds good," she said, heading toward the staircase. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's figure out what we want for breakfast."

As she went downstairs, Robin turned and walked to his room. He closed the door and pressed his back against it, letting out a groan while he rubbed his face. Why was his life getting more and more complicated? It was getting harder and harder to hide his feelings for Regina and he worried she would pick up on them soon. Then things would get awkward and he would ruin his little family.

He would not let that happen.

"Get yourself under control," he told himself. "No more falling asleep with Regina on the couch. That is too dangerous."

Taking a deep breath, he pushed himself away from the door and went to his wardrobe. He would get dressed and go downstairs, pretending that everything was fine. And hopefully if he faked it enough, it would become reality.

Once he was confident that he had control over his emotions, Robin went downstairs to join his family. Margot sat in her booster seat as she enjoyed some cereal while Regina was busy making an omelet. He smiled, approaching her. "Looks good," he said.

"Good," she replied. "This one is yours."

"No, I can make my own," he said, feeling bad that he was taking her omelet from her.

She folded the omelet and placed it on a plate, holding it out to him. "I'm sure you can but I specifically made this one for you. So you might as well enjoy it."

He knew this was not a battle to fight and he took the plate. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she replied, turning back to the stove. "But you're on your own for coffee."

"Fair enough," he said, believing that was reasonable. He set his plate down before looking at Margot, who had some milk dribbling down her chin. Robin grabbed a napkin and wiped her face. "Enjoying your breakfast, princess?"

She nodded before holding out her spoon. "Papa eat?"

He shook his head as he gently guided her hand back to her mouth. "I have my own breakfast, but thank you, sweetheart. You enjoy."

"She's like you," Regina said, joining them at the table. "Always putting others first."

"I think she's more like you – always taking care of me,' he replied, grinning at her.

She chuckled before leaning closer to Margot. "What do you think, sweetheart? Are you more like Papa or Mama?"
"Mama!" Margot exclaimed, reaching out for Regina. "Mama!"
"I guess that settles that," Robin said, feeling a bit smug as he took a bite of his omelet. He let out a little groan before swallowing. "You have everything I like in here."

Regina chuckled. "Of course I do. I made it just for you."

Warmth spread through him as he said: "Thank you. You certainly know how to make me feel special."

"You deserve it," she told him. She then reached over and took one of Margot's hand, giving it a little shake. "Doesn't Papa deserve it?"

"Yes!" Margot declared, banging her hands on her tray to accentuate her point.

Robin's heart skipped a beat as he reached out, taking Margot's other hand. He kissed it before saying: "I'm very lucky to have such amazing girls in my life."

"Papa silly!" Margot said, pulling her hand away from him as she laughed. She also pulled her other hand from Regina as she picked up her cup to enjoy some more juice, their little moment over.

"Well, I'm going to overlook the fact that you called me a girl," Regina said, giving him a look, "and just say thank you."

He chuckled, knowing her indignation was more an act than anything else. "You're welcome."

They finished their breakfast and Robin helped clean up. He then kissed Margot's cheek before saying: "I'm off to work. I'll see you later."

"Have a good day," Regina replied. "Can you pick up Margot on your way home?"

"Of course," he said, kissing her cheek now. "Have a good day yourself."

Robin grabbed his bag before heading out of the house. It wasn't until he was a few blocks away did he realize how domestic that entire scene was. He and Regina were not just coparents but were essentially acting like they were married. Was that just a natural outcome from raising a child together? Or did it mean something more?

Maybe he was just overthinking it after realizing that he slept better with Regina. That had thrown him off and he was still trying to right himself.

"You just need to stop worrying," he told himself. "Or else you're going to make things weird. And you definitely don't want that."

So he did his best to put it from his mind and continued his commute to work, hoping it would distract him. If that happened, then he could return home that evening and just be normal again.

A/N: Uh oh. Looks like Robin and Regina like sharing a bed now. Will they keep dancing around their desires or will they finally just admit they love each other?

And will Margot continue to be the cutest toddler ever?

Find out next time!

-Mac