Chapter 3: Just Dance

"Okay, okay, enough!"

Robin blinked as the music cut out. His partner and ex-wife, Marian, stood in front of him with her arms crossed. She looked more concerned than angry, which he counted as a blessing, as she asked: "What is wrong with you? Your mind is definitely not in the dance. You just missed several steps in a row."

He grimaced, realizing he had zoned out and didn't know where they were in the routine. Sighing, he just gave her a sheepish smile. "Sorry?"

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, tossing him his water bottle. "When you get like this, it means something is clearly on your mind."

Robin sighed, sipping his water. "It was a lesson I had today. She had originally signed up for lessons for her wedding but she called the wedding off. I offered to let her continue with the lessons by herself and she came in for the evaluation. She was all over the place which is to be expected from an amateur but she was so hard on herself and left in tears."

"Sounds like she's had a rough week," Marian agreed, sipping her own water. "But you've had messier situations. Why is this one sticking with you so much?"

"I don't know," he replied honestly. "Maybe I just want to help her feel better?"

She chuckled, setting her water bottle down. "That does sound like you. You have a heart of gold, Robin, but you can't help everyone."

He sighed, rubbing his neck as he nodded. "I know, I know. I think I just need to get a good night's sleep and put her from my mind."

"Sounds like a plan," Marian said, checking her watch. "I need to go relieve the babysitter and put Roland to bed. You'll take him for the weekend?"

"Of course," Robin replied, sitting down to take off his shoes. "I've rearranged my schedule so I can pick him up from school and then he has the children's dance class right after that."

Marian chuckled, sitting next to him. "You don't have to give me your itinerary for the weekend, Robin. I trust you with Roland. You're a great father."

"Just not a good husband," Robin said before cursing himself. Their divorce had been amicable enough but it still had hit his confidence in his ability to be a good partner to anyone. It was one of the reasons he was not yet dating again.

"I think I know why this one is sticking with you," Marian said. "Is this student's situation maybe bringing up some feelings from our divorce?"

He wanted to dispute that but as he thought about it, he realized it could be possible. So Robin just shrugged. "Maybe. This student talked about not doing failure as a hobby and I think she probably isn't used to failure. Now she's had a lot heaped on her."

Marian nodded. "We also had a lot of failure heaped on us."

"Yeah," he agreed, thinking about their long career as ballroom dancers. "We have. But we got through it."

"Because our coach and parents taught us how to cope," she pointed out. "But it doesn't mean we can't relapse from time to time. You having a relapse and letting past failures get to you?"

He shook his head. "No, I don't think that's it. I guess I just wished I had been able to help her."

Marian looked him over before smirking. "Is she beautiful?"

"Do you think me that shallow?" he asked her, somewhat insulted that she would think he only cared because of Regina's beauty.

"Of course not," she assured him, rubbing his knee. "But you're a man with eyes. And you do have a weakness for women who are upset over men who are upset."

He leaned back against the wall and shrugged. "Maybe I do. Is that a crime?"

"No," she replied. "But sometimes you tend to White Knight and I don't want you to get hurt again."

"Yeah," he said, knowing what she was talking about. "I have no intention of being Regina's White Knight. I just wish I could show her how to relax and really enjoy dancing because I think it would be a good outlet for her."

Marian nodded, patting his knee. "I understand that. I think dancing would be good for her too. But then again, we're both pretty biased."

He chuckled. "Yes, we are."

"So you feeling better now?" she asked. "Do you want to try again or just call it a night and start over tomorrow?"

"Might as well just call it a night," he replied. "I promise to be in a better headspace."

She patted his knee. "Go home, get some sleep and I'm sure you will be."

They shut off all the lights and Robin made sure the money from their register was locked up in their safe. He then locked the door to his office before he and Marian left the store. Together, they locked up and lowered the security gates before walking to the subway together. It was there they exchanged kisses on the cheek before going their separate ways - he went to the platform marked "Downtown & Brooklyn" while she went to the one marked "Uptown & Queens." When they had been married, they had lived in Manhattan but once they divorced, each had retreated to where their respective support systems lived. It hurt that his son now resided mostly in another borough but Robin saw him enough that it wasn't as painful as it could've been.

Robin boarded the F train, easily finding a spot to sit. It was after rush hour so most people had gone home for the evening. But it was also New York City, which meant that there were always people on the train. There were only a few other people on the train at the moment but he figured that would change as the train continued its journey down Sixth Avenue before turning toward the East River. He closed his eyes, getting a little rest as the train gently rocked back and forth as it traveled between stations.

"This is York Street," the automated voice announced. "Next stop Jay Street MetroTech. Please stand clear of the closing doors."

He opened his eyes and stood, getting ready to get off. Robin hoped either the A or C train was in the station so he didn't have to wait. When the train pulled into the station, he saw his wish was granted and once the doors opened, he crossed the platform and walked onto the A train. It was then only one stop to High Street and he got off, walking one block to the townhome he called home.

Robin shared it with his parents. They lived on one side while he lived on the other. Since they owned both, he just needed to pay utilities and food, which allowed him to save up his money for his dancing school with Marian. He also had plans to find a bigger space here in Brooklyn to build a proper school so that more people could learn to dance, perhaps even expanding to other artistic programs. They could keep the one in Manhattan as a satellite for those who did not want to go to Brooklyn.

Maybe one day, they would have branches in each of the five boroughs.

Anything was possible.

Or at least, that's what he told himself as he unlocked his door. He had a lot of dreams but didn't really know how to make them come true. So for now, they just remained dreams in his head that he hadn't even shared with his parents - and he shared everything with them.

"Robin, is that you?" Mom appeared in his lit kitchen, smiling as she watched him take off his coat and shoes. "I left you some dinner."

"Thanks, Mum," he said, kissing her cheek. "I appreciate it."

She hummed, following him into the kitchen. "Roland is coming tomorrow, right? And is Marian coming to pick him up or are you dropping him off? I need to know if I should plan for one more person or two less."

"I'll ask Marian tomorrow and let you know," he said, knowing that it took everything in his mother to graciously welcome Marian into her home. No matter how many times he told her that the divorce was mutual and amicable, Mum still saw Marian as the woman who broke her son's heart.

He was her only child, though, and so she had always been very protective of him.

She nodded before gently pushing him toward the table. "Good. Now, you need to eat."

"I will, Mum," he told her. "You don't have to watch me eat. You can go home and spend time with Dad."

"He's already in bed," she replied, sitting down. "And I don't want you to eat alone."

Robin shrugged as he sat down, removing the foil from his meal. "I don't mind."

"I know," she said. "But I do. So humor your mother."

"Yes, Mum," he replied, chuckling as he cut into the chicken she had made for him. He took a bite and let out a soft moan. "Delicious as always."

She beamed. "Thank you."

After he had eaten half of his meal, Mum then asked: "How was your day?"

"It was good for the most part," he said. "I've had…an interesting client…or possible client. I don't know."

"Tell me more," she said, looking intrigued by his comment.

Robin obliged, telling her all about Regina. He already had gotten Marian's perspective on the situation and now he was eager to hear his mother's. Maybe it would give him some idea of what to do next or at the very least allow him to finally clear the brunette from his mind so he could dance without any distractions going forward.

When he finished, his mother sighed. "That poor woman."

"I agree," he said, setting his fork down on his empty plate. "Marian is worried I'm going to try to become her White Knight."

Mum raised her eyebrow. "Are you?"

He shook his head. "I'm probably never going to see her again. I think I just need to get a good night's sleep and I'll be fine. She isn't the first client to rattle me a bit and she won't be the last."

"I know," Mum said, smiling softly. "You have a big heart, Robin."

"I feel like there's a 'but' to that compliment," Robin said, waiting for whatever else his mother wanted to say.

She sighed. "But sometimes it can be too big. I don't want to see you get hurt again."

"Regina is just a client," Robin insisted. "And she's likely not even that. It's clear she has things to work through and I know I cannot help her. If she wants to take dance lessons once she's handled those, I'll be happy to teach her. That's it."

"Alright," she said, standing and kissing his cheek. "Though I do think you need to meet someone who isn't a client."

He sighed, not ready to have this conversation with her again. "Mum…"

She held up her hands. "I just want you to be happy and to be loved. Is that so wrong?"

"No," he replied. "But it won't solve all my problems."

"Of course not. But you should have someone to talk about your problems to and who can give you comfort or advice, whatever you may need," she pointed out.

He shrugged. "I have you and Marian and a bunch of friends. I think I'm okay."

"True," Mum said. "I just know the woman you're meant to spend the rest of your life with is out there. And I hope you find her sooner rather than later."

"Well, if she's out there, then I hope I meet her too," he said, knowing that while he didn't feel ready to date yet, he still longed for companionship and love.

She raised an eyebrow. "If? Oh no. She's out there. You just need to keep those baby blues peeled for her. Understand?"

He chuckled, amused by his mother's insistence. "Yes, Mum."

"Good," she said, standing. She kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, Robin."

"Goodnight, Mum," he replied, standing as well. "Let me walk you home."

She waved him off. "It's only next door. I think I'll be fine. You get ready for bed and get some rest. Okay?"

He nodded. "I will. You get some rest too."

"I will," she said, patting his cheek. "I love you."

"Love you too, Mum," he said, watching as she left his house and headed to hers next door. The walls were pretty thin so he soon heard her door open and close shortly before she threw the deadbolt.

She was locked in for the night and safe.

Robin turned off the lights in his kitchen and wandered over to his own front door. He locked it and threw the deadbolt, securing his own house as well before walking up to the second floor. Padding into the bathroom, Robin started the shower. He would let the warm water soothe his muscles and then go to bed.

And then in the morning, he would head back to the studio and put Regina Mills from his mind for good.

"Regina, do you have a moment?" Gold asked, knocking on Regina's door as a courtesy before walking into her office.

Minimizing the contract she had been working on, Regina nodded. "I always have a moment for you."

He chuckled, sitting down. "Just what I like to hear. Is everything set for this afternoon?"

"Of course," she replied, her smile starting to freeze into place. She wasn't sure how it became her job to plan the office holiday party but she did her best to make it fun and festive every year.

"Good," he replied. "And the holiday letters?"

She took a deep breath. "Tink brought them all to the post office yesterday. They should all arrive by Christmas."

"Excellent," he said. "Then I think that's all. I'll see you this afternoon."

"I look forward to it," she replied. Even though she found it rather sexist that she was the one responsible for the party, she still enjoyed it nonetheless.

He nodded, standing. As he walked toward the door, he stopped and turned back around. "I understand that your wedding has been canceled," he said.

Sadness filled her as she rubbed the empty spot where her engagement ring had once sat. Regina nodded. "It is."

"I trust you'll be able to keep your personal life out of the office," he said. "Right?"

"Of course," she replied, frowning. "Haven't I always?"

He nodded. "You do. But I just wanted to remind you. Just to say I did it and because these things can get quite…emotional and messy."

"I promise you the last things I want to be are emotional and messy," she said cooly, hoping her gaze was as ice cold as his.

"Good," he replied. "I'll see you later."

He then hobbled out of the office as Tink entered, her eyes wide as she closed the door behind her. "Did he really just say that to you?" she asked, whispering even though the office was essentially soundproof.

Regina sighed. "He did."

"Do you think he gives that talk to the men in the office?" Tink asked, sitting down. "Do you think Walsh got that talk when he was going through his divorce last year?"

"Probably not," Regina replied, wondering if she could find a way to ask him without interrogating him.

Tink rolled her eyes. "Someone should tell him that we're allowed to be emotional and messy sometimes. It's part of being human."

"I know," Regina said. "But he's right. I shouldn't bring my personal mess to the office."

"You've never brought your personal mess to the office," Tink insisted. "And you had to cancel your wedding. I think that justifies a few days off."

Regina shrugged. "I think I'm better here. Sitting at home would just remind me of everything I lost."

Tink sighed. "Well, are you still going away? Maybe not for your honeymoon, but you should go on a vacation. You deserve it."

"I don't know," Regina admitted. "My travel agent offered to change the plans for me and gave me some options."

"Then what's the hesitation?" Tink asked.

Regina sighed. "I don't want to travel alone and don't know if I can get anyone to go with me."

"I can be packed in five minutes," Tink said, pointing to herself. "Just say the word."

"I'll keep that in mind," Regina replied, chuckling.

Tink nodded, standing. She then tilted her head. "How are the dance lessons going?"

"Oh," Regina said, feeling her cheeks heat up. "They were a disaster so I'm not continuing with them. I already feel like a failure. There's no need to really drive the point home with every misstep."

"You're not a failure," Tink told her. "And anyone who tells you otherwise is a jackass."

Regina let out a little snort at her assistant's statement before shrugging. "Anyway, it just wasn't working out."

Tink tilted his head. "You do know there is a difference between being a failure and failing right?"

"I don't see how," Regina replied, confused. "If you fail, you're a failure."

"No, if you fail, you're human," Tink told her, frowning now. "Everyone fails, Regina. And failing isn't always a bad thing. My parents always told me that you learn more from failing than doing it perfectly the first time."

Regina shifted in her chair. "My parents believed if at first you don't succeed, move onto something where you will."

Tink looked thoughtful. "I think you should continue dancing. I think you need to learn how to fail and should do it with something where the stakes are low and you have someone supporting you."

"Why do I need to learn how to fail?" Regina asked, confused.

"So you can continue to grow," Tink replied. "And so that when another thing doesn't go your way, you don't spiral into a state of blaming yourself or ignoring how you feel."

Regina felt her shoulders stiffen. "I don't do that."

Tink gave her a pointed look. "Most people would've taken off after canceling their wedding - even just a day. You've been working and have been very matter of fact about it."

"I've cried, if that's what you're saying," Regina said hotly. "In my apartment. But I'm at work and so I need to put those feelings aside and get my job done."

"Sorry, I overstepped," Tink said, backing up toward the door. "I didn't mean to say that you weren't emotionless."

Regina sighed, standing as she approached Tink. "No, I'm sorry I snapped. You were just trying to make sure I was okay."

"I do care about you," Tink replied. "And I hate that you're hurting."

"I know," Regina said, taking her hand and squeezing. "I would feel the same way if the situation was reversed."

Tink smiled, nodding. "Can I try again? And just say that in the entire time I've known you, you've never been one to run from a challenge. So don't start now, even if dancing is just a hobby. Okay?"

Regina knew she had a point and so she nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good," Tink said, opening the door. "I'll help you with the party later."

"I look forward to it," Regina replied. "And Tink? Thanks for everything."

Tink smiled. "You're welcome."

She left Regina's office as Regina sat down again. Taking a deep breath, she decided to think about dancing once she was done with work. For now, she needed to focus on one thing at a time.

One foot in front of the other, she reminded herself. That is how you'll get through this.

Robin stood in the corner, arms crossed as he watched his intermediate children's class practice their routine to The Nutcracker suite. He tilted his head as he watched one of his girls and made a note to work on her leg extension. A boy passing him was off the beat and nearly collided with the two dancers in front of him. Robin would work with him at the next lesson and hopefully that would help. He would hate to have to cut him from the routine so close to their Christmas show.

Finally, his eyes went to Roland. His son was one of the youngest in the class but Roland held his own with the others. Roland danced with confidence and hit every move, no doubt having practiced with his mother at home. Pride filled Robin as he watched him, noting a few things they could work on over the weekend. But otherwise, he looked good and the routine was going to be a big hit.

The music ended and Robin clapped. "You're all looking good! There are some things we all still need to work on but we'll do that next time. See you then."

His students cheered before hurrying to change their shoes and pick up their bags. Robin dismissed them to their waiting parents, praising each student and giving them high fives as they passed. The lobby filled with chatter and laughter as parents helped children into coats to head back out into the cold.

Robin watched from the door to the studio as the small groups of parents and children filed out the door and onto the street. He was about to head back into his room when movement caught his eyes. Surprise filled him as Regina Mills stepped forward, dressed in a black dress with ballroom shoes on her feet.

"Hi," she said. "I, um, I want to apologize for my last lesson. I was frustrated with myself and took it out on you. That wasn't fair and I'm sorry."

"You're forgiven," he assured her. "We all have bad days. And honestly, I've had clients do and say worse than running out crying."

She nodded before squaring her shoulders. "Well, I was reminded that I'm not the type to give up. And maybe I need to learn how to fail every now and then in order to succeed."

He was impressed by that statement and once again glanced down at her shoes. "Well, at least you have the appropriate footwear this time. That's a very good start."

"Thank you," she replied. "I wanted to show how committed I am to this. I hope you're still willing to take me on as a student."

"I am," Robin said, impressed with the steps she had taken so far. He motioned to his studio. "Come on in."

She stepped into the rehearsal room and he followed. Roland looked up from where he sat on the bench and his eyes lit up. "You're back!"

"I am," she replied. "You were such a good salesman, I couldn't stay away."

"Papa's the best teacher here," he told her, making Robin's heart swell at how proud his son was of him. "You're in the best hands!"

She chuckled. "I'm sure I am."

Robin sat down next to him. "I'm going to give Ms. Regina a lesson. Do you mind staying here longer?"

"Nope," Roland said, grabbing his bag. "I'll go do my homework in your office."

"Sounds good," Robin replied, standing along with his son. "Can you also text your Nana to tell her we'll be home at the usual time?"

Roland nodded. "Will do. Have a good lesson, Ms. Regina!"

"Thank you, Roland," she said, standing in the middle of the dance floor with her hands clasped behind her back. Once he was gone, she frowned and turned back to Robin. "Am I keeping you?"

"Not at all," he assured her. "This is your slot. We never filled it but it is available so I am supposed to stay here until it is over."

She bit her lip before saying: "But you were expecting to go home tonight."

He shrugged. "It's okay. I'd rather be teaching, trust me. So are we going to spend your lesson arguing or dancing?"

"Dancing," she said, looking apologetic. "Sorry."

"Then let me turn on the music," he replied, walking toward the stereo. "Do you still want to learn the waltz?"

He stopped, looking back at her. Regina nodded. "I love the waltz."

"Me too," he said, starting the music. He walked back to her. "Do we need to go over basic hold again?"

She shook her head. "I remember."

Regina took his hand and placed her free one on his shoulder. He placed his free hand on her waist as she looked away. "Like this, right?"

"Good," he replied, sliding his hand to her back to push her a bit closer to him. "We just need to be a little closer. Well, our bottom halves do. Our top halves need to have some space between them."

"So like we both have terrible morning breath?" she asked him, raising an eyebrow.

He chuckled, amused by her analogy. "Yes, I guess you could say that. Now, I'm going to count us in."

"Okay," she said. Robin counted them in and guided her through the basic steps again. While she still had several missteps, she took his gentle correction much better this time around. It gave him hope that they would be able to get through the rest of her lessons.

She would be waltzing in no time.

Regina was surprised when the intercom in her apartment crackled to life. The guard posted in the lobby said her friends were there and asked if it was okay to let them up. She gave him permission and opened her door, waiting for her friends to come up.

The elevator doors opened and she gasped when she saw David and Mary Margaret carrying a Christmas tree. "You did not," she said.

"Yes, we did," David replied. "You didn't get a Christmas tree in anticipation of not being here for Christmas and then moving to Sidney's apartment. And if there was ever a time where you've needed a Christmas tree, it's now."

"You know we're right," Mary Margaret added, poking her head out from behind one of the tree's boughs. "So don't even fight us."

Regina sighed, knowing they had a point and believing that some Christmas decorations would help her mood. She stepped aside so they could enter her apartment. "At least let me pay you back."

"Absolutely not," Mary Margaret insisted as she walked past Regina. "This is a gift."

"Where do you want it?" David asked. "Normal place or somewhere different?"

Regina closed the door as she said: "Normal place. I'll go get the ornaments."

"And the other decorations," Mary Margaret added. "We need to make this place look as Christmassy as possible."

"Okay," Regina said, chuckling as she headed into her bedroom. "I'll be right back out."

She retrieved the decorations from the crawl space in her bedroom and headed back out into the living room. Mary Margaret and David had taken off their coats and got the tree set up in the corner where she always put her trees. Two windows met there and so she believed it gave her trees the most exposure.

Mary Margaret turned on some Christmas music while David started up her fake fireplace. He grinned as he set the remote aside. "There. It's starting to feel more festive here now," he said.

"It is," she agreed, feeling her spirits buoy. "Maybe I did need this after all."

"Of course you did," Mary Margaret replied. "Now, let's open these decorations and get to work!"

Regina chuckled, opening the boxes. She and Mary Margaret started to pull out the ornaments while David took out the decorations for her windows. Together, they danced and sang to the music as they got Regina's apartment ready for Christmas.

"Are you continuing those dance lessons?" Mary Margaret asked Regina, watching her dance as she put up an ornament.

"I am," Regina said. "I had a bit of a meltdown but Tink reminded me that I'm not a quitter so I went back. I think things are going well. At least the instructor didn't throw me out."

Mary Margaret nodded. "Good. You need something to keep your mind off…well…"

"The fact I'm not getting married because my former fiancé thought he could make decisions that affect me without asking me first?" Regina asked, not caring how bitter she sounded. If anyone was allowed to feel bitter, she figured it was her.

"Pretty much," David said, plugging in her lights. They blinked on, casting their multicolored glow in the window.

Warmth spread through Regina as she hung another ornament on the tree. "This is also helping me focus on something else as well."

Mary Margaret wrapped an arm around her, giving her a little squeeze. "Good."

"So, who do you dance with during your lessons?" David asked, taping up some of her other decorations onto the window. "Are you paired with someone else who came in for lessons solo?"

"No," Regina replied. "I dance with my instructor."

David frowned. "Oh."

She raised an eyebrow. "Why? Thought I would have some sort of rom-com moment and fall in love with my partner?"

"Maybe," he replied honestly. "You deserve a good romance after Sidney."

"You don't think I had a good romance with Sidney?" she asked, frowning as she wondered if she was about to hear what her friends had really thought about her now former fiancé but had kept silent about for her sake.

Mary Margaret sighed. "I think you had some romance but not the kind you deserved."

"What do you mean by that?" Regina asked, now stepping away from her tree as she crossed her arms.

"I mean that you and Sidney always seemed more practical than romantic," Mary Margaret replied. "You were more often mistaken for business partners than a couple."

Regina knew she couldn't argue that point - many people were often surprised that she and Sidney were dating. It seemed they didn't fit everyone's idea of romance but that had never bothered Regina. "You know marriage is often more practical than romantic," she told her friends.

David nodded. "We know. But I think Sidney proved that he didn't understand that marriage wasn't just some paperwork that changed your tax status. You deserve someone who wants to share every aspect of their life with you and who you want to do the same with."

"You deserve to experience the type of romance that sends butterflies through your stomach," Mary Margaret added. "That makes you feel giddy for no reason throughout the day, that makes everything around you just a little brighter."

"Such love only exists in the movies and fairy tales," Regina told her.

David raised an eyebrow. "That's the type of love we share, you know. So it doesn't just exist in the movies and fairy tales."

Mary Margaret nodded. "And if you keep believing that, you'll never find the love you deserve."

"And who deserves you," David said. "Just promise us you'll think about it, okay?"

Regina paused, considering her friends' marriage. Many people - including her - had compared them to a fairytale come true because it was true. They shared the type of love she had just insisted only existed in fairy tales or movies but they also maintained a very practical view of their marriage. It seemed they had the best of both worlds in a way Regina had never thought possible for herself.

But she was learning not everything she did had to have a practical reason. She could do something just because wanted to try it or because she enjoyed it. Maybe it was also time to shift how she viewed romance and marriage as well.

Maybe she could have what Mary Margaret and David had after all.

"I can do that," she said quietly. She then cleared her throat before saying: "But it's not going to happen at my dance lessons. As I said, I only dance with my instructor and he's married with a kid."

"Fair enough," David said. "But maybe it could lead to you finding a good romance. When you're ready, of course."

Regina chuckled. "Of course."

"Just focus on Christmas for now," Mary Margaret said. "And take time for yourself in the New Year. You don't have to rush to find your Prince Charming just yet. You just need to let him in once you do."

Regina chuckled. "Prince Charming, huh? Pretty hard when you already found him."

"Aww," David said, flashing her a bright smile. "Thank you, Regina."

"I found my Prince Charming," Mary Margaret said, wrapping her arm around her husband. "Yours is still out there. And you'll find him when the timing is right."

David's smile softened as he gazed down at his wife. "And you'll make him as happy as me."

Mary Margaret kissed him as Regina looked away, her heart skipping a beat. She had always envied the love her friend shared with her husband but had convinced herself that it wasn't meant for her. But maybe she was wrong. Maybe her friends were right and her own Prince Charming was out there, waiting for her.

And once her heart had healed from Sidney's betrayal, she would find him.

A/N: Happy Christmas in July!

So Regina's gone back to dance lessons. Will Robin be able to resist her? Or will they both find they are exactly who they've been looking for?

Find out soon!

-Mac