Chapter 4: The Safety Dance

After dinner, Mum offered to put Roland to bed. Excited to spend time with his grandmother, he happily accepted and they left the kitchen together. That left Robin with his father as they sipped some whiskey together.

"Everything coming along for the show at the end of the month?" Dad asked, setting his glass down.

Robin nodded, swallowing his sip. "Wait until you see Roland in the kids' number. He's doing exceptionally well. He may need to switch to a teacher who can work with him and nurture his talent even more, if that's what he wants."

Dad frowned. "You don't think you're that teacher?"

"Not with the studio we have now, no," Robin replied honestly though it was still a painful admission. "Besides, he might need someone more objective than his father and his mother if he wants to pursue dancing professionally."

"That is true," Dad agreed. "We had to turn you and Marian over to Tuck after all."

Robin nodded, recalling his second teacher and coach. "Exactly."

"Do you think Roland wants to pursue dancing professionally?" Dad asked. "Or does he just want to keep doing it for fun?"

"I'm not sure," Robin replied. "I think Marian and I need to sit down and have that talk with him like you and Mum did when I was his age."

Dad nodded. "I think that's a good idea. You can do it after Christmas."

Robin chuckled. "Absolutely. Let's get through the show and the holidays. Then we can have that talk."

"So was that what kept you? You wanted to get a little more practice time with Roland?" Dad asked.

"No," Robin said. "I had a student come in. She originally signed up for lessons for her wedding but since that fell through she's been hot and cold about continuing. But I think she's made up her mind and she wants to see it through."

Dad frowned. "Wait, is this the student your mother was worried about?"

Robin sighed, not surprised Mum talked to his father about Regina. "Yes. Regina had a breakdown at her last lesson and Mum was worried I was going to go out of my way to help Regina. I promised her I wouldn't. And it seems that Regina got whatever comfort she needed and is only my student."

"Good," Dad said. "Dancing requires a great deal of vulnerability and trust and so it can be easy to mistake those for deeper feelings."

"I know," Robin replied. After all, his only romantic relationship had been with Marian, his dance partner since he was a child. He had also seen his share of ill-fated romances amongst other dancers and had just lost his other instructor due to an affair with a student - who was taking classes with her husband. The instructor and student ran away to California to start a new life together, leaving the husband and Robin to deal with the fallout. Robin was just glad the man didn't blame him or Marian for the affair, rightly directing his anger to his soon-to-be-ex-wife and her new boyfriend.

He then thought of his most recent lesson with Regina. While she was more open to making mistakes and letting him correct her, he still felt some resistance from her. She carried a lot of tension and he needed to find a way to help her relax during their sessions, which he shared with his father now.

Dad nodded, rubbing his chin. "I think you need to build a little more trust with her. Have you tried the blindfold?"

"I don't even think we're up to the blindfold," Robin replied honestly. "Any other ideas?"

"Trust fall?" Dad suggested.

Robin chuckled. "Really?"

His father shrugged. "I don't know. But I'm sure you'll think of something."

"I hope so," Robin said, sighing. "Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime," his father said. "I'm always here for you."

Mum entered the kitchen again, sitting down as well. "Roland is asleep."

"Thanks, Mum," Robin replied, kissing her cheek. "He loves it when he's here and gets to see you and Dad."

"We love having him here," she said. "So what were you two talking about?"

Dad sipped his whiskey before replying: "Just giving Robin some advice about a student."

She chuckled before leaning closer to her son. "Don't listen to a word he says."

"Hey!" Dad replied, looking indignant. "I happen to give good advice, right, Robin?"

"He did have a good suggestion," Robin replied. "And I hope it helps with my student."

Mum smiled, patting his hand. "I'm sure it will. You're a great teacher and this student is in good hands."

Dad nodded, raising his glass. "I'll drink to that."

"You'll drink to anything," Mum replied, rolling her eyes as she ribbed him good-naturedly.

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Dad replied, keeping his eyes on her as he took a long sip of his whiskey.

She sighed. "You'll never change."

"You don't want me too," he shot back.

As they bickered, Robin watched their interactions with amusement. He hoped one day he would find a love like the one his parents shared and that this would be him and his wife in their old age.

One day.

Regina returned to Storybrooke Dance Studio for her next lesson with Robin. She was a bit disappointed not to see Roland there but she knew that he deserved to have a life outside of the dance studio. Hopefully he was off playing with his friends or relaxing while watching cartoons on the couch.

Robin, though, was already in the studio and he smiled as she entered the room. "Welcome back," he said.

"Thank you," she replied. "I just need to put on my shoes."

"Actually, I think we're going to do something different for today's lesson," Robin said, approaching her. "Do you know how to ice skate?"

His question surprised her and she nodded. "But I haven't done it in a few years. Why?"

"Because I think we need to work on building some trust between us," he said, ushering her back toward the door. "Trust is a very important element of ballroom dancing."

"And you think ice skating will help that?" she asked, feeling even more confused.

Robin nodded. "I do. If we're skating together, we need to trust each other to make it around the rink and not fall."

"So you know how to ice skate?" she asked, eying him. She wondered if this was a trap and that he would reveal he didn't know so either they kept falling or she ended up dragging him around the rink.

Neither seemed appealing to her.

"I do," he replied. "My parents taught me and took me ice skating regularly. I've taught my son and now take him as well."

"That seems surprising," she said.

He frowned. "It does? Why?"

"You're a professional dancer," she replied. "I know many parents and coaches wouldn't want you to do anything that could hurt your ability to dance."

She thought of her classmates who did something competitively - dance, gymnastics, riding. It was as if they needed to be wrapped in bubble wrap to make sure they didn't hurt themselves -or more importantly, their chances at medals and trophies. Regina wondered if that was another reason why her parents hadn't wanted her to continue dance lessons - they didn't want to have to worry about her the way their peers did.

"That is true," Robin replied, nodding. "I know many of my fellow competitors didn't do much except dance. My parents never believed in that. They wanted Marian and I to experience being children and just being alive. Marian and I agree we want the same for Roland."

"I'm glad," she said, ignoring the pit in her stomach when he mentioned the name of his wife and focusing on their adorable son.

She wasn't here for romance. He was just her instructor.

"By the way, Roland says hi," he said. "He's spending some time with my parents or else he'd probably be here. He's very invested in your lessons."

"He's a sweetheart," she said, touched by that. "Tell him I say hi back."

Robin chuckled, nodding. "I will."

She bit her lip, watching him button up his coat. "So you're serious about this ice skating idea?"

"I am," he replied. "Unless you would rather do trust falls."

"Absolutely not," she said, deciding it would be better to fall with other people watching even on ice rather than alone in this room. "So let's go ice skating."

He smiled. "Sounds like a plan. Follow me and we'll lock the store."

"Lock the store?" she asked, confused. "What about your other students?"

"I don't have anyone else today," he replied. "And Marian knows I was possibly leaving the store so she can come open for her students."

She nodded, deciding to store that information away for a later date. Instead, she asked: "Where are we going?"

"Bryant Park is not far," he said, leading her to the front door. "We should be able to skate there."

"It's been a long time since I went to Bryant Park," she said, trying to think when she was there last and drawing a blank. Maybe that was something else she needed to change now that she was single again.

He held the door for her, smiling. "Well, it's time to change that."

She nodded, leaving the store. Regina watched him close the studio and lower the security gate for good measure. "You really don't have anyone else to watch the studio while you're gone?" she asked.

"Like who?" he countered, glancing over at her.

"A receptionist, perhaps?" she suggested. "You know, I called when I first wanted to cancel my lessons but the phone just kept ringing. You've probably lost a lot of business because no one could answer the phone."

Robin looked thoughtful as he nodded. "You're probably right. Marian and I have been running everything by ourselves for so long, I guess we never thought about hiring anyone else. At least for this studio."

"Well, you may not necessarily have to hire someone," Regina said, wondering if there was another studio somewhere else in the city. "They have virtual assistants who could help you."

"Virtual assistants?" he asked.

She nodded. "They can at least take messages for you so people don't just hang up and call somewhere else."

He rubbed his chin. "I guess that would be an improvement over our current system."

"I would say it would be," she replied. "You might see an increase in sales and lessons too."

"That would be a great benefit," he agreed. They reached a corner and the light turned green, allowing them to cross the street. Robin placed his hand on her back as they crossed with the others around them.

She tried to ignore the tingle spreading through her back and tried to blame it on the cold.

They reached the other side and his hand fell away. He tucked his hands inside his pockets. "Sorry. Force of habit."

"That's okay," she assured him. "I didn't mind."

He nodded before asking: "So, how long have you lived in New York?"

"My whole life," she replied. "My parents moved here after meeting in Maine and settled here. We've never left."

"Have you ever wanted to live anywhere else?" he asked her.

She shook her head. "I'm a New Yorker through and through. What about you? What brought you here?"

"What do you mean? I'm a native New Yorker as well," he said, trying to look insulted but was unable to scowl. "Can't you tell by my accent?"

They stopped walking for a moment, staring at each other as she waited for him to break. It didn't take long before he laughed and she joined in, enjoying this little joke between them. He took a few breaths before saying: "We moved here when my partner Marian and her family moved back here. My parents also started teaching at a dance school known for producing ballroom dancers. I was about thirteen when we settled in Brooklyn and I began attending that school with Marian."

"Have you ever gone back?" she asked. "To England, I mean."

"From time to time," he replied. "But most of the family honestly followed us out here over the years so reasons to go home have gotten smaller and smaller. I'm hoping to take Roland this summer so he can see where his mum and I grew up."

She nodded, noting that he didn't say anything about his wife also going with them. But she figured that was assumed so she didn't say anything about it. "Where in England are you from?"

He sighed. "You're going to laugh."

"What? Why?" she asked, confused.

"My family is from Nottinghamshire," he said. "They lived near Sherwood Forest."

Regina stopped as she put everything together. "Wait. You are Robin Locksley from Sherwood Forest?"

He sighed as he stopped, looking back at her. Robin nodded. "I am. So have at it."

"Have at what?" she asked, still feeling confused.

"The Robin Hood jokes," he replied. "Go ahead. I'm used to them."

She frowned, sensing that while was used to them, he didn't particularly like them. "I don't have any jokes."

He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes," she replied. "Though you are making me reconsider my stance on reincarnation."

"Is that so?" he asked, chuckling as his eyes sparkled in the afternoon sun.

She nodded. "You're Robin Locksley and you married a woman named Marian. Is your best friend named John?"

He studied her. "I thought you said no jokes."

"It's not a joke," she replied. "It's a genuine question."

"Well, it feels like a joke," he said, no longer meeting her eyes. She had learned that tell long ago and she knew the answer without him saying anything.

She crossed her arms. "Your best friend's name is John."

Robin sighed, nodding. "Yes, it is."

"This is fascinating," Regina said. "And that's not a joke or an insult. You do seem to be the reincarnation of Robin Hood."

"Except I don't recall him being an acclaimed ballroom dancer turned teacher," he replied, looking more amused now.

She chuckled, nodding. "That's true. But I guess breaking and entering isn't a great career path these days."

"Especially when you give the proceeds away," he replied. "Though I do like the idea of helping people."

"Well, you do help people," she said. "You help people discover dance."

He nodded, his cheeks turning pink. "I suppose so."

She found his modesty charming and it seemed to bolster her spirits. But she also realized they had stopped and she knew the clock was ticking. "Do we still have time to go ice skating?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" he asked, tilting his head.

"My session has to be almost up," she replied. "I don't want to make you late for your next class."

He tilted his head. "You're my only session today. Marian has the only other session today."

"What about Roland?" she asked, unsure of his son's exact age. Either way, she figured he was still too young to be left on his own for hours at a time. "I know he's with his grandparents but don't you want to spend time with him?"

"I will, but for now he's more than happy to be with his grandparents," he replied. "They wanted to take him to see the train display at the Botanical Gardens so I'm covered until tonight."

He then paused before asking: "Do you have something else to do? I don't want to monopolize your time."

Regina realized that even just ten minutes ago, she would've taken the out offered to her and lied about some very important appointment that meant she couldn't go ice skating. But after their short walk, she found she wanted to spend more time with him. Something about him put her at ease and intrigued her at the same time.

"No, I don't," she replied. "This was my only appointment today."

"So you don't mind if our session goes longer?" he asked.

She shook her head before pausing, looking him over. "As long as you're not charging me extra for it."

He laughed. "Not this time since it's my idea."

"Good to know," she replied. She motioned toward the street. "Shall we continue?"

"We shall," he said. "We may not be facing time limits due to another lesson or appointment but the sun will go down before we know it."

She looked up and noticed the sun already starting to dip in the sky. Regina nodded. "Good point. I'm sure you want to be home for dinner with your family," she said.

"I would," he agreed as they started walking again. "And I'm sure you want to be home before it gets dark and cold as well."

"That sounds nice," she replied, her day now falling into place. She would go ice skating with Robin and hopefully learn to trust him more. Then she would head home, change into something more comfortable and make herself some dinner. Regina would then curl up on her couch as her Christmas tree twinkled beside her and enjoy some Christmas movies.

It would be a rather uneventful day and she didn't mind that at all.

Regina didn't know how it happened. One minute Robin had been standing and the next he was on the ground, looking more like a turtle than a former professional ballroom dancer turned teacher. It seemed he had hit a patch of ice and went down hard enough for her to be concerned, especially as she was pretty sure he hit his head. When he complained of pain there, she knew they had to take it seriously.

So she bundled him into a taxi and went to the nearest Urgent Care. Regina tried to call the dance studio in hopes of getting in touch with Marian but the phone kept ringing. Either she hadn't arrived yet or she was in the middle of her lesson. And it seemed Robin had forgotten to bring his cell phone, so she wouldn't be able to use that to get in touch with her. When they got to Urgent Care and the admin who checked in Robin assumed Regina was his wife, she didn't correct her so that Robin would not be alone.

The doctor examined Robin and looked serious. "There's nothing broken but I do believe you have a concussion. Have you ever had one before?"

"Yes," Robin said, surprising Regina. "I used to be a professional dancer and had some very bad falls."

"So you are familiar with concussion protocols?" the doctor asked.

Robin nodded before wincing, pressing his hand to his head. "I probably shouldn't have done that."

The doctor then turned to Regina. "And do you know the concussion protocols?"

"Not as well I should," she replied, certain anyone married to a professional dancer would know them.

"I'll get them for you," he told her. "Someone will be with him constantly, right?"

She glanced at Robin, who gave her a little nod. Reassured, Regina then answered the doctor. "He won't be alone."

"Good," the doctor said, walking to the door. "I'll be right back with the instructions on how to care for a concussion."

He left the room and Robin sighed, looking at Regina. "Thank you for staying with me. I appreciate it."

"Well, I couldn't abandon my husband," she teased him.

Robin chuckled, nodding. "That is true, wife."

"Well, only until we leave here," Regina said, liking how she liked the sound of the word coming from him but not sure she wanted to figure out why. She decided it was the accent - everything sounded sexier in something that wasn't an American accent.

She then cleared her throat. "I tried to reach Marian but I guess she was teaching. Maybe I can reach her now so she can take care of you."

"I think she has a date tonight," he said. "She usually schedules them for when it's my weekend with Roland."

"Wait…are you divorced?" she asked, confused. Had she gotten it wrong this entire time?

The doctor then re-entered the room, putting a pause to their conversation. He gave Regina some papers, explaining how to test for a concussion. She listened carefully, nodding after every point before promising to do all of that - or at least make sure someone would do it for him. That pleased the doctor and he said they were free to go.

Once they left the clinic, Regina turned to Robin. "So where do you want to go?"

"I guess back home," he replied. "I can take the train."

"Take the train when you might have a concussion?" she asked, aghast. "No way. And is there someone at your home for you? You mentioned Marian has a date and that your parents are out with Roland. So do you have a roommate? Or a sibling? Relative? Neighbor? Girlfriend?"

"No, no, none nearby, my parents are my neighbors, and no," he said, impressing her with how he remembered everything she asked.

She nodded, feeling uncomfortable with the idea of sending him home alone. "When will your parents be back?"

"I don't know," he said. "They said they would text me when they were on their way back."

"Which doesn't help since you left your cell phone at the dance studio," she replied, holding out her arm to summon a taxi. "Why don't we take a car there and then determine our next steps?"

He nodded. "That sounds good. And you can leave me there. I don't want to inconvenience you."

"Nonsense," she said as a taxi pulled up to them. "I am not leaving you alone. I promised the doctor."

They climbed into the taxi and made the journey back to his dance studio. Regina paid for the fare before they climbed out as Robin protested that he would pay her back. She just waved him off as he unlocked the studio, confirming Marian had likely left for her date already. He quickly found his phone, checking his messages.

"Marian texted my parents that I forgot my phone," he said. "They are done with the garden but taking Roland to dinner. They think they'll be back around eight."

"Okay, so do you want to go home and wait for them there?" she asked. "Or do you want to come to my place?"

He sighed. "Really, Regina, you've already done so much for me…"

She held up a finger, both amused and annoyed by how much he was resisting letting her take care of him for the short period until his parents were back. "Don't you even suggest that I leave you alone. You might have a concussion, Robin. That's serious."

"I know," he said. "But I doubt I'll be alone for long."

"Two hours is a long time," she told him, checking the clock to see that it was just after six. "So, make your choice - your place or mine?"

His shoulders slumped in resignation. "Do you mind traveling to Brooklyn?"

She shook her head. "Not at all. Let's go get a car and get you home."

"I'll pay for the car this time," he said, ushering her out of the store again. "You can't keep paying."

"Alright," she replied, knowing it made the most sense. After all, she would likely have to pay for a car back to Manhattan once she had left him in the care of his parents.

They hailed a cab and Robin gave his address before the driver took off. Regina tilted her head as she asked: "Where in Brooklyn is that?"

"Brooklyn Heights," he replied. "My parents bought a townhouse there when we first moved to the States. Then when the townhouse attached to ours went on the market, we bought it and I now live there."

"That's nice," she said, curious to learn more about him. She also hoped that if she kept him talking, she would prevent him from falling asleep. "So did you go to college?"

His smile turned sheepish as he nodded. "Julliard."

That impressed her. "Wow. Did Marian go there as well?"

"No," he replied. "She went to the American School of Dance. We were only a few blocks away from each other."

"You both went to very good schools," she said, even more impressed.

He nodded. "We were very fortunate. But I'm sure you went to a good school as well," he replied.

"I did," she replied. "Columbia - both undergrad and law school."

"Impressive," he said, grinning. "So you're a lawyer?"

Regina nodded this time. "I work in business contracts and boring stuff like that. Not the fun kind like criminal law."

"Business law is still important," he replied.

"I know," she said, touched by his comment. "But I also know everyone is more interested in either criminal law or family law. Juicier stories, I guess."

He shrugged. "Who needs to hear other people's woes? I know I don't."

She laughed at that. "I guess you would never make it as a bartender then."

"I happen to be an amazing bartender," he said. "I worked in a couple when Marian and I were still professionally competing to bring in some money between competitions as well as after we retired and were getting our studio off the ground."

"Even though you didn't like to hear about other people's woes?" she asked, curious now. "Or is that when you developed that belief?"

He chuckled. "Maybe I phrased that wrong because I certainly heard about people's woes and counseled them. But I heard it directly from them. So I really meant to ask - who wants to gossip about other people's woes?"

"A lot of people," she replied. "After all, you never associate gossip with good things, right?"

"That is true," he agreed. "I guess I prefer to be able to help someone after hearing their woes or at least comfort them directly rather than give someone else an ego boost."

She nodded. "That makes sense."

They lapsed into silence as the taxi drove over the Brooklyn Bridge. Regina looked down the East River to New York Harbor and the ocean behind it before asking: "Do you miss England?"

"Sometimes," he replied. "But I've really come to love New York."

"I've only ever lived here," she said. "And most days I love it and can't imagine living anywhere else. But there are some days where I wonder if I would be happier out in the country, living in a cute little cottage in a town where everyone knows your name."

He chuckled. "Let me guess, those days usually occur around now?"

"Yes," she replied, surprised he guessed that. "How did you know that?"

"Because there aren't many Christmas movies where the woman from the country goes to the city to find love and the true meaning of Christmas," he said. "And don't deny that you watch them. Everyone watches those movies and anyone who says otherwise is a liar, liar, pants on fire."

She laughed at that before nodding. "Yes, I do watch them. They are my guilty pleasure."

He leaned closer, grinning. "Mine too."
"What's your favorite movie then?" she asked him, curious now.

"Do I just have to pick one?" he asked, rubbing his chin. "Because I don't think I could do that."

She nodded, knowing she felt the same way. An idea hit her and she knew it would be a good way to keep him awake while passing the time as they continued to inch their way into Brooklyn. "How's this? You name one of your favorites and I'll name one of mine. We'll go until we either run out of favorites or reach your house, whichever comes first."

"Sounds good to me," he said. "Ladies first."

"How chivalrous," she teased him. "Okay, so one of my favorites is A Princess for Christmas."

He rubbed his chin. "That's the one with the guy from Outlander where his father is James Bond, right?"

"It is," she replied. "It's one of the older ones, maybe even one of the first, but it holds up. I absolutely love it."

"Classics are always great," he said, nodding. "My turn then. One of my favorites is Under Wraps. You know, the one where she's a doctor who ends up doing her residency in a town that is really the North Pole and she ends up falling in love with Santa's son."

She knew exactly what he meant and nodded. "That is a good one, though I wouldn't classify it as one of my favorites. I do like the one where the main character makes a list detailing her perfect Christmas and when she finds it as a child, decides to do everything and have that perfect Christmas."

They both listed a few more movies before the car came to a stop and the driver turned to face them. "We're here," he said.

"Oh," Robin replied, looking out the window and nodding. "We are. How much is it?"

He paid the fare as Regina got out of the taxi. She went around to the other side and opened his door, holding out her hand. "Let me help you," she said.

"I'm fine," he insisted, taking her hand as he climbed out of the taxi. But he then wobbled a bit and she reached out to steady him. He gave her a sheepish grin. "Okay, maybe I'm not fine."

"Clearly," she said, taking his arm. "Let's do this slowly, okay?"

Together, they took it step by step up to the door of his brownstone. She looked it over, impressed with the fact he lived in one. He had it decorated for Christmas, with garland around the metal railing and lights in the windows. Though the curtain was drawn in the big window on his first floor, she could see the outline of his tree behind it. A wreath on the brown door added to the warm and homey feeling she got even from his front stoop.

Robin retrieved his keys and unlocked the door. She helped him into the house and he turned on the lights as she closed his door. He turned to her, smiling. "Can I take your coat?" he asked.

"Sure," she said, removing it and handing it to him. "Thank you."

As he hung up her coat, she admired his house. The walls of the foyer were painted a warm color that went well with the wooden table he had by the door as well as the wooden key holder hanging on the wall. She spotted a staircase leading to the second floor just to her left and she figured all the bedrooms were up there. Regina wondered if Robin would want to go up to his bedroom and if she would get to see it while she was there.

She then gave herself a mental shake, reminding herself that he was still just her ballroom teacher. Going up to his bedroom would be very intimate and their relationship just didn't call for it. He would have to wait for his parents to go to his bedroom.

"Can I get you anything?" he asked her, tucking his hands in his pockets as he watched her.

"I'm fine," she replied, tucking some hair behind her ear. "You should be resting. Let's get you to your couch at least."

He nodded, motioning to her left and his right. "It's that way."
She helped him into the living room, which was dark. Robin moved confidently through the room, leading her around a coffee table and toward what appeared to be a couch. He eased himself down onto it before motioning next to the couch. "The lamp should be there," he said.

"Should be?" she asked, teasing him as he leaned over. "What? Does it move around while you're gone?"
"Maybe," he replied. "Maybe there's a Toy Story thing happening with my furniture when I'm gone."

She chuckled as her hand felt the switch for the lamp. Regina turned it a few times, illuminating the room in a bright light as she said: "Sounds more like The Brave Little Toaster if you ask me."

"The what?" Robin asked, frowning as he looked up at her from where he sat on his couch - which she realized was a nice shade of blue.

"You've never heard of The Brave Little Toaster?" she asked him. When he shook his head, she gasped in surprise. "You should! It's a very good movie and preceded Toy Story."

He chuckled, nodding. "I'll take it under consideration. I trust it's suitable for children?"

"Yes," she replied, understanding why he asked. "Though it could make them sad. I tear up when watching it and I'm a grown woman."

"Good to know," he said, nodding. "I'll be sure to be ready with tissues and hugs."

She smiled, her heart melting at how much he loved his son. Regina caught sight of a picture of him and a younger Roland, the two posing in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree as Robin held Roland. "Roland is very lucky to have you as a father," she said.

"I'm lucky to have him as a son," Robin replied, smiling fondly. "I love him and am so proud of him all the time."

"I'm sure he knows that," she said, feeling teary-eyed. She took a deep breath before asking: "Can I get you anything?"

He shook his head. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" she asked, wondering if he was just trying not to be an imposition. She knew she would likely do the same thing if the situation was reversed.

"I guess I could have some water," he said, starting to stand. "I can get it."

Robin swayed on his feet and she reached out to steady him again before easing him to sit on the couch once more. "You are going nowhere. I'll get it," she said.

He nodded, pointing to the next room. "Kitchen's in there."
"Thank you," she replied. "Tap good or do you prefer something else?"
"I have a pitcher of filtered water in the fridge," he replied. "I prefer that."

She nodded, slowly backing up. "Then you just stay put and I'll be right back."

"No worries about that," he said, leaning over. "Let me just get the remote."

"I'll get it," she said, brushing past him to pick up the remote. She handed it to him as she added: "You just focus on staying still, okay?"

He nodded, looking amused. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good," she replied, not caring that he called her ma'am rather sarcastically. She walked into his kitchen, flipping on the light and taking in the room.

It was an ordinary looking kitchen with wood cabinets, counters and drawers. There was a white stove in front of her, one cabinet away from the sink. When she turned to her left, she found the fridge. But she eyed the cabinets, wondering where he would keep the glasses. Should she ask or just look around?

"Cups are in the cabinet right next to the fridge," Robin called out. "Forgot to tell you that."

"Thank you!" she replied, relieved as she opened the cabinet. She pulled out a glass. "Do you want ice?"

He declined ice and so she opened the fridge, pulling out the pitcher of water. She filled the glass before returning it, trying not to snoop in his refrigerator. But she noticed some containers of leftovers stacked neatly on one shelf, a packaged chicken waiting to be cooked and a crisper filled with vegetables. It certainly didn't look like a bachelor's fridge - though there was a six pack of beer on the top shelf.

But she knew that wasn't much different from the bottles of wine in the wine rack over her counter. So she was in no place to judge him. As long as he drank responsibly, who was she to judge how he relaxed?

She poured him some water and put the pitcher back in the refrigerator. Regina carried the glass to him and held it out. "Here you go."

"Thank you," he replied, taking the glass. "You could've gotten one for yourself too."

"I'm fine," she assured him, sitting down in the nearest armchair. "Can I get you anything else?"

He sipped some water before glancing at the clock over his TV. "I am hungry but I can always wait for my parents to come home."

"Did you have lunch?" she asked, remembering the time of their lesson.

"I did not," he replied sheepishly. "But another hour or so won't kill me."

She shook her head. "You need to eat. Let me order you something."

"Okay, but on one condition," he said. "You order yourself something as well and let me pay for it."

"You don't have to do that," she replied, not wanting to inconvenience him.

He waved her off. "Consider this a thank you for helping me and taking care of me."

"It's a little too much," she insisted. "I'm just doing what anyone else would do."

"Nonsense. I can assure you most of my other students would've just left me at the urgent care and called me the next day," he told her. "You're really going the extra mile and I want to thank you for that."

Her heart fluttered at his words but she was still prepared to protest. Robin held up his hand and raised an eyebrow. "I'm just as stubborn as you so we can either spend the entire time arguing or we can just order dinner and eat instead."

She sighed, realizing she was not going to win this battle. "Alright. What do you want?"

"Do you like Chinese?" he asked. "If not, we can always have Italian."

"Chinese is fine, but I am particular," she admitted. "There's like one place I like in the entire city."

He chuckled. "I get it. I'm very loyal to my Chinese place and my pizza place as well."

"Oh, yes," she agreed. "Every New Yorker has to have a pizza place they are loyal to."

"Do you want to try my pizza place?" he asked. "Or would that be a betrayal to your pizza place?"

She chuckled. "I guess it depends."

He tilted his head. "On what?"

"On the menu," she replied.

"Fair enough," he said, pointing to the kitchen. "I keep them in a box next to the fridge."

She stood, chuckling. "Okay, I'll go check them out."

Regina returned to the kitchen and quickly found the box he had mentioned. She opened it and was impressed with how organized it was, sorted by different cuisines. One caught her eye immediately and her heart skipped a beat. "You have a Puerto Rican place?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied. "It's a couple blocks over. Why?"

"I love Puerto Rican food," she replied, picking up the menu. "But I hardly get it. Would you mind if we ordered from there?"

She stepped out of the kitchen to look at him. Robin smiled as he nodded. "Puerto Rican sounds amazing," he said.

Relief and joy filled her as she held out the menu to him. "Let me know what you want and I can place the order."
"Okay," he said. "But you better not pay."

"I won't," she promised, grabbing her phone. He nodded, leaning back on the couch as he watched her call the restaurant. She easily slipped into Spanish, knowing that would likely give them some better service.

After placing her order, she turned to Robin. He gave her his order in Spanish tinted with his British accent and she nodded, impressed as she repeated it to the employee taking her order. She then handed the phone over to Robin for payment and he continued to converse in Spanish until he ended the call.

He set the phone down and grinned at her. "Marian's family mostly speaks Spanish. So I either had to learn or just always be confused. I learned."

"Understandable," she said. "My mother never learned and I think that was why she didn't like going to family functions. So we went less and less until we just did things on our own. I miss them and was looking forward to seeing them at my wedding but…well…"

"You can always reach out to them on your own," he told her. "You can form a relationship with them now. It's never too late."

She shrugged, wishing it was that easy. "I don't know if I'm ready to face anyone after what happened."

He frowned. "I don't think anyone will blame you for that. And if they do, well, are they someone you want in your life anyway?"

"Probably not," she replied, sighing. "I just don't think I can handle any more rejection, you know?"

"I do," he assured her, a distant look in his eyes. "I definitely do."

She wondered what he was thinking about but decided not to pry. Even though she was sitting in his house and about to have dinner with him, she knew they were still just teacher and student. They weren't about to bare their hearts to each other.

DING-DONG!

Clearing her throat, she stood and did her best to smile. "That must be the food. I'll go get it."

She walked to the door and opened it, collecting the bag and the receipt. Regina thanked the delivery person, confirming that Robin had tipped them before wishing them a good night. Walking back to the living room, she frowned when she saw him trying to stand up. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Going to set the table," he said. "Why?"

"You have a concussion!" she reminded him, gently pushing him back onto the couch. "You are just going to sit there. Do you have trays?"

He leaned back, nodding. "But I think I can make it to the table."

She shook her head. "You can take that risk when your parents are here. While I'm here, you're going to stay on that couch. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, grinning. "You remind me of some of my old dance teachers."

"I'm hoping that's a compliment," she replied, shooting him a look.

He chuckled before nodding. "It is."

While she didn't completely believe him, she decided to let it go for now. Regina found his trays and set two up before handing him his meal. She sat down with her own, eagerly biting into her empanada. Once she swallowed, she said: "Thank you."

"For what?" he asked, looking up from his meal with a confused frown.

"The food," she replied, motioning to her plate. "It's been too long since I had a good empanada."

He smiled. "Then I'm happy you brought me home."

She chuckled. "You mean forced you to let me take you home."

"To-may-to, to-mah-to," he replied, waving his hand. "Either way, you're here now and got some Puerto Rican food."

"True," she admitted with a laugh. She turned back to her food and they ate in silence for some time.

She was halfway through her meal when she noticed something on the table by Robin. Intrigued, she pointed to it using her fork. "What's that?" she asked.

He frowned, tilting his head. "What's what?"

"That carving with the pictures," she said, trying to make it out. "It looks interesting."

"Oh, this," he replied, picking it up with a smile. "It's a Dara Knot."

He held it out to her and she took it as she said: "I've never heard of it before."

"You probably wouldn't have," he replied. "But I bet once you look it over, you'll realize that it's something you've seen before, just never really paid attention to it. It's a traditional Celtic symbol representing the roots of trees, especially oak trees."

"Why tree roots?" she asked, taking the carving but not looking down at it yet.

Robin smiled. "Because they are strong. And so they are used to represent strength."

She nodded, looking at the pattern carved in the wood. It almost looked like a circle but there was a square inside as well, the lines interlocking to form the shapes. "Roots are pretty strong but I don't see how this looks like a tree root."

"It's symbolic," he reminded her. "And it's also unending to show you can always be strong."

"Oh," she replied, impressed with it. "I like it. Where did you get it?"

He smiled. "My mum gave it to me. She's Irish."

"That's sweet," she said, feeling she was learning more about him the longer she stayed there. "Did she think you needed some strength?"

"I did," he replied. "I had hit a wall in my training and was struggling during competitions. It led to a low point where I even considered quitting dancing. Mum said that if I really wanted to quit because I no longer enjoyed dancing, then she would support me. But she said that she didn't want to see me quit just because things were getting difficult. She gave me the Dara Knot to remind me of my own inner strength. I persevered and got through that rough patch. The rest is history."

Regina handed him the carving back. "That was a sweet gift. I know I could use some strength now."

He nodded as he returned the carving to its proper spot. "It must be hard to cancel an entire wedding."

"Well, my bridal party has been a godsend," she said, again grateful for her friends. "They've been calling the venues and vendors to cancel so I don't have to."

"That's good," he said. "But I also meant emotionally and psychologically. You were all ready to spend the rest of your life with this person and now those plans are gone. I understand how hard that is."

She was about to argue that point before remembering that he was divorced. He had planned to spend the rest of his life with Marian and those plans had evaporated as well. Though their divorce sounded amicable, it likely was still painful. And so he did understand her pain because he had experienced something similar.

"It is hard," she said softly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied. "But I can tell that you have an inner strength that will help you get through this, even if you don't think so."

His words warmed her and she asked: "How do you know that?"

"You came back for lessons," he replied. "You brushed off the embarrassment and tried again."

"I did," she agreed. "I guess that takes some strength."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Some? I would say it takes a lot of strength to do that."

She was saved from answering when the front door opened. A few moments later, a frantic woman with graying blonde hair rushed into the room. She went straight to Robin, running her hands over his face. "Are you okay?" she asked him, her voice carrying a soft Irish accent.

"I'm fine, Mum," he replied, confirming Regina's statement. "Just a possible concussion. Nothing I haven't experienced before."

"Just a…! You're as bad as your father," she scolded, shaking her head.

A man who looked like the older version of Robin stepped into the living room, looking confused. "What did I do now?"

Regina tried not to giggle as Robin's mother just glared at him. Her attention then turned to Roland, who emerged from behind his grandfather. Roland saw her and his eyes grew as big as his smile. "Regina!"

"Hello, Roland," she said, happy to see him again. "How are you?"

"I'm good," he replied, coming to stand next to her chair. "Thank you for taking care of Papa."

Warmth spread through at how earnest he looked and she placed her hand over his chilled one. "You're very welcome," she told him.

"Yes, thank you," Robin's mother said, now turning her attention to Regina. She held out her hand. "Catherine Locklsey."

"Regina Mills," Regina replied, standing so she could shake Catherine's hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

Catherine looked her over before nodding, smiling. "Likewise."

"And I'm Michael Locksley," her husband said, holding out his hand. "Sorry, just feeling a little left out."

Regina chuckled, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you as well."

"Dad, can you call a car for Regina?" Robin asked. "She needs to get back home to Manhattan."

"Oh, you don't have to do that," she said, not wanting to inconvenience his family. "I can call my own car. I can also take the subway. I have nothing against public transportation."

Michael Locksley shook his head. "Nonsense. You helped Robin. It's only right that we help you."

Realizing she wasn't going to win that battle, she nodded. "Then thank you."

"You're welcome," Michael replied, pulling out his phone. "I'll be right back."

He left the room as Roland looked at my food, his eyes lighting up. "Did you order from the Puerto Rican place?" he asked.

"We did," Robin replied. "Regina wanted it."

"I am half-Puerto Rican and wanted a little taste of my family's heritage," she told Roland, grinning at him.

He gasped. "Do you speak Spanish?"

She chuckled as she nodded. "I do. And since I know your father speaks it, I'm pretty confident in saying that you do too."

"I do," Roland said, nodding. "My mama and her family speak it at home all the time."

"That sounds awesome," Regina replied. "I didn't speak it at home and had to learn it in school."

Michael entered the room again, smiling. "Okay, Regina, the car should be here in a few minutes."

She nodded, standing. "Thank you. I'll pack up my dinner and be out of your hair, then."

"Let me get you a stronger container," Catherine said, moving toward the kitchen. "That one won't make it to the bridge, let alone your apartment."

"Oh," Regina said, glancing at the flimsy container and nodding. "Thank you. I'll give it back to Robin at my next lesson."

Catherine waved her hand dismissively before taking the container from Regina. "You don't have to worry about that. We have plenty of Tupperware."

Deciding it wasn't worth a fight, Regina vowed to just give the Tupperware back to Robin at her next lesson. He could then decide what he wanted to do - though since this was his house, she was pretty sure he would want it back, no matter what his mother said.

"Here you go," Catherine said, handing her a container with the rest of her food. "Thank you again for helping Robin."

"I'm glad I was able to," Regina replied. She then turned to Robin. "Follow doctor's orders and feel better soon. I'll see you at our next lesson. And maybe we should just stick to the studio this time."

He chuckled, nodding. "I think that's a good idea."

Roland hugged her. "Will I see you soon?"

"I hope so," she replied, hugging him back. "I hope I get to see you dance too."

"The car is here, Regina," Michael said, holding out his hand to her. "Thank you again and get home safely."

She shook his head. "You're welcome. And thank you for the car."

He walked her to the door. Just before she stepped out, she took one last look at Robin. Catherine now fretted over him as he tried to shoo her away and Roland laughed, cuddling next to his father. It warmed Regina's heart and she knew that he was in good hands.

Michael helped her down the stairs and watched as she got in the car. He waved as it drove off with Regina, her heart constricting as she got further away from the warm and loving scene in Robin's home. For a moment, she was tempted to ask the driver to turn around and just spend the night with the Locksley family. But she reminded herself that she was just Robin's student and that would be overstepping their boundaries. They also couldn't be her escape from the pain and loneliness she felt in the wake of canceling her wedding to Sidney.

As the car headed toward the bridge to take her back to Manhattan, she decided she wouldn't let the melancholy win. She would go home, heat up the rest of her dinner, pour herself some wine and listen to some upbeat music. Regina would throw herself a party for one - no pitying allowed.

She was done feeling sorry for herself. Her best revenge would be living life to its fullest and she was going to do that.

"So that was Regina Mills," Mum said, sitting next to Robin after Roland had gone to bed.

"Yes," he replied, not sure where she was going with this conversation. "She was very adamant about not leaving me alone. I was going to wait for you in the dance studio."

Mum rolled her eyes. "Of course you were. I'm so glad that Regina was with you, then."

He nodded. "She took really good care of me."

"I can tell," she replied. "And it's clear she also has a connection with Roland as well."

"Roland sold her her lessons," Robin said, smiling at the memory of how proud his son was with his first sale. "It developed a bond between them."

She looked thoughtful. "That's sweet."

He nodded, growing suspicious about her questioning. "So what do you think of Regina Mills?"

"She seems like a good woman," Mum replied. "Why?"

"She was the one you were worried about," he reminded her.

"I know," Mum said. "And I'm still worried."

Robin bit back his groan as he asked: "Why?"

"She's your type," she replied. "And if she hadn't just been left at the altar and if she wasn't a client, I would probably encourage you to go for it."

"Go for what?" Robin asked, though he had a feeling he knew the answer.

She sighed. "A relationship."

He rubbed his forehead. "I'm not really looking for one right now. We've been over this."

"I know," she replied. "But maybe after the New Year, you try going on at least one date. For me?"

"Mum, please don't push me," he told her, uncomfortable with her request. "Let me do this on my own time."

She scowled but it was Dad who spoke next. "Leave him alone, Katie. He's an adult and can make his own decisions," he said, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed.

"Fine," she said, standing. She placed her hand on Robin's shoulder. "I really just want you to be happy."

"I know, Mum," he assured her, covering her hand with his own. "I just need you to let me figure that out for myself, okay?"

She sighed but nodded. "Okay, my boy."

"Thanks, Mum," he replied. "I love you."

"Love you too," she said, brushing some hair from his forehead. "And while I think you need to be careful around Regina, she did take care of you and Roland seems fond of her."

He nodded. "She's got a good heart. It's just a little bruised right now."

"That is true," she replied, looking thoughtful. "And maybe we can help heal it a little bit. You should invite her to our Christmas party next week. We can properly thank her then."

"Wait, really?" Robin asked, surprised. While his mother believed that the more people made the party merrier, she didn't often invite people they had just met. And the only students who ever got invites were those who had been his parents' students. It certainly struck him as odd that she would so easily invite Regina this year given all her concerns.

Mum nodded. "Really. I think it's the least we can do."

"Okay," Robin said, deciding not to question her decision and just roll with it. "I'll invite her at our next session."

"Good," she replied. "Now, we should probably get you to bed. I'm sure you need some rest and we're going to have to check on you during the night."

He nodded, knowing she was right. "Let me just say goodnight to Roland and then I'll head up to bed."

Robin started to stand but Mum pushed him back down on the couch. "I'll send him in and then you can head upstairs. For now, you should limit how much you move, okay?"

"Okay, Mum," he replied. "Thank you."

She left the living room and he rested his head on the back of the couch. He felt confused about the whole day but he knew he had made a breakthrough with Regina. Robin hoped it worked in their favor and she came to trust him more as they continued their lessons. Maybe coming to their Christmas party would help as well. It certainly wasn't orthodox but Robin had long learned that sometimes you had to think out of the box with some students.

And Regina definitely was one of those students.

He started to feel more confident that she would be one of his success stories. She likely wouldn't turn professional but if she found some happiness and peace in dance, then it would all be worth it in the end.

A/N: Merry Christmas! Here's the latest chapter of The Christmas Waltz with plenty of Outlaw Queen goodness for you! Robin and Regina are getting closer and that has to be a good thing – even if Robin's mother is still not sure about that.

I'll have a few more updates for you before the season ends so keep an eye out for them!

Happy Holidays!

-Mac