Chapter 8: Getting Closer

"Feeling better, Mr. Locksley?" Henry asked as Robin entered the kitchen the next day.

"I am," he said, feeling more refreshed and rested than he had the day before. "All I needed was a good night's sleep and I got it. Thank you."

Henry looked relieved as he nodded. "Good. I think we've had enough sickness around here for, like, the rest of the year."

Robin chuckled, gently squeezing the boy's shoulder. "I agree."

"Time to get ready," Mary Margaret told Henry. "I know you'll feel better knowing that Robin is fine."

Henry nodded before surprising Robin by hugging him. "I'm glad you're not sick."

"Me too," Robin said, returning the hug before gently pushing him away. "Don't forget to give your mum a hug too."

"Right," Henry said, bounding over to Regina. She smiled as he hugged her, telling him to have a good day at school. He then left the kitchen as Mary Margaret reminded Regina to be nice to Robin.

Regina rolled her eyes. "Haven't I been nice to you, Robin?" she asked him.

"She has," he replied, turning to Mary Margaret. "She's been on her best behavior since being released from the hospital."

"Good," Mary Margaret said. "But a friendly reminder never hurts."

She shot Regina another look before leaving the kitchen. Robin crossed to the table and sat down as Regina looked him over. "Roland have a better night?" she asked.

He nodded. "We both had a good session with my friend who is a therapist and we both slept like babies."

"Good," she said. "I'm glad to hear that."

"And how about you?" he asked. "How are you sleeping?"

She seemed surprised by his question. "Why?"

"With your injuries and recovering from pneumonia, I'm worried you might not be getting enough sleep or the restorative sleep you need," he explained, feeling guilty that he never thought to ask her how she was sleeping before.

"I'm sleeping all the time," she replied. "I don't know if I'm just not getting enough restorative sleep or whatever I am getting is used up by my body as it heals."

He nodded. "It's probably more the latter right now. Do you think you need more naps during the day?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. Sometimes I really have no choice about them."

"Understandable," he replied. "You'll probably start to notice them decrease as your body continues to heal and your strength really starts to build back up."

"And how long will that take?" she asked.

He shrugged. "That's up to you and ultimately your body."

She sighed. "I was afraid you were going to say that."

"Why?" he asked, though he suspected he knew the answer.

Unsurprisingly, she said: "Because I hate not having a clear timeline and knowing a firm end date for this."

"I know," he replied. "But if we keep up with your schedule, I think we can have a clearer timeline in a couple weeks. And then maybe even a firm end date not long after that."

She nodded, motioning to her wheelchair. "So are we going to keep chatting or get to work?"

He chuckled, standing. "Okay, okay. Let's get to work."

Robin rolled over the wheelchair and Regina moved into it. He then brought her to the living room, glad she was now committed to her own recovery at last. Clapping his hands together, he grinned. "Where do you want to start?"

"Your choice," she told him. "You're the expert."

"I guess so," he replied. "Alright, then let's start with stretches and go from there."

She nodded. "Sounds good."

As he led her through the stretches, Robin felt as if the tension of the past twenty-four hours was now behind them. They could just focus on her recovery and celebrate with a picnic on the 4th of July.

Then they would likely part ways. He just hoped that whenever he thought of her or she thought of him, it would be fondly and with a smile.

He couldn't ask for anything more.

"I'm glad Mr. Locksley is feeling better," Henry said, curling against Regina that night as they watched some TV before his bedtime.

She nodded, wrapping her arm around him. "I am too. And I'm glad that Roland is feeling better as well."

Henry frowned. "Roland had been feeling sick too?"

"Not really," she said. "Roland had some nightmares and that's why Robin was so tired. He wasn't able to get a good night's sleep."

"Oh," Henry said, looking pensive. "Nightmares are the worst."

She nodded, muting the TV before looking at him. "Are you having any nightmares? I know the past several weeks must've been scary for you, between my accident and me getting sick enough to land back in the hospital. It's okay if you've had nightmares. It's perfectly normal."

"I've had a few," he admitted. "Especially right after the accident. I dreamed about it but Uncle David and the firefighters weren't able to get you out."

"Oh, sweetheart," she said, feeling her throat tighten as she kissed the top of his head.

Tears fell down his eyes as he pressed himself even closer to her. "And then I dreamed that you were going to have to go to the hospital and never come back. That I was left on my own."

Regina's heart broke as she wrapped her arms around him, rocking him as best as she could. "I'm not going to leave you, sweetheart. I promise," she told him.

"I know," he replied, sniffling as his body still shook with sobs. "But I was so scared when you weren't doing what you needed to do. I thought I would lose you."

"I'm sorry," she told him, hating herself for scaring him like that. "I was being selfish and it was wrong. You are the last person I ever want to hurt."

Henry sniffled again. "I know, Mom."

She kissed the top of his head again. "Good. I love you so, so much, Henry."

"I love you too," he replied. He looked up, smiling even as tears still ran down his cheeks. "To infinity and beyond."

"To infinity and beyond," she repeated, a familiar exchange they started when Henry was little and had watched Toy Story for the first time. He loved Buzz Lightyear's phrase and started incorporating it when he told her he loved her.

She hoped he never stopped.

"Okay, Henry," Mary Margaret said, stepping into the room. "It's time for bed."

He looked up at Regina, pleading with his eyes as well as his words. "Five more minutes, please?"

"I'm afraid not," she told him, knowing it was late enough. "You have school in the morning. And honestly, I'm ready for bed myself."

"Okay," he said, no doubt more willing to go to bed if it meant she got some rest. He kissed her cheek. "I love you, Mom. Goodnight."

She smiled, watching as he stood. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you too. I'll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams."

He left the room as Mary Margaret tilted her head. "You serious about turning in as well?"

"I am," Regina said, recalling Robin's words about needing sleep. "My body is still healing."

"Good," Mary Margaret said. "I'll go check on Henry and then come down to help you."

Regina nodded, settling back against her pillow as Mary Margaret walked away. She saw her phone nearby and reached for it, picking it up. Opening her contacts, she found the one for Robin that Mary Margaret had insisted she program into her phone. For a moment, Regina considered if she wanted to text him or not – she hadn't done it yet and she didn't want him to panic that something was wrong. But she also wanted him to know that she was doing everything she could now to recover faster.

In the end, she set her phone down. She could always tell him in the morning.

Mary Margaret returned, pushing Regina's wheelchair over to her. "Okay, let's get you into bed."

"Thank you," Regina said, moving from the couch to the wheelchair. She looked up at Mary Margaret. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course," Mary Margaret replied, rolling her from the living room.

Regina took a deep breath and asked: "Has Henry had a lot of nightmares since my accident?"

Mary Margaret frowned. "I don't know. Did he say he was having nightmares?"

"He said he's had a few," Regina said, her heart hurting for her son. "I'm guessing he didn't go to you or David about them?"

"No," Mary Margaret replied. "He probably just soothed himself."

Regina's heart hurt at the thought of her son in distress and having to calm himself down after a nightmare. Even though he was ten and almost a teenager, he was still her baby. She still wanted to hug away his pain and assure him that everything would be fine, that the dreams couldn't hurt him.

She was his mother and that was just her nature.

"Well, I hope his nightmares stop now that I'm home," Regina said. "And hopefully because he's talking about them in therapy as well."

"I'm sure he is," Mary Margaret said. "Now, do you need any help getting ready?"

Regina shook her head. "I should be fine for tonight. But tomorrow I will need some help in the morning."

Mary Margaret nodded. "I'll make sure to help you before I leave. And maybe tomorrow we should try to give you a sponge bath."

"I hate sponge baths," Regina said, shuddering as she thought of sitting naked while her friend sponged her down. It felt even more humiliating than using the wheelchair.

"It's just me," Mary Margaret told her. "You have nothing to hide."

Regina sighed. "I know. It's just…You know how I am."

"I know," Mary Margaret replied. "And I'm not judging you. I promise you. I'm not your mother."

"You aren't," Regina agreed. She tapped her head. "But she's there. I feel like I can never escape her."

Mary Margaret frowned. "Have you told that to Dr. Hopper?"

Regina lowered her hand as she shook her head. "Not really."

"Maybe you should," Mary Margaret replied. "It sounds like something he would be able to help you with."

"I know," Regina said, sighing. "It's just…hard…to admit it."

Mary Margaret sat next to her and took her hand. "I understand. But you trust Dr. Hopper, right?"

"I do," Regina replied. "As much as one can trust their therapist, I suppose."

"Do you feel safe with him at least?" Mary Margaret asked, clearly not ready to let the subject drop.

Regina nodded, realizing this was not a battle she would win. "I guess I can broach it at my next session."

Mary Margaret squeezed her hand. "I hope you do. I think it's an important step in your recovery."

"Which one?" Regina asked, looking down at the cast wrapped around her leg.

"Both," Mary Margaret replied. "You need to heal from everything your mother taught you and put you through. And as you heal from that, you can continue to heal physically and not be so resistant to Robin's help."

Regina sighed. "I hate to say it…"

Mary Margaret didn't need her to finish that statement. "I know. Now, do you need me to tuck you in?"

"Sadly, I think I do," Regina said, sighing. "Thank you."

She got under the covers and Mary Margaret pulled them over her. Once they were just the way Regina liked them, Mary Margaret pulled back. "Pleasant dreams, Regina. I'll see you in the morning," she said.

"See you in the morning," Regina said, getting comfortable as her eyes started to close. "Good night."

Mary Margaret turned off the lights and Regina drifted off to sleep, hoping it helped heal her body even more.

"Good morning," Robin said, entering the kitchen the next morning. He found Regina at the table enjoying some oatmeal for breakfast. "How are you feeling today?"

"Okay," she replied. "I'm a bit sore, honestly."

He frowned, concerned by her answer. "Is something in particular sore or is it just your whole body?"

"My whole body," she said, grimacing. "I think I may need to replace the mattress in my guest bedroom."

"That might be likely," he replied. "But I think it might also be due to our exercises."

Henry frowned now, looking concerned. "I thought the exercises were supposed to help her get better."

"They are," Regina said, quick to reassure her son. "Not all pain is bad."

"Agreed," Robin replied, pleased with her answer. "But I promise to do less strenuous exercises today. Just ones that are focused on recovery and not building up muscle."

Henry nodded, looking pleased. "Thanks, Mr. Locksley."

"You should go get ready," Regina told Henry. "You'll need to leave for school soon."

"Okay, Mom," he said, picking up his bowl. He paused as he reached Robin, giving him a quick one-armed hug before continuing on his way.

Once he was gone, Regina leaned against her good hand as she said: "Henry really likes you."

"I think he likes the fact that I'm helping you get better," Robin replied, starting to set out her morning medicine. "That's all he wants."

"It's all I want too," she said. She then sighed. "That and a good glass of wine."

He chuckled, knowing that many of his patients often had to give up alcohol due to their prescriptions and often wished to have some. Robin glanced up at her, saying: "We'll get you that glass of wine as soon as we can."

"I hope so," she replied. "I mean, I don't want you to think I'm some lush but I do like to unwind with a glass of wine every now and then."

"I understand. I like to unwind with a beer after Roland's gone to bed every now and then," he said, placing her medicine down in front of her. "So no judgments from me unless you don't take your pills."

She gave him a look but took each pill, swallowing them down the water he provided her. Pleased, Robin took her plate and went to clean it off as Henry blew back into the kitchen. He hugged his mother and said goodbye before rushing back out, saying goodbye to Robin as he passed him. Mary Margaret also said goodbye before she ushered Henry out of the house, the door closing behind them.

Robin leaned against the counter. "So, you ready to head to the living room? Or do you want to go someplace else?"

"Where else would I go?" she asked, sighing. "Living room it is."

"Alright then," he replied, rolling her wheelchair over to her. "Do you need help getting in or do you think you can do it?"

She looked at the chair before her shoulders slumped. "I'm going to need help. I don't think I have the strength to move that much."

"Okay, I've got you," Robin said, gently lifting her from the chair and placing her in the wheelchair. "You sure you don't want to go to your bedroom instead? I think some rest might be helpful."

"No, I want to go to the living room," she replied. "I can at least put on the TV as background noise."

He nodded, pushing her into the living room. Robin again lifted her onto the couch, carefully adjusting her legs until she informed him she was comfortable. After covering her with the blanket, he handed her the remote. "I'll come check on you in a little while," he told her.

"Thank you," she replied, turning on the TV. "Though I guess I could give a shout if I need you before then."

"Sounds good," he said, trying not to smile. It seemed they were both finally compromising. "I won't be too far."

She nodded and he left, ready for another day taking care of Regina Mills.

"Regina? Regina?"

She tried to roll away from whoever was shaking her, resisting the pull toward consciousness. But pain shot from her leg and throughout her body. Hissing, she opened her eyes and sat up as tears filled her eyes.

"Shit," Robin said, sounding contrite as he knelt next to the couch. "What hurts?"

"Leg," she said, wheezing as the pain refused to subside. "I think I moved it wrong."

He nodded, gently placing a pillow under it. "Okay, let's see if we can immobilize it more and I'll get you some painkillers as well."

"Thank you," she groaned, leaning back against the pillow. "Maybe I should've chosen the bed."

"Once we handle the pain, I can move you in there if you want," he offered. "I'll be right back."

He left the room and she took several slow breaths, hoping it would help with the pain. It did lessen somewhat but she knew only medicine would be able to help. "Fuck," she moaned as more pain shot through her leg.

Robin returned and placed two pills in her hand. He held a glass of water as he said: "Put those in your mouth and I'll hand this to you."

She nodded, placing the pills in her mouth before taking the cup. After washing them down and taking a few more sips for extra measure, she set the glass down. "How long until they kick in?"

"Probably ten to fifteen minutes," he said. "Is it still really painful?"

"It's starting to lessen," she replied, feeling some of the pain recede. She sighed as she leaned back against her pillow. "I can't believe I'm going to say this but I think I need to eat in here."

He nodded. "I know there's a tray. I can put your meal on that and bring in here for you. Just try to stay still, okay?"

"I'll do my best," she replied, closing her eyes as she continued to breathe in through her nose and out through her mouth.

After several deep breaths, she heard Robin enter the room again. "I have your lunch," he said.

"Thank you." She opened her eyes again and watched as he placed the tray down over her legs. He helped her sit up more and used another pillow to prop her up so she would have no trouble eating.

"Do you need any help?" he asked her, straightening up. When she shook her head, he then said: "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

He started to walk away when a feeling of loneliness washed over her. Without thinking about it, she called out his name. Robin paused and looked back at her as she asked: "Will you stay with me?"

"Of course," he said, sitting in a nearby armchair. "Enjoy."

She relaxed, starting to eat her meal. After a few bites, she looked up at him. "Would you mind talking to me?"

That seemed to surprise him as he asked: "About what?"

"Anything," she replied. "It's just too quiet in here right now."

"Okay," he said, looking thoughtful. "I guess I could tell you stories about Roland, if you want."

She relaxed, nodding. "I would like that."

"Well, I guess I should explain why his favorite animal is a monkey," he said, leaning back in chair. "It's because that's what we sometimes call him when he gets in the mood to climb and hang from places."

"And how often does that happen?" Regina asked, remembering Henry's own climbing phase.

Robin chuckled. "It used to be every day. Now, it's a couple times a month. He just seems to be seized by a sudden desire to climb."

"Henry used to be the same way but he outgrew it before he reached Roland's age," she replied. "Maybe Roland would like rock climbing?"

"John has recommended that as well," Robin said, tilting his head. "I've considered it but don't know if anyone has a class for someone as young as Roland."

She swallowed her latest bite before asking: "Have you tried the rec center?"

"No," he said, looking thoughtful. "I really haven't had much time to explore Storybrooke yet. I'm lucky I found the library and Roland's daycare."

"I can give you their number and address," she told him. "They have a good number of courses. I used to do yoga there while Henry did a coding program for kids."

He grinned. "That sounds nice."

"It is," she replied. "They are even starting some classes for parents and older children to take together. Henry and I might do one."

"That's another goal to work towards," he said.

She nodded, swallowing another bite. "Yes, I suppose it is."

He shifted in his chair, switching which leg he had crossed. "I hope I can get him into rock climbing. I used to climb trees and now that I'm a father, I can't help but think of all the worst-case scenarios that could happen if he starts climbing them."

"I think he'll love rock climbing," she assured him, knowing all the scenarios involving Henry that had kept her up over the years. "And maybe he won't climb trees. Who knows? I've learned you can't bubble wrap your child. You just have to help them learn what's safe and what's not."

"Yeah," he replied, running his fingers through his hair. "And kiss some boo-boos along the way."

She chuckled. "I imagine you're very good at that."

"I like to think so," he said, grinning. "And for now, Roland seems to believe I'm the best at kissing away boo-boos. I'll hold onto that for as long as he believes that."

"Definitely," she replied, remembering the first time Henry didn't need her to kiss his boo-boo. "It goes by too fast."

He nodded, looking solemn. "I'll keep that in mind."

She leaned back, pushing her bowl away a bit. "That was delicious. Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome," he replied, standing to clear away her tray. "How is the pain?"

"Better," she said, realizing she hadn't really felt it while eating and talking with Robin. "I think the medicine is working."

He nodded. "Good. When I come back, I can help you to your room."

"Thank you," she said, handing him her tray. He nodded before carrying it around the room.

She took a few more breaths before Robin returned, pushing her wheelchair. "Do you need help getting in?" he asked her.

"I think I can make it," she replied, sitting up. Pain shot up her leg again and she hissed, gripping the edge of the couch. "Maybe not."

"Okay," he said, coming toward her. "I'll help out but I can't guarantee it will be painless."

Regina nodded, knowing he had a point. "Just try to be as gentle as you can."

"I will," he promised, gently sliding one arm under her legs and the other under her arms. "On the count of three."

She braced herself as he reached three. He gently lifted her and moved her onto the wheelchair. There was a momentary twinge of pain in her leg but it passed quickly. Regina let out a shaky breath as she leaned back with her eyes closed.

"You okay?" Robin asked her, sounding concerned.

"Yeah," she replied, opening her eyes. "Just a little pain but overall, you did a good job."

Relief filled his eyes and he nodded. "Good."

He moved behind her chair and pushed it forward, rolling her out of the living room. Robin brought her to the guest bedroom and rolled her right up to her bed. "I'll help you into bed," he said, locking her wheelchair so it didn't roll during the transfer.

"Same promise as earlier?" she asked, knowing she didn't have to repeat herself. It had only been a few minutes after all.

"Yes," he replied, pulling back the blankets for her. "Same disclaimer too."

She took a deep breath before saying: "I understand."

He nodded, turning to her. "Then on three again?"

"That works," she said, watching as he slid his arm under her legs again and the other behind her back. She wrapped her good arm around his shoulders this time, realizing how close she was to him. A woodsy scent washed over her and she resisted the urge to lean forward to bury her nose in his silky hair.

Especially as she didn't know where that urge had come from.

He counted to three and lifted her, easily transferring her from the chair to the bed. Robin laid her down as gently as possible though she did hiss as another jolt of pain went up her leg. "Sorry," he told her.

"It's okay," she replied. "I know it's unavoidable."

"Well, you're on the bed now. I'll go check your pill schedule and see if you can take anything else," he said, stepping back from her bed. "Do you need or want anything else?"

She shook her head. "I think I'm good for now. I'll probably just nap. But thank you for asking."

He nodded. "If you have medicine to take, I'll be back with it. If not, I'll check on you in about an hour. How does that sound?"

"It sounds good," she said, pleased he didn't tell her to give a shout. Now that she was trying to be more agreeable with him, he was giving her the same courtesy. She appreciated his integrity. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Regina," he replied. "Enjoy your nap."

He started to walk away before she realized she needed one more thing. Grimacing, she called out to him. When he stopped, she sheepishly asked: "Can you cover me with the blanket? I still can't bend well."

"Of course," he replied, returning to the bed. He took the blanket and pulled it over her body. "Do you want me to tell you a bedtime story too?"

"Now you're pushing it," she warned him, hoping she was glaring at him but not sure she was annoyed enough to do so properly.

He chuckled, pulling back. "Fair enough. Need anything else?"

She shook her head. "I should be good now. Thank you."

"Alright, then," he said. "Have a good rest, Regina."

He walked out of the room and Regina closed her eyes, feeling her body rest. She hoped a nap would help her body heal more and she wouldn't be so sore once Henry got home. The last thing she wanted was for her son to worry even more.

And he was the last thing she thought about before sleep claimed her for a nap.

Henry entered the house and frowned as he looked in the living room. "Where's Mom?" he asked.

"She's resting in her room," Robin told him "She was experiencing some pain so she might need to stay there the rest of the night."

"Pain?" he asked, looking panicked. "Is that bad?"

Robin shook his head, placing a hand on Henry's shoulder. "Remember what we talked about this morning? It's a good sign. It means she's healing."

Henry frowned. "It still doesn't make much sense."

"I know," Robin replied, "but it is a good thing."

"I think we can trust Robin on this matter," Mary Margaret said, pressing her hand to Henry's back. "Don't you agree?"

He nodded before looking back up at Robin with hope in his eyes. "Can I go say hi to my mom?"

"You can," he replied, stepping aside. "But if she's napping, it's probably best to let her sleep, okay?"

"Okay," Henry said, walking down the hallway and disappearing into his mother's room.

Robin turned to Mary Margaret, who looked concerned. "Truth time. Is it good that she's experiencing that pain?" she asked.

"Yes," he assured her. "I didn't just say that to make Henry feel better. It really is a promising sign that her exercises are working and she's healing."

"I guess the concept of no pain no gain is at play?" she asked, still looking unconvinced.

He nodded. "Pretty much. But if she's still in a lot of pain tomorrow, we'll have to re-evaluate it. I think, though, that she just needs a little more rest and she'll be fine."

Relief filled Mary Margaret's eyes. "Thank you, Robin."

"You're welcome," he said. "I'll go pack up and head out so you all can spend time together."

"And I'm sure you want to go see your son," she said.

He nodded, chuckling. "That too."

"Mr. Locksley?" Henry reappeared in the hallway. "Mom is looking for you."

"Is something wrong?" Robin asked, feeling concerned as he walked toward Regina's bedroom.

Henry shrugged. "She's just asking for you."

Robin nodded, patting his shoulder as he entered the bedroom to find Regina sitting up in bed. She didn't seem to be in obvious pain or discomfort but it didn't bring him any relief. "Yes?" he asked.

"I wanted to ask if there's anything else to do today," she said.

"Oh," he replied, now feeling relieved. "If you feel up to it, you can go to the couch. But if it still hurts to move, stay in bed. I can go over the medicine with Mary Margaret but I think you should be fine until tonight. There's one pill you can take that will help you sleep and I would recommend taking it."

She nodded before reaching out and taking his hand. "Thank you, Robin," she said earnestly.

His heart melted a bit and he nodded. "You're welcome. I hope you feel better tomorrow," he replied.

"Me too," she said, settling back against her pillows. "Say hi to Roland for me."

"I will," he replied. "He will be very happy to hear from you. I daresay you have stolen my son's heart."

She chuckled. "It's mutual."

He nodded, recalling how tender she was with his son. "I can tell."

"I'll let you get back to him," she said. "Goodnight, Robin."

"Goodnight, Regina," he replied. He then turned and squeezed Henry's shoulder. "Goodnight, Henry."

Henry bit his lip before hugging Robin. "Goodnight and thank you."

Robin cupped the back of his head before letting him go. "You're very welcome," he said.

"We need to let Mr. Locksley go," Regina said gently. "Roland is waiting for him."

"Right," Henry replied, stepping back and allowing Robin to leave the room. Mary Margaret handed him his jacket and wished him a goodnight as well before seeing him to the door.

And then he was outside.

He took a deep breath and walked over to his car, climbing into it. After starting it, he pulled away from Regina's mansion and started toward the library to pick Roland up and thank Belle again for watching him. Then he would head home, make them dinner and spend some time with his son before putting him to bed. Robin would finish the night with either some TV or a book before going to bed himself.

It sounded perfect.

"Goodnight, Mom," Henry said, hugging her. "I hope you feel better tomorrow."

She hugged him as best as she could, wishing she could give him a proper hug. "Me too, sweetheart. But don't you worry about it. Pleasant dreams and I'll see you in the morning."

He pulled away, nodding. "See you in the morning."

"Come on, Henry," David said, standing in the doorway. "I'll walk you upstairs."

"Thanks, Uncle David," Henry replied, walking out of the bedroom with him as Mary Margaret entered it.

Approaching Regina's bed, she smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good," Regina replied. "But that's probably the painkiller you gave me. Hopefully that means I can get a good night's rest and won't feel as sore in the morning."

"Hopefully," Mary Margaret agreed. "Do you need anything before David and I head home for the night?"

Regina glanced at her nightstand before asking: "More water, please?"

Mary Margaret picked up her cup with a smile. "Of course. I'll be right back with it," she said.

"Thank you," Regina replied, slowly moving down until she was reclining again rather than sitting. She did her best to arrange her blankets with just one hand and was proud she managed to handle it.

"Here you go," Mary Margaret said, returning with a full glass of water. She set it back down on Regina's nightstand. "Do you need anything else?"

Regina shook her head. "Just turn out the lights and I should be good. So goodnight, Mary Margaret. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Regina," Mary Margaret replied, adjusting the blankets so they covered Regina better. She then headed toward the door before pausing, looking back. "Remember, we're just a phone call away if you need us."

"I know," Regina assured her. "But I've been fine the past couple weeks. I doubt tonight would be any different."

Mary Margaret nodded. "Well, just in case, you know our phone number. Do you want me to also leave you with Robin's?"

Regina hesitated, wondering it maybe it would be useful to have his number. But she then shook her head. "I don't think that would be necessary," she said.

"Alright," Mary Margaret replied. "Then get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."

She turned off the light and walked away, leaving Regina to get some sleep. Closing her eyes, Regina let herself drift off as she hoped she felt better in the morning.

"Good morning, Regina," Robin said, entering her room. "How are you feeling today?"

Surprised he would just walk into her room, Regina sat up to tell him off. Instead, though, she said: "Better."

He nodded, looking pleased. "Good. So are you ready for some breakfast?"

"I am," she replied, holding up her arms so he could help her into her wheelchair. He scooped her into his arms and she let out a little squeak of surprise.

"Sorry," he said. "Your wheelchair is broken. It looks like I'm going to have to carry you everywhere today."

That surprised her but also excited her. "Is that so?"

He nodded. "I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," she replied, almost smelling the familiar woodsy scent she now associated with him. "Do you?"

"I am happy to do it," he said, smiling and revealing those dimples that made her heart skip a beat.

She leaned closer to him as he carried her into the living room. Confusion filled Regina. "Aren't we going to the kitchen first?"

He shook his head. "Not today. I think it might be easier to have breakfast in the living room instead."

"You do?" she asked. "Why?"

"Because it's easier to have picnic in your living room than in the kitchen," he said, stopping in the living room.

A red and white checked blanket lay on the floor and held several different foods, not all of them for breakfast. She noticed some pancakes next to a bowl of pasta and then some chocolate cake not far from it. Two glasses of wine sat on the blanket as well. "This is interesting," she said.

"Let me set you down and we can enjoy our meal together," he said, starting to place her on her feet.

"What about my leg?" she asked, her stomach turning. "It's still broken."

He shook his head as he placed her on the ground. "You're fine."

She looked down to find the cast was off her leg and it was fine. Regina even wore a beautiful red cocktail dress as well that had lacy sleeves, which meant her arm was healed as well. How did this happen?

"What's going on?" she asked, looking up at Robin.

"A celebration," he said, leading her to the picnic blanket. "Of you."

Why was nothing making sense? "Why are we celebrating me?" she asked, sitting down with him on the picnic blanket.

"Why not?" he asked, handing her a glass of wine. "Everyone deserves a celebration."

"Then why don't we celebrate you too?" she asked.

He chuckled. "We can do that if you want."

She nodded. "I do. I don't really like the spotlight on me."

"Is that so?" he asked, tilting his head. "I wouldn't have guessed that when I first met you."

She shrugged. "I was a bitch when you first met me. I wasn't coping with my injuries very well."

"You were not," he agreed. "But I find that is common in people who are healthy and suddenly find themselves incapacitated."

"You probably wouldn't be so bitchy," she told him, sipping her champagne. At least, she felt like she was since it had no taste.

He set down his own glass. "I don't know. Nurses make the worst patients."

"I thought that was doctors," she said, amused by his comment.

"It's anyone in the health care industry," he told her, grinning. "We're all terrible patients."

She snorted, almost sending some champagne up her nose as she tried to take a sip at the same time. Robin's grin grew bigger. "Ooh, made you snort," he said.

"Yes," she replied, wiping her face. "You did."

"I like it," he said. "I think I might try to do it more often."

She felt her eyebrow go up. "Is that so?"

He nodded. "I want to make you smile and laugh and just be happy as much as I possibly can."

"Why?" she asked, surprised. "I'm just a patient. And not even that anymore since I'm apparently all healed."

"You're more than just a patient," he replied. "And I think you have some more healing to do."

That surprised her. "Where?"

He reached out and pressed his hand to her chest. "Your heart."

"What do you mean?" she asked, surprised by his answer. She felt her heart beating faster as her stomach tightened.

"You've been hurt in the past," he said, looking sad. "And that's made you build up walls around your heart to protect it but not heal it. It's time you took down the walls and worked on healing your heart. I hope you will trust me with it."

She felt her breath hitch at his words. He leaned closer to her, his lips brushing hers as she closed her eyes. Regina moved closer to him as well, deciding that maybe it was time to let down her walls and let him in.

Maybe it was time to let romance back in her life.

Regina started to kiss him back when she felt herself fall forward with a jolt that shook her whole body…

Gasping, she sat up and winced as pain filled her side. She blinked a few times before realizing she was still in her bed. The room was dark though there was a blue tint to it that indicated that the sun would soon rise. She swallowed as she spotted her casts, reminding her that her body was still broken.

It had all been a dream.

"Oh god," she moaned, her body shaking. The last thing she needed was to start having romantic dreams about Robin. Nor did she want to examine why her subconscious was putting him into such dreams. For now, she decided it was just a dream and that it had no hidden meaning at all.

She didn't have the right mindset to deal with any other possibility.

"Mom?" The door opened and Henry peeked in, looking concerned. "Are you okay? I thought I heard you moan."

"I'm fine, Henry," she said, feeling guilty that she had worried her son. "I just had a weird dream."

He didn't look reassured. "Are you sure? I can get you the pain medication if you need it," he told her.

She shook her head. "It was just a dream, sweetheart. I feel fine. But thank you. What about you? Why are you up?"

"Bathroom," he replied.

"Down here?" she asked, suspicious. "Why didn't you use the one by your bedroom upstairs?"

He sighed. "I wanted to check on you too."

She was touched by how much he cared about her and she motioned for him to come closer. "I'm fine. You don't have to go out of your way to check on me," she told him, hugging him.

"I want to," he said, snuggling closer to her like he did when he was younger. "I care about you, Mom."

"I know," she replied, kissing the top of his head. "But I'm getting better. You don't have to worry as much. And you don't have to make special trips to the bathroom down here just to check on me."

Henry frowned. "But if I don't, who will?"

That statement confused her. "What do you mean?"

"It's only the two of us," he said. "I know you don't want me to worry but when Aunt Mary Margaret and Uncle David aren't here, if I don't check on you, no one else will."

"Well, I normally don't need someone to check on me," she told him, rubbing his arm. "This is just an exception that I hope doesn't repeat itself ever again."

He, though, didn't look convinced. "But it could happen. You didn't plan for this accident. What if something else happens in the future? And what if I'm not here? Who will check on you?"

Regina's heart broke as she listened to her son, rocking him as best she could now. "I'll be fine, no matter what. I promise you, sweetheart. Don't worry about that. Okay?"

"I just don't want you to be lonely," he said. "I want you to have what Aunt Mary Margaret and Uncle David have."

"Oh," she replied, realizing what her son was getting at. She kissed the top of his head. "I have you. That's more than enough."

He sighed. "You really don't want to find someone to love you and who will spend the rest of their life with you, especially when I can't be here?"

She gave him a little squeeze again. "That's not for a long time. And that's not for you to worry about, sweetheart. Okay? I know you want to be grown up but it's okay to be a child. That's all I want for you right now."

"I just want you to be happy, Mom," he said.

"I am happy," she assured him. "I don't need romance to be happy or to be complete or whatever the movies might tell you. It's okay not to have it."

He shrugged. "I guess not. But it still would be nice, right?"

She sighed before growing suspicious. "Why? Do you have someone in mind?"

"Not really," he replied, though his gaze shifted and his voice pitched higher. "But Robin is a pretty caring person. He's also smart, funny and kind."

"That's true," she agreed. She imagined going back to last month and telling herself that she would come to like her new aide. That Regina would've told her she was insane and chased her out of the room.

But just because she agreed he was a good person, it didn't mean she wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with him – no matter what happened in her dreams. "Robin is also just my aide. It's his job to care about me and to be really kind," she told Henry.

"I know," he replied. "But what about when he's no longer your aide? Maybe he'll continue caring for you and you can also care for him?"

"Well, I think we might be friends after this," she said, surprising herself. She hadn't imagined what would happen once she was healed and Robin's services weren't needed anymore but she found she did want him to be her friend. Especially after she and Henry had both bonded with Roland. She had a feeling it would be good for both families, especially since the Locksleys were still new to Storybrooke. Who better to help them learn about the town than the mayor herself?

Henry grinned. "Really?"

She nodded. "Really. I think this will bond us – but just as friends."

"I guess it's better than nothing," Henry said, sighing. He then hugged her carefully. "I love you, Mom."

She kissed the top of his head. "I love you too. Now, it's late and you have school in a few hours. Go back to bed and don't worry about me. I'm fine. Okay?"

"Okay, Mom," he said, sliding out of her bed. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, sweetheart," she replied, watching as he approached her bedroom door. "Sweet dreams."

He slipped out of her room, turning off the light on the way. She sighed, scooting down until she was lying down again. Regina's eyes closed and as she drifted back off to sleep, she wondered if she would dream of Robin again.

And she wondered if she would be disappointed if she didn't.

A/N: Wow, I did not mean for this to take over a year! But here we are with a new chapter at last.

Regina's subconscious seems to be telling her something and so is her son. But will she listen?

And how is Robin feeling? That's another chapter…that I hope won't take another year to post.

Sorry about that.

-Mac