Chapter 6: Dance the Night

Regina took a car service to Storybrooke Dance Studio, tipping the driver before getting out of the car. Her heels clicked on the sidewalk as she approached the door, opening it and stepping into the warmth of the lobby. She smiled as she saw Robin behind the counter, dressed in a green shirt with white trees on it paired with nice black pants.

"Someone looks festive," she said, leaning against the counter.

"Thank you," he replied. "We all try to look our best for Mum's party."

She felt relief as she said: "Glad to hear it. I was afraid I was going to be overdressed for the party."

He shook his head. "You can never be overdressed for a holiday party in my opinion."

"Perhaps," she replied. "I'm ready whenever you are."

"I'll be ready in a second," he said, his eyes focused on the computer screen. "Just have to make sure the virtual assistant is activated."

Surprise and happiness filled her. "You took my suggestion?"

He nodded, moving around the counter toward her. "You made a good point. And the virtual assistant seemed the best option, especially since we've been burned before."

"You have?" she asked, guilt filling her. Had she reopened old wounds by making such a big deal about someone not being there to answer their phones? What had happened and why was she imagining someone stealing money before running away?

"Yeah. I can tell you about it in the car, which should be here shortly," he said, stopping in front of her. He tilted his head. "What's that you're holding?"

She looked down at the wrapped package in her hands before looking back up at him. "Cookies. It's rude to go someplace empty handed."

He nodded. "Right, of course."

"Your mother isn't going to mind, right?" Regina asked, panicking. Maybe she should've brought wine instead of cookies.

"Of course not," he assured her. "Sorry, I was just curious."

She nodded, though she still worried. He guided her toward the door and turned off the lights before they stepped outside. Once he lowered the gate, he motioned to the street. "There's our car - right on time," he said.

"You don't have to keep getting me a car," she said, approaching the black sedan. "I don't mind taking public transit."

"It's okay," he replied. "It's a couple trains anyway. This is more direct."

She nodded as he opened the back door, taking his hand as she slid into the car. He got in and sat beside her before nodding to the driver. "We're all ready," he said.

The driver pulled away as Robin patted Regina's hand. "You seem nervous. Relax - it's just a family Christmas party."

"I know," she replied. "But I still feel like it's a really big deal. Will there be any other students there?"

"Current ones? No," Robin said. "Any students there are old ones and usually are my parents' former students. Marian and I don't tend to invite our students."

The knot in her stomach tightened. "Are you sure this is okay?"

"Yes," he replied. "My mother does not issue invitations with the expectation that someone will say no. She wants everyone to come."

"Alright," she said, though she still was nervous about the party. "I'm not very good with social settings where I don't really know anyone."

Robin patted her hand. "You'll know me, my parents, Roland and Marian. And my family is very welcoming. You'll be part of the family and feel at home within the first hour, trust me."

She still felt unsure but decided to trust him. "Alright."

"If you still don't feel comfortable after that hour, you can come find me and I'll get you home," he promised. "Okay?"

"Okay," she said, feeling more assured. "Thank you."

He nodded, patting her hand again. "So, what kind of cookies did you bring?"

"Oh," she replied, looking down at the package in her hands. "Whatever looked most appealing at my local store, honestly. I would've loved to bake some but I didn't really have the time or the ingredients."

"Do you like to bake?" he asked, looking intrigued.

She nodded. "I find it calms me. But I wasn't expecting to bake until after the New Year so I wasn't prepared to do it now."

"Understandable," he replied. "Maybe once the holidays are over you can find time and the ingredients to bake again."

"Maybe," she said, deciding to make him something once everything was done. It would be her way to thank him for everything he had done for her so far.

They lapsed into silence as the car inched forward in the Manhattan traffic. She then turned to him. "So, how were you burned before?"

He nodded. "Right. Well, Marian and I used to have another teacher."

"Oh," she said, surprised. "What happened to them?"

"He fell in love with a student," he replied. "Which wouldn't have been too bad…except that she was married and taking the classes with her husband."

Regina winced. "Ooh…"

"Yeah," Robin said, sighing. "We only found out though when he didn't show up for one of his other lessons. And as we're trying to call him, the husband stormed into our studio demanding to speak to him and looking ready for a fight. We finally put together what happened and that the two had run away together. We got his key to the studio and a few other things mailed to us a week later and only a PO Box where we could send his tax forms. Haven't heard from him since."

"I can understand why you're hesitant to hire someone else," she replied, thinking of the angry jilted husband. "That could've destroyed your school and reputation if the husband decided to take his anger out on you."

Robin sighed. "He wanted to, trust me. Thankfully, he had brought someone with a cooler head who was able to convince him that we were not responsible for his wife's decision to cheat and that we were victims too."

"Good," she said, relieved things turned out well in the end. "I can understand why you're hesitant to hire someone new then."

"Yeah," he replied. "I mean, it's less likely a receptionist is going to run off with someone than an instructor but you know the saying – once bitten, twice as shy."

She nodded. "I get it."

Robin hummed, looking pensive. "I guess though I'll have to get over that if I open my own school. I can't do everything."

"No, you can't," she replied before taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. "And it's when you open your own school, not if."

"Right," he said, smiling softly as he nodded. "You're right."

He looked out the window, taking a deep breath as he studied their surroundings. "I think we're almost at my place."

That surprised her as she looked out her window, spotting brownstones that looked similar to Robin's. "That was faster than I thought," she said.

"Me too," he replied. "But that just means more time at the party."

"I guess," she said, clutching the cookies closer as her stomach tightened into another knot.

He patted her knee again. "You'll be fine. I promise."

She nodded as the car pulled up to a house and came to a stop. Robin opened the door and stepped out, holding his hand out to her. "It's a bit icy, be careful," he said.

"You be careful," she warned him. "We don't want another trip to Urgent Care."

"Don't worry," he said, helping her out of the car. "I promise to be very, very careful myself."

She nodded, watching as he closed the door. "Good."

Together, they walked the short distance to his house before he pointed to the stairs next to his. "We're going into my parents' house for this party," he said.

"Right," she replied, walking toward them. "I'm guessing it's laid out similarly to yours?"

"Pretty much," he said. "Just flipped."

They climbed up the stairs and Robin knocked on the door. A few moments later, his mother opened it with a big smile. "Robin! Regina! There you two are. Come on in, get out of the cold," she said.

Robin gently pushed Regina forward and she stepped into the house, holding out her platter. "I brought some cookies," she said.

"Oh, thank you," Catherine said, taking them from her. "Robin, take her coat and then you two can make yourselves comfortable."

"Yes, Mum," he replied, taking off his own coat. "Who else is here already?"

Catherine rattled off several names as Regina unbuttoned her own coat. Most seemed to be aunts or uncles as Robin nodded. The only names she recognized were Roland's and Marian's, noting that Catherine's voice got a little weird when she said the name of Robin's ex-wife. She wondered what that meant.

When she was done, Robin asked: "So are we the last ones?"

"No," she replied. "A couple of your cousins are running late. Track problems."

"Good thing we took the car then," he said, smiling at Regina. "Yeah?"

She nodded. "Yes, it seems so."

"Well, why don't you introduce Regina to everyone? Food will be ready shortly," Catherine said, gently pushing them toward the living room.

"Do you need any help?" Regina asked, feeling compelled to help. "I'll do whatever you need me to do."

Catherine placed her hand on Regina's arm. "I need you to relax and enjoy yourself. Nothing more."

"Okay," Regina said, nodding. "I'll try."

"Good," Catherine replied. "Robin, make sure she does."

He nodded. "I will."

She looked pleased with that answer and started to step back. "Good. Then I'll see you two shortly. Enjoy."

"Come on, Regina," Robin said, gently taking her arm. "I'll introduce you to everyone."

"Okay," she said, letting him guide her into the living room where several people were already gathered. Christmas music played in the background but it was mostly drowned out by the many conversations going on in the room.

Someone called her name happily and when she turned, she saw Roland running toward her. He hugged her, smiling widely. "You're here!" he said.

"I am," she replied, hugging him tightly. "Your grandparents invited me."

"Nana wanted to thank Regina for helping me after I hurt my head," Robin added.

Roland nodded, looking up at Regina. "Thanks again for helping Papa when he got hurt," he said.

Her heart melted as she ran her fingers through his hair. "You're very welcome."

"Why don't we introduce Regina to some of your cousins?" Robin suggested, placing his hand on Regina's back. "Make her feel at home?"

"Okay," Roland said, wrapping his arm around her middle. "You're going to love everyone. Our family is the best."

She chuckled. "Then I can't wait to meet them."

Robin motioned ahead of them. "Well, here's someone you already know as well," he said.

"Regina!" Marian said, looking surprised to see her. She shot Robin a look. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Nana invited Regina," Roland said, bouncing next to her. "To thank her for helping Papa last weekend."

Robin nodded. "It's true. I know it's not orthodox but it is ultimately Mum's party so she can invite whoever she wants."

Marian's expression softened as she said: "Of course. Just a surprise, I guess."

"I understand," Regina replied. "Robin explained students usually aren't invited unless they are already former ones."

"That is true," Marian said. "But I can understand the exception for you. Thank you for taking care of Robin."

Regina nodded. "You're welcome."

She then grinned as she leaned closer to Regina. "I should probably warn you about Robin's uncles then."

"What about them?" Regina asked, eying Robin as he groaned.

"They, uh, like to haze new guests," he said. "So I would avoid letting them convince you to drink with them or play any games with them."

Marian nodded. "Especially if you want to leave with all your money and want to remember the party."

"I'll keep that in mind," Regina replied, grateful for the head's up. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Marian said. "We try to warn former students because they don't care. If you're here, they consider you family and therefore free game."

Robin nodded. "That is unfortunately all true."

Amused, Regina said: "Well, good to know."

"I'll let you continue," Marian said. "And if you need someone to rescue you and Robin isn't around, you can always come find me."

"Oh, trust me, I will," Regina replied. "Thank you."

They parted ways and Robin's hand returned to her back. "I hope that didn't scare you off," he said.

She shook her head. "It's going to take a lot more than some shady uncles to scare me off," she said.

"Regina is stronger than that," Roland said, nodding.

"Thank you," she replied, squeezing him in a one-armed hug. "I am."

Robin nodded. "I know that too. You keep proving it every time we're together."

Warmth spread through her and she found Robin's kind words buoyed her spirits. "Thank you," she said again.

"You're welcome," he said, rubbing her back. "Now, let's go find the food. I'm starving!"

"Sounds like a good plan," she replied, walking with him and Roland to find the food. With each passing moment, she grew more comfortable and knew she had made the right decision.

This was the perfect way to spend her evening.

"I'm going to get some more eggnog," Robin said, standing. "Anyone else want anything?"

His cousins shook their heads but Regina held out her cup. "Do you mind getting me more?"

"Not at all," he replied, taking her cup. "Spiked or not spiked?"

"Who drinks plain eggnog?" she asked, making a face. "Definitely spiked."

Robin's cousins chuckled as one, Seamus, leaned closer to him. "She certainly got you there," he said.

"Yes, she did," Robin agreed. "I'll be right back."

"We'll be right here," his cousin Moira replied. "We'll take good care of Regina for you."

He raised an eyebrow. "Okay. Thanks."

Robin walked into the kitchen, setting the two glasses down. "We still have whiskey?" he asked his mother.

"We should," she replied. "Your father acts like it's a sin to never have a bottle in the house."

"That's true," he said, opening the cabinet and pulling the bottle out. He held it up. "Good old Dad."

Mum chuckled. "Yes, indeed."

He poured some whiskey into his cup and then Regina's before placing the bottle back. Robin crossed to the fridge and pulled out the eggnog, closing the door as Marian entered the kitchen. She smiled. "I found the other party," she said.

"Not much of a party in here," Mum replied. "I'm replenishing snacks and Robin's getting some more spiked eggnog."

"Two glasses?" Marian asked, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded. "One for me, one for Regina."

"That makes sense," she said, nodding. "You know, Kate, I'm surprised you invited her. We normally don't have current students at this party."

"She took care of Robin after his head injury," Mum said. "It seemed the right thing to do."

Marian nodded. "I suppose so. Still surprised me."

"Of course," Robin replied. "But I think Regina is fitting in well. My cousins love her. I think they've already adopted her."

"Oh," Marian said, hurt flashing in her eyes for a moment. She then smiled. "Good for her, I guess."

He frowned, crossing his arms. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, frowning. "Of course I am."

"It doesn't sound like it," Mum said. She looked Miriam up and down before adding: "Doesn't look it either."

Marian sighed. "It's just unnerving to have a student here, especially after what happened earlier this year."

Robin frowned. "I have no romantic interest in Regina and I'm certainly not running off with her."

"I know, I know," she replied, though she no longer met his eyes.

That was interesting.

And something he could figure out another time. Regina was waiting for him and he didn't want her to think he had abandoned her. "Why don't we talk tomorrow?" he suggested. "Excuse me."

"Tomorrow is good," Marian said, stepping aside. "Talk to you then."

"Good," he said, leaving the kitchen to return to Regina and his cousins.

He only took a few steps away when he heard Marian ask: "What are you playing at?"

Robin frowned, pausing as his mother answered. "What do you mean by that?"

"Don't play games with me, Kate," Marian replied. "I don't believe you only invited Regina because you wanted to thank her for taking care of Robin when he got injured."

"She came out here to Brooklyn and stayed with him until we got home. She even made sure he ate and didn't overexert himself. I think that warrants more than just a mere thank you," Mum insisted.

Marian made some sort of noise. "Then send her flowers or chocolates. Why invite her to the party?"

"Because that's how I wanted to thank her," Mum said. "What's this really about, Marian?"

"Nothing," Marian said quickly. "I'm just really surprised."

There was some silence before Mum asked: "Are you surprised or are you jealous?"

Marian let out something that wanted to be a laugh but didn't really sound like one. "Of course not. Robin and I are better off as friends and I've moved on."

"You have," Mum agreed, "but it doesn't mean you're ready to see Robin to move on. And I think that's what Regina's presence really represents. He's here with her and you're getting a glimpse of him possibly starting to date again. And you don't like that."

"That's not it," Marian protested but he didn't really believe her either. He understood how she felt as he had gone through the same feelings when she started to date again. It really had driven home that their divorce was final and their marriage was over. But the pain had faded and now he was okay with her dating, even if he wasn't ready yet.

Maybe because he hadn't started dating yet, Marian hadn't been able to process the same feelings and let her pain fade.

So even though he had no romantic interest in Regina, maybe Marian believing otherwise would end up being a good thing in the end. It would help her accept that Robin was moving on and so when he was ready to date again, she wouldn't be weird about it.

He walked away, returning to the living room. Robin smiled as he approached Regina and his cousins. "Here's your drink," he said.

"What took you so long?" Siobhan asked him. "Did you make the eggnog yourself?"

"Sorry," he said, sitting down next to Regina. "I was talking with Mum and Marian."

"Talking?" Moira asked. "Or refereeing?"

He chuckled. "Just talking. Everything is fine."

Moira nodded, looking relieved. "Just checking. I know Marian and Aunt Kate can bump heads sometimes."

"And if you ask me, Marian was looking a little green when you walked in with Regina," Seamus added.

"No," Robin replied, even though he knew Seamus was right. "She knows Regina is my student and was invited by my mother as a thank you."

Moira chuckled. "She may know that but it probably still startled her to see you come in with another woman. And one who is certainly your type."

Robin shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he glanced at Regina. She just sipped her eggnog, her expression neutral, but he knew she had to be as uncomfortable as he was. It was time to change the subject.

"Well, Marian and I are divorced and are friends and co-parents. She's started dating again and I'm happy for her. I hope she will be happy for me when I decide to start dating again," he said, preparing to pivot to another topic.

Instead, he fell into his cousins' trap.

Erin leaned forward. "And when will that be?"

"When I'm ready," he said, also leaning forward as he held her gaze. "And not a moment sooner."

"It's been two years, Robin," Moira said. "The longer you wait, the harder it will be."

Regina frowned. "I don't think that will be the case. Robin's a catch. He'll find someone amazing who will want to date him."

Warmth spread through Robin. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she said, reaching out and taking his hand. She gave it a squeeze as she smiled at him.

"Okay, that's very sweet," Moira said. "But that's not what I meant."

Regina frowned again. "It's not?"

Moira shook her head, grinning. "I know Robin is a catch and would be able to get a woman easily. I just mean that it will be harder for him to take the steps to find someone, that he will get too set in his ways."

"Maybe I'm already too set in my ways," Robin said, taking another sip. "Maybe I like being a bachelor."

"I don't think so," Regina said, studying him. "I think you like having a partner."

Moira nodded as Seamus grinned. "She definitely has your number, Rob."

"He's very easy to read, isn't he?" Regina asked, grinning now.

"Yes, he is," Erin replied. "Would you like to hear some embarrassing childhood stories about our dear cousin to prove it even more?"

Robin groaned. "Do you have to?"

"Yes," Seamus said. "We do."

"Couldn't you have done this while I was in the kitchen?" he asked, though he had a feeling he knew the answer.

Moira shook her head. "We wouldn't miss how red your face is going to turn for anything."

Seamus grinned. "That's the best part."

"I hate you all," Robin said, shaking his head before sighing. "Alright, have at it."

"Where should we start?" Seamus asked Moira and Erin, looking like it was already Christmas morning and he had gotten the gift he wanted the most.

Moira smiled like the cat who caught the canary. "What about when he and I were five? That summer we all took those caravans together?"

Robin groaned. "Really? That one?"

"Oh, yes," Erin agreed. "Definitely that one."

"Just be gentle," Robin said, surrendering to the inevitable. He just hoped Regina didn't think less of him by the time the party was over.

If so, it would be a miracle.

"Thank you again for inviting me," Regina said, hugging Kate. "I had a great time."

Kate hugged her back. "You're welcome. I'm very glad you came. I hope you have a wonderful holiday."

Regina released her, nodding. "I hope you do too."

"The car is here," Robin said. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I don't mind."

"I appreciate the offer but I don't want to inconvenience you," she said. "You live next door. There's no need for you to go all the way out to Manhattan just to come back here."

He sighed but nodded. "Okay. Promise me you'll text me as soon as you get home."

She chuckled, leaning closer as she said: "Yes, Dad."

"Very funny," he said, rolling his eyes. He then turned to Kate and Michael. "Do you need me to come back up to help?"

"No," Kate replied, knowing that Robin and Regina had already done a lot to help her clean up. "You go home and get some sleep. We've done most of the clean up and everything else can wait until morning."

He nodded, stepping closer and kissing her cheek. "Then goodnight, Mum. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Alright, Robin," she said, hugging him. "Goodnight."

"Night, son. And goodnight, Regina," Michael said, waving to them as they left the brownstone.

Once the door closed, Kate moved toward the window. Michael followed behind her. "Are you spying on them?" he asked.

She shook her head. "Just making sure everything goes well and Robin gets home safe," she said.

"You're usually a better liar than that," he said, leaning closer. "But I'm curious too, so I'll let it slide for now."

"Then stop distracting me," she told him, pushing the curtain away and watching the scene unfolding outside their house.

Robin and Regina stood on the sidewalk, talking with each other as the car waited by the curb. Both looked very relaxed and stood close to each other, almost as if they didn't want to part with each other just yet. It certainly intrigued Kate.

She watched as Robin hugged Regina and she went up on her tiptoes to hug him back. They held onto each other until a raindrop hit the window. Kate almost jumped when it struck, surprised by its appearance. More joined it and Robin hurriedly opened the door to the car, helping Regina into it before she got wet. He waved before closing the door, watching as it drove away. Once it rounded the corner, he started to turn toward the house.

Kate let the curtain fall again so he didn't realize they were spying on him. But she still caught something very important.

Robin was smiling.

"Well, that was interesting," Michael said, rubbing his chin. "Was this your grand plan all along?"

"What?" she asked, surprised by his question.

He frowned. "You're not playing matchmaker right now?"

That surprised her and she shook her head. "I think Regina is a lovely woman but she just got left at the altar. She needs time to heal herself. Besides, she's a student. I wouldn't really encourage Robin to date a student."

"I guess that makes sense," he replied. "So you really just invited her to the party as a thank you?"

"Partly," she said, before sighing. It was just Michael and she could trust him. "And I was also hoping that if Robin brought someone to the party, it might break any awkwardness he might feel about dating again and let him realize it's okay. That he can go out and meet someone new."

He nodded, looking thoughtful. "Sort of like when we would have students go to friendly, low stakes events before going to the big competition so they would be used to being on the floor and not let their nerves get to them when they really need to perform."

She almost laughed, glad he understood what she had been doing. "Yes, exactly like that," she said.

"Makes sense," he replied. "Let him bring a student, someone he seems comfortable with but maybe not romantically interested in but could still reasonably be, and experience bringing someone new to the party. Maybe it will help him get out of his own head."

"I knew you would get it," she said, kissing his cheek.

He chuckled. "And I'm sure you didn't mind how green Marian seemed to get when she saw Robin with Regina most of the night."

"No, I didn't," Kate admitted. "That was a pretty nice bonus."

She wasn't one of those mothers-in-law who hated the woman their son married but Kate had never really been happy that Robin had decided to marry Marian. She had been his only girlfriend and their lives had been so entwined due to dance that Kate knew it wouldn't end well. Kate and Michael had tried to convince the two of them to try dating other people to make sure they really knew what they wanted in a romantic partner but Marian's parents were more than happy to encourage them. So Kate and Michael had to get on board and be as supportive as they watched their son marry someone they knew was good as his dance and business partner but probably not as his life partner.

Their divorce a few years later wasn't a surprise to her or Michael then. She again supported Robin, grateful that they had gotten their beautiful grandson from the marriage and hopeful that her son would now be able to find the right person for him.

And hopefully tonight would give him the confidence to finally put himself out there again.

Michael nodded. "I think tonight did them both good."

"Me too," she said before sighing, looking around the lower level of their house. "Now it's time to clean up."

"Everyone did a lot of cleaning already," he replied. "I think we can wait until the morning."

She nodded, realizing he was right. "Sounds like a plan."

He chuckled, wrapping his arm around her. "Still a good team, eh?"

"Yes," she replied, fondly. "You'll always be my favorite partner."

"Mine too," he said. "Forever and ever."

She gave him a quick kiss before patting his chest. "Come on. Bed awaits."

"After you," he said, motioning to the stairs. "I'll be right behind you."

"I bet you will," she replied, winking at him. She then started climbing the stairs, feeling him right behind her like he promised.

Kate hoped that one day Robin would find someone who would be his partner and always in sync with him for the rest of his life.

A/N: Here's an early taste of Christmas! I hope you enjoyed Regina meeting Robin's family and a little jealous Marian. Don't worry, she doesn't want Robin back. As everyone has said, Robin hasn't started dating so she hasn't really thought about what would happen when he does.

But is everyone right that it won't be with Regina?

I'm sure you all know the answer to that!

-Mac