Celebrating Regina
Robin heard Regina's alarm go off right on schedule. She silenced it seconds later and then slipped from their bed. He kept his eyes closed and his breathing even, listening as she hurried into the bathroom to take her shower. It was their usual morning routine and he had set the thermoset to go off soon so that by the time she got out, the room was warm enough for her to change comfortably. Normally, his alarm would then go off and he would get up to get ready himself before they went to wake their boys. But today would be different.
Once the door clicked shut and the shower turned on, Robin shut off his own alarm clock and pushed back the covers. He pulled on his robe and hurried down the hall to the boys' bathroom to get ready. They were on a schedule-especially since his wife loved them—and he had everything timed down to the minute. Robin couldn't waste a single second.
Within minutes, he went through his morning routine before quickly changing into a button-down blue shirt and navy pants for the day. Robin ran his brush through his hair and then went to Roland's room first. His son had taken after Marian and was a morning person, so there was chance he was awake already. If so, that would just leave waking Henry up-which could either go easily or end up being a fight.
Opening the door, Robin was relieved to see Roland sitting up in bed and rubbing his eyes. He smiled. "Good morning, my boy."
"Morning, Papa. Is Mom up?" Roland asked.
Robin nodded. "So I need you to get up and get ready while I go wake your brother, okay?"
"Okay, Papa." He pushed his blankets back and climbed out of bed, ready to get dressed for the day.
Assured that Roland was getting changed, Robin closed the door and headed next door to see how easy it would be to rouse Henry that morning. He prayed the boy wouldn't put up too much of fight and that everything would continue to go smoothly.
He squared his shoulders and opened the door leading to Henry's room. The boy's brown hair was just visible under his Captain America blanket and his nightlight was starting to dim as sunlight began to fill the room. Robin clicked the little lamp off before leaning down to shake his stepson. "Henry? Henry, it's time to wake up."
A groan greeted him and Henry rolled away from him. "Five more minutes, Dad."
"Not today," Robin told him, pulling on the blankets. "We need to get everything ready for your mother. So up and at 'em, Henry."
He gave a good yank, uncovering the boy. Henry shivered as he sat up, scowling at Robin. "That's not fair."
"Please get dressed and meet me downstairs with your brother," Robin said, placing the blankets back down. "Your mother will be out of the shower soon. We don't have much time to prepare her breakfast."
Sighing, Henry sat up and nodded. "Fine. But I'm doing this for Mom."
"Exactly," Robin told him, walking out the door so he could head downstairs.
He had stayed up the night before, claiming to have some work to do when Regina had tried to entice him to bed. It had taken all his willpower to resist her, especially when she pouted those luscious red lips and dropped her voice into a breathy lower octave. Yet he managed and once she went upstairs, he stole into the kitchen to set everything up. He brought the balloons up from the basement, tying them to her chair—one "Happy Birthday" balloon surrounded by several purple and red ones. Robin then placed a bouquet of purple roses into the vase in the middle of the table. It was perfect for her—not much but not too little.
It still looked perfect as he walked into the kitchen that morning, glad he had stayed up. He knew that if he had gotten up this morning to do it, Regina would've been suspicious about why he was up so early.
"I heard the water turn off," Roland said from his perch at the island. "Mom's going to be down soon."
Robin nodded, clapping his hand together. "Okay, so we're going to have to make something quick. What's a quick breakfast?"
"Cereal?" Roland suggested, earning a glare from his father. They were going to give Regina something better than cereal on her birthday.
"Mom loves eggs," Henry said, stumbling bleary-eyed into the kitchen. "Sunnyside up."
Robin smiled, resisting the urge to muss up the boy's hair. "Great! I'll get started on that. Henry, can I trust you to make some toast for your mother?"
"Yes, Dad," Henry said, hurrying toward the counter.
"Thank you." Robin then turned to Roland. "And can you set up the coffee in the Keurig? You know Mum's favorite, right?"
Roland nodded before heading off to the pantry where they kept the Keurig pods. With both boys hard at work, Robin opened the refrigerator and pulled out the fresh carton of eggs Regina had bought at the grocery store. It was time for Sunnyside up eggs for his beautiful wife.
As Robin worked on the eggs, he saw Henry opened the refrigerator and pull out a jar full of something that looked like very thick applesauce. He raised his eyebrow. "What's that?"
"Apple butter," Henry replied. "Mom's favorite."
"Ahh. Good call, Henry," he praised. "Just be careful with that jar."
Henry promised he would as he carefully carried it over to the table, placing it by Regina's chair. Robin glanced over to find Roland cautiously picking up Regina's favorite mug, now filled with coffee. He asked Henry to get Regina's favorite creamer and the other boy obliged, hurrying back over to the refrigerator.
Robin heard doors opening and closing upstairs. He knew it was Regina checking to see if their sons were awake and getting ready for school, which meant she was going to be coming down any minute now. Plating her eggs, he placed the toast Henry made next to them and brought them over to the table.
"Okay, boys," he said, pulling them close to him. "Your mum is almost here. Big smiles."
"Robin? Henry? Roland? Are you in here?" Regina entered the kitchen, still putting in one of her earrings. She was dressed for work—a black pantsuit with a silky red shirt under the jacket. Robin thought she looked absolutely beautiful.
Her brown eyes widened as she took in the balloons, the flowers, her breakfast and the three of them. "What is going on?"
"Happy birthday!" they exclaimed. Henry and Roland then raced toward her, hugging her at the same time.
She wrapped her arms around them even as she glanced around, still looking surprised. "You…You did this for me?"
"Of course we did," Roland said, looking up at her with adoration in his eyes.
Henry nodded. "It's your birthday!"
Robin stepped closer, smiling at her. "And we love you so much, we want to celebrate you from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep."
"Sap," she said, though she smiled back at him and he could see tears glistening in her eyes.
He cupped her cheek, smirking. "You love me for it."
"I do," she replied, closing the gap between them to kiss him. It was chaste and quick, but it still conveyed all the love they felt for each other.
He loved that particular talent of theirs.
Pulling back, Robin motioned to the table. "Your breakfast is served. You should eat it before it gets cold."
"Yeah, Mom! It's your favorite—Sunnyside up eggs and toast with apple butter," Henry said, grabbing her hand and tugging her toward the table.
Roland gently pushed her from behind. "And I made your favorite coffee with your favorite creamer."
She chuckled as she looked over the breakfast, sitting down at the table. Regina then kissed each boy on the cheek. "It looks amazing. Thank you…but what about all of you? Did you eat?"
Roland and Henry looked up at Robin with wide eyes and he chuckled. "Do you boys want eggs too?"
"Scrambled, please!" Roland exclaimed and Henry nodded in agreement.
Chuckling, Robin nodded. "Okay. Go get plates and silverware for yourselves while I make your eggs for you."
The boys did that while Robin cracked a few more eggs. He watched as Henry opened the refrigerator again, pulling out the ketchup bottle, and frowned. "What's that for?"
"My eggs," Henry replied. "You can't have scrambled eggs without ketchup."
"Okay," Robin said, trying not to crinkle his nose. He wasn't fond of eating his eggs that way but he wasn't going to make Henry feel bad for it. The boy should enjoy his eggs however he liked.
Roland appeared beside him, looking up at Robin. "Can we have some juice please?"
"I can get it for them," Regina offered, standing from the table.
Henry stepped in front of her, almost blocking her path as he shook his head. "It's your birthday, Mom."
She chuckled, crouching down to tuck her fingers under his chin. "I know, sweetheart, but that doesn't mean I can't get you and your brother some juice. It would make me really happy to do that."
"Oh," Henry said, sounding surprised. "Okay, then. Thank you, Mom."
"Yeah, thank you, Mom," Roland echoed, moving toward the table himself.
Regina caught Robin's eye and winked as she opened the refrigerator. She pulled out the orange juice, brushing past him as she headed to grab two glasses. "You didn't have to do this," she whispered to him.
"Do what?" he asked. "Make a big deal about your birthday? Of course I did. I am never going to miss a chance to celebrate you."
She shook her head as she smiled, kissing him again before pouring two glasses of juice. "Hurry up with those eggs. We don't want to be late," she warned him.
"Right," he said, plating the rest of the eggs and carrying them over to the table. "Breakfast is served."
Everyone took their seats and Robin realized that Regina had also placed a mug of coffee by his chair. He gave her a look and she only smiled in response. "Best birthday ever," she declared.
"And it's just getting started," Roland told her.
Henry nodded. "We've got things planned all day for you."
"Do you?" she asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin as she raised an eyebrow. "You do realize that both your father and I have work while you two have school, right?"
"But you and I have a lunch break," Robin reminded her, smirking at her. "I've already talked to Mal and your court calendar is clear for a couple hours."
She stared at him, her mouth falling open a bit. "You did what?"
He held up his hands, knowing how much she hated to have people change things without her consent—he understood why she didn't like it after spending only a few hours with her mother. He understood a lot after that. "I didn't ask her to do anything for me. I only asked if you would have some time free for a birthday lunch and she said that you already had that time free."
"Oh," she said, blinking a few times as a smile slowly bloomed on her face. "So where are we going to lunch?"
He shrugged. While he had had a few places in mind, he knew that the final decision needed to be left up to her. It was her birthday and he wanted to minimize how many surprises he sprung on her. Breakfast had seemed safe enough but all her meals was too much. "Do you want to go somewhere in particular?"
"I don't know," she said, "but I have been craving Spanish food lately. I'm not entirely sure if there is a place in Storybrooke where I can get some."
"Spanish food. I think I can do that," he said, stroking his chin. None of the places he had considered fit hat description but he was sure John would have a recommendation or two.
Regina checked her watch. "Thank you for the breakfast, boys, but you two need to get ready for school. The bus will be here any minute."
Henry and Roland jumped up, each kissing her on the cheek before hurrying from the room. Standing, Robin followed them and watched as they put on their shoes and their coats. Both boys picked up their school bags as he opened the door, revealing the bus just pulling up at the end of the walk. He hugged both of them, kissing the tops of their heads. "Have a good day and I'll pick you up later, okay?"
"Okay, Papa," Roland said as Henry nodded. They hurried down the walk and got on the bus.
He closed the door as Regina came up behind him. She smiled as she slid on her shoes. "I have to go as well. Thank you for breakfast."
"You're welcome," he said, gently gripping her waist. "Have a good day, sweetheart. I'll see you for lunch."
She smiled, pressing her forehead to his. "I can't wait."
He kissed her before turning to pull down her coat. As he handed it to her, he told her: "Have a good day, Regina."
"You too." She gave him a quick kiss as she straightened up her coat. Regina picked up her briefcase before heading out of the house.
He closed the door behind her and took a deep breath, getting ready for his own work day.
Regina left a courtroom, pleased with her success in getting an attempted murderer remanded to county jail. The streets of Storybrooke were safer and the people could sleep easier knowing he was safe behind bars. She walked down the hall with an extra pep in her step, a bright smile on her face as she knew Robin was waiting for her.
"Someone is happy." Zelena's voice froze her and she forgot how to breathe for a moment.
Turning slowly, Regina found her sister standing in the hallway that connected town hall with the courthouse. She wore a dark black coat that was open to reveal a tight green dress with a black stripe down the skirt. Zelena wore bright green heels and they clicked as she walked closer to Regina.
"What are you doing here?" Regina asked her.
"Is that how you greet your sister?" Zelena asked, pretending to be hurt.
Regina wasn't fooled. "You don't just 'stop by,' Zelena. We don't have that type of relationship. So either you're here on business or you're here to deliver a message from Mother. Which is it?"
"Mother wants you to call her. She wants to invite you and Henry up to the house for a dinner to celebrate your birthday," Zelena replied.
"She's never wanted to celebrate before," Regina pointed out. "I've always celebrated on my own."
Her sister shrugged. "I guess Mother had a change of heart."
"And I'm sure my inheritance has nothing to do with it," Regina shot back.
"You're being ridiculous about this," Zelena countered.
Regina crossed her arms. "Mother made me grovel for money that was already mine and made me bear all her nasty comments. No more. She can't control me. And you shouldn't let her control you either."
"I am not being controlled," she snapped, her cheeks turning as red as her hair. "Your new husband has your mind all twisted."
"He doesn't have my mind twisted. You know Mother has been manipulating us for years. Her idea of family and love is all wrong. And if you're not careful, it could cost you," Regina warned.
A cold look came to Zelena's eyes and she frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means you need to worry less about my husband and more about your own," Regina said, starting to walk away from her sister. "And tell Mother I have plans for my birthday."
"Robin is not your family!" Zelena yelled after her.
Regina raised her left hand in the air. "This ring says otherwise."
"He's going to leave you once the shine wears off your new marriage. Mark my words, Regina!"
Her only response to her sister was to raise her middle finger in the air, a smirk on her face as she entered her office. Mal raised her eyebrow, fighting the urge to smile. "Who are you flipping off? Do I have to worry about a complaint?"
"I doubt anyone would complain," Regina said, "at least not to you. I'm sure my sister is going to go crying to our mother."
Mal chuckled. "Well, that is one complaint I will be more than happy to ignore. You give that family of yours the middle finger all you want."
"I second that," Robin said, stepping into the office behind her. He kissed her cheek. "So that was Zelena I saw storming out of here a few minutes ago."
She nodded. "Mother apparently wanted to throw me a birthday dinner. I said I already had plans."
"And I'm sure they are a lot more fun than anything your mother had planned," he said, winking at her.
"I have no doubt about that," she replied, kissing his cheek. "So, should I go get my coat?"
He nodded. "I swear it's gotten colder out there. And while the forecasts say the snow storms will miss us, I think we're going to see some."
She groaned, heading to her office. "Just wonderful. The last thing we need is more snow. Can't spring just get here?"
"It's Maine," Mal called back. "Spring won't get here until well after Easter."
Regina sighed as she returned to the lobby, slipping on her coat. "Well, as long as the snow waits until after we're all home, I'll be happy."
"Then I shall expect you back after your lunch," Mal said, winking at her. "Unless you happen to get 'sick.'"
She knew that her boss and friend was giving her an out but Regina just smiled. No matter how much she loved spending time with Robin, she also loved her job. "I doubt that will happen. I'll see you after lunch."
Regina took Robin's hand and he led her from the courthouse, guiding her to his car. She shivered as she hit the winter air, certain that it had gotten colder. Snow didn't seem so far-fetched anymore, not as she watched some gray clouds float over the town. Once they got into the car, Robin turned on the heat and she sighed as the warmth washed over her.
He put the car into reverse and carefully backed out onto the street by town hall. She watched him, smiling. "So, where are we going?"
"Well, I did some research and I found out that Storybrooke does in fact have a Spanish restaurant," he said.
Surprise filled her and she felt her eyes widen. "Really?"
He nodded. "It's off the beaten path and kind of a hidden treasure but John swears the food is the best he's ever had, except at Granny's."
"Well, if there's someone I trust when it comes to food, it's John," she replied, thinking of his portly friend and his legendary appetite.
Robin laughed. "I'll let him know you valuable his opinion when it comes to food. Though I'll wait until we try this Spanish place. Make sure it's as good as he says it is."
He turned down a small side street and she frowned, noticing mostly residential houses. "This restaurant is real, right? It's not going to end up being some person's house you're paying to make me Spanish food, right?"
"Do you think I would honestly do that?" he asked her, glancing over at her.
"If you thought it would make me smile," she replied, "yes."
He bit his lip, eyes returning to his road. "Well, I can't deny that. But no, I didn't do that this time."
"So I guess when John said off the beaten path, he meant it," she said, watching as he made another turn.
"Indeed," he replied before his eyes lit up. "Oh, I think I found it. Now, I just have to find a parking spot."
It was easy to miss the restaurant as it blended in with the other buildings on the block, non-descript except for the yellow awning with red letters spelling out "FIESTA!" on it. She raised her eyebrow. "Wow. I'm not sure to be impressed or underwhelmed."
"Let's not judge a book by its cover," he told her, maneuvering into a spot in front of a building a couple doors down from the restaurant. "Let's see what the food is like."
She nodded, getting out of the car once he turned off the engine. Regina waited for him on the sidewalk and the two walked over to the restaurant holding hands. He opened the door for her and she hurried into the warm establishment.
Tantalizing aromas filled the air and she felt her mouth water as they waited for the hostess. She glanced at the decorations, finding several tables and booths in the room. The walls were lined with pictures and souvenirs from Spain, including the Spanish flag. She took Robin's arm as she said: "It's nicely decorated and clean."
"So it already has two things going for it," he said, teasing her gently.
"Three," she corrected. "It also smells delicious."
He laughed, nodding. "True. So it has three things going for it and that last one is a probably a good indication that the food is delicious as well."
"Bienvenudos," a woman dressed in a bright yellow dress with a flowy skirt greeted them. "Two?"
When Robin confirmed the number, she pulled out two menus and told them to follow her. She led them toward the back of the room, revealing that half the room was filled with lunch-goers. Regina was impressed and she gave Robin's arm a squeeze before whispering: "Looks like more people than we thought know about this place."
"I see," he replied back in a whisper. "Hopefully it's a good sign and further proof the food here is good."
The waitress stopped at a table, putting down the menus. She turned to smile. "Your server will be right with you. Enjoy your meal."
Robin thanked her before pulling out one of the chairs. "For you, milady."
"You dork," Regina replied before sitting down. He pushed her in before taking his own seat. She picked up the menu. "Let's see if this place is as good as John said."
Regina leaned back in her chair, rubbing her stomach. She was certain she had gained a few pounds and was surprised there wasn't a pudge there to prove it. "John was right. This place is amazing."
"I'd tell John he'd have a great career as a food critic but I'd lose my best employee," Robin said, rubbing his own stomach.
She chuckled before looking down at their empty plates again. "We definitely need to come back here. And bring the boys. I want Henry to try a proper empanada."
"Roland too," Robin agreed. "I don't know how I've gone so long without eating an empanada."
"I'm glad that got remedied," she said, straightening up as she searched for their waiter. "We should get the bill though. I have to go back."
He nodded, also sitting up straighter to look around. Robin spotted the young man and waved him down. "I should head back too. I have to assure John his recommendation was a good one."
She laughed, nodding. "Thank him for me. It's been far too long since I've had good Spanish food."
"Since your mother sent Ines away?" Robin asked softly.
The waiter stopped by their table and as Robin requested the check, Regina took a sip of her water to get her emotions under control. She was touched that he remembered the name of her beloved housekeeper despite her only mentioning the woman once but it did bring up some sadness over what had happened to Ines. There was also sadness over the real reason she had gone so long without Spanish food.
When the waiter walked away, she reached for Robin's hand. "I haven't had Spanish food since my father died. He used to make it for me and Zelena on days Mother worked late or had other engagements."
He smiled at her, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. "Was he a good cook?"
"Yes, he was," she replied, smiling at the memory of the meals. "He loved to cook. I think I get my love of baking from him."
"Did he leave behind any recipes? Maybe we could try our hand at cooking them," he offered.
She shook her head, sadness overwhelming her as she recalled standing in the kitchen and shouting as her mother shed her father's recipe cards. "Mother destroyed them. She insisted that was end of that nonsense and we would eat proper food now."
He frowned, his eyes clouding over. "What an awful woman. After Mum died, Dad and I only ate foods that reminded us of her. We even tried to replicate some of her recipes. They never tasted quite the same but they definitely helped with the grief."
"This food definitely took me back," she said, looking at the crumbs of their meal. It was a bittersweet feeling. She missed her father but the memories made her happy as well.
"You said you had a lot of family on his side," Robin said, leaning forward. "Can you reach out to them? I'm sure someone has the recipes."
She looked down. "We don't have much of a relationship with his side of the family. Mother alienated us from them."
"Of course she did," he replied, sounding annoyed.
The waiter returned with their bill and Robin pulled out his wallet, settling it. Once the waiter went to run Robin's credit card, he turned back to her. "Have you tried to reach out to them now?"
She shook her head. "What would I say? Hey, sorry my mom was a bitch to you for a long time, wanna be family now?"
"Sounds like a start to me," he said, taking the receipt from the waiter so he could add the tip and sign it. He handed it back, tucking his wallet back into his pockets. "What do you have to lose?"
Regina opened her mouth before closing it again. The worst-case scenario—the likely one, if she was honest with herself—was that her relatives hung up on her and never spoke with her again. Which would just mean that the status quo would continue. "Nothing, I suppose," she replied.
"You don't have to call them right away," he told her, pushing his chair back. "Whenever you are ready."
She nodded. "I will. Once I can track down their numbers. Mr. French might have them. I'll ask him."
"Sounds like a plan." He leaned against her chair, kissing her. "Come on, I believe you wanted to go back to work."
"I do," she said, standing. She kissed him. "Thank you for a wonderful birthday lunch. I'm excited to see what you and the boys do for dinner."
He smirked. "I think you'll be very impressed, if I do say so myself."
She laughed, taking his hand. "Never change, Robin Locksley."
"I don't plan to do so," he assured as they walked out of the restaurant.
The snow started shortly after Robin returned to his store. John let him know, coming into his office during a lull. Robin sighed, thanking him. "Let me know if it starts to get really bad," he said.
"Okay," John replied. "You picking up the boys from school?"
Robin nodded. "That's the plan, as long as the snow doesn't make the roads treacherous."
"Well, it's nearing pick up time," John said, eyeing the clock in Robin's office. "I think you should be good. Or maybe they'll let them out early."
Glancing at the clock, Robin shook his head. "It's too close to dismissal. It would be too much work to dismiss them early rather than waiting."
"Makes sense," John said before heading back out to mind the front of the store.
Robin turned back to his books when his phone dinged. He picked it up, seeing a message from Regina.
Snow is starting to pick up. Mayor closing Town Hall and the courts for the day. Mal's throwing me out so I'm heading home. Be careful picking up the boys.
He texted her back.
I promise to be careful. You be careful too and we'll see you at home really soon. Love you.
Robin barely put his phone down before it dinged, letting him know she had responded.
I love you too.
He smiled, setting the phone down again as John appeared in the door. John looked very solemn and Robin knew what he was going to say. "It's getting bad out there, isn't it?" he asked.
John nodded. "I think they're going to start closing roads soon. You might want to head out to the school."
"Good idea," Robin said, closing his books and powering down his computer. "You should lock up and head out too. I don't want you getting stuck."
"Yeah, I think everyone is just going to head home and stay warm," John agreed.
Robin stood, reaching for his keys. "Which sounds absolutely wonderful. Stay safe and I'll call you tomorrow to let you know what we're going to do."
"You stay safe too," John said, shaking his head. He then smirked. "And enjoy your night in keeping your beautiful wife warm."
"Her birthday night," Robin reminded him with an excited smile.
John chuckled. "Knowing you, she's really going to enjoy it."
Robin gave his friend a playful side eye as he put on his coat. "You know I don't kiss and tell."
"I'm impressed you managed to say that with a straight face," John replied. "You tell me everything."
"I didn't tell you everything Marian and I did. And I'm not going to tell you everything Regina and I do," Robin told him.
John chuckled, clapping him on the back. "Fair enough. Keep your secrets. Now, go get your boys. I'll see you soon."
Regina heard the door open and she padded out of the living room, watching as snow blew in with her husband and their sons. They were all bundled up and she smiled, approaching Roland to help him take everything off. "Is it getting worse out there?"
"Yeah," Roland said, eyes lighting up. "Papa says they may have to cancel school tomorrow!"
"Then I should probably plan some snow day activities for us tomorrow, huh?" she asked. Both boys cheered and she laughed.
Robin smiled as he hung up his coat. "I think we first need to get through your mother's birthday tonight."
Both boys brightened and Henry smiled at her. "We're going to make you a special dinner."
"I know," she said, hugging both to her side. "I can't wait."
"Well, I think we should all change into comfy clothes. And maybe Mum can have her birthday bath now while we get dinner ready for her?" Robin suggested.
They all turned to look at her and she pretended to ponder the idea, even though every part of her agreed with it. She then nodded. "I think a bath sounds lovely."
"We'll go draw it for you," Roland said, heading up the stairs. Henry was right on his heels, the two sounding like a stampede going up to the second floor.
Robin chuckled as he wrapped his arm around her. He kissed her head. "I'm glad you got an early day for your birthday."
She smiled as she leaned against him. "Me too. And thank you for doing all of this for me."
"I know I can't make up for how shitty your mother was to you, but I'm going to make sure the rest of your life is as happy as possible," he told her, hugging her. "And don't worry, I've already told everyone else that you'll still have your usual birthday celebration at Granny's, so we won't have any unexpected guests."
It touched her that he remembered about her tradition to celebrate with her friends on another day that wasn't her birthday and she gave him a quick kiss. "You're the best."
"I try," he replied before glancing up the stairs as the boys' laughter drifted from the second floor. "I should probably check on them, huh?"
She nodded. "It's probably for the best. They're good kids but I can imagine they might fill the tub a little too much."
He winced and she knew the same image was going through his mind—water splashing on the floor and getting everything wet. With one more quick kiss, he headed upstairs. "I'll let you know when you can come up," he told her over his shoulder.
"I'll be here, waiting," she replied, grinning. She couldn't recall a happier birthday.
"Okay, your mother is soaking in her bath," Robin said, rolling up his sleeves. "Let's get her birthday dinner started."
The boys cheered and Henry motioned to her cookbooks. "Do you need one, Dad?"
"No, I know how to make pasta primavera," Robin assured him, pulling out the chopping block. "Who wants to help me chop the vegetables?"
"Can I chop the carrots?" Henry asked.
"I want to slice the zucchini," Roland said, stepping up to the counter. "Please?"
Robin chuckled. "Okay, but you both have to be careful. It's snowing, which will make it difficult to get to the hospital if you hurt yourselves."
Their eyes grew wide and nodded solemnly. "We'll be careful, Dad," Henry promised.
"Good," he said, setting them up with their requested vegetable as he preheated the oven. He then worked on the peppers, keeping an eye on the boys as they chopped.
Once all the vegetables were ready, he laid all the vegetables on a baking sheet and seasoned them with herbs and spices according to the recipe he used. Robin then placed the sheet in the oven and started the pasta.
"Is there anything else we can do, Papa?" Roland asked, sliding up next to him at the counter.
"How about you two set the table?" Robin suggested, pulling out the silverware drawer. "Just the forks and knives. I'll deal with the plates later."
"What about the cups?" Henry asked, pointing to the cabinet. "Shouldn't we put those out as well?"
Robin nodded, mussing up his hair. "That's a good idea. Do you need me to get them down for you?"
"Please, Dad?" Henry responded, nodding.
"Okay," he said, opening the cabinet. He pulled out four cups and held them out to Henry. "Can you handle all of these at once?"
Henry nodded as he took the cups, balancing them carefully. "I got them, Dad. Thank you."
As he walked back to the table, Robin busied himself with the pasta and checking on the vegetables. Everything was coming along fine and he was confident dinner would be perfect. His phone buzzed and he picked it up, smiling when he saw a text from his wife.
I don't want to enjoy this bath too much and ruin the rest of your plans for the evening. Promise to let me know when I need to get out and start getting ready to rejoin you all for dinner?
He sent her a response, quickly typing out:
Soak for a bit longer but get out in ten minutes. That should give all of us plenty of time.
"Who are you texting?" Roland asked, returning to the counter. He rose onto his tiptoes to try to get a look at the phone screen.
Robin tucked it into his pocket, smiling at his son. "Your mother. Just letting her know when she needs to get out of the tub."
"Oh," he replied. "Does she need any help?"
"I think she'll be fine," Robin told him as the oven beeped. "Now, stand back. I need to check the vegetables."
Roland nodded, taking two giant steps back as Robin opened the oven. With his hand in an oven mitt, he grabbed the baking sheet and checked the vegetables. Content they were cooked, he took them out and added them to the pasta.
"It smells delicious, Dad," Henry said, now joining them at the counter. "Mom's gonna love it."
"I hope so," Robin said, mixing the vegetables and pasta.
Henry bit his lip, a gesture that reminded Robin of Regina. "Should we make a salad too?" he asked.
"I don't think we need one," Robin decided as he pulled out four plates. "The pasta has vegetables after all."
"Good point," Henry said. "Mom will be happy with that."
Robin nodded, motioning to the table. "Why don't you and Roland go sit down? I'll handle putting the pasta on the plates."
Both boys hurried to their chairs as Robin scooped up the pasta and vegetables. He placed them on each plate, giving everyone a good portion while leaving some for seconds if anyone wanted. Carefully, he carried over two plates before going back for the other—determined to have the table ready for when Regina came down from her bath.
"Are you going to give Mom some wine for her dinner?" Henry asked.
"Yes," Robin said, grateful for the reminder as he pulled out the bottle of pinot noir he had bought for her. "Thank you, Henry."
He poured her a glass as he heard her coming down the stairs. Right on time, he thought with a smile. Picking up the glass, he turned and greeted her with it as she entered the kitchen. "For you, birthday girl."
"Thank you," she said, giving him a quick kiss. The smell of her vanilla shampoo washed over him and he took a deep whiff, enjoying the scent.
She pulled away, taking the glass as she went to the table. After setting it down at her seat, she hugged her two boys. "And thank you for helping your father."
"Anything for you, Mom," Henry said, kissing her cheek.
"Happy Birthday," Roland added, kissing her other cheek.
Robin grabbed his phone, taking a picture of the scene before setting it down again. He pulled out her chair, bowing to her. "For you, milady."
She chuckled, taking the seat. She then gave an elaborate bow as well. "Thank you, milord."
"You two are weird," Roland said, scrunching his nose as Henry nodded.
Robin chuckled as he took his seat, explaining: "We're in love."
"And love makes you act weird?" Henry asked, confused.
"Sometimes," he replied, sipping his own glass of wine. He grinned as he shared a wink with Regina. "You'll find out when you're older."
Both boys sighed and Regina distracted them, picking up her fork. "Well, I can't wait to taste this delicious dinner."
All three watched as she took a forkful of pasta and vegetables and placed it in her mouth. She chewed, chewed, chewed and swallowed, washing it down with a sip of her wine. Glancing at them, she raised her eyebrow. "Are you going to watch me eat or are you going to eat as well?"
"Is it good?" Henry asked. "Do you like it?"
She smiled, leaning toward him. "It's delicious. I love it and I think you will too. You as well, Roland."
Both dug into their pasta, taking bites of the spaghetti and vegetables. Robin held his breath as they chewed and swallowed, releasing it when they smiled. They continued to eat and he relaxed, certain his dinner was a hit.
"What about the chef?" she asked him softly, reaching out to cover his hand with her own. "Are you going to eat too?"
He smiled, picking up his fork. "Yes, I am. I was just making sure everyone liked dinner."
"We do," she assured him. "Now you eat and we'll have some conversation. Tell me about school, boys."
Roland and Henry started to tell her about their day as Robin dug her fork into his pasta. He tried it and it did taste really good. Relaxing, he continued to eat as the boys talked animatedly and Regina listened. It made him smile and he sipped his own wine, happy for such a perfect evening.
Regina relaxed in her chair, finishing up her wine as Robin and the boys cleaned up from dinner. She set down her glass, smiling at them. "So what's next for tonight?"
"Dessert!" Roland said, bouncing in his chair. "We got you an amazing cake from the bakery since we didn't have time to make it ourselves."
She chuckled. "I think we all need to digest before we have cake. Why don't we watch a movie?"
"I think a movie sounds great," Robin said, leaning against her chair. He smiled at the two boys. "What do you say?"
Roland cheered but Henry looked thoughtful. "What about our homework?" he asked, ignoring how his brother groaned his name.
She chuckled, proud of her little scholar. "I'm pretty sure you're having a snow day tomorrow, sweetheart. You can do it then."
"Oh," Henry said, thinking it over. He then smiled. "Then I definitely want to have a family movie night!"
Everyone laughed and Robin clapped his hands. "Movie night with the birthday girl it is. Let's go into the living room and pick a movie."
Both boys jumped off their chairs, heading into the living room. Regina and Robin followed at a slower pace. She wrapped her arm around him. "Thank you for my birthday celebration. I've enjoyed it a lot."
"You're welcome, sweetheart," he replied, kissing her head. "I just want to make sure you are happy and loved."
She smiled, feeling her cheeks heat up. "You do that every day."
They entered the living room and the boys had the movie ready to go. Regina sat down on the couch and they climbed onto it, flanking her so they both could cuddle against her. As he sat down, Robin covered them all in a fleece blanket. He picked up the remote. "Everyone ready?" he asked.
All three of them nodded and he started up Meet the Robinsons. Regina hugged her boys against her as she felt Robin slide his arm behind her head. She sighed, smiling as the movie played on. This was really the birthday she never thought she would ever have and she was grateful to her boys for throwing it for her.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Mom, happy birthday to you," Roland and Henry sang as Robin set her cake in front of Regina.
The glow from the candles made her eyes sparkle as she gathered her hair in her hand, holding it back as she blew them out. Roland and Henry clapped as Robin flipped on the light, taking a paper plate to wave away the little trails of smoke. "Okay, birthday girl now gets to cut the cake," he declared.
He handed her a knife and she easily sliced into the cake. She gasped softly, smiling at them. "Is this red velvet?"
They nodded and Robin motioned to Henry with his head. "A little birdy told me it was your favorite."
"It is," she said, cutting herself a nice slice of the cake. "And that's why I'm going to enjoy it and not worry about the calories."
He kissed the top of her head. "I second that."
She set aside her plate before smiling at the boys. "Do you two want slices as well?"
"Yes, please," Henry said as Roland nodded excitedly.
Robin took the knife from her, handing her a fork instead. "I'll cut the slices. You enjoy your cake."
She didn't put up a fight and dug into her cake happily, eating it as he served their sons. Robin then cut a slice for himself and settled into his seat. Before he took a bite, he asked her: "Is it good?"
"Delicious," she said, almost moaning. It went right to his cock and he swallowed, knowing his thoughts were becoming inappropriate with the boys still there.
He took his own bite, savoring the flavoring with a low groan of his own. "Oh, this is heavenly."
"Where did you get this again?" she asked.
"A little bakery not far from Granny's," he replied. "I think it's new—called the Gingerbread House. The proprietor is…interesting."
Roland nodded. "She's able to make all the cakes and pies and cookies even though she can't see. It's amazing!"
"That does sound impressive," Regina agreed.
Henry, though, looked pensive. "She kinda gave me the creeps."
She frowned, turning to her son. "Because she was blind?"
"No," he replied. "That's not creepy. She kept making these comments about how little boys were her favorite and that we always smell so much sweeter than girls."
Roland scrunched his nose, nodding. "It almost sounded like she wanted to eat us instead of her cakes."
"There was something off-putting about the way she talked to the boys," Robin agreed. He had already made a mental note to never go back with them if he wanted something from the bakery.
She frowned. "Well, maybe she was just joking but it fell flat. But if you two don't want to go back, we won't force you."
"Well, let's not let her ruin this great cake or this wonderful night," Robin said, squeezing her hand. He pulled it back as he picked up the knife. "Who wants another slice?"
Both boys' hands went right up in the air and Regina chuckled. "Only slivers. School may be closed tomorrow, but you still need to get your sleep."
They groaned but nodded. Robin bit the inside of his cheek as he cut two small slices, placing one on each of their plates. He then turned to Regina. "And for you, birthday girl?"
"I'll take a sliver too," she said, holding out her plate to him. "After all, calories don't count, right?"
"Not on your birthday," he confirmed, placing the slice there. "So enjoy."
She grinned, digging her fork in and taking a bite. He watched as she closed her eyes, enjoying it.
Perfect.
Regina stood at her bedroom window, watching as the snow continued to fall. Mal had already called to tell her the courts would be closed the next day as the town focused on cleaning up from the snowstorm. It had then been followed by the expected call from the school to confirm what they had already figured—no school the next day. She knew she and Robin would have a busy day tomorrow digging out but there was time to focus on that after her birthday was over.
Strong arms wrapped around her and she smiled as she leaned back against Robin's chest. He kissed her neck as she asked: "Are the boys in bed?"
"They are," he confirmed. "Fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows and no doubt won't wake until the morning."
"Good," she hummed, turning in his arms. She rested her hands on his chest, playing with his shirt. "I think you should change into something more…comfortable."
Her voice dropped into a lower register and it didn't go unnoticed judging by the way he visibly swallowed. Robin cleared his throat before saying: "I think I'll go do that. Wait here."
She watched as he pulled away, hurrying into the bathroom. Regina untied her bathrobe and throw it over the chair in her bedroom. After smoothing out the silky red and black teddy she put on, she climbed onto the bed and laid there with her arm resting against her forehead and her other hand tantalizingly close to her sex.
Robin stepped out of the bedroom in only his boxers. He flipped off the light as he bit his lip, looking her over. "I thought it was your birthday. Why do I feel like I'm getting the gift?"
"Because this is one we can share," she replied, motioning for him to come over with her finger.
He approached the bed before frowning. She frowned as well, sitting up. "Is something wrong?"
"I didn't get you a present," he said, rubbing her arms. "I arranged everything else and I didn't even get you a present."
She rose up on her knees, rubbing his arms. "You gave me an amazing present—a wonderful birthday. You didn't have to buy me anything."
"You deserve to be showered with gifts," he said, kissing her forehead. "I shall remedy it on Valentine's Day."
Regina shook her head, now cupping his face. "You don't have to get me anything, Robin. I'm happy just spending time with you."
He kissed her, easing her down onto the bed. "I'm happy spending time with you but I think you still deserve to be spoiled."
"I don't need some worthless bauble to be spoiled," she told him. "That's how my mother wants to be spoiled, she measures how much she is loved by how much you spend on her. That's not love at all."
She really didn't need expensive gifts to make her birthday or Valentine's day special. Everything he had done for her today alone meant more to her than anything her mother had gotten her over the years. These were memories she would cherish forever.
Robin smiled, nuzzling her. "How about if I got you something that held a lot of meaning? Like a keepsake?"
"I would appreciate a keepsake," she admitted. "Just as long as it had some special meaning or connection. Are you thinking of something?"
His smile turned coy as he replied: "Maybe I am. What do you say to that?"
"That I'm intrigued," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck again. "But that I'm more interested in fucking you than continuing this conversation."
Robin's eyes widened slightly before he smirked at her. "I love it when you get blunt and direct like that."
"You mean bossy?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
He shook his head. "No. I meant what I said. No hidden meanings there."
"You really love it when I'm blunt and direct?" She bit her lip, looking as if she doubted his words.
"I do," he said, pressing his groin to her so she could feel his hardening cock. "It really turns me on."
She grinned, rolling her hips and drawing a groan out of him. Regina pressed a kiss to the shell of his ear. "I can tell."
"We'll need to be quiet," he told her, grinding against her. It sent her mind reeling and it took a few moments for her to process what he had said.
Regina bit her lip, nodding. "I can try. Do you think you can?"
"I guess we're going to find out," he replied, pulling off his t-shirt.
She ran her hands over his chest. "Less talking, more kissing."
"Happily," he replied, kissing her neck as they continued their private celebration of her birthday.
Robin and Regina slept late the next morning, still curled around each other. They showered together and she felt a thrill when she saw the purpling bite marks on her husband's neck and shoulder. She smirked as he donned a tan-colored turtleneck to hide them from their sons, kissing his cheek as she passed by him. "I'll go wake up the boys. Can you start breakfast?"
"Of course," he said, wrapping his arm around her. "I'm starting to really like snow days."
She chuckled as she rested her hand on his chest. "Me too."
As he kissed her, she sighed into it. Though she wasn't ready to say it out loud, she was starting to really like birthdays as well.
A/N: Here's how Regina celebrated her first birthday married to Robin! He's certainly going to make sure she knows every year that he's very glad she was born.
Next time, we'll see how Robin and Regina celebrate their first Valentine's Day together. He's going to remember what she said about the type of present she likes to get. It may not go up exactly on Valentine's Day as I'll have to give my Love from OQ present priority, but it will be up around then!
If you want to read the birthday smut, you'll need to head over to AO3 or Wattpad.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
-Mac