The days leading up to the Royal Masquerade passed in a whirlwind of unexpected excitement and nerves. Alice and Robin had spent hours talking about the ball, picking out outfits, and discussing everything from the music to the possible awkwardness of mingling with royals. Though Alice was enthusiastic, Robin couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed.
"Do you think they'll notice if I wear this?" Robin asked, holding up an outfit that was half-leather, half-silk—a mix of practicality and elegance, but very much Robin's style.
Alice, who had been struggling with her own dress choices, raised an eyebrow at the mix of fabrics. "I think you'll turn heads, but not in the way you might want." She smiled teasingly. "How about something a little more… you?"
Robin rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a chuckle. "You're probably right. I'm not really cut out for these fancy gatherings."
Alice walked over to her, taking the outfit from her hands and folding it neatly. "You don't have to be cut out for anything. Just be yourself." She stepped back, surveying Robin with a thoughtful look. "How about this?" She pulled out a flowing tunic and pants combo—a perfect blend of elegance and comfort.
Robin's gaze softened, and a warm smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I like it. You always know how to make things simple."
Alice grinned, leaning in close. "It's one of my best qualities." Her voice dropped a little. "Besides, you'll look stunning in whatever you wear."
Robin's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Alice's voice. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from Alice's face, her fingers lingering on her soft skin. "You always know what to say, don't you?"
Alice's gaze softened, and before she could reply, she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Robin's forehead. "I'm serious, Robin. You don't need to be anything but yourself. That's who I want to be with."
Robin's breath caught in her chest, a surge of warmth flooding through her at Alice's words. "I… I don't know what I'd do without you."
Alice smiled, resting her hand gently on Robin's. "Well, lucky for you, you don't have to. We're in this together."
The night of the Royal Masquerade was fast approaching, and Alice and Robin were in the final stages of preparing for the event. The excitement was palpable, but the nerves were creeping in for both of them.
In the farmhouse, Alice stood in front of a full-length mirror, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. She was still trying to figure out how to make herself presentable for such a grand occasion. It wasn't often that she found herself in such a formal setting—especially not one as extravagant as the Royal Masquerade.
"You're doing it all wrong, darling," Zelena's voice cut through Alice's thoughts. She entered the room holding a deep green gown, the silk catching the light as she walked.
Alice gave her an uncertain look. "What do you mean? I thought I had everything ready."
Zelena gave a dramatic sigh. "No, no, no. You're going to look gorgeous, trust me. You're just overthinking it." She pushed Alice aside gently and began to untangle the gown, letting it fall gracefully. "You need to relax. A ball is all about being yourself, but with just a little more flair."
"I'm not sure I know how to pull off 'flair,'" Alice admitted, still fiddling with her mask.
"You will, dear." Zelena took a step back, her eyes gleaming with approval. "You're Alice, the girl who's walked through Wonderland, who's seen things most people can't even imagine. If anyone can pull this off, it's you."
Alice looked into the mirror again, but this time she felt a little more confident. "Thanks, Zelena. You're really good at this."
"Well, I've had a lot of practice," Zelena said with a wink. "Now, come on. Let me help you get into this dress. We can't have you showing up looking like you belong on a battlefield rather than a ballroom floor."
As Zelena helped Alice into the gown, the fabric shimmering in the light, Alice finally began to relax. The dress was elegant—deep green with silver accents that shimmered with every movement—and it made Alice feel more beautiful than she'd ever felt. The final touch was the silver mask, which, when Alice placed it over her face, completed the mysterious but graceful look.
"There," Zelena said, smoothing the fabric. "Now you look like someone who belongs at a royal ball. You're going to turn heads, Alice."
Alice smiled at her reflection, feeling a little more like herself again. "I guess I'm ready. Thanks, Zelena."
"No problem, darling. Go and have some fun with that beautiful woman of yours," Zelena said with a wink. "And remember, don't let anyone tell you how to dance. You dance how you want to."
Meanwhile, Robin was pacing in front of a mirror in the living room, still unsure about her outfit for the evening. She'd spent hours picking something that felt right for a ball—a blend of her usual rugged style with just enough refinement. Her outfit consisted of a tailored black tunic with silver detailing, sleek trousers, and a half-mask that covered the top of her face. It was simple but felt like it suited her well enough.
But despite the excitement, she still had that lingering feeling of unease.
"Something wrong with your outfit?" Hook's voice startled her as he leaned against the doorframe. He'd been waiting for a moment to talk to Robin, and this seemed like the perfect time.
Robin turned to face him, her lips quirking up in a wry smile. "I don't know if I'm cut out for all this. It feels… like a lot of pressure."
"You're not one for these royal gatherings, huh?" Hook walked over, examining Robin's outfit with a keen eye. "Well, you don't have to be someone you're not. That's the beauty of a masquerade—no one has to know exactly who you are." He shrugged. "You'll fit in fine. Have a laugh, a few dances…"
Robin sighed. "That's where I'm really lost. I can barely stand the thought of stepping onto a dance floor."
Hook smirked. "Ah, I knew that's what was bothering you. Here's the thing, Robin—you can't be out of your element if you embrace it. And I'm not saying you need to waltz your way through the night, but…" He trailed off, walking over to the center of the room. "You'll be with Alice, you don't need to worry about anything but having fun," Hook said firmly. "But if it helps, I'll teach you how to dance, just enough to get by." He held out his hand. "Come on, then. We've got a few hours before the carriage arrives. Let's get you ready for a dance."
Robin hesitated but then took his hand, a little nervous. She had never danced properly before, and the thought of being out there with so many people watching made her stomach churn. "I don't know, Hook. I'm not really the graceful type."
"Let's see about that," Hook said with a grin. "The key is confidence. You don't need to be perfect—you just need to look like you know what you're doing. Follow my lead, and we'll get there."
He guided Robin through a slow waltz, his steps deliberate and careful, showing her how to keep her posture straight and her movements fluid. As they moved together, Hook gave her a few tips along the way.
"You're not supposed to just move your feet. You have to feel the rhythm. You've got it in you, trust me."
After a few minutes of clumsy but steady steps, Robin felt herself becoming more at ease. The music in her mind grew louder, and though she was still unsure, she felt a little more confident with each passing step.
As they stopped for a moment, Hook turned to her with a knowing look. "See? You've got it. Now just keep that confidence, and don't worry about how everyone else is dancing. You and Alice can create your own rhythm."
Robin smiled at him, grateful for his encouragement. "Thanks, Hook. I think I'm ready now."
Later that evening, Robin and Alice were finally ready. As they stood together in front of the mirror in the farmhouse, the warmth of the moment radiated between them. Robin had learned just enough from Hook to feel comfortable on the dance floor, and Alice looked breathtaking in the gown Zelena had helped her choose. Both were wearing their masks, each hiding a part of themselves while still revealing something intimate between them.
"Well, we're certainly going to turn heads tonight," Alice said softly, gazing at Robin with a soft smile. "You look perfect."
Robin turned to her, her expression soft. "I'm glad you're with me." Her voice lowered, more serious now. "I wouldn't be able to do this without you."
Alice took Robin's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to. You're stronger than you think." She leaned in, brushing her lips gently against Robin's. "But we're stronger together."
The carriage waited outside, and the night was theirs. Together, they would face the ball—and whatever came after.
The grand ballroom stood like a beacon against the dark night sky, its spires illuminated by thousands of shimmering lanterns. The soft hum of music and laughter spilled from within, carried on the cool breeze that greeted Alice and Robin as they stepped out of the carriage.
Robin adjusted her silver mask nervously, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her tunic. She glanced up at the towering palace doors, where finely dressed guests in extravagant masks flowed like a river of elegance. "Still time to turn back, you know," she muttered, her voice tinged with hesitation.
Alice looped her arm through Robin's, leaning close with a warm smile. "And miss the chance to see you stumble through your first waltz? Not a chance, love."
Robin's lips quirked into a crooked grin despite herself. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Maybe just a little," Alice teased, nudging her gently. Her gaze softened as she looked at Robin. "But mostly, I'm proud of you. For doing this."
Robin's chest tightened at Alice's words, the weight of her nerves lifting ever so slightly. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you," she said quietly, her voice sincere.
"Exactly," Alice said with a wink. "So let's go show these royals what we're made of."
The ballroom was a vision of splendor. The walls were lined with towering mirrors that reflected the light of the chandeliers, making the room seem endless. Guests in shimmering gowns and finely tailored suits twirled gracefully across the dance floor, their movements a seamless harmony with the soft waltz played by the orchestra.
Alice's eyes sparkled as she took in the scene. "It's beautiful," she breathed, turning to Robin.
Robin's gaze flickered around the room, her nerves creeping back as she caught sight of the grandeur—and the many eyes that seemed to turn their way. "It's… a lot," she admitted, though her grip on Alice's arm tightened for comfort.
Alice smiled, her voice soothing. "Just focus on me. Everyone else will fade away."
Robin glanced at her, her green eyes softening. "Easier said than done."
"Trust me," Alice said with a wink, tugging her gently toward the floor.
They stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching couples glide past with practiced grace. Robin's heartbeat quickened as she saw the intricate steps. Hook's lessons had been helpful, but now, with all eyes seemingly on her, her confidence faltered.
Alice turned to her, sensing the hesitation. "Hey," she said softly, stepping in front of her. "It's just a dance. You don't have to be perfect."
Robin exhaled shakily, her gaze meeting Alice's. "I'm not sure I even remember what Hook showed me."
"Then we'll figure it out together," Alice said, her smile warm and reassuring. She held out her hand. "Take it one step at a time, love."
Robin hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in Alice's. The warmth of Alice's touch steadied her nerves, and as Alice led her onto the dance floor, the world around them seemed to blur.
The music swelled, and Robin's mind raced as she tried to remember Hook's instructions. She placed one hand on Alice's waist, the other holding her hand, and together they began to move. Their steps were clumsy at first—Robin's boots scuffed against the polished floor, and she narrowly avoided bumping into another couple—but Alice's laughter melted the tension.
"You're doing fine," Alice assured her, her voice light with amusement.
"Fine isn't exactly what I was going for," Robin muttered, but a smile tugged at her lips.
Alice leaned closer, her voice softening. "You're with me. That's all that matters."
Robin's steps steadied, her focus narrowing to Alice—the way her blue eyes sparkled behind her mask, the way her lips curved into a playful smile, and the way she moved effortlessly, as though she belonged in this world of elegance.
By the second song, they had found their rhythm, their movements flowing together like the music itself.
"You're a natural," Alice teased as they spun gently across the floor.
Robin snorted. "Yeah, sure. I've only tripped twice."
Alice grinned, her hands tightening around Robin's. "Still counts as a success."
After a few dances, Robin led Alice toward a quiet balcony that overlooked the palace gardens. The cool night air was a welcome reprieve from the bustling ballroom, and the soft glow of the moonlight bathed the gardens below in silver.
Robin leaned against the railing, exhaling deeply. "That was… a lot," she admitted, glancing at Alice with a sheepish smile.
Alice stepped closer, resting her hand on Robin's arm. "You did amazing," she said, her voice warm. "See? Nothing to be nervous about."
Robin shook her head with a chuckle. "Easy for you to say. You looked like you belonged out there."
"And you didn't?" Alice raised an eyebrow, stepping in front of her. "Robin, everyone in that room was looking at you like you were the most interesting person there."
Robin's lips twitched into a smile. "Maybe they were looking at you."
Alice laughed softly. "Maybe they were in awe of how amazing we both are."
Robin nodded, her hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair from Alice's face. "Yeah. Maybe..."
Alice leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm proud of you, Robin. For tonight. For everything."
Robin's heart swelled at the words, and before she could think, she closed the distance between them, her lips capturing Alice's in a tender kiss. The cool breeze brushed past them as they melted into each other, the distant sounds of the ballroom fading away.
When they finally broke apart, Alice smiled up at her, her eyes shining. "See? You're not so bad at this after all."
Robin laughed, her forehead resting against Alice's. "Only because I've got you to make it all worth it."
They stayed there for a moment longer, the quiet of the night wrapping around them like a cocoon.
"Shall we head back in?" Alice asked softly.
Robin grinned. "One more dance, then we sneak out early. Deal?"
Alice laughed, taking Robin's hand. "Deal."
Together, they returned to the ballroom, their bond stronger than ever.
The evening had begun to wind down as the orchestra played a slower, softer tune. Alice and Robin danced one last time, their movements unhurried, savoring the closeness between them. Around them, the glittering crowd thinned, and the energy in the grand ballroom began to mellow.
As the final notes of the waltz faded, Robin leaned in, her forehead resting gently against Alice's. "I think that's enough royalty for one night," she murmured, her voice low and warm.
Alice chuckled softly, her breath brushing against Robin's cheek. "Agreed. Let's slip away before someone tries to drag us into another dance."
With their hands entwined, they made their way toward the palace doors. The night air was cool and refreshing as they stepped outside, the stars shimmering overhead. The gardens were quiet now, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Robin stopped for a moment, turning to face Alice. "Thank you," she said, her voice serious.
"For what?" Alice asked, tilting her head.
Robin smiled softly, brushing her thumb across Alice's hand. "For making me feel like I belong tonight. For believing in me. I don't think I've ever felt… this." She paused, her green eyes searching Alice's face. "Safe. Loved."
Alice's heart swelled, and she stepped closer, her hand coming up to rest gently on Robin's cheek. "You are loved," she said, her voice firm but tender. "By me. Always."
Robin leaned into Alice's touch, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment. "I don't deserve you," she whispered.
Alice's lips quirked into a small smile. "You're wrong. You deserve everything, Robin. And I'm going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know that."
Robin exhaled a shaky breath, her emotions raw. "I love you, Alice," she said, the words escaping like a promise.
Alice's smile widened, her voice soft but steady. "And I love you, Nobin."
Robin groaned playfully at the nickname, but her laughter quickly faded as Alice leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of each other's embrace under the vast, starlit sky.
The ride back to the farmhouse was quiet but filled with a comfortable intimacy. They sat close in the carriage, Alice's head resting on Robin's shoulder, her fingers gently tracing patterns on Robin's hand.
When they arrived home, the farmhouse was dark and still, the others long since retired for the night. Robin opened the door quietly, holding it for Alice as they stepped inside. The warmth of the hearth's lingering embers welcomed them back, casting a soft glow across the room.
Alice turned to Robin, her gaze soft and searching. "I don't want this night to end," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Robin's lips curved into a small smile as she stepped closer, her hands resting lightly on Alice's waist. "Then it doesn't have to," she said softly.
Alice's breath hitched as Robin's words settled over her. She reached up, cupping Robin's face, her thumbs brushing lightly across her cheeks. "Are you sure?"
Robin nodded, her eyes steady and filled with quiet affection. "Only if you are."
"I am," Alice whispered, her voice full of certainty.
Robin took her hand, intertwining their fingers as she led Alice toward her room. The space was small and simple, but it felt warm and safe—a reflection of Robin herself.
Robin hesitated for a moment, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for the clasp of her dress. Alice noticed and stepped closer, her voice gentle. "Do you want me to help?"
Robin swallowed hard, nodding. "Please."
Alice's fingers brushed against Robin's as she undid the clasp, her movements slow and careful. As the fabric slipped from Robin's shoulders, Alice stepped back slightly, her breath catching.
For the first time, she saw the scars.
Thin, jagged lines etched across Robin's back and shoulders, some faded and silvery, others newer and darker. They told a story of pain and survival—a story that Alice knew too well.
Robin stiffened under Alice's gaze, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "They're ugly, I know," she said quietly, her voice trembling.
Alice stepped forward, her heart aching at the vulnerability in Robin's voice. "No, they're not."
Robin turned her head slightly, her green eyes glistening. "Don't lie to me, Alice."
"I'm not lying," Alice said firmly, her hands coming to rest gently on Robin's shoulders. "They're not ugly. They're part of you—what you've been through, what you've survived. They don't make you any less beautiful."
Robin's shoulders sagged slightly, her voice breaking. "Gothel did this. She… she wanted me to feel like I'd never be whole again. Like I'd always carry her with me."
Alice's hands tightened on Robin's shoulders, her voice filled with quiet determination. "She doesn't get to have that power over you, Robin. Not anymore. You're not hers—you're yours. And you're mine."
Robin turned fully toward Alice, her breath shuddering as tears welled in her eyes. "How do you do that?"
"Do what?" Alice asked softly, reaching up to cup Robin's face.
"Make me believe I'm worth loving," Robin whispered, her voice barely audible.
Alice's thumb brushed away a stray tear as she smiled. "Because you are, Robin. More than you know."
Robin let out a shaky breath, leaning into Alice's touch. "I love you," she murmured, the words raw and heartfelt.
Alice smiled, her voice steady and full of warmth. "And I love you. Always."
Robin's hands moved to Alice's waist, pulling her closer as Alice's fingers tangled in Robin's hair. Their kisses grew slower and softer, their foreheads resting together as they caught their breath.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of warmth and tenderness. They moved slowly, taking their time, savoring every touch and kiss as they let down the walls they'd both carried for so long.
Robin's scars became a map that Alice traced with reverence, her lips brushing softly against each mark as if to erase the pain they represented. And Robin, in turn, found solace in Alice's touch, the love and acceptance she'd craved for so long filling every quiet moment between them.
When the first light of dawn broke through the curtains, they lay tangled together beneath the blankets, their bodies warm and their hearts full. Alice rested her head on Robin's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.
Robin's fingers traced gentle patterns along Alice's back, her voice quiet but content. "You're my home, Alice. You always have been."
Alice tilted her head up to look at her, a soft smile on her lips. "And you're mine."
As the world outside slowly woke, they stayed wrapped in each other's arms, letting the peace of the moment linger for as long as it could.