I'm Never Saying Goodbye to You

“The budget is just a mess.” Regina said, flopping down onto her back on their bed. “I’m trying to figure everything out but it’s just taking forever.” 

“Maybe you just need a break.” Robin suggested. “A day to clear your head and start back fresh.” 

“I don’t think I can spare a day,” She replied with a sigh. “We’re going to discuss the budget at the next town meeting and I am not going into the lion’s den without being prepared. The people in this town can be brutal.” Regina ran her hands over her face and squeezed the bridge of her nose, a clear sign of her exhaustion. 

“Love, get your pajamas on and come to bed. I can’t fall asleep without you.” Robin coaxed as he ran his fingers gently over Regina’s arm. 

“I don’t think I can move,” She replied with a laugh, her eyelids heavy from exhaustion. Robin smirked at his girlfriend. He got out of bed and walked over to their shared closet. 

“What pajamas do you want, love?” There was no reply. “Regina?” he called once more. Robin walked out of the closet and found Regina fast asleep on top of the covers, still dressed in her dress and heels. With a smile on his face, Robin walked over and slipped off his girlfriend’s shoes and threw them to the side of the room. Regina was like dead weight when she was asleep so Robin knew he wasn’t going to be able to get her dress off of her. He pulled back the covers before lifting her up gently and positioning in bed. After lying her tired body down, Robin covered her up, pressed a kiss to her forehead and went around to the other side of the bed and got in. With his girlfriend finally home, Robin allowed himself to finally relax and fall into a deep sleep. 

The next morning, sunlight from the window in their bedroom woke Robin from his deep slumber. He reached out to pull Regina into his embrace but instead he only found a cold, empty bed. After yawning and stretching, he pushed himself out of bed and glanced at the clock. It was only six o’clock and Regina was clearly gone. After seeing how truly exhausted Regina had been last night, Robin made it his mission to get his girlfriend to relax. 

After getting all three kids up and ready, he began making plans. Henry was already spending the night at Emma’s so he’d be out of the house. Snow had graciously agreed to take Addy because she loved having the little girl at her house. Robin had also arranged for the Merry Men to take Roland for the night. He knew that his men missed having the little tyke at camp with them and Roland missed his uncles as well, so it was a win-win situation. With all the kids out of the house, Robin set out to bring his girlfriend home and make her relax. He strolled into her office around five and found her hunched over her desk, her hair in a ponytail and the same black framed glasses perched on the edge of her nose. Upon hearing his footsteps, Regina looked up and shot Robin a confused look. 

“Robin? What are you doing here?” she asked. 

“I’m here to bring you home.” He told her. 

“Robin-I-I’m not nearly done,” She stuttered. “I’ve only just started making sense of all this and I don’t think I can stop now.” Robin walked over to her and sat down on the edge of her desk. He took the pen from her hands and gently lifted the glasses off her nose. 

“My love, I’m going to be honest with you,” he said. “You look like crap.” 

“Well thanks…” She retorted. 

“You have dark circles under your eyes and I can tell that you’re stressed because you’re all hunched over and there’s so much tension in your shoulders.” Robin told her. “You look beautiful, love. You always look beautiful, but right now, you look like crap. So I’ve come to take you home. You’re going to relax for just one night. You’re going to clear your mind and come back and figure all of this out. But, right now, my love, you are fried and you need a break. So, you can make this easy and walk home with me or I can throw you over my shoulder and carry you home.” Regina, who looked shocked at Robin’s sudden assertiveness, stood up from her office chair. 

“I think I’ll walk home.” she replied. 

“Good choice,” Robin told her. He reached his hand out to her and intertwined his fingers with hers. Together, they walked the short distance home. Once in the house, Regina turned to her lover. 

“What now?” She asked. 

“Now, milady, I am going to run you a bath....with bubbles and lavender candles and even some red wine if you’d like.” Robin told her. “And, while you’re doing that, I will be down here making us some dinner.” 

“But you can’t cook…”Regina replied matter of factly. 

“Such little faith,” Robin retorted. 

“You almost set the house on fire last time you used the stove.” 

“I do believe that is a little bit of embellishment.” Robin insisted. 

“Tell that to my charred set of oven mitts.” the brunette countered. 

“Will you just trust me.” Robin pleaded as he pushed her towards the stairs. Regina gave him a smirk and proceeded up the stairs towards their shared bedroom. She took a seat on the edge of their bed while Robin went into the bathroom. He had already set up the bathroom so candles were sitting by the edge of the tub. He started the water and let it run until it got warm and then poured in some bubbles. Next, he grabbed the matches off the counter and lit all the candles. Last but not least, he opened the bottle of red wine that he had brought up before he left and poured it into a glass. He walked out to Regina with the glass of wine in his hand. “I’ve drawn your bath milady and now all you have to do is relax.” Robin told her as he handed her the wine glass. 

“Thank you,” She said with a smile on her face. Robin leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips. 

“Enjoy and when you’re ready, come down and we’ll have a nice meal together.” 

“Wait!” She called after him.  That sounds lovely but where are the kids?” she asked. 

“I’ve taken care of them.” Robin replied. “All you need to know is that they’re out of the house and we have the night to ourselves.” With that, Robin headed downstairs to start dinner. Regina couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t know what she did to deserve a man like Robin. 

With the idea of a warm bath calling her name, she wandered into the bathroom and set the glass of wine down on the counter. She kicked off her high heels and stripped herself of her dress and underwear before climbing into the steaming bath water. She slipped further down into the tub until just her head peeked above the level of the water. It felt amazing. Regina could feel her muscles relaxing and the tension leaving her body as the warm water worked its magic. Taking a deep breath in, she smelled the lavender from the candles and smiled. She had always loved the smell of lavender. It helped to calm her down in some of her hardest times.  When she was a single mother trying to raise a colicky infant, Regina had practically bathed in her lavender lotion. That was, until Henry decided that he hated the smell, thus making him hate her. She had stopped wearing it and got rid of anything that smelled of lavender. At that point, she had been willing to try anything to get Henry to stop crying. She hadn’t kept it in the house since so it was surprising that Robin had chosen that scent to set up for her. She took a sip of the red wine that Robin had given her, its dry flavor dancing across her taste buds. It had taken her a long time to like wine. They always had some kind of a sweet white wine in her castle when she was a little girl and her mother had made her drink it. She had always grimaced at it’s flavor but her mother insisted that she’d get used to it. It had taken Regina a long time, but her mother had been right. She did get used to the taste of wine, but not that sickly sweet white wine that her mother had forced on her years ago. No, Regina much preferred a dry red wine instead. 

After lounging in the bath for a while, Regina felt like it was time to get out. She stood up and stepped out onto the bath mat, grabbing her white plush towel and wrapping it around herself. She dried herself off and walked from the bathroom to her and Robin’s shared closet. She picked up her pair of blue silk pajamas and was about to throw them on when she spotted Robin’s favorite t-shirt. Regina remembered when she bought it for him. After much debate, the Locksley-Mills family had decided to watch Disney’s version of Robin Hood for family movie night.  Regina had found herself laughing hysterically as Robin exclaimed, “I’m a bloody fox! What kind of movie is this?!?” It took a little bit but by the end of the movie, Robin had grown fond of the cartoon depiction of himself. Then, one night during a particularly annoying bout of insomnia, Regina found herself deep in the depths of Amazon. Online shopping had become a bit of an addiction for her, especially when she couldn’t sleep. That night she found a forest green shirt with a black silhouette of the fox under which it read in script “Her Robin Hood.” Robin had been hesitant to wear it at first but eventually he realized how comfortable it was and the shirt often made appearances during lazy days spent at home. Wanting to feel that same sense of  comfort, Regina put her silk pajamas back in the drawer and pulled on a pair of pajama shorts and the green t-shirt. It was practically a dress on her, the cotton fabric completely covering up the shorts she had just pulled on and making her appear as though she didn’t have any pants on. 

Regina wandered downstairs and was hit with the wonderful aroma of whatever Robin had decided to cook. “I’m impressed,” She said quietly as she padded into the kitchen. “Nothing has caught on fire yet.” 

“I told you that I had dinner covered,” he replied, a smirk on his face. “Did you enjoy your bath?” She nodded and walked over to him to press a kiss to his lips. Robin pulled her in tighter and ran his fingers through her still wet hair. “I can see you’ve found my favorite t-shirt, though is does seem a tad bit large for you milady.” 

“What can I say?” she replied. “I wanted to be comfortable. Now, tell me, what are you making?” 

“Ah, on the menu for tonight, we’ve got an appetizer of tomato bisque and for the main course, two lightly toasted slices of bread held together by a melted slice of American Cheese.” Robin replied, trying his best to sound like a distinguished chef. 

“Grilled cheese and tomato soup is one of my favorite combos,” she replied, smiling up at Robin. 

“Well then, milady, have a seat and I’ll serve you.” 

“Robin, you don’t have to,” Regina began to argue. “I can help.” 

“Now, now, tonight is your night,” he told her. “For once, do as I say and just enjoy the night.” Regina did as she was told and took a seat. She wasn’t used to Robin being so assertive and she thought it best not to test him. She watched as Robin placed the two sandwiches on plates and ladelled some of the soup into bowls for the two of them. “Bon appetit, milady.” he said, setting the food down in front of her. Regina happily obliged and dug into the sandwich. It had been a few days since she had any sort of actual meal. She had gone through her entire stash of snacks at the office, not wanting to leave and disrupt her work. Surprisingly, the sandwich and soup were just want she needed to satisfy her hungry stomach. 

“I must say that was a pretty good meal for terrible chef.” Regina said, looking across the table at Robin, who was still working on his own sandwich. 

“I’m a tad bit offended by being called “a terrible chef” and feel that after tonight I’ve at least proved myself to be a mediocre chef.” he retorted. 

“Fine,” Regina agreed. “I’ll promote you. Mediocre chef it is.” Seeing that Robin had finished his meal, Regina spoke once more, “So thief, what else do you have planned for the rest of the evening?” 

“That, my dear, is up to you.” Robin told her. “What is it that you need?” Suddenly, the sound of thunder echoed in the distance and the room was illuminated by a bright bolt of lightning in the sky. Regina had always loved thunderstorms. To many, they were frightening, unpredictable and scary, but Regina had always felt them calming. She had spent many nights sitting on the edge of her windowsill watching as the golden streaks of lightning danced across the sky and the cacophony of thunder echoed in the distance. 

“I want you to hold me,” Regina said as she stood up from the table and walked over to Robin. She extended her hand to him and led him from the kitchen to the living room. Robin took a seat on the couch and Regina sat down between his legs and leaned her body back into his embrace. He pressed a kiss to her temple and ran his fingers gently through her hair. They lay in silence under the cover of a fuzzy purple blanket and watched the night’s sky light up, cuddled in one another’s arms. Gradually, Regina began to feel tired and felt her eyelids begin to droop. Her head fell forward and she jerked it back up, forcing herself to wake and snuggle in closer to Robin’s chest. 

“You’re tired.” Robin said softly. 

“I’m fine.”

“You’re falling asleep.”  he countered. 

“Please, I was the one who lived in the forest while you were trying to kill me.” Snow retorted. “You spent three days total in the forest...while you were still trying to kill me and you barely lasted that long.”

“I was practically dying from a very dangerous wound infection. You wouldn’t want to be in the forest either.” Regina countered.

“It was a scratch.” Snow told her. “You were not dying.”

“Whatever,” Regina replied as she rolled her eyes. “Anyway, there are extra outfits in the diaper bag, diapers, formula, toys. If she gets really upset, singing always works.”

“You sing?”

“Don’t start with me,” Regina warned. Suddenly, she heard the car horn and it was clear that the boys were getting impatient. “Okay, I have to get going. Bye sweetie,” Regina added as she leaned over and pressed a kiss to Addy’s forehead. She gave her daughter one last look and felt a pang of guilt in her heart.

“She’ll be fine,” Snow reassured her.

“I haven’t left her overnight before.” Regina replied hesitantly, tears prickling in the corners of her eyes.

“She’ll eat, play with Neal and then she’ll go to sleep and you’ll be picking her up before you know it.” Regina sighed, knowing she was right. She gave Snow a small smile and then headed back downstairs to the car.

“Camping, here we come.” Robin replied as Regina got in the passenger seat. Henry and Roland cheered from the back seat while Regina mentally prepared herself for what was to come. The campsite wasn’t that far out of town so they got there in a little under an hour. “Alright boys, let’s set up camp.” Robin announced, getting out of the car. Together, he, Henry and Roland started to unload the car. The three boys then started to put together the tents. Regina stood off to the side just watching. At first, it was nice watching the three boys do this activity together. Henry and Roland hung on Robin’s every word as he showed them how to force the white poles into the orange netting of the tent. They worked together flawlessly and Regina couldn’t help but smile at the family that they had become. However, it was hard to focus on being happy when she was spending every other minute swatting mosquitoes from her face.

“Mama look! The tents are all set up!” Roland exclaimed as he ran over to her.

“I can see that,” Regina told him. “You all did a great job,”

“Well, Roland, my boy, this is your day, so what would you like to do first?” Robin asked, walking over to the smaller boy.

“I wanna go fishing!”

“Then fishing it is,” Robin told him. “I know the best fishing spot around,” he added as he picked up their fishing poles and tackle box. “It’s this way,” They trekked through the forest until they came to a beautiful, freshwater creek. Henry didn’t waste a minute. He had been itching to get back to fishing since his first lesson with Robin. Effortlessly, Henry set up his rod and weaved the worm onto the hook, just as Robin had shown him.  Then, Robin moved to help Roland, who was jumping up and down because he was so excited.

“Shhh,” Robin warned. “If you’re not quiet, you’ll scare away all the fish,” Roland instantly quieted and watched Robin intensely as he showed him every part of the fishing rod and how to use it. While she was waiting, Regina picked up the fishing pole. She had never been fishing before and she honestly didn’t see the appeal. Fish were gross. They were slimy and cold. And, the actual sport (if you could even call it that) was just boring. You just stood there and prayed that a fish would be stupid enough to eat a floating worm and get the hook stuck in their mouth. She tried to sneak glances at Robin as he set up Roland’s rod and do the same to her own. “Would you like some help, my love?” Robin asked.

“No, I’ve got it.” She replied and Robin gave her a look.

“You’ve been fishing before?” he asked.

“Well...no but It can’t be that hard.” Regina retorted.

“Suit yourself,” Robin mumbled quietly as he moved closer to Roland to make sure that he was doing alright. Regina fumbled with her line but eventually managed to get it to a point where she could put the hook on. Then...she realized that she needed to bait it. Looking at the white tub of worms and dirt, she grimaced. She really didn’t want to touch that. Her hand hesitated over the bucket. Robin looked over at Regina and couldn’t help but laugh. He could see how much Regina did not want to touch those worms. However, he had learned over time that if Regina wanted to do something by herself, he should let her, no matter what the consequences. Eventually, he watched as she tentatively reached her hand into the bucket and grabbed onto a worm.

“Gross…” Regina groaned. She put the worm on the hook and then let out a sigh of relief. She actually felt a bit proud of herself. This had been a new experience for her and she had done it by herself. Now, all she had to do was cast the line. She threw the line over her shoulder just as she had seen Henry do earlier. When she went to pull the line back, she realized it was stuck. Looking over her shoulder, she saw that the line that she had just spent about twenty minutes getting right was stuck in a bush. “Come on,” She groaned, pulling hard on the line. She had worked too hard on this to just give up. Regina gave one last pull and suddenly, she felt the line snap and Regina was sent tumbling into the stream.

Robin and the boys were pulled from their own fishing experience at the sound of Regina’s high pitched scream. They looked over and saw Regina lying in the rushing water. “Regina!” Robin exclaimed, running over to her. He waded into the water and grabbed onto her. She leaned against him and coughed out the water that was currently occupying her lungs. “Are you alright?” Robin asked.

“I’m fine.” Regina replied, her cheeks flushed pink from embarrassment.

“What happened?”

“I-I just slipped.” Regina told him, her arms wrapped self-consciously around her soaking wet body.

“Are you hurt?” Robin asked, his voice full of concern.

“No,” Regina replied. She wasn’t hurt physically, but her pride had definitely just taken a blow. “I’m just cold and wet.” she added as she shivered.  Robin instantly took his coat off and placed it around Regina’s shoulders. Then, he pulled the woman into his embrace and rubbed her shoulders in an attempt to get her to feel warmer.

“I think I’m just gonna head back to the campsite and change.” Regina told him.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, stay with the boys. Their fun shouldn’t have to end because I was clumsy.” she replied.

“You promise me that you’re not hurt?” Robin whispered once more. He knew Regina. Even if she was hurt, it would take a lot to get her to show it.

“I promise...I’m okay.” Regina told him. “I just want to be dry.” she broke from his grasp and began walking back to the campsite. She hadn’t wanted to come camping in the first place and now here she was...wet, cold and embarrassed.  Luckily for her, she still had her magic. With a flick of her wrist, Regina was wearing a new, dry outfit. She knew she should go back and be with the boys - get back on the horse or the fishing rod so to speak. . However, Regina was still feeling very embarrassed and she honestly just wanted to go home. She decided to sit out by the tent and just take in nature instead. She sat down and looked around her. She was surrounded by green trees. Honestly, everything around her was just green and the whole environment just felt suffocating. Nature was supposed to feel freeing and peaceful, but for Regina, it felt like nothing more than a green prison. Trying to distract herself, she decided to grab her phone and call Snow. She heard the dial tone ring a few times before Snow’s perky voice came over the line.

“Regina? How’s everything going?”

“Oh just great.” Regina lied. “I’m having a great time.”

“I can tell when your lying, Regina.” Snow replied with a laugh. “I’ve known you for too long.”

“Fine. I hate camping. You were right. The outdoors and I are not compatible. I tried to fish and ended up falling into the stupid stream. I-I just wanna come home.” She replied honestly.

“I’m sorry,” Snow replied. “Wanna see something to make you feel better?”

“Sure,” Regina replied.

“Click the facetime button.” Snow told her. Regina did what she was told and in a moment, Addy’s sweet face popped up on the scream. Her little face lit up when she saw Regina and a huge smile formed on her face. “Say hi, Mama!” Snow cooed as she hoisted the baby higher on her lap.

“Hi sweetpea,” Regina cooed. “Are you having fun with Auntie Snow?” she asked. Addy started cooing and babbling back to her. It was funny because she sounded like she was really trying to have a conversation with her mother.

“Addy, tell Mama. Tell her what we did today.” Snow said in a singsong voice. “We played. We took a nap. We ate some peaches and you spit them out all over Auntie Snow.” Regina couldn’t contain her laughter at that point. “Like mother, like daughter.” Snow shot back at her step-mother.

“Hey, I have never spit peaches at you.” Regina replied sarcastically.

“No, you just tried to murder me.” Snow retorted with a smirk.

“Fair enough,” Regina agreed with a smile. Suddenly, she heard the sound of footsteps and figured that it must be Robin and the boys coming back from fishing. “Hey Snow, I have to go. The boys are coming back to the campsite.”

“Alright, we’ll both see you tomorrow.” Snow replied. “Say goodnight, Mama” she cooed to Addy, who smiled at her mother on the screen and reached her hands out towards her.

“Goodnight sweet girl,” Regina cooed back before hitting the red “end call” button. As she turned off the found she heard a little voice calling her name.

“Mama! Mama! Look at all the fish we caught!” Roland exclaimed as he ran over to her with a fish in his hands.

“Wow, I see,” Regina replied, grimacing a little as the little boy stuck the slimy fish in her face.

“Papa caught three and Henry caught two, so we have six all together!” Roland replied enthusiastically. “Now Papa’s gonna fry them up.”

“Oh good,” Regina lied through her teeth. This camping trip could not come to an end sooner. She’d rather starve than eat those fish.  Nevertheless, Regina watched as Robin fried up the fish and accepted a plate of it when Robin handed it to her because she didn’t want to cause any problems.

“Eat up everyone.” Robin said a smile on his face. “I hope that my fish frying skills are to your liking.” Roland and Henry started to eat.

“It tastes really good, Robin.” Henry said as he took another big bite of the fish.

“Yeah, Papa! It tastes yummy,” the younger boy agreed as he scarfed down the fish. Regina looked down at the fish and grimaced. She stuck her fork into the piece of fish on her plate and tentatively brought it up to her mouth. Feeling like she was being watched, Regina placed the fish inside of her mouth and began to chew. She hated it instantly. The fishy taste made her want to spit it back out, but she managed to swallow it.

“How is it, love?” Robin asked.

“Oh, it’s very good. You should cook more at home,” Regina replied as she took another forced bite. Swallowing thickly, she set her plate on the log next to her and stood up. “I’ll be right back okay. I’m just gonna go call Snow and check on Addy.” She headed off towards the trail, but instead of pulling out her phone, she used her magic and conjured up a cheeseburger instead. She was not going to leave herself starving tonight. It was great that the boys liked the fish, but she just didn’t. She stood in the brush and scarfed down the cheeseburger

“God, this is good,” She mumbled quietly to herself. When she was finished, she wiped off her fingers and headed back to camp to join the boys.  

“How was Addy?” Robin asked, catching Regina off guard.

“Oh good,” Regina replied after a moment. “I guess she spit peaches all over Snow, which is weird because she likes peaches so I’m thinking she did it on purpose, which is actually funnier.”

“Mama, Papa said we can have smores now!” Roland said, cutting her off. Clearly, the idea of having the marshmallow and chocolate treat was very exciting to the young boy.

“Really?” Regina replied. “Those do sound good.” she agreed.

“So we can have them now?” Roland asked.

“You’re still hungry after eating that fish?” she asked. Roland nodded his head rapidly. “And Henry, you’re still hungry too?”

“I’m a teenage boy. I’m always hungry.” Henry replied as he finished off his second piece of fish.

“Well, then, I guess we better start making some smores.” Regina agreed. They grabbed sticks from the campsite and grabbed the packages of marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. Regina put a marshmallow on each of their four sticks and they all stood around the fire watching as the white color of the marshmallows turned brown. Regina actually felt herself begin to smile. This was the first moment during the entire trip that she had actually enjoyed. Suddenly, she began to feel a sense of intense itching. She looked down and gasped when she saw a red, scaly rash erupting on her lower legs.

“Regina, what is it?” Robin asked.

“My legs…” She mumbled. He looked down and his eyes grew wide.

“It looks like poison ivy. I’ve had it enough times to know.” he replied. “Where would you have gotten that?”

“I’m not sure,” Regina lied. She was pretty sure she knew exactly where she had come in contact with the poisonous plant. Magic always came with a price, she knew that. However, poison ivy hardly seemed warranted for simply conjuring a cheeseburger. Feeling the overwhelming itch, she leaned down and began to scratch at her legs.

“Love, that’s only going to make it worse.” Robin replied. “We should go and get you some medicine.”

“No, I’ll be fine.” Regina told him. “I’m not going to ruin the trip.” “Mom, it’s fine,” Henry tried to tell her. “We understand. That can’t be fun,” he added, grimacing as he looked at his mother’s red legs.

“I think I’ll just take my smore to my tent.” She said. She took the treat into her and Robin’s and took a seat on the ground. Instantly, she started scratching at her legs. She had drunk poisons that were less uncomfortable than this poison ivy.

“I thought I’d find you like this.” Robin said as he opened the flap to their tent. “Stop scratching. You’re making it worse.”

“But it itches,” She whined, still scratching at her skin.

“Will you please just let me take you home and get you some medicine?” Robin said, pleading with her.

“No, I am fine.”

“Regina, you can just admit it.” Robin replied.

“Admit what?” She countered.

“You hate this! All of it! The outdoors, fishing, the bugs, and strange plants. You hate it all.” Robin exclaimed.

“I don’t-”

“Regina.” She said sternly.

“Fine! I hate it! I hate everything about this, but I love our son so I’m trying.” Regina retorted. “I tried to eat your fish. I really did, but it was disgusting. Fish is the grossest food I have ever eaten. So I conjured myself a freakin cheeseburger and apparently I was standing in a patch of poison ivy because now my legs are on fire and I think I actually want to rip my skin off!” She looked up at Robin, who had a huge smirk on his face that he was trying to cover with his hands. “You think this is funny? Are you serious?” she yelled.

“I’m sorry, love.” Robin replied, still laughing. “I’ve just never seen you throw a tantrum like this.”

“Tantrum?!?” Regina boomed.

“Relax, I think it’s cute.” the thief replied. “I think you’re cute, even when you’re dangerously angry and covered in a contagious rash.”

“You’re annoying…” Regina groaned as she turned onto her side and scratched at her leg. Robin laid down next to the angry woman and placed his arms around her. “Don’t touch me. You’ll get this stupid rash.”

“I’m practically immune. I’ve dealt with this plant so many times,” Robin told her. He began to rub his hands softly over her body.

“Robin...the boys.” She said. “And I don’t exactly feel very...sexy right now.”

“You’re always sexy to me.” Robin told her. He pulled Regina close to him and cuddled her close. They lay there for a moment before Regina spoke up.

“Robin…” “Yes, love?” he asked.

“There’s a rock under my ass.” Robin laughed, pressed a kiss to Regina’s temple and then scooched over so Regina could be more comfortable. Then, cuddled in one another’s embrace, they both tried to fall asleep.

Over in Henry and Roland’s tent, the boys were still wide awake. “I think that’s enough chocolate for you.” Henry laughed as he looked at his younger brother with chocolate all over his mouth.

“But smores are so good, Henry!” Roland exclaimed.

“I get it, but if you keep eating them you’re gonna get a stomachache,” Henry told him. “How about we do something else?”

“Just you and me?” Roland asked. Henry nodded his head.

“Would you like to hear a scary story? People always tell scary stories when they go camping.” Henry told him.

“Okay…” Roland said nervously. He wanted to be grown up like Henry, but he didn’t really like scary things.

“Okay, here we go.” Henry said. “It’s said that a scary creature that’s part wolf, bear and part lion lived in these woods long ago. It was called a Wobion. Once, there was a man camping in these very woods...all by himself. Everything was going just fine until the sun went down. When it got dark, the wind started to howl and so did the wolves in the forest.”

“There are wolves in this forest?” Roland asked, now hiding under his blanket.

“Oh, tons of them,” Henry told his younger brother. “Anyway, the man started to get worried about the wolves coming to his campsite, so he decided to just hunker down in his tent for the night and hope for the best. He felt safe for a while, but then he started hearing noises outside his tent that sounded like the paws of a large animal. The man tried not to make a sound so that maybe the “wolves” would leave. However, it wasn’t a wolf. Without warning, the flap to the man’s tent flew open and the head of a strange animal erupted into the tent. The man screamed and the beast roared back at him. It took its giant teeth and tore the man limb from limb, killing him instantly. They say that on full moons, the wobion comes out and looks for his new prey and when he’s finished eating them, he takes all of his victims' bones back to his den and keeps them as his trophies.” Henry looked up at Roland who now looked scared out of his mind.

“B-But Henry - isn’t tonight a full moon?” Roland stuttered. Henry looked out of the flap of the tent and saw the bright full moon staring back at him.

“Yeah, I guess it is.” Henry replied. “But we better go to sleep. It’s getting pretty late.”

“But Henry, what about the Wobian? It’s gonna get us!”

“It’s just a story, Roland. I made it up. It’s just a ghost story.”  Henry told him.

“But what about the man? What about his bones? What if we’re the Wobian’s next prey?” Roland exclaimed.

“God...this was a bad idea. The Wobian is not real. I made it up. Just go to sleep.” Henry told him before rolling over and huddling in his sleeping bag. Roland got into his own sleeping back and cuddled his monkey. He couldn’t get himself to go to sleep. He wanted to believe Henry that the Wobian wasn’t real...but what if it was. Around midnight, the wind outside picked up and started to whistle through the tent. Roland woke up and listened. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a wolf howling in the distance and Roland’s heart started to beat fast. It was just like the story.

“Henry! Henry!” Roland said, shaking his older brother.

“Roland, what?” he murmured sleepily.

“I heard a wolf! It could be the Wobion!”

“How many times do I have to tell you? It’s not real. I was stupid to tell you that story.” Henry groaned. Then they both heard another howl.

“It’s getting closer!”

“I’m sure it’s just Ruby. It’s wolf’s time for her.” Henry told him. “She won’t hurt us.”

“No...I don’t believe you.  I wanna go home.” Roland said. “I wanna go home now.” He grabbed his monkey and suddenly bolted out of the tent.

“Roland wait!” Henry yelled after him. The little boy bolted to his parent’s tent and dove inside.

“Mama! Papa! We have to go home now!” Roland demanded as he dived between his parents.

“Roland?” Robin muttered sleepily.

“What is it?” Regina mumbled.

“We have to go! The Wobian is gonna get us!” Roland told them.

“The what?” they both asked.

“The Wobian! It’s part wolf, part bear, and part lion! It’s gonna tear us limb from limb and take our bones as trophies.” Roland exclaimed. Robin and Regina looked at one another, completely confused.

“I think I can explain…” Henry said softly as he peeked his head into the tent. “I may have told him a scary story…”

“A scary story?” Regina said sternly. “Henry, he’s six. What were you thinking?”

“I was just trying to give him a good camping experience. Everyone tells ghost stories. I tried to tell him it wasn’t real.” Henry replied, trying to defend himself.

“Roland, did you hear Henry? He made it up okay. You can just go to sleep. It’ll be alright.” Robin told him.

“No Papa, I wanna go home. I don’t wanna stay here anymore. I don’t like camping anymore.” Roland whimpered. Robin sighed and looked to Regina.

“He’s awfully scared, Robin,” Regina said. “Maybe we should just head home.”

“Fine, let’s go,” Robin replied. It was too late to argue with anyone. Without saying anything, they packed up their things and the family piled into the car. Almost instantly, Henry and Roland fell asleep in the backseat. “Don’t pretend you’re not happy,” Robin said with a smirk.

“He was scared Robin.”

“And we could have gotten him back to sleep if we tried. We could have gone home in the morning”  Robin replied. “Just admit it. You wanted to go home and sleep in a bed.”

“Alright everyone, let’s all get to our places so we can start the show.” The teacher announced. All the kids rushed to their places, climbing onto the bleachers. Roland took his spot on the front bleacher, directly in the middle. The lights in the auditorium turned dark and the spotlight pointed at the stage. The teacher began to conduct and Roland had no choice but to start singing, even though he still didn’t see his parents. After two songs, it came time for Roland’s solo. He walked up to the microphone that was much too tall for him. The teacher had to help him bring it down to his level. He looked out into the audience and swallowed thickly. He didn’t have anyone there to support him. The music began and Roland waited for his cue, however when it came, he tried to sing but nothing came out. His hands were shaking and he was terrified. The teacher tried to help him by giving him the words, but Roland couldn’t move. His eyes began to fill with tears and before he knew it, his little legs were carrying him backstage as fast as he could go. Still crying, Roland ran out of the building and headed home. 

“They didn’t come…” he cried to himself. “They don’t care about me.” It was at that moment that Roland realized that he wasn’t just sad and embarrassed. He was angry. Why was everyone else so much more important than him? Then, a thought popped into his mind. Maybe he shouldn’t be in this family anymore. He could run away. Roland didn’t believe that anyone would truly care anyway. He grabbed his little red and blue rolling suitcase and stuffed some clothes and toys into it. Then he grabbed his favorite stuffed monkey and clutched it in his arms. “Come on monkey, we’ll go find our own home…” Roland said sadly as he walked out the front door and started making his way to the forest. He had lived in the forest once before and he could do it again. 

At the mayor’s office, Regina was sitting at her desk, buried under a mound of paperwork that she didn’t think she’d ever get to the bottom of. Suddenly, she heard her cell phone ring and smiled when she saw Robin’s picture flash across the screen. 

“Hello?” 

“Hello, my love,” Robin said. “I was just calling to see what you wanted to do for dinner.” 

“Maybe Granny’s tonight. I’m so tired. Just the thought of cooking is making me even more exhausted.” she replied, honestly. 

“I think that can be arranged,” Robin replied with a laugh. “We’ll have to pick up Addy anyway. Granny was watching her so that I could do some work with the Merry Men.”  Suddenly, Regina heard a chime from her computer that she recognized. It happened every time a reminder popped up. She looked at the screen and gasped. It said “Roland School Concert.” Oh God, She had forgotten. Why hadn’t this reminder gone off earlier? 

“Robin! Please tell me you went to Roland’s school concert?” 

“What do you mean? Isn’t that next week?” Robin asked. 

“No! I just got a notification that it was today.” Regina replied, his voice full of panic. 

“Oh, God...How did we forget?” 

“I don’t know. But he’s probably still waiting for us at the school. All the kids were supposed to stay after to practice before the concert.” Regina told him. 

“I’ll go and get him. Goodness, he’s going to be so upset.” Robin replied. “How are we going to make this up to him?” 

“I don’t know,” Regina sighed sadly. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this horrible of a mother. He’s gonna hate us.” 

“The best that we can do is apologize and try to make it up to him,” Robin replied. “I’ll call you when we’re on our way home, okay love?” 

“Okay,” Regina replied. After hanging up the phone, Regina dropped her head into her hands. She felt truly terrible for missing Roland’s concert. With Addy needing so much of her attention and Henry going through the tedious process of applying for college, so much of her time was taken up. Roland had kind of fallen through the cracks. There were only so many hours in a day, but that didn’t excuse her from practically ignoring her middle son. Feeling sick to her stomach, Regina decided to just head home. She wasn’t going to be able to focus enough to get any more work done anyway.  She packed up her stuff and headed home. The house was quiet when she got there. Henry was still out with Violet, which was actually good because she didn’t want him to be here when they talked to Roland. She had a feeling this was not going to be an easy conversation. She sat down at the kitchen counter as she racked her mind for what to possibly say to her young son. Suddenly, her phone began to ring again. Regina immediately picked it up. “Robin, did you get him? Are you on your way home?” 

“He wasn’t there.” 

“What do you mean he wasn’t there?” Regina exclaimed. 

“They said he forgot the words during a solo and ran off. They tried to find him but he was too fast.” Robin told her. “Is he home?” 

“I don’t know,” Regina replied. “Roland! Roland! Are you home sweetie?” She yelled as she ran up the staircase. She ran to Roland’s room and opened the door. “Roland?” She looked around. He wasn’t there...and neither was his suitcase or his monkey. He didn’t go anywhere without that monkey. It had taken two weeks of convincing to get him to stop bringing it to school. 

“Robin, he’s not here! His suitcase is gone and so is his monkey,” Regina said, her eyes welling with tears. “I-I think he ran away.” 

“Oh God… I’ll be home soon. Just wait for me and we’ll go out together.” Robin replied. 

“I’m going to call Emma and Hook and the Charmings, the more people the better,” Regina replied. 

“Okay, that’s a good idea,” Robin told her. “Regina, we will find him.” 

“Okay…” She replied through a sob. “I love you.” 

“I love you too,” Robin answered before hanging up the phone. After hanging up, Regina called everyone and told them that Roland was missing. Instantly, the gang told her that they’d be over in a couple of minutes to look for him. Regina was left in the little boy’s room alone once again. She looked around and smiled when she found his favorite green cloak from the Enchanted Forest lying on the ground. He didn’t use it much anymore because cloaks weren’t something many people wore in this land. However, the little boy liked to use it as a cape when he’d play superheroes, so he had kept it. Regina held it up her face and instantly, Roland’s sweet smell hit her. She had to find him if it was the last thing she did. If something happened to him, Regina didn’t know what she’d do with herself. 

She was drawn from her thoughts when she heard the front door open. “Regina?” A voice called. It was Robin. She raced down the stairs and flew into his arms. 

“We have to find him.” 

“We will,” Robin told her. “Everyone is outside. Get your coat and let’s go.” Regina nodded, pulled on her coat and followed Robin outside. They decided to break up into groups. Emma and Hook would head to the beach. Snow and Charming would look in town and Regina and Robin would head to the forest because Robin knew the forest better than anyone. 

“We only have a little time. It’s getting dark.” Robin told everyone. 

“And the weather isn’t looking too great…” Emma remarked as she looked at the dark clouds in the sky. 

“Let’s just go. Make sure to call if anyone finds him.” David said before everyone headed their separate ways.  

“The forest is so big, I don’t know how we’ll ever find him,” Regina said. 

“We have to,” Robin told her. “Isn’t there something you can do? Something magical?” Regina thought for a moment. 

“A locator potion!” She exclaimed. “It’ll lead us right to him.” It was then that she realized she was still holding Roland’s green cloak in her hands. She quickly conjured up a bit of the locater potion from her vault and poured it over the cloak, which lit up and began to float away, presumably in Roland’s direction. “Now we’ll be able to find him.” 

“And not a moment too soon,” Robin replied as he felt raindrops begin to fall and a loud crack of thunder echoed through the sky. 

Deeper in the forest, Roland was running as fast as he could. He was terrified. It had gotten darker much faster than he had expected it to and he hadn’t accounted for the rain. He realized that he didn’t have a tent like he normally did when he stayed with his Papa and his Uncles. He also didn’t have any water or food. Roland realized he had made a huge mistake. He had also never been a big fan of thunderstorms. They scared him. They were loud and the lightning was too bright. And, now he was completely soaking wet and cold. Roland started to run to try and find shelter, but he ended up tripping over a tree root. He fell to the ground, his knee taking the majority of the impact. Roland hissed at the pain as he brought his knee up to examine it. There was an angry red brush burn staring back at him. “Ow,” Roland cried, clutching his knee. He just wanted to go home. He wanted his Mama to clean off his knee and kiss it to make it feel better. He just wanted to be in own bed with fresh, dry pajamas. This had been a mistake...a big, big, mistake. Limping on his bad knee,  Roland had found his way into hollowed out old tree that had fallen. It was dirty and smelly, but at least it was dry. He shivered in his wet clothes and clutched his monkey tight to his chest. “It’s gonna be okay, monkey,” he whispered. “We’re okay.” Suddenly, another pang of thunder rang out and Roland jumped. “I want to go home,” he whimpered. “I want to go home.”

Luckily for Roland, Regina and Robin had almost found their way to him. They were racing after the cloak, completely drenched. “We have to be almost there,” Robin replied, breathlessly. Regina didn’t reply. She was too focused on following the cloak and finding Roland. 

“Roland!” They both yelled. “Roland, where are you?” Then, out of the corner of her eye, Regina caught a glimpse of a tiny red and blue suitcase that she recognized to be Roland’s. 

“Roland!” She screamed as she darted over to the fallen tree. 

“Mama?” Roland replied, peeking his head out of the tree. “Mama!” he exclaimed, realizing she was in fact truly there. He crawled out from inside the tree and ran straight into Regina’s arms. 

“Oh God, you’re okay. You’re okay.” She exclaimed, holding him close to her chest. 

“I’m so sorry,  I ran away, Mama.” Roland sobbed. 

“It’s okay,” She told him. “You’re safe. That’s all that matters.” Robin was by there sides in an instant and took his son into his arms. 

“Oh my boy, you’re safe. Thank God.” Robin cried. “Please never scare us like that again.” 

“I’m sorry,” The little boy cried out once more.

“We’ll talk more when we get home,” Regina said. “Let’s just get out of this rain.” The three of them wandered out of the forest and back to the mayoral mansion. Robin made sure to call everyone else so they could stop looking and go home and get dry as well. Once inside the house, Regina took Roland upstairs and got him changed. She also bandaged his knee and kissed it, like a mother should, to make it stop hurting. When Roland was situated, Regina got herself changed and Robin did as well. Then, the three of them settled in on the couch for a long overdue talk. 

“Roland, honey, we are so sorry that we missed your concert,” Regina told him. “I don’t know what happened. We were just so busy...and we made a mistake.” 

“I was supposed to have a solo…” the little boy replied sadly. “But I got too nervous and I forgot all the words and you and Papa weren’t there, so I got scared and I ran.” 

“Oh baby, I am so sorry,” Regina said pulling him into her arms. 

“Roland, Mama and I are very sorry that that happened,” Robin told him. “We don’t know how we’ll make it up to you, but I have to know. Why did you run away?” Roland shrugged his shoulders. 

“You can tell us, honey. We won’t get mad, no matter what.” Regina told him.

“I didn’t think you guys cared about me anymore,” he said in practically a whisper. Regina felt like someone had just shot her in the heart. It killed her that Roland felt that way. She loved that little boy with all her heart. 

“Why would you think that?” Robin asked softly. 

“Because,” Roland answered. “You never have any time for me anymore. You’re always taking care of Addy or helping Henry with college. Papa, you promised to teach me to shoot a bow just like you and you didn’t. And, Mama, you used to read with me every night and now you never do.” Regina and Robin looked at one another sheepishly. Roland was right. They had been ignoring him, not on purpose, of course, but they had been ignoring him.

“Oh sweetheart, we’re so sorry that we made you feel like that,” Regina told him. “It’s just...Addy is a baby so she needs a lot of attention. And, applying for college is very stressful so we wanted to help Henry as much as we could. But that doesn’t excuse us in any way for making you feel that way. Roland, we both love you so much.” 

“You do?” the little boy asked. 

“Of course we do,” Robin told him. 

“How about we have a Roland day?” Regina suggested. “You get to choose whatever you want to do with just me and Papa.” 

“No Addy or Henry?” Roland asked. 

“No, it’ll just be the three of us. A special day just for you.” She replied. 

“I think that would be fun.” the little boy agreed. “Mama?” he asked. 

“Yes, baby,” 

“Am I still your little knight?” he asked. 

“I told you she said Mama.” 

Robin was pulled from his thoughts when Regina returned from the nursery. Addy was dressed in a white onesie with a large red one with black polka dots. She was also wearing a red tutu and a headband with black and red flowers on it. “Well look at this little ladybug,” Robin cooed, taking his daughter into his arms. 

“Don’t know how long that outfit will stay clean with all her drooling but it’ll look cute for a while.” Regina replied. Ever since Addy had cut her first tooth, she had been drooling non stop. God, that had been a nightmare…

“God, can’t you make her stop screaming,” Henry groaned as he rested his head on the kitchen counter. 

“Yeah, she’s so loud,” Roland agreed. 

“She’s teething guys and it hurts. Try having a little sympathy.” Robin  told the two boys. He looked over to Regina who was walking around bouncing the screaming baby. There were dark circles under her eyes and Robin knew she was exhausted. Addy had kept them both up all night for the past few nights. He knew that the little girl was in pain and he felt bad for her. However, he also knew that if Regina didn’t get some sleep soon that she was going to pass out. 

“Sweetheart, would you like me to try?” he asked, walking over to Regina. The woman just shook her head. 

“We both know it has to be me.” Regina replied. She had tears in her eyes. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve bounced her. I’ve rocked her. I gave her the teethers. I let her bite on my finger. She will not stop crying. I’m-I’m so tired, Robin.” Robin had feared this moment was going to happen. Without a second thought, he took the screaming infant from her arms. 

“Love, go and lie down.” Robin told her. 

“But-” 

“She will be fine. She’s just teething. Crankiness is expected.” the man replied. “It doesn’t matter who’s arms she’s crying in. And, you’re exhausted and look like you’re ready to drop.” 

“I-I have to go to work.” Regina tried. 

“I’ll call your assistant and tell her to clear your schedule.” Robin told her. “You’re in no shape to try and work today. Just go and rest.” Feeling completely exhausted, Regina finally gave him. She gave Robin a  look and said, “Thank you,” before heading to their bedroom to get some rest.  Robin spent the rest of the day trying to stop his daughter’s pain. Eventually, Addy settled down to sleep and Robin let out a sigh of relief and flopped down on the couch.  It was then that Regina wandered into the living room, still dressed in her pajamas. 

“Feeling better?” 

“Much,” Regina replied. “You got her to sleep?” She asked motioning to the baby. 

“I think she just wore herself out from crying.” Robin told her honestly. “I don’t think I had much to do with it.” 

“Well regardless, at least, she’s stopped crying.” Regina crawled onto the couch and cuddled herself into Robin’s embrace. “Thank you…” 

“For what?” 

“For knowing what was best for me and stopping my crazy.” Regina replied. 

“You weren’t crazy, my love. You were exhausted.” Robin told her. “You are the best mother but sometimes you have to take care of yourself. And it is abundantly clear that our daughter likes you better than she likes me but I can help too.” He added with a laugh. 

“That’s not true.” She pauses for a second “Okay, it’s a little true,” she admitted. “Next time, I will let you help more.” 

“That’s what I like to hear.” Robin replied as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to Regina’s lips. Then, as if she knew it was a bad time, Addy began to cry. 

“I’ll get her,” Regina sighed. She walked over to the pack n play and pulled the baby out. The little girl seemed to be in better spirits. She smiled at her mother and reached happily for her face. When she smiled, she flashed a now toothy grin. “It popped through!” Regina said excitedly. “You have a tooth” she cooed. 

“Now, we only have 19 more to go,” Robin retorted. He was glad that his baby girl finally had some relief. However, the realization that they would have to go through this 19 more times was not something that Robin wanted to think about. 

Since that day, Addy had grown six more teeth to add to her toothy grin. She looked incredibly cute whenever she flashy that cheeky little grin at anyone. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. “Guests are here.” Regina said as she made her way over to the door. When she opened it, Snow, Charming and Neal were outside with Emma and Hook. “Come in,” Regina said, opening the door wider. “Thank you for coming guys,” 

“As if we’d miss Addy’s first birthday,” Snow chorused. “Where is the birthday girl?” “She’s right here.” Robin said as he walked in from the kitchen. 

“Oh my goodness, look at the little ladybug outfit!” Snow cooed. “She looks so cute! I can’t believe how big she’s gotten.”  

“Neither can I,” Regina replied. “But anyway, come in. There’s food and drinks in the kitchen.” The group of people filed into the kitchen and over the next hour more people showed up. Granny and Ruby were next come, followed by Leroy and the rest of the dwarves. Archie also showed up a little later and of course, all the Merry Men were present. They were all talking happily when Regina announced it was time to bring out the birthday cake. She situated Addy in her high chair with just her headband and diaper on. She anticipated that things were about to get messy. After Addy was situated, she walked in with the birthday cake with one lit candle. Everyone began to sing. 

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Addy, Happy Birthday to you!” When the singing ended, Robin and Regina each blew on the single candle, until the flame turned to black smoke and everyone clapped. 

“Alright, let’s cut this cake.” Robin announced. He took the cake to the counter and cut one slice, which he handed to Regina. She took the piece of cake and set it down in front of Addy. The little girl looked at it curiously. She tentatively reached her hand out and touched the cake. She made a face at first and recoiled at the touch. 

“It’s cake, baby,” Regina said. She stuck her finger into the icing and got just enough to place inside Addy’s mouth. The little girl sucked the icing of her finger and smiled. Her eyes grew wide and everyone could see that she liked the cake. She reached down with her chubby little hands and grabbed the cake. With both hands, she shoved it into her mouth, getting icing all over her face in the process. 

“Well, I think the lass likes her cake.” Hook said with a laugh. 

“It’s a miracle she eats anything,” Regina replied. That sure was the truth. When they first started feeding Addy solids, she didn’t think they’d ever find a food that she’d actually eat. 

“Alright my little love bug, let’s try some peas.” Regina prompted as she pushed the baby spoon into her daughter’s mouth. As soon as the green mush touched her tongue, Addy instantly spit it back out. “Okay… I guess we don’t like peas.” She grabbed another jar of baby food. “What about carrots?” she asked, once again trying to feed her daughter. This time, Addy didn’t just let the food roll off her tongue. She full on spit it out, some particles landing on her mother’s skirt. “I guess that would be a no.” 

“She eat anything?” Henry asked, walking into the kitchen

“No. She doesn’t like peas and she definitely doesn’t like carrots.” Regina replied, motioning to her skirt. 

“We should make her eat a lemon.” Henry replied with a laugh. 

“Henry!” 

“What? It’d be funny. She’s not eating anyway. Might as well get a laugh out of it.” Henry told her. He went to the fridge and grabbed a lemon. He cut a slice and walked over to his sister and mother. 

“Henry…” Regina warned. 

“It’s not gonna kill her mom. Lighten up.” Henry told her. “Plus isn’t it a big brother’s job to tease his little sister just a little bit.” Without a second thought, Henry brought the lemon up to his sister’s lips. “Open up Ads,” he said. Surprisingly, the little girl opened up her mouth and sucked onto the lemon. She pursed her lips and scrunched up her nose at the sour taste. Both Henry and Regina laughed.  Despite the taste, Addy reached for the lemon once more and Henry let her have it. She once again made a sour face, but just kept eating it. “I can’t tell if she actually likes it or not.” 

“I’m not sure if she even knows.” Regina told him. 

“Well at least she eats something now,”Henry replied to his mother. Regina scoffed. Her baby was not going to eat lemons for the rest of her life. But Regina was determined and she wasn’t giving up. She practically bought every flavor of baby food that the store sold and she was going to have Addy try every single flavor until she found something that the little girl would eat. After a few dozen jars of baby food and a lot of patience, Regina found that Addy was partial to fruits. It wasn’t a perfect solution but it was definitely a start. 

As Addy continued to eat her birthday cake, she didn’t just shove the cake into her mouth. She transitioned to putting it on her head and in her hair. “Oh no!” Regina exclaimed as she tried to grab her daughter’s icing covered hands. “I wasn’t expecting that,” she added with a laugh. 

“Looks like little miss is gonna need a bath,” Robin replied with a laugh. “She has so much cake in her hair.” 

“Just imagine how bad it would be if you hadn’t let me cut her hair.” Regina retorted. Addy’s recent haircut had actually caused quite the argument between her and Robin. 

“No, absolutely not.” Robin said. 

“Robin, she needs a haircut.” Regina shot back. 

“Her hair is fine.” 

“It’s all in her eyes.” Regina told him. “She can barely see.” Robin looked at his daughter. She smiled at him behind the dirty blonde ringlets that fell in front of her eyes. “Listen, I’m not talking about giving her a buzz cut. I just want her to be able to see.” 

“I haven’t even cut Roland’s hair.” 

“That’s an argument for another day.” Regina replied. 

“You want to cut his hair as well?” 

“I want them to get a trim, Robin! I’m not scalping them.” Regina retorted. “Listen, I made an appointment at the hairdresser for noon and we’re going.” She said motioning to her and Addy. 

“I guess I don’t really get a say,” Robin answered in an indignant tone. 

“You could come with us.” Regina suggested. Robin knew in that moment he had lost. Regina was stubborn and there was no changing her mind, so Robin decided to go along. Just before noon, they wandered into the children’s hairdresser. The inside of the shop was painted in bright primary colors and the seats weren’t normal ones. Instead they were shaped like planes, trains and cars. 

“Hi guys,” The girl at the counter said. “How can I help you?” 

“We have an appointment for noon,” Regina replied.  

“Of course,” The girl replied sweetly. “Who’s getting a trim?” 

“That would be this little one,” Regina said, pointing to Addy. 

“Alright, little princess, let’s get you started. Who wants to hold baby?” 

“I will,” Regina replied. She climbed into the chair and positioned Addy on her lap. Almost instantly the little girl began to squirm and cry. “Shh, Shh, it’s okay,” Regina cooed, trying to get the little girl to stop crying. 

“Dada!” the baby girl cried, reaching out to Robin. 

“She wants you.” Regina said. “You’ll have to hold her.” Robin frowned. This wasn’t part of the agreement but he of course took the little girl into his arms and climbed into the plane shaped seat. “This is too cute. I need a picture.” Regina exclaimed as she pulled out her phone. “Smile!” 

“Alright, should we get started?” the girl asked. She took a tiny pair of scissors and began to line up where she wanted to cut. 

“Not too short,” Robin told the girl. 

“I promise not to take too much off.” Gently, she trimmed the hair in front of Addy’s eyes. When she was finished, she pulled Addy’s hair up into a cute tiny ponytail and placed a bow in her hair. 

“Oh my goodness, she looks so cute.” Regina exclaimed, once again snapping pictures. Robin couldn’t take the cuteness either. He hadn’t wanted Addy to lose her hair but he could see now that the haircut was needed. She smiled her toothy grin at him and Robin’s heart just melted. He loved this little girl so much. When the girl was finished, she handed Robin a cute little bag with a single lock of Addy’s dirty blonde hair. 

“For the baby book.” The girl told them. Regina took the hair and placed it in her purse as they paid. Then the three of them went out to get into the car. 

“See, I told you she’d look cute.” Regina told him. 

“Yes, love, you were right.” Robin conceded. 

“Now...what will it take to get you to let me cut Roland’s hair?” 

“That is an argument for another day,” Robin replied with a smirk on his face. Two could play at that game. 

After Addy, had finished her cake, Regina took her upstairs and gave her a quick bath, not wanting to keep her guests waiting much longer. When she went back downstairs, everyone was practically chomping at the bit for her to open up her presents. Snow and Charming had bought her two cute outfits and a stuffed horse that Addy absolutely loved. Emma had found a precious baby red leather jacket and Hook had gotten her a set of plush pirate toys. The gifts were practically endless. 

“So, is she walking yet?” Snow asked. 

“Not yet.” Robin replied. 

“She pulls herself up on stuff but she hasn’t actually taken any real steps yet.” Regina replied. She watched as Addy crawled around on the floor. From across the room, Addy spotted her favorite ladybug toy that was currently in Neal’s hands. Addy was determined if anything. She pushed herself up onto her two feet and eyed down the ladybug toy. Determined to get to it, she took a hesitant step towards the toy. And then she took another step...and then another. 

After a few days of planning and spitballing ideas, Robin and Henry had figured out a perfect night for Regina. Part one of the day was shopping. Snow had happily obliged instantly and after a little convincing, Emma agreed as well. Getting Regina to agree was another story. Henry knew that his mother was not a huge fan of shopping but she deserved a new dress and the opportunity to get something new for the special occasion. 

“No.” 

“Mom, you have to.” Henry told her. “I’ve already arranged the plans with Mom and Grandma.” 

“You should have asked me first.” Regina retorted as she spoon fed some mushy apples and pears into Addy’s mouth. “You know that I hate shopping and I only tolerate Emma and your grandmother. They’re family and I love them but I don’t want to go shopping with them.” 

“Well… they’ll be here in fifteen minutes…”

“What? Henry Daniel Mills!” 

“You need a break, mom.” Henry told her. “Between being the mayor and trying to keep up with the three of us, you deserve to spend a day focusing on yourself…and maybe get a new dress.” Regina sighed. 

“And who is going to watch your brother and sister?” She asked. 

“Granny already agreed. She’ll be here soon and until then I’ll watch them. I can feed the little peanut some mush.” Henry told her as he took the little red bowl and spoon out of his mother’s hands. “Now go get ready. Grams and Mom will be here soon.” Regina rolled her eyes. She had learned not to fight with Henry because he was just as stubborn (though she’d never admit it) as she was. Leaving Henry to feed Addy, she went upstairs and got herself ready. Soon enough, she heard the beep of Emma’s yellow bug and looked out the window- sure enough, Snow and Emma were outside.  Regina groaned. She hated shopping. Maybe she’d be able to convince them to abandon shopping and hit up a bar instead. Henry was right about one thing. She did need a break. She loved her children and Robin but sometimes things just got to be too much. Sluggishly, Regina made her way downstairs and grabbed her purse. She looked to Henry “You’re sure you’ll be alright until Granny gets here.” 

“I’m positive mom, go!” Henry replied. “Say bye bye to Mama, Addy.” 

“Buh bye!” The little girl chorused sweetly as she waved her chubby little hand at Regina. 

“Bye bye baby,” Regina said as she pressed a kiss to the baby girl’s forehead. After that, she walked towards the front door and went out to meet Emma and Snow. Opening the back door, Regina climbed into the yellow bug. 

“Yay, we’re all here! Let’s get this shopping trip going!” Snow said excitedly. “Where should we go first?” 

“How about The White Rabbit?” Regina suggested.

“Regina, that’s a bar not a store!” Snow retorted. 

“We’ve got a genius in the car.” The former queen replied sarcastically. “I’m aware it’s a bar. It just sounds more fun to me. Come on, Emma, I know that you hate shopping as much as I do. That’s why you haven’t bought another jacket in years”

“First of all, I like this jacket. Second of all, rude.” Emma told her. “And, we’re going shopping. We need a girls day.”

“We could have a girls day at the bar!” Regina exclaimed. Emma and Snow just ignored her and smirked at one another. They drove to the other side of town and pulled into a spot in front of the dress store, “Andalasia Fashions.”   

“Alright, everyone out,” Emma said as she parked the bug. Reluctantly, Regina climbed out of the back of the car and followed Snow and Emma inside. 

“Hello ladies! How can I help you!” The store owner, Giselle said, as she greeted them at the front door. 

“We’re looking for some dresses!” Snow told her. 

“Perfect! We’ve got lots for you to try on.”Giselle told them. “Feel free to roam around the store and find some dresses that you like. When you’re finished, you can bring them to the dressing room and we’ll get this fashion show going!” The girl practically squealed. Regina rolled her eyes. This girl was just as annoyingly cheerful as Snow. However, if she was going to be stuck there, she much as well look around. Regina went through all the racks and picked three dresses that she wanted to try on and made her way to the dressing rooms. 

“Okay! Regina, you’re first!” Snow yelled loud enough for her to hear in the dressing room. Regina tried to ignore her step daughter and pulled on the first dress. The dress was black and had a neckline cut like a V that exposed her cleavage, maybe a little too much. The bottom of the dress flared out. Taking a breath, Regina stepped out of the dressing room and walked towards Emma, Snow and Giselle. All three were silent. 

“So, what do you think?” Regina asked. 

“It’s black…” Emma said 

“And?” 

“Half your wardrobe is black.” Emma told her

“And half of your wardrobe is that jacket.” Regina retorted. 

“Hey, we’ve already picked on my jacket enough today. All I’m saying is that you could go a little out of your comfort zone and pick a color other than black.” 

“I like the neckline though.” Snow added. Regina groaned and practically stomped into the dressing room. She took off the first dress and looked to her second dress. It was a skin tight teal dress with a v-neck  like Snow wanted. She walked out and did a twirl. 

“Well? I gave you color.” Once again, the three women didn’t speak. “Come on! I’m partaking in this stupid fashion show, the least you could do is be honest with me.” 

“I like the neckline.” Snow chorused again. 

“If you want honesty, you look like your ready to grow a tail and dive into the ocean.” Emma told her. Regina looked down. The dress did remind her a bit of the color of Ariel’s tail when she was in her mermaid form. Also the mermaid cut of the dress was not helping matters. 

“You know I didn’t come on this trip to be insulted. This is why I hate shopping.” 

“We just want you to find the perfect dress.” Snow told her. 

“The perfect dress for what?!?” Regina exclaimed. “I don’t know what event you think I’m wearing this to. I don’t go out. I do my mayor duties and then I’m a mom. I get covered in baby food, dirt and spit up. I don’t wear dresses like these anymore.” 

“Everyone needs a special dress just in case a special occasion comes along. Just go try on the last dress.” Snow told her. Regina stomped off to the dressing room once more and took off the second dress. The last dress was not similar to the other two in anyway. Frankly, Regina was surprised she picked it up. It was very different from something, she’d typically choose. The dress was a bright cherry red color. It covered her shoulders and also had V neckline. The bottom of the dress was flowy with a slit up her left leg. When Regina looked in the mirror, she was shocked at how much she loved this dress. It hugged her in all the right places and Regina really felt… sexy. She prayed that Emma and Snow liked this dress because she really didn’t want to hear any criticism about it. In her eyes, it was perfect. Regina walked out of the dressing room with a huge smile in her face. Emma and Snow could instantly see that Regina loved this dress. 

“So?”

“It’s gorgeous, Regina.” Emma said. “You look amazing.” Regina looked over to Snow who  practically had tears in her eyes. 

“You look beautiful.” Snow told her, her voice choked up from the tears.

“Okay… thanks.” Regina said. “Why are you crying?” 

“Oh...I-I’m fine.” Snow replied quickly as she wiped her eyes. “It’s just that time of the month you know. Hormones. Never know what’s gonna set me off.”

“Okay…didn’t need to know that.” Regina said. “But anyway, I love this dress. I think I wanna get it.” 

“You absolutely should.” Emma told her. “Go change and then it’s our turn.” Regina nodded and headed into the dressing room. When she was gone, Emma elbowed her mother in the side. “Pull yourself together. If you don’t stop, they’re gonna start calling you weepy and make you the eighth dwarf. Do you want to give away the surprise?” 

“I can’t help it. I’m just so happy for her.” Snow replied. “She just looked so beautiful and she deserves to be so happy. She has been through so much in her life and it’s finally time for her to find her happiness.”

“I agree with you, I do, but Regina’s smart. If you keep acting weird she’s gonna catch on and figure out what’s going on.” Emma told her. “Henry will never forgive us if we give away the surprise, so pull yourself together, okay.” Snow nodded and soon enough Regina emerged from the dressing room with the red dress in hand. 

“Alright your turn.” She said motioning to Emma and Snow. “I get to judge your dress picks now.” Emma and Snow went along with the plan and tried on some dresses, though neither one actually bought one. After paying, the three women piled into the yellow bug and drove home to the mayor’s mansion. They went inside and Roland instantly flocked to his mother. 

“Mama, you’re home!” He exclaimed as he ran to her arms. 

“I am. Did you have a good day with Granny?” 

“Yup! We played lots a games.” Roland told her. “And I won, right Granny?” 

“That’s right.” Granny replied as she walked in from the kitchen with a squirmy Addy in her arms. 

“There’s my girl!” Regina exclaimed as she took the smiley infant into her arms and pressed a kiss to her cheek. 

“She’s been fed, changed and she took a two hour nap.” Granny told her. 

“That’s my good girl.” Regina cooed. 

“Something came for you while you were out” Granny told her. “It’s in the kitchen.” Regina scrunched up her eyebrows in confusion and wandered into the kitchen. In the center of the island was a huge bouquet of red roses. 

“Oh, they're beautiful.” Regina said as she picked up the card. She opened the envelope and smiled. The inside said “To my love, though these flowers are not nearly as beautiful as you are, I hope that you like them. I wanted to surprise you with a spontaneous date night, so get ready in that new dress and I’ll pick you up around five. - Robin.” Regina looked to Emma and Snow and gave them a look. “You knew… both of you.” 

“Well, we couldn’t give away the surprise.” Emma told her. “We’re gonna get going so you can get ready. Henry is at my house, hanging out with Hook.” 

“And these too little ones are coming with me.” Snow said motioning to Roland and Addy. “Now, let me get my hands on this little peanut.” Regina smirked at her stepdaughter and handed the little girl over to her.  

“You have her stuff already? Her blankie and formula?” Regina asked. 

“We have everything.” Snow told her. “Robin has taken care of everything. All you have to do is focus on yourself for the night.” 

“Okay, thank you to you both.” Regina replied. She said goodbye to everyone and watched as they piled out the front door. Left all alone, Regina didn’t really know what to do with herself. It was rare that she got moments like this. She grabbed some leftovers from the fridge and heated them up to quell the hunger in her stomach. When she was finished, she looked at the clock and saw that it was already 3:30, so she decided to start getting ready. She went upstairs to her and Robin’s shared master bedroom and hopped into the shower. When she was finished, she dried off and slipped on the new dress that she had just bought. Next, she set off to do her makeup. She close a very subtle look, just enough to highlight her delicate features. She settled on a bold red lip to complete the ensemble. She dried her hair and decided to curl it. She didn’t really have time to curl it very often anymore, but tonight was a special night. She threw on some jewelry and a pair of nude heels and looked in the mirror. She looked… beautiful and she felt great. Suddenly, she heard the doorbell ring and a huge smile formed on her face. She carefully walked downstairs, trying not to trip or slip on her dress. When she opened the front door, it reveal Robin who was dressed in black pants and a red button up dress shirt. 

“Regina… you look… wow.” The man stuttered out. 

“You look pretty wow yourself.” She laughed. 

“Are you ready for our date night, milady?” He asked, his hand outstretched to help her down the stairs. 

“I am,” Regina replied as she took her soul mates hand. He led her outside and Robin open the door to Regina’s black Cadillac for her to climb inside. “Thank you,” she replied as Robin shut the car door, careful not to close it on her dress. Robin then went around and climbed into the driver’s side. He pulled away from the mayoral mansion and began to drive. “So, where are going?” Regina asked “Dinner? A movie? A ball?” She asked with a laugh. 

“You’ll have to wait and see.” Robin told her. 

“That’s not fair. You know I hate surprises. Can’t you just give me a hint.” 

“I’m afraid not, milady.” Robin replied. “Just relax and we’ll be there soon enough.” Regina leaned back in her seat and stared out the window as they drove. As they got further away from home, Regina could tell that they were headed for Storybrooke’s beach. Robin pulled into a parking spot at the edge of the sand and then went around to the side of the car to open the door for Regina. 

“If I had known we were going to the beach, I would never have worn heels.” Regina told him, a smirk on her face. She reached down and slipped off her heels and threw them back into the car. ``What now?” she asked. 

“Allow me,” Robin replied, as he reached out a hand to Regina. She took it instantly and intertwined her fingers with his. Robin led her down the beach and tied to a wooden post were two gorgeous horses. One of the horses was completely black and the other was a beautiful chestnut brown color with a long strip of white down the front of his face. 

“Oh my goodness, they’re beautiful.” Regina said as she walked up to the two horses. She was instantly drawn to the chestnut colored one. She rubbed the horses head and peered into his big black eyes. “It’s crazy… he looks just like my horse, Rocinante from back in the Enchanted Forest.” 

“Henry mentioned that you used to ride.” Robin told her. “I thought you’d like the chance to do it again.” 

“I would love too,” Regina replied, still stroking the horse’s mane. 

“Then I’ll go and grab your saddle.” 

“Oh I don’t need it.” Regina said, cutting him off. “I always ride bareback. I just need a leg up” 

“Each day you continue to surprise me.” Robin replied, a huge smile on his face. He leaned down and boosted Regina up onto the horse. She swung her leg over the horse’s body and situated herself on top of the animal. 

“I guess I’m lucky that I bought the flowy dress and not the tight one.” Regina said with a laugh. 

“Yes, I suppose that could have proven more difficult.” Robin agreed. “So, should we go for a stroll.” Regina nodded her head and reached for Robin’s hand. They walked down the beach on the backs of the horses and gazed at the horizon as the sun began to set. 

“I forgot how beautiful sunsets in Storybrooke could be.” Regina said in awe of the swirling colors in the sky.”

“They’re not nearly as beautiful as you, my love.” Robin replied as he looked over at Regina. In that moment, Robin couldn’t get over how truly beautiful she was. Her long black locks were blowing from the wind coming from the sea and her eyes sparkled in the sunlight. 

“What’s got you so flirty tonight?” Regina asked with a smirk. “I mean, this is quite a lot of planning and effort for a date night.” 

“And you’re worth every second of it,” Robin told her. “You deserve so much. You’re such an amazing partner and mother.” 

“Well, I appreciate that.” Regina replied. “You’re pretty great yourself. If I’m being honest thought, just walking is getting a bit boring. How about we kick this up a notch?” “What did you have in mind, milady?” 

“How about a race?” 

“I’d hate to beat the lady on her special day,” Robin retorted with a white toothed smirk. 

“Bring it, thief.” Regina replied. “On your mark, get set...Go!” Robin watched as Regina kicked her heels into the horse’s side and took off down the beach. He tried desperately to catch up with her, but he had to admit...Regina was an amazing rider. She knew exactly how to grip on to the horse’s mane and make him go faster. When they reached the end of the beach, Regina beat Robin by mile. “Anything to say now, thief?” Regina smirk as she hopped off the horse and walked over to Robin. 

“You won, my love. I had no idea you were such a great rider.” Robin said as he pulled Regina’s body in close to his. 

“And you didn’t let me win?” 

“I would never.” Robin told her. “Are you ready to move on to the next part of the night?” 

“There’s more?” 

“The night is far from over, milady.” Robin told her. He took her by the hand and led her to a secluded corner of the beach where there was a blanket with candles set up. On the blanket was a picnic basket. 

“Robin…” Regina said breathlessly. “This is amazing.” Walking hand in hand, the two of them headed over to the blanket and took a seat. Robin open up the picnic basket and pulled out a bottle of red wine (Regina’s favorite). He popped the cork out of the bottle and poured Regina and himself a glass. 

“Cheers my love, to a night full of love.” Robin said. 

“Cheers,” Regina agreed as she clinked her glass with Robin’s. 

“Now, for food. I am many things but a cook is not one of them.” Robin laughed. 

“I think out microwave agrees with that statement.” Regina laughed. “I don’t think I’ve met a person who couldn’t even manage microwave mac n’cheese. Even Henry can cook that.” 

“Point taken,” the man agreed. “So, I got the next best thing...which happens to be your favorite.” He opened up the picnic basket and pulled out two grilled cheese sandwiches from Granny’s. Robin found it hilarious that a woman as serious and sophisticated as Regina loved food as simple as grilled cheese. Robin knew that she could never get enough of Granny’s grilled cheeses. 

“Those are my favorite.” Regina mused as she took the sandwich from Robin and immediate dug in. 

“That’s not the best part. There’s dessert.” 

“Do tell,” Regina said. Robin reached once more into the picnic basket and pulled out an apple pie. 

“I know you can’t resist an apple pie.” 

“That is true…” Regina said. “Thank you...for tonight. We haven’t had a night like this to ourselves in a long time.” 

“Anything for you, my love.” Robin told her. “Now, let’s eat because I can practically hear that stomach of yours growling. I think it might start a riot it if it doesn’t get some of that grilled cheese.” Regina laughed and happily obliged. She was starving. Those leftovers that she had scarfed down before leaving had not done much to fill her stomach. They ate in silence for a while. Then, Regina felt that Robin was staring at her. 

“What?” she asked. 

“Nothing it’s just…you’re so beautiful.” He told her. “But...you do have cheese on your face.”  

“What? Where?” Regina replied instantly. She looked around for a napkin but couldn’t find one. 

“Let me,” Robin insisted. He leaned in and began to kiss Regina, making sure to get the small spot of cheese on her lips. Once he started, Robin didn’t want to stop. He pressed his body further onto Regina’s and held her close as they laid back on the blanket. 

“Robin…” Regina said breathlessly before pushing her lips onto Robin’s. They made out for a while before lying down next to one another on the blanket. Robin wrapped his arms around Regina’s body and pulled her in close.” 

“Love...can I ask you a question?” 

“Of course,” she replied, turning over to look at the handsome man next to her. 

“Are you happy?” he asked. “With me? With our life together?” 

“Are you kidding me?” Regina replied. “I love our life. I love our children and most of all...I love you.” she replied, pressing one last kiss to his lips. “Are you happy?” She asked, pulling her lips away. 

“Deliriously so.” Robin told her. She smiled one of her piercing white tooth smiles and Robin felt his heart flutter. “Are you ready for the last part of our evening?” Regina nodded. 

“I’m always ready for anything you want to do.” she told him. “I’m in this with you. No matter what.” 

“And I you.” Robin told her. “Shall we?” he asked after standing up from the sand and reaching his hands down to help Regina up. She took his hands and allowed him to pull her to her feet. They walked hand in hand back to the horses and rode them back to the car. When they arrived back at the car, Robin pulled a blind fold from his pocket. 

“I have to put that on?” she asked. 

“Do you trust me?” He asked. She smiled and nodded. Robin slipped the blind fold over her head. “No peeking alright? I know you like to peek.” 

“I won’t peek,” she promised. “I just can’t find the car.” she added with a laugh. 

“Leave that to me, my darling.” Robin told her. He gently took her by the hand and led her body to the car. Careful not to bump her head, Robin eased her down into the passenger seat and then went around to the driver’s side to get in himself. They had been driving for about five minutes when Regina first spoke. 

“Are we almost there?” 

“Patience my love. We’ll be there soon.” he told her. That answer seemed to satisfy her enough to get them to their final destination. Robin pulled the car over to the side of the road. 

“Can I take this off yet?” she asked. 

“Not yet.” 

“How am I going to walk if I can’t see?” Regina retorted. 

“I thought you trusted me.” Robin replied. 

“I do.” She replied instantly. “I just also like having the ability to see where I’m going.” 

“I will be your guide.” Robin told her. He pulled her in close and whispered “Trust me,” softly into her ear. He led her through a path in the forest. 

“Are we in the forest, Robin? I can hear all the twigs snapping under my feet.” She asked. 

“Maybe,” Robin told her. “Just a little bit further and then we can take that blindfold off.” He led her further down the path and then stopped her. “Alright, stay here. Wait five seconds and then you can take your blind fold off.” 

“Where are you going?” she asked, hearing Robin’s footsteps grow quieter. 

“I’m right here,” He told her. “Just take off your blindfold in 3...2...1….” Hearing Robin get to one, Regina removed the blindfold from her eyes and blinked rapidly as her eyes adjusted to the sight before her. There was a path lit up by candles. On either side were all the people that they cared about. Snow and Charming were there with little Neal in their arms. On the other side were Hook and Emma who were cuddled in one another’s embrace. Granny and Ruby were there, along with all the other Merry Men. Finally at the end of the lines were Roland and Henry, who was holding Addy in his arms. At the very center of the path was Robin. Regina looked around completely stunned. She almost didn’t know what to do.

“What is happening?” she asked, looking to Snow. Snow smiled with tears in her eyes and reached out and gave her a red rose. 

“This is it, Regina… it’s time to find your happiness.” She said. Regina took the rose into her hands and continued to look around. She wandered further down the path and accepted roses from Emma and Hook, Granny, Ruby and all of the Merry Men. 

“Here Mama,” Roland said as she also handed her a rose. 

“Thank you, baby.” Regina replied, her eyes welling with tears. Then, she moved onto Henry who handed her two roses, one for himself and one for Addy. 

“I’m so happy for you, Mom.” Henry told her. “Now go,” he added, motioning to Robin. Regina looked over at Robin...her soul mate and walked closer to him. 

“Robin… I-” Regina began. “I don’t even know what to say.” 

“That’s a good thing because it is my turn to talk,” He began with a laugh. “Regina, my love, from the moment that we met, I knew that there was something special about you. Since that day, my love for you has only grown stronger and I can say honestly that my heart belongs only to you. You bring me so much joy and happiness...and those were two things that for a while I wasn’t sure I was capable of feeling any longer. I love every little thing about you… I love you eyes and your smile, but mostly I love your heart. I love how you care and protect those that you love with the fierceness of lioness. I love watching you with our children and seeing you nurture and love each and every one of them. Regina, you are my favorite person...my soulmate, my true love, my future.  I want to spend every last moment of my life making you happy.” Robin stopped talking for a second and looked over to Henry who handed him a red velvet ring box. “I don’t have another rose for you, my love, but I hope that you’ll love this just as much.” He knelt down on one knee and opened up the ring. Regina gasped when she saw it. It was beautiful. The band was slender and golden. In the center was an oval shaped purple sapphire and there were three tiny diamonds on either side of the larger stone. “This ring was my mother’s,” he told her. “And, I knew she would want you to have it. So, Regina Mills, love of my life, will you marry me?” He asked. 

Present Day

Back in the kitchen, Robin was still sitting on the kitchen floor. There was nothing like a knee to the crotch to make a man sober up. Robin was disgusted and felt sick when he realized when he had just done to Regina. He had tried to force her...something he would never do. The alcohol had made him foggy. That was why he didn’t drink very often, but Hook and David had invited him out and Regina had told him to go. It had been such a fun night...until...

Robin groaned. He staggered over to the sink and threw up. The combination of multiple glasses of scotch and the memories of what he had just done to Regina had pushed him too far. After wiping his mouth, Robin knew that he needed to talk to Regina. He walked down the hallway and tried to open the bathroom door. It was locked.

“Regina? Regina, I’m so sorry.” He cried. “I-I would never. I-I don’t know what happened.” He pressed his ear against the bathroom door and could hear the sound of Regina hyperventilating. “Love, please! Open the door!” Robin didn’t hear any movement from inside the bathroom. He knew if Regina continued to breathe like she was, she was going to pass out. “I’m so sorry. I am so sorry Regina,” he said again. Not knowing what else to do, he went to the kitchen and found his phone. He dialed Snow’s number and held it up to his ear.

“Hello?” Came Snow’s sleepy reply.

“Snow?” Robin said. “I-I need help.”

“Robin? What’s the matter?”

“I-I messed up.” He stuttered. “Regina-she needs you. I don’t know what to do. I messed up so badly.”

“Robin, is Regina hurt?” Snow asked, her voice high with alarm.

“I-I don’t know. Please, just hurry.” Robin begged.

“Okay, okay. I’ll be right over.” Snow assured him before hanging up the phone. Robin placed his head in his hands and couldn’t help but cry. How could he do this? How could he even think of doing that to the love of his life?

Back in the bathroom, Regina was still huddled against the side of the tub. Her lungs felt as if they were on fire. She needed something to focus on. She needed something to distract her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the shiny glare of her pink razor sitting on the rack in the shower. Regina grabbed it out of old habit and held it to her wrist. She had promised herself that she wouldn’t do this...not again, but she didn’t know what to do...how to calm herself without it.

The Enchanted Forest

Since the night of the incident, Regina didn’t know how to handle her emotions. She constantly felt dirty. Some days she’d spend nearly two hours in the shower with the water blasting at a high temperature. She’d scrub at her skin until it was red and raw. However, no matter how hard she scrubbed, she could never get the feeling of Leopold off of her. One day, while in the shower, she dropped her razor and it created a large red scratch down her leg. The cut stung as the hot water invaded its edges. Instead of pulling her leg out from under the hot stream of water, Regina kept it there. The pain felt...freeing. For once she wasn’t thinking about what Leopold had done to her. All she could focus on was the burning pain and at that moment...it was more tolerable than what she had been dealing for the past few weeks. She took that same razor and carefully sliced across the top part of her thigh. Regina gasped as she felt the razor slice through her flesh and she could feel her lungs begin to expand. She finally felt in control...she finally felt free.

Present Day

With a knock at the door, Robin ran to open it. Snow was there, still dressed in her pajamas. “Where is she?” Snow asked.

“In the bathroom, but it’s locked,” Robin told her.

“Robin, I have to know what happened? Just tell me.”

“I-I was drunk. I started kissing her. I don’t know what came over me.” Robin told her.

“Did you…” Snow began.

“No! No! She stopped me.” Robin replied. “Snow, I-the alcohol- I would never. I-I love her. I just need to talk to her.”

“Robin, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea right now.” Snow told him. “I only know a small part of Regina’s past and it’s not mine to reveal but she can not see you right now.”

“I have to know that she’s okay. Please, Snow, make sure she’s okay.” Robin begged.

“I will.” Snow assured him. She walked over to the bathroom and grabbed the skeleton key from above the door frame. She unlocked the door and then knocked, not wanting to scare Regina anymore. “Regina, it’s Snow. I’m gonna come in.” When Snow went inside, she was shocked to see the sight of her stepmother. Snow had only seen her like this one other time.

The Enchanted Forest

Snow and Regina’s chambers were just down the hall from one another in the castle, so sound traveled pretty well. When the young princess heard screams, she instantly bolted from her bed and went to find out where they were coming from. After listening, she discovered that they were coming from Regina’s room. She slowly opened the door and saw Regina tossing fitfully in bed. Snow walked closer and saw that her stepmother was coated in a thin sheen of sweat and she was mumbling.

“No, no, please no.” Snow gently placed her hand on her stepmother’s arm and tried to wake her.

“Regina? Regina?” she whispered softly. Regina’s eyes shot open and she looked wildly around the room. “You’re okay,” Snow said sweetly. “You were having a nightmare.” Regina looked at the young princess but still couldn’t control her breathing and her whole body was trembling. “Regina, you have to breathe.” Snow prompted. “Here put your hand on my chest.” The thought of being touched made Regina want to be sick, however, when Snow gently grabbed her hand, Regina allowed it. Snow pressed Regina’s hand to her chest and made eye contact with her stepmother. “Just follow my breathing. In and out. You’ll be okay.” The princess said. It took a few moments, but Regina eventually complied and followed Snow’s commands. Gradually, her breaths became more steady and Regina began to relax. “There, that’s good.” Regina laid back down and Snow sat by her stepmother’s side, gently running her fingers through her hair. “You’re okay. You’re safe. Just relax.”

Regina couldn’t pretend that she didn’t hate that young princess. She was the reason why she was trapped in this prison. However, no one in Regina’s nineteen years of life had ever handled her with such care...such compassion. In that moment, that was exactly what she needed. Feeling so exhausted from her panic attack, Regina drifted back to sleep with Snow by her side. The two women never spoke about that moment again…

Present Day

“Oh Regina,” Snow said softly. She surveyed the sight before her. Regina was breathing heavily and there was a thin cut across Regina’s wrist. It was bleeding but not profusely. Regina was still holding the pink razor over her arm. “Regina, I need you to give me the razor.” Snow prompted as she slowly took a seat next to her stepmother on the ground.

“I-I can’t,” Regina replied, her voice trembling

“You have to trust me. Doing this-” Snow began motioning to the razor. “...it won’t help. Just let me help you.” She reached out her hand slowly and placed her hand softly over Regina’s. “Just let me help you.” She repeated. Snow took the pink razor from Regina’s hand and instantly the woman crumbled. Snow pulled her stepmother into her embrace and just held her as she cried. When she felt Regina’s breathing get too fast, she took her hand and placed it on her own chest.

“Just breathe with me.” Snow said. “Just like before. In and out.” Regina locked eyes with Snow and followed her commands. Gradually, Regina’s breathing began to slow and she started to regain some control over her body. “There you go. It’s alright.” Snow said.

“I-I don’t know what happened...what came over me,” Regina said in a whisper.

“Robin told me what happened…”

“How is he?” Regina asked

“Upset. Worried about you.” Snow replied. “How are you?” she asked softly.

“I-I’m okay,” Regina said, however, she’s not very convincing.

“Regina, I’ve known you long enough to know that’s a lie.” Snow replied. “Can I fix up your wrist?” Regina nodded. Snow stood up and opened the medicine cabinet above the sink. She grabbed a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, Neosporin and band-aids before sitting back down. “Can I see your wrist?” Snow asked and Regina nodded once again. “This is going to sting a bit,” she warned as she took the hydrogen peroxide soaked cotton balls and pressed it to Regina’s cut. Regina hissed in pain but she didn’t move her arm. Then Snow covered the cut with Neosporin before covering the long cut with two bandaids.

“It was the smell of the alcohol…”Regina mumbled quietly.

“What?”

“The alcohol. The scotch. He’d been drinking.” Regina said again. “He really wasn’t doing anything wrong. Just kissing my neck...nothing we’ve not done before. It was the alcohol and his weight pressed against me against the wall. I-I couldn’t move... just like that I-I was…”

“Back with my father?” Snow asked.. Regina looked up completely shocked. She didn’t know that Snow knew what happened so many years ago. “I-I loved my father, Regina but I know that he was awful to you. That he-he did something to you. And for that, I am so sorry. I am so sorry that I didn’t help you.”

“Y-you were only a child.” Regina breathed out, tears falling from her eyes.

“So were you.” Snow replied, a tear falling from her own eye. She reached out and grabbed Regina’s hand. “You didn’t deserve it. It wasn’t your fault.” Regina nodded, not feeling strong enough to truly admit that out loud. For so many years,  she had carried the burden of that moment around with her and she didn’t know how to let it go. “You know that right?” Snow asked. “You know it wasn’t your fault. Regina, say it.”

“I-It wasn’t my fault.” She stuttered out before leaning into Snow’s embrace. The two women stayed like that for a while until Regina finally felt ready to move.

“Are you ready to see him?” Snow asked as she helped Regina off the floor. Regina nodded and the two of them headed into the living room. Robin was sitting on the couch crying, his head in his hands. Upon hearing the sound of footsteps, he looked up and saw Regina, his true love. He looked at her red, puffy, tear-streaked face and her bandaged arm that still has bits of blood on it. He had done this to her.

“Regina…” he began as he walked over to her. “I-I-” Suddenly his knees buckled and he fell to the floor. He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m so so sorry.” He cried. At that moment, Snow knew that this was a private moment. She gave Regina one last glance before heading for the front door. Regina then turned her attention back to the sobbing man wrapped around her waist.

“Robin…”

“Regina, I would never. I-I am so sorry,” he said again. She took his face into her hands and forced him to look into her eyes.

“It’s okay.” She told him. “I’m okay.”

“I-I don’t know what came over me. I-I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stopped me. Regina, I love you.”

“I know that you do.” She said. “Please, stand up and come sit with me.” Robin sniffled and wiped his tears before following Regina to the couch.

“I-I want you to listen, okay?” Regina said and Robin nodded. “This is hard for me to say but I want you to know what happened.”

“You can tell me anything.” the thief replied.

“You know that back in the Enchanted Forest, before I became the Evil Queen, that I was married to Snow’s father.” she began. “I-it was a loveless marriage and I was only 18. He mostly ignored me. He only wanted me to be a mother to Snow, but I wasn’t very good at that. One night, he was drunk...scotch and decided that I better hold up my role as his wife. He-he forced me and I couldn’t do anything but lie there.”

“Regina…” Robin started to say.

“Please, let me finish,” she told him and he stayed silent. She glanced down to her bandaged wrist. “This was the one thing that helped me to cope. I-I finally had some control, but I know it’s not healthy.”

“Have you done it in other places?” Robin asked. Regina nodded,  feeling a bit ashamed. She slowly stood up in front of Robin. She undid the button on her pants and shimmied them down over her thighs. On both sides are parallel scars that run up and down her thighs. They old and healed, but permanent reminders of what she had gone through.

“They’re ugly,” Regina replied. “And they’ll never go away. I-I was weak…”

“No,” Robin told her. “Don’t say that. These scars do not make you weak. They’re battle scars and they show how strong you are.” Robin runs his fingers through Regina’s hair. “You’re beautiful,” he told her. “And I will spend the rest of my life making you see just how beautiful you are. And, Regina I am so sorry. So sorry about tonight. So sorry about what happened to you.”

“I forgive you,” Regina told him. “Robin…”

“Yes, my love,” he replied.

“Will you hold me?” she asked.

“You’re sure?” Regina nodded. Robin took her hand and led her to their bedroom. He pulled back the covers and allowed Regina to climb into bed. Then, he got in behind her and reached out. “You’re sure that you're okay?” he asked again.

“I want you to hold me, Robin,” Regina told him. “I love you.”

“Roland!” Henry yells. He places Addy in her pack-n-play and races off after Roland. He runs upstairs and sees Roland jumping on his bed. “Get over here!” Roland screams and sprints off in the opposite direction. Henry is eventually able to catch his little brother and carries him over his shoulder into the bathroom. With one hand, he starts the water and then tries to change Roland out of his clothes. Roland continues to try and get away and Henry is getting pissed, to say the least. 

“Roland, please. Just stop!” Henry begs. “I will give you a dollar if you get in the bathtub.” 

“I want five.” Roland counters. 

“No way.” Henry mutters. “One dollar.” 

“Three dollars!” Henry rolls his eyes. 

“Fine.” He says, finally caving. Suddenly, he hears Addy start screaming from downstairs. “Okay, I have to go and get Addy. Stay here. If the water gets too high, just turn it off okay? I’ll be right back.” Henry leaves a naked Roland in the bathroom and heads downstairs. Addy is standing up in the playpen, tears rushing down her face. “Hey, it’s okay.” Henry says rushing over to his little sister. When he gets closer, he can instantly smell what the problem is. He lifts the baby out of the pack in play and sees that what is causing the awful smell is currently all up his sister’s back. “Oh god, gross.” Henry groans. “Well, now, you need a bath.” Henry walks the baby upstairs, holding Addy a full arm’s length away from him. “Roland, you’re gonna have to share your bath with Addy.” he says loudly as he walks up to the stairs. He walks to the bathroom and his eyes grow wide when he sees the sight before him. “Roland! What did you do!!!!” Henry screams. There are bubbles all over the bathroom. They’re overflowing out of the bathtub and on to the bathroom floor. 

“I wanted bubbles!” Roland tells him. 

“How much did you put in???” “The whole bottle.” Roland replied.

“God, mom is gonna kill us!” Henry exclaims as he rushes into the bathroom, trying his best not to slip with a poop covered baby in his hands. He turns off the water and doesn’t even know where to begin. “God, what do I do first? Deal with the bubbles or the poop or… god, I don’t even know.” 

“Look Henry! It’s a bubble party!” Roland exclaims as he throws the bubbles all around the bathroom. 

“Roland! Don’t do that!” Henry says loudly. He grabs a towel and decides to deal with the poop covered baby first. He lays Addy down on the towel in the hallway and starts to try to change her. “How do I even do this without getting poop all over the place?” Henry wonders to himself. He begins to peel the onesie off his little sister and gags when he sees exactly what he’s working with. “Gross!” He tries his best to clean up his little sister but she is beyond messy. With a half-naked baby in his arms, Henry checks on Roland and his eyes grow wide when he can’t see his brother. “Roland? Where are you?” 

“I’m swimming!” Roland yells as his head pops out from beneath the bubbles. 

“Well, at least he’s not dead.” Henry thinks to himself. Realizing he doesn’t have many options, Henry wades through the bubbles and water on the ground and uses the sink to rinse off the remaining baby poop off of Addy’s little body before plopping her into the tub with Roland. Henry tries his best to clean both siblings while he tries not to slide on the bathroom floor. Finally, both children are clean. Henry gets Roland’s towel and wraps it around him. Then, he grabs another towel and wraps it around Addy. “Alright guys, let’s go. Put pajamas on.” He ushers Roland into his room and helps him to get a fresh pair of pajamas before heading into Addy’s nursery to get her a sleeper. Surprisingly, Roland actually listens to him and puts his pajamas on and Addy is calm. 

“Henry, will you read me a story before bed?” Roland asks. 

“Yeah Ro, sure.” Henry replies. “Which one do you wanna hear?” 

“The one about Mama and Papa!” Roland replies. Henry smiles. Luckily, he knows that one well enough that he doesn’t even need a book to tell it. He recounts the story of how Tink had shown his Mom where Robin was but she had been too afraid to meet the man with the lion tattoo.  Then he recounts how the two of them had met in the enchanted forest. Before Henry knows it, Roland’s eyelids grow heavy and he’s fast asleep. Henry can’t help but smile at his little brother. He may be a pain in the butt at times, but he is pretty cute. Suddenly Addy starts to fuss and Henry can see that she’s hungry, so he goes downstairs and starts to make her a bottle. 

“Okay, okay, it’s coming.” Henry tells her. The microwave beeps and Henry tests the temperature of the milk on his skin before popping the nipple of the bottle into his sister’s mouth. Addy sucks happily on the milk and Henry takes a seat on the couch as the exhaustion finally begins to hit him. Addy takes the whole bottle and Henry burps her, but the little girl is still fussy. Henry tries to walk around with her and stop her fussing but nothing seems to be working. Luckily for him, he hears the front door unlock and his mom and Robin walk in. “Thank god” Henry thinks. 

“I hear my little princess,” Regina says as she walks over to Henry. Addy instantly stops fussing as soon as she’s in Regina’s arms. “Yeah, did you just want Mama?” Regina cooes. “Where’s Roland?” 

“He’s in bed.” Henry tells her. “Did you guys have a nice dinner?”

“Yes, it was very nice.” Regina replies. Robin nods, agreeing with Regina. “Now, I think it’s time we get this little one to bed. Thank you for babysitting, Henry” 

“No problem Mom.” Henry replies as he flops back down on the couch. He watches as Regina heads upstairs with Addy and hears her softly cooing to the baby girl. Robin doesn’t waste a minute before he sits next to Henry on the couch. 

“So, how did it really go?” Robin asks. 

“It was fine.” Henry told him. Robin gives him a “seriously?” face and Henry finally caves. “Fine.” Henry starts with a sigh. “Addy wouldn’t eat and Roland convinced me to try some of her baby food so that she’d copy me and eat it. That was a mistake. Then I tried to get Roland to take a bath, but he didn’t want to so he had me chase him around the entire house. Then after I finally caught him, Addy started crying and I went to check on her and she had a blowout. There was poop everywhere!” 

“Gross. For such a little girl, she sure can pack a lot in a diaper.” Robin said. 

“You’re telling me.” Henry groaned. “So I tried to clean her up and…and…” he hesitated, not knowing how Robin would take the news about the bathroom. Henry began to panic when he realized that he still hadn’t cleaned it up. He hadn’t had a spare moment to do so. 

“And what?” Robin asked him. 

“The bathroom well… it uhhh.” Henry stammered. Suddenly, they heard a yell from upstairs. 

“What the hell happened to my bathroom!” Regina yells. “Henry!!!” 

“The bathroom may be a tiny bit flooded…” Henry admits. 

“Your mom doesn’t sound too happy.” Robin replied. 

“Think there’s still a chance you guys will pay me for tonight?” Henry questions. “I really did try my best.” 

“I wouldn’t count on it from the tone of your mother’s voice.” Robin tells him. Henry sighes. He did know his mom and there was absolutely no way he was getting paid for this. “Now, you better go and help your mom clean up the bathroom. Better luck next time.” 

When morning finally came, Regina knew that she had caught the virus. Her head ached from the pressure in her sinuses and her nose was congested. Worst of all, her throat was extremely sore and it hurt to swallow. Despite her symptoms, Regina pushed herself out of bed and began to get ready to go into work. Mom’s didn’t get sick days and neither did the mayor. She left the house with a full box of tissues and a very large travel mug full of tea that she hoped would help. 

Stepping out into the chilly outdoors, Regina shivered and pulled her coat more tightly around her body. Suddenly she felt her nose began to tickle and she let out a loud sneeze into her elbow. Sniffling, she pulled out a tissue and blew her very congested nose. Today was going to be a long day. 

When Regina got to the office, she tried to get some work done but she was constantly being interrupted by a sneezing or coughing fit. Also, the amount of pure exhaustion that she was feeling from the past few days was really beginning to wear on her. At one point, Regina reached down for yet another tissue and saw that the brand new box of tissues that she had brought was empty. “Oh, whatever…” She groaned as she packed up her stuff and headed home in frustration. 

When she went through the front door, Regina saw Robin asleep on the couch with Addy on his chest. Even though she felt horrible, she couldn’t help but smile and feel relieved that Robin had gotten Addy to sleep.  She walked over and picked up the throw blanket from the back of the couch and lightly placed it over them. Robin began to stir and he opened his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Regina said. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” “It’s alright.” Robin replied. “Did you get some work done?” 

“Yes I did some of it-” She said before breaking off into a harsh coughing fit into her elbow. 

“Oh sweetheart, you caught it.” Robin said pitifully. 

“I’m fine.” Regina replied, trying to shrug him off. “I should go start dinner.” 

“Regina!” he tried to argue, but the woman was off. Robin groaned. She was so stubborn. He just wished that for once in her life, she would let someone take care of her. He gave Regina about ten minutes and during that time, he heard her sneeze about fifteen times. Shaking his head, he stood up from the couch and placed Addy in her baby swing and went into the kitchen. 

“Alright, that’s enough.” Robin said, walking over to her. 

“What?” She asked. 

“You are not making dinner. You are going to lie down on the couch and rest.” Robin told her. 

“Don’t be silly-” she began. 

“No, Regina. You’re sick and you need to rest. I can see that your exhausted and your not going to get rid of this cold by pushing yourself.” 

“What about dinner?” she asked. 

“We’ll get Granny’s.” Robin told her. “It won’t kill the children not to have a home-cooked meal. Please, my love. Go and lay down.” 

“Fine,” Regina finally agreed. She went in to give Robin a hug but had to break away early as another lengthy sneezing fit hit her. 

“Alright, couch now.” Robin said and Regina actually listened to him. She curled up her side and huddled under the throw blanket. Meanwhile, Robin got to work on dinner. He pulled Granny’s menu out of the cabinet and start to look at it. He chose what he wanted and then went to the boy’s rooms to ask what they wanted. Last to choose was Regina. However, when Robin went into the living room, he could see that Regina had fallen asleep. “Good,” he thought. “She needs some rest.” He ordered a bowl of chicken noodle soup for Regina and then added the rest of the food to the order. He put Henry in charge while he ran to town to grab the food. When he returned, he gave the boys their food and then went into the living room with the soup to wake up Regina. 

“My love, time to wake up.” he said softly. Regina’s eyelids fluttered open and she slowly woke up. “Do you think you could eat some soup?” Regina shook her head. “You need to put something in your stomach love.” he prompted. 

“I feel awful,” she groaned. 

“I know, but in a day or two this will pass and you’ll feel much better,” Robin told her as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. Unlike the rest of her family, Regina didn’t start to feel better. In fact, she began to feel worse. Three days later, she was cocooned in her and Robin’s bed shaking from the chills. Her cheeks were flushed from a very evident fever and her teeth were chattering. Her cold symptoms had gotten more intense. Instead of sneezing every few minutes, she coughed relentlessly. The cough was harsh and sounded painful as it left Regina’s frail body. 

“102.5, my love.” Robin said as he pulled the thermometer from her mouth. 

“I’m f-f-fine.” she replied, her teeth still chattering,

“I’d say a fever that high hardly constitutes fine.” Robin told her. 

“H-henry h-had a f-fever t-too. It’ll b-break.” she stuttered. 

“Henry’s fever wasn’t even over 100 and he didn’t have that cough.” Robin remarked as Regina launched into another coughing fit. “I think we should take you to a doctor.” 

“N-no. N-no doctor.” Regina pleaded. 

“Sweetheart, your fever is very high. Your cough sounds horrible and you haven’t had a proper meal in three days. I’m worried about you getting dehydrated.” Robin told her.  Once again, Regina just shook her head and burrowed further under the covers. Robin rolled his eyes at how stubborn she was being. He left the bedroom and went into the living room. 

“How’s Mom?” Henry asked as he lightly bounced Addy in his arms. 

“Not great. Her fever’s pretty high, but she’s refusing to see a doctor.” Robin told him. 

“Yeah. Mom’s never been a great patient.” 

“Is Mama gonna die?” Roland suddenly asked, his eyes full of tears. 

“No, of course not.” Robin said, taking his son into his arms. “Your mom is pretty sick right now but she’s going to get better.” 

“But my other mommy got sick and she went to Heaven. I don’t want Mama to go to Heaven.” Roland cried. 

“I promise my boy that your Mama will be just fine.” Robin told him. “Why don’t you make Mama a get well card for when she’s feeling better?” he suggested. That seemed to keep Roland distracted as he went to find his arts and craft supplies. 

“Do you really think she’ll be okay?” Henry asked. “Her cough sounds awful.” 

“I sure hope so, Henry.” Robin replied honestly. Right now, he felt that something was seriously wrong with Regina, but he didn’t know what. Later that night, Robin got a glimpse of just how sick Regina truly was. In the middle of the night, Regina sat up as she fought off another coughing fit. Robin instantly woke up and rushed into the bathroom to get her a cup of water. “Here love, drink this.” 

“R-Robin, I-I can’t breathe.” she said breathlessly. He could see that she was breathing fast. He placed a hand on her forehead and felt that she was burning up. He quickly grabbed the thermometer. He placed it under her armpit because there was no way that Regina was going to be able to keep it in her mouth with how fast she was breathing. The thermometer beeped and Robin was shocked. The number 103.9 reflected back at him. 

“That’s it. We’re going to the hospital.” Robin replied. Regina continued to cough and wheeze. She didn’t even argue with him which how Robin knew how sick she truly was. He called Snow and asked her to come over and watch the kids. She instantly agreed and said that she’d be over in fifteen minutes. However, Robin didn’t want to wait that long. He woke Henry up and told him that he was taking Regina to hospital and that he was in charge until Snow got to the house. With a blanket wrapped around her, Robin lifted a very sick Regina off the bed and held her close to his chest as he went out to the car. She felt like a furnace from her fever. He got her situated in the passenger seat and then got in himself. “We’re almost there.” Robin said while he was driving. “Just hang on.” 

“R-robin, I’m tired.” Regina muttered. 

“I know you are, my love.” Robin said. He pulled in front of the hospital and quickly raced to get Regina out. He tried to help her stand up, but her legs just buckled from beneath her. 

“I don’t feel good…” she muttered breaking off. Her eyes rolled back and Robin felt her begin to fall. He grabbed the unconscious woman and went into the hospital. 

“Help! Help! I need some help!” Robin yelled. Whale and two nurses ran over to him with a gurney. 

“What happened?” 

“She’s been fighting off a virus. Her fever has been quite high and she said that she couldn’t breathe.” Robin stammered out. “She just passed out.” 

“Alright, we’re gonna take care of her.” Whale told him. “I need vitals and we need to get an IV in her. Also, get a mask, she’s going to need some oxygen.” Whale and the nurses started working on her while Robin stood terrified in the corner of the room. 

“BP 130/90, Heart rate 130, Respirations 26 and Temperature of 104.” The nurse told Whale. 

“What’s her pulse ox?” 

“89” 

“Bump up her oxygen to 10 L.” Whale said. Robin watched as they slid a mask over Regina’s pale face and tried to give her some oxygen.  

“Robin, you can’t be here right now.” Whale said. 

“I-I can’t leave her!” 

“We need to get her stabilized. For now, I need you to leave.” Whale said sternly... Robin looked helplessly over to Regina. She looked awful. He wanted to stay but he knew he was just in the way so he left and went to the waiting room. As he left he heard Whale tell the nurses that they needed blood cultures and a CBC. He also watched the nurses run back into her room with cooling blankets to get her fever down. It seemed like forever, but eventually, Whale came out to where Robin was sitting. 

“How is she?” he asked. 

“She’s stable.” Whale said. “The labs reveal that she’s got bacterial pneumonia so we have her on IV antibiotics and fluids. Also because of the infection, she’s having a hard time breathing so she still has oxygen on.” 

“But she’ll be okay?” 

“Yes. She needs a lot of rest and to finish the course of antibiotics, but she should make a full recovery. Your lucky that you got her here when you did. Pneumonia can be truly nasty.” Whale told him. 

“Can I see her?” Robin asked. 

“Yes, you can.” Whale led Robin back to Regina’s room and he went inside. She looked so tiny and fragile in the bed. She looked nothing like his strong, extremely stubborn Regina that he was used to. He took a seat next to Regina’s bed and reached out for her hand. Eventually, Regina began to stir. 

“Robin?” she muttered from under the oxygen mask. 

“You’re alright.” he told her. “You’re in the hospital. You have pneumonia. How are you feeling?” 

“Tired.” She muttered. 

“I bet.” Robin replied with a laugh. “You don’t do things halfway, do you?” She watched a slight smile form on her face, but it disappeared suddenly when she let out a  harsh cough.“They’ve got you on antibiotics so you should start feeling better in a day or two.” 

“I have to stay in the hospital?” she asked. 

“Yes, I’m afraid so.” Robin told her. “You really scared me, Regina.” “I’m sorry.” she muttered. 

“I hope that you’ve learned from this experience that you need to take care of yourself. You know that the kids and I love you too much to see you like this again.” 

“I know. You’re right.” Regina amended. 

“Now I know you’re sick. You just agreed with me.” Robin replied with a laugh. 

“Where are the kids?” 

“At home with Snow.” Robin told her. 

“You should go be with them. Addy was still feeling sick and Roland will worry if we’re both gone.”