Going's Secret Santa

           Their conversation was interrupted by Roland, who ran up to the adults with frosting covering his face. “Can I have a piece of pie?” he asked.

           “That depends,” Robin said, wiping his son’s mouth with a napkin. “How many cookies have you already had?”

           Roland counted on his fingers, going to his next hand. His face fell, looking up at his father. “I ran out of fingers,” he said.

           “Then I don’t think you should eat anything else,” Regina replied. “You don’t want a tummy ache on Christmas, do you?”

           He shook his head, dark curls flying about. “Can I sit with you then? So I don’t get tempted?”

           The adults laughed and Robin let his son climb onto his lap. “Did you have fun celebrating Christmas with the other kids?” he asked Roland.

           Roland nodded. “Christmas is even more fun than Yule!”

           “Wait until tomorrow,” Regina replied, “when you get to open your gifts.”

           His eyes grew wide. “Gifts? Really?”

           “But only if you’ve been good,” she added.

           Roland looked up at his father. “Have I been good?”

           Pretending to think about it, Robin stroked his beard before nodding. “I think you have.”

           “Yay!” Roland cheered before yawning. He slid over to Regina’s lap and leaned against her. “I think I’ll rest my eyes.”

           She chuckled, rubbing his back. “We should probably all head home soon. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for all of us.”

           “What are you doing for Christmas?” David asked Robin. “Spending it with Regina?”

           “For the most part. Roland and I are going to spend the night with the Merry Men, though,” he replied.

           Regina looked up from where Roland was starting to doze against her and met Robin’s eyes. “You are?”

           He nodded. “It’s time.”

           “I’m glad,” she said, softly. “I’m sure they’ve missed you.”

           “Mom? Dad? Someone is ready to go home,” Emma said, coming over with a sleeping Neal. She smiled when she saw Roland. “Looks like he’s not alone.”

           David nodded as he took Neal from his daughter. “At least Robin is only upstairs. We need to get this one in the car and then up to the loft.”

           “Actually, Roland and Robin are spending tonight with Henry and me,” Regina replied as Robin took his son from her.

           Emma’s eyebrow went up. “Really? You two are getting serious again?”

           “We are,” Robin said, smiling at Regina.

           Mary Margaret nudged her daughter on. “Let’s wish them the best and let them go home. We’ll see them soon.”

           As the Charmings left, Henry walked over with his coat on. “Are we going too?”

           “I thought you were staying at the loft?” Regina asked, frowning.

           He shrugged. “Changed my mind and decided I wanted to spend Christmas morning with all of you. Mom’s cool with it.”

           Regina nodded, wrapping her arm around him. “Car’s outside. Let’s go.”

           Roland roused as Robin carried him into the mansion. “Can Regina tuck me in?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

           “Of course I can. If Henry doesn’t mind us reading The Night Before Christmas in the guest room.” She glanced at her son.

           Henry shook his head. “Anywhere is fine.”

           Regina changed Roland into his pajamas before tucking him into the guest bed. She crawled next to him as Henry took the other side. Robin hung back at the door until the teenager gave him a frown. “Aren’t you coming? There’s plenty of room.”

           “Are you sure?” Robin asked, hesitant.

           “It’s tradition,” Henry insisted. “Everyone on the bed for the poem.”

           “Well, if it’s tradition…” Robin approached the bed and curled next to Regina, wrapping his arm around her midsection.

           Regina opened the book and began to read. “Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”

           As she read, Roland curled closer to her until he was half-lying on her. His eyes were closed and she figured he was asleep. She kept reading as Henry cuddled closer, lying his head on her shoulder, and Robin pressed himself closer.

           “But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight,” she finished, closing the book.

           Soft snores drifted from Roland as he dozed on her and she could see Henry fighting sleep as well. Regina smiled. “Time for bed.”

           “Okay, Mom.” Henry leaned over and kissed her cheek. “See you in the morning. Good night, Robin.”

           “Night, Henry,” Robin said as Regina slid Roland back onto the bed and covered him up again.

           Robin then followed her down the hall to her own bedroom and she closed the door behind them. “Are you sure about this?” she asked.

           “Spending the night with you?” His eyes twinkled. “Of course I am, Regina. I’ve been looking forward to it all day.”

           She raised an eyebrow. “All day?”

           “Yes,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. “And it was better than I imagined.”

           “It was?”

           He nodded. “Sitting on that bed, both of our boys cuddling with you…It felt like a real family.”

           “It did,” she said softly.

           “We can have that. I know not right away as we both have so much to work through, but that’s our goal. And it makes everything so much easier to know that.” He kissed her forehead.

           She smiled. “It does. Now, care to help me bring down all the presents to put under the tree?”

           “It would be my honor,” he said, placing his hand over his heart.

           Rolling her eyes, she grabbed his sweater and pulled him after her. “Just come on.”

           They carried down the presents from where Regina had hidden them and she arranged them around the tree. Robin held one, smiling. “You got something for me?”

           “Of course,” she replied, taking it from him. “Why wouldn’t I?”

           He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I wish I was able to get you more…”

           She straightened up, laying her hands on his chest. “It’s not about how many presents you get, it’s about the love and thought put into them.”

           Robin took her hand, kissing her fingers. “I love you.”

           “I love you too,” she replied. She then smiled. “Dance with me, like when we were children.”

           He nodded, watching as she walked over to her stereo. She turned it on and a soft Christmas song played over the speakers, loud enough for them to hear but not the sleeping children upstairs.

           Regina stepped into his arms and he held her close, one hand clasped around hers. As she laid her head on his chest, he rested his chin on it. She sighed. “This is nice.”

           “It is,” he agreed, swaying them in time to the music. “Can we have this always?”

           She nodded, her cheek brushing against the wool of his sweater. “If you want it, we can have everything.”

           “Everything is a pretty tall order.”

           “I think Mary Margaret is starting to rub off on me,” she replied, crinkling her nose.

           Robin chuckled as the song changed, still a soft ballad. “It amazes me how many songs there are about this time of the year.”

           “Well, from what I understand, this holiday has existed for several centuries now. So plenty of time for people to write songs,” Regina replied. “But I think it’s the time of the year where everyone in this realm believes in magic.”

           “The songs do mention magic quite often.”

           She nodded. “When I first got here and Christmas came around, I loved to stand outside at night. If I closed my eyes, I almost felt the magic in the air.”

           “That sounds nice. Want to go do that now?” Robin asked, pulling away from her.

           Regina shook her head. “No. I have all the magic I need in here.”

           He kissed her as she turned off the music. Taking his hand, she gave him a little tug. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”

           They laid together, Robin’s arms around Regina. His eyes were closed and his breathing was even, deep in a peaceful sleep. Regina, though, had awoken with the first rays of the Christmas morning sun and now lay on her side as she watched him sleep.

           For years, she thought she would never have this—someone who loved her, someone she loved. Then Henry came into her life and he was enough for her. But there were mornings she still rolled over and felt a tug of sorrow when her arm hit the cold and empty space beside her.

           She knew there was still a lot for her and Robin to work through, both on their own and together. But she meant what she had said the night before: they could have everything. All they had to do was reach out and take it for themselves.

           Laying her hand on his chest, she scooted closer to him and curled her body around his. He moved in his sleep, pressing himself against her. She stayed there, just enjoying his presence in her bed.

           “You’re staring,” he said, voice coarse from sleep.

           “Can you blame me?” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Look who I’m sharing my bed with.”

           He chuckled. “I could say the same thing.”

           “Flatterer.”

           “I only speak the truth.” He opened his eyes as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Good morning, love.”

           She smiled. “Merry Christmas, Robin.”

           “Ahh, yes, Merry Christmas to you too.” He kissed her nose.

           Wrapping her arms around his neck, Regina sighed. “We’re racing against the clock. Our boys will wake up and want to open presents soon.”

           He nodded before kissing her, tangling one hand in her hair. She sighed into the kiss, allowing his tongue into her mouth. As it tangled with her own, she wrapped her leg around his and pulled herself closer.

           Warmth burst through her like sparklers in the sky. It was a sensation she hadn’t felt in a long time and prayed she could feel forever.

           “Eww, are you two going to kiss all day?” Roland asked.

           They broke their kiss, looking up to find him standing in the doorway. His nose was crinkled as he watched them.

           Robin chuckled. “And what if we do?”

           “What about the presents?”

           “Ahh, yes, presents.” Regina nodded, looking at Robin. “We should probably get up then.”

           He sighed. “You’re right. I guess we’ll just have to kiss later.”

           Roland ran toward them, jumping on the bed. “Can we go downstairs now?”

           “I guess so,” Robin replied, gathering his son in his arms. “We need to wake up Henry though.”

           “Can I?” Roland asked, beaming.

           She nodded, smiling. “Of course. We’ll go do it together.”

           They walked hand-in-hand to Henry’s room. Regina pushed open the door and pressed her finger to her lips. She crept inside, Roland right behind her, before nodding at the little boy. He beamed and jumped on Henry’s bed. “MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

           Henry bolted up, panting as his eyes scanned his room until he saw Roland. “Merry…Christmas…” he huffed. “Thanks for the heart attack.”

           Roland laughed as Regina kissed her son’s cheek. “Time for presents, dear.”

           “Okay, okay. Just give me a few minutes,” Henry said, plopping back down onto the bed.

           “Don’t go back to sleep,” she warned, taking Roland into her arms. “Or you’ll miss all the fun.”

           Henry nodded as Regina headed downstairs. She found Robin in the kitchen, already making breakfast. “What are you cooking?” she asked.

           “I thought I would try French toast,” he replied. “Granny makes it and I’ve grown very fond of it.”

           She smiled. “It smells delicious. Come on, Roland. Let’s set the table for everyone.”

           Roland enjoyed being her little helper, placing the forks next to the plates as she instructed. Henry stumbled into the kitchen and was given glasses to put on the table.

           “Milk or orange juice?” she asked.

           Her men looked at each other before saying: “Milk.”

           She chuckled, pulling out the carton as Robin brought the first batch of French toast to the table. “Eat up,” he instructed.

           Robin took his seat next to Regina, holding her hand as they ate their breakfast. Henry looked at it and Roland leaned closer. “I found them kissing this morning,” he whispered loudly.

           “You’ll probably find us kissing again later,” Robin whispered at the same volume, teasing his son.

           As Roland crinkled his nose again, Regina turned to Henry. He was laughing and when he caught his other’s eye, he winked. She smiled, patting his leg. “Eat up. We’re in for quite the morning,” she told him.

           “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Henry replied.

           Once the dishes were cleared and the kitchen cleaned, they made their way into the living room and sat around the tree. Roland eagerly handed out everyone’s presents before plopping down in Regina’s lap to open his.

           She helped him tear into the wrapping paper and pull it off, revealing a set of superhero action figures inside. His eyes widened and he gave Henry a toothy grin. “Just like yours!”

           “Yep,” Henry said, smiling. “I thought you would want your own to play with at Granny’s.”

           Robin chuckled. “What do you say, Roland?”

           “Thank you!” he said, setting his toys aside to hand Regina a present. “This one’s from me.”

           She smiled. “Thank you, Roland. I can’t wait to see what it is.”

           He bounced in her lap as she tore off the wrapping paper to find a picture frame inside. Inside was a picture of the two of them baking cookies together. “Henry helped me with it,” Roland explained.

           “It’s wonderful,” Regina said, hugging him. “I love it.”

           “Will you put it on your desk? With the pictures of Henry?”

           She smiled, kissing his cheek. “Of course I’ll put in on my desk. I know the perfect spot for it.”

           They passed around more presents and soon Regina’s floor was littered in bits of wrapping paper. She didn’t mind one bit, sitting cross-legged amongst the mess as Roland played with his new train and Henry was already engrossed in his latest handheld game. Robin sat down behind her, letting her lean against his chest.

           “Merry Christmas,” he said, holding out a small present for her.

She opened the box to reveal a carving of two hearts entwined. Her name was inscribed on one and his was on the other. “Oh, Robin.”

“I know it’s not much,” he started but she silenced his doubts with a kiss.

Regina kept her hand on his mouth. “It’s beautiful. And I know the perfect spot on my desk for this too.”

His eyes crinkled in a smile and he kissed the palm of her hand before she removed it. She set the box down and stood up. “Wait here. I’m going to get your last present.”

“More?” He glanced around at the little pile of gifts next to him. “Regina, I have more than enough.”

She shook her head, darting out of the living room and toward the closet. Opening it, she pulled out the present she had hidden from him and hurried back. “Merry Christmas, Robin.”

His mouth fell open and he reached out, taking the guitar in his hands like it was a baby. Running his hands over the wood and strings, Robin was touched. “This is beautiful.”

“After you told me about how you stopped playing, I knew I had to get you your own guitar. Now you can have music with you always,” she said.

“Thank you, Regina.” He leaned close and kissed her, cupping her cheek as he did so.

“Eww, they’re doing it again,” Roland exclaimed.

They broke their kiss, chuckling. Regina turned to the two boys. “Well, now that all the presents are opened, it’s time to clean up.”

Henry groaned as he patted Roland’s back. “Come on, kid. I’ll show you my least favorite Christmas tradition.”

Roland followed Henry out of the room while Regina pulled Robin closer to her. “Want to go upstairs and occupy ourselves while the boys are busy cleaning?”

“I would love to but I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. Maybe after a few more sessions with Archie…” Robin trailed off, looking uncertain and vulnerable.

“I understand,” she replied. “I was just hoping for some kisses that aren’t interrupted by a disgusted five years old.”

Robin’s eyes lit up and he took her hands. “I think I can do that. Lead the way, milady.”

They laid on her bed, exchanging heated kisses. His hands slipped under her pajama shirt, hot against her skin. One hand cupped her breast and Robin groaned into one of their kisses. “I’m so glad you didn’t put on a bra,” he said.

“Right now, so am I,” she moaned as he squeezed. “Don’t stop.”

He nodded, kissing her again as his thumb teased her nipple. She wrapped her leg around his and began to grind against him.

“Slow down, lovely,” he murmured. “No need to rush.”

“It’s just been so long,” she whispered. “I know you’re not ready…”

He hushed her, untying her pajama pants. “I may not be ready but I can certainly see to your pleasure in other ways.”

She gasped as his hand dipped under her pajamas, pushing down her panties until one finger brushed against her clit. Her eyes closed as he rubbed circles there, kissing her neck as he did so.

A moan left her parted lips as she felt the first electric currents of pleasure coursing through her. She dug her fingers into his hair, grasping onto his thick locks. His lips locked onto the spot guaranteed to turn her limbs into jelly. Between his lips and his finger, she grew lightheaded as her heart sped up.

Heat pooled low inside her, ready to explode as Robin’s other hand returned to massaging her breast. She gasped, trying to keep herself quiet. They didn’t need the boys stumbling in on them like this.

“Robin!” she exclaimed in a breathy whisper, her body vibrating from all the sensations long absent from her.

He held her, running his hand through her hair. “How do you feel?”

“Wonderful.” She kept her eyes closed as she rested her head on his shoulder, pressing her face against his neck.

They laid together, holding each other as they heard feet heading toward the room. Both held their breath as the door opened. “Are they sleeping?” Roland whispered loudly.

“I think so,” Henry replied softly. “Let’s let them sleep a bit longer. Why don’t I teach you how to play one of my video games?”

Roland let out a quiet cheer and they heard the door close. Beside her, Robin chuckled. “We just earned ourselves some extra sleep.”

“Merry Christmas to us,” she whispered.

Regina and Robin caught an hour’s nap before Henry tiptoed in, shaking his mother. She hummed as she opened one eye, frowning. “What’s wrong, Henry?”

“Mom’s going to be coming soon to take me to Grandma and Grandpa’s for Christmas dinner. I was hoping we could have lunch before I go,” he said.

She nodded sitting up. “Okay, okay. I’ll be down in a few minutes. Why don’t you and Roland set the table for us?”

Once Henry left the room, she shook Robin. “Time to wake up.”

“I know,” he mumbled. “I heard.”

“Then it’s time for us to face our sons again.”

He nodded, sitting up. “So, what are going to have for lunch?”

“I really don’t know,” she replied. “I haven’t really thought about it. What do you want?”

Robin smiled. “I’m really in the mood for your lasagna.”

She brightened. “I have leftovers from the other night. We can heat that up and lunch will be served. You’re amazing.”

Cupping his face, she kissed him before hopping out of bed. She sighed. “I guess I should also change out of my pajamas, huh?”

“We should look like we tried to make an effort,” he agreed, slipping out of bed. He wrapped his arms around her. “Though I think you look beautiful no matter what you wear.”

“Thank you. Now, we should get changed before the boys come to investigate what’s taking us so long.”

           A few minutes later, she and Robin headed down to the kitchen. Their boys were sitting at the table, waiting for them patiently. She smiled at them, clapping her hands together. “How about some lasagna?”

           Regina carried a tray laden with the remnants of their cookies and hot chocolate back into the kitchen. Emma had picked up Henry a few hours ago when she had started the Christmas movie marathon with Roland and Robin. Now, father and son were getting ready to join the Merry Men for Christmas dinner.

           Part of her wanted to begin them to stay but she knew this was a big step in Robin’s healing. He was going to start reintegrating himself with his men, to begin socializing with his dearest friends again. So she was going to watch them leave, knowing at least that she’ll see them in the morning.

           She took a deep breath and put a smile on as she returned to the living room. It became more genuine when she found Roland sitting on Robin’s lap, his father guiding his little hand as he strummed the guitar. Robin’s fingers closed on the strings, forming the notes and chords the boy played.  “That sounds amazing.”

           “Thanks, Regina!” Roland looked up at her, beaming. “Papa says I can play it by myself once my arms get longer.”

           Regina ran her hand through his curls. “Well, you’ll have to play for me once they do. Okay?”

           “Of course!” the boy promised.

           “Well, my boy, I’m afraid we have to put the guitar away for now,” Robin said, putting the instrument down. “It’s time for us to go visit the Merry Men.”

           “Can Regina come?” Roland asked.

           Robin glanced at her before shaking his head. “It’s just us and the Merry Men. Like old times.”

           “Oh.” Roland’s face fell.

           She crouched down to be eye level with him. “Don’t worry. You’ll see me again soon enough.”

           Roland threw his arms around her. “I’ll miss you, Regina.”

           “Me too,” she whispered. “But you’ll have lots of fun with the Merry Men. Trust me.”

           He nodded and Robin put him on the couch. “I’m going to get our coats, okay, Roland?”

           Regina sat down next to the boy, holding him close. He leaned against her. “Can we still bake cookies? Even though it’s not Christmas anymore?”

           “Of course! Cookies aren’t just a Christmas thing. You let me know when you want cookies and we’ll bake them.”

           He cheered softly and moved to sit on her lap. Roland leaned against her as his father returned. As Robin held out his son’s coat, she smiled. “Come on, Roland. Time to go.”

           “I want to stay with Regina,” he said, pouting. “I don’t want to go.”

           Robin frowned. “You don’t want to see Uncle John, Uncle Will and all your other uncles?”

           The boy shook his head, clinging to Regina. “I want to stay here.”

           She saw the fight raging in Robin’s head play out in his eyes. This night was important and she didn’t want to deny him it. Nor did she want to cave to a petulant five years-old. But Roland’s death grip and the tears in his eyes proved that he really didn’t want to leave. So she kissed his forehead. “He can stay. I don’t mind,” she said softly.

           Robin nodded, putting his son’s coat down. “Okay. I’m going to head to the camp. If you change your mind, Roland, you can have Regina call me. I’ll come get you.”

           “I’m not leaving,” Roland insisted.

           “He’ll be fine,” she said, following him to the door with the boy in her arms. “Have a good time, Robin. You deserve it.”

           He nodded, kissing her and Roland before swinging his guitar onto his back with the strap she had bought as well. “You two try not to have too much fun without me. Okay?”

           “We’ll try,” she replied, “but I can’t make any promises.”

           With one last smile, Robin walked down her walkway and into the night to join his men at their camp. Regina stood there, holding Roland as she took in the cold winter night. She took one last breath of Christmas air and closed the door, looking at the boy. “Let’s go have some dinner.”

           Roland slept in her bed that night. They had had a fun evening filled with turkey sandwiches, pie and hot chocolate. She helped him play with his new train set and taught him a few of the board games Henry had loved as a child. Roland loved them just as much, playing them until he was falling asleep on the floor.

           As she picked him up to put to bed, he clung to her again. “Can I sleep with you? In your big bed?”

           “Of course,” she replied, helping him into his pajamas. She tucked him into bed before preparing herself to get to sleep as well.

           Regina climbed into bed, flicking off the light as Roland rolled closer to her. They cuddled close together, his curls tickling her nose again. She brushed them down, taking in the lingering pine scent that seemed to follow Robin and his son. With a sigh, she fell asleep.

           A soft rustle woke Regina later that night. Her eyes popped open as she took in her surroundings. Roland was still asleep, now sprawled out next to her. She lifted her head, spotting a form moving in her room.

           She sat up, conjuring a fireball. “Who’s there?”

           “Peace!” Robin’s face was illuminated and he had his hands raised in the air.

           Regina let her fireball die down as she turned on her lamp. Beside her, Roland squirmed and buried his face in the pillow as Robin smiled at his son. She scowled at him, though. “Did you break in?”

           “I didn’t want to wake you,” he admitted, hands still raised. “I thought I could slip in and get to bed. You know, surprise you in the morning.”

           “You mean give me a heart attack.”

           He shrugged. “To be honest, I’ve had a few ales. So this sounds like a brilliant plan now.”

           Regina sighed. “Why did you leave camp?”

           “I missed you.”

           She softened. Yes, he was an idiot but he was an idiot in love with her. “I missed you too.”

           “Am I forgiven then?”

           “Just get in the bed,” she said, chuckling. “And try not to wake Roland.”

           He nodded, pulling back the blankets enough to slip in next to his sleeping son. Robin curled around Roland, facing Regina. The boy shifted closer to his father, as if sensing the man’s presence. Robin chuckled, kissing his son’s forehead before lying his head down. “Good night, Regina.”

           “Good night,” Robin,” she whispered. “I love you.”

           “I love you too.” He leaned closer, careful of Roland, and kissed her.

           They settled down and Regina fell asleep, her hand held firmly by Robin as he did the same.

           Regina woke up to something heavy landing on her feet. It then traveled up her body until something soft and feathery tickled her nose. She opened her nose, finding a mess of dark curls by her. “Roland?”

           “Morning, Regina,” he said, cuddling closer to her. “I came looking for Papa. Can I stay with you?”

           “Of course.” She pulled the blankets over him and his small body curled against hers. Regina glanced over him to find the other side of her bed empty. Where had Robin gone? But with Roland weighing her down, Regina couldn’t go find him. So she laid her head back on the pillow and let sleep pull her under again.

           When she next came to, it was to the smell of bacon and coffee. Her eyes blinked open to find that Roland had rolled over and was now laying completely on her, with his head pillowed on her chest. She smiled, rubbing his back.

           Henry appeared in the doorway, rubbing his eyes. “What smells so good?”

           “I think Robin’s finally making me breakfast,” she replied. “You go downstairs. We’ll be down shortly.”

           “Okay. But you better hurry. I can’t guarantee us big strong men won’t eat everything on you.” He winked at her.

           She let out a soft chuckle, which caused Roland to stir. He clutched her shirt tighter and buried his face in her neck. Letting out a sigh, she shook him gently. “Roland, it’s time to wake up.”

           “Don’t wanna,” he said, shaking his head. “Too comfortable.”

           “I know. But Papa and Henry will eat all the food if you don’t.”

           Roland sat up, eyes wide. “Really?”

           “Uh huh,” Regina said, nodding. “We can’t let them do that, can we?”

           “No!” Roland hopped out of bed, tugging on her hand. “Come on, Regina! We hafta go downstairs.”

           She laughed, grabbing her bathrobe and slippers as Roland pulled her downstairs to the kitchen.

           “Good morning!” Robin greeted as they entered the room. He stood at the stove, frying several slices of bacon. “How do you like your eggs?”

           “Scrambled!” Roland exclaimed, bouncing up and down.

           Robin chuckled, looking at his son. “I know how you like your eggs, Roland. I was asking Regina.”

           Laughing, Regina answered: “Sunnyside up.”

           “Sounds good,” he replied. “I also made you some coffee, Regina. Two sugars, lots of milk?”

           “I’m impressed you remembered.” Regina picked up her mug and joined Henry at the table, Roland following.

           He glanced at her over his shoulder. “I remembered a lot, Regina.”

           Looking between Robin and his mother, Henry raised his eyebrow. “Am I missing something?”

           “I’ll tell you later,” Regina told her son, patting his hand as Robin placed her plate in front of her. She smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

           “Well, I did owe you breakfast.” He winked at her.

           Now even Roland was confused. “Why?”

           Robin came up with a good answer first. “For letting us stay the night. It was only right.”

           Though Roland looked satisfied, Henry still seemed suspicious. He didn’t say anything, changing the subject. “So, are we still going to get Robin and Roland a tree today?”

           “Yes, of course,” Regina replied, ruffling Roland’s hair as he bounced in his seat. “We’ll find them the best tree ever.”

           Roland cheered as his father brought his own plate to the table. He chuckled as he patted Henry’s back. “I trust your expertise in these matters.”

           “When you boys finish, you should go and change,” she said. “Roland, there will be some clothes waiting for you in the room you shared with your father.”

           “Thank you, Regina.” He jumped up from the table and headed toward the exit.

           Robin called him back. “You need to put your plate in the sink. You know that.”

           “Sorry, Papa.” Roland picked up his plate and Regina watched as he took it to her sink. He laid it down inside and turned back them. “May I be excused now?”

           “Yes, you may,” Robin told his son. He watched as Roland raced from the room and they heard his feet thumping on the stairs.

           Henry picked up his plate and put it in the sink as well. “Can I be excused, Mom?”

           “Of course. Thank you, Henry,” she said. He stopped by her chair, kissing her cheek before continuing out of the room.

           Robin reached over and took her hand. “Alone at last.”

           “Indeed,” she replied before growing serious. “Did you get anymore sleep last night? After the memory?”

           He nodded. “Some. Why?”

           “You were gone when Roland crawled into bed with me a few hours ago. I was concerned,” she replied.

           “I left to pick up a few things for breakfast. Namely the bacon.”

           She nodded. “I had wondered where it came from.”

           “The walk helped me clear my head a bit.” He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “The new year is starting to look brighter and brighter.”

           “Oh?”

           “Yes,” he replied, leaning back. “I’m done with letting Zelena hold my life captive. It’s not fair to me, you, Roland…or my unborn child.”

           Though his voice hitched, it was the first time Robin had said he was expecting a child out loud since New York. She figured it was progress. “What do you want to do about said child?”

           “I don’t know but my gut is telling me that I can’t leave him or her with Zelena. Look what she did to the last baby she got her hands on.”

           Regina nodded, thinking of Baby Neal swaddled in a basket as Zelena’s spell swirled on the floor of the barn. “I think everyone will agree it would be best to keep the child away from her. You think you can handle a baby?”

           “I have before,” he reminded her. “And I’ll have just as much help as then, I hope.”

           “You’ll have me,” she replied, smiling.

           He leaned toward her, giving her a quick kiss. “And that means the world to me.”

           “I’m sorry I kept away when you needed me the most,” she told him, laying her hand on his cheek.

           Robin covered her hand with his. “Water under the bridge. Let’s just move forward.”

           “Together,” she replied.

           “Together,” he echoed.

           Henry and Roland stormed into the kitchen, frowning as they took in their parents. “Why aren’t you dressed? We need to pick a tree!” Roland exclaimed.

           Regina and Robin laughed as he stood to scoop up his son. “I’m dressed, my boy. So I guess you were talking to Regina?”

           “Uh huh.”

           “I see.” Robin tried to look stern but his lips were twitching, fighting his smile. “She is still a queen. You ought to address her more respectfully.”

           “I don’t have to call her Majesty anymore. She told me that herself,” Roland replied. “Back before the scary lady made you forget how much you liked her.”

           They froze and Regina blinked a few times. “Roland, did you have a dream last night about the time we spent together in the Enchanted Forest?”

           He nodded before scrunching his face. “But it felt like a memory. I thought it happened.”

           “It did,” Regina assured him. “It was taken from us.”

           “By the scary lady,” Roland said. “She stopped you and Papa from falling in love and you becoming my new mama.”

           Regina’s heart sped up and she met Robin’s eyes. The truth in there told her all she needed to know—had Zelena not intervened, she and Robin probably would’ve been married by now. Maybe all this pain could’ve been avoided.

           Henry frowned. “I am definitely missing something.”

           “Yes, you are,” she replied, pulling her son close. “I’m going to go change and we’ll tell you all about it as we go to pick out Robin and Roland’s Christmas tree.”

           It was lunch time when they finally finished picking out the perfect tree for the Hood men. Especially as they realized they needed to buy all the decorations Robin and Roland would need to make their small room at Granny’s more festive. Roland had gotten overexcited and almost had a meltdown in the store when Regina had insisted they had more than enough. Henry had saved the day, offering to take him to get a snack. Regina had handed her son the money with a rush of relief and gratitude.

           Now, they placed the boxes and bags in the room as Robin held his son. He smiled at Regina and Henry. “Can I interest you in lunch? Courtesy of Granny?”

           Their stomachs growled and Regina exchanged a look with her son. She nodded. “Lunch sounds great.”

           Robin led them to a booth in the back and went to talk with Granny. Henry helped Roland with the games on the placemat as Regina watched them, a sad smile on her face. They could’ve had this all along.

           She really was going to pull out every red strand of hair from her sister’s head.

           Henry glanced up and frowned. “Mom? Is something wrong?”

           “Not really,” she replied, reaching out for their hands. “I’m just so happy we’re all together again.”

           Robin sat down next to her, smiling at them. “I’ve ordered us all burgers and some drinks. Sound good?”

           They all nodded as Roland went back to his games. Regina leaned against Robin and sighed, happily. He kissed the top of her head.

           “Well, look at this lovely little family tableau.” Emma walked up, smiling at them. “What brings the combined Hood-Mills family out today?”

           “We bought a Christmas tree!” Roland said, smiling up at her. “And we’re going to decorate after lunch.”

           Emma smiled. “That sounds like a lot of fun. But I am going to have to steal Henry later.”

           Henry grimaced. “Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s. I forgot.”

           “I figured,” Emma replied, sharing a knowing look with Regina.

           Reaching over to take Henry’s hand, Regina smiled at him. “Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll finish decorating in plenty of time to get you over to the loft.”

           “I can come pick him up after my shift,” Emma offered. “So you don’t have to go out of your way.”

           “Sounds good. Thank you,” Regina replied as a waitress brought over their lunch.

           Emma nodded. “I’ll leave you four to your family time. Henry, I’ll see you at five-thirty?”

           “Okay, Mom. See you then.” Henry smiled at her before helping Roland put ketchup on his hamburger.

           Regina popped a French fry in her mouth, happier than she felt in a long, long time.

           And that scared her.

           Robin and Roland’s small room at Granny’s definitely looked more festive by the time five-thirty rolled around. The tree was set up on the small table and the ornaments they bought for it hung on each bough. Lights were hung in the window, blinking different colors as it grew darker outside. Henry had figured out how to hang garland around the room and taped some of the paper decorations on the walls.

           “It’s Christmas!” Roland exclaimed as he bounced on the bed.

           His father grabbed him. “No jumping on the bed. Granny won’t forgive us for a damaged bed.”

           “Sorry, Papa.” The boy’s apology was undercut by his giggles.

           Regina smiled as she took in the scene, shaking her head before knocking on the bathroom door. “Henry, you almost done? Emma will be here soon.”

           He opened the door, stepping out. “Yeah. Sorry I took so long. I worked up a sweat decorating.”

           “And probably an appetite as well.” Robin clapped him on the shoulder. “Thank you for all your help.”

           “Of course. Anything for you and Roland.” Henry held up his hand, getting a high five from the young boy.

           He then kissed Regina’s cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mom. I love you.”

           “Do you want me to walk you to Emma’s car?”

           “Mom, I think I can walk through Granny’s by myself,” he said, giving her a look that clearly told her to back off.

           She stepped away and nodded. “Have fun, Henry.”

           He gave one last wave and closed the door behind him. Regina sat down on the bed and Roland hopped up onto her lap. “Don’t be sad, Regina. You still have us!”

           Robin sat down next to her, resting his hand on her knee. “You can stay with us for dinner, if you want.”

           “That’s okay,” she replied. “I think a quiet evening at home will do me good.”

           He hesitated, frowning. “I don’t want to let you out my sight.”

           “Me neither,” Roland said, leaning closer to her. “Someone might take you away from us again.”

           She rubbed his arm as Robin’s hand came to rest on her back. “No one is going to take me from you again. I won’t let them.”

           “Can you protect your memories like you did your heart?” Robin asked, laying his hand on her chest.

           Regina shook her head. “There’s no spell for that. I looked for one after Zelena stole our memories when Snow casted the Dark Curse to get us back to Emma.”

           “What does that mean?” Roland asked with a frown.

           She ran a hand through his curls. “It means we keep making so many memories together that no one can possibly steal them all.”

           He chuckled. “I like the sound of that.”

           “Me too,” Robin whispered.

           Roland wrapped his arms around her neck. “So you’ll stay with us?”

           “I guess dinner and dessert wouldn’t hurt,” she replied, heart and resolve melting. “But I think we should have something other than Granny’s. What do you say to some pizza?”

           “Pizza?” Roland’s eyes grew big. “What’s that?”

           Regina wondered how he had not tried pizza in New York when it was all Henry was able to talk about after his year living there when she remembered Roland didn’t recall going to New York. So she smiled and rubbed noses with him. “You’re in for a very special treat.”

           “Really?” Roland jumped down, tugging on her hand and Robin’s. “Let’s go then!”

           Roland loved pizza. He enjoyed watching the cheese stretch from his slice to his mouth as he ate the stringy dairy product with a smile. “This is delicious!” he said, mouth full.

           “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Regina reprimanded, wiping his face with a napkin. “And I’m glad you like it.”

           He chuckled, taking another bite of pizza. Robin leaned in to whisper: “He loved pizza in New York as well. It was one of the few joys we got there.”

           “New York has some great pizza, I’ve been told,” she whispered back.

           “What are you talking about?” Roland frowned, glaring at them.

           They laughed. “Just how adorable you are,” she replied, cupping his chin.

           Placated, Roland turned back to his pizza as Regina leaned against Robin. “This has been a great day.”

           “Yes, it has,” he agreed.

           Roland looked up at her. “Can you stay with us forever?”

           She sighed, her smile dimming a bit. “I would love to, but I think we need to work up to that a bit more. But I promise I’m not going anywhere.”

           “I think it’s time to let Regina go home,” Robin said, picking up his son. “You need to go to bed.”

           “Can Regina tuck me in. Please?” Roland gave both adults his best puppy dog eyes.

           She smiled. “Of course. I’d love to.”

           Robin took her hand and they walked back to Granny’s as a light snow began to fall on Storybrooke. The white flakes decorated their hair—two full of dark curls and one of golden locks. She smiled as she looked up at the sky. “We might have a white Christmas.”

           “It sounds lovely,” Robin said. “Or at least it does in the songs I hear on the radio.”

           “You really do love music, don’t you?”

           He nodded. “We used to sing songs around the campfire and I once tried to get Much to teach me how to play his guitar. It was going well but I soon had Marian and Roland to care for and, well…”

           “Priorities shifted,” she said. “I get it. The same thing happened to me after I adopted Henry. Long nights at the office were no longer the norm. And suddenly I was paying close attention to what I was buying at the grocery store.”

           “Don’t get me started on the grocery store. I went there a few weeks ago and nearly went cross-eyed. Food is food. Why are there so many different varieties of the same thing?” Robin sounded exasperated.

           She laughed. “There are a lot of strange things about this world I still can’t explain.”

           “But it’s home,” he replied.

           “Exactly.” Regina smiled at him as they arrived at Granny’s. “Speaking of homes…”

           He sighed. “Yes, we’re here. Shall we?”

           She followed father and son back to their room. Roland had been fighting sleep all the way back there and so he changed into his pajamas willingly. He brushed his teeth under Regina’s watchful eye and climbed into bed.

           Pulling the covers over him, she pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Story or song?” she asked.

           “Story!” he said, fighting to keep his eyes open.

           “Okay.” She sat down on the edge of his bed. “What story do you want?”

           Roland tapped his finger against his chin before smiling wide. “Can you tell me how you and Papa met? Please?”

           She chuckled. “I’d love to tell you that. It was at a Yule Ball when we were both twelve, not much younger than Henry is now. And we were very, very bored…”

           Leaving out the part where her mother stole their memories, Roland drifted off to sleep with images of his father and Regina twirling around a starlit courtyard no doubt filling his dreams. She kissed his forehead again and slid off the bed.

           Robin pulled her into his arms and she laid her head on his chest. “Thank you. That made his night.”

           “It made mine,” she whispered, sighing.

           He kissed her head. “When will we see you again?”

           “You make it sound like I live far away rather than a couple miles down the road,” she said with a chuckle. “You’ll probably see me tomorrow. And the day after that.”

           “I like the sound of that.”

           She leaned up and kissed him. “Until then.”

She hurried away before the princess could stop her. Regina took the stairs two at a time, her skirts held high to avoid tripping. It was just a short trip from the stairs to her room and she closed the door, sagging against it with a sigh.

Yule. Christmas. Whatever they were going to call it now. It had never been a particularly happy time for her until Henry had come along. And now she was without him, so why celebrate? She would just lock herself in her room for the day and go over her books again. No one would bother her, she knew.

Until the knocking start. She put a scowl on her face as she opened the door, knowing who was the on the other side. "Do you have a sixth sense about when I don’t want to be disturbed, thief?”

Robin leaned against the doorway, arms crossed as he smiled. “It’s a gift, milady.”

"What do you want?" she asked, not hiding how tired she sounded as she moved back into her room.

He followed her, closing the door behind her. “Are you well, Regina? Is something wrong?”

“Do you have time for me to list everything?” She sat down at her vanity as he sat across from her on the chair she kept at her desk.

“Have you been sleeping?”

She shrugged. “Some. Mostly catnaps.”

“Regina,” he chided gently. “You know you need rest. And I know you want to defeat your sister, but how can you do it when you are seconds away from collapsing?”  

“It’s just…hard being without Henry and being back here. I wasn’t exactly happy here after all,” she admitted.

He moved over, hugging her. She curled into his embrace, clutching his tunic. Regina couldn’t pinpoint when their relationship had changed from bantering acquaintances to dear friends, but she was glad it had. While Snow tried to help her and forced her to confront things, Robin let her handle her grief in her own way and stood by her side as she did so.

Not lifting her head from his shoulder, she asked: “Did you come here just to check on me or did you have another reason?”

“Both,” he replied. "I'm going out on patrol tomorrow with my men. Roland wants to spend the day with you."

Regina smiled as she thought about Roland, the little boy with dark curls, warm brown eyes and the most beautiful dimples. He had been the first person who made the pain of losing Henry hurt a little bit less and in doing so, brought her closer to Robin. "I'd love to spend the day with Roland."

"Thank you," Robin said, sounding relieved. "He loves to spend time with you and it would be best if I went out with all my men."

"Of course. Feel free to drop him off first thing in the morning. I'll be up."

“You shouldn’t be, but I know you will.” Robin pulled his arm from around her. "Get some sleep, Regina. Please."

"I will." At his knowing look, she gave him a soft smile. "I mean it, Robin. I'm going to bed as soon as you leave. Promise."

"Good. Good night, Regina."

She watched as he walked out, giving her one more smile before closing the door. Loneliness washed over Regina and she moved toward her bed to keep her promise to him. As she climbed into bed, she wondered if he would ever stay the night were she to ask him.

The thought gave her pause. Did she want her relationship with Robin to change? After Daniel, she swore she would never love again. Was Robin going to make her break that vow? If she did break it, would she end up hurt all over again?

She sighed, collapsing against her pillows. Thoughts like that would keep her awake. So she banished them for her mind and waved her hand to plunge the room into darkness, trying to get some sleep.  

Regina was awake and actually felt refreshed the following morning. She chose a simple blue gown, something not so much the "Evil Queen" so not to scare Roland. Brushing out her hair, she felt excited to spend the day with him. He reminded her how magical the world was to a child.

Quick raps came to her door and she crossed the room in a few strides to open it. Robin stood outside, holding a sleepy Roland in his arms. "I'm afraid someone can't seem to wake up this morning," he said.

"That's okay," Regina replied, holding out her arms for Roland. "It is pretty early."

Roland's arms tightened around her neck as he laid his head against her shoulder. She began rocking him as she smiled at his father. "Be safe out there. Who knows what my sister has planned?"

"I will, milady," he promised. He leaned forward to plant a kiss in Roland's curls. "I love you, my boy."

"Love you too," Roland's muffled response came.

Robin pulled back and met Regina's eyes. It felt like they were a little family--a mother holding her son as she said goodbye to her husband. They were so close, all she had to was lean forward an inch and their lips would be touching. Her eyes fluttered closed as she did that, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. "Good luck," she whispered.

"Thank you." He pulled back, clearing his throat as he gave her a little smile. "I'll see you both later."

With that, he was gone.

She closed the door, realizing she had changed their relationship. And she found she was excited about it. While she didn’t know what would happen when Robin returned, she knew it would be positive. That was something she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

While smiling still, Regina laid Roland on her bed and curled up next to him. A little more sleep couldn't hurt.

"Regina? Can I ask you a question?" Roland looked up at her with wide brown eyes.

She smiled at him. "Of course, sweetie."

"Why haven't you decorated for Yule?"

Regina's smile faltered. "I don't really like celebrating it."

"Why?"

"Many reasons, sweetie," she replied, running a hand through his hair. "But for the most part, it's because Yule has never been a happy time for me. So I see no reason to celebrate."

Roland frowned. "Did you celebrate with Henry?"

Ignoring the pang of pain in her heart, Regina pulled Roland onto her lap and held him close. "I did. But it wasn't called Yule in my world. They called it Christmas."

"That's a funny name."

"I guess it is," Regina replied, tickling him. "But they had their reasons for calling it that."

Roland laughed, wriggling in her grasp. "Stop it, Regina! That tickles!"

"What's the magic word?"

"Please," Roland gasped out.

She ceased her tickling and held him close. "There you go."

"You're being silly," he giggled. "I like it."

"Me too." She leaned down and nuzzled his nose. "What do you want to do now?"

His stomach growled and he smiled sheepishly. "Can we get something to eat?"

"Of course. Let's go see what Granny's making in the kitchens." She picked him up and settled him on his hip, heading out of the room.

Robin and his men didn't return by nightfall. Everyone was concerned but figured they would camp out and return in the morning. Regina decided she would keep Roland for the night, using her magic to make a bed for him. She carried him down to the Merry Men camp to retrieve his things, trying to ignore how eerie the camp felt when there was no one in it.

"Regina? Will my Papa come home?" he asked, arms tightening around her neck.

"I'm sure he will," she replied, patting his back. "Your father is a survivor."

Once she had everything she needed, she took him back to her room. She changed him and put him to bed. "Do you want a bedtime story?"

"Can you sing me a lullaby? Please?" Roland looked up at her with pleading eyes.

Her smile faltered. Regina had never considered herself much of a singer but she couldn't say no to the boy. So she ran her hand through his curls as she started to sing softly to him, recalling an old lullaby her father had once sang to her. His eyes fluttered closed and soon he was sound asleep. Regina kissed his forehead before climbing into bed herself.

She woke a few hours later to a tiny form standing by her bed. Tears ran down Roland's face and he shook. Regina sat up and cupped his wet, hot cheek. "Roland, sweetie, what's wrong?"

"I had a nightmare. Papa went away forever, just like Mama." Roland sniffled. "Can I sleep with you?"

"Of course. Hop in." She held up her blankets, letting him slide in. He curled against her side and soon they were asleep again.

The Merry Men still weren't back in the morning. Regina left Roland with Granny as she attended a council meeting on what to do next. "Maybe we should send out a search party," Snow suggested. "They might be lost or injured."

"It's more likely they're flying monkeys and working for Zelena," Grumpy said.

Regina tried not to shudder at the thought of Robin being forced to work for her deranged sister. "We need to at least make an attempt to find them," she said. "For Roland's sake. He can't lose another parent. Not if we can do something to save Robin."

David nodded. "Then we'll arrange a small search party and leave at first light."

"Thank you," Regina replied. "If you don't mind, I'd rather get back to Roland."

She rose and exited the room, taking a moment to compose herself. It was enough for Snow to catch up with her. "Are you okay, Regina?"

"No. I might have to look Roland in those sweet brown eyes and tell him that his father, his whole world, isn't coming home. How can I do that?"

Snow took her hands. "At least he'll still have you."

"It won't be the same. Roland isn't Henry and I'm not his father."

"But you two could be a family." Snow tilted her head. "What if we find Robin? Would you want to be a family with him and Roland?"

Regina recalled the kiss she shared with Robin and shrugged, not wanting to share anything with Snow.

The princess, though, was persistent. "Has something happened between you two?"

"That is none of your business," she snapped.

Snow smiled. "Something has happened. Tell me."

"I'm going back to Roland. Good day, Snow."

Regina stalked away but Snow was not deterred. She yelled after her: "I'll find out what happened, Regina. You can't keep it secret forever."

"Yes, I can, Snow. I'm not you!" She stalked off but she imagined her stepdaughter's shocked expression and it brought a smile to her face as she returned to her rooms.

Regina brought Roland with her down to Robin's camp in order to get the rest of his things. It seemed eerie without any of the Merry Men and Roland's grip on her neck tightened. She rubbed his back. "Don't worry, sweetie. We'll be out of here in a few moments."

"Is my Papa gone like my Mama?" Roland asked her.

"No, sweetie. He's probably just lost." She used her magic to gather Roland's things and rubbed his back. "He'll be back soon."

"You think so?" Roland sniffed.

She smiled at him. "I know so. Now, let's go back to my room and I'll tell you a bedtime story. How's that?"

"Okay, Regina." He laid his head down on her shoulder as she carried him back to her rooms.

After a bath, she studied his nightshirt and shook her head. "This is one of your father's shirts, isn't it?"

"Uh huh," Roland replied.

"Well, let's get you some proper pajamas, shall we?" Regina raised her hand, ready to snap her fingers. His eyes went wide and his face turned white as he moved away from her. Concerned, she lowered her hand. "Roland, sweetie, what's wrong?"

"This is Papa's. I don't want to lose it." Roland started to sniff as tears filled his eyes.

Regina felt guilty and pulled him close. "You can keep it. I'll put it in your bed and you can sleep with it. But I think you'll be more comfortable in pajamas that fit you. Do you want to try that?"

"But I can keep Papa's shirt?"

"Yes," she assured him. "It'll always be within your reach."

Roland nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll try the pajamas."

She nodded and snapped her fingers, clothing Roland in a green long-sleeved top paired with green and white flannel pants. "There you go. How does that feel?"

"It feels warm and soft." Roland smiled briefly before frowning. "And Papa's shirt?"

"Come with me and see." Regina took his hand and brought him to his bed. She pulled down the blankets, revealing his father's shirt laid out underneath.

Roland wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you so much, Regina."

"You're welcome. Now come on, into bed." She watched as he scrambled into his bed, pressing himself against the shirt. Once she covered him with the blankets, she kissed his forehead. "Good night, my little knight."

"Regina?" Roland asked, voice small. She hummed, still rubbing his back, letting him know he could continue. "Will you be my Mama? If Papa doesn't come back?"

Regina swallowed past the lump in her throat. "Your Papa is coming back."

"But if he doesn't? Will you be my Mama?"

"Yes," she whispered, voice cracking. "I will be your Mama."

Roland smiled as he settled under his blankets. "Good."

As he drifted off to sleep, she kissed his forehead. She sat at his side, just running her hand through his curls as the night went on.

Red led a small search party the next day. As they left the palace grounds, Regina and Roland watched from the balcony outside her room. She bounced him, trying to get him to smile. "See? They are going to find your Papa."

"You think so?" Roland asked, holding onto her tighter.

"I know so," she assured him. "You just have to believe."

He sniffled. "I'll try."

Kissing his head, she rubbed his back. "Good boy."

Hot tears landed on her neck and she bounced him, trying to comfort him as best she could. It was a strange place to be in--to beg someone to believe, to keep it alive for someone so young. With Henry, the roles had always been reversed. She wished her son was here to help her with Roland.

Roland fell asleep and she put him back in his bed. An idea floated through her mind and she summoned a servant, asking them to deliver two messages. "And be quick," she told the young girl.

Belle arrived first. She frowned as she entered Regina's rooms, still wary of the woman who locked her up for nearly three decades no doubt. "What do you need?" she asked Regina.

"Can you watch Roland for me?" Regina asked. "I need to do something and he trusts you."

"Of course. Am I watching him here?"

Regina shook her head. "Can you take him back with you? There's something I want to do and I need the room."

"Is it dangerous?" Belle asked, suspicious.

"No. It's a surprise for Roland. To cheer him up until his father comes home."

Without saying another word, Belle picked up Roland and held the sleeping boy close. She turned back to Regina. "When you're ready, I'll bring him back. Just send word."

"Thank you, Belle. Truly."

"I'm doing this for Roland and Robin. Not you," she said, pausing at the door. "But you're welcome."

And with that, she was gone.

Snow arrived shortly after. She stepped into Regina's rooms and looked around. "Where's Roland?"

"With Belle. I need your help with something else."

"Oh? What?"

"I want to decorate my room for the Yule. To cheer up Roland until his father comes home."

Snow tilted her head. "You seem confident that he will return."

"I know he will return." Regina turned away before muttering to herself: "He has to."

"Regina? You seem to be taking this almost has hard as Roland. Is something going on between you and Robin?"

"Of course not. He's a thief who lives in the woods and I'm a queen. I just like spending time with his son."

"Regina," Snow warned, turning her stepmother to look her in the eyes. "The truth."

Regina sighed. "Robin and I...well, we've been dancing around our feelings for a long time. I think...I think I'm ready to give into them."

"Oh, Regina!" Snow hugged her. "I'm so happy for you. You deserve happiness."

"Thank you. But Robin needs to come home for me to see if that happiness is possible," she replied.

Snow nodded. "So why do you want Yule decorations up in your room? You've never been one to celebrate."

"It's for Roland. He doesn't think his father is coming home and he's lost hope. I want him to have that."

Regina barely had time to brace herself for Snow's second hug. The younger woman squeezed tighter. "You're really changing, aren't you?"

"I'm trying," Regina admitted. "It would be nice to get a little more recognition."

Snow nodded. "Of course. I'll try harder."

"Now, where should we start with the Yule decorations?" Regina asked.

"I know just the thing. Wait here and I'll be right back." Snow ran from the room, leaving Regina to tidy up as she waited.

She prayed this would work for Roland's sake.

When Belle returned Roland a few hours later, Regina's rooms were completely transformed. Roland's eyes widened as he took in the evergreen boughs hanging from the wall as well as the candles set up in a wreath decorated with pinecones, red ribbons and holly berries. He grabbed onto Regina's skirts and looked up at her. "I thought you didn't like to decorate."

"I thought it would cheer you up," she said, crouching down to be eye-level with him. "It looks like I was right."

Roland smiled. "I always wanted Yule decorations. It's hard to put them on a tent."

Regina and Snow laughed and the queen hugged her little outlaw. "Well, here you go! Yule decorations just for you."

"And Papa?" Roland asked, hope back in his voice.

Regina's smile grew larger. "Of course. When he gets back, he can enjoy the decorations as well."

The search party had been gone for two days when Snow suggested having a Yule celebration. "Nothing too big or grand," she said, "but just something to mark the occasion."

"Even with the search party still out?" Regina asked.

"They'll probably be out for a few days more. They don't have many hours of sunlight to work with," Charming reminded her. "We can always have another celebration when they return."

"If there's reason to celebrate," Grumpy muttered under his breath.

Regina heard him though and was tempted to char him for the comment. It must've shown in her eyes because Snow gave her a look and said: "No."

"Then tell the dwarf to mind his tongue," Regina hissed.

Grumpy glared at her. "It's a valid feeling."

"It is," Snow agreed. Before Regina could protest, she added: "But we need to have hope, Grumpy. Understand?"

He glanced between her and Regina before getting up in a huff. Muttering under his breath, Grumpy left the hall as the others sat in silence.

Regina sighed. "What if he's right? What if we do have to bury Robin and the Merry Men?"

"Don't talk like that." Charming surprised her by engulfing her in a hug. "Everything will be fine."

"Exactly. And it'll just be a small party. Everyone, including children, will be invited. So will you come?" Snow asked, hopeful.

Regina smiled. "Of course. It sounds like it's just what Roland and I need."

Everyone gathered in the Great Hall on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. Candles were lit and filled the room with light. Servants brought several trays of food and Regina consented for them to pull several bottles from her wine collection.

Regina held a glass in her hand as she watched Roland run with some of the children that called the palace home. He laughed as he tried to keep up with their games and her heart felt full of love for the boy. Of course, it also ached for the boy she had left behind but Roland continued to soothe that ache with his cherubic smile and infectious laughter.

The boy ran toward her, throwing his arms around her. "Come play with me, Regina. Please?"

"The games are just for children," she told him. "You go and have fun. I'm fine right here."

"But you look sad," Roland said, frowning.

Regina smiled. "I'm not. I promise. Now go have fun."

With a gentle push from the queen, he ran back out and joined the children in their games again. Regina took her glass and went over to Snow and Charming, sitting down next to them. "He's worried about me. That's such a Henry thing to do."

"It is," Charming agreed.

Snow leaned closer. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Regina said. "I mean, I miss Henry and I always will, but I'm okay. I just wish Robin were here so Roland wasn't also so sad."

"And because you miss him?" Snow pressed.

Maybe it was the wine, but Regina gave her a little smile and nodded. "And because of that."

Charming almost fell over but Snow smiled, taking her stepmother's hand. "I hope this works out for you."

The doors to the Great Hall were thrown open as Red helped a limping Little John into the room. Everyone went silent as she looked around. "Happy Yule. We found the Merry Men," she said. "Now, can we get some help?"

Regina carried Roland as she hurried down to the room where Robin was being kept. Little John had explained that they had gotten trapped by a landslide and half the Merry Men had gotten injured, including Robin. When the uninjured Merry Men had figured out how to get around the debris, they did their best to carry their injured companions. The search party had arrived and provided welcomed assistance back to the palace.

Little John led her to the room Robin had been taken to and assured her that it would be okay to take Roland to see his father. "It's just a broken leg," he told her. "Nothing gory. And he'll be really happy to see his son after being away for so long."

Holding Roland tight, she thanked him and threw the door open. Robin sat up in bed, his right leg wrapped in a splint. He smiled when he saw them. "You two are a sight for sore eyes," he said, voice hoarse.

"Papa!" Roland wriggled in Regina's arms and nearly leapt at his father when she brought him closer. He snuggled against Robin, burying his face in his father's neck. "I've missed you."

"I missed you too." Robin kissed the boy's hair, closing his eyes as he held him.

Regina smiled, starting to back up. "I'll leave you two alone for now."

"No!" father and son declared. Robin reached out and grabbed her hand, tugging her down onto the bed next to him. Her head landed on his shoulder and he kissed her forehead. "I missed you too."

“So did I.” She let out a sigh of relief before looking at his leg. "I could heal that for you, if you want."

"I know," he replied before hesitating. "But I think I'll let this heal the old-fashioned way."

"Alright, but if you change your mind..." She knew he wouldn't with his distrust of magic, something she hoped wouldn't be too much of a problem between them.

Robin kissed her forehead again. "You'll be the first to know."

She curled closer to him as Roland's eyes fluttered closed. His breathing evened out and soon he was sound asleep on his father's chest, a little hand clasping onto Robin's shirt. "He was so upset while you were gone," she whispered. "He...He didn't think you were coming back."

"When the landslide started, I didn't think I'd be coming back either," he admitted.

"I'm glad you did."

He pressed his nose into her dark hair, breathing her in. "So, what now?" he asked.

"You rest and let that leg heal."

"I meant about us and you know it, milady."

She nodded. "What do you want?"

"I want you," he whispered, nipping at her ear.

"My body?"

Robin pulled away, frowning. " I want all of you--body, mind, heart and soul."

"What if I'm not ready to give all of that to anybody?"

"I'll accept whatever you feel ready to give me whenever you're ready. I'll keep loving you no matter what."

Regina sat up, eyes wide. "Love? Isn't that a bit much?"

"Regina, I've been falling in love with you from the moment we broke into the palace together," he replied. "Even when you tried to choke me."

"If you have a secret kink, I don't think I'm ready to learn it."

He chuckled, reaching for her. Robin took her hand as he grew serious again. "I'm not expecting you to love me back right away. But is there a chance you might?"

"Yes," she confessed. "There is a good chance, one day."

"Good. Now, can we have a good night's rest for starters?"

"Of course." She flicked her wrist, clothing all three of them in warm flannel pajamas. "These are from my other world. More comfortable and warmer than what we wear here."

He hummed, burying his nose in her hair again. "I’ll say. See you in the morning?"

"The morning," she agreed, her eyes fluttering closed as she rested her head on his shoulder again. She used her magic to cover them with a warm blanket and she heard Roland sigh contently.

Robin kissed her forehead. "Good night, Regina."

"Night, Robin." She kissed the underside of his jaw before sleep pulled her under.

Zelena snuck into her sister's palace, smirking at how easy it was. "You may think you have the upper hand, dear sister, but wicked always prevails," she muttered, entering Regina's room.

She stopped short when she found it empty. The bed was made and the fire hadn't been lit for the night. Where was her sister? Off somewhere, trying to find some way to defeat her? Well, Zelena couldn't have that.

It took some searching but she found Regina. She was surprised to find her dark-haired sister curled up with the thief Robin Hood and his son, sound asleep with her head pillowed on his chest. He had an arm around her, holding her close, while one of his legs was bound and propped up on several pillows.

Frowning, she leaned over her sister. "Oh, no. No. You don't get this. You don't get a happy ending with a perfect little family," she snarled. "You don't get everything again. Not while I'm around."

Waving her hand, she and Regina were covered in green smoke and she was pulled down the hall toward Regina's room. She deposited her sister in bed, covering her with a blanket. Pulling a dreamcatcher out of her cloak, she sighed. "I was saving this for an emergency but I guess now will have to do. Forget all about your feelings for that thief, sister."

Once Regina's memories were taken, Zelena stuck the dreamcatcher in her cloak again. "Now I have to think of a way to take the thief's memories of this," she said before patting her sister. "But you enjoy the feeling that there may have been something. You will never have it again because I will destroy you. You will die alone and unloved."

Laughing, Zelena left Regina's room to complete her mission.

In the days following Yule, Snow and Charming were surprised by the change between Robin and Regina. The two became more combative than they had been previously, when they would take good-natured snips at each other without any heat. Now, there was malice behind their words and they couldn't stand to be in the same room.

"Maybe they're just overcompensating to make sure no one doesn't know that they are together," Charming suggested.

Snow frowned, shaking her head. "It seems more than that. It's like they completely changed overnight."

"I know you're worried, but we have bigger things to deal with. Like Zelena's threat against our baby." Charming pressed his hand against her abdomen. "Once we deal with that, then we'll figure out what's going on with Regina and Robin. Okay?"

Though she wanted to go and interrogate Regina then and there, Snow nodded. Charming was right; there would be time for that later.

Regina held him tighter, looking at Archie. “Maybe we need to end for now. Perhaps pick up after Christmas?”

Archie nodded, removing his glasses to rub his eyes. “That sounds fine. Have a Merry Christmas, you two.”

Regina brought Robin back home with her, especially since that’s where they had left Roland. When they returned, he ran up to them both and hugged them. Robin tried to put on a happy face for his son but the boy wasn’t fooled. He frowned. “Are you okay, Papa?”

“Yes,” Robin lied. “I just missed you.”

“You weren’t gone long.” Roland scrunched up his face as he studied his father.

Robin glanced up at Regina, who came to his rescue. “You know what would make Papa feel even better?”

“What?” Roland leaned closer, eyes wide.

Crouching down, she whispered: “Cookies.”

“Yes,” he agreed, nodding. “Cookies always work.”

Regina then made an upset face. “But we don’t have any more!”

“Then we need to make them! To the kitchen!” Roland took her hand and dragged her away.

She glanced at Robin over her shoulder, smiling at him. He returned it, mouthing “Thank you” as his son pulled her away.

Roland pulled up the stool she had used the last time they made cookies and washed his hands, remembering that was step one. She was proud of him as she pulled out all the ingredients they would need for some good old-fashioned sugar cookies. “Which cookie cutters do you want to use this time?” she asked.

“Snowmen and Christmas trees!” Roland bounced on the stool. “We can make Papa his own forest!”

“That sounds like a good plan. Let’s make the dough, okay?” She put the bowl on the counter along with the ingredients and the measuring cup.

This was going to be a fun afternoon.

Robin and Henry joined them to decorate the cookies when they were cooled. Roland plopped himself in his father’s lap, insisting he needed the boy’s help. “Because you’ve never done this before,” he explained.

“Of course,” Robin replied, winking at Regina. “I’ll need all the help I can get.”

Roland nodded, handing his father the green icing. “You have to outline the tree with this. Henry showed me how and I can show you.”

She leaned against the island, watching as Robin guided the icing more than Roland but without the boy knowing. Henry worked on a snowman, spreading vanilla icing across the cookie as he watched father and son decorate the trees. It all felt homey and Christmassy.

“Why don’t you two stay for dinner?” she suggested. “Henry and I don’t mind. Right, Henry?”

“Of course not,” Henry replied, beaming.

Roland looked up at Robin with wide eyes. “Can we stay? Please?”

“I think that’s a great idea. Then we can eat all these cookies with Regina and Henry,” Robin said.

The boys cheered as Regina checked her cabinets. “Does anyone want anything special?”

“Lasagna,” the three voices chorused.

She chuckled. “I guess lasagna it is. Anything else?”

“No,” Robin said. “I think we’ll be good with that and all these cookies.”

“Well, why don’t we go to heck in a handbasket? Let’s have hot chocolate with cookies and make the sugar high complete.”

The boys cheered and Robin smiled, nodding. “Looks like we’re going to have a great night. And I think we all need that.”

Henry met her eyes and beamed, warming her heart even more. She smiled back at him. “Then let’s get this epic night started,” she said.

After dinner, they migrated to the living room where Roland stared in awe at their Christmas tree. He turned to Robin. “Can we have one too?”

“I don’t know, son,” he told him. “We don’t have that much room at Granny’s.”

When Roland pouted, Robin shot a look pleading for help at Regina. Henry, though, answered it. “They have Christmas trees in all sizes! I’m sure we can find one that fits in your room.”

“Really?” Roland clasped his hands together and gave his father his best puppy dog eyes. “Please, Papa?”

Robin sighed but smiled. “We can get a Christmas tree. Maybe tomorrow, if Regina and Henry are free.”

“We are,” Regina replied, setting down the tray laden with cookies and hot chocolate. She then pulled Henry close. “We’d be happy to help you pick out a Christmas tree.”

“Yay!” Roland jumped up and down, hugging her.

She laughed as she picked him up. “Now, are you ready to be introduced to Christmas movies?”

“There are movies?” Roland sounded awed. She knew he loved the movies they had introduced him to before leaving for New York and it was clear he loved Christmas. No doubt he would love Christmas movies.

She carried him over to the couch, covering them in a blanket. Robin sat next to her and Roland pulled the blanket over him too, but it only covered half of his lap. The boy frowned. “Papa, you need to move closer.”

“Oh.” Robin glanced over at Regina, who nodded. He then moved until they were pressed together. “Like this?”

Roland nodded, covering his father’s legs with the blanket. He settled against Regina as Henry started up Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Henry sat down next to Regina, leaning against her. “Are we going to have the cookies and hot chocolate now?”

“You’ll have to get them. I’m a bit boxed in right now,” she told her son. Roland cuddled closer to her, as if afraid she would leave him.

As the movie played on, they ate their cookies and drank their hot chocolate. Regina leaned against Robin’s shoulder, feeling content in a way she hadn’t felt since she first brought Henry home as a baby. She sighed, pleased with everything as it was right now.

Regina’s eyes blinked open and she felt groggy. The room was dim, the Christmas tree the main source of light. While the TV was still on, it was a dark screen with the floating box saying to either turn on the cable or turn off the TV set. She tried to reach for the remote but her arms were weighted down.

Black curls tickled her nose and she found Roland was still curled up on her lap. His little hand grasped her shirt and held on tightly. She watched his chest rise and fall with his even breaths and wanted to wipe off the remnants of frosting from the corner of his mouth. But he was resting against her right arm and Henry was using her left as a pillow.

She herself had been using Robin’s shoulder. He slept on, face turned to her. It was the first time he looked peaceful since he had returned to Storybrooke.

It was such a sweet picture. She hated to disturb it but everyone would feel their uncomfortable sleeping position in the morning. Regina jostled Henry first, who lifted his head and gazed at her with sleep-filled eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“You should go to bed,” she told him. “You’ll be more comfortable. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Henry nodded, kissing her cheek. “Good night, Mom. I love you.”

“Love you too.” She watched as he left before turning back to the Hood men still sleeping on her couch.

Regina shifted Roland so that he was lying in her arms, almost like a baby. He curled closer to her, letting out a soft sound as he did so. She rocked him as she tried to rouse his father. “Robin? Robin, wake up.”

“Hmm?” Robin lifted his head, disoriented. Clarity returned to him and he almost jumped off the couch. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

“It’s okay, we all did.” Regina took his hand and pulled him back down.

Robin reached for Roland. “I’ll go home now.”

“No, Robin, it’s late. I can make up the spare bedroom for you two.”

“I don’t want to be an imposition,” Robin replied, hesitating.

           She shook her head, handing Roland to him. “You won’t be. You’ll both spend the night in the guestroom and we’ll have breakfast tomorrow.”

           “Thank you,” he said, standing. He adjusted Roland into a more comfortable position in his arms.

Regina laid her hand against his cheek, his scruff scratching at her palm. “Anything for you two. Just give me a few minutes, okay?”

She hurried up the stairs and darted into the closest empty room. The bed was big enough for father and son and with a snap of her fingers, warm blankets covered it. Another snap conjured pajamas for the two as well as a nightlight for Roland.

“Looks like magic came in handy again,” Robin said from the doorway. He smiled as he leaned against it, Roland still sound asleep in his arms.

She shrugged. “It does, I’ll admit. Do you need anything else?”

“I think we’ll be fine.” Robin laid Roland down on the bed before turning to her. “Good night, Regina.”

“Good night, Robin,” she replied, kissing him.

Once she was certain Robin and Roland were settled for the night, she checked on Henry. He had passed out on his bed, still in his clothes. She chuckled, covering him with a blanket kept at the foot of his bed. “Good night, my little prince.”

She closed Henry’s door and made her way down to her bedroom. Closing her door, she stretched and popped something in her back that had been thrown out of whack by sleeping on the couch. Regina shed her clothes and changed into her warmest pajamas.

Though she was bone tired and wanted nothing more than to fall into bed, she sat at her vanity and ran her brush through her hair. Now that she was keeping it longer, she knew if she didn’t brush it now, she’d pay for it in the morning. So she brushed her raven locks, counting each stroke silently until she got to one hundred.

Once she was done, she laid her brush down and climbed into her bed. The sheets were cool and she had to wait for her body to warm them up. A flash of silver caught her eye, bringing her attention to the silver star tree-topper on her nightstand. One more memory left to uncover.

           “Yes,” she called out. “Why?”

           “You’ve been in there a long time and Robin’s going to be here in like fifteen minutes. Do you need any help?”

           Regina sighed. “Actually, yes. Could you come zip me up please?”

           “Sure, Mom.” Henry slipped into her room and smiled at her. “You look beautiful.”

           She smiled back. “Thank you. But wait until the dress is zipped, okay?”

           “It doesn’t matter, Mom. You know that.” Henry zipped her up and nodded. “There you go.”

           “Thank you.” Regina smoothed down the skirt of her sleeveless red dress before adjusting the collar.

           Henry hugged her from behind. “It’s going to be fine. Robin loves you and wants this to work as much as you.”

           “You’re not supposed to be the one reassuring me about my love life. I’m supposed to be reassuring you,” she replied, patting his hand.

           “That’s okay, Mom. You and Robin fix your relationship, get married, be ridiculously happy together and then you both can meddle in my love life.”

           She chuckled, holding her son close. “No matter what, you are the best thing in my life.”

           “Mom,” he whined, “you’re getting mushy again.”

           The doorbell rang and Henry let her go. “That’s Robin. I’m going to go make him sweat a little. Wait about ten minutes before coming down.”

           “Ten minutes?” She frowned, crossing her arms. “Henry Daniel Mills, what are you planning?”

           He gave her a cheeky grin. “Nothing too bad, I promise. Just…ten minutes. Okay?”

           “Okay,” she relented, watching as he left her room.

           She smiled, sitting on her bed and waiting for whatever her little prince was going to do with her thief.

           Ten minutes later, Regina went downstairs and waited outside the living room. She listened in on Henry’s and Robin’s conversation. “So you promise not to hurt my mom?”

           Robin didn’t respond right away and she found herself holding her breath until he spoke. “I don’t know if I can make that promise, Henry. I’ve already hurt her without intending to. It may happen again.”

           “But you don’t intend to hurt her?”

           “Of course not. That’s the last thing I want to do to her…and you.”

           There was a silence before Henry said: “We’re talking about my mom, not me.”

           “I know you’re talking about your mom, but I want to talk about you,” Robin replied. “You’re important to me too.”

           “I am?”

           Robin chuckled. “Of course you are. You’ve been a great help to me the past few weeks and I truly appreciate it, Henry.”

           “Anything for Roland. He’s a great kid.”

           “Thank you.” Another pause on Robin’s behalf. “So…did I pass?”

           “What?”

           “Did I pass your interrogation? May I take your mother out now?”

           “Oh…Yeah, I guess so. Just have her home by eleven,” Henry said.

           Regina entered the living room at that point, arms crossed. “Eleven? I’m the mother. You don’t set a curfew for me.”

           Henry looked sheepish. “You need sleep, Mom.”

           “Don’t worry, Henry.” Robin stood, clapping him on the shoulder. “I’ll have her home in time for her to get plenty of rest. We don’t want a tired mayor on our hands.”

           Regina now gave him a look. “Careful. We haven’t left the house yet.”

           He didn’t blink, instead taking her hand and kissing it. “Milady. You look lovely, as always.”

           “Thank you,” she said before turning to her son. “There’s lasagna in the fridge for you to heat up. Only an hour of TV and then an hour of reading before bed. Got it?”

           Henry groaned but nodded. “Have fun, you two.”

           “Good night, Henry,” Robin said with a smile. He then held out his arm to Regina. “Shall we?”

           She smiled back, taking his arm. “Lead the way, good sir.”

           Robin took her to Granny’s, apologizing before they entered. “I’m afraid this is all I can afford right now.”

           “This is fine,” Regina replied. “You don’t need to impress me, Robin.”

           “I know. It’s just…you’re a queen. I want to treat you like one.”

           Regina cupped his cheek. “When I’m with you, I’m not a queen and you’re not a thief. We’re just Robin and Regina. Got it?”

           “I do,” he said, holding the door open for her. “After you, milady.”

           “Thank you,” she said, stepping into the empty diner. She glanced around with a frown. “Where’s the dinner rush?”

           Granny shrugged. “Everyone has Christmas parties, it seems. So you have the place to yourselves. Well, except for me in the back. But I’ll be sure to keep out of your hair.”

           Robin smiled. “Thank you, Granny.”

           “You’re quite welcome,” the older woman replied. “Now, there’s a table for two with a candle for you.”

           With a hand on her back, Robin guided her toward the table set up in the middle of the diner. Plates and stemware was set up with one single candle in between the settings, its flame flickering in the dim lighting. He pulled out a chair and smiled. “Milady?”

           “Thief,” she deadpanned, sitting down.

He pushed her in and took his seat. “Would you like some wine?”

“I’d love some,” she replied. “But who is going to bring us…”

She trailed off as Granny appeared, pouring them both two glasses. “Dinner should be out shortly,” she said before disappearing into the back again.

Regina leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “Okay, what’s going on here? I highly doubt everyone in Storybrooke is having a holiday party tonight and that Granny has nothing better to do than serve us.”

“She insisted,” Robin replied. “I told her she didn’t have to do anything special but once that woman has her mind set on something…well, I know how to pick my battles.”

“Granny did all of this for you?”

“For us.” He took her hand.

She raised an eyebrow. “I highly doubt she did any of this for me. No one really does anything for me.”

“That’s a lie,” he replied. “Henry’s done a lot for you, so have the Nolans, and then there’s me. I’d do anything for you.”

“Thank you. But really, how did you get Granny to do all of this for you?”

“I told you. She insisted after I told her I was taking you out on a date. Told me to consider it an employment perk.”

“Right. Henry mentioned you worked here.” She sighed. “What do you do for her?”

He shrugged. “Whatever she needs. I’ve waited tables, I’ve cleaned, I’ve done some repair work. She asks, I do it if I can. And she lets me and Roland stay here.”

“You really don’t feel comfortable going back with the Merry Men?” Regina asked. “They’re your family.”

“I tried,” he admitted, voice gravelly. “After everyone left to go find Emma in Camelot, I went to round them up to help keep order in the town.”

He trailed off. She didn’t press him, sensing he needed to get his emotions in check before he continued. Instead, Regina reached out and took his hand as silent comfort.

Robin swallowed and finally continued. “I stood on the edge of the camp, watching as they laughed and joked with each other, and I felt like an outsider. I realized then and there that I didn’t belong with them. So I turned around and headed back into town.”

“Did they try to talk to you? See you?”

“They did, shortly after you left. Little John and Will came to my room.”

Regina frowned. “What happened?”

“It was pretty awkward for all of us,” Robin said. “Mostly us sitting around, silent as we tried to figure out how to have a conversation again. They ended up just telling me that if Roland and I needed anything to reach out and left. It confirmed I didn’t belong with them anymore.”

“Henry says you go see Zelena with either Belle or Hook. I know you and Belle are friends of sorts since she rescued you, but how did you become friends with Hook?” she asked.

Robin shrugged. “When you lot returned from Camelot, he’d come by and somehow we became drinking buddies. I opened up about everything and he offered to go with me. So I accepted.”

“Dinner is served!” Granny returned, setting down two burgers in front of them. “It’s not fancy…”

“Who needs fancy?” Regina replied, smiling at Robin.

Granny chuckled. “Glad to see the mood’s picked up. It was starting to feel more like a funeral than a date out here.”

“Granny, you promised not to eavesdrop,” Robin replied, giving her a look. “Remember?”

“I wasn’t eavesdropping. It permeated the entire diner.”

Robin grimaced. “Sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for,” Regina said. “Right, Granny?”

Granny nodded. “You’ve had one hell of a year, Robin. I’d say you need a vacation but I doubt you want to leave Storybrooke again. Now, I’ll leave you two alone. If you need me, give a holler.”

Once she was gone, Robin took Regina’s hand again. “Have you been able to unlock that second memory?”

“Not yet.” She pulled the tree-topper from her clutch. “I’m sure we have to be together but not sure what we have to do to unlock it.”

“Well, we’ll figure it out,” he said, smiling. “Maybe after we’ve gotten some food into ourselves?”

After they had finished their burgers and shared some light conversation, Robin asked about Camelot. Regina shrugged as she took a sip of her wine. “What do you want to know? I’m sure everyone else has told you everything.”

“For the most part. But I want to hear it from you.” He leaned forward. “Did you really tell Arthur you were the Savior?”

Regina nodded, letting out a little laugh. “Ridiculous, right? As if I could ever be a Savior.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” he replied. “You’re not the Evil Queen anymore. And you’ve saved this town quite a few times. You’re just as much a Savior as Emma.”

She smiled, ducking her head to hide her blush. Robin continued: “I also heard there was a ball held in your honor.”

Regina grimaced. “I don’t want to talk about that.”

“Because of what happened?”

“What do you know about it?” Her eyes narrowed as her stomach turned. Who had told him what?

“No one really says anything about it. Henry once said his mom got hurt and his other mom had to heal her but then wouldn’t clarify which mom he was talking about.” Robin studied her. “Did Emma get hurt and you had to heal her?”

She wasn’t sure she wanted to reopen that wound. Regina pressed her hand to her side, though there was no scar from where Percival’s sword pierced it. The phantom pain returned and she heard Henry’s panicked voice screaming her name and Mary Margaret pleading with her to hold on.

Robin saw her motion, though, and frowned. “It was you. You were injured and Emma had to heal you. What happened?”

“I don’t want to talk about it. It wasn’t anything.”

“Liar.” He stood and crouched down next to her. “Tell me the truth, Regina. Please.”

She sighed. “One of Arthur’s knights came from a village I destroyed. He and I shared a dance where he told me his tale. I was concerned he was going to tell Arthur I really wasn’t the Savior and put Emma at risk but instead he pulled out a sword, piercing me with it before I could react.

“I learned David had started to run across the room the moment he pulled the sword but wasn’t quick enough. He did slay Sir Percival before the knight could truly finish me off. Henry and Mary Margaret flew to my side as I tried to heal myself but nothing was working. I was taken to a spare room where it was determined Percival had managed to bewitch the blade so that I couldn’t heal myself and would surely die.”

Robin pulled her into his arms, rocking her as she continued her tale: “I began to black out from the blood loss. I tried to cling onto the sound of voices, but everything was starting to blur together. Death called to me and, for a moment, I considered answering. That it would just be easier to go into oblivion and be reunited with Daniel and Daddy and even Mother.”

“But you didn’t.”

She shook her head. “Henry pleaded with Emma to save me, even though using her magic meant using dark magic. Despite the risk, she healed me and pulled me back from Death. When I opened my eyes and saw Henry’s relieved face, I remembered that I had so much to live for.”

“I wish I had been there,” Robin whispered. “Maybe I could’ve gotten to him before he was able to hurt you.”

“Or you could’ve gotten hurt instead. Then what would’ve Roland done without you?” Regina shook her head. “No use playing ‘what if’ now. What’s done is done and I’m fine.”

“Are you? Or are you ignoring it?” Robin tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. They bore into her until she looked away, staring at the tiled floor.

He kissed the side of her head. “Why don’t you come with me to my next appointment with Archie? You can talk about that and then really move on.”

“Okay,” she whispered. “And I promise not to storm out again.”

“Well, I thought we would take turns…” She glanced up to see his lips twitch and she smiled in return. He kissed her nose. “There’s that smile again.”

He helped her stand before holding up his finger. Walking over to the jukebox, he picked a song—“At Last” by Etta James. Robin turned to her and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

“A dance?” She hesitated. “I’m not much of a dancer, Robin.”

“Nonsense. It’s really easy here, I’ve learned. You just hold each other and sway to the music.”

Regina sighed, letting him pull her close. He wrapped her hand in his and held her gently by the waist. She rested her free hand on his shoulder and let him sway them around Granny’s empty floor. “How do you know this song?” she asked.

“I found solace in the radio,” he explained. “I would play it all the time in New York and here when I can’t sleep. Songs that I liked…or reminded me of you…I would do everything I could to find out what they were called. There’s a very helpful app on the phone for that, did you know?”

Laughing, Regina laid her head on his shoulder. She sighed. “This is nice.”

“Almost like when we first danced in the courtyard? Now that we can remember that?”

“Yes,” she agreed. “You made me feel like the best dancer in the world that night. I didn’t feel like the hopeless case my instructor and Mother told me I was.”

“Funny what happens when you support someone rather than tear them down. You realized you could actually dance.”

She curled closer to him. “There’s a lot I’ve realized I could do with someone believing in me. Especially you.”

“I’ll always believe in you, Regina. And I’ll support you always.”

“I know.” She took a deep breath. “And it’s time I did the same for you.”

“What do you mean?”

Regina pulled away to look him in the eyes. “I mean it’s not fair that you have to deal with my sister alone, even if Hook or Belle go with you. I’m sorry I haven’t been very supportive but I will be now. I promise.”

“No, Regina. I won’t ask you to have to face her. Not after everything that she did to you.”

“I know you won’t ask me,” she replied, lacing their fingers together as the song ended. “That’s why I’m insisting. You need my support as much as I need yours. That’s part of being in love, right?”

           Nodding, he leaned down to kiss her. Bright lights exploded behind her eyes as another memory, another stolen Yule, was returned to her.

           Decorating with Snow, running from Leopold, running with Robin, a month of pure happiness, a kiss by the fire, Rumpelstiltskin…

           “I am going to kill Gold,” she muttered once the light died down.

           Robin cupped her cheek. “I’ll help you. Gladly.”

           She smiled before sighing. “Wait, it wouldn’t be fair. I did chose to wipe my memories.”

           “Because he threatened you,” Robin said. “Had you come to me, we would’ve been able to outrun the king’s men. I did it for years. We would’ve been safe and together.”

           “Could you have guaranteed it?”

           He held her closer. “There were no guarantees for anything back then, Regina. But we could’ve worked through it together.”  

“Once again, it would be a game of ‘what if.’ We can’t change anything now. Only learn from the memory,” Regina replied.

“And what did you learn?”

She narrowed her eyes. “You sound like you could’ve been a teacher instead of a thief.”

“I don’t think I would’ve had the patience,” he replied before crossing his arms. “Now answer the question.”

“I don’t know what I learned. I guess maybe that we should’ve faced it together rather than me going it alone?” She shrugged.

He shrugged. “Sounds good to me.”

Regina strolled over to the jukebox, searching for a song. She smiled as she selected Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and turned back to Robin. “One more dance?”

“Gladly, my lady.” He pulled her close and they held each other throughout the song.

If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me, time after time…

Robin returned Regina to her house at eleven promptly. “Can’t have Henry angry with me,” he said, swinging their arms as they walked up her sidewalk. “He might not let me take you out again.”

“I’m the parent,” she said, indignant. “If I want to go out with you again, I’ll go out with you again. He has no say.”

“You say that, but we both know that if Henry had any objections to me or any man you dated, that relationship would end. He’s the most important person in your life and that’s how it should be. I understand that.”

Regina smiled, taking his other hand as they stood outside her door. “And that’s one of the many things I love about you. Don’t worry. Henry likes you so we’ll be having another date…if you want one.”

“How’s this for an answer?” Robin cupped her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly.

As they broke the kiss, she nodded. “Loud and clear.”

“Why don’t we go for lunch after our next appointment with Archie, day after tomorrow. Sound good?”

“Lunch sounds great.” She kissed him again. “Until then.”

Regina pulled out her keys, opening her door. He stood watching her until she closed the door, sighing as she leaned against it.

“Was that a good sigh?” Henry left the kitchen, crossing his arms. “Or was that a bad one?”

She smiled. “It was a good one. Now, let’s go to bed.”

“I don’t get to hear about your date?”

“In the morning.” She wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “I promise.”

He nodded and she squeezed him. “I love you, Henry.”

           Robin shook his head. “No. That’s what you told yourself to keep yourself from admitting the truth—you needed to run from the pain. And I understand that. I just wish you had been more honest.”

           She glanced down at her hands. “I really didn’t want you to hurt anymore. And I guess…I guess I didn’t want to hurt anymore either.”

           “I am so sorry,” Robin said, reaching out and tentatively placing his hand on hers.

           “Stop apologizing. I’m sick of apologies,” she said, now meeting his tormented blue eyes. “Let’s move on.”

           “From this or from each other?”

           “From this,” she said, taking his hand. “Together.”

           He smiled, moving closer to her. “Do you mean it?”

           “Yes. I’m tired of running from you.” She leaned closer to him, pressing her lips to his.

           A bright light distracted them and Regina saw the first star was engulfed in it. She dropped the topper onto her lap, the memory playing out before her eyes as it returned to its proper place.

           Her parents’ courtyard…a handsome and friendly boy…dancing and laughing…her first kiss…her mother’s interference…

           Robin’s grip tightened on her hand, anchoring her to reality. She was breathing heavy as she turned to him, eyes wide. “You were my first kiss.”

           “You were mine,” he replied, squeezing her hand as his smile fell. “And your mother took that from us. But how?”

           “The tea. She must’ve laced it with a forgetting potion. Sick, my ass.” She crossed her arms.

           Robin leaned back. “What do you mean?”

           “Mother said I was overcome with heat and fell ill. She even got a servant to swear she was tending to me all night.” Regina rested her head against the couch. “How could I have been so stupid?”

           He sighed. “My parents thought I had snuck away and gotten drunk. They said I was really groggy and couldn’t remember much. So they thought I was hungover and wouldn’t do that again.”

           “Which clearly wasn’t the case as I ran from you while you were in a tavern,” she teased him.

           “Yeah,” he replied with a laugh. “But then again, I wasn’t really hungover so I didn’t learn that lesson until years later. But why would your mother want to erase our first meeting? At the time, we were evenly matched. My father had his title and lands and was a favorite of the king’s. A marriage between us would’ve been very beneficial to both families.”

           “Do you know why I’m named Regina?”

           “Not really, no. I know it means queen.”

           Regina nodded. “One of my cousins told me that at my naming ceremony, my mother held me aloft and declared that one day I would be queen. That’s why she named me Regina. She had my life all planned out—she would make it so I was queen. And not just any queen.”

           “Leopold’s queen.”

           “So I guess our little romance was threatening to her plans.”

           Robin ran a hand through his hair. “Probably because it wasn’t going to be a little romance.”

           “We were twelve, Robin.”

           “We were,” he agreed. “But we’re also soulmates. I don’t think that was determined when we were almost twenty. That seems to be something decided at birth.”

           Regina sighed. “You’re right. We probably would’ve fallen in love and ruined Mother’s plans. It might’ve been your heart she crushed rather than Daniel’s.”

           She reached out to place her palm against his chest, feeling his heart beating underneath it. “Maybe Mother did us a favor.”

           “Maybe,” he agreed. “Or maybe she denied us years we could’ve been together. Years you didn’t have to spend with her breaking you down to the point Rumpelstiltskin could manipulate you to serve his own selfish needs.”

           “But then you wouldn’t have Roland and I wouldn’t have Henry. Neither of us would give them up for anything.”

           He nodded before raising her hand to kiss her palm. “This looks like we’ll be torn about it.”

           “Though we can agree it was wrong for Mother to take our memories,” she said.

           “Agreed.” He kissed her palm again. “So how do we unlock the second memory? Another kiss?”

           “I guess?” Regina leaned closer, kissing him.

           Nothing happened.

           They sat back, confused and disappointed. “Maybe we need time before unlocking the memories?” Robin asked.

           Regina turned the tree-topper her hand with a frown. “Maybe?”

           “Well, thanks for the coffee.” Robin motioned to his untouched mug as he stood. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

           “Don’t go.” She stood. “You can stay for dinner.”

           He smiled. “Thank you, but I do have a son to take care of. Perhaps tomorrow?”

           “Tomorrow,” Regina agreed, butterflies taking flight in her stomach.

           “Then it’s a date.” He kissed her cheek before heading out.

“I don’t know.” Robin ran his hand through his hair. “I grieved for her. I moved on. And now I feel like I’m back at square one. But I can navigate through that. I’ve already made a map.”

“Then do you want to talk about how it affected Roland?”

“We gave him a memory potion,” Regina replied softly. “He doesn’t remember and just thinks they’ve been in Storybrooke the entire time.”

“And now I don’t know how to explain why the scary lady is having my baby rather than Regina. Nor do I know how to explain why Regina is no longer around,” Robin continued, bitterness creeping into his voice. “It’s a goddamned mess.”

Swallowing down her tears, Regina focused on her clasped hands. “I’m sorry, Robin. This is all my fault.”

“No.” His voice was forceful and he reached over, taking her hand. “Regina, look at me. Please.”

Forcing herself, Regina raised her eyes to meet his blue ones. It took her back to that day in the woods right before the Shattered Sight curse hit, when she wanted to remember him with love in his eyes. Love was still there and she felt the wind get knocked out of her.

Robin gave her a soft smile. “You are not at fault here. I don’t blame you.”

“You should. Zelena only targeted you because you loved me.”

“Love you,” he insisted. “I haven’t stopped.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Even though I messed up your life?”

“Zelena messed up my life.”

“Because of me!” They were going in circles.

Robin squeezed her hand. “I told you, I would suffer anything just to have the chance to love you.”

“You’re miserable!”

“Because I don’t have you!”

They were breathing heavily, staring at each other. Archie cleared his throat and they jumped, Regina having forgotten he was in the room. “Maybe we should explore this a bit more,” he suggested.

“We’re here for Robin,” she replied. “Let’s focus on him.”

Robin squeezed her hand again. “You need to talk too, Regina. Please?”

She pulled her hand away. “There’s nothing to talk about. I’m fine.”

“Really? Then would you mind telling me how you were able to move on so quickly? I would love to know the secret,” Robin snapped at her.

           Regina swallowed and backed toward the door. “This was a bad idea. I’ll just leave you and Archie to talk.”

           “Regina, wait.” Robin had paled and he reached for her again. “I didn’t mean that. I was just frustrated…Please, don’t go.”

           She shook her head. “I think I have to. I have moved on, right?”

           “I didn’t mean that! Please don’t run away again.” Robin was almost upon her.

           Regina grabbed her coat and closed the door behind her. She hurried down the stairs, praying he didn’t follow her. Only when she was several blocks away and he still wasn’t behind her did she slow her steps. Shoving her hands into her pockets, she swallowed her tears and carried on.

           She wandered the park for a while, heading into the woods around Storybrooke. Taking a seat on a downed tree, she took a deep breath. Her life was a mess and her heart filled with pain again. Was she always destined to this? Was she on borrowed time with Henry as well?

           “Penny for your thoughts?” A tall woman with hair so blonde it was almost white stood in front of her. She wore a white coat with white tights and white boots. Everything was just…white.

           Regina frowned looking around her, trying to figure out where the woman came from. “Who are you?” she asked.

           “I’m just a stranger passing through the woods,” the woman replied. “You looked like you need someone to talk to.”

           “If I did feel like talking, which I don’t by the way, I wouldn’t do it to some stranger in the woods. I know better than that.” Regina inched away from the woman.

           The woman in white didn’t budge, she just kept regarding Regina with kind hazel eyes. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

           “Except a strange woman standing in the middle of the woods.”

           “I’m just passing through,” she replied. “Another nameless face in the crowd.”

           Regina raised her eyebrow. “No one is nameless in this crowd. I cursed everyone here and over the past thirty years, I’ve learned who everyone is. You are new. So tell me where you came from.”

           The woman smiled. “I’m here because you need me.”

           “I don’t need some stranger dressed in white.”

           “Are you sure?”

           Regina let out a dry laugh. “Yes, I’m sure. Now good day.”

           As she walked away, the woman called out: “That three-star tree topper is quite lovely. Where did you get it?”

           “What?” Regina stopped, turning slowly to face the woman again. “How do you know about that?”

           “I know plenty. And I will tell you if you will listen.” The woman sat down, patting the log.

           Every instinct in Regina told her to turn and run. But she found herself walking toward the log and sitting it down. “Okay. Talk.”

           The woman chuckled. “I am the Christmas Star.”

           “Okay, I’m out of here.” Regina stood.

           “You can’t keep running from the truth, Regina,” the woman said. “No matter how painful it may be.”

           Regina raised an eyebrow. “I’m not running from the truth, I’m running from a woman who is clearly deranged.”

           She laughed. “You don’t believe I’m the Christmas star? Or as you probably know me best, the Yule Star?”

           “Of course not. Why should I?”

           “You’re the Evil Queen, living in a town populated by townsfolk people outside the town line think only exist in stories.” The woman kept her gaze on Regina. “And you don’t think it’s possible I’m a star come to life?”

           Regina took a deep breath and sat down again. “Okay. Let’s say you are telling the truth. Why did you come to me?”

           “Because I’ve been watching over you your whole life. You might call me your guardian angel, Regina.”

           “My guardian angel?” Regina let out another wry laugh. “Then you’ve done a lousy job so far.”

           For the first time, the woman frowned. “What do you mean?”

           “Do you know how many times I needed you growing up? Even as an adult? And now you finally decide to show yourself? No.”

           “Regina…”

           “No, really.” Regina popped up. “Where were you when my mother would use her magic on me, to get me to do what she wanted? Where were you when she killed Daniel? Where were you when I was forced to marry the king and was trapped in that hellish marriage?”

           The woman stood and reached for her. “I know you’ve had a tough life. And I’m sorry. Even stars are governed by rules.”

           “Created by someone else who decided Regina Mills should have a shit life, no doubt,” she muttered.

           “Life wasn’t always fair to you, yes,” the star agreed. “But it all had a purpose.”

           “It did? And what was that?”

           She smiled. “It made you the amazing woman you are today.”

           “I know that,” Regina snapped. The fight then left her and she sat down on the log. “I know that. So why are you here? If my entire life is to make me who I am, why interfere now?”

           “Because others have interfered far too much and finally, I was allowed to come down and correct it.” She took Regina’s hands. “Please let me.”

           Regina tilted her head. “What are you talking about? How can you correct any of this?”

           “By giving back what was wrongfully stolen from you. Your memories.” She placed the star tree-topper in Regina’s hands. “Three of them to be exact. Three memories from Yule that were taken by your mother, by your mentor and by your sister.”

           Looking at the tree-topper, Regina frowned. “What do you mean? How could I lose three memories?”

           “It seems to happen quite a bit around here,” the star said with a laugh. “But these were taken from you for their own selfish reasons. So I’m returning them to you.”

           “How do I get them back?” Regina turned the topper over in her hands.

           The star’s smile softened. “Each memory not only involves Yule but also one particular person. You’ve found the person. Stop running and you’ll realize the truth of you two.”

           “Robin? These involve Robin?” Regina shook her head. “That’s not possible. Unless page twenty-three…?”

           “It wasn’t real. Isaac was right when he said it was just a side project for him. You really did run from Robin at the tavern. But you did run with him later that year, at Yule.”

           Regina shook her head. “No, I became ill right before Yule. Leopold sent me away so Snow wouldn’t get ill. I returned a month later.”

           “Did he really?”

           Scrunching her nose, Regina tried to recall being sick. But it was all blurry and always seemed wrong. “I ran away with Robin?”

           “Unlock the memories and you will get your answers.” The star leaned in and kissed Regina’s forehead. “Good luck, my dear.”

           A bright light engulfed the woman and Regina turned away, shielding her eyes from it. When she looked back, the star was gone. She glanced down at the star tree-topper and took a deep breath. It looked like she had to find Robin.

           She turned around and paused. He stood feet away, his bow with an arrow drawn and a concerned looked in his eyes. “Regina! Are you okay?” he asked.

           “Yes, I’m fine,” she assured him.

           “That woman didn’t harm you?” Robin lowered his bow as he came closer to her. “Where did she go?”

           Regina shrugged. “I guess back to the skies.”

           “The skies?” He glanced up, brows furrowing. It reminded her of when they first told everyone Emma had been taken by the darkness and he searched the sky as if she would just fall from it.

           “She’s the Yule Star.”

           His eyes snapped back down to her, brows now rising toward his hairline. “She’s the what?”

           “The Yule Star.” Regina shrugged. “Odder things have happened here. She’s been one of the more benign.”

           “What did she want with you?”

           She held up the tree-topper. “She was returning memories.”

           “She stole your memories?”

           “No,” Regina replied. “It seems to be a long story.”

           Robin frowned. “Do you trust her?”

           “Strangely, I do.”

           “Okay, then.” He put the arrow back in his quiver and shouldered his bow. “I guess…I guess I’ll leave you to it.”

           As he backed away, Regina took his hand. “Robin, wait.”

           “I know you’re upset about what I said at Archie’s and you have every right to be. I don’t expect you to listen to me…”

           “Robin, shut up please,” she said. He shut his mouth and studied her as she squeezed his hand. “I’ve been running for too long. It’s time we talk.”

           Robin nodded. “Where would you feel more comfortable, milady?”

           “I know just the spot.” She tugged on his hand. “Come with me.”

           The next few hours had been a blur as she knew they had to get Marian out of Storybrooke as soon as possible. She focused on making sure she sent Robin and his family out of town with a game plan—money, a place to stay, means to communicate. All were easily obtained and she was packing them up when he arrived at her office. “Regina,” he said, voice full of pain.

           “There is no other option,” Regina replied, cutting off his questions. “I’ve already tried. You know that.”

           He nodded. “But there really is no other way to get back into town?”

           “Not that we’ve seen,” Regina replied. “And this isn’t going to be solved by a quite hop over the line, Robin. If she comes back to Storybrooke, she could die.”

           “So that’s it? What about us?”

           “Don’t you get it? There can’t be an us,” Regina replied, voice cracking. “Marian and Roland need you.”

           He nodded, eyes growing wet with tears. “So this is a final goodbye?”

           “I’m afraid so,” Regina whispered, biting back her own tears. She took a deep shuddering breath. “You should…You should try again. With Marian. Try to fix your marriage, for Roland and for yourself. You two loved each other once and I’m sure you can again. And I want that for you. You deserve love.”

           Robin tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “So do you, Regina. If another chance at love walks into your life, take it. Please.”

           He leaned in to kiss her but she turned her head. “Don’t. We need to get Marian over the town line. Now.”

           And so she watched him walk away, arm around his wife. She returned to town and vowed to find the Author so that if there was next time for love, nothing would be able to tear it from her again.

           She also tried to forget about him. Regina had decided not to take his information for fear that she wouldn’t be able to keep herself from contacting him often. Not when they both needed to move on.

           Until she had that dream, the one warning her that Robin was in danger. She was glad too, for her heart had stopped when she heard Zelena’s voice on the other end of what was supposed to be Robin’s phone. When she realized her sister was alive and masquerading as Marian, putting him and his son in danger. Then she knew she had to get to New York and save them, no matter what.

           Her heart hurt though as she recalled how Robin told her that Zelena was pregnant, was giving him the one thing she couldn’t. He was disgusted by the whole affair, though, as well as hurt and grief-stricken. Robin not only had to lose his wife all over again, but he regretted he hurt her. He had admitted it when they had a quiet moment in the car.

           “I let my honor code get in the way,” he seethed. “If I paid more attention, maybe we could’ve caught her before she parted us. Before she…”

           “Don’t go down that road,” she told him. “I’ve played the ‘What if’ game myself and I win. What if you and I never got involved in the first place? Then you wouldn’t have a giant target painted on your back.”

           “I would gladly paint the target myself if it meant I would have the privilege of loving you,” he replied.

           Regina seethed. “You have a poet’s tongue. Too bad all they are is words.”

           “Regina…” he sighed. Shaking his head, he continued: “No, no. Go ahead. You need to say your piece.”

           “I know…I know I agreed that you needed to move on. That we both needed to move on. But it wasn’t even three months, Robin.”

           “I know.”

           “Do I even want to know how long it was? How long did you wait before you moved on? A day?”

           Robin sighed. “Regina, you have to understand that I thought we were never going to see each other again and I thought I owed it to Marian…”

           “So it was a day.”

           “It was a bit longer than that.”

           “Okay, two days.”

           “She threatened to keep me from Roland!” Robin hissed. He glanced at the boy sleeping in the back of the van, a pained expression. “My choice was to find a way back to you or staying with my boy. I chose Roland.”

           Regina softened. “Of course. I’d chose Henry over you too.”

           “So you understand?”

           “Not completely,” she conceded. “But I’m starting to get some idea.”

           He fell silent, watching the scenery pass by as the more urban areas gave way to endless forests. She wondered if he found more solace in seeing so many trees again.

           “She was my only friend in the city,” he said softly. “I couldn’t really get a job but I was able to pick up a few odd jobs here or there. Nothing to really make friends, though. It was just me, Roland and her.”

           “Oh, Robin.” Zelena had isolated Robin, no doubt playing mind games with him until he didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t. “I’m so sorry again.”

           When he didn’t say anything more, Regina believed he had fallen asleep. But after a half hour of silence, he finally asked: “What happens now?”

           “We go back to Storybrooke and you and Roland try to pick up the pieces of your life.”

           “What about us?” When Regina was silent, he sighed. “That’s what I thought.”

           “And what was that?”

           “That I cocked this up.”

           She sighed. “You didn’t cock anything up. Zelena put you in a difficult position and you had to make the best decisions you could.”

           “And I caused you pain.”

           “You’re in pain too,” Regina replied. “I’m not saying that we can never be together again. It’s just…I think we need time to heal before we even try.”

           Robin was silent for some time before she saw him nod from the corner of her eye. “I will give you your time and space, Regina.”

           He had been good to his word, at least once they took down the Author. She tried not to think about how kind and caring he had been in that alternate reality they had been trapped in. Nor did she want to think of the haunted look in his eyes when they returned and he had rushed her to make sure she was still alive. How much pain he had been when she had rebuffed him, reminding him of his promise before walking off with Henry.

           Emma becoming the Dark One helped keep her mind off Robin for a bit longer. He had stayed behind when the others went to Camelot, promising to keep an eye on the town for them. She believed it would give him time to establish a new normal for himself and Roland. That she would find him happier when they got back.

           But it was clear that wasn’t so. Regina couldn’t ignore his haggard appearance or his red-rimmed eyes. She didn’t feel it was her place to ask him about it, so she sent Mary Margaret instead. Now, the brunette came back and stood in front of Regina’s desk, arms crossed.

           “He’s miserable,” she reported. “And he’s not sleeping.”

           Regina sighed. “Did you recommend Archie?”

           “Maybe you should.”

           “No. It’s best if we stay away from each other.”

           Mary Margaret frowned, taking a seat. “I thought you weren’t going to stand in the way of your own happy ending anymore?”

           “That’s not what I’m doing.”

           “Then what are you doing?”

           Regina sighed, capping her pen. Clearly, Mary Margaret wasn’t going to let her get any work done. She clasped her hands on top of the stack of papers she should be signing and met her stepdaughter’s gaze. “I’m giving Robin his best chance.”

           “What?”

           “Robin’s life was a lot better before he met me,” she explained. “He had his son and his men, living in a world he understood. Then he meets me and his son is nearly taken by a monkey, he has to run from a Wicked Witch, gets thrown into a world he doesn’t know, almost loses his wife a second time, has to leave everyone he knows, really does lose his wife and realizes he’s been deceived by the Wicked Witch all to hurt me.”

           Mary Margaret sighed. “Have you asked him if this is what he needs?”

           “He needs to heal,” Regina said.

           “What if he needs you to heal? What if you need him?”

           “Mary Margaret…”

           “No.” Mary Margaret’s voice was firm and she stood, looking down at Regina. “You two are soulmates. Being apart isn’t going to make you two better. It’s being together. Trust me, I know this.”

           Regina frowned. “So what do you want me to do? March into his camp and tell him that I want to try again?”

           “Do you?”

           “I don’t know,” Regina admitted softly. “So much has happened.”

           Mary Margaret nodded. “It has. So you need to make that decision. When you do, he’s at Granny’s. Been there since you all came back from New York.”

           “He…He didn’t go back to camp with the Merry Men? Why?”

           “Ask him yourself.” Mary Margaret picked up her bag and head toward the door. She paused before leaving. “Just go talk to him, Regina. You’ll both feel better.”

           And then Mary Margaret was gone.

           It was Henry who brought Robin and Regina back together.

           He bounded into her office a couple days after Mary Margaret’s visit, smiling. “It’s time for Operation Holly Jolly,” he announced.

           “Operation Holly Jolly?” She leaned back, smiling. “And what is that?”

           “It’s Robin and Roland’s first Christmas. We need to make it extra special.”

           Regina’s smile faltered and she sighed. “Henry, you know Robin and I aren’t together anymore.”

           “So? That also means you aren’t friends either?”

           “Right now, yes.”

           Henry frowned. “Well, they’re still my friends. I’ve been watching Roland for Robin while he works at Granny’s.”

           “That’s sweet of you.”

           “And I want to help them celebrate Christmas. Will you help me?”

           Regina sighed but smiled. She could never deny her little prince anything. “Of course, Henry. What do you need me to do?”

           The next time Henry watched Roland, he brought the boy to the mansion. Roland nearly tackled Regina when he saw her. “Gina! I’ve missed you,” the little boy said.

           “I’ve missed you too,” she said, crouching down to be eye level with the boy. She smiled at him. “You’ve gotten so big.”

           He smiled before growing sad. “Why don’t you visit us anymore? Did we do something wrong?”

           “Oh, Roland, no. It’s just…complicated between your father and me right now.”

           “Because of the scary lady?” Roland asked.

           Regina frowned. “What scary lady?”

           “Hey, Roland, why don’t you go wait for us in the kitchen?” Henry suggested.

           Nodding, Roland bounded into the next room and Henry turned to his mother. “You do realize Robin still has to deal with Zelena? He’s not abandoning his child.”

           “He’s been seeing her alone?” Regina asked, feeling something that she wasn’t sure was fear or anxiety.

           “Well, not entirely alone. Hook and Belle have been alternating who goes with him to the hospital. But they aren’t you.”

           “I’m the reason Robin has to deal with her in the first place,” Regina said, hissed. “I doubt he wants me there.”

           Henry sighed. “You’re his soulmate.”

           “Regina? Henry? What’s taking so long?” Roland’s impatient voice came from the kitchen.

           Regina put on her smile again. “We’ll talk about this later. Let’s go entertain Roland. What are we going to do with him?”

           “We’re baking Christmas cookies with him. Like you used to do with me when I was little, before…well…you know.”

           Before the curse was broken, before Emma, before the storybook…When it was just Regina and her little prince, celebrating Christmas together. Putting up the tree, watching movies, decorating the house, drinking hot chocolate and, of course, baking cookies. She smiled. “We can certainly make cookies with Roland.”

           “I want him to have Christmas just like I did,” Henry said. “He’s a great kid and he’s been through so much.”

           Regina wanted to point out that he didn’t recall most of that now but she was too choked up by how grown up her son was now. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered.

           “Thanks, Mom.” He pulled back. “Now, let’s go get Roland before he gets really impatient.”

           A few hours later, Regina took out the last batch of cookies and set it on the rack to cool. She took off her oven mitts and stood at her island, watching Henry and Roland as they sat at the table, decorating a previous batch.

           Roland had his little tongue sticking out of his mouth, pressed to his lips in concentration as he guided the white icing tube around the edge of a Santa cookie’s hat. Henry helped him keep his hand straight and steady. “You’re doing a great job,” he said.

           “I am?” Roland beamed up at Henry. “Do you think Papa will like them?”

           “I think he’ll love them.”

           Knocking interrupted them and Henry jumped up, heading from the kitchen. “I’ll get it!” he called over his shoulder.

           It was Robin, she knew, come to pick up his son. Henry was intercepting the man for her and she wondered why he didn’t arrange to return Roland to Granny’s. So then she could stay behind and avoid him all together.

           No. She squared her shoulders as she reminded herself she was a queen. And that Regina Mills didn’t hide from anybody. Least of all the soulmate she was forcing herself to stay away from for his own good. They could be civil to each other for a few minutes.

           “Regina?” Roland’s voice broke her thoughts. He looked at her with pleading eyes. “Can you help me with the snowman’s buttons?”

           She smiled, walking toward the table. “Of course, sweetie. What’s troubling you?”

           “Henry held my hands to keep them steady. Can you do that?”

           “Of course. I used to do it for Henry,” she told him. “So I guess you can say I’m something of a master.”

           Roland laughed. “Will I be a master one day? Like you and Henry?”

           “If you get lots of practice. Come on, let’s start.”

           She held his hands steady as he squeezed the black icing into little dots that ran down the cookie, forming the snowman’s buttons. They also gave him two eyes and a smile. Roland looked up a Regina. “How does it look?”

           “It looks like a work of art. Are supposed to eat it or hang it up in a museum to admire? I can’t decide,” Robin’s voice floated over her.

           “Papa!” Roland hopped off the chair, racing toward his father while Regina kept her gaze locked on the cookies. She couldn’t bear to look at him.

           But Roland had other ideas. He pulled his father over to the table. “Look at what Henry, Regina and I made! All these cookies.”

           “I don’t think we’re going to be able to eat all of those,” Robin said with a chuckle. “Maybe we should leave some with Regina and Roland?”

           Roland tugged at her shirt and smiled up at her. “Do you want to keep some of the cookies?”

           “I would love to keep some of the cookies. But maybe you would like to share some with the Merry Men?” she suggested.

           She kept her eyes on Roland as his head swung back to his father. “Can we go see the Merry Men? Please?”

           “Roland, why don’t you go with Henry and get ready to leave? I’m sure Regina wants to get dinner started for her and Henry.”

           Disappointed, Roland nodded. He hugged Regina before leaving. “Thank you for baking cookies with me.”

           “You’re welcome, Roland.” She hugged him back before letting him go, finally alone with Robin in her kitchen.

           Neither said anything, the ticking clock the only sound in the kitchen. Regina began to clean up the table before Robin’s hand stilled her. “Regina, look at me. Please.”

           She took a deep breath before raising her head until her eyes met Robin’s blue ones. They weren’t as bright as she remembered, seemed a bit dull without the light she loved behind them. She was responsible for dimming that light, for his gaunt appearance, pale skin, and the dark circles under his eyes. Robin’s life was shit now thanks to knowing her.

           “Hello,” he said, softly.

           “Robin.” She gave him a little nod.

           “Thank you for baking cookies with Roland. He’s missed you a lot.”

           She heard the unspoken I’ve missed you too in his voice. Keeping her voice even, she replied: “I’ve missed him too.”

           Regina hoped he heard her unspoken I missed you as well in her voice. Because she wasn’t going to say it aloud. She couldn’t say it aloud. Instead, she moved toward her cabinets. “How much cookies do you think the Merry Men will want to eat?”

           “You know I’m not living with them.”

           “Snow mentioned it,” Regina replied. “But surely you still see them.”

           Robin shook his head. “I’m not their leader anymore. I passed that onto Will at the town line and have seen no reason to take it back.”

           “But you don’t even go to see them? They’re your friends.”

           “I’m not the man they remember,” he said, eyes downcast.

           Regina put down the Tupperware and stepped closer to him. “I’m sure they’re not expecting you to be. And I’m sure they want to help you.”

           “It’s not something I want to explain to them.” Robin’s eyes didn’t meet hers and he looked even more tired.

           “Have you talked with anyone?”

           “I’ve been talking with…her.” He spat out the word. “Or rather arguing about everything.”

           Regina frowned. “You mean Zelena?”

           He flinched at the name and his eyes darted about the room as if saying her name would summon her sister. It broke her heart and she finally reached, placing her hand on his arm. “You need to talk to Archie. Please. For Roland’s sake if not your own.”

           “I don’t know, Regina. This seems like something I need to handle on my own.”

           “I’ll go with you,” she offered.

           Her words seemed to surprise him as much as they surprised her. But she was starting to realize that she turned her back on him when he needed help the most. Even if it was better if they weren’t lovers anymore, they had once been friendly. He needed a friend and one who wouldn’t let him shut himself away.

           Robin shook his head. “You don’t have to do that.”

           “I know,” she replied. “But I want to. You can’t keep living like this.”

           “Regina…”

           She was not going to be deterred. “No. I still care for you, Robin. And people who care about each other make sure they get help. So let me help you. Please.”

           “Okay,” he said.

           “Good.” She nodded. “I’ll set up something with you and Archie.”

           Robin thanked her as Roland burst back into the kitchen. He looked at all the cookies still on the table and frowned. “Are we not taking any, Papa?”

           “Yes, you are,” Regina said. “Your papa and I just got distracted. But now you can pick the cookies you want to take. So come and show me.”

           It was late by the time Regina finished cleaning up from both cookies and dinner. She had sent Henry to bed ages ago even though he wanted to stay and help her. “You have school,” she told him.

           “I’ll be fine,” he insisted.

           But Regina held firm. “Go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

           Henry kissed her cheek and went upstairs to his room. She sponged down every surface in her kitchen before heading into the living room to relax.

           The lights on her Christmas tree twinkled and she stared at them as she laid on the couch, a glass of wine untouched on her coffee table. She stretched out, her eyes falling on an ornament Henry had made her years ago—a Santa made from his little handprint. As her eyelids fluttered shut, she wondered if she would get one made by Roland one day…

           Her eyes popped open again. That was a dangerous thought. One that tried to go down a road that was closed…because of roadblocks she had set up.

           She rolled over and screamed into her pillow so as not to alarm Henry. Her life was a mess again and it was all her fault. Mary Margaret was right—she was standing in the way of her own happy ending again. Perhaps she had even blown up again. Because even if she tried, would Robin take her back?

           Perhaps pixie dust did lie this time.

           Perhaps they were never meant to be together after all.

           With that depressing thought rattling about her head, Regina stood to get ready for bed. Not that she imagined sleep would come but she could try, she thought as she unplugged the tree for the night.

           She looked up into the boughs and past the ornaments. When he was little, she used to find Henry sprawled on his belly doing just this. He said it made the tree more magical. And now, even with the lights off, she could see what he meant. From this angle, their tree looked like an enchanted forest all clothed in baubles. All topped by three stars.

Snow dragged her through the corridors until they got to the Great Hall. It was full of servants who darted about as they hung ribbons and evergreen boughs around the room. Candles were light and trees were erected in each corner. These were all decorated with red ribbons, paling in comparison to the large one in the center of the room.

"That's the one we decorate," Snow said, beaming. "Mother and I would place the decorations and candles on it and then Father would place the star on top."

Regina's heart sped up. "Is your Father here?"

"No. He had a council meeting so he probably won't be here until it's time to put the star on top of the tree." Snow sighed before smiling. "So that leaves just you and me!"

Her heart returning to normal, Regina smiled. "So, where do we begin?"

Snow bounced on the balls of her feet as she took her stepmother's hand. "Come on. I'll show you where everything is."

As they decorated the tree, Regina felt lighter and almost like the child she should've been. She should've been more like Snow, a happy and loved little girl who might have been a little too spoiled. A girl who laughed freely and found joy in something as simple as tying a red velvet bow on a tree branch. Regina found herself torn as she watched Snow dart between the boxes and the tree, her brown curls bouncing against her back. It was a sweet scene but at the same time, she felt the jealousy rising up inside her. She felt the anger licking at her at how this girl who had everything had taken the one thing Regina had wanted for herself. How this girl could smile at her without feeling any guilt over the fact she had locked Regina into this life. That she had trapped her in this cage as much as Leopold and Cora.

Regina took a deep breath. It wouldn't do for anyone to see she was angry. Especially Snow. The girl would want to make it better, not comprehending that nothing would ever make it better.

"Princess Snow!" Johanna, Snow's faithful nursemaid, entered the Great Hall. "Your father is on his way to help finish the tree."

Snow clapped in joy, turning to her stepmother. "Did you hear that, Regina? Father is coming."

"I did." Regina swallowed the bile that rose up in her throat and she wavered a bit on her feet.

Johanna reached out a hand to steady her. "Are you well, Your Majesty?"

Regina saw her chance and seized it. "I'm afraid not. I think I shall go lie down."

"Do you need someone to escort you there?" Johanna asked.

She shook her head. "I think I can manage on my own. I will send down when I feel I can handle supper. Thank you."

Regina took a few shaky steps toward the door when Snow stopped her. "Are you certain you can't stay? At least see the star go on the tree?"

"I'm sorry, Snow," Regina replied. "But I do need to lie down. You can show it to me another time."

The girl nodded but hugged her. "Thank you for decorating with me. It was nice to spend time with you."

"You're welcome," Regina said. For a brief moment, she let herself cup Snow's head as she held the girl close.

It passed and Regina let her go, stepping away. She turned and fled down the hallway, away from everything. Back to the solitude of her room, where she could stew in her misery and anger as she laid on her bed. If she could be sick for all of Yule, nothing would be better.

She rounded a corner and collided with someone. A male someone, judging by the hard chest and strong arms that gripped to steady her. "Apologies, milady! Did I hurt you?"

"No," she replied, slightly dazed. When she recovered her senses, she pushed him away. "Unhand me. Do you know who I am?"

"A noblewoman, judging from your outfit," he replied, blue eyes twinkling.

She raised her head high. "I am the queen. I should have you placed in irons for this."

"Where's your yule spirit?"

"Dead," she snapped. "Now move or pay the consequences."

He tilted his head and refused to move. She swept her eyes over him, taking in his form. He was taller than her, with thick blond hair and matching scruff covering his face. A white shirt and leather jerkin paired with green pants didn't seem to fit in with what she saw the other servants wear. Yet there was still something familiar about him...

Bowing, he stepped aside. "After you, milady."

"It's Your Majesty," she corrected, walking past him. She paused looking back at him. "What are you doing in this part of the palace anyway?"

"Just lurking. Waiting to trip beautiful queens."

She frowned. "You're just sassing me now."

"Maybe." He stepped closer. "Or maybe I'm just trying to extend my time with you."

"Why would you want to do that?"

He paused before sighing. "You ever meet someone you feel you've met before? Like in another life?"

"Or a dream?" she breathed, leaning closer.

"Or a dream," he agreed, reaching out as he dared to take her hand. "So you feel it too?"

Regina nodded. "Have we met?"

"I doubt I would forget meeting you."

"The same," she replied. "But yet..."

A crash came from a nearby corridor and they jumped. The man stood in front of her, ready to fight whatever danger lurked in the shadows. "Robin," a voice hissed. "Robin, where are you?"

"Robin?" Regina frowned, stepped back from him. "Like Robin Hood?"

His smile turned sheepish and he rubbed the back of his neck. "One and the same, I'm afraid."

"So you're stealing from the king?"

"It's what I do."

She stared at him, an idea formulating in her head. It was rash and she hadn't thought it through, but it seemed like the perfect thing for her. "Steal me."

"What?" He blinked a few times.

"Steal me," she repeated, giddy.

"Milady, why would you want to be stolen?"

"Because I'm miserable here. This isn't a home, this is a prison. So steal me, take me far away from this awful place. Please."

Robin looked unsure. "It'll be a far cry from this life of luxury. We live in tents in the woods, constantly on the move."

"But you can come and go as you please, right? You don't have to be at someone's beck and call?"

"No, not at all." He studied her before holding out his hand. "If you're resolved, milady, then I will steal you away."

She took it and raced down the hallway with him, disappearing into the shadows.

Regina stayed with the Merry Men for a month, celebrating the Yule with them. She laughed, danced and sang with Robin and his men. Had her mother been able to see her, Cora would've died of shock and horror. While the Yule feast wasn't what she was used to, it was more delicious because she was sharing it with people she could call friends. Maybe even a family one day.

For the first time in her life, Regina was happy and free.

She also grew closer with Robin, continuing to be drawn to him. He was easy to talk to and she soon learned that he had been born to noble parents himself. Unlike her, though, he had a good relationship with his parents. "I was their only child and the light of their lives," he told one night as they sat around the fire. "In some aspects, I think they spoiled me. But I always knew they would drop everything for me if I needed them. I always knew I was loved right until they died and I was exiled from my own lands."

"That must've been nice." Regina sighed. “Being loved, I mean.”

"Your parents didn't love you?"

"My father did. Well, does." She had a pang of guilt over not letting her father know that she was safe but she knew it was too dangerous. No doubt Leopold was looking for her. "But Mother...Mother only saw me as a means to an end."

Robin took her hand. "That's awful."

"If I ever have a child, he or she will be loved. I won't force anything on them that they don't want. They'll be their own person."

"You'll be a great mother," Robin told her.

She smiled and leaned forward, pulled by some unexplainable force. Robin must've felt the same because he met her halfway, his warm lips covering hers. He brought a hand up to cup her cheek as their kiss deepened.

The kiss warmed her down to her toes and sent butterflies fluttering around her stomach. She leaned closer, relishing how close they were. It was wonderful, exciting...but familiar at the same time. As the kiss continued, she had fuzzy memories of a young boy and a dance around the courtyard.

They broke but Robin kept his hand on her cheek. "I feel like I've done that before," he said.

"Me too," she whispered. "Perhaps in that dream?"

He chuckled. "Perhaps."

They sat around the fire for a bit longer, just enjoying each's other company. When Regina yawned, he stood. "Shall I escort you to your tent, milady?"

"I think I can manage. But thank you." She kissed his cheek. "Good night, Robin."

She walked toward her tent, feeling like she was floating on air. A silly smile was still on her face and the butterflies were still flying. It felt like it had with Daniel and yet at the same time like so much more.

"Ah, someone's in love," a high-pitched voice said, sending her spirits pummeling.

"Rumpelstiltskin." The name left a bad taste in her mouth.

The gold-skinned imp popped up before her, giggling. "You're the most wanted person in the kingdom. Leopold is scouring the country for you."

"I doubt it's because he misses me," Regina replied. "He's just angry that someone made off with his trophy. But they're not going to find me."

Rumpelstiltskin laughed again. "His soldiers are closing in. I predict by this time tomorrow, you'll be back in the palace and your charming thief over there will be sitting in a cell, waiting for his date with the hangman's noose."

She paled at the thought of Robin swinging from the gallows. "You lie," she hissed.

"Do you want to risk your thief's neck?"

Taking a deep breath, Regina braced herself for what was to come. "What do I need to do?"

"Glad you asked." He flicked his wrist and produced a tiny vial. "You drink that and go to sleep. When you wake up, you'll be back in the palace with no recollections of what happened. I'll handle wiping the memories of this lot."

She frowned, hesitant to take the vial from him. "What's your price? Don't you always make a deal?"

"I do but this time, I'll set the price to be collected later. Do we have a deal?"

"Do I have a choice?" She took the vial before frowning. "If I won't recall any of this, how will I know I owe you?"

Rumpelstiltskin waved her off. "I'll figure that out, dearie. Now, you ready to sleep and forget?"

Snow greeted Regina the moment she stepped out of the carriage, throwing her arms around her stepmother. "I am so happy you're feeling better and are back with us."

"Yes," Regina replied, though it felt wrong. Like a lie. But she had fallen ill, apparently sicker than she had realized, before Yule. Leopold's physician had advised that she be removed from the palace so as to recover better and not to get Snow sick. It had taken some time, but she was healthy enough now to return. So she forced a smile on her face. "I am glad to be back as well."

"Come. I still have your Yule present for you. I can't wait to see your face!" Snow pulled her inside, back into her prison. Back to her father's sympathetic looks and Leopold's overprotective eye.