A/N: I can't believe it's that time. It's time to say goodbye to the first instalment of this story. I want to thank everyone, anonymous and known, who have supported me through this. It's a little known fact that much of this story is inspired (loosely, of course) on events from my own life - both the happy and painful. It's been most therapeutic to put them on paper and dive back into writing.
There are so many people who have become such good friends over the course of this story, you know who you are. Thank you all and I love you all dearly.
Music inspires me. Always. And it was a particular song that urged my to begin writing this. The link is below - listen to it if you wish, perhaps while you read this last chapter. It's absolutely stunning and certainly set the tone for the fic: Take Me Home by Us The Duo
As always, I own nothing but the mistake. Enjoy, lovelies.
Regina could easily be lulled to sleep as her body is laying atop his. Whether it's the pattering of the still falling rain on the window, the way his hand is consistently gliding up and down her bare back, or the soft beating of his heart through his chest, who knows. All she knows for certain is that she has never felt quite as at home as she does in this moment.
They've been silent, for the most part. No words spoken between them, but conversation happening nonetheless, through their breathing, sighs, and small touches. As he drags his fingertips along her spine, she shivers, despite how much she tries to suppress it.
"Are you cold?" He whispers, placing a kiss into her hair, reaching to pull the comforter further up their entwined bodies. Instead of responding, she lifts her head to look up at him, her chin resting on his chest. Robin is smiling down at her, almost goofily, and earns a giggle from her deep in her belly. "What is it?" He breaths out happily.
With glistening eyes, Regina shrugs her shoulders as best as she can, "Can we stay like this forever?"
"Yes," he answers immediately, squeezing his arms tightly around her upper body, but he loosens his grip, sighing, "However, we do have children. And, I think David will expect me to show up to work, as well your work commitments."
"Hmm," Regina mumbles, her head leaning back down onto his chest, "So, why did you buy the cabin?" She asks, the curiosity having been simmering for a while.
"I needed to keep myself busy," he explains, Regina understanding instantly, he was the one who taught her that method, of course, "I don't see myself moving into it any time soon, but it was a nice project for when I had a bad day."
"It's beautiful," Regina tells him, sloppily kissing his chest.
"You're beautiful," Robin's sweet voice reaches her ears and she's pretty sure her entire body blushes, turning a soft shade of red all over, and when Robin starts to laugh she realises that he must notice, "No need to be embarrassed, my love."
"I'm not," she defends from within the cocoon he's made for them, "I'm happy." She's grinning like a child into his chest.
"Me too." He flips them suddenly, a playful shriek erupting from within her belly as she lands softly on her back, encased by his elbows, and gazing up into the eyes that captivate her more now than they ever have before. "I love you." He murmurs, for what could easily be the millionth time that evening, but still forever leaving her feeling like it is the first time.
"Spend Christmas with us…" She sighs blissfully, still basking in the hazy feeling leftover from his words. The look of panic that spreads on his face, though, certainly isn't what she expects and it has her instantly feeling self-conscious and worrying that she has over stepped, "You don't have to…"
"No," he begins to clarify sweetly, shifting his weight between his elbows, "It's not that. It's just… We can't. We are in California over Christmas this year. John, a friend from University, he invited us."
"Oh," Regina laughs, relieved and the knots in her stomach beginning to detangle.
"I wish we could change our plans. I would love nothing more than to spend the holiday with you and Henry," He ponders for a short moment before suggesting, "Why don't Roland and I travel to the city for New Years Eve?"
"You don't have to do that," Regina dismisses, bringing her arms up to loops intimately around his neck.
"I want to," he assures, lowering a small amount more of his weight atop her body, their lower abdomens touching, "I have never really been to the city. I am in dire need of a tour and it's such a huge part of your life now. It's where you have built your home, your life. I want to see the buildings that mesmerise you as you walk down the street. I want to eat a proper bagel at your favourite breakfast spot. I want to meet the people you work with, even that little witch who almost ruined your trip." He drops a kiss to her forehead, affectionately. Shielding him from seeing her face drop, the talk of work reminding her of the spur of the moment decision the night before. "What is it?" He asks as her worried eyes connect with his again.
"I quit my job…" She whispers, in a way that is to convince herself as well as relay the fact to him.
"What?" Robin asks, having not heard her mumbled confession.
"I quit my job," she sighs heavily, dropping her arms from around his neck, "I am an idiot."
"Wow," Robin exhales, moving to sit up, taking some of the comforter with him. She follows his move, their arms touching as they both sit with their bare backs on the cold woodwork of the headboard. He reaches down and links their fingers together, pulling up the comforter to cover their still bare bodies as much as gravity would allow, though neither of them seemed to mind the current lack of clothing. "This is what was bothering you earlier?"
"Yeah," Regina breathes, squeezing the fingers that are interlocked with hers, "I was just so sick of that job making me feel… trapped. So, I quit."
"How do you feel now that you are free of it?"
Looking at him with furrowed brows, she pries, "You aren't going to tell me that I'm crazy?"
"If it was making you unhappy, why would I think you crazy for leaving the job? I suppose that not having a well structured back-up plan is rather silly," He giggles, rubbing his nose teasingly along her cheek, eliciting a breathy, huffed laugh from her, "However, I know you will find something that suits you." Their faces are close, her hand travelling slowly to cup his cheek, mumbling a thank you softly against his lips. "Did you have anything in mind?" He asks.
"I…" She starts, but stutters mid thought, still not trusting it completely, "I did have one idea, but I think I'm ridiculous for even considering it."
"I'm listening," He encourages, foreheads touching, "I'll be there to support you in any decision, you know that, right?"
Her heart melts then, trying to keep her smile small and subtle. She shifts expertly, straddling his outstretched legs, her collar bone at his eye level, forcing him to tilt his head upward to meet her gorgeous brown orbs.
"I hear that Storybrooke is in need of a new Mayor," she grins down at him, and she says it confidently. Much more confidently than she thought she could say it, but being here with him, it made it so, so easy. And the smile that cracks across his face is astronomical.
Robin shifts beneath her, his strong arms making their way up to her shoulders, leaving a path of warmth. She bites her bottom lip when she feels his now hardening length against her thigh, "But, that means…" He groans, pushing up against her and abandoning his face against her collarbone.
"That I need to move back to Storybrooke." Their eyes link as he lifts his head again, Robin searching for any hint of doubt or a joke.
"You're sure?" He asks, the smile never fading.
"I wasn't sure for a while. I've been thinking about it all day. But, being here, in this moment with you, right now. I've never been more sure of anything."
Christmas is slowly beginning to disappear from the city; trees and lights coming down from stores, that magical feeling dissipating from the air. The holiday that could arguably be designated to the hearts of children is slowly morphing into the one leaves a mark of magic into the soul's of adults.
The New Year is fast approaching. Parties are being planned all over the city, but not for Regina. Not this year. Robin and Roland are mere minutes away and they will be spending a quiet night inside… surrounded by packed boxes.
Ten years of a life she had always wanted is bubble-wrapped and taped inside cardboard, ready to be shipped back to the town she had once wanted to erase from her memory.
When she had talked to Archie about coming back, he was ecstatic, almost immediately collecting everything necessary needed to conjure up an election. Her Father was possibly the most excited, the smile permanently etched on his face for the rest of their Thanksgiving break. And, she's excited. She's actually excited about moving back. Excited for Henry to see where his Father grew up, to be around her own Father more, to embark on this new career path, and to, perhaps a smidgen more selfishly, indulge in the reawakened connection between her and Robin.
Emma had been weird about it and now she isn't spending the last night of the year with Regina. Despite their annual tradition of cheesy movies and red wine (or beer, in Emma's case). She decided not to press the issue though, Emma is allowed to have other friends and other plans - she promised to see Regina and Henry off on their journey, she can be happy about that, at least.
She and Henry are standing outside their apartment to meet their guests, and he's giddy. He's so excited to see Roland that he can barely keep himself still. It started earlier in the day with his constant rambling about all the fun they will have, but soon it became a symptom of his entire body. His knees are bobbing up and down as a rented SUV pulls up by the sidewalk.
"Are you excited, sweetheart?" Regina chuckles down to her boy, and the toothy grin that he shines her way is all the answer she needs.
"Henry!" A squealed voice yells as Roland jumps from the back seat of the car, with Robin's help of course, and adults are quickly forgotten as the young boys gabble back and forth with each other on the street.
"Hello," Robin grins, kissing Regina immediately for everyone to see.
"How was the drive?" She smiles, crouching down to say a quick hello to Roland, smooching a kiss to his dimpled cheek.
"Long, but doable. Especially knowing that a kiss from you was waiting at the other end." Robin teases.
Blushing, she begins walking to the entrance of the building, "You were always a sweet talker," Regina jokes, ushering their sons inside and upstairs.
Upon entering the apartment, Robin is taken aback by the number of boxes, "Woah."
"Henry, why don't you show Roland your room. You can take some of your toys out of one box."
Henry's adorable face scrunches up as his little animated protest begins to leave his body, "But, Mommy! The bells! We can't miss them-"
Robin swoops in then, lifting the excited six year old high into the air, happy shrieks meeting Regina's ears and she watches. It's strange for a second, watching Henry have this moment… almost a fatherly interaction with Robin - it's nice.
He's holding Henry, perched on his shoulder, "Don't worry, my boy. You won't miss them."
"Papa, me too," Roland is giggling, pulling on Robin's jeans. Expertly, Robin swings down and picks up Roland as well.
"Which way to the toys, outlaws?" Robin asks with feigned seriousness, winking at Regina while Henry gives his best direction to the bedroom.
The boys didn't make it very far into the evening. Both are quite literally passed out on Henry's bed together after trying so desperately to make it to the bells.
Regina and Robin, however, are keeping themselves very amused going through some old boxes of Regina's. The one with the high school yearbook has proven to be a hit.
They are sitting on the floor against the wall, legs outstretched, wine glasses close by on the floor, and only the dim light from the corner lamp to guide their way through the pages.
Why they settled for the floor is a mystery, especially with the couch only a few feet away. She's leaving the apartment somewhat furnished, her mother's monetary gift helping with the big move. But, Regina likes where they are. Her arm easily loops through his, leaning her head on Robin's shoulder and they are laughing at a god awful picture of Regina and Mary Margaret.
"I don't remember this at all," Robin forces out through laughter, dropping the book to his thighs to reach for his wine glass.
"You don't?" Regina groans, her head lifting as she reaches for her own glass. They aren't drunk, not even close, but they are about ten minutes from opening their second bottle, and this fuzzy warmth that they feel will most likely become a lot more, "Good, let's keep it that way."
"No," Robin whines, "Tell me, please."
"Ugh, fine," Regina laughs.
She's stretched her body as much as it could be, standing on a ladder with her arms outstretched to reach for it. The stupid paint can that Mary Margaret just had to have to paint her birdhouse.
Why she wasn't the one over exerting herself a good four feet off the ground is beyond comprehension. But, she had practically begged Regina to reach up for that stupid can of yellow paint.
"I hate yellow," Regina gritted through her teeth as she reached high, her fingertips nudging it around the shelf.
"Yellow is a beautiful colour, Regina. I think you'd suit it." Mary Margaret offered, in her usual sweet voice that in that moment irritated Regina so much more than usual.
"Yellow is a beautiful colour, Regina..." Regina mocked with rolled eyes, reaching just a tiny bit further, the paint can nearing the edge of the ledge and...
She was falling. Great. Luckily she twisted midair and landed somewhat safely on her backside, but clambering sharply into the cabinet.
She's not sure what happened then, all that registered was Mary Margaret's voice calling for her to watch out. Then there was a loud crash, the paint can landing right next to Regina on the ground, paint spilling absolutely ever. All over her.
"You have got to be kidding," Regina growled, grimacing at the yellow paint that now covered her clothes, that was splattered over her face and hair.
"See? You do suit yellow," Mary Margaret tried to joke.
"I don't know who snapped the picture, but I was horrified," Regina finishes, still laughing through her story, "And, yellow."
"You looked lovely," Robin laughs, standing up with his wine glass in hand, reaching down to pick up Regina's, "More?"
"Please," she hums from the floor, watching him walk into the kitchen, picking up the discarded yearbook and grinning away at it.
With full wine glasses in hand, he passes a closed box that looks different, "What's this?" He asks, stopping by the box noticing the word wedding hastily written on the side, "Oh, never mind."
"What was it?" She's standing up now, walking to him and realising what box he has found. He's looking at her apologetically, "Open it." She offers.
"We don't have to," He tells her moving away from the box, handing her the wine.
"I didn't even pack that one. Daniel did, not long after our wedding. He wanted us to go through it on our tenth wedding anniversary." Regina is already opening the box, ripping it open after a gulp from her wine glass. Robin holds his tongue, not wanting her to feel any pressure to open the treasured box, but almost as equally wanting to know it's contents.
The first visible item is a photograph, and the sight of it makes Robin lose all inhibitions about going through this personal box. A picture of the married couple, and Regina looks stunning. Beyond stunning, out of this world. Robin reaches inside the box to bring it closer for a better look.
"Regina," he breathes, "You look absolutely breathtaking."
"Thank you," she smiles after a heavy exhale, taking in the picture.
"And Daniel looks so grown up." His voice is similar to that of an excited child, much like Henry's earlier that day, "Who knew he could clean up so well?"
Regina erupts with laughter, moving her attention to the rest of the box, "I was as shocked as you."
She continues to rummage, odd trinkets being shown here and there, Robin joining in the rummaging. She tells him stories of the day, bringing about happy and somber feelings within them both.
"I would imagine there's quite a tale behind this?" Robin asks cheekily, a garter hanging from his fingertip.
"Oh, God," she snatches it away, embarrassed yet amused, "You're terrible." The way he bites his lip, like he's just been caught in a cookie jar, brings out the chuckle that was trapped in her chest.
Her embarrassment is quickly forgotten when they reach the bottom of the box and Daniel's black tuxedo jacket is found pristinely folded.
"I did know he kept this," Regina whispers, reaching towards it slowly, as if something were about to each out a grab her. When her fingertips clutch onto the fabric, she lifts it quickly, all eyes on the garment. Instinctively, Regina brings it to her nose as she inhales with her eyes closed, "Not quite the forest," she teases with pursed lips, glancing sideways to look at him, easing the unintended awkwardness, "But, similar."
Robin entertains her with a slight snort through his nose, gingerly touching the arm of the jacket, feeling the fabric on his fingertips.
"What are you going to do with all of these things?" Robin inquires, letting go of the jacket, "There are some wonderful memories in here."
"I'm not sure," Regina places the jacket on the floor, gently, and starts packing everything back inside, "I'll find some place for them when we get to my Dad's."
Robin is helping her, placing items carefully back, "How does it feel? Moving back in with a parent?"
"Technically, if I become Mayor, he'll be living in my house," Regina laughs, reaching down to the floor for the jacket, "Besides, you live with your Mom and you seem okay."
"It's actual really great. Roland deserves to have her close by."
"You do, too. Were you not thinking of moving into your cabin?" Regina asks while folding up the coat.
"No, I like being in town and with family, and how could I resist living next door to such a beautiful woman?" Regina's face scrunches up curiously as she feels something inside the jacket pocket, "What did you find?" He asks.
Inside is an envelope, sealed and folded, and Regina exhales shuddered breath as she looks at the name scribbled on the front, "Robin..." Her voice cracks, shining eyes looking at him.
"Is it your vows?" He asks, but she shakes her head.
"No... It's for you," she whispers, offering Robin the envelope.
Never has his jaw dropped so quickly, or confusion filled his face so drastically. Robin is staring at the sealed note now in his hands, "I don't understand..."
"Open it," Regina demands, pulling him back to the floor with her hand, "What does it say?"
It's torn open fast and Robin begins to tearfully read aloud:
Robin,
I'm so happy you made it, truly. Regina has been talking constantly about whether or not you'll show. You've made her day, and mine.
I know they may just be empty words now, but I am so sorry about how we left things. I should never have pushed you away. I can't so to thinking about how different things would be if I didn't.
Truth be told, I probably wouldn't be marrying Regina today. My reasons were selfish and not from the right headspace. I regretted what I said to you as soon as the words left my mouth.
I love Regina. I know you do too, or at least you did at some point. She's happy. I promise you that. I will work as hard as I can to keep it that way.
We'll catch up after the ceremony. We love you, Robin.
Here's to a new batch of memories.
Daniel.
Regina's hand is over her mouth, Robin's eyes blinking over and over, "I should have been there," Robin croaks, folding up the letter, "He wrote this thinking I would be there."
"Don't..." Regina takes the folded paper from his hands, "We've been through this and I'm not letting it break you again. He forgave you. Of course we both wanted you there, but he told you to stay away. What did he expect?"
"I should have got on that plane."
Outside the window, cheering is erupting as the countdown to the New Year soon approaches, "Listen," Regina tells him, a hand supportively on his cheek, "Here comes a new year. I'm making a few big changes. You should too, I think it's about time you forgive yourself, once and for all."
The crowds outside on the busy New York streets begin their loud countdown from ten.
"You have to forgive yourself, Robin. Not just for yourself, but for Roland. For Marian, Henry, and me. For Daniel, too." Robin looks towards her, eyes brimming with tears, "Daniel would hate to see you beat yourself up like this."
"Alright," Robin nods, the outcry of numbers from the outside 3,2...1.
"Happy New Year, Robin," Regina smiles, peppering a gentle kiss to his lips.
"Happy New Year, my love," Robin captures her lips again, in a much more heated kiss. Lips melded together, their hands caressing the other's face softly, Regina's thumb brushing away the lingering wetness on his cheek.
"Take me to bed," Regina mumbles into the kiss before her lips meld themselves onto his neck, just below his jawline.
"Always."
The first day of January is a beautiful day. The car is filled to the brim with boxes, their precious boys are strapped in carefully into the first row of backseats, and Regina is taking one final look at the exterior of the apartment building.
She's about to let go of so, so much. The spot of the wall that she had marked Henry's growth, the wooden floor that saw his first steps. The bathroom that witnessed playful bubble baths and tearful, heartbreaking moments resulting in embracing friends and kicked open doors. The front door that welcomed Emma into her life...
Emma.
Telling Emma about the move was the hardest of all. She smiled happily and encouragingly as Regina talked through the moving plans, expertly choosing the right times to wipe almost falling tears from her eyes as Regina spoke.
Truth be told, Emma is the reason that she and Robin aren't bucked in the car on their way to the interstate.
She's late. Nothing new there, Emma is the furthest thing from prompt, especially considering she was out with a different group of friends the night before, ringing in the new year. Part of Regina is hurt that Emma didn't spend the evening with her, but she supposes that with Robin and Roland in town, Emma felt like she had to make other plans.
Regina wishes she had called and told Emma not to be silly. They should have spent the night as a family, all of them together.
Robin shuffles slowly in behind her, arms wrapping around her middle, his chin swiftly caressing her neck, "Still no sign of her?"
Regina shakes her head, afraid to try and speak at the fear of instant sobbing. Pain clenching in her throat as she tries her hardest to keep it buried inside. It is hard for it not to feel as if Emma considers this an abandonment. That she feels as if Regina is going to leave her behind and that will be it - friendship over.
Robin realises this. And, how could he not? This is an all too familiar situation in their lives; it may not have occurred frequently, but the last time it did, it changed their lives forever.
There's a packed car, an impending farewell, and the underlying fear that things are going to change, and not necessarily for the better.
"Regina," Robin reluctantly speaks into the crook of her neck, "I understand... I really do, sweetheart. However, our boys are getting restless and if we don't leave soon, it will be dark before we arrive."
Regina hates that he's right, she almost wants to turn everything around on him to make herself feel better, but she doesn't. Emma's tardiness is no one's fault, and there's no point of Regina standing staring at a building that no longer houses her for the rest of eternity, waiting for a spunky, long haired blonde who could potentially not show at all.
"Okay," Regina clears her throat sadly, uncrossing her folded arms and slumping towards to passenger seat of the car.
She buckles herself in the seat, glancing back at their boys who are entertaining themselves as well as they can. Robin readies himself for the long drive, buckling his own seatbelt, slipping the key into the ignition and pausing for an extra moment.
It's small, the moment, one that could have been easily missed, but Regina knows that he wants Emma to turn the corner of the street just as much as she does. Regina's grateful, but after an extra minute or two and with there still being no sign of the blonde, Regina gives a gentle nod, her permission for him to leave without this goodbye.
Robin frowns at Regina's sadness, evident by a sniffle and the badly hidden wipe of a tear, as he turns the key, sparking up the engine. But, then he's smiling. Turning the car off right away, breathing a heavily relieved sigh urging Regina to look up.
A mess of pin straight blonde strands and racing through the street accompanied by that horrendous red leather jacket. Emma is running, springing through the streets, trying to avoid bodies on her way.
Regina is already out of the car when Emma reaches them and there is no time lost before Emma catapults herself into Regina's arms, the embrace a strong grips onto Emma, inhaling the scent of her friend. Trying to memorise everything about her in this single hug.
Emma let's go first, extracting herself to show Regina her glistening eyes and almost trembling lower lip, "I'm so sorry I'm late."
"I know," Regina laughs, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind Emma's ear, "But, you made it."
"Of course I did, I couldn't miss the send off to this brilliant apartment. You know I loved your place... And I suppose you and the kid were alright, too." Emma winks, her joke not quite as enthusiastic as usual, but making Regina chuckle nonetheless.
"I'm glad you think so," Regina mumbles, reaching into her pocket, "And, I'm glad you did make it because I'm giving it to you." Regina pulls the jingling keys in front of their faces and Emma's eyes bulge open, along with her dripping jaw.
"You what now?" Emma asks, disbelief all over her face.
Regina smiles softly, and places the keys in Emma's hand, "With the money my Mom left me, I can make this move without actually selling the place. I want you to move in, we can figure out rent and things later... I just... You deserve this."
Still utterly gobsmacked, Emma shakes her head, "Regina... I can't describe how sweet that is, but you need to sell this bad boy." Emma is urging her, slipping the keys back into Regina's grasp.
"Really, Emma. It's yours." Regina tries a second time, assuming that Emma hasn't caught on to the truthfulness of the offer.
"I am blown away by the gesture," Emma begins to explain, just as Robin exits the car and makes his way to stand behind Regina, "But, I already have a new place."
Now, Regina is shocked, eyebrows raising and a surprised smile plastered on her face, "You did? Where?"
Emma's voice begins to crack with appreciation as she looks over Regina's shoulder to Robin, "Well, you see, I have this friend who has been working on a house. His girl is moving home and so he doesn't need it right now, and offered to let me stay there for a while." Emma is beaming an appreciating smile towards Robin, while Regina seems to have not clicked into the situation. With tears threatening to fall, Emma continues, "Perhaps you know it, it's this adorable little town called Storybrooke?"
Regina flips her head to Robin, her face making it clear that she understands now. She turns her head back to Emma and back to Robin several times before concentrating on Emma, and with an unprecedented childish and shaky voice, "But... You love takeout."
Emma snorts with laughter, Robin not far behind with a similar action. She gently bumps her fist against Regina's shoulder, "Sure, but I love you more. Besides, Granny's isn't all that bad."
"Get in the car, Swan," Robin is still chuckling and feeling lighthearted at their interaction, especially seeing how much it is touching and still confusing Regina.
"You're coming now?! What about your car?" Regina blurts out, eyes popping slightly as she watches Emma open the back door of their car preparing to shuffle the one of the seats behind the boys, completely surrounded by big cardboard cubes.
"Yep. It's already there. I drove it down earlier in the week and Robin smuggled me back into the city. I had to pack so much. What did you think I was doing last night?" Emma giggles.
"I thought you were out with friends."
Regina's lips turn into a small frown, a tiny dash of jealously in her tone, but Emma is very quick to correct her, "I spent all of last night shoving my crap into massive boxes, handing them off to a lovely man, who then stuck them in his truck and will soon be payed for driving them to this quaint little town in Maine."
Regina's eyes begin to water, she can feel that awkward pressure behind her eyes, "You spent New Year's Eve getting ready to move?"
"If she had started packing when I had suggested," Robin cuts in, Emma's eye roll unstoppable, "She would have been able to spend the evening with us."
"Uh huh," Emma groans playfully, "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
Emma clambers into the car, bringing about excited chatter between her and the young boys who are waiting, surprising patiently. But, Regina has to turn to Robin. It may have come across angry, the way she spins on her heel to face him, but she's confused and shocked and in awe - all at once.
Wordlessly, he steps forward and loops his arms around her waist in the middle of the street, "Good surprise?"
With a bright smile, she nods in his direction, "You gave up your cabin?"
"It's merely temporary, but yes, I suppose I did give up my cabin."
"For me?" She asks in a whisper, leaning forward onto her tiptoes and bringing her arms to encircle his neck.
"For you," he breathes while her lips brush over his, "I didn't want you to have to say another goodbye."
She was going in for a kiss, but she stops at his words. He and Emma planned this entire thing just so she didn't have to lose anyone else.
"I love you, Robin Locksley." It's sincere, perhaps the most sincere yet.
His icy blue eyes are invading hers, as he tell her I love you, too before finally attaching to her lips.
When he pulls back, Regina has moved from his hold and is sticking out her pinky towards him, with a semi serious and semi mischievous expression, "Promise?" She asks, biting her bottom lip and she watches him smile at the gesture.
There is no hesitation: pinkies are linked, kisses are pressed and thumbs touch.
"I promise, I love you. I love your strength," Robin starts, cradling her face in his hands, gaining her full attention, "I love your fire. I love the way you can make me knees go weak with just a glance over your shoulder." She begins to blush, but she doesn't care, "I love that there are so many things I love about you, that I would need a million years to list them all. But, the thing I love the most... I love that you love me back."
Tears are falling and she's utterly speechless. She tries to respond, but all she can muster is a lousy, "Wow..."
"What now, love?" Robin asks after a final gentle kiss, his eyes glancing back towards her old apartment after letting go of her face.
They look up, towards the part of her life that he was absent from, then Regina turns on her feet to view the car that is about to change all of it. From inside the car, Emma notices her stare and flashes a supportive smile
"Take me home." She tells him proudly and confidently.
"Stop the car," Regina says, reaching over and clasping Robin's arm.
"What's wrong?" He asks, worry on his face, pressing on the brakes.
"Nothing," she assures, patting the arm she was holding as the car comes to a full stop, and she's staring straight ahead.
The town line.
He has stopped just short of the Welcome to Storybrooke sign and the orange spray paint that nobody truly knows the origin of.
Regina unbuckles her seatbelt and leaves the car, gingerly walking towards the line on the ground. The sun maybe an hour from setting, the trees around her encasing her inside her thoughts.
She looks as if her mind is wandering into every nook and cranny possible, but in reality, her thoughts are silent. Blankly, she is staring with her arms crossed at this final step. The last step before she commits to everything.
"If it's too soon, I can take you all back in the morning," Robin sneaks up behind her, but doesn't startle her.
"Emma quit her job and sold her apartment," she teases.
"Emma can weasel her way back into anything and you know it," Robin retorts, standing at her side, arms touching, "And, we are talking about you, not Emma."
"True," she chuckles, "But, that's not it. I... You know, three months ago, I drove over this line and immediately started counting the minutes until I could leave." She's moving towards the green sign as she speaks, and when she turns to face him she's smiling, not frowning like he is expecting, "And, now... I'm excited."
"That's a good thing, Regina," he approaches her, "Life has been tough for both of us, but good things are allowed to happen."
"Did you know this was everything Daniel wanted?" Regina asks him, licking her lips, "He always wanted to come home. He wanted to pack up our things and lug them over this stupid line and live a happy life..."
"Marian always wanted to visit too," Robin offers, politely.
There's no jealousy, there's no pressure, there is only understanding between these widows who have rekindled something they thought was once lost.
"Why didn't you?" Regina asks.
"Honestly, I don't know. She would have loved it."
She has a sudden thought and she walks to the trunk of the car, diving into one of the boxes they had re-taped the evening before. Robin stays in his spot by the town line, waiting for Regina to follow through.
And she does. When Robin catches sight of the black tuxedo jacket in her hands and she walks back to him, he murmurs a watery laugh, instantly knowing how they were going to pay respect to their lost friend.
Regina hangs the jacket on the edge of the welcome sign, standing back with an intake of breath.
Robin searches in his back pocket for his wallet, opening it and picking out a picture. He shows it to Regina; a beautiful picture of Marian. Regina nods encouragingly, Robin then placing the picture into the inside jacket pocket.
Together they look on, smiling.
"Now they can enjoy the town together," Robin whispers, hoping to not ruin the moment.
"It's perfect..."
They aren't leaving Daniel and Marian behind, only the guilt for never sharing the town before, as minute as the guilt may be. Also, in a roundabout way, it's a thank you. A thank you for their love and guidance, for helping both Robin and Regina discover themselves and giving them the hope to be happy a second time.
Without Daniel or Marian, neither of these lost souls would have had the courage or the will to find each other again.
"We have one thing left to do, love," Robin says, supportively nudging her shoulder.
"And, what's that?" She asks, her head tilting, amused.
Robin theatrically jumps over the orange town line, flipping around to face her, his arm outstretched in an offering, "Milady..." Her laugh is light, it's bouncy, and it's happy. Three words that probably wouldn't have been associated with her life previously. And, when she takes his hand, he pulls her into him, into his hold, "Welcome home." He whispers, his lips only seconds from hers.
She's home, not only within in his arms and in this town, but within herself, and that is all she has ever needed.
A/N: Thank you.
A sequel is in the works - these two definitely have a lot more to work through together, and I'm so excited to share that with you.
Please review if you can; if you have any suggestions for the sequel, any scenarios you'd like to see (either in real time or as a flashback), please don't hesitate to share them with me.
Twitter: RegalPixieDust - follow me, I love to chat!
Until next time. Mwah!
Shannon x