Finding Home Epilogue

She can't stop looking at him. Has barely said anything since they sat down on the sofa, for her mind is completely stuck on just looking, perhaps trying to cement into her brain that this is real, he is sitting in front of her and holding her hand. It's not a dream. At least she hopes it's not. It doesn't feel like one, that's for damn sure. She just crosses one leg over the other, shuffling to be as close to Robin as possible without out right sitting on his lap, rests her head on the hand angled up from the sofa back and threads her other through his fingers. It's surreal. To think that the spell worked this time. After eighteen years of failure, it's finally gone the right way.

Roland on the other hand, contrary to Regina's silence, can't stop talking. Has words just skidding out without a breath taken in between because there is so much to say and clearly not enough time. It's funny though, how you say nothing when those you love are around simply because you figure they will be here tomorrow to listen. Regina's fingers squeeze his own at the thought, his bright blue eyes crinkling back in a smile. She's going to talk his damn ear off until he begs her to be quiet, once she figures out how to actually form a sentence again and not just gawk at him.

For now she's simply happy listening to every inflection of his voice, memorizing each line and curve on his face, internally adoring at the silver brown his hair and beard now sport. Apparently time travelled with him as it does any living person. Years that have salted his hair and deepened the wrinkles beside his eyes. It does funny things to her stomach, seeing him matching her in age still, has it scrunching up into a little ball before exploding like tiny firecrackers over and over, every time the fire behind them glitters on a new sliver of silver.

And for every word that Roland drops, Robin is quick to soak it all up. Entranced by the fact the son he last saw as a five year old is now a grown man, with thick shoulders and a carved strong jaw. But all Robin can see is the youth that still swirls in those brown eyes. A sense of boyhood clinging to him even now.

"I swiped all their gold right from under their noses! Bunch of idiot knights!" Roland bowls over in laughter, something Regina's been dying to hear again. He seems so happy. So utterly full of joy in this moment right now she wishes she could freeze time and just let him stay in this bubble of safety forever.

Robin chuckles alongside her, patting his son on the shoulders, "It was almost like that time you stole a horse from one of King Jonathon's guards." He grins, pride swelling into his chest.

But Roland stills in his chair, eyes gaping wide open. "How… how did you know about that?" He stammers out. Robin hangs his head, aware of what he's just done, though no one else is. A hand runs through his hair, a grimace painting his face as he sighs long and heavy.

"Dad? How did you know?"

Regina watches in shock, eyes glued to Robin who shakes his head sadly before tipping his chin up to meet Roland's bewildered gaze. "I was there." Silence echoes around them. Regina sitting up a touch straighter as Roland slouches back into his chair in confusion.

"I don't understand." Their son whispers out, eyes desperately tracing his father's features for some sort of explanation. "You weren't there. You were dead."

Regina shrinks at that, her hands trembling in Robin's grip. She doesn't want to think about that, him not being here, not when he is sitting in front of her alive and breathing. But she too doesn't really understand how it's even possible Robin would know a part of Roland's life he didn't witness. Robin lets a breath go, sits up a bit taller, and smiles smally at his son. "When I died, I didn't really leave this place." His eyes flicker to Regina before he continues, "I woke up, I suppose in a forest that was covered in fog. Time there didn't move, and sleep wasn't something I ever felt the need for. So I walked. To nowhere in particular, but my heart kept telling me to move further, so I did. I'm not sure for how long, but I eventually ended up in this clearing, much like the Merry Men's camp, and I saw you."

"I was there?" Roland whimpers unsettled. "How is that possible?"

Robin smiles, squeezes Regina's fingers, and looks at his son. "It was like a compass. You were the East. The Merry Men South. Henry had been West and Regina was due north." Her breath hitches and tightens in her lungs. He has been with her since he died, never left. "It was like a moving picture, but it was all of you. Living day by day, and I watched every moment of it." Tears flush into his blue eyes as he takes in the very real nature of the people sitting around him. Being able to actually touch them, physically, feel their heat and skin on his hands, it's beyond what words can describe. "In the beginning when I first found that place, I tried to call your names, ran right to you son and hugged you, but my body was like a ghost and I fell right through you." He sniffs, blinking back the pooling wetness. "I realized then that you couldn't feel me, see me or even hear me. So I just followed you instead. Everywhere you all went, I walked behind."

Regina bites down on her shaky lower lip, swallowing the sob that climbs up her body. But Roland, he openly lets his tears fall, whether by choice or simply the inability to control them, he weeps. "I heard you one time you know."

Robin smiles.

"I had just stolen two bags of gold from George's castle and there was this father and son on the road back, beggars who were poorer than dirt. I watched them for a long time, and they had nothing but each other, and they seemed happy. It made me angry." He confesses quietly. "I was about to ride away but the little boy came up to me and asked for food I didn't have, but I had the gold."

"You weren't going to give it to them."

"No. I wasn't."

Robin sighs, lets Regina's hand go and moves towards Roland, hands gently squeezing his son's shoulders. "You told me to not let greed take over my heart. That there are people in this world who needed the gold more that I did."

"And what did you do?"

"I left both bags with them."

Pride blooms into Robin as he hugs his boy tight, telling him softly how proud he is of him and the man he's become. Henry saddles up beside Regina. Had run here the moment Maleficent had called him and embraced his stepfather with a fierceness Regina hadn't seen since Roland had come home. She cried at their embrace. It was so pure and filled with such relief. Her son wraps an arm around her shoulders, kisses her cheek affectionately with a smile and reaches for her hands, tucking them into his own.

"I'm sorry for how the Merry Men handle my death Roland. They never should have taken you back to Sherwood and they never should have kept the truth from you."

"Thanks, Dad. I'm just really glad you are here."

"Me too, son."

How he is here, they haven't exactly shared, knowing full well that he would be less than amused with what they did, the self harm they inflicted. It's a story for another night, one that won't be ruined by his aggravation that they put themselves in danger just for him. For now, they are all just grateful to be in each other's company once more.

"And Henry, how's Violet coming along?" He turns with a glint in his eye towards his other son, a cheeky grin splitting across his face as Henry flushes beside Regina who cocks an eyebrow at her boy.

He shifts a bit nervously on the sofa, huffing out a half shy laugh. "She's good."

"Just good?" Robin prods gently, taking his residence beside Regina back up.

"She's pregnant." Henry admits and Regina's jaw drops. She had no idea they were even trying for a baby, how could she have missed that. "Not far along, still in her first trimester, but she's feeling really, really good."

"Give her my best wishes." Robin smiles and plays with the emerald ring on Regina's left hand. "I am very excited to meet my daughter-in-law."

"She knows a lot about you."

"Hang on. She's pregnant?" Regina finally figures out how to use her mouth for anything but hanging wide open. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Henry chuckles, squeezing his mother's thigh, "We were waiting to make sure everything with the baby was healthy before we spread the news."

"How many weeks is she?"

"Ten. The little nugget would be the size of a grape tomato right about now." He beams, "Halfway to finding out if it's a boy or a girl. Violet wants a daughter."

"And you?"

"I'd be happy with either, though little girls absolutely terrify me." Henry laughs alongside Robin and Roland. But Regina just stares in disbelief. Her baby is going to be a daddy. Her little prince, a father. Her heart swells and flips about at the thought. She's going to be a grandma. When did life decide to be this kind to her?

"Don't let Violet on that you all know. She wants it to be a surprise at brunch next weekend."

"Scouts honor," Robin's hand flies up in promise. "I'm going to be a granddad."

His smile is infectious as Roland breaks into a matching grin, "I am going to be an uncle. This is so cool!"

"Thanks guys. Means a lot to me. Uh, Mom, you okay?"

"Yes, I am just shocked."

"Happy, shocked, or wishing you had the birds and bees talk with me shock?"

She cringes, smiling embarrassed as she confesses, "A bit of both?"

"You can blame Hook. He had some very interesting advice on the subject." Henry laughs. "Speaking of Violet though, I should probably get home. I need to get her more prenatal vitamins and mint chocolate chip ice cream or she will have my head."

He stands, kisses Regina on the cheek with a playful, "See you tomorrow, Grandma." Hugging Roland and Robin tight, with promises to bring his pregnant wife around soon. Robin walks with him to the door, hugging him one last time before bidding him a good night.

"So, Roland. Henry has Violet, tell me whatever did happen with that cute young girl, Tina? Trina?"

Roland flushes, "Tatiana."

"Ah yes. Tatiana. She made a mean bowl of stew if I recall." He grins, settling back beside Regina, as his son squirms in his seat. Regina chuckles, rolls her eyes at Robin's smile, ever the inquisitor her thief is.

"It didn't work out." Roland runs a hand through his hair, huffing out a breath when Robin's asks why not? "Because, Dad, I had other things than chasing skirts on my mind."

"Well I liked her." Robin puffs out, turning to nuzzle into Regina's hair, "Perhaps you will cross paths again."

"Not likely. Can we talk about something other than my love life? Please."

"Fine. Tell me about that bar fight you got into then."

"Dad! Come on! Can we not?" Roland groans, smiles, but groans as Robin laughs. "I'm only teasing you, son. Those men had it coming if you ask me." He shrugs, "I've been in a brawl a time or two you know."

"Oh? Perhaps you'd like to share exactly who threw the first punch?" Regina goads him as he yipes away from the fingers that poke into his chest. "Come on. Share."

"I'd really rather not."

"Oh sure, so I have to spill but you are exempt?"

"I plead the fifth." Robin tosses his hands into the air, "Just know they came away much worse than I did."

"I'll bet." Regina chuckles, runs a hand through the stubble on his jaw. She gets to feel this. Everyday she is going to be allowed to simply touch him. Her smile widens at that thought. She has him back. They settle into an easy conversation of how Robin had watched Roland grow up, his stories never touching what Regina's life had become. It's odd. The avoidance he carefully treads through. It makes her heart unsettled. Does he not want to talk about it? She's not sure she wants too either, but still. A bit of acknowledgement would be nice.

It appears Robin can sense her unease, his fingers rubbing the back of her palm incessantly, thumbing the emerald ring he'd given her all those years ago, a promise he'd made to stay by her side always. Maybe it brings up bad memories for him too. If he's seen everything in the life go on, perhaps there is a hint of sadness that they lived without him. She certainly hopes that's not the case, but his eyes are sad when they find hers every now and again. Roland talks late into the night, the fire behind them dwindling low and burning out as he yawns and stretches.

"You should go to bed son."

Roland shrugs, "I'm a bit afraid this is all just a dream. That I'll wake up tomorrow and you won't actually be here."

Tears burn Regina's eyes at the admission. She too holds the same fear that this, having Robin here, is all too good to be true. Perhaps there is a spell she can cast that will forever keep her awake, just to make sure he doesn't evaporate in front of her eyes once again. It will always be a fear though. She knows that. Probably even more so now that she truly did lose him once and it could happen again within the blink of an eye.

"Roland. I am not leaving. I won't again."

"You say that now, but I know you, Dad. You act before you think." Roland gruffs out, his happy demeanor suddenly vanishing. It hurts Regina's heart. Physically pains the organ that goes out to the boy. She sighs, steels her own anxiety because she knows exactly where he is coming from. Lived through it, and it was awful. "What happens the next time you decide to act like an idiot?" Roland grumbles, "What then, Dad?"

She can see the way Robin's face cringes, the creases on his forehead deep set in an anguished frown. He feels guilty. It's etched across every line in his face as he blows out a heavy, long breath. "I'm sorry that I left you, Roland."

"You've said that. You know what I am tired. I'm going to bed."

"Roland! Wait. Let me explain."

Roland spins on the spot, eyes wide and watering at his father who sits little on the couch. "You don't need to explain it, Dad. Regina told me what happened. And I get it. You love her. And you are you, honour and sacrifice is part of your bloody code." His breath is erratic as he shakes his head. "I'm not mad at you for doing it. But I wish you would have just taken a second to think about who else you were leaving behind."

"I know. I am sorry Roland. I will spend the rest of my life making up for leaving you."

Roland shuffles on the spot, chews his bottom lip anxiously. "You promise you won't do that again?" He eyes up his father nervously. "I can't promise you that." Robin answers quietly, running his thumb over the emerald ring on Regina's finger. "If it ever came down to it, if any of you were ever put in danger, I couldn't just stand there and do nothing."

Regina stills at his words, her heart clenching in her chest at the thought of losing him again. She knows he is telling the truth. His protective streak over his family is rivaled by only her own. And if she is stubborn about that fact, Robin is absolutely unbendable.

"Yeah well. Just try not to okay?" Roland heaves out a breath and runs his hand through his curly hair. "I want this to stay as it is."

"This?"

"Us. Being a family again. I just...It's been a long time since I've felt safe like this." He confesses as the tears build up in his eyes. Robin sighs, smiles and stands, letting Regina's hand go momentarily as he makes his way over to his son. Not a little boy anymore, but still, he needs his father just the same.

Robin's palms land on Roland's shoulders, eyes soft but determined as they lock onto Roland's wary ones. "No matter what happens in the future Roland. We are always a family. This is your home. That won't ever change." His voice strong and steady. Roland's eyes move from his, over his shoulder to catch Regina's, who is staring up at both of them with tears. His heart thumps, and he feels it, down to his very core.

"It's nice to be home again." He smiles finally, and Robin wraps him in a tight hug. "I know the feeling."

"Regina?" Roland calls her name as he and his father part, "Think we could do pancakes tomorrow for breakfast? I'll help."

She beams, wipes away a few tears on her cheeks and nods. They can have pancakes every single morning for the rest of her life if it will make him happy.

"Cool. Okay well, I will see you both in the morning."

"Goodnight son."

"Night Dad." He hugs Robin once more, momentarily burrowing his face into his father's neck, relishing in the contact he's so longed to have back again.

They watch Roland leave, skip up the steps and wait for the sound of his door to click shut.

"I would do it again, Regina." Robin turns and sits down beside her, folding her fingers into his own. "I would do it a thousand times again. I hope you know that." He holds her watering eyes, hoping that she knows just how much she means to him and the lengths he will gladly go to ensure her safety.

She smiles, tears brimming once more and kisses the soft cotton over his skin, "I know. But Roland is right." Robin stills, turns to his eyes, wet as they are, to find her. Regina shrugs, nuzzles against him, "You are a hero to the core, and actions, pure intended as they are, always come with consequences, and sometimes it leaves wounds behind."

He sighs, leaning into her palm that's moved to cup his cheek, a kiss landed to the soft delicate skin there, "I'm sorry for causing you all so much pain."

"There is nothing to forgive, Robin. You saved my life. I am forever in your debt."

"No."

"No?"

"Regina, listen to me. There is no debt in this. I knew what I was doing. What was going to happen to me. Clear as day. I knew exactly what I was about to do." His voice is strong, unwavering in its honesty. It has her heart flipping thrice over. The amount of love she has for this man is beyond comprehension. Even she doesn't really understand this feeling. But she likes it. A lot. It has a thought crossing her mind, a dismal dark thing that creeps and crawls into her gut.

"What's wrong?"

She swallows back the taste of guilty ash on her tongue. "Did you know that I loved you?" Robin's eyes widen as he scans her face rather stunned at the question. Of course he knew. It was written in her eyes every time she looked at him. Even in the saddest moments of their story he could see it, feel it pouring out from every inch of her.

"I never told you, you know? That I did… love you."

A single tear falls as she sniffs heavily, Robin's thumb there to catch it as it always had. "I knew, Regina."

"Did you?"

"Yes, my love. And I am sorry that I never told you as well."

"You didn't have to."

"Neither did you." He smiles, kissing her knuckles sweetly, "I think that's somewhat of a unspoken thing between us. We don't need the words, we just know."

"Sometimes words need to be said." She whispers rather shyly as he chuckles, leans back and wraps an arm around her back, cupping her cheek with his now free hand, taking a moment to card through her hair and breathe in everything about her. "Well then. Regina Mills, I, Robin of Locksley," he grins as she blushes, "Love every single damn thing about you. Your eyes. Your gorgeous smile. That maddening smell of cinnamon in your hair. The way you tuck yourself into me and hold my hand just because. I love the way you love our children. That no obstacle seems like an issue for you. The determination of your mind, the strength in your heart. I love you. Always have, and I always will."

She flushes, licking her lips to hide the smile that rips across her face.

"That was a lot of words."

"Simply making up for lost time."

She kisses him. Because she can. Tucks her fingers into the silver hair at the nape of his neck and tugs him in tighter with her other arm wrapping around his back. He hums into the kiss, holding at the base of her head just like he used to do, coasting a thumb over her cheekbone when they part, a touch breathless.

A soft sound of footsteps has Regina turning away from the sparkling blue eyes, onto another familiar ocean hue. "Mal. Hi." She sits back from Robin as the blonde smiles softly at the pair and takes a seat across from them. The look that passes through Robin's eyes has Regina beyond curious. They have never met, not crossed paths even once. But here he is looking at the Dragon as though she is the saviour he's only just found.

Clearly Maleficent senses the underlying unspoken words as she shifts and locks eyes with Robin. "I'm glad to see you back."

"Thank you."

He's not just thanking her for the comment but for something far deeper, his voice is filled with emotion as he squeezes Regina's hand but keeps his eyes on Mal. "I mean it. I can't possibly explain how grateful I am that you were, are here for her." He swallows hard, eyes glazing over with tears as the Dragon sits somewhat stunned by the vulnerable display.

She smiles, sort of, flicking her gaze between Robin and Regina who sits quietly beside him. "I appreciate that. I share some of that same affection you do for her."

Robin chuckles, turning back to Regina who's cheeks turn a light shade of pink as he kisses her cheek again. Sending those damn butterflies in her stomach into a flutter fit once more. "Why don't I get us all a bottle of wine to share."

"I'd prefer—"

"Yes, I know, Mal. Scotch on the rocks." Regina rolls her eyes as she stands, purposefully running her hands along the palm of the Dragon's that sits wide open. "Another thing we have in common." Robin nods to Maleficent with a smile.

"Fine, two scotches and a bottle of wine for me." She leaves them with a wink, and heads to the kitchen. For a moment neither of them speak as they watch Regina walk away, a view they can both appreciate.

"She loves you." Robin breaks the quiet first.

"And I her." Maleficent answers smoothly.

"Thank you."

"You've said that."

"I mean it. Truly, Maleficent. I have no intention of coming in between you two."

"That's really up to Regina. She is what's important here." Mal fiddles with her fingers and Robin can see the tiny flicker of fear in her eyes. The idea that just because he is here, she will be abandoned to the wayside. He refuses to let that happen. After everything he's seen go on since the day he died, the way the Dragon was truly the only one who kept Regina's head above water, how their relationship blossomed into protective affection. He will not take that away from either of them.

"I want you to stay." He honestly admits. Hoping that the Dragon can see the truth and virtue to his words. It would appear, with the small smile that creeps into Maleficent's lips, that she does understand, rare tears forming into her eyes as she lets her hand be enveloped by Robin's with a gentle clasp. "You make her happy, and that is all I could ever hope for."

"Am I interrupting something?" Regina's voice breaks their contact as the both grin happily and a touch relieved as she walks back into the living room, glasses and bottle in tow. Robin is the first to answer her question with a soft no, taking the glass of scotch from her hands and passes the second to Maleficent. Regina freezes for a half moment, an internal debate which one of them to sit beside. If she sits with Mal, will Robin be hurt? And what about the Dragon's feeling if she takes up a spot beside Robin again? She chews her lower lip, flicking her gaze between the two of them and the open cushions beside each.

"Regina? What's wrong?" Mal questions with a curious look. Apparently Regina's poker face isn't as good as she'd like to think. Both of their eyes lock softly onto her and Maleficent stands, reaching for Regina's hand and walks her over to Robin with a smile as they both sit down on the sofa, a little squishy, but the proximity makes Regina's heart double over as she hides her smile behind a curtain of hair. One Robin's fingers quickly find and tucks behind her ear. She blushes at the contact, eyeing him up happily, listening to Mal sigh contently beside her as she sips back the first burn of alcohol. "I don't know why you insist on wine when you could have something so much more satisfying." Mal bumps her shoulder to Regina who rolls her eyes and fills her glass up rather fully.

"I have to agree with Maleficent. Wine is so…."

"So what?" She quips Robin's lingering thought as he too takes a large sip and chuckles.

"Grapey." He laughs, leaning back into the sofa. Regina shrugs, gulps back a much needed swig of the merlot and follows their lead into the cushions, curling her legs up underneath her, purring as Mal runs her fingers through her chocolate curls. "It's a royalty thing." Mal scrunches her nose at the smell of the wine, eyeing it as though it's personally done her wrong.

"It is not!"

"Love, Mal is right. The only time I've ever had a glass is with you."

"What's your point?" She huffs back, holding her liquor tight to her chest protectively.

Mal lets an uncharacteristic giggle escape as she and Robin share a knowing look between Regina. "Why are you both laughing at me?"

Robin leans in, pressing a soft kiss to her temple, and winks over top her head at Mal who simply laughs once more, squeezing Regina's thigh gently.

"Both of you are going to be sleeping on the couch if you keep this up." Regina growls half heartedly knowing full well that is the furthest thing from the truth. They are never leaving her side, either of them. And it appears they are on the same page. At least she hopes they are.

She frowns into the red liquor swirling in the glass, swallowing her nerves as she squirms fractionally between them.

"Say it." Mal nods.

How does she always know something is on Regina's mind? Her eyes lock onto the bright inquisitive blue of her Dragon, searching for an unspoken answer, but Mal just waits for her to say the actual words.

Robin squeezes her hand, shifts enough to rest his chin on her shoulder, the smell of pine invading her, mixing with the amber spice of Maleficent. She could get used to this, their mixture clouding her brain and making her heart stumble over itself.

"Are you both okay with this?" She gestures between the three of them. "I know it's different, and I understand if we need to set some boundaries. But I am not willing to give either of you up." She flushes shyly, avoiding their eyes. "I love you both."

"Well, I am not certain about how Maleficent feels about sharing you, being a possessive dragon and all." Robin smirks at Mal, who rolls her eyes. "But, the most important thing here is your heart. And I would be more than grateful to share it."

"You would?" Regina's voice shakes as she turns to face Robin, bumping his nose thanks to the small distance between them. He smiles and Regina melts when he leans in the last bit of space and kisses her softly. She hums into the affection, curling her fingers into his grey shirt, feeling the way his heart beats steady beneath her palm, the complete opposite of her own.

"If I can get over the smell of tree's, then I think this will work out." Mal snorts into her scotch, eyes glinting when Regina and Robin turn to face her.

"Don't Dragon's live in the forest?"

"Mountain caves."

"Mountains that are usually in a forest." Robin chuckles back at the indignant quip, reaching over Regina's thighs to grab Mal's hand, tugs it gently once so she gets the idea and lets him lead her palm over the one he has laced with Regina's.

"Regina, I know what Maleficent means to you. And I wish I could express how grateful I am that you had someone to be there when I couldn't." Robin clutches her hand tightly, "You needed her. Need her still. I will not take that happiness away from you. Either of you." He flicks his eyes up to Maleficent who smiles in return.

"I just, I want to make sure you are both also happy. I am not there only person in this situation."

"I understand that. We both do. But whilst Mal and I may differ on where Dragon's live, there is one thing we are concretely adamant on."

Regina frowns, glancing between two pairs of blue eyes.

"You." Mal supplies softly, squeezing their hands together. "If this, us, will make you happy, then we are both on board."

"Are you sure?"

They lean in at the same time, pressing mutual affections to her cheeks as she blushes.

"I think the three of us will do just fine." He smiles at both women.

"Thank you." Regina whispers between them, stunned that they are willing to do this with her. Whatever it ends up being, they are here, she has her family whole, something she never thought was a possibility.

It seems she's finally found the one thing she's been searching her entire life for.

She's found her home.

THE END.

(Massive thanks to all of you who stayed with me through the pain and angst till the very end. I hope you have enjoyed this story and are content with it's ending. See you in another fic!)