A/N: Happy new year! I hope everyone has a nice one! This is the first update of all my fics. I hope to update more frequently now. Anyway, enjoy this!

Xoxo, Janice.

|xXx|

She absolutely hates hospitals.

The stench of chemicals, the unnatural cold and the way it seems to weave through her head memories she rather forget, memories that had managed to scar her soul. Regina can't remember when was the last time she actually set foot in a hospital. Usually, Robin is the one that takes the kids whenever they are sick and injured but this time there was no avoiding a trip down her personal brand of hell. Raine had been clinging to her from the very moment she had stepped foot on the backyard where she was playing. Her tiny sobs causing her heart to crumble into pieces, plus words she did not understand. The youngest Locksley kept on saying 'she pushed me' and Regina had sent Robin and the boys to comb their entire property, not finding anyone.

It is how she found herself inside one of the places she hates the most. Pacing around the waiting area whilst they ran X-rays on Raine's short legs. Robin was inside the room, providing comfort with his voice while the machine did its job. Regina feels pathetic for not entering. For staying outside when her daughter needed her the most but one look at the tiny room where the machinery was being handled, was enough to shorten her breathing pattern. Small places were still, and will forever be, a no in her book.

Her steps were rushed from side to side, arms wrapped around herself warding off the cold and memories that began to haunt her. Why can't she get over what happened to her in the mental institution? The torturing by her mother and sister, the way she slowly lost herself to the point her memories were no more? Then again things like that are impossible to forget, let alone get over it. It left behind lingering wounds that from time to time seem to open and bleed out onto her skin. Memories create a mess, and sometimes it is impossible to clean up. You just learn how to live with the stain.

"You need to calm down." A deep accented voice came from behind and Regina didn't need to turn around to know who it belonged to. The brunette released a deep guttural sigh, arms fell to the side in tandem. She could be a little more composed but when it came to her children, anxiety tended to be more powerful.

Regina did eventually turn around to face Robin. She was utterly exhausted and by the look of his face, so was he. "Easier said than done." Lower lip entrapped between her teeth, Victoria got closer to Robin. "How's my little drop of Raine?"

There wasn't a single hint of hesitation in the way Robin's arms enveloped her, or the way his lips pressed against her forehead. What she did feel was his warmth that pushed back all the daunting thoughts that were clearly stuck in her head. His eyes read her well, and to this day, years after they first met in college, Robin can't make the darkness step back and leave her be. "She is well. Just a sprained ankle but she won't be able to make the recital now." The way his face fell was like watching a starless night, cold and without light and she knows why.

Their daughter will be extremely sad about not being able to perform. Raine had been looking forward to this for months. It would have been the first recital Robin would be attending. Ever since he began working on the blueprints and courses for the new school in Seattle, Robin had been traveling so much and hadn't been able to make it to the previous recital. So when he finally found out that he would be in Alabama for the next one, he had been happier than ever, because seeing his daughter happy was all that mattered to him. It was no secret that Raine was more attached to Robin than Regina, but she didn't mind, it was a beautiful relationship to see bloom but right now she can see the disappointed face of her daughter in her mind's eye and Regina isn't looking forward to telling Raine the bad news. "I'm sorry." Regina's hand landed on his cheeks, stubble prickling against her skin roughly but she doesn't mind it. It was just a reminder that they were alive and together. "I know that the both of you were looking forward to this." The brunette took a step back out of his embrace, her hands capturing his in order to not lose their connection.

"Nothing is more important than our daughter's safety." Robin was able to reply after the is sad face had composed into something more solemn. "I just don't understand how did this happen. Raine keeps saying she pushed her but there wasn't anyone else there." The concern was there, bleeding from his words to the creases of his face.

Though she has to admit that it may be nothing at all. For some time, Regina had noticed something that wasn't completely uncommon, especially with Raine's age. "You know…" The brunette cleared her throat, pulling Robin with her to seat down on the two empty chairs at the far end of the waiting room. Once they were seated, Regina took a deep breath, "I think Raine has an imaginary friend." Robin's rose a brow in her direction, but didn't say anything. He too was processing her words. "The other day I heard her talking to herself and Roland had told me once before that he found her playing tea party and he said that her friend just left. Only that no one had left the room before him." At first Regina was worried but a conversation with Mal had put her at ease. Apparently it was something kids went through when they lack something. In Lily's case was the absence of her father, Raine's well, Regina can't quite decipher what her youngest daughter was missing. They were a pretty tight family, they held one another with love and respect and yes maybe Robin travels a lot lately but he always managed to find the time to spend it with his family. Mal had been understanding with that as well, she knows that distance in the family was something to be feared, after everything they've been through she tries to not allow strain in the Locksleys. That's why Regina loves her so much, her blonde headed friend had always been there for her. That and well, other things she tried not to think about, things Robin really doesn't know and hopefully never will.

"That's… wow." She had almost laugh at Oliver's reaction. It was the little things really. The way his brows knitted together, how her mouth turned upside down in a frown. He almost looked like his father but really Regina wasn't about to tell Robin that. If there was something her husband disliked more than lies was the comparison to his father. To the very end their relationship was tough, the lack of Helena in their lives, Robin's mother, had shaped both man into people that didn't care for other people's emotions. The only difference being that Oliver had rectified himself. He became a best friend, an amazing husband and an outstanding father. Regina couldn't be prouder. "It is strange because Rollie and Henry didn't have imaginary friends." He crossed his arms.

Sure that was true but it was normal for a little tyke to have one. Even if she doesn't know why exactly. "Maybe it is the fact that she is the only girl in the house? I mean I'm there but it is not the same. Roland had Henry and vice versa." That made sense. She needed to make sense of the situation. "Plus daddy is always traveling."

Robin shook his head and sunk his tooth on his lower lip. "First, that's temporary. I am almost done." At that something in her chest loosen. She just wanted the day to come when he doesn't have to wake up in the middle of the night to take the private jet that was his father's to go back to San Diego. "Second, don't call me daddy in public, you know what that does to me coming from you." The smirk on her lips was enough to let him know she was totally doing it on purpose, mainly because she needed to make some light of this particular moment. The day had started so well, and all of this just reminds Regina that bad things will happen, no matter how big or small, they are moments that shape human beings. This incident with Raine will certainly have some influences on her growing up. It is always the little things (This is by all means small, she isn't trying to minimize things) that managed to cause tears in one's souls. Still, Regina tries to be more positive, something she had learned from her husband. There wasn't anyone more positive than him.

The last bit of their conversation had won them a few spectators. Regina could feel the lingering gazes of people who were rude enough to listen in one them. The brunette is sure that their voices were low. She cleared her throat, rather loudly at that, and the few people looking at them had the good sense of looking away and pretending they weren't listening to them at all. "Well…" She said after a beat, looking at Robin with a raised brow that convey more amusement than anything and then smiled a little. "It is nice to know that your constant traveling is about to die down." Die down, because she knows well that Mal is about to ask Oliver to be a teacher in the new school while he gets interviews for new ones on the way. Malia wasn't the one to waste time. There was one proposal that Regina was considering, something her best friend said it would be good for her, for their family. To move to San Diego and help Robin raise the school from the ground. To be a teacher as well. It wasn't a bad idea, and she is considering the proposal intently but the thought of moving from Alabama, from the house Robin built for her made her heart ache more than she could have ever imagined.

Robin wasn't stupid. He saw right through her choice of words. "Interesting way of phrasing it."

Regina shrugged, "We can talk about it later…" That was her thing, avoiding the topic until it ran its course. Robin tried, oh boy he tried, to sit down and talk about it. The first time it ended up with him leaving angry to San Diego and Regina ignoring him for the next four days. After that, after they made up, they never talked about it again and whenever he truly wanted to have that particular conversation she always managed to change the topic.

"Regina…" He said in a more warning tone, to which she responded with a slight scoff and then she stood up. The were words on the tip of her tongue. 'Not now.' And 'Not the right moment.' But nothing came out because the doctor that was taking care of the x-rays came out called for Mr. and Mrs. Locksley. Regina was dashing away from Robin faster than he could blink.

"That's us…" He knew that but Regina felt like the heavy silence that suddenly took over the room was going to crush her. They went from concern, to peaceful to declaration of way in a matter of seconds. What an ability they had.

"Raine is going to be alright. No major injuries. She needs to rest. No dancing for a while." The man sighed heavily and Regina had the lingering feelings the doctor had suffered the boiling anger of her tiny Raine drop.

"You told her that didn't you." The man nodded and Regina released a sharp breath. It was more than obvious the man didn't have experience with dealing with kids. She even dares to think that this was the first time he had a patient that was still tyke. Well then, her next conversation with Raine will not be easy to have.

"She is in the evaluation room waiting for her parents." With that the doctor bid his farewell and Regina turned to Robin. He gave her a look that said more than words. With a short sigh, the Locksleys headed to the waiting room where Raine was huddled up on the hospital bed her eyes all puffy and nose sniffling.

"Oh sweetie." Regina was quick to sit at her side, arms dripping over the tiny frame of her daughter who didn't waste a single second. She was throwing herself at Regina, sobbing softly. She imagined it wasn't out of pain anymore, but rather because of the fact that she wouldn't be able to go to the recital. Raine spent weeks excited about this, practiced everyday. She even put a show for her and sibling because she wanted her routine to be just perfect to show her father. Now all she can manage is to cry and hold Regina really tight. The brunette's heart aches and tugs and all she wants is to be able to heal her daughter at that very moment so she can see her little girl smile again. But she isn't a witch, magic doesn't run through her veins and Regina felt truly powerless. "You'll get better and then you can show daddy your dance."

Raine shook her head, hiding it better in the crook of her neck. "No!" She stubbornly exclaimed. Regina's hand ran soothing circles on her daughter's back, as she looked up gaze locking with Robin's. There wasn't anything she could say to make Raine feel better but maybe he could.

"I can wait for your ankle to heal." He took a step closing, his hand replacing Regina's. "Besides I was only going for you. Now you can do the show all by yourself." Raine didn't look at him but the sobbing did subside and Regina breathed out a short sigh of relief.

"I cans do it on my own." Raine said, finally looking at her father. "I needs help."

At least one of the Locksleys' wasn't afraid of asking for help.

"Then maybe mommy and your siblings can help you." Robin reasoned.

The girl sat fully on Regina's lap, tapping her chin softly thinking about her father's logic. It was working. When it came to Raine, Robin always knew what to do and what to say. And it was in that kind of moments where Regina envied their relationship so much. But it was nice to see. "Okays." The girl looked up at Regina, those puppy dog eyes in full display and it didn't help that she had been crying for a bit, it showcased that look so much more. "You dances." And it wasn't a question. Maybe it was but she didn't phrase it as much, Regina's eyes went to Robin who had the same look in his eyes and not for the first time she can see where her daughter got it from.

But Raine is sad so she'll bite. "I will." Regina confirmed.

A massive grin covered Raine's face as she looked back at Robin, stretching her arms for him to pick her up. Robin oblige happily and Raine hugged him tight. "Yay!" She exclaimed and a blooming warmth spread from Regina's heart throughout her entire body. "Mommy's is gonna dance."

Robin nodded. "You'll want to give her some dancing lessons…" He then lowered his voice and mouth to the girl's ear though she could hear perfectly what her said next. "...she's a bad dancer. When we first dance she stepped all over my toes."

Raine gasped, covering her mouth whilst Regina sent a glare his way. "I resent that." Was all the brunette said. His only response was a sheepish smile.

The nerve.

Okay, so she isn't the greatest dancer. Can you blame her? Whenever her mother (as bitter as the thought made her feel) tried to pry Regina into taking an interest in dancing, she couldn't find it in herself to do so. She spent so much time sitting in front of the piano, relieving the greatest moments of her life there. Sitting with her father, learning song after song, living in the music notes. That was home for her, not dancing across a stage in a ballerina tutu and putting on a show for her mother's colleagues to gain more favor points into the awful lifestyle Cora Mills had. It was one of of very little moments Regina had decided something for herself, probably because she was in the middle of her teens years and her mother was more concerns on finding a good prospect to marry off her daughter when the moment came instead of listing all the things she should have been doing. And maybe because boarding school had limited Cora in so many things. Whatever it was, Regina never really learned how to properly dance. David had tried to teach her some moves that helped her when Robin and her had their first dance as husband and wife, even if they got married in secret.

There were words on the tip of her tongue, words that were rated X and she was glad when Raine giggled loudly and it stopped Regina right then and there. The brunette looked at the newly cheered Raine and grinned, passing her slim digits through the girl long locks. "Mommy I teachs you."

Regina put on a face, for Raine's benefit. All excited and hopeful and absolutely grateful to her daughter for her dedication. "I'm in your hands teacher Raine." The brunette stood up, and picked up the girl from the bed. Raine giggled once more and Regina kissed the side of her head. "Now let's go home and see if we can convince Roland and Henry to take some dance lessons themselves." Her daughter's mouth turned into an O as she 'ohh' rather excitedly in her arms.

"They are not gonna like that." Robin simply supplied, picking up Regina's and Raine's things to carry them into the car.

"I know." Regina shot back, smirking. "And I will tell them it was your idea."

"Hey!" Her husband exclaimed and it was Regina's turn to smile sheepishly.

|xXx|

She was absolutely exhausted.

About a week ago, right around Raine's accident, Regina was asked to designed some simple ideas for a party reception for the new school opening. With Raine joined to her hip, Robin traveling and the boys being not to helpful with their little sister, Regina had been completely drained of all energy.

When Sunday rolled around she decided enough was enough, it was time for a break. As soon as Robin arrived from his trip to San Diego — he needed to go to his father's company because there was something fishy with some number — Regina let him in charge of the kids and she locked herself in the bathroom. Bathtub full to the top with bubbles, scented candles all around, a glass of wine and a book she had been meaning to read for a very long time. For the most part it was relaxing but her brain kept going back to the many things she has yet to do and it was starting to drag the mood around.

The brunette took a generous sip of her red wine, the dry taste washing down her throat smoothly as she tilted her head back, eyes closed momentarily forgetting the book. She read at least two chapters before she entirely gave up on it and then she was just laying there nursing a glass of wine.

"You do knows that's how most people drown in their tub." The male voice filtered in like electricity lighting up a room. His voice was that, electrifying. Maybe it was her slight buzz (not buzzed enough) or it was the fact that years later she still felt like the very first time she saw his face.

"I'm pretty sure I'll survive." She opened one eye to look at him. He was looking over the tub, bare chested, arms crossed. The muscles of his arms twitching underneath his skin. Honestly, he looks better now than years ago and it made the whole wine thing make sense. "Didn't you take CPR?" She smirked. Robin rolled his eyes and crouch to kiss her lips. "Where are the kids?"

Robin moved behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He kissed the base of her neck before he began kneading her shoulders. Relaxation instantly followed suite and oh boy, that was just what she needed. "Raine is asleep, Roland and Henry left with Mal and Lily to see that art show downtown."

Oh, she had forgotten about that.

"That's today?" When Robin only hummed his answer, Regina relaxed more into his touch. Well, today is going to be a peaceful day.

"How are you feeling?" The question met a boneless Regina trying to not fall asleep. She forced her eyes open to look at the wall on the other side of the bathroom. Shadows dance on the surface like they were hiding some sort of secret, and maybe they were. For the last few days Regina felt some strange energy between her and Robin. Granted he was far away, but he never felt so distant, not like in the last week. He always called, FaceTime with her and sent cheesy pick up lines over texts —no doubt thought on the very moment he sent them. Regina hated to feel like something wasn't right, that he felt the need to hide something from her but she never said anything. He'll come around eventually, hopefully.

"Tired." That wasn't a lie. "But otherwise good." Now there was a half lie there.

"Good." Was his only answer as he continued on his task. For a long while they didn't talk. Regina basked in the way his hands began their exploration voyage, and how her breathing turned shallow when his hands reached her breast. Circling her nipples with his fingers, massaging her breast and how his lips began to kissed the place where her neck and shoulder met.

"Robin…" she warned softly, because it felt really, really good but there was a slight hitch in all of this. Raine's naps were always really short. But the way his finger tips ran cleverly over her skin had the brunette forgetting for a fleeting moment that they weren't completely alone.

"Yes lovely?" There was something about the way he spoke that made her core heat up even more and if it wasn't for the fact that half of her body was under water, she was a hundred percent sure she would be quite wet. His voice always did the trick afterall.

Regina twisted her head enough to look at him, the fire reflected in his eyes making her stomach turn and twist this way and that. The brunette bite her lower lip, mentally debating where to go from here. "Don't start something you can't finish." Robin's smirk was the only answer before his lips were on hers. He tastes like cinnamon, no doubt because of his favorite cookies. She had just fully stocked up his cookie jar and it wasn't a surprise that he already raid it. To this day she still buys him the cookies he used to steal from her back in college. He smelled nice too, pine and snow and something floral she had never smelled before. That put a stop on her.

Regina broke the kiss, looking at his face, his eyes were still close.

There was hesitation in her, and he felt it.

"What's wrong, lovely?" And Regina wasn't sure why, but she couldn't talk so she shook her head and stood up. The brunette reached for her towel, wrapped it around herself. In that action, she found more than enough time to take a deep breath and turned to him with a grin.

"Nothing just a bit of a headache." She hated lying to him. Maybe she was reading too much into things. For god sakes there were candles all around with different scents.

There wasn't anything flowery, she didn't like them but maybe one filter and she accidentally bought it. It was just that! She couldn't possibly think the worse of him.

"Robin, when are you going back to Seattle?" The change in topic threw him off. That much was apparent in the way his brow rose almost to his hairline and his arms crossed over his chest.

"Not for a while. I asked Mal to send one of the other teachers. I have a few things I need to do here, plus I miss you." Regina felt so bad in that moment for the way she acted, granted he didn't know what was going through her mind but she still felt like a bad person. The brunette carefully stepped out of the tub and stood in front of him. She kissed his lips softly and grinned.

"And I You." There wasn't anything forced about her smile now. "So much it is insane." Once she secured the towel around herself, her arms went around his neck. She tilted her head, momentarily forgetting how she brushed him off so rudely.

"You sure you okay?" He asked this time the concern in his voice had her tightening her arms around his neck.

"I am. Sorry for that, I'm just bit tired. This week has been absolutely a pain. But I'll be better soon, promise."

Hopefully.

"Let's get you to bed to take a nap. I'll cook today."

Regina cocked her head.

"I'll order something." He amended and Regina laugh. Robin and the kitchen don't get along.

"Better." She said with a soft sigh. All she needed was a nap so her mind could finally rest and see that there's nothing shady going on with Robin. Trust is something she gives him freely, he had earned that after everything they've been through.

"Perfect. Now you go and rest up, I'll take a look on Raine. Any request in food?" He passed his fingers through her damped hair.

Lips curled in a pout, trying to think about something they could eat. The boys were most likely eat with Mal so that left Raine so they couldn't eat too salty so that left most of Regina's favorite foods out. So… "Just order pizza we both know that's what you want." A guilty sort of smile passed through Robin's lips and she couldn't help chortling softly. "Go." On that command, Robin kissed her forehead before leaving the bathroom.

Regina took a deep breath, before beginning to blow out all the candles in the bathroom. Once done, she stepped into the bedroom. She already had clothes on top of the bed so she began drying off completely before dressing up. She was half way there when she grabbed her shirt, on top of hers was Robin's so it fell to the floor when she pulled hers out. "I swear, how many time I have to tell him to put it inside the hamper." She rushed to put her own before picking up his and dropping it to the hamper. But before she did, the same flowery scent attacked her senses and the memory of what just happened in the bathroom came back rushing in and she found herself not breathing.

It was stupid.

The scent could have come from when he saw Mal today (no, not really because Mal hated flower scented perfumes and she should know.). She will not think the worse. Regina dropped the shirt on the hamper but instead of going to bed she walked out of her bedroom and went to Raine.

Her tiny little princess was sleeping peacefully and Regina envied that. Her ankle was better today, hence why she was sleeping better. That initial week, Raine couldn't sleep. The medications she was given for the pain weren't strong enough, every morning she was grouchy and grumpy from the lack of rest. Though during the day she tend to forget because she was too busy planning the show for her daddy.

Regina lay down beside the girl, kissing her head before forcing herself to close her eyes. For a while all she saw behind her eyes lids was darkness but the seconds went by and when the sadness finally made it way to her, she fell asleep, a single tear falling down.

She wants to be wrong.

Please let her be wrong about the single thought running through her head making her feel like panicking.

Seemed impossible but...

Robin was cheating on her.