thieves and snakes.

robin hood . stealing from the rich to give to... me . [ part of ouat-rpg ]

[ofhoodlvms]

These Walls || Regina

[ofhoodlvms]

regalxmills:

Hearing him calling the citizens ‘miserable busybodies‘ cracked a smile on her face. “Yeah, well,” Regina muttered as she looked at her child laying in the stroller. It was easy to do a good job when her daughter was such a well behaved and a wonderful baby. She really shouldn’t care what anyone else in town thought about it. And having a man she’d barely just met telling her that caught her by surprise, and so were her next words. “Thank you,” she muttered again before meeting his eyes.

As much as she despised the stranger only moments ago, the idea of starting over with a fresh slate didn’t sound too bad. It wasn’t as if she magically just liked the man, but she felt for him, truly, and Regina thought she could possibly tolerate and live with him in peace. Not to mention his cute little boy that made her heart swell irrationally.

Regina frowned when he suggested she already knew his name. He knew hers, there was no wonder about that, but was it possible they’ve already met before…? She was pretty certain that the answer to this was a definite no, even though she had to admit there was something rather familiar about him.

But oh. He simply meant he shared her daughter’s name, huh? And that… made much more sense, of course. It was funny, really, because Regina felt something for the name, a connection she couldn’t explain. It was the reason she picked it for her daughter in the first place. And there was this little boy who just bumped into her in the middle of the street, seemingly sharing some sort of a bond with her daughter and his uncle was named Robin? It didn’t mean anything, did it…? It was all just a huge coincidence; simply her mind playing tricks on her (and damn, once again, it happened more often that she cared to admit lately.)

Looking over the child he just pulled into a hug as the boy was formally introduced to her, Regina crouched down next to the stroller, smiling at him. “Hello, Roland. It’s very nice to meet you, young man.”

It seemed his plan was working, if one could call it a plan. In truth, Robin was winging it. The unintended benefit of actually interacting with Regina was, of course, that he now had some leverage over Roland that he hadn’t had before. Be good and he could go visit his little sister, an option neither of them had before. Some might say it was wrong to be seeking leverage over a child in his care, but Robin hadn’t been lying about Roland being a handful - he felt very unequipped for the life of being a father and was falling back onto his more roguish habits, which included blackmail. The thought did leave distaste in his mouth, but… Ugh, he’d figure it out later, when Roland stopped clinging to his leg and he was able to think in peace.

Roland, for his part, did complete one part of that wish for Robin - he stepped away from his sort-of-father and beamed up at Regina as she crouched down. He waited until she was level with him and stepped forward to wrap her in a hug too. She didn’t remember him, but that was okay. She was still the same old Regina, just with less magic and probably less ice cream (boo). “Hi, Regina,” he said as he stepped back, wishing he had his monkey with him on this particular outing. Maybe if she’d seen his monkey, she’d remember saving him and giving it to him? He’d have to bring it next time.

Before Robin could speak, Roland did so for him. The little boy seemed to know how to push his buttons today, given his request. “Regina, can you and Robin come for ice cream with us?” His eyes were wide and pleading, a method the little urchin had tried on his not-father many a time. Robin, for his part, wasn’t going to fall for it, but he had a sneaking suspicion that Regina might not be quite so adept at dealing with it, given she didn’t remember dealing with her own son (and where would that young man be, the archer wondered).

“Please don’t feel obligated. He just thinks if he can get you to agree, I’ll go back on my word and let him have it, despite being told no,” the thief added, raising an eyebrow at the young boy.

[ofhoodlvms]

A New Leaf || Emma

[ofhoodlvms]

aloneswan:

“Okay.”

Somebody wasn’t a Disney fan. But that was hardly something she as going to hold against him. She was kind of in dire straits. If she every wanted to lead something that respembled a life – or hell, just sleep in an actual bed any time in the near future, she was going to have to hire someone. Regina had funded the position, but Emma was pretty sure she’d be quick to chop her budged if Emma couldn’t prove it was needed. And she totally needed this. 

Even if it meant working with Robin Hood. 

Emma shook her head, a little suprised by his words. Typically a person didn’t diss the job they were applying for. Excuse you, Mr. Hood – my job is very interesting thank you very much. “I mean sure, it gets boring sometimes, but I did just toally solve a missing person’s case,” a beat as she tried to stop herseolf from talking, “So things are really looking up.” 

What. The. Actual. Hell? Since when was she so freaking honest all the time? Proof, she figured, that she really did need this. 

And okay, so he didn’t have any experience with guns apart from having one pointed at him, which was fine as far as she was concerned, everyone had a past, Emma herself hadn’t always been on the right side of the law — didn’t mean she was going to ask for details. And he could do night shifts! And archery, apparently. And something with knices she didn’t think was relevant. All around not the worst candidate, she figured. Could be Leroy. 

“No, no shoot – we’ve had enough shootings in town recently –” the one, but it was still enough. “But you will be required to carry one. Just in case. I can train you. Sort of trained myself so, shouldn’t be too hard.”

It seemed like Emma truly was experiencing the same problem he was, which made him curious. He wasn’t cursed, unlike the blonde woman - who would have been asking him some significantly different questions were she able to, such as how was he alive and what was he doing in her goddamn office and, he imagined, where her pirate and her boy were - so it couldn’t be that. Perhaps it was a radius being affected by magic? He’d have to check it out later. Do his own investigation. A small grin spread across his face at the thought. Ah, being a detective already.

He was clearly meant for this role.

“I didn’t mean to cause offence,” he replied. Truth. He’d not meant to say anything at all. “I simply meant that it’s a quiet town. If you believe in stereotypes, a lot of the residents seem content to leave anything dangerous up to others, and I don’t believe you’re from these parts, Sheriff.”

He could get through this. He could absolutely get through this.

“I would be interested in learning how to use one. Much preferable to the alternative,” he admitted with a shrug. Robin tilted his head, raising an eyebrow at the former princess. “I dare say you’re talking like I’ve got the job, dear Sheriff. If I’d known it was this easy, I’d have volunteered a long time ago.”

Robin cringed. Ugh, whatever the hell was behind this, he was going to personally find the responsible party and put several arrows through varying body parts.

“I apologise. It’s… It’s been a trying few weeks,” he managed to get out. “I do need the money quite badly. I have a child, we don’t have an actual place to stay legally and I know this is as much chance as I could possibly have of something even tangentially related to an honest income. I would appreciate being given an opportunity, if you’re still willing.”

[ofhoodlvms]

These Walls || Regina

[ofhoodlvms]

regalxmills:

The giggling sounds coming from the stroller made Regina crack a smile, despite being completely irritated by the stranger. Looked like Robin found a new friend while she, on the other hand, just seemed to have made a new enemy of some sort. Or at least, yet another person in town who despised her. Not that Regina even cared. She wanted as little to do with him as possible.

“My daughter will not fling herself at strangers, you can be sure of that!” she snapped, that thought alone was enough to make her shudder. Regina was pretty sure no one would dare harming the mayor’s child but she didn’t want to ever put it to the test. Besides, her daughter would grow up to have the best manners a child could have.

It broke her heart to see the boy was still not ready to leave, because Regina was about to turn the stroller in the other direction and walk away, but then something changed–the look on the man’s face, followed by an apology and explanation.

Regina had to choke back tears once more. Hearing that his twin brother died and how he ended up with the child had a deep impact her, and she couldn’t tell why.

“This is still a new experience for me too,” her voice was softer when she spoke again, anger slowly wearing off. “Look,” she sighed, “I think I’m the one who owes you an apology. I shouldn’t have judged you so harshly. God knows I’ve been at the receiving end of the same criticism when I adopted her. People think I am unaware of the whispering behind my back but I’m not. They thought I’d be a terrible mother–well, they probably still do–and I had my moments of doubts in myself. It isn’t always easy but… it feels natural. Robin is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

It should have terrified her, the fact she’d just confessed such a sensitive matter to a stranger, but it didn’t. Regina didn’t know what possessed her to open up to him, or apologize, none of it ever came easy for her and yet there she was, unable to contain it once the words slipped out of her mouth.

The rebuke was noted, but Robin retained his calm and sold his sob story… and it seemed to work. Regina was nothing if not easy to read in this curse, it seemed; she wore her emotions in her eyes, and they flashed with sympathy and something deeper. Curious. For a moment, Robin couldn’t help but wonder if the queen who terrified so many was more awake than she realised, but it wasn’t something to investigate right now. It would lead to too many questions. No, it suited him if Regina remained cursed, at least for a while longer.

With a sympathetic smile, Robin shook his head. “Then we can both apologise and leave it at that. Start over with a fresh slate,” he replied. He gestured at the small child in the pushchair, more honeyed lies falling from his lips with an ease that surprised even himself. “You’re clearly doing a wonderful job with your daughter, Madame Mayor. Don’t let rumours and gossip of miserable busybodies get to you.”

Ah… Well, that was interesting. For a moment, he’d thought the former queen had meant his counterpart had been the best thing to happen to her. She’d certainly seemed to think so when she first picked him up from his own realm, a half hearted attempt to replace him (or perhaps she just couldn’t see him die in his own realm; for that much, he was grateful). It seemed Regina retained her name, as did the infant child. It made him laugh when he’d found out what his counterpart’s daughter had been named and he couldn’t help but think it an odd way to honour his legacy. The name Robin Hood seemed cursed, at least to him. Better to get rid of it before it brought her down too.

“Introductions may be easier, since I know your name already. Technically, you know mine too.” Not a lie, he mused. Those were always the best deceits. “While this Robin might not be the best thing to happen to you, I do hope I won’t be too much of a disappointment. And this is Roland, my nephew.” He reached over and finally pulled the small boy away, into what looked like a hug but was more an attempt to get them both out of there.

(Roland hugged his leg anyway. God damn it.)

[ofhoodlvms]

A New Leaf || Emma

[ofhoodlvms]

aloneswan:

Robert of Locksley. 

Robin Hood. 

Was he fucking with her? Emma wasn’t sure if she was supposed to laugh or kick him out – but she could tell he was by the look on his face he was being sincere. Mr. Hood hadn’t been planning on sharing that tidbit with her. Which might have been more of a concern to Emma, had she not just totally confessed a truth she definitely hadn’t meant to. 

Still, she couldn’t stop herself from muttering a deadpanned, “Like the cartoon fox?” Though whether really couldn’t or just didn’t want to was up for debate. Because come on. Robin Fucking Hood? It had to be a nickname. 

“Oh,” anyway, moving on – Robin Hood was the only candidate she had, so she’d interview him. Still, it made her feel a bit better to he’d only just seen the ad that morning. Maybe it had been printed later than she’d thought. (Or maybe this guy was the only one willing to be her deputy). Makes sense, she wanted to lie, because it didn’t really – she was pretty awesome and who didn’t want to work under the sheriff? Solving crimes and kicking ass. Instead, she said, “Because I was starting to think nobody wanted the position.”

What. The. Hell. Swan?

If it wouldn’t be totally unprofessional she might have physically covered her mouth to stop any other unwanted words from falling out. But she settled for clearing her throat instead and moved on. 

“I really just need someone to help carry the workload. It’s a lot for one person. It’s probably a lot for two, but the mayor’s only allotted so much money to the budget,” she shrugged. She’d meant to say the last bit in her head, but it was true, and she figured Robin deserved to know what he was getting into. “You’d need to work some night shifts. Maybe fill out some paperwork. There’s also a pretty cool badge that comes with the job,” she flashes her own sitting proudly at her hip. Maybe it only impressed the children of Storybrooke, but she still thought it was pretty cool.

“Do you have any experience with guns?”

“Fox?” he asked blankly, not familiar with the legends of this realm. Yes, he knew his tale had been told here (or a different version of it, at any rate), but he didn’t know what foxes had to do with anything. “No, as in that’s my name. Not what I would have fashioned for myself, but whatever works.” Again, something he would never have admitted. Robin Hood had always seemed so... so uninspiring to him. He’d simply have preferred to keep his land titles - another difference between him and his counterpart from the other Enchanted Forest. 

He glanced at the badge (surely he could pawn that off if he had to, couldn’t he?) and raised his gaze to meet Emma’s, concern and amusement in his eyes. She clearly hadn’t wanted to say that, either, and he was beginning to become suspicious. Too many slips of the tongue from people he knew were better than that. “A small town of unambitious people. I dare say few would want to give up their cosy little lives to become an officer of the law in such a sleepy town,” was what he replied with, once again not what he’d intended to say.

But that had been part of the test. Well, fuck. He couldn’t lie. 

Now what was he going to do?

“Night shifts aren’t a problem, I’ve had plenty of experience with nocturnal activities,” he replied, trying to choose his words carefully as he watched the blonde. Not a lie, but not the whole truth either. Okay. Objective truth seemed good enough, even if part of him wanted to clarify that his nightly raids were thievery. He was so distracted with preventing that tidbit from breaking free that he simply reacted to her next question.

“I’ve had one pointed at me, but none in handling them myself. Now, give me a bow and arrow or a dagger and I can put on a show.” There was a faint hint of pride in his tone at that. He truly was a sight to behold with his archery, a fact he was genuinely proud of (not that he had much else to take pride in). “Why, are you expecting me to need to shoot someone?”

[ofhoodlvms]

These Walls || Regina

[ofhoodlvms]

regalxmills:

That man had some nerves! How dare he say she didn’t know anything worth discussing just because it didn’t suit him to talk about his nonexistent parenting skills? By all means, Regina was about to tell him exactly what was on her mind—and she truly would have, if it weren’t for the innocent little boy’s gazes.

But the child was there, a blissfully content child whose eyes nearly begged the man not to leave their side, as he seemed to hold onto her daughter even tighter than before. He was terribly reluctant to leave with his father (was he even his father? She had no idea,) and Regina couldn’t tell if it was more heartwarming or worrisome—she was nothing more than a mere stranger with a child to this boy. Why was he so attached?

Something about him felt familiar though, almost as if they once shared some kind of connection, and it reminded Regina of a recent encounter with another young boy in town. Harry. That very same pull at her heartstrings when she looked at him; the need to protect and stay close at all cost… it was unexplainable. The overwhelming feeling that was quickly taking over brought tears to her eyes but Regina managed to efficiently cover them up.

The fact that the man just confessed to be raising a child unexpectedly surely explained a thing or two, but surprisingly enough, somewhere deep inside, she felt for him. He was a new father and Regina knew that having a new baby expectedly was a lot of work and responsibility. Surely, finding yourself raising a child at Roland’s age one day wasn’t any easier. It was a lot to take in, both for the young boy and his new father.

Not that it meant Regina would cut him some slack. (Well, he did just vaguely admit he didn’t think badly of her like the rest of her town did, but she had no intention to give him points for that.)

“I’m sorry that you’re finding it hard to cope with, but still. It’s not safe for him,” she stressed again. “And have I mentioned completely irresponsible on your part?”

Roland seemed relieved that the adult voices around him seemed to be calming down, returning his focus to his little sister as he made a cooing noise to try and make her giggle. The actions weren’t unnoticed by Robin, who felt a small sinking feeling in his heart. Now Roland had found the younger Hood, it was going to be a nightmare to keep them permanently separated... which meant he had to deal with Regina on a regular basis, if only to keep his faux-son in line.

Well, fuck.

“Yes, you have mentioned it, twice now in fact,” he replied, his tone still sharp and unimpressed with the meddling. “I’m doing the best I can with the tools I’m working with. When yours starts running around, flinging herself at strangers and places, I’m sure you’ll be well equipped to come back and criticize me again.” The not-so-former thief was going to leave it at that, to collect his wayward not-son and be on their less-than-merry way, but the pleading eyes suddenly cast on him from said child made him sigh internally.

They did say you caught more flies with honey, after all.

Rubbing his forehead, Robin closed his eyes for a moment, before offering Regina an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry. It’s been a trying time for us all. My twin passed away unexpectedly and I’ve been left with my nephew.” The lie was smooth from his tongue, memories of the loss of Marian welling up to hide any kind of deceit she might sense from him. No, she’d only get loss and sorrow if he could help it. “I used to travel a lot and I haven’t had much experience with children, either my own or his, so this is... An experience,” he admitted. He nodded towards the young boy and the infant, knowing the answer to his question before he could ask it. “You’ve had such experience, though?”

[ofhoodlvms]

Fools Seldom Differ || Jeff

[ofhoodlvms]

if-you-onlyknew:

Never been much involved with family, hm? No doubt. When Jefferson was younger, neither had he. Thieving and the adrenaline rush that accompanied it no matter the danger. The handsome payoffs were a bonus. Until Grace’s birth.  It seemed like a lifetime ago. And now here he was alone again, but with no interest in the adrenaline rush if the payoff wasn’t coming home to Grace. 

When he looked up from pouring the two servings, Robin had approached, so  Jefferson held one glass up in offering. There was a certain muted look to his expression. “Sounds like a nice idea.” Driving off from this godforsaken town. That’s what he had wanted once. His home was where Grace was until she was old enough to tell him to take a hike or she went to college or whatever she wanted to do. No, he’d tried all of that before. It didn’t work out. And besides, her life was here. Friends. School. They’d built up all they needed in Storybrooke. “Until the next curse rolls around and traps us all again.” He rolled his eyes and took a drink, exhaling slowly with the burn of the whisky, unaccustomed to it as he was.

Something Robin said stuck in his haze of the past haunting his thoughts and drew Jefferson back to the present. Wetting his lip, he pondered over it, narrowing an eye in consideration. “What a brilliant opportunity you have.” And his smile curled into one of dark delight at the prospect of a like-minded partner in crime, a fortuitous moment especially as it was they had both put away their weapons. Perhaps all wasn’t lost after all. The payoff could still be Grace. In the end.

“If Fiona,” stated with emphasis, “doesn’t know you’re here, you have the perfect advantage. You haven’t stolen anything magical, have you? Because this bitch is comparable to Regina at her worst.” 

Robin took the glass and took a slow sip immediately. Unlike Jefferson, it seemed, Robin was well acquainted with the burn of many a good stolen whiskey and he savoured the taste. Yes, this was decent stuff, but it was to be expected in a house of treasure and the like. He nodded in agreement at it sounding like a good idea. Yes, well, when he had the opportunity, he was leaving Storybrooke behind for good. And maybe the brat could come with him. Only time would tell. “You’re not overly optimistic, are you?” Robin laughed before taking another sip of his drink, gesturing at the Hatter afterwards. “I thought you hero types all liked to look at things with a bright hope.”

A brilliant opportunity? Robin didn’t think it looked like one to him, but he was intrigued by the man’s sudden change in attitude towards the situation. The name, however, was intriguing. Fiona. He’d never heard of a Fiona before, and now he had a name, he’d investigate who this Fiona was and find a way to avoid her - or force her to let him escape. “Nothing obviously magical, no, although I’ve had some experience with items that only revealed themselves to their true owners. Mostly tat, if I’m honest. Small town, small riches. Yours or that abandoned pawn shop are about the most interesting places in town.”

The comparison to Regina made him laugh, rolling his eyes. “Yes, well, from my experience, the so-called Evil Queen is more bark than bite.” Another sip of his drink, before he asked, “So, are you going to elaborate on how being awake in this infernal town is an advantage, or do I have to drag it out of you somehow?”

[ofhoodlvms]

A New Leaf || Emma

[ofhoodlvms]

aloneswan:

It had been a few days since she’d put out the ad, and she’d yet to get one bite. Not a single one. She’d actually started to wonder if Sidney hadn’t actually posted the damn thing, but a quick look through the Storybrooke Mirror had quickly squashed that theory. Ugh. Why didn’t anyone want the stupid position? Mayor Mills hadn’t put a ton of money into the Sheriff’s Department, but the budget was enough to secure both positions a pretty decent salary. Wasn’t it every kid’s dream to work in the law enforcement? Emma felt like a petulant child pouting because nobody wanted to play with her at recess. She knew finding a new hire wasn’t a popularity contest – she really did – she wanted someone to inquire, dammit! 

So when the overwhelming silence of her voice was broken by someone asking about the deputy position, Emma couldn’t help the immediate feeling of excitement. Finally. That was until she looked up and saw the man standing in front of her. 

Oh. Man, that was a lot of green. This guy looked like he should be asking about a job as a forest ranger, not deputy sheriff. But He looked strong. And interested. And he was the only one there, so… who was she to complain?

Emma gave him a once over before turning back to her computer screen. “Usually I prefer my candidates to call ahead of time, but,” she dragged the word out, moving her mouth to exit out of her solitaire game (she just wanted him to take the job seriously, okay?). But, you caught me on a slow morning, was what she meant to say. Instead what came out was, “seeing as you’re my only candidate, I guess I’ll make an exception.”

Wait. Emma froze eyes going wide and then narrowing, an almost comical display of her confusion. She really hadn’t meant to say that. It was just like she couldn’t stop the words from coming out of her mouth. Yeah, definitely time to get some help. Clearly, she was more tired than she realized. 

“Have a seat,” she said, gesturing to the empty chair on the opposite side of her desk, “Mr.?…”

The only candidate? Robin watched her expression carefully, as the woman looked almost as confused by her words as he was. Who admitted that they’d had no one else apply? It was preposterous and showed the princess - sheriff - had no idea what she was doing with this process. Well, that worked for Robin. He only wanted the role to get into a few more places and get the heat off his back, didn’t he? He gave her a curt nod, pretending to ignore the woman’s confusion as he stepped further into the small office, taking a glance around. The last time he’d been in a sheriff’s station, as it were, it had been in a cell he’d soon escaped from. And in another realm. That was an important point, he mused to himself.

”Thank you, Sheriff,” he drawled, placing an emphasis on her title as a subtle reminder to himself. The last thing either of them needed was for him to start calling her Princess. He had a feeling that, in her amnesiac state, she wouldn’t appreciate it. No, Sheriff Swan seemed a tougher sort, and he did need the position. Charming it was, then. “Robert of Locksley,” he replied, his own eyes widening as the words were immediately followed by, “Sometimes Robin Hood. Please, Robin is more than fine.” He’d not told anyone his actual name in years and yet here he was, blurting it out to the sheriff when he’d been planning on taking up any kind of fake name that popped into his head, especially since Jefferson had his real name already. Considering Emma’s own faux pas, the confused expression on his own face was probably hilarious to an outside observer (or a higher power).

”I admit I’ve only seen the position advertised this morning,” he continued. Not what he’d wanted to say again. He’d been intending to pretend he’d been giving it some thought and had come for more information, not that he’d felt inspired and walked up with no further plans than wing it and get it done. Something was going on. Robin could feel it in his bones. He was a thief, a natural liar; why was he acting like someone who’d just gotten into the game. “Could you tell me a little more about what’s required?”

[ofhoodlvms]

These Walls || Regina

[ofhoodlvms]

regalxmills:

She should just let him pick up the child and leave. She really should. But deep down, she didn’t want to. This man and the boy—whoever they were—something about them felt almost familiar to a point where all Regina wanted was to keep them close, even if just for a little bit longer.

Especially if it meant fighting and lecturing this arrogant man.

“You are letting the boy run wild in the middle of the street, I think I know enough about your kind of people,” she exclaimed harshly. Thinking about her sweet little daughter running off like that someday—thinking about the possibility she’d ever make the mistake of letting her wander so far from her at such a young age even for a split moment made her physically ill.

Glancing aside at the child in question, Regina found the most adorable sight in front of her eyes.

Roland, she now knew his name, seemed to be completely enchanted by Robin and very reluctant to let go. Which didn’t seem to be a one-sided feeling at all, as her daughter smiled back and grabbed the boy’s hand in return.

It almost made Regina forget why rage was bubbling up inside her just moments ago, when she recalled there was another adult figure in the picture.

She took advantage of the fact that the boy remained still, not wanting to leave the stroller’s side. Lowering her voice for Roland’s sake, not wanting to frighten him, Regina addressed the man again. “He could get hurt. Or run off to some stranger who’d be less understanding than me! Is this all just a game for you?”

“My kind of people?” Robin asked, incredulous. Could it be that the queen was awake after all? That she knew exactly who she was talking to? But even as she watched Roland, there was no recognition in her face. She didn’t know the little boy, and he’d seen her talk about him before - no, she was asleep, just like the rest of the so-called heroes in this goddamn town. No one but that maddening Hatter was aware of the danger around them, and she had the gall to be pissed off at him. “No, Ms. Mills, I don’t think you know anything worth discussing.”

He glanced down at Roland, hand held out (although he didn’t particularly want to hold the kid’s hand, if it was the only way to get him to leave then he would), but the child ignored him, clinging to his little sister’s hand even more tightly. The boy put his other hand around the baby’s, looking up at his not-father, eyes pleading in that horribly endearing way he’d realised could get the older man to crumble, at least slightly. A move that had worked on his mother but never his father, at least not after a certain age.

Robin huffed, rolling his eyes. Well, it seemed Regina wasn’t quite done with him, so he folded his arms and looked back at the dark-haired woman, eyebrows raised. “A game? No, definitely not. I enjoy games and raising a child unexpectedly? Not so much.” He wasn’t being nearly as careful, but Roland was more aware of the situation than Robin was himself, so he knew the boy wouldn’t feel hurt by it. They’d had the discussion before, and Roland seemed as content with his lot as he could be. “He’s never out of my sight, and do you think I’d let a child run up to anyone dangerous? You’re a well-known woman in this town with a stroller. I hardly think this situation merits your particular brand of do-gooding.”

[ofhoodlvms]

A New Leaf || Emma

His thefts were beginning to become more and more noticeable, and in such a small town as this, it was next to impossible to sell what items he had stolen on to make any cash. In short, Robin was starting to become desperate. He could only steal so much money and use so many cards before someone realised he was the one behind the increase in petty thefts, and he could hardly look after Roland while on the run from even one sheriff, let alone a whole town. Perhaps he could leave the child behind, but at this point the boy knew all his hiding places and he’d been teaching him his tricks to escape. No, the boy would be a liability to leave behind. He’d have to take him.

(It wasn’t that he’d simply gotten used to having him around. Robin Hood did not do attachments. It was one of his few hard and fast rules.)

That or he’d have to go… ugh. Straight. At least for a time.

He groaned into the beer he’d picked up, downing a long swig while Roland continued giggling at some inane comic strip in the local newspaper that Robin had stolen to keep the child occupied. And a good thing he had too, as a small headline caught his eye. Help wanted.

Robin tugged the paper away from the young boy before returning the comic strip portion, reading over the request. Instantly, he was entertained. The idea of a common thief joining law enforcement… What could be better cover for his thefts? Missing items from victim’s houses, just something they’d overlooked. And all under the sheriff’s nose. There was a poetic injustice to it, if you asked the thief, and he was tickled with the idea immediately.

A quick chat with one of the waitresses and he quickly had childcare arranged for Roland, at least for the afternoon. A pat on the boy’s head and a promise to return, greeted with a wide smile (and no tugs at his heartstrings, not at all), and Robin headed to the sheriff’s office itself. The vehicle was parked outside (he hoped he didn’t have to drive one of those infernal machines), so he waltzed right into the office, stopping with a smug smile as he saw a blonde shock of hair. The Princess-Sheriff.

Well, she didn’t look much like a princess, if you asked him.

“Sheriff Swan?” he called, expectant look on his face. “I’m here regarding something about a deputy position.”

@aloneswan

[ofhoodlvms]

These Walls || Regina

[ofhoodlvms]

regalxmills:

The boy was running so fast that Regina thought he was going to crash into her feet, and she was ready to catch him in case anything like that would happen. Luckily for the both of them though, he came to a stop just in time and she let out a sigh of relief.

He was very fascinated with the stroller, or rather with the person inside it, she just realized, and Regina wondered if his hasty sprint for her wasn’t just an accident. He knew her daughter. But, of course, didn’t everyone in town know her…? The child must have heard about the Mayor’s daughter from his parents (and oh, how she hated to know her personal life was such a hot topic around town.)

Robin was smiling and flailing her hand at the boy in return as Regina looked at him, no older than five if she had to guess, and her heart softened. All she wanted was to scoop him up, hug him close to her, and—

Regina flinched at the man’s voice, didn’t even notice the stranger who was chasing after the boy.

The words he just runs off sometimes made Regina raise an eyebrow. It was said so casually, as if it was just a normal, regular occurrence for a man who, she could only assume, was the child’s father and if not that—at least he must have been some kind of an important figure in his life…

What an irresponsible idiot.

“You really need to start doing a better job, you know.”

Whatever role this man had played in the child’s life, he deserved some scolding and lecturing and Regina was more than happy to provide it.

Roland grinned up at Regina before returning his attention to his sister. He smiled back at her and reached into the stroller, wrapping his hand around hers and squeezing, shaking it with a laugh. It was nice to be able to see her again and, as he’d hoped, she seemed to know it was her big brother standing beside her. “It’s alright, Robin,” he cooed. “I’m here. I’m gonna make sure you’re safe.” The last part was said quietly, just as Regina started talking to his not-dad, and he kind of hoped no one had heard him. He was scared the person who’d separated everybody could hear him talking to his little sister, and he wanted to do everything he could to keep her safe.

Robin, for his part, had been smiling pleasantly, even if he hadn’t been happy to see the town’s mayor, but her words immediately wiped it from his face. Who the hell was she to criticise his parenting skills? Yes, they were nonexistent and yes, he didn’t want to be doing this, but he’d kept the boy alive and healthy this far! How was she to know what he was and wasn’t doing well?

“A better job at what, precisely?” he bit back, eyes narrowing as he watched the dark haired woman. He thought briefly on her counterpart, the Evil Queen, a woman he’d had to leave behind. Yes, he recognised the look in her eye very well. He was about to get a lecture and he wanted no part in it. “Because I’d dare say you know nothing about what I can or cannot do in regards to looking after this boy.” Because she had no memory that he wasn’t his father, and yet she was still being a judgemental-

Roland looked up at him, frowning, as though he knew what Robin was thinking. Bugger.

“I’m sorry he’s interrupted your walk, but you have no right to criticise something you know nothing about, Madame Mayor.” He said her title condescendingly, holding out a hand to the boy. “Roland. We’re leaving. Come along, now.”

Do a better job, his ass. She didn’t even know where her own goddamn son was!

[ofhoodlvms]

Fools Seldom Differ || Jeff

[ofhoodlvms]

if-you-onlyknew:

The last time Jefferson spoke to someone this disagreeable, he’d been in the accidental presence of Her Majesty, the Mayor, on Miners’ Day. No wonder these two had history. Or… whatever the hell was going on with Robin… Maybe he had gotten everything wrong. Who cares?

Jefferson’s eyes followed the motion of the blade, sheathed, and he nodded figuring they had come to some unspoken truce. Good enough. Likewise, putting the pistol back in his waistband at the small of his back, not that he exactly wanted to, but he wasn’t about to put the weapon in direct reach of this guy. 

Robin was right. Jefferson didn’t need anything really in the mansion. A roof over his head, an actual floor under his feet. Beds were nice, food was nice. Hell, he had everything Robin and this child he was (hopefully) caring for did not (if they lived in the woods, that is). He could empathize with him, certainly over being needy. Not, however, about the ‘brat’ remark. Seriously? With a raised eyebrow, he snatched the bag away, barely glanced inside for show, and handed it back. He really didn’t care what was in it, so long as it wasn’t the picture frame turned down next to him. That was all that mattered. 

“Fair?” He made a rude snort through his nose at that turning away from Robin and heading for the cabinet in the corner. The small frame was taken with him to set it upright on the surface of the cabinet. He couldn’t physically keep Grace near, but the photo of the two of them taken in his car just a couple weeks prior helped. “I’d give everything away just to have her back.” He motioned to Grace’s smiling face in the photo with a finger, and reached into the cabinet to pull up two rocker glasses. “You’re the only other person I’ve encountered in this town that’s awake.”

Robin could very well leave now that the doorway was abandoned. He could. Didn’t matter. Jefferson was used to being left alone anyway, and he was going to have a drink whether alone or not.  Raising up a bottle containing a deep amber liquid in offering, he looked closely at the level inside. Nearly full. That was going to change. “Have a drink, and we can talk.” 

So weapons were away and they were behaving like mostly civilised men? Robin was surprised by the turn of events, half expecting the so-called Mad Hatter to shoot him simply of the sake of it. It didn’t mean he wasn’t pleased. Being uninjured and alive was, after all, far better than the alternative. He gave a mockery of a bow, hand waving from his head in a faint thanks for the agreed resolution.

The fact he’d been given his spoils back, now, that was the truly interesting turn of events. The other man seemed overly sore on the subject of children, it seemed, and perhaps his words had gotten to him. He might have to keep Roland around for a while after all, if he got that kind of response from speaking of the urchin. “I’ve never been much involved with family,” he replied, shrugging. He didn’t understand Jefferson’s need to get his child back, especially since the town seemed cursed. “I suppose once this all blows over, you could just pick her up and drive away from this godforsaken town?”

The only other one that was awake. Robin opened the bag, reinspecting his stolen - given? - goods idly. “Yes, well, I wasn’t initially here when it was cast, I think. I’ve unexpectedly returned to town and now I’m stuck, so I don’t believe whoever cast it knows I’m even here,” he replied, looking back up at the man and followed him towards the alcohol. Drinking while on the job wasn’t a sign of a good thief, but at this moment in time, he hadn’t succeeded in being a good thief anyway.

“Well, pass a glass then. We might be criminals, but we don’t have to drink like it.”

[ofhoodlvms]

Fools Seldom Differ || Jeff

[ofhoodlvms]

if-you-onlyknew:

Jefferson’s eyes, half-lidded as they were, showed just how unamused he was by Robin’s supposition of how clueless he must be. About Robin? Apparently. About the town? No. 

But he kept his lips in a thin line as the man went on about fatherhood. Still didn’t change the fact that they were now both threatening each other, even if Robin had seemed to relax and lowered the knife. Jefferson kept the pistol pointing forward but also lowered his hand. Small steps here.

“You know, when you’ve loved and lost as often as I have, words like ‘urchin’ don’t creep into the vocabulary.” It had been a difficult week. Grace refused to speak to him. Their last words spoken to each other devastating to both. The grief on his own face hadn’t diminished much even with the distraction of the kidnapping currently in progress. Jefferson shook his head and let out a rather bitter laugh of disbelief. 

“But, thanks for the assurances! If I had any idea you were going after someone I love, we’d be having a different conversation. Now, you want to leave? I want you gone. Empty that bag and let’s see what you took.” He motioned towards said bag with the pistol, perhaps a poor choice of action, but Jefferson was in a rather destructive mood at present and this thief pushing his buttons wasn’t helping.

The pistol was down, at least. Robin was half confident that he could take the gun from the man now, but he didn’t want to risk it. Especially since the man seemed more than on edge. Loved and lost. A brief flash of grief passed over Robin’s face as the image of Marian’s dead body entered his mind, but he banished it quickly. He’d loved, he’d lost and he wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. “Forgive me, I’ve been an unexpected father for a month. Still learning the preferred vocabulary,” he mocked, rolling his eyes.

He watched the other man gesture closer with the gun and weighed up his options. Fight him, potentially get shot, potentially leave with his goodies. Or he could cooperate and see what else this man learned. Jefferson didn’t have the look of a killer to Robin; there was something in his eyes but it seemed more akin to desperation than murderer. No, he was confident that this man wasn’t the sort to actually shoot him over something so petty as trinkets. Besides, the truly valuable items were already hidden in his jacket. He wasn’t stupid enough to put all his eggs in one basket.

With an exaggerated sigh, he sheathed his blade and rolled his eyes. “Must we do this? You don’t need this, if what you say is true. Help a poor beggar and his brat stay warm this winter,” he replied, handing over the bag of stolen goods. “Hardly seems fair sport for you to have it all, does it?”

[ofhoodlvms]

These Walls || Regina

[ofhoodlvms]

regalxmills:

It was a beautiful day. At least comparing to the blustery hectic weeks Storybrooke had just withstood. Being cooped up indoors during the winter storm wasn’t easy with a small child who became grumpy after spending too much time between four walls. Robin was already an outdoor enthusiastic and Regina couldn’t help but be proud and thankful for that.

She enjoyed the outdoors herself as a young girl. The forest was her favorite place on earth–a corner of safe haven. The smell of damp earth, pine and the mixed scent of the trees had an immediate soothing effect on her. But it was a privilege she didn’t have quite often as she grew older, especially not since becoming a busy mayor.

Having a child gave Regina the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the girl she used to be. The girl who was almost unrecognizable now. Robin was her excuse to be out more; to take an excessively long break in the middle of a work day to enjoy the familiar perks nature had to offer.

This was exactly where she headed now: the quiet spot by the lake near the forest and the perfect place for some solitude, with her daughter safely tucked inside her stroller, when she heard a man’s voice calling out for someone.

A voice that, somehow, sounded all too familiar.

Looking around her shoulder, Regina saw a young boy running straight in her direction.

Roland was completely ignoring the man who kept saying he wasn’t his father. If he wouldn’t let Roland see his little sister, then the kid was just going to have to find some way to make it happen himself. The fact that they were across the park, near the lake (where he’d gone before, with his dad and Regina and it had been so much fun) just meant it was a sign that now was the time to reintroduce himself. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, brown eyes fixated on the buggy.

He came to a stop just before he crashed into Regina, diving round the side to lean into the buggy.

“Hi, Robin!” he exclaimed, waving a hand before the infant’s face.

Robin the elder wasn’t far behind his wayward urchin, cursing his luck once again as his steps slowed, breathing heavier than usual from the exertion. Regina was mere feet away, a woman he’d been avoiding - a woman, according to herself, who could have been his True Love in another life. The idea was ludicrous, if you asked him. So far, Regina had only brought him trouble and he didn’t want to deal with this right now. Yet he didn’t want to reveal himself to anyone potentially watching, and so he had to play up the exhausted father act. “I’m sorry, he just runs off sometimes. Wish I had that youthful energy.” 

Robin tried to sidestep Regina, placing a hand on Roland’s shoulder. “Leave the nice lady and her child alone, Roland.”

[ofhoodlvms]

Fools Seldom Differ || Jeff

[ofhoodlvms]

if-you-onlyknew:

So. This was the problem with being a recluse for the majority of thirty years. Not only was he wrong about the Merry Men’s presence in the woods, but he may be completely wrong about the type of person he thought he was dealing with now.

Jefferson pursed his lips as he regarded the increased probability of the threat becoming action. Pretty likely, he concluded. But he was not going to get stabbed. 

“I don’t know what it is about our stories.” His eyes briefly widened at the emphasis on the last word. “They got them so very wrong.” Shaking his head, he slipped a hand behind his back to withdraw the black pistol from his waistband he used to threaten Killian into his basement where the pirate was at present. He’d made sure to keep it on him in case Killian tried to escape or attack him again. 

He kept the casual pose in the doorway as he brought the pistol into view of Robin, feigning complete interest in the gun. Safety on for now, he scratched at his temple with it. “Here I thought you were one of the good guys, but shame on me for believing a fairy tale over reality. Can’t say I’ve ever been too pleased myself when someone thought me to be the Mad Hatter.” 

He’d caught Robin’s eye movement towards the framed picture of Grace. With his free hand, he reached out and carefully set the frame face down, all the while keeping his eyes locked on Robin’s. 

Ah. A gun. Robin had seen one once before, courtesy of the princess-turned-sheriff, a weapon that seemed to be a miniature version of a cannon. It was more devastating than an arrow, able to be used one handed and at closer range, with easier to use ammunition, and Robin had hated it the moment he saw it. He generally aimed to incapacitate, not murder.  While he could and would kill when necessary, it was something that could be avoided. Arrows were hard to aim, big but not explosive. They could be used to pin, trip, cut, slice. A gun could only be used to murder, from what he'd seen. "You really are a recluse, aren't you?" Robin laughed at the other man's words. He raised an eyebrow. "Hiding in your mansion, remembering your past. Do you know much of this town, I wonder? Since you don't seem to know vital information." Not that he would simply give it to the other man. He had him at gunpoint now and as much as Robin didn't like the weapon, he didn't want to be on the receiving end of a bullet either. He relaxed his stance, although his blade remained in his hand. Jefferson really wasn't that far away. It was possible he'd still stand a chance of getting the first blow in.

The movement, turning over the picture, was a huge tell. "I have no intention of going after your daughter, Jefferson," he added, pointedly using the preferred moniker. "I've recently come into fathership of an urchin of my own, actually. A young lad, bright eyed, overly happy." Perhaps Jefferson would take the boy off his hands... Then again, he was called the Mad Hatter. Maybe Roland would be safer with himself instead.

[ofhoodlvms]

These Walls || Regina

The storm was over, finally. Robin had been concerned for a short while there, as the temperatures plummeted in their stolen house with no heating, that himself and the small child he’d all but adopted as his own wouldn’t make it through the spell. Thankfully, his own experiences surviving in the outdoors and plenty of kindling in the house meant they’d been able to keep warm enough, huddled together, playing with Roland’s stuffed monkey and the few other distractions Robin had managed to pick up before it hit. Entertaining a child was exhausting.

The ability to get outside and into the fresh, crisp air, to stretch his legs and let Roland run off some of his pent up energy was refreshing as a result. Perhaps it was simply due to going stir crazy while they were cooped up, but Robin even smiled once or twice as the young son of his counterpart ran through the streets, cheering and playing and jumping from slab to slab to slab, lost in some made up world only he could see. Robin didn’t recall having such an imagination at that age; the boy must get it from his mother, Marian. He felt a stab of pain at the thought, thinking on his own Marian. Losing her... Losing her had been the final push down a path of self-destruction, and he could only imagine what could have been had she lived.

He glanced up to check on the small boy, cursing to himself as he saw the dark haired child hurtling towards a very familiar looking woman. The other woman in his life who’d taken him down an unexpected path and into his current predicament. Regina Mills, the Evil Queen herself. Roland was making a fully deliberate beeline for her.

His luck really wasn’t holding in this realm. 

“Roland, get back here!”

[ofhoodlvms]

Fools Seldom Differ || Jeff

[ofhoodlvms]

if-you-onlyknew:

No, Jefferson wouldn’t know. He didn’t go to tea or have cake and beer ‘with the lads.’ Even if the guy was full of shit, his explanation of the Meeting of Thieves was amusing. It only garnered a narrow eyed grin from Jefferson, still waiting, ready as Robin advanced another step. His eyes flicked to the blade, still aiming at him. Maybe he should move, but no, that would be foolish and only cause an advance. 

‘Queen’s pet’ would have severely bothered Jefferson had that been what Robin was insinuating further, but he wasn’t. “You’ve got me in a nutshell,” he shrugged not bothered in the least by the summation otherwise, still keeping his eyes on his opponent’s and peripheral vision on the blade. “Not a thief anymore, no. My daughter isn’t here because… well, why should she be? Wouldn’t be a curse if she was here. A happy little family of two? No.” 

He eyed the blade again wondering what his chances were if he attempted to snatch the handle away without getting cut. Maybe if he kept talking… “Probably is a good thing my reputation hasn’t spread out into the woods with the Merry Men, then, hm? It’s not a very pleasant one.” And he grinned widely, nearly a Cheshire’s grin, for the sake of knowing that this man was certainly awake. “My name is Jefferson and I’ve been cursed to remember. That’s all that matters here, Robin Hood.”

Definitely awake. He knew of the curse and, it seemed, he was badly affected by it too. Some were really getting the brunt of it, from what he’d seen of the town. Quite why this particular man was the recipient of so much torment, Robin didn’t know and didn’t care to find out either. Whoever cast the curse was powerful and he had no intention of getting on their bad side just because he happened to be cordial to the wrong man.

“The Merry Men left this land a while ago,” Robin replied, glad to find them on a similar page at last. So they were both aware that the other was awake, uncursed. “No, dear Jefferson. The only thing that matters here is that you make a decision. Do you live, or do you bleed to death in the comfort of your very lovely stately manor with no one to save you?” He gestured once again for the rather insane man to move out of the way. This was his last warning. If he didn’t do as he was told, he was getting injured. A sad state of affairs, but Robin wasn’t about to lose sleep over it. He had far more important things to concern himself with.

Like that brat, Roland. His eyes slid to the picture of a young girl, not much older than the child he’d ended up looking after, and he felt the briefest twinge of pity for the man he was threatening. He was quick to shake it off. Robin Hood was weak for no one, no one at all.

[ofhoodlvms]

Fools Seldom Differ || Jeff

[ofhoodlvms]

if-you-onlyknew:

Jefferson’s eyes narrowed, the small lines at the corners of his eyes crinkling, his lip raising in confusion. “Thief’s Honor? I must’ve missed a meeting,” he stated dryly. Not that Jefferson himself had much honor to speak of. If it didn’t involve the safety and happiness of his daughter, he didn’t give a damn what others thought of him or his honor. 

Now that his shirt sleeves were well up his forearms, Jefferson widened his stance making a good show of being prepared. Robin was of a lot of talk it seemed about him getting out of the way, and it was clear he meant it by the way his eyes darted around looking for another escape. 

There was a response about Regina and something about this world. This struck a chord in Jefferson and he titled his head at it making a rude noise. “I am not Her Majesty’s bodyguard. This is a payment for a job done long ago. Not quite a fair recompense for what it cost me.” He tilted his head back exposing the ring around his neck just above the loose fitted scarf. The bitterness in his voice sounded so common to his own ears lately. When had he last spoken softly or laughed? Who even knew?

“I’m not going to move so long as you think you’re entitled to whatever you’ve put in that bag. But if you’re set on stabbing me, try not to hit any major organs? I have a kid and even though she hates me, I’d rather not leave her orphaned, alright?” This wasn’t about the junk being stolen anymore. It was a matter of the fact that Robin had mentioned this world so casually, Jefferson had a feeling he might not be alone. But even if he wasn’t, he might end up dead before finding out based on this supposed ‘Thief’s Honor.’ This was an idiotic plan.

Robin had little to no honour to speak of himself. About the greatest sign of decency he’d shown so far in his later years of life had been keeping Roland safe and happy, despite the child not being his own. Somehow, the little shit was worming his way under layers of armor and he wasn’t having it. “Such a pity, it was such a wonderful one. Tea, cakes, a few beers for the lads, you know how those things go.” Quite why he was carrying on with the ridiculousness, he wasn’t sure, but the words were out of his mouth before he had a chance to restrain them.

Her Majesty. He’d mockingly called Regina that previously, to others in the town, and they’d had no idea who he meant until he’d given her real name. Even then, none seemed to find it funny or understand the relevance, and yet this man of all people threw it out there so casually... Robin’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, taking a step closer to his opponent, but not quite in reaching distance. He had no intention of being disarmed unless the blade was firmly lodged in the other man’s stomach. The ring around his neck was intriguing. No one could survive the kind of scarring it seemed to insinuate and yet here he was. At least, not without... Magic.

“You’re a sneaky little thing, aren’t you?” he asked, relaxing his stance ever so slightly. “Tell me, who are you? You’re not a thief any more, your daughter clearly isn’t here either, and if you’re not one of the queen’s pets, then I can’t place you.” He wasn’t giving the man another chance because he had a child. A child he’d seen a photo of already, a fair young girl who, if the picture were accurate, wasn’t much older than the boy he was currently caring for.