Faith, Hope and Love (Part Eight)
Well, @goingtomakethishappen, this is the second to last part of your Christmas gift. There will be an epilogue to be posted soon. I hope you’ve enjoyed the prolong holidays and the story!
Mostly fluff with some smut.
Read part one here
Read part two here
Read Regina’s first memory here
Read part three here
Read Regina’s second memory here
Read part four here
Read part five here
Read Regina’s third memory (part six) here
Read part seven here
The run up to Christmas was filled with last minute shopping, lots of wrapping and more cookies than Regina thought humanly possible to consume. She made sure to spend more time with Roland and Robin, who was finally starting to look more like himself and less like death warmed over. He smiled a lot more and she was relieved to see the light back in his blue eyes.
Everyone seemed to notice the change in the man. David and Mary Margaret smiled as they approached the couple at Granny’s, both holding cups of hot chocolate. “It’s so good to see you smiling again, Robin,” she said.
“I have several reasons to do so,” he replied, sliding his arm around Regina’s shoulders. She smiled, leaning against him.
The Charmings sat down across from them as David watched them. “I don’t get it. What led to this change?”
“We had a few things returned to us,” Regina replied, rubbing Robin’s leg.
Mary Margaret and David exchanged looks. “Okay, what are you talking about?” David asked.
As Robin rubbed her arm, Regina sighed. “It’s a long story. Do you think you have the time?”
“For this? Yes,” David replied.
When Regina finished, Mary Margaret frowned. “I always thought it was strange that Father would send you away when you were sick. And he and his advisors were always talking in hushed tones…you could’ve been so happy.”
“And you knew something was wrong during the missing year,” David said to her with a frown of his own. “I made you push it aside. Maybe we could’ve helped them had I let you pursue it.”
“We’re not playing what if. We’re just going to move forward,” Robin said. “Together.”
Mary Margaret nodded. “I think that sounds lovely. You two deserve happiness after everything you’ve both been through.”
“We still have a lot to go through,” Robin replied, taking a sip of his eggnog.
Regina squeezed his hand. “We’ll face each challenge as they come.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Roland, who ran up to the adults with frosting covering his face. “Can I have a piece of pie?” he asked.
“That depends,” Robin said, wiping his son’s mouth with a napkin. “How many cookies have you already had?”
Roland counted on his fingers, going to his next hand. His face fell, looking up at his father. “I ran out of fingers,” he said.
“Then I don’t think you should eat anything else,” Regina replied. “You don’t want a tummy ache on Christmas, do you?”
He shook his head, dark curls flying about. “Can I sit with you then? So I don’t get tempted?”
The adults laughed and Robin let his son climb onto his lap. “Did you have fun celebrating Christmas with the other kids?” he asked Roland.
Roland nodded. “Christmas is even more fun than Yule!”
“Wait until tomorrow,” Regina replied, “when you get to open your gifts.”
His eyes grew wide. “Gifts? Really?”
“But only if you’ve been good,” she added.
Roland looked up at his father. “Have I been good?”
Pretending to think about it, Robin stroked his beard before nodding. “I think you have.”
“Yay!” Roland cheered before yawning. He slid over to Regina’s lap and leaned against her. “I think I’ll rest my eyes.”
She chuckled, rubbing his back. “We should probably all head home soon. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for all of us.”
“What are you doing for Christmas?” David asked Robin. “Spending it with Regina?”
“For the most part. Roland and I are going to spend the night with the Merry Men, though,” he replied.
Regina looked up from where Roland was starting to doze against her and met Robin’s eyes. “You are?”
He nodded. “It’s time.”
“I’m glad,” she said, softly. “I’m sure they’ve missed you.”
“Mom? Dad? Someone is ready to go home,” Emma said, coming over with a sleeping Neal. She smiled when she saw Roland. “Looks like he’s not alone.”
David nodded as he took Neal from his daughter. “At least Robin is only upstairs. We need to get this one in the car and then up to the loft.”
“Actually, Roland and Robin are spending tonight with Henry and me,” Regina replied as Robin took his son from her.
Emma’s eyebrow went up. “Really? You two are getting serious again?”
“We are,” Robin said, smiling at Regina.
Mary Margaret nudged her daughter on. “Let’s wish them the best and let them go home. We’ll see them soon.”
As the Charmings left, Henry walked over with his coat on. “Are we going too?”
“I thought you were staying at the loft?” Regina asked, frowning.
He shrugged. “Changed my mind and decided I wanted to spend Christmas morning with all of you. Mom’s cool with it.”
Regina nodded, wrapping her arm around him. “Car’s outside. Let’s go.”
Roland roused as Robin carried him into the mansion. “Can Regina tuck me in?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.
“Of course I can. If Henry doesn’t mind us reading The Night Before Christmas in the guest room.” She glanced at her son.
Henry shook his head. “Anywhere is fine.”
Regina changed Roland into his pajamas before tucking him into the guest bed. She crawled next to him as Henry took the other side. Robin hung back at the door until the teenager gave him a frown. “Aren’t you coming? There’s plenty of room.”
“Are you sure?” Robin asked, hesitant.
“It’s tradition,” Henry insisted. “Everyone on the bed for the poem.”
“Well, if it’s tradition…” Robin approached the bed and curled next to Regina, wrapping his arm around her midsection.
Regina opened the book and began to read. “Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”
As she read, Roland curled closer to her until he was half-lying on her. His eyes were closed and she figured he was asleep. She kept reading as Henry cuddled closer, lying his head on her shoulder, and Robin pressed himself closer.
“But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight,” she finished, closing the book.
Soft snores drifted from Roland as he dozed on her and she could see Henry fighting sleep as well. Regina smiled. “Time for bed.”
“Okay, Mom.” Henry leaned over and kissed her cheek. “See you in the morning. Good night, Robin.”
“Night, Henry,” Robin said as Regina slid Roland back onto the bed and covered him up again.
Robin then followed her down the hall to her own bedroom and she closed the door behind them. “Are you sure about this?” she asked.
“Spending the night with you?” His eyes twinkled. “Of course I am, Regina. I’ve been looking forward to it all day.”
She raised an eyebrow. “All day?”
“Yes,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. “And it was better than I imagined.”
“It was?”
He nodded. “Sitting on that bed, both of our boys cuddling with you…It felt like a real family.”
“It did,” she said softly.
“We can have that. I know not right away as we both have so much to work through, but that’s our goal. And it makes everything so much easier to know that.” He kissed her forehead.
She smiled. “It does. Now, care to help me bring down all the presents to put under the tree?”
“It would be my honor,” he said, placing his hand over his heart.
Rolling her eyes, she grabbed his sweater and pulled him after her. “Just come on.”
They carried down the presents from where Regina had hidden them and she arranged them around the tree. Robin held one, smiling. “You got something for me?”
“Of course,” she replied, taking it from him. “Why wouldn’t I?”
He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I wish I was able to get you more…”
She straightened up, laying her hands on his chest. “It’s not about how many presents you get, it’s about the love and thought put into them.”
Robin took her hand, kissing her fingers. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she replied. She then smiled. “Dance with me, like when we were children.”
He nodded, watching as she walked over to her stereo. She turned it on and a soft Christmas song played over the speakers, loud enough for them to hear but not the sleeping children upstairs.
Regina stepped into his arms and he held her close, one hand clasped around hers. As she laid her head on his chest, he rested his chin on it. She sighed. “This is nice.”
“It is,” he agreed, swaying them in time to the music. “Can we have this always?”
She nodded, her cheek brushing against the wool of his sweater. “If you want it, we can have everything.”
“Everything is a pretty tall order.”
“I think Mary Margaret is starting to rub off on me,” she replied, crinkling her nose.
Robin chuckled as the song changed, still a soft ballad. “It amazes me how many songs there are about this time of the year.”
“Well, from what I understand, this holiday has existed for several centuries now. So plenty of time for people to write songs,” Regina replied. “But I think it’s the time of the year where everyone in this realm believes in magic.”
“The songs do mention magic quite often.”
She nodded. “When I first got here and Christmas came around, I loved to stand outside at night. If I closed my eyes, I almost felt the magic in the air.”
“That sounds nice. Want to go do that now?” Robin asked, pulling away from her.
Regina shook her head. “No. I have all the magic I need in here.”
He kissed her as she turned off the music. Taking his hand, she gave him a little tug. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”
They laid together, Robin’s arms around Regina. His eyes were closed and his breathing was even, deep in a peaceful sleep. Regina, though, had awoken with the first rays of the Christmas morning sun and now lay on her side as she watched him sleep.
For years, she thought she would never have this—someone who loved her, someone she loved. Then Henry came into her life and he was enough for her. But there were mornings she still rolled over and felt a tug of sorrow when her arm hit the cold and empty space beside her.
She knew there was still a lot for her and Robin to work through, both on their own and together. But she meant what she had said the night before: they could have everything. All they had to do was reach out and take it for themselves.
Laying her hand on his chest, she scooted closer to him and curled her body around his. He moved in his sleep, pressing himself against her. She stayed there, just enjoying his presence in her bed.
“You’re staring,” he said, voice coarse from sleep.
“Can you blame me?” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Look who I’m sharing my bed with.”
He chuckled. “I could say the same thing.”
“Flatterer.”
“I only speak the truth.” He opened his eyes as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Good morning, love.”
She smiled. “Merry Christmas, Robin.”
“Ahh, yes, Merry Christmas to you too.” He kissed her nose.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Regina sighed. “We’re racing against the clock. Our boys will wake up and want to open presents soon.”
He nodded before kissing her, tangling one hand in her hair. She sighed into the kiss, allowing his tongue into her mouth. As it tangled with her own, she wrapped her leg around his and pulled herself closer.
Warmth burst through her like sparklers in the sky. It was a sensation she hadn’t felt in a long time and prayed she could feel forever.
“Eww, are you two going to kiss all day?” Roland asked.
They broke their kiss, looking up to find him standing in the doorway. His nose was crinkled as he watched them.
Robin chuckled. “And what if we do?”
“What about the presents?”
“Ahh, yes, presents.” Regina nodded, looking at Robin. “We should probably get up then.”
He sighed. “You’re right. I guess we’ll just have to kiss later.”
Roland ran toward them, jumping on the bed. “Can we go downstairs now?”
“I guess so,” Robin replied, gathering his son in his arms. “We need to wake up Henry though.”
“Can I?” Roland asked, beaming.
She nodded, smiling. “Of course. We’ll go do it together.”
They walked hand-in-hand to Henry’s room. Regina pushed open the door and pressed her finger to her lips. She crept inside, Roland right behind her, before nodding at the little boy. He beamed and jumped on Henry’s bed. “MERRY CHRISTMAS!”
Henry bolted up, panting as his eyes scanned his room until he saw Roland. “Merry…Christmas…” he huffed. “Thanks for the heart attack.”
Roland laughed as Regina kissed her son’s cheek. “Time for presents, dear.”
“Okay, okay. Just give me a few minutes,” Henry said, plopping back down onto the bed.
“Don’t go back to sleep,” she warned, taking Roland into her arms. “Or you’ll miss all the fun.”
Henry nodded as Regina headed downstairs. She found Robin in the kitchen, already making breakfast. “What are you cooking?” she asked.
“I thought I would try French toast,” he replied. “Granny makes it and I’ve grown very fond of it.”
She smiled. “It smells delicious. Come on, Roland. Let’s set the table for everyone.”
Roland enjoyed being her little helper, placing the forks next to the plates as she instructed. Henry stumbled into the kitchen and was given glasses to put on the table.
“Milk or orange juice?” she asked.
Her men looked at each other before saying: “Milk.”
She chuckled, pulling out the carton as Robin brought the first batch of French toast to the table. “Eat up,” he instructed.
Robin took his seat next to Regina, holding her hand as they ate their breakfast. Henry looked at it and Roland leaned closer. “I found them kissing this morning,” he whispered loudly.
“You’ll probably find us kissing again later,” Robin whispered at the same volume, teasing his son.
As Roland crinkled his nose again, Regina turned to Henry. He was laughing and when he caught his other’s eye, he winked. She smiled, patting his leg. “Eat up. We’re in for quite the morning,” she told him.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Henry replied.
Once the dishes were cleared and the kitchen cleaned, they made their way into the living room and sat around the tree. Roland eagerly handed out everyone’s presents before plopping down in Regina’s lap to open his.
She helped him tear into the wrapping paper and pull it off, revealing a set of superhero action figures inside. His eyes widened and he gave Henry a toothy grin. “Just like yours!”
“Yep,” Henry said, smiling. “I thought you would want your own to play with at Granny’s.”
Robin chuckled. “What do you say, Roland?”
“Thank you!” he said, setting his toys aside to hand Regina a present. “This one’s from me.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Roland. I can’t wait to see what it is.”
He bounced in her lap as she tore off the wrapping paper to find a picture frame inside. Inside was a picture of the two of them baking cookies together. “Henry helped me with it,” Roland explained.
“It’s wonderful,” Regina said, hugging him. “I love it.”
“Will you put it on your desk? With the pictures of Henry?”
She smiled, kissing his cheek. “Of course I’ll put in on my desk. I know the perfect spot for it.”
They passed around more presents and soon Regina’s floor was littered in bits of wrapping paper. She didn’t mind one bit, sitting cross-legged amongst the mess as Roland played with his new train and Henry was already engrossed in his latest handheld game. Robin sat down behind her, letting her lean against his chest.
“Merry Christmas,” he said, holding out a small present for her.
She opened the box to reveal a carving of two hearts entwined. Her name was inscribed on one and his was on the other. “Oh, Robin.”
“I know it’s not much,” he started but she silenced his doubts with a kiss.
Regina kept her hand on his mouth. “It’s beautiful. And I know the perfect spot on my desk for this too.”
His eyes crinkled in a smile and he kissed the palm of her hand before she removed it. She set the box down and stood up. “Wait here. I’m going to get your last present.”
“More?” He glanced around at the little pile of gifts next to him. “Regina, I have more than enough.”
She shook her head, darting out of the living room and toward the closet. Opening it, she pulled out the present she had hidden from him and hurried back. “Merry Christmas, Robin.”
His mouth fell open and he reached out, taking the guitar in his hands like it was a baby. Running his hands over the wood and strings, Robin was touched. “This is beautiful.”
“After you told me about how you stopped playing, I knew I had to get you your own guitar. Now you can have music with you always,” she said.
“Thank you, Regina.” He leaned close and kissed her, cupping her cheek as he did so.
“Eww, they’re doing it again,” Roland exclaimed.
They broke their kiss, chuckling. Regina turned to the two boys. “Well, now that all the presents are opened, it’s time to clean up.”
Henry groaned as he patted Roland’s back. “Come on, kid. I’ll show you my least favorite Christmas tradition.”
Roland followed Henry out of the room while Regina pulled Robin closer to her. “Want to go upstairs and occupy ourselves while the boys are busy cleaning?”
“I would love to but I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. Maybe after a few more sessions with Archie…” Robin trailed off, looking uncertain and vulnerable.
“I understand,” she replied. “I was just hoping for some kisses that aren’t interrupted by a disgusted five years old.”
Robin’s eyes lit up and he took her hands. “I think I can do that. Lead the way, milady.”
They laid on her bed, exchanging heated kisses. His hands slipped under her pajama shirt, hot against her skin. One hand cupped her breast and Robin groaned into one of their kisses. “I’m so glad you didn’t put on a bra,” he said.
“Right now, so am I,” she moaned as he squeezed. “Don’t stop.”
He nodded, kissing her again as his thumb teased her nipple. She wrapped her leg around his and began to grind against him.
“Slow down, lovely,” he murmured. “No need to rush.”
“It’s just been so long,” she whispered. “I know you’re not ready…”
He hushed her, untying her pajama pants. “I may not be ready but I can certainly see to your pleasure in other ways.”
She gasped as his hand dipped under her pajamas, pushing down her panties until one finger brushed against her clit. Her eyes closed as he rubbed circles there, kissing her neck as he did so.
A moan left her parted lips as she felt the first electric currents of pleasure coursing through her. She dug her fingers into his hair, grasping onto his thick locks. His lips locked onto the spot guaranteed to turn her limbs into jelly. Between his lips and his finger, she grew lightheaded as her heart sped up.
Heat pooled low inside her, ready to explode as Robin’s other hand returned to massaging her breast. She gasped, trying to keep herself quiet. They didn’t need the boys stumbling in on them like this.
“Robin!” she exclaimed in a breathy whisper, her body vibrating from all the sensations long absent from her.
He held her, running his hand through her hair. “How do you feel?”
“Wonderful.” She kept her eyes closed as she rested her head on his shoulder, pressing her face against his neck.
They laid together, holding each other as they heard feet heading toward the room. Both held their breath as the door opened. “Are they sleeping?” Roland whispered loudly.
“I think so,” Henry replied softly. “Let’s let them sleep a bit longer. Why don’t I teach you how to play one of my video games?”
Roland let out a quiet cheer and they heard the door close. Beside her, Robin chuckled. “We just earned ourselves some extra sleep.”
“Merry Christmas to us,” she whispered.
Regina and Robin caught an hour’s nap before Henry tiptoed in, shaking his mother. She hummed as she opened one eye, frowning. “What’s wrong, Henry?”
“Mom’s going to be coming soon to take me to Grandma and Grandpa’s for Christmas dinner. I was hoping we could have lunch before I go,” he said.
She nodded sitting up. “Okay, okay. I’ll be down in a few minutes. Why don’t you and Roland set the table for us?”
Once Henry left the room, she shook Robin. “Time to wake up.”
“I know,” he mumbled. “I heard.”
“Then it’s time for us to face our sons again.”
He nodded, sitting up. “So, what are going to have for lunch?”
“I really don’t know,” she replied. “I haven’t really thought about it. What do you want?”
Robin smiled. “I’m really in the mood for your lasagna.”
She brightened. “I have leftovers from the other night. We can heat that up and lunch will be served. You’re amazing.”
Cupping his face, she kissed him before hopping out of bed. She sighed. “I guess I should also change out of my pajamas, huh?”
“We should look like we tried to make an effort,” he agreed, slipping out of bed. He wrapped his arms around her. “Though I think you look beautiful no matter what you wear.”
“Thank you. Now, we should get changed before the boys come to investigate what’s taking us so long.”
A few minutes later, she and Robin headed down to the kitchen. Their boys were sitting at the table, waiting for them patiently. She smiled at them, clapping her hands together. “How about some lasagna?”
Regina carried a tray laden with the remnants of their cookies and hot chocolate back into the kitchen. Emma had picked up Henry a few hours ago when she had started the Christmas movie marathon with Roland and Robin. Now, father and son were getting ready to join the Merry Men for Christmas dinner.
Part of her wanted to begin them to stay but she knew this was a big step in Robin’s healing. He was going to start reintegrating himself with his men, to begin socializing with his dearest friends again. So she was going to watch them leave, knowing at least that she’ll see them in the morning.
She took a deep breath and put a smile on as she returned to the living room. It became more genuine when she found Roland sitting on Robin’s lap, his father guiding his little hand as he strummed the guitar. Robin’s fingers closed on the strings, forming the notes and chords the boy played. “That sounds amazing.”
“Thanks, Regina!” Roland looked up at her, beaming. “Papa says I can play it by myself once my arms get longer.”
Regina ran her hand through his curls. “Well, you’ll have to play for me once they do. Okay?”
“Of course!” the boy promised.
“Well, my boy, I’m afraid we have to put the guitar away for now,” Robin said, putting the instrument down. “It’s time for us to go visit the Merry Men.”
“Can Regina come?” Roland asked.
Robin glanced at her before shaking his head. “It’s just us and the Merry Men. Like old times.”
“Oh.” Roland’s face fell.
She crouched down to be eye level with him. “Don’t worry. You’ll see me again soon enough.”
Roland threw his arms around her. “I’ll miss you, Regina.”
“Me too,” she whispered. “But you’ll have lots of fun with the Merry Men. Trust me.”
He nodded and Robin put him on the couch. “I’m going to get our coats, okay, Roland?”
Regina sat down next to the boy, holding him close. He leaned against her. “Can we still bake cookies? Even though it’s not Christmas anymore?”
“Of course! Cookies aren’t just a Christmas thing. You let me know when you want cookies and we’ll bake them.”
He cheered softly and moved to sit on her lap. Roland leaned against her as his father returned. As Robin held out his son’s coat, she smiled. “Come on, Roland. Time to go.”
“I want to stay with Regina,” he said, pouting. “I don’t want to go.”
Robin frowned. “You don’t want to see Uncle John, Uncle Will and all your other uncles?”
The boy shook his head, clinging to Regina. “I want to stay here.”
She saw the fight raging in Robin’s head play out in his eyes. This night was important and she didn’t want to deny him it. Nor did she want to cave to a petulant five years-old. But Roland’s death grip and the tears in his eyes proved that he really didn’t want to leave. So she kissed his forehead. “He can stay. I don’t mind,” she said softly.
Robin nodded, putting his son’s coat down. “Okay. I’m going to head to the camp. If you change your mind, Roland, you can have Regina call me. I’ll come get you.”
“I’m not leaving,” Roland insisted.
“He’ll be fine,” she said, following him to the door with the boy in her arms. “Have a good time, Robin. You deserve it.”
He nodded, kissing her and Roland before swinging his guitar onto his back with the strap she had bought as well. “You two try not to have too much fun without me. Okay?”
“We’ll try,” she replied, “but I can’t make any promises.”
With one last smile, Robin walked down her walkway and into the night to join his men at their camp. Regina stood there, holding Roland as she took in the cold winter night. She took one last breath of Christmas air and closed the door, looking at the boy. “Let’s go have some dinner.”
Roland slept in her bed that night. They had had a fun evening filled with turkey sandwiches, pie and hot chocolate. She helped him play with his new train set and taught him a few of the board games Henry had loved as a child. Roland loved them just as much, playing them until he was falling asleep on the floor.
As she picked him up to put to bed, he clung to her again. “Can I sleep with you? In your big bed?”
“Of course,” she replied, helping him into his pajamas. She tucked him into bed before preparing herself to get to sleep as well.
Regina climbed into bed, flicking off the light as Roland rolled closer to her. They cuddled close together, his curls tickling her nose again. She brushed them down, taking in the lingering pine scent that seemed to follow Robin and his son. With a sigh, she fell asleep.
A soft rustle woke Regina later that night. Her eyes popped open as she took in her surroundings. Roland was still asleep, now sprawled out next to her. She lifted her head, spotting a form moving in her room.
She sat up, conjuring a fireball. “Who’s there?”
“Peace!” Robin’s face was illuminated and he had his hands raised in the air.
Regina let her fireball die down as she turned on her lamp. Beside her, Roland squirmed and buried his face in the pillow as Robin smiled at his son. She scowled at him, though. “Did you break in?”
“I didn’t want to wake you,” he admitted, hands still raised. “I thought I could slip in and get to bed. You know, surprise you in the morning.”
“You mean give me a heart attack.”
He shrugged. “To be honest, I’ve had a few ales. So this sounds like a brilliant plan now.”
Regina sighed. “Why did you leave camp?”
“I missed you.”
She softened. Yes, he was an idiot but he was an idiot in love with her. “I missed you too.”
“Am I forgiven then?”
“Just get in the bed,” she said, chuckling. “And try not to wake Roland.”
He nodded, pulling back the blankets enough to slip in next to his sleeping son. Robin curled around Roland, facing Regina. The boy shifted closer to his father, as if sensing the man’s presence. Robin chuckled, kissing his son’s forehead before lying his head down. “Good night, Regina.”
“Good night,” Robin,” she whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He leaned closer, careful of Roland, and kissed her.
They settled down and Regina fell asleep, her hand held firmly by Robin as he did the same.
Regina decided she really loved Yule after all.
