Cursed Hearts

Fragmented

The air hung heavily at the diner as he entered inside, the atmosphere abnormally quiet for a late afternoon. Under normal circumstances, returning to the diner would've been a positive experience- there had been countless celebrations held there, a place where everyone in town felt welcome. Granny managed to create a conversation with anyone who walked through the front doors; her reputation as the matron of Storybrooke was one that was earned after so many years of service. When Robin sat down across from his younger brother, however, Granny was no where in sight, somehow knowing what conversation was going to take place.

Both men struggled to find their footing, not knowing where to begin. Robin knew that whatever was about to be said would be something that would only worsen the situation, but it was truth he was after, and truth he would get.

"You mentioned that you have something important to share?" He began, deciding to take the problem head on. The anxiety of it all was devouring him inside- continuing to walk on eggshells around her caused every second to ache.

Will shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He wasn't used to being involved in such serious matters, especially ones that he thought were matters of the past. In the past decade, Will had considered telling his brother about what happened in his absence, the thought resurfacing with a gnawing edge. He figured that with so much positivity around them, the past no longer mattered. But there he was, delivering news that was ten years late to his already devastated sibling.

"You really got tan out there," Will blurted out, trying to lighten the mood between them. "Why is it that you tan so well while I burn? Do genetics mean nothing?"

Robin gave him a look, the events from his day already feeling like too much to bear. "I'm so exhausted, Will- let's just get this over with."

Courage had always been something Will admired in his older brother, even when they were kids. Even amidst the most unthinkable tribulations, he remained true to his values and his honor. He never turned away from a challenge, no matter how threatening.

"I'm not sure if Regina would want me to talk about it," Will began, gathering his own sense of bravery.

"You're the one that told me to meet you here," Robin countered, "things are pretty bad. Whatever it is, I can handle it."

Will knew there was no other way around it. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself for the worst.

"Those months when you were away, doing those things for Rumple... Regina was depressed, like how she is now."

Robin hadn't realized how anxious he had become during their conversation- he was hanging onto each word his brother spoke, anticipating and calculating what he could possibly say next.

"It was a hard time for all of us," Robin defended, his hands restless underneath the table. "Regina and I have talked about it."

"Did she tell you that she stopped eating? Damn near passed out a few days after I moved in."

Robin held his gaze for a moment, unsure of how to process the information he had heard. Despite all the repeated scenarios he went over during his drive to the diner on how their talk would go, he still felt blindsided.

"But she was pregnant," he eventually spoke, his voice sounding hollow. "Did she know she was pregnant?"

His silence was quickly interpreted as a yes.

"At least Caroline turned out perfectly fine," Will interjected, negating the awkwardness of the situation. "It's not like she was drinking or anything- she just couldn't handle the thought of doing it all without you there."