We Can Love Again

The Impending Storm

Snow was right, the snowstorm did hit. It was light at first, simply mere snowflakes drifting across the sky and melting when they hit the earth. Everyone couldn't hide the fact that they were slightly disappointed with this change in weather; mostly because for the first time in forever the town of Storybrooke might have actually gotten spring a tad earlier than usual.

"We still have to go to school?" Henry asked, a slight irritation to his voice.

"Yes, yes you do," Regina replied, helping Roland into his jacket, "it's not even that bad out there. Just a little snow."

Tugging his backpack onto his shoulder, his scowl deepened. "Can you drive us to the bus stop at least?"

She fought so hard to keep her cool. "I already told you Henry, your father banned me from driving- I don't even think I could if I had the chance. Just walk... Please." Her eyes were filled with urgency; there was no way he could fight against that. His mother was still getting used to treating him like a teenager instead of a child, trusting him with such a task of safely taking he and his brother down to the bus stop in the snow. As much as the cold weather was an inconvenience to him, the thought of being treated like an older boy delighted him.

"Come on Roland, we have to get there in time." Henry said, calling his younger brother with an outstretched hand. Giving his mother and father a smile, he opened the door with his free hand, revealing the torrent of frozen winds and blurring snow.

Robin stepped up to the doorframe and watched his two sons start down the sidewalk for a few seconds before shutting the door and turning around to face his fiancé.

"Well, we have a little time before I have to leave for work. What do you want to do?"

Regina thought for a moment as he came closer to her, a smile soon spreading across her face.

"I know. How about we go to Granny's?"

His facial expression revealed that he didn't seem too thrilled with that idea. "Really? Another hamburger?"

She was quick to shake her head. "No, orange juice. Snow gave me some the other day and I forgot how amazing it tasted."

Giving a sarcastic roll of his eyes, Robin put his hands on her shoulders. "We have orange juice in the fridge, dear."

"No we don't," she sighed, "I, uh, drank all of it."

He groaned.

"I'll let you drive..."

That certainly perked him up. "The weather though... It might get worse. And I don't know how to drive in really bad weather."

Gently taking hold of one of his wrists, Regina guided his hand down until it hit the curve of her abdomen. "You'll do fine. Just remember who you're protecting."

He smiled. "I remember every day. You didn't think I only ran on coffee, did you?"

Holding her chin high, she replied stoutly, "wouldn't dream of it."

Robin was speedy in fetching the keys and guiding her towards the black Mercedes, which was now covered in a white blanket of snow. Helping her get settled in her seat, he fastened her seatbelt and made his way over to the opposite side; Regina never let him drive, not after he almost ran that stop sign. He was more than excited to show her what Killian had taught him.

"I have to say, you have gotten better." Regina said, trying to conceal her smile as they pulled up to the diner.

Leaning over towards her, he let out a boyish grin. "And you said I couldn't do it."