Her Dark Heart

Chapter 4

A/N: I've been camping with no wifi for the past few days, so sorry this took a little while longer to get out to you! But, here it is, and with a considerable amount of smut. Enjoy!

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The week passed by effortlessly. His new schedule at work kept him busy, so day after day flew by until Robin realized it was Friday again, which meant tonight he had a date with Regina.

When he got home from work that evening, Robin hopped in the shower to freshen up. He dried himself off, put on a dark blue button up, khakis, and dress shoes. Though he was going to her house, a home much nicer than his little two bedroom cottage in the woods, he figured he should still keep up appearances. After fixing his hair and spritzing himself with cologne, he was out the door.

The drive into town was about ten minutes and to 108 Mifflin Street was another five, but he arrived with a few minutes to spare. He hopped out of his car, locked it, and made his way to the front door. Robin gave it a few knocks with his knuckles and a young boy answered it. He had to admit that he was a bit shocked to see him still there.

"Hey Henry," Robin greeted. Maybe Regina couldn't find a sitter and Henry would be joining them after all. He supposed he wouldn't mind all too much, but having dinner with Regina alone would have been nice.

"I heard that your date went well last weekend," the boy said with a smirk. "And you have another one tonight? Nice!"

So he had just come to congratulate Robin for working on 'Operation Cobra'. Whew. Maybe some other time when Robin hadn't gotten his hopes up for a night alone with Regina, Henry could tag along.

"I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, Henry. I really enjoyed my date with your mother, though. She was actually the one who suggested this," Robin said and gestures around at the house.

Henry smiled. "Oh, I know. As much as she tries to deny that she likes you, I can tell she does. She's been in a very good mood recently. It's a little concerning."

Robin laughed, glad to know he had such an effect on a woman like Regina. "Well, that's good to hear. Where are you off to?"

"Granny's house. She lets me stay up late to watch movies and Ruby plays the Xbox with me when she isn't out with one of her boyfriends, so I don't mind being there," Henry replied.

"I hope you have a good time. Thanks for letting me borrow your mother for the night," Robin said.

"No problem. At this rate, she'll be so distracted that Emma will break the curse in no time!" he exclaimed.

Behind Robin, the darkness of night was lit up but headlights. Henry's ride, Robin assumed, especially as the boy bid him a hasty goodbye and a reminder not to let his mother see the lion tattoo. Then, he dashed towards the car. Once Robin saw to it that he had gotten in safely, he stepped inside the house and shut the door behind him.

The delicious smell was what first hit his nose. He followed it down the pristine, fancy hallway until he reached its source. Hard at work in a clean, white kitchen was Regina. She had on a lovely royal blue dress, but had a white apron thrown over it. Once he rounded the corner, she was pulling the lasagna out of the oven and trading it with a tray of apple turnovers.

"Good evening," Robin said once she had shut the oven door and set the lasagna safely on the counter to cool, because sure enough, the sound of his voice made her jump.

She whirled around to find Robin standing there and her look of shock faded into a pleasant smile. "Hello," she said, almost with an uncharacteristic shyness.

"It smells amazing in here," Robin said. "And you look lovely."

"Thank you," Regina replied. She brushed her hands off on her apron and stepped closer to him. "Sorry, I thought you'd arrive after I had everything made. I probably look like a bit of a mess." She gestured down at her apron, which was a little floury and had a few splatters of marinara sauce from her recent cooking and baking endeavors.