Outlaw Queen Shorts

Dinner at the Charming's / Part 5

(AUTHORS NOTE:
This is the last part of this story - thanks to everyone who's read and voted, it means a lot!! I've also got another fic on my page, if you haven't already had a look I'd appreciate any comments or votes - Thank you! :D)

Regina swallowed the gulp of wine and replaced the glass on the table. The smile had faded from her lips. Friends we didn't know we had she thought, what's that supposed to mean? The words were probably meaningless, said only as an acceptance. But that's what annoyed her. She shouldn't need to be 'accepted'. Regina tried to let it go for Robin's sake. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene in front of him.

A shiver crept up her spine and goosebumps raised on the surface of her arms. Robin turned to her, placing a hand onto her wrist. "Are you cold?" He asked, knowing the answer. Before she could speak, Robin was taking off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders. The gesture returned a smile to her face and her hand lingered over Robin's on top of her shoulder.

"Thank you," she said, but it came out as more of a whisper. Robin returned the smile and brushed his hand down her arm, smoothing over the goosebumps.

The conversation was steady and polite, which Regina was thankful for because it stopped any chance of a misunderstanding. The small knot of unexplainable annoyance for Mary Margret seemed to shrink in her stomach as the food nestled on top. It really was good food.

As the meal came to a close, Robin helped David clear the plates and left Regina at the table with Mary Margret. "I really enjoyed this," Mary Margret reached over and squeezed her hand. "We should do it again!" She sounded genuine, when isn't she thought Regina.

"We should have you round next time." She tried to have the same enthusiasm in her voice as Mary Margret did, but wasn't so sure she pulled it off.

Robin strode through the kitchen and back to the table, running a hand through his hair. Regina looked at him, admiring the effort he went to for the evening. He caught her gaze and grinned, never breaking eye contact as he walked straight to her. He sat down and rested his hand on top of hers, gently rubbing the back with his thumb.

"Thank you for the lovely meal," said Regina, and meaning it about the food. "I think we should head home." She looked at Robin who nodded.

"Yeah, I've had a brilliant night!" He added and Regina was sure there wasn't a word of a lie in it.

They stood up and Regina went to take the jacket off her shoulders. Robin slid it back over her shoulder and smiled. "Keep it until we get home."

Mary Margret and David said thank you and goodbye at least a hundred times as they walked to the door. Robin linked his fingers with Regina's when the were just on the outside. "Goodnight!" He said, and waved with the other over his shoulder.

"Those two are adorable," David had almost closed the door, but Regina still heard Mary Margret say it. "They are so good for each other." Regina could even picture the smiling expression on her face as she said it.

They turned the corner of the street and Robin stopped, turning to face Regina. He lifted his hands up to her face, resting one on her cheek and the other on her neck, pulling her close to him. Their lips were centimetres away from each other and Regina closed the gap, crashing her mouth into his. She swung her arms over his shoulders and he bent slightly so she wouldn't have to stand on her toes.

Robin moved his head back slightly, their lips barely parted and their foreheads touching. "I know you probably didn't enjoy that," his breath was hot against her skin. "But I'm so proud you got through it." He gently pressed their lips together again and Regina could feel his smile.

"Thank you for tonight," she said, leaning her head into his chest. "I'm glad you came with me." She let out a small laugh and Robin joined in, rubbing his hand over the back of her head.

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world." Regina lifted an eyebrow and laughed again, harder this time.

"Dinner with the Charming's?"

"No, dinner with you." He wrapped her up in a tight squeeze before running his hand down her arm and locking their fingers together. They walked back down the street to Regina's house, both intoxicated with each other.