This is a little different...I watched The Legend of Tarzan and my mind wandered. And since it's the first streak of inspiration I've had in forever, I decided to go with it. If you haven't seen the movie, it starts with Tarzan 10 years after he becomes civilized. He's living with his wife Jane, in London, as John Clayton and does not want to associate with his past. He gets an invitation from "King Leopold" to visit in regards to trade relations and goes back to the jungle (for other reasons, but that's not important here).
In the movie, Jane is taken from him, forcing him to go back to his wild roots to save her. But in this story, Regina bumps into him in the jungles of Neverland, where Tarzan has returned and remained since the *death* of his wife...and I'll let you find out the rest, but they do have history ;) this will prob be only two or three chapters xxx
Neverland...
"Only if you come with me, Regina." His deep voice and piercing stare shook her to her core. She knew there was a chance she'd run into him here, it was half the reason she'd been so snappy and nervous (aside from Pan having her son, of course). Her heart began to beat wildly in her chest as she stepped in front of the group she was with, forcing her expression into firm lines that he matched as they locked gazes.
"Only if you let them go on their way," Regina motioned back towards Emma, David, Hook and Snow, "And leave them out of this."
She swore she saw an ounce of hurt flicker over John's rugged features before they hardened again, his fist clenched by his sides. He was offended that she feared him, that she would assume he'd hurt them, she could tell from his eyes. Deep down she knew he wouldn't, but years had passed and while she knew who he had been, she didn't know who he'd become in their years apart.
"Of course," John lifted his bulky shoulders, as his gaze flickered over the the group standing behind her, his expression becoming unreadable.
Regina swallowed hard at the memories creeping up in her and what she knew she was about to relive. She wasn't scared of him, well, maybe a little bit after how they'd ended things, but she was more scared of the feelings she'd long suppressed that were now ripped wide open and flooding back to her. More for her pride than their safety, she turned to the group behind her in an attempt to get them away from her before a scene unraveled and exposed more of her history than she'd want them to know, "You all go ahead."
"Regina, we're not leaving you here, not with him," Snow frowned with concern, causing Regina to step forward and close the space between she and the group she traveled with.
"Go on without me," She whispered, eyeing each one of them seriously, "I will catch up with you. He won't hurt me, but he won't let you all go if I don't cooperate. And we can't waste anymore time," Her gaze landed on Emma, giving her a knowing glance. She was the only one who was like her, that understood when things needed to be done, "Go find Henry."
"We will," Emma pressed her lips into a firm line and nodded once before looking at her parents, "Let's go."
Snow and David exchanged a look, Hook meandering behind them with the same skeptical expression he always had. They eyed Tarzan as they moved in a group along the path, giving apologetic glances back towards her. After a few minutes they had traveled far enough that they disappeared into the foliage of the jungle, leaving Regina alone to face a man she hadn't seen in years.
"What are you doing here?" His adam's apple bobbed in his throat as he kept his stance, staring her down. He was shirtless, in nothing but a pair of pants that appeared perfectly tailored to him and worn in.
"What are you doing here?" Regina crossed her own arms, trying to appear unfazed by his presence when she was anything but, "Last time I heard, you were living in London with your precious wife."
"And last I heard of you, you were leveling villages and terrorizing an entire realm," His eyes never left her and she shifted uncomfortably, hating the way he seemed to always be able to look through her.
"That's none of your concern," She hissed, adding another brick to the wall she mentally constructed between them. There was no point in going into what had happened since they parted ways. He probably hated her enough as it was.
"I think it is," He took a step towards her, reminding her how big he actually was. Even with her heeled boots on he towered over her, causing her to begrudgingly tilt her chin up in order to see his face. Something swirled in her belly at how close he was, chiseled abs and bulky arms just inches from her touch. She remembered his touch quite well.
"What do you want from me?" She glowered up at him, keeping her shoulders squared and her arms tucked into one another.
"Answers."
Enchanted Forest, years ago...
John tugged at the suffocating collar he wore as he walked beside King Leopold, trying to appear interested in the conversation. He hated the clothing of this civilization and although he'd had years to become accustomed to it, he never seemed to. Though no one seemed to notice his discomfort. They were usually too busy gawking at his large frame or whispering about the shape of his hands. The women giggled behind their lace fans, making men either aspire to be like him or hate him instantly.
Regardless of his desire for a simple life and being left alone, it seemed he was never so. Since his dear friend Jane and her father discovered him in the jungle and brought him to their strange world he was constantly on display. They told stories of him, apparently he was what they called a legend across realms, though he never understood why. Ten years had passed since he'd left his home in the jungle and this place still felt foreign to him in many ways.
The man beside him had invited him for a stay at his palace in the Enchanted Forest and Professor Porter had insisted that he go, saying it was one of the highest honors to be invited to the kingdom. Jane had teased him, saying King Leopold had a daughter who was 'the fairest in all the lands' and that the King was looking for suitors for her. He certainly hoped that was not the nature of the visit, for he could never picture himself living in such a place. It was all stone, cold and drafty, no nature around except for the beautiful apple tree they approached as they walked through the courtyard.
"Ah, John, meet my daughter, Snow White," Leopold's voice brought him out of his daydream and they came to a stop beside a young girl dressed in all white. Her heart shaped face peered up at them, her smile hidden behind a flower as she curtsied in front of him. He placed a hand near his midsection, the other behind his back and bowed gracefully in front of the princess as he was taught to do. The customs of this world were not unlike the one's of nature. Gorillas had similar greetings, kneeling before those more powerful than you to show respect.
"Lovely to meet you," He managed a smile and saw the girl blush furiously and mumble something in return. His eyes didn't miss the maids peering out of the castle window not far from them, giggling behind their hands at the interaction between he and the princess. The Princess was pretty, but she was much too young for him to consider for himself and she seemed rather immature.
"And my wife, the Queen," Leopold added rather unceremoniously as he nodded towards the apple tree in the middle of the courtyard.
John turned on his heels, the breath catching in his throat at the dark haired woman who stood a few yards away from them. She was clad in a cream colored dress with intricate embroidery, the sleeves adorned with fur and a matching hat. Her gaze lifted from the apple she held and she gave him a breathtaking smile behind perfectly painted lips.
"Hello."
Her voice was soft and cinnamon-like, stirring something deep inside of him. There was a hint of sadness in her expression despite the brilliantly polite smile she gave him. She was older than the girl he'd just met, but not nearly old enough to be her mother. He assumed Snow White had to be from a previous marriage, for the Queen appeared to be only a third of the King's age.
He saw her smile turn slightly amused, making him realize he had forgotten his manners, "A pleasure to meet you, Queen," He fumbled to bow quickly and make up for the few seconds he'd been delayed by seeing her.
"Come now, I'll show you around the place," Leopold quickly pulled his attention from the Queen. John had worried for a moment that Leopold may have noticed how entranced he'd been with his wife, but one glance towards the man who had already turned to walk away told him that he wasn't as enthralled with her as he was. He glanced back towards the beautiful woman beside the tree who returned his stare briefly before turning back to the branches, prompting him to follow the King. Reluctantly.
Present day...
"Where are you taking me?" Regina snapped when she felt one of his strong arms encase her narrow waist, lifting her from the ground with ease. No one had dared handle her like that in years and it pissed her off, though she knew she was powerless against him and she wouldn't use magic on him. He didn't deserve that. "Damn it, John. Answer me."
"My home," He muttered as he reached up for a low hanging branch, lifting them from the jungle floor with one arm. His super-human strength had always amazed her, had even turned her on furiously in some moments. But being this close to him now only made her feel uneasy and she didn't know if it was because of the conversation she knew he'd make them have or the residual sexual tension stirred within her at the nearness of their bodies.
"Why?" She grit, cupping her hand over his shoulder reluctantly as he climbed higher, trying to ignore the ground becoming more and more distant.
"Because I want answers," He didn't look at her, just kept his arm wrapped around her waist, keeping her torso pressed against the side of his own as his other limbs navigated the large jungle tree.
Knots began to form in her stomach the higher they went and she found herself wrapping her arm around his neck before she knew what she was doing. He didn't miss it, glancing at her briefly with a hint of a smirk. The bastard knew she was afraid of heights and it had been years since she'd been this far from the ground. Deep down she knew he would never let her fall, but she'd never been able to conquer the fear.
"How far is this tree shack of yours?" She rolled her eyes, digging her nails into his skin a little as she clung to him, growing more nervous by the minute.
"Relax, Regina," He shook his head before looking back to the vines dangling from the branch.
"No, I mean it!" Realization struck her as he reached out for a vine and her heart caught in her throat when she felt him jump, "John!" She screamed when she felt their bodies fly in the air before his arm wrapped around the vine, catapulting them through leaves and branches, "I swear to god if you drop me I'm going to-"
"When have I ever dropped you?" He asked without looking at her, easily grabbing the next vine that took them further and further. He swung their bodies in different directions to keep momentum, causing her hair to blow across her face and blur her vision. She wasn't sure if it was a feeling she'd ever get used to. She preferred her feet flat on the ground, to be in total control of where she was going. But then again, there was something oddly freeing about it.
Regina clung to him, her legs having wrapped around his waist at some point and memories flashed in her mind. Damp forest air. The wild, free feeling of adventure. The excitement of sharing herself with someone she actually wanted. Heated romps. Heavy breathing. Sweet words whispered in secret.
"Here we are," His voice rumbled, jarring her awake when his feet landed on the platform of his, for lack of a better word, tree house. Her heart pounded viciously in her chest and all she could do was stare up at him for a moment when he let her slide down his side onto her own wobbly legs. His arm still held her by the waist, allowing her to find her balance again as she tried to catch her breath. His own chest only heaved slightly, barely winded at all when he was the one exerting enough energy to transport them both.
He stared back at her with an expression that told her he was remembering things, too. It made her nervous, so she immediately withdrew herself from his embrace, reaching out to steady herself on the rope that fenced the platform. A glance down at the wooden planks made her dizzy with the knowledge that they were so high in the tree she could not see the forest floor.
"Regina?"
Her heart pounded in her ears and she closed her eyes for a moment to try to regain control, feeling a large hand encase her upper arm. "Come sit."
Enchanted Forest...
Regina watched the stranger from her seat beside the King. No one paid any attention to her after all, so she could easily get away with it. His family name was John Clayton, Lord Greystroke to the public, but in legend they called him Tarzan. She'd heard bits and pieces of his history from the giggling maids and buzz in the castle upon the news of his impending visit. Apparently his parents had died in the jungle, leaving him to be raised in the wild until he was discovered by the famous Professor Porter.
The grand feast and celebration happening was in honor of him, but he didn't see to be enjoying himself. He sat stiffly at the table in their grand hall, sipping at his wine and forcing smiles at lords and ladies who wished to meet the legend himself. She noticed him pull at his collar every now and then, causing her to smile faintly. Royal clothing was terribly uncomfortable, not to mention this lifestyle was suffocating enough.
Her gaze returned to the dance floor where half of the guests waltzed to the small orchestra that played the same tired songs they did at every gathering. The party ignored her as they usually did, no visitors coming to her table to speak with her. She wasn't the beloved Eva and never would be, so it was just as well. Besides, the way her husband over-indulged at these gatherings left her in no mood to carry on a conversation with anyone. She was usually too nervous for what her night would hold.
She found her eyes wandering back to the mysterious man again, feeling drawn to him for some strange reason. Perhaps it was because he looked like she felt...Like an outsider. Like he was just as miserable in this society as she was. Like he didn't belong. Her stomach flopped when his own gaze lifted towards her from across the room, having probably sensed she was staring at him. From what she heard he had heightened senses from living in the wild. Her silly maids had shared stories of how he could hear and smell like a wolf, had the reflexes of a cat, and could fight like a wild ape.
Regina quickly averted her own eyes back to the dance floor where her husband finished a waltz with his beloved daughter, pretending she hadn't been staring at John. She wasn't sure, but she sensed he was still looking her way and her cheeks blushed furiously at the knowledge she'd been caught. Luckily everyone's attention was drawn towards the front of the room where Leopold stepped up onto a platform to speak.
Dread filled her at the way her husband's own face was flushed from the alcohol, knowing he'd most likely find his way to her chamber tonight. At least for now he was occupied, pulling his daughter with him to the platform as the music ceased and the room hushed to hear what he had to say.
"Our family would like to thank you all for coming today," Leopold began, wrapping an arm around his daughter's shoulders. Snow beamed at the crowd and Regina had to stop herself from rolling her eyes at the way the people gazed lovingly at their King and Princess. "This feast is in celebration of our guest of honor, the great legend, Tarzan."
She glanced towards him again, not missing the way the man seemed to force a smile to hide the grimace at Leopold using his title. John nodded politely and raised his glass towards the King as the people clapped for him, being the ever gracious guest. Regina recognized the lack of sentiment in his expression, but no one else seemed to.
"We hope he has a grand stay here," the King continued with a proud smile as he hugged his daughter close, "I know my precious Snow White has been ever excited for his visit," the crowd chuckled at his joke, "and I do hope Lord Greystroke sees what I do in this great kingdom."
Bitter resentment crept up inside of Regina at the way Leopold looked at Snow as she gazed adoringly up at her father. No matter what the celebration, he always found a way to dote on her, "...I have great faith in the future of it and it's future leader. I know many of you miss my beloved Eva just as much as we do, but rest assured her legacy lives on," the King lifted his gaze to smile towards John and realization flooded Regina. So that's why Leopold invited him, he wants to find a suitor for Snow.
"...for my Snow White really is the fairest in all the lands," Leopold concluded and the small crowd cheered and clapped, leaving Snow to blabber and blush foolishly as she hugged her father's neck. Regina felt her stomach doing rolls as she sat alone at her table, watching the room fawn over the girl who cost her her own happiness. She pushed her chair back quickly when she felt the need to be sick, slipping from the table and walking swiftly for the back exit.
The cold night air helped ease the anxiety pitted in her stomach as she approached her apple tree, pressing a hand against the cold stone barrier around it and leaning forward. Shame and embarrassment and darkness ate at her insides, making her angry and panicked and sad all at once. What meaning did her life have anymore?
She was a prisoner in her own home. A play thing for a husband who ignored her other than when he wanted in her bed. A pretend mother for the obnoxious girl who ruined her life. A fill in for the dead woman who still held all of their hearts. Nobody actually looked at her. Nobody cared about her. No one recognized her sadness. Maybe her father did, but he was powerless to do anything about it.
As much as she hated her husband, she resented the love he had for his daughter. Snow White got the attention from the King and the love from the people without even working for it. Regina had actually been foolish enough to try to please Leopold at one point, but he'd shown her in blatant ways that he'd never love her the way he did Eva. Like occasions such as these when he'd publicly pronounce just as much.
"Are you all right, Your Majesty?"
A voice startled her and she straightened immediately to spin around, almost colliding with the man who she had been staring at just moments ago. She tilted her head back to look up at him, eyes wide and unsure. "Sorry, you...startled me."
"My apologies, I-" He backed up once and she instantly softened at the way he tried to make himself seem less threatening. It was almost as if he thought of himself as the beast they portrayed in the legends about him.
"No, it's my fault. I was off in my own little world," She smiled gently at him, seeing him holding his hands behind his back in a gentlemanly manner, "I'm fine, thank you. What brings you out here? Are you not enjoying your party?" She didn't know why she was prodding him for information, she could tell he wasn't enjoying himself. But something prompted her to ask. Had he really come out just to check on her?
"I noticed you leave in a hurry," His accent was proper but his voice was deep and comforting as he spoke, "I wanted to make sure you were all right."
"Why wouldn't I be?" She hated the bite of her reply, but she couldn't help it. He'd obviously noticed the way Leopold's blatant disrespect had affected her and it was embarrassing. Wasn't it bad enough that she was an outsider in her own home? Others had to notice it, too?
"I didn't mean to upset you," His expression was almost one of disappointment and it surprised her that he would actually care. No one had been bothered by her reaction to them for a long time. "I only wanted to make sure you were all right. I'll leave you alone."
"No-" She replied before she could think, seeing him stop from turning to walk away, "I'm sorry, I'm just..it's just..." Her shoulders sagged and she glanced towards the ground, feeling a strange urge to open up to him if only for a brief moment, "They'll never see me...they only see a pretty replacement for the Queen they actually love."
"Snow White's real mother?" She saw him give a solemn nod out of her peripheral vision.
"She's brought up at every gathering and I know it should not bother me but-" She shook her head and swallowed at the lump in her throat, "It's just a reminder that I will never be accepted here. That I don't belong here," She lifted her gaze and felt a solitary tear slip down her cheek.
He looked back at her with knowing eyes, "No one sees you for who you really are, only for the shadow of the person you live in."
"Yes," Her voice was barely a whisper as their gazes locked and she contemplated the fact that maybe he truly understood her. Had she ever encountered anyone that did? Or that cared to?
"I live in the shadow of my legend," He averted his gaze, his hands still tucked behind his back as his eyes traveled over the branches of the apple tree they stood under, "People approach me like they know me because they've heard stories."
"The stories are not true?" She quickly swiped at the tear on her cheek with the back of her hand before looking back at him. He carried quiet confidence and strength on the outside, but his eyes shown an inner turmoil that she felt she may understand.
"Some of them," He glanced back at her with a half smile, "Some of them are not...Either way, I understand what it is like to have people constantly around you, watching you, but never truly seeing you. They do not care to get to know you or I because they think they do already."
"They will never see me like they do Snow or her mother," She gave him a pained smile and a slight frown appeared on his chiseled features. He was handsome, disturbingly so. Squared jaw, cleft chin, light eyes that held so much depth and understanding. His hair was a little longer than most men wore, reaching his broad shoulders in honey blonde waves. What would it be like to reach up and touch that face?
"I would hope not," He answered, causing her to mirror the slight frown he wore, "They should see you for you."
"I'm not sure I even know who I am," She chuckled, though her voice carried no mirth as she averted her gaze to the ground again. "How can I expect them to see anything good in me when I can't find it myself?"
"I can see it," He murmured and her cheeks burned at the delicacy of the conversation. She slowly lifted her gaze back to his and found him watching her intently before he continued, "You are beautiful...not just on the inside, either."
She managed to scoff, clenching her jaw to keep tears at bay. She couldn't remember the last time someone had been so kind to her, "And how would you know?"
"Animals can always sense someone's spirit," He explained and her vision of him became slightly blurred at the tears that welled in her eyes, "They can sense fear and longing, can feel and desire love, can tell when someone is a gentle soul and when someone is not so," He glanced towards the castle before looking back at her.
"And you can do this, as well?" The way he was looking at her threatened to make her tremble. It was as if he could see through her, like he knew how much she longed to have someone, to be loved and protected. She suddenly felt vulnerable, remembering where she was and who she was. This wasn't appropriate, discussing such things with a stranger. A guest in her castle.
"We're all animals, aren't we? I just happen to be more in tune with my instincts than most."
She had to be careful. She had let herself forget her station and had let him know entirely too much about her situation. Why had she done this? If he even hinted about it around Leopold she'd be in trouble. And who was to say he would not share the conversation he had with her with others? She'd learned trust was fleeting and the only way to protect herself from hurt was to not let anyone know what she was thinking or feeling.
"Well, I'd appreciate it in the future if you'd keep your animalistic urge to discuss such things to yourself," She bit at him, seeing the instant sting on his beautiful features, making her hate herself for being like this. If only she had the luxury of putting herself out there, of truly getting to know someone and not be hurt or rejected in return.
"Your Majesty, I-" He began.
"I should go back in before they notice I'm gone," She said before abruptly turning, making her way towards the castle and leaving John by himself.
Present Day...
"How did you get here?" Regina sat on the edge of his hand crafted bed while he paced the length of his treehouse, hammering her with questions.
"I told you, we traveled through the portal," She knew what he was getting at but didn't want to give him any additional information. The briefer they kept this, the easier it would be. There was no sense in delving into the past when it wouldn't change anything. She had to find a way out of this and get back to saving her son.
"I know that, but why?!" He snapped, stopping in front of her, bulky frame tense with irritation, "This is my home. Not yours."
"To be fair, I heard the Professor finally perfected his realm travel and that you were in London with Jane," Regina tilted her head up to smile fakely at him, "Is she here? I'm sure she'd love to see me. That is, if you haven't told her how well we really knew each other."
"Jane is dead," He muttered and looked away from her, walking over to the balcony and leaning his hands on the hand carved wooden rail.
She felt like an ass. Worse than an ass. "..John I'm sorry I...is that why you came back here?"
"Yes," He muttered though she could no longer see his expression. His back was tense, she'd seen enough of his body to know where he carried his stress and it was all in his sculpted shoulders and arms. His hands gripped the wooden railing as he stared out into the jungle, the only noises being bird and various other creatures calling out into the fading daylight. She'd struck a nerve with him and it had instantly made her soften. She had no reason to keep hurting him, after all.
"What happened?"
"We got an invitation to visit another realm. During our travel we were accosted by a group of headhunters who were after me. They were able to separate us and they took her to bait me in, knowing I'd come after her. I got her back, but by the time I had she had grown ill to the poor conditions they kept her in. She died of fever."
"I'm so sorry John," She was almost afraid to speak, fearing it would spark the crackling tension in the air, "...Where were you headed? Who was after you?"
"The invitation was from you, to visit the Enchanted Forest once more..."
"But I wasn't-"
"You weren't even there, I know. I found that out from the man who kidnapped my wife," His voice was hoarse, thick and full of anger, "Perhaps you remember him? He was your husband's right hand, after all."
"Leon?" Regina frowned deeply, disgust filling her at the mention of him. He was always a sleazy bastard, which explained why he was Leopold's greatest confidant. "I had him imprisoned in the Enchanted Forest when I left...I thought he'd be dead."
"Well he wasn't. He used royal parchment to pen a letter to us on your behalf inviting us for a stay. The Professor passed along the realm travel device to us when he passed and we used it to take us there, it was only a trap waiting for us at your palace."
"But what did Leon want with you?"
"Money, power, I don't know what was promised to him," John turned to her with a pained expression, "He was working for an old enemy of mine who wanted my blood in return for killing his son while protecting my adoptive mother. So Leon brought us here and I...had to get used to this life again. I managed to defeat them with the help of my brother here, but it was too late for Jane, she was already too ill."
"How long ago was this?" Regina's heart shattered for him, recognizing the guilt and pain that he carried over his wife's death. She'd experienced the same after Daniel lost his life because of her, she still harbored some of it to this day.
"A few years, I don't know really, you tend to lose track of calendar time here," He gave a slow shrug of his shoulders and leaned back against the wall of the tree shack he'd undoubtedly built with his own two hands.
"I don't understand..." She watched him from her seat on his bed, studying his expression as he actively avoided her gaze, "You left to be with Jane...She must have made you happy. Why would you want to come back to the Enchanted Forest? After everything that happened-"
"The letter said it was urgent," His gaze found hers then and his eyes nearly bore holes in her, "...I thought you may be in trouble..."
The guilt hit her like a punch to the gut. Considering their history and how things had ended, she didn't deserve a second thought from him. But years later he'd traveled realms to make sure she was okay. He had lost his wife and his own happiness because he thought she needed him.
"You shouldn't have done that," She tried to sound firm but her voice wobbled, emotion making it sound raspy to her own ears. Her hands were the only thing she could look at and she suddenly felt so small. He had been living this solitary existence for years because of her, because he had never stopped caring for her.
"That is your response?" His large frame closed the space between them in two strides, grabbing her arm and pulling her into a standing position. "They were right, you really did turn into a monster."
"Let go of me," She hissed, knowing he only said it to provoke her and hating the way it still hurt her nonetheless, "You know nothing about me anymore," She jerked her arm from his grip and hit her hands against his chest in an attempt to push him away, but she couldn't budge his muscular frame.
"Apparently," He grit back, gripping her small wrists in his hands with fast reflexes.
"Why would you care what happened to me? You obviously heard I had turned evil," She snarled up at him, "Why would you try to help someone like me?"
"Because I knew who you really were and what made you that way," He yelled back at her, keeping her in front of him with his grip of her wrists despite the way she tried to pull away.
Enchanted Forest...
John had been at the palace for a few weeks now, Leopold having found multiple reasons for him to prolong his stay. He found himself coming to greatly dislike the man who was doing everything in his power to make him feel welcome. His daughter was shamelessly flirting with him as well, having become infatuated with him in a girlish way. He couldn't take her seriously though, and while it was not her fault, he grew to resent she and her father.
It wasn't because they were rude or unwelcoming. They were the perfect hosts. His bed chamber was extravagant and the staff were constantly ensuring he had everything he wanted. There was entertainment every evening after dinner and balls every weekend. Snow fawned over him and Leopold treated him like he was already his son-in-law. They would sometimes discuss diplomacy between the Neverland and Enchanted Forest realms (the entire reason he'd agreed to Leopold's invite), but he had realized it was merely a lure to get him there and try to have him wed his daughter. The days were mostly filled with extravagance and excess, for Leopold didn't seem to have much interest in anything else.
The Queen was the reason he found himself not being able to stomach Leopold or Snow for very long at a time. She was also the reason he allowed Leopold to extend his visit, though he didn't want to admit it to himself. Regina was elusive and quiet, spending most of the time in her own chamber, even when the rest of them were enjoying group activities. The thing that made his blood boil was that he seemed to be the only one who noticed her absence.
When he did see her she was at the King's side, made up exquisitely and giving that beautiful fake smile. Leopold mainly ignored her, unless it was to criticize her for something. John watched evening after evening as Leopold would chide her in front of others and then leave her alone to dance with his daughter, or other maidens that seemed to want his attention. He wanted so badly to step in and defend Regina to the King, but he knew it was not his place and would probably only anger her.
Still, he couldn't ignore the heartache he saw in her eyes as she watched her husband dance with his daughter. There was a longing there and John knew it was not for romance with the King. The Queen simply wanted to be loved and noticed by someone in the way her step-daughter was. John had heard Regina still had a father, but he'd yet to see him around or meet him. She was entirely alone here.
It was driving him crazy, seeing how broken and unhappy she was and how everyone else was seemingly blind to it. He just wished she'd give him a cry for help; anything that would give him permission to intervene somehow. He didn't know why he was so drawn to her, he'd witnessed plenty of unhappy marriages since his return to civilization, but something in her eyes spoke to him.
He glanced around at the people remaining in the dining hall, finishing up their breakfasts. It was getting late in the morning and Regina still had not shown herself. Leopold, however, was sitting at the head of the table scarfing down plate upon plate in an attempt to cure his hangover. There had been music the night before and the King had imbibed quite heavily before stumbling down the hall for his wife's chamber.
Worry gnawed at his insides at Regina's absence, though he wasn't sure why. Growing up in the wild had told him to listen to those instincts, though, so he politely excused himself, making up an excuse about retiring to his chambers and not feeling well. He made his way out of the great hall and to the second floor, finding himself wandering down the hall towards the wing where the Queen's chamber was.
What was he going to say when he knocked on the door? Why was he even going there? The entire thing was inappropriate and he was sure there were probably men who would be beheaded for less. An acquaintance knocking on the door of the Queen's private quarters was simply vulgar.
Still he found himself lifting his hand to knock on the door of her bed chamber, giving a gentle tap on the solid wood. It was dimly lit on this end of the hall as he glanced around, checking that no one was approaching while he waited. There was no response for a few moments and he frowned, spotting the discarded wine goblet on the floor just a few feet from her door.
He swallowed hard and stepped closer to the thick wood, taking a deep breath through his nose in an attempt for his heightened sense of smell to give him a clue as to what happened here. Blood. The metallic scent invaded his nostrils, causing his stomach to drop. Something told him that there had been something terrible happen last night, prompting him to push the door open slowly.
"Regina?" He called out softly as he stepped inside. Jewelry scattered the floor in front of her dresser, her personal belongings having been cleared in an obvious fit of rage. His eyes grazed over the bed sheets, seeing them disheveled and half of them on the floor.
He heard a sniffle from the corner, his eyes following the sound to find her. Rage filled him at the sight of her small frame curled into a ball on the chaise. A nasty bruise had swollen her cheek and dried blood remained smeared on her face from a cut on her upper lip. She huddled, arms wrapped around her knees and tremors wracking her body.
"My god," He mumbled under his breath as he quickly made his way over to her, kneeling beside the chaise, "Regina, what has he done to you?" He reached out to touch her shoulder, causing her to jump. She was in such a state that she hadn't even been aware of his presence until now.
"No," She whimpered and her eyes shot open, red rimmed and wide, looking up at him. He watched as they searched his face and her body relaxed some from how rigidly tense she became when he touched her, "..You..." She murmured in realization.
"I won't hurt you," He reassured her, bringing a hand up and running it over her hair. Rage bubbled inside of him, making him want to charge out of the room and go choke the life out of the bastard King. But when he looked into the pained eyes of the shaking woman in front of him, he knew she needed someone more than she needed avenged.
"You're freezing," He whispered, feeling the cold damp air of the bed chamber seep through his own clothing. There was no fire in the fire place and he realized that the servants probably knew of what happened and had avoided Regina's room because of it, "Let's get you warmed up," He cooed and she only gazed back at him with an empty look in her eyes, body still trembling.
He stood and glanced around, spotting a heavy robe hanging on the wall. Making his way to it he removed it from the hook and brought it back to drape over her small frame, "Sit tight, I'm going to start the fire," He bit his bottom lip at how unresponsive she was, quickly turning to grab a couple pieces of wood and get a small flame going.
Once he was satisfied that the logs would soon catch fire, he straightened and saw the wash basin sitting atop another dresser. He made his way to it, picking up the pitcher and one of the folded cloths beside it before coming back to the chaise in the corner.
"May I?" He nodded towards the end where her feet were and she merely tucked them closer to her bottom, giving him room to sit down. "Can you sit up?" He asked gently, setting the basin down on the table in front of the chaise before reaching out to hold his hand out. She stared at his hand before looking up at him, reaching out slowly to take hold and pull herself into a sitting position.
"Do I look that bad?" She grimaced when she tried to smile and make light of the state of herself, pulling the robe around her a little tighter.
"Are you hurt anywhere else?" John watched her with concern as he dipped the cloth in water and wrung it out before motioning for permission to clean her face. She nodded once before averting her gaze when he brought the cool dampness to her skin, beginning to gently wipe off the dried blood.
"Yes," She mumbled though the way she refused to look at him told him all he needed to know. He didn't ask any more questions, sensing she wanted to hold onto the little pride she had left. So instead of finding out the details he simply cleaned her face with gentle care he knew she wouldn't get from anyone else there.
"He wasn't always this cruel," She whispered after a few minutes had passed, her eyes still void of any feeling as she stared back at him while he tended to her wounds, "He was rough and demanding, but never cruel. But he came to realize that I would never be his wife and he hates me for it."
"It gets worse when he's had a drink?" John nodded slowly, keeping his eyes glued on the task at hand. He sensed she needed to feel as if she had a bit of space and avoiding her gaze seemed to help her feel at ease to open up.
"Or if I refuse him in any way," She said quietly, voice barely audible, "He usually goes to his mistresses for his needs. I typically only have to share his bed when he gets in the mood for me...or when he's angry and missing his wife."
"If he misses her so much, why does he come to you?" He asked with a frown.
"To pretend I am her," Regina admitted and it took everything he had within him not to look her in the eye and apologize to her. But he knew she was proud and she would not accept his pity, so he continued wiping at her cuts gently and allowing her to speak, "Once his drunken fit of rage is over, he becomes emotional and begins to apologize to me and then he...and he calls me by her name."
Her voice was so thick with emotion and shame that he wanted to scream for her. He wanted to break things for her. He wanted to take that rage and destroy the man who hurt her. He didn't miss the tear that rolled down the cheek and over the swollen jaw he was tending to, destroying what was left of his heart.
"How did you end up here in this mess?"
"My mother arranged it. I saved Snow's life from a runaway horse and Leopold proposed to me and she accepted his proposal on my behalf."
"Your father, did he not try to stop it?"
"My father is weak against her...he could do nothing."
"And you had no one else to help you?" John felt an ache in his chest at the hollow, broken depths he found when he lifted his gaze.
"I had a fiance..." Her eyes ignited then with the first ounce of life he'd seen during this entire time at the mention of the man she obviously loved. He felt as if she stared into his soul when she really looked back at him, truly engaging with him now. It was clear to him that she'd never been able to share her love for this man with anyone before and he saw the eager, almost desperate way she approached the conversation, "Daniel. He was our stableboy...It was a secret, we only stole kisses and made plans for a future together, but I loved him so much."
John swallowed hard at the foreboding feeling he had in the pit of his stomach, for he knew this story did not end happily for her. He brought his hand down from her face, setting the bloody cloth in the wash basin before reaching for one of her hands, encasing them in his own bigger ones. "And what became of it?"
"My mother killed him so I would marry the King," She swallowed hard and her eyes lost focus on him, staring into the cold confines of her chamber, "She crushed his heart in front of me...He was so good, so pure," Her eyes found his again and there was a pleading look in them, as if she were begging him to understand her pain, "I cost him his life."
"Hey," John squeezed her hand gently, "You are not responsible for his death. Your mother is."
"No...no," She shook her head quickly, "Don't you see? I deserve the life I lead."
The words shook him to the core and he frowned deeply at the abused and neglected woman before him. He realized for the first time how crippled her sense of self worth must be to actually believe she deserved this treatment. She was innocent in all of this, but carried the full burden of it on her shoulders.
"Regina," He struggled to find the words to adequately express to her how wrong she was, "You deserve a lot, but it is not this."
Present...
"Knew me...past tense," She glared up at him, "Now will you let me go?! I have more important things to deal with right now!"
"Oh yeah, like what?" The question was almost sarcastic from him and his grip tightened on her wrists.
"Like finding my son!" She yelled up at him, anger vibrating from her now. Who did he think he was? Getting in the way of her finding Henry and demanding answers. She hadn't wanted to use magic on him initially, she was hoping she could talk him out of letting her go, but now she was losing her patience.
"You have a child?" His grip loosened on her immediately, the anger in his eyes turning into something much more sentimental. She remembered the conversations they'd had about family and the longing he'd carried to have his own, for she had shared that same dream.
"A son...he's eleven," She couldn't help but smile at the mention of Henry, averting her face from his view for a moment.
"And his father?" He questioned her and she met his eyes once more, seeing the concern laced within his expression. He still cared for her despite of how angry he was at her and she felt relieved for some reason.
"I adopted Henry...he's the biological grandson of Snow White and the Prince she married," Regina admitted, her jaw clenching.
"...and Henry, he's lost here?" John's brows furrowed in confusion and concern as he seemed to process the fact that she was a mother.
"He was kidnapped. Pan has him."
"Pan has your son? Why didn't you say something sooner?" He straightened immediately with a shake of his head.
"What like I had a chance to?" Regina guffawed and crossed her arms. "Now can I go?"
"Yes, but I'm coming with you."
Enchanted Forest...
"Your hands," Regina murmured in fascination at the peculiar bone structure and impressive size of the hand he flexed over the edge of her balcony, pulling himself up onto it after climbing up the trellis to sneak into her room. They'd become fast friends over the past month, ever since he'd found her in her room after the night Leopold had been especially violent. It wasn't easy to spend time together without being noticed, though, hence him finding inventive ways to get to her chamber.
"I grew up walking on all fours, it changed the bone structure," He swung his bottom half over the stone railing and landed in front of her with catlike precision, smiling at her as he pressed his knuckles down against the balcony ledge and showed her the unusual shape of his hands.
"Interesting," She stared at it for a moment, pondering what it would feel like for that hand to touch her bare skin. Somewhere along the way she'd come to be dangerously attracted to him. She wasn't sure if his personality or his impressive stature that made her long for him more, but she found herself missing him when they could not be alone together. "So, where did you tell Snow you'd be today?"
"She's not my keeper, Regina," He gave a boyish grin that told her he was aware of her jealousy, causing her to roll her eyes at him, "But I made sure to tell my maid I would be studying in my chamber for the day and for no one to disturb me. So of course, she'll run along and tell Snow's maid."
"And she will tell Snow, so Snow will not look for you," Regina finished his sentence with a half smirk, biting down on her bottom lip when he stepped up to her, "John.."
"Regina..." He murmured down at her, reaching out to run his fingers over the edge of her jaw that had since healed from Leopold's blows. Her lip had scarred, however, and she was terribly insecure about her looks ever since. She'd been forced to come up with an excuse, telling everyone she'd slipped and hit her mouth off of the floor of her bath chamber. It was embarrassing, but still less shameful than the truth.
"What are we doing?" She gazed up at him curiously. They'd been toying at the line of friendliness and flirtation for weeks now and the tension was becoming unbearable. The danger of what they were doing was immense. If caught, it could mean both of their lives. Still, she couldn't help herself from being tempted to find out what it would be like in the arms of someone she actually wanted to be with.
"Enjoying each other's company," He smiled at her, brushing his fingers up to thread through her hair, rubbing her temple with his thumb, "I wish you wouldn't worry so much and just enjoy this."
"If someone would catch you, John," She began to try to talk some sense into him. Maybe if she made him see logic he would walk away from this and make it easier for her to do the same, "Leopold would kill us both. He wants you to be with Snow and if he finds out I've betrayed him...I can't let you throw away your life your future for us when we have none."
"Who says we have none?" He shrugged and stared down at her with those devastating eyes of his. They locked her in, pulled her closer, made her lose her train of thought.
"My husband, first of all. This kingdom. My step daughter..." She shook her head in an attempt to keep her wits about her, "There's no way we could ever be...together."
"But we're here, now," His gaze grew more intent, causing a heat to ignite in her belly at the way he looked down at her. There was a primal essence about him that was alluring, almost intoxicating. It had been nearly ten years since the sight of someone could make her feel that way.
"John..." She tried to sound firm but her voice had a heated ring to it that even she recognized. He stepped closer to her and she took a step back until she thudded against the stone wall behind her.
"You look so beautiful today," He smiled and cupped the side of her face again, causing her heartbeat to thrum in her chest wildly. She could tell he could hear it by the way the corners of his mouth tugged up into a smirk, "I know you feel this as much as I do."
"It doesn't matter, we're just friends," She breathed heavier, looking up into his eyes as he slowly leaned down closer to her. Even with her heels on he still towered over her and she found her hands reaching out to press against his chest, "Nothing can happen."
"Right, nothing," He shrugged as he pressed his own hands against the wall beside her, "That's why you flirt with me nearly every time you see me. Why I catch you staring at me during meals with that little glint in your eye that says you have an appetite for more than whats on your plate. Why you told me stories of your childhood and let me comfort you..."
"You are the one literally climbing walls to see me," She threw the accusation back at him, finding it hard to focus on his eyes when she felt him looking at her lips, at her neck, at her chest, like he was planning to devour her. "And extending your stay here...you're not innocent in all of this."
"Because I cannot bring myself to leave you or stop thinking about you," He pressed his forehead to her own as he pinned her between his body and the wall, "Let me kiss you."
"John..." She found herself repeating his name in this conversation. Perhaps it was because she couldn't bring herself to say no to him. If she did she knew he would retreat immediately, for he respected her and knew what she'd been through with a man who wouldn't take no for an answer. So, she simply did not say it to him, because she did not have the willpower to stop this.
"Just tell me no, Regina," He nuzzled his forehead against her own, the stubble on his strong jaw brushing against her skin deliciously, "Tell me you don't want me to," He whispered as he brushed his lips over the outside of her ear, causing her to shiver. She felt his breath on her neck and her nipples hardened painfully under the silky material of her dress.
"This is your last chance," His voice was hoarse now as his lips hovered over her neck and her hands trembled against his chest, "Tell me to stop," He whispered and her throat worked but she could not make herself reply. It was if her desire had completely stolen her willpower to refuse him. She wanted this just as much as he did, it was true.
She let out a moan when his lips found her neck and he devoured her skin, nipping and sucking and biting, letting out an animalistic groan before lifting his face to hers again. He captured her lips with his own, one of his hands carding through her hair as the other slipped between the stone wall and her lower back, pulling her body up against his.
"Mmm," She moaned into his mouth, feeling his tongue slip into hers when her lips parted. The hard strength of his body could be easily felt even through the layers they both wore and her stomach coiled at the thought of having nothing between them. Her heart beat faster at the way he touched and held her to him, tilting his head in the opposite direction so he could kiss her more deeply.
"I have wanted to kiss you for so long," He whispered against her lips before pressing his to them hungrily, making her melt against him. Her breasts pressed against his chest and they both groaned at the feeling of her hard nipples, making a throbbing sensation begin between her legs.
"Me too," She admitted and sighed into his mouth, her hands coming up to wrap around his neck and hold her down to him. She felt his own travel down her waist, finding her thighs and suddenly she was lifted from the ground, back against the cold stone as he pinned her to it by his body. He tore his mouth from hers long enough to look her in the eyes now that their faces were level with one another's and he gave her a smile that made her chest tighten.
"You fascinate me," He murmured and pressed his lips back to her neck, the sensation causing her head to fall back against the wall and her eyes close. She'd never been touched or kissed in such an intimate way and it made her stomach burn, feeling him standing between her legs that were now spread to make room for him. Despite the layers of her dress and the clothing he wore it was an amazing sensation to feel their hips so close together, "I know we are not there yet," He murmured against her skin as he pepped her neck with wet kisses, "But someday I want to bring you so much pleasure that you forget about your pain."
She let out a half gasp, half moan at his words and her stomach coiled tighter. Her hands found his hair as he switched to the other side of her neck, lips and tongue kissing and nibbling and licking it with the same ferocity. "Mmm," She whimpered and her hips jerked up against his own in a needy fashion. If she weren't dizzy with arousal she'd be embarrassed, but something in him brought out something primal in her.
"Your majesty." A muffled call from outside of her bed chamber door and a few knocks brought them both to attention. She stared back at him with wide eyes and heavy breaths at the sound of her maid. "I've just come to draw ye yer bath."
"You have to go," She whispered with a nod, finding her gaze on his lips, watching his mouth pull into a smile before he leaned in and kissed her once more as he let her down to stand on her own, "Go, now," She bit down on her bottom lips to suppress a giggle at the way he did not want to let go of her, "I mean it!" She pushed him towards the balcony.
He let his mouth drop in mock hurt before he grinned and grabbed the balcony edge, quickly swinging over his bottom half with ease before disappearing down the side of the castle. It was too close of a call and that could not, would not, happen again. She swore to it as she smoothed out her dress and ran her hands over her hair on her way back into her room from the balcony, trying to collect herself. "Come in."