Well, I'm stuck at home on Mardi Gras day so I figured I'd kill some time. This takes place in the year in the Enchanted Forest after 3x11.
The purple smoke soon engulfed her figure as her son grew further and further apart. Soon, there was nothing but a dense purple fog, and then it was gone. Everything.
The fog. The town. Her son. All gone. There was a solid minute before anyone moved a muscle or said a word. Snow was the first to break the silence, "We're Back."
Regina stood there, speechless. She wasn't angry, just exhausted. She had this overwhelming ache that seemed to hollow her out and drain every ounce of energy she had.
Everyone was still rather quiet until the Prince piped up and suggested they look for a place to stay. After being in a daze, Regina noticed the side eyes and glances that were thrown her way. Most notably, she saw a hint of fear in Snow's eyes.
She looked down at the long black gown with the dark feathers and low neck line. She could only imagine what her hair looked like. She had physically transformed back into the Evil Queen, but was she that person anymore?
She thought about poofing herself into another outfit, but the drape around her shoulders provided a lot of warmth and something to cling to. Regina kept quiet throughout the trudge, the camp out, and the constant pleas from the Charmings to "have hope" because they'll "figure it out together."
She felt more frustrated than angry. What the hell is wrong with these people? How can they still cling to hope? Why can't she feel anything? Is she supposed to cry? Scream? Lash out? Snow seemed to be handling the situation normally. She tears up and cries occasionally, but that's normal right? So why can't she cry?
This went on for the next 2 days until the frustration overflowed. She overheard some dwarf refer to her as the heartless queen, which isn't any different from what they usually call her. Snow watched as Regina turned swiftly around and walked hastily toward the trees.
Snow couldn't help but follow her, after all, she's been watching Regina's every moved this entire time. She just had to know if keeping Regina around would be a good idea. Could she fix her or would she just spiral back down? Snow's thoughts were interrupted as she stopped and hid behind a tree.
Regina had worked herself up and began pacing back and forth. Her breaths became heavier and more frantic. "What the hell is your problem?!" She grunted to herself. She turned around and punched the bark on the tree as hard as she could.
"You can't do a damn thing right!" She continued to throw rocks and beat on the tree until her hands were all bloody. With the last hit, she felt the dam break.
She watched the blood trickle down her wrist and arm as she slid down, her back against the tree. These deep sobs overwhelmed her and she struggled to keep it together.
Snow wasn't sure if she should interrupt, but this anger was pent up in the back of her mind. This woman never cried for her. Never shed a single tear over her or her family. She waited until the sobs ceased, and there was only hitched breathing.
"So this is what the Queen looks like behind her mask?" Snow emerged from behind a tree with an irritated tone in her voice. But as Regina looked up with big, glassy brown eyes, Snow eased up.
She looked so defeated, so worn out. Instead of talking, Snow decided to sit next to her until she calmed down.
When her breathing returned to normal, Regina said, "I know what you want." Snow turned and looked at her in confusion. "You want to know if I'm a threat to you and your family." Regina said this and looked her right in the eye.
Snow's eyes were searching hers, waiting for an answer. "I don't think I have it in me. I haven't for a while. I'm tired of fighting." Snow gave her a weak smile, "So am I."
It wasn't a complete resolution, but it was comforting for the time being. Neither one of them indicated that they wanted to repair their relationship. Neither was quite sure if it were even possible.