Author's note: Yet another Golden Queen Week entry. Based on the prompt: "Mr. Gold and Regina comfort each other over the loss of their children post season 2 finale." Turned out a little angsty, much to my surprise, but ultimately I think it's more heartwarming.
Enough For Now
There were only so many places on a pirate ship where someone could sequester themselves in order to mull things over.
Therefore, Aiden Gold wasn't in the least bit surprised when he found Regina Mills leaning up against the bow of the ship: watching the sun dip past the horizon.
Red-orange light cast a glow around the beautiful ex-Mayor, but the otherwise lovely image was marred by the worry mixed with fear that was etched in the lines of her normally flawless face.
For once, he didn't announce his presence with a sarcastic remark. He knew all-too-well what she was going through.
Cautiously, the pawnbroker approached her, not wishing to startle his sometimes-rival; but then she peered over her shoulder at him, already aware of his presence.
"Hello Aiden."
He froze for a moment, pity clenching his heart when he realized that she had been crying at some point, tears still staining her cheeks. "If you'd rather be alone…"
Regina shook her head. "Actually I was thinking of coming to find you."
"Well that's a bit of a surprise," Aiden chuckled, moving so that he was right behind her, standing close enough so that if she leaned back, she would be in his arms. "I thought after our last…encounter I'd be the last person you want to talk to."
She shook her head, and he was momentarily overwhelmed by the scent of her hair: like fresh apples with a hint of spice. "If there's anyone who understands what I'm going through right now, it's you, Rumpel."
"True," he placed his hand very lightly on her shoulder. "But at least in your case, you have a chance of being reunited with Henry."
It was such a simple thing: an innocent touch that was meant to offer support, but it was still enough to ease pleasant warmth along Regina's spine.
She turned to look him in the eyes. "I'm so sorry about Baelfire."
The way she was looking at him: with such pure consideration in her dark gaze, nearly made another lump form in his throat, which he quickly swallowed. "So am I."
Regina could tell just how deeply the loss of his son was affecting him, which was what prompted her to reach out and run her fingers carefully through his hair. "We've always had a lot in common. It's just a shame that this is one of those things."
Aiden nodded, his hand coming so he could entwine his fingers with hers.
Her eyes met his, and they stared at each other for a moment that seemed much longer than it actually was, until, finally: he threw caution to the wind.
It was far from their first kiss. Over the many years they had known each other, there had been stolen moments that had led to much, much more; but this kiss: it meant something that all the others had not.
For the first time: Aiden and Regina truly felt like equals and that the journey that they were embarking on was one that they were meant to share.
It was because of that feeling that he held her as close as possible, his mouth soft and gentle against hers, while she grasped at his shoulders: not wanting to let go until the last possible second.
Eventually, they parted for air, resting their foreheads together as Regina exhaled slowly. "It's going to be okay, right? Tell me it's going to be okay."
He smiled, though it was melancholy, and pressed another kiss to her temple. "It's going to be okay."
Sighing quietly, Regina curled further into his embrace, and they spent a significant portion of the evening just holding one another, hoping that his answer would be enough for the time being.
The End