Warmth
David brushed his hands from the dry bark that he threw into the fire pit. The flame temporarily roared. The heat soaked through his bones; offering him some temporary pain relief. David watched in trance, as a burst of red, oranges and yellows danced in the reflection of Regina's almost golden eyes. The sound of wood crackling and fire spitting seemed to calm his soul.
David took a cleansing breath. His smile grew as his arms stretched out, his toes curling. A delighted moan escaped his lips. "This is the life!"
Regina's brows squished together, her lips forming a thin line. "Being trapped in the Enchanted Forest, with yet no known way home, is the life?"
David shook his head. A small smile still gracing his lips. "We're working on it!" He chuckled. "I meant a warm fire, nature. It's simple!" His gaze locked with Regina's. "I was in a coma for 28 years. I didn't really get use to the luxuries of technology. This to me is home!"
There was a brief pause of silence before Regina spoke. "I don't intend to apologise for that".
David smiled flatly. "I never expected you to".
Regina nodded as she relaxed against the now warm stone wall. Her muscles melting at the heat.
David followed suit. He stretched out his large arms and strong legs. Reaching back behind his head he laid flat on the ground. He gazed up, his breathing steady and heart slow. "I never wanted to be a Prince," he admitted. "I was happy enough as simple shepherd."
"I never wanted to be Queen..." Regina spoke back. At this stage David couldn't see her face, but by the suggestive tone of her voice, he imagined it pained. "Yet here we are!"
"I'm sorry about Daniel. Snow told me..."
"Don't be." She responded flatly. "All the apologies in the world won't bring him back."
"I… still…"
Regina cut him off. "David stop. Please. It's a wound I don't particularly feel like opening," her tone could almost be mistaken for a plead.
"I. I won't bring it up again,"his chest tightened.
"Thank you."
He closed his eyes tight. Why was he feeling guilty for Regina. She tore Snow and his life apart. But only in response to her own tragic ending…..
the whistling of the wind filled in the empty silence.
David arose early alongside Regina. They didn't make much conversation as they began to journey north, up and over the mountain side. Regina had noted to David about a old ranch standing tall upon a hill. One that should have supplies. It was only a two days journey ahead, with a town in between.
David listened to the wildlife as he watched out for possible threats. His hand firmly at the ready gripping his sword. His heavy boots crunched fallen leaves. He enjoyed the scent of pine. The air was fresh as the wind brushed against his skin.
He noticed a slight tremble in his travelling partner.
"Is everything ok?" His brows pinched together.
"I'm fine." Regina responded, her lips forming a thin line. However she appeared ghostly, her skin drained of all colour. Her arms hugged herself tightly.
David's lip quirked to the side as a single browse rose. Not thinking; he reached out. His callous fingers meeting her smooth skin; his thumb running down her cheek. She flinched beneath his gentle touch.
His eyes widened; his hands quickly retreating as his mouth fell open. "I'm sorry!" "It's just..." His eyes darted left right. "You're freezing! "
She tugged her own blazer tighter.
"Please!" He took his own leather jacket off, swinging it over his shoulders. "Take it. You need it more."
Regina's became rigid, her muscles visibly stiffening. Her breathing hitched. "I….I don't need your charity!"
With a gentle smile and a warm outstretched hand, David offered again "It's not charity. It's called being decent, Regina!" He found himself growing frustrated with her stubbornness. "Plus, I'd be no Prince Charming if I stood here and let you freeze!"
Regina's eyes rolled hard, but that didn't stop her briefly hesitating to take the jacket, so David decided to assist her in donning it. A smile reached his eyes, his cheeks reddening as he gazed down upon her. Her smaller frame drowning in his larger jacket.
"Plus," he stated. "If you freeze to death I may never get home."
Regina eyes rolled again, as a small groan left her lips. "We couldn't have that."
"No we couldn't!" He smiled.
Authors notes: I'm trying to write the story now from Davids perspective and Regina's reactions. Any feedback is very much appreciated. I hope you all enjoy! :)
