Detour
David's eyes smiled as his mouth turned upwards. His ears perked, tuning in to the wonderful sounds surrounding him. He could hear the scurried patters of wild animals, the busy bees flittering around wild flowers and the chattering of birds singing their chirping tunes in large, branching trees. The sun shone bright, warming his skin, the subtle breeze rustled his growing hair. David's nostrils filled with the scent of pollen, tree sap and wild grass. He took a giant breath in; closing his eyes, his body relaxed as he exhaled out. He felt content in the Enchanted Forest. His hand ran through the scruffy hair, now long enough to run his fingers through, growing on his usually 5 O'clock shadowed face.
His focus then fell towards Regina who walked a few paces ahead. He'd be lying if he said he didn't notice the subtle sway of her hips as she walked. She lead the way to her former estate. She walked with confidence, her shoulders back, chest thrown out and head high. Thinking about his own facial growth, David's brow slightly rose as he noticed Regina's own hair growing longer ever so slightly. He lips formed a thin line as he contemplated shaving it. However he found himself becoming comfortable with his growing scruff.
He shook his head, snapping himself from his wondering thoughts. He stopped briefly, squinting his eyes, he raised his hands to shield his vision from the sun, as he looked out to the distance. He didn't notice Regina stopping until she spoke.
"What is it, David?"
He jumped, slightly startled. He refocused onto Regina. She stood in her usual pose; her hands resting firmly onto her hips.
His lip quirked downwards and his brow pinched together. "I was thinking…"
Regina's hands dropped to her side as her shoulders relaxed and head cocked. She raised her chin in question.
David pointed out to the distance a few degrees off from their intended destination. "In that direction is the Colter ranch." He informed, his head nodding. "If you're up to it. We can take detour?"
Regina's eyes squinted shut her nose scrunching. David was sure she was holding her breath. Her arms crossed one another as she hugged her hips.
David's mouth went dry. He swallowed the hard lump that had formed in his throat. His gaze lowered, his head following. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…"
Regina raised a single hand as she exhaled. Her lips turned up slightly as her head tilted and eyes softened. "No its... Very thoughtful David." She turned on her heels to face the direction of the Ranch. "I never had the opportunity to meet his parents. And after he died. Well with the reputation I formed, I doubt they would have wanted to meet me anyway."
David crossed his arms; his head cocking and lips pushed together. "I doubt that's true. You loved their son. They would have loved you too!"
A small smile graced her lips as she huffed slightly. "That's a nice thought dear. I would like to believe that."
His eyes twinkled as he chuckled, "then believe it."
Her arms folded loosely against her chest, as she lent slightly to one side. "You know they're still alive. His parents. I brought them with me in the curse. I made sure they'd have nothing to want for."
"Two things then," David said as he leant forward. "One. It's not too late meet them. When you're ready of course. And secondly, I'm sure Daniel would appreciate that."
"It's the only thing I could do for him." She nodded.
"Well," he said. "Should we make a detour?"
She shook her head, her tone softened. "I'm not ready yet."
David nodded, his lip quirked as he approached her. "When you are. I'll be there with you." His gaze locked with hers as his palm rested on her shoulder blade. "You're not alone, Regina!"
He watched her eyes searching his; she analysed his face. He could understand any possible skepticism from her. After all they were supposed be enemies, not two people supporting one another.
After a moment or two of looking, her lip turned slightly up and she nodded.
His hand found it's way to the small of her back. He felt her body slightly tense under his fingers. He went to remove his hands, but as quickly as she tensed, she had relaxed to his touch. Looking down towards her smaller form, then straight ahead, he stated, "shall we head forward."
Authors notes:
Hey readers. I hope you are enjoying this works. I'm just letting you know that I may be away for a week or two. I just have a few other things to focus on right now. I hope everyone is well!
