I did my very best for this chapter, and I do hope it lived up to your expectations, as I believe this is the one you've been waiting for and have high hopes for ;) But this was sure a bitch to right, it took me 4 nights to get this update down haha Also, heres a coincidence, I'm currently watching episode 20 in Australia. Gha it's so annoying that David can't see what's in front of him! FOr gods sake just kiss Regina you bloody idiot! ahem...onto the chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own once upon a time
VII: Her Forbidden Fruit
Regina glanced out the car window and into the twilight sky, hoping that the shops were still open. Her fingers drummed against the velvet dashboard, sighing at the splattering rain and the slow, excruciating traffic. Her eyes drifted outside to the fiery, peach coloured sunset that was sinking behind the towering forest, the forest where she first felt feelings towards David...the forest where he rescued her. David's reassuring smile drifted into her mind, causing her chest to tighten like a cold hand, cruelly clutching her heart. Regina scolded herself: she had almost lasted the whole day without a single thought of him
It had been a week since the Christmas ball, and Regina was determined to keep to her word: she refused to fall for David. Right now her revenge was her top priority, Henry was her second, and she knew very well that love was weakness and only caused her years of grief and pain. No…she would not fall in love with him. So far she had successfully avoided David for the whole week, and planned to do so for…well until any feelings towards him diminished. But at this rate, Regina feared that they wouldn't go away, however, she would have to persevere. And right now her main goal was to keep David and Mary Margaret apart, though she would have to find a new way to do that.
The piercing honk alerted her to reality and she startled, noticing the green light. Quickly she took off, shaking her head in frustration. Yes, she admitted it: David had been the center of her thoughts everyday, ha invaded her sleep every night, and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't last a single day without thinking of him: and feared she was loosing her mind.
Regina shut her eyes as she finished parking, trying to erase any thoughts of him. It didn't help that he had called her for the first couple of days, but she made sure that any calls from him went straight to voicemail, but she didn't know how long she could last because as much as she hated it, his absence was killing her.
Regina slammed the door shut and locked it before she made her way to the grocery. As hard as she tried, she couldn't destroy the 'what ifs' that kept on circling her mind. What if she pursued a relationship with David, then what? Yes, she would have her revenge, Snow would be heartbroken, distressed and the curse would surely maintain. Regina's lips tugged into a sinister smile as the image grew in her mind. And more importantly…she would be in his arms instead of running under the pelting rain. But then she would have the hatred of Storybrook on her, and that wouldn't do her any good. Henry would, if possible, despise her even more. And she needed to focus on bringing Snow White to her death; she needed something more than heartbreak, and that wasn't going to happen if she was caught up with David. No…they couldn't do this. She'd just have to continue to avoid him until she thought of a new plan.
Regina entered the store and picked up a basket before she made her way to her favorite aisle, the frozen section. She opened the misty, glass door and reached for the rocky road ice cream, her eyes feasting on the chocolate treat before she placed it in the basket. Then she reached for three more. Over the past nights Henry had been away, and she had been going through the tubs of rocky road like an alcoholic goes through wine to pass her lonely nights. Yes it was sad, maybe pathetic, but they helped to pass her lonely nights.
She then made her way to purchase the usual: milk, bread, eggs, cereal, snacks for Henry's lunch…Regina sighed as she put the last item into the basket, glancing at the clock. 7:00pm. Well she had finished her paperwork for the day, so she had enough time to catch the news at eight, get through her new book and start on her ice cream before retiring at ten. Regina could already see her night unraveling before her eyes, and though she tried to ignore it, she couldn't help but imagine lying in side by side with David, his protective arms around her waist as his soft whispers carried her off to sleep. Another sigh escaped her lips; she feared what her empty bed and nightmares held for her tonight.
Regina was so lost in her thoughts that she was oblivious to the "caution wet sign" that stood before the newly washed flooring, just where Regina stepped. She slipped, dropping her handbag and basket as she toppled backwards, her hands grasping the air for something to hold onto as she braced herself for pain. This would surely hurt; she would surely break a bone…Regina's eyes fluttered open in confusion when she didn't feel the hard tiles or aching pain. Instead she felt her waist bound by a pair of study arms, safe and secure.
" I always said your high heels were impractical."
Regina was lifted up to her feet before turned around to the mysterious chuckle, her eyes widening. David stood there in his flannel shirt and jeans, an amused smile dancing on his lips at Regina's fall. Regina's breath caught in her throat as she met his viridescent pools, her heart fluttering like the gentle autumn leaves.
" David," she said in a surprised tone. " What are you doing here?"
She regretted the ridiculous words as soon as they slipped out. David repressed a chuckle. " Well Madam Mayor, believe it or not, even the citizens of Storybrook need to shop for groceries too."
" Of course, well thank you."
David bobbed down to help retrieved her belongings and Regina did the same, placing her keys back in her bag as David frowned at the ice creams.
" Big night?"
Regina spotted the ice creams and quickly placed them in the basket, shrugging sheepishly. " Well, tonight I promised Henry as much rocky road ice-cream as he desired."
" That's nice, hey say hi to him for me," he said as they finished packing the remainder of the items.
And at the same time both Regina and David reached for the last tub of ice cream, their hands brushing as their eyes met briefly. The current shot up Regina's arm before she immediately drew back, her cheeks dangerously blushing a coral red at the awkward situation as she let David take the ice cream. Regina coughed uncomfortably as she stood up, straightening down the ends of her grey, ruffled pencil dress. David stood up and handed Regina her handbag, giving her an awkward smile.
" Well, I should get going before the ice cream melts, I'm sure Henry's expecting it. I'll give him your best wishes."
David barely nodded in goodbye before she left, briskly walking to the checkout as she shut her eyes. Her heart was slowly returning to its normal pace as she queued up. What was she thinking? It was a small town, and she couldn't have possibly believed that she could avoid him forever. She wanted to stab the feelings that were yearning for him, but as hard as she tried they wouldn't go away. No…she couldn't keep doing this, but what else could she do? Surely David realized by now that whatever feelings they held for each other was useless, they could never act on them, and if he didn't know the night he kissed her, the empty replies to his messages and phone calls would have given him the message. Regina sighed as she paid for the groceries, the ladies kind greeting meeting deaf ears. She'd go home and think of a new plan tonight, to erase the feelings for David and get her revenge on Mary Margaret.
Regina hurriedly walked to her car, thankful that the rain had ceased to a light patter. She opened her car door and stepped inside her car, fumbling with the car keys before she started the engine. Immediately a vicious growl reverberated, the car jolted, then the vehicle came to a stop. Regina swore under her breath as she tried, without success, to start the engine.
" Car troubles? You know, you should really get that fixed."
Regina's head snapped up and saw David, one hand on the top of her car as he casually leaned against it, flashing a charming smile. Regina unwounded the window, sighing.
" I have been meaning to get it checked up. I'll just call for help," she said as she whipped out her phone and began to dial.
David opened the door and bent down. " Don't worry about it, I'll give you a lift home."
Regina cringed, that's exactly what she feared. She shook her head. " Oh no David, thank you but I couldn't impose-"
" I insist, unless you want to have a car full of melted rocky road," David said jokingly, taking her phone before he dropped it into her bag. His eyes gestured towards the grey clouds and navy sky. " It's nightfall and soon it'll be bucketing, you're not going to stand outside through all of that. Come on."
Regina smiled, it was no use fighting, and she couldn't deny the flickering flame that was urging her to follow. Regina took the keys out of the ignition and stepped out with her bag, locking the door. David had already gathered her grocery bags together and was leading her to his car.
The car ride was surprisingly pleasant for both of them. They laughed and chatted about the past week, work and what had been going in their lives, just like old times. And all the while they managed to avoid the hanging question: why had she been ignoring him?
...
Regina lent back against the counter as she watched David retrieved the last of the groceries, placing them on the table.
" Thank you David, really it wasn't necessary."
David smiled modestly as he joined her near the counter. " It was no problem."
Honestly, David had just wanted an excuse to see Regina again. She had ignored three of his calls and messages, and it was obvious that she didn't want to see him, but he couldn't understand why. He knew she returned his feelings, he felt it everytime they kissed…yet she obviously didn't want to be with him.
Regina was furious with herself for letting him inside, but he insisted on taking the groceries inside for her. She couldn't help that her heart ached for him, and now their encounter tonight would make the pain harder to heal. Then a sudden thought struck her like lightning: Henry wasn't home and David thought the ice cream was for him tonight. Quickly she straightened up.
" Um, it's getting late. I have to wake up early tomorrow for a conference and…" her voice trailed off, but he got the message.
David's face fell as he nodded. " Of course."
David followed Regina to the doorway before he paused by the living room, the realization dawning on him. He peered into the absent, shadowy black living room.
" Hey, where's Henry?"
Regina froze as she bit her lip. " Um, he's at a sleepover."
David's frowned deepened. " But you said-"
" I lied," Regina's words cut him off as she turned towards him. She swallowed, her fingers twisting uncomfortably. " I lied because I-I didn't want you to know that the ice cream was actually for me tonight, and not for Henry."
She stopped, a lump had formed in her throat and her voice was close to cracking.
" I don't understand, " he whispered, staring at her bewilderedly.
Regina took a deep breath before exhaling, her eyes travelling to the dark living room.
" It seems like our relationship hasn't improved, and he's just been so cold to me. It almost seems Henry's been absent every night, and I admit my nights have been rather lonely."
So yes, now I feel my nights with rocky-road ice cream and a list of books by Emily Bronte, she muttered in her head.
Regina wanted to say something else, but she couldn't go on. Her eyes had moistened into brown pools from the tears that were fighting, and she knew she would break if she went on. Why was he able to do this to her? Why did he have this affect…this power over her, to spill out her buried feelings?
Regina shook her head suddenly, as if waking from a trance before she regained her voice. " I'm sorry, I really shouldn't be burdening you with my problems dear, you've done more than enough for me."
Her lips strained into a smile, praying that David would believe it and leave. But of course he didn't, he couldn't. His face creased with concern as he took a small step towards the brunet.
" I still don't understand, why didn't you just tell me the truth?"
Regina shook her head at her ludicrous answer. " Because I didn't want you to take pity on me, because than you would insist on keeping me company. And then…"
Her voice caught in her throat as David took another step towards her, wiping away a tear with the back of his finger. " And then?"
She blinked back up at him, loosing herself in his viridescent pools. " And then…I would never be able to walk away from you again."
Regina's eyes widened as soon as she said the words, mentally screaming at herself for her ridiculous response. But it was the truth, and she couldn't help herself; it seemed like she had no control of her actions or words anymore…at least not when she was with him. She blinked as she tried to pull herself together.
" I-"
David pressed his lips against hers in a soft kiss, taking her breath away. Regina's eyes fluttered open when he pulled away, her heart hammering against her chest as she shut her eyes.
" David…we can't do this. It could never work."
But David merely shook his head, an amused smile twitching at the corner of his lips. " No, and I'm not going to accept that as an answer anymore. I love you, and no matter what you say I know you do too. So why can't we be together?"
Regina stifled an incredulous laugh. " If only it was that simple. David, you've only recently ended your relationship with Kathryn to be with Ms. Blanchard, you left your wife for her. And now you want to abandon her too and pursue a relationship with me?"
Then it hit her. She wasn't distancing herself from him because she wanted to focus on her revenge or Henry; no, it had nothing to do with them. The truth was Regina Mills was scared. She was afraid of falling in love with this man who had stolen her heart, with a man who she practically only knew for a week, and these feelings terrified her. But above all, she was scarred of admitting the undeniable truth that she had blinded herself from everyday, that she loved him. She had tried to kill the feelings, the desires and the emotions that were all so foreign. But she couldn't keep on fighting with herself anymore.
" The truth is, I do return the feelings," she said softly in realization. " And I tried so hard to ignore these emotions because honestly they terrified me. But I just can't do it anymore, because a week without you slowly killed me."
David stared at her in amazement as she poured out her feelings to him. She loved him, and although she didn't say those exact words, he knew she felt the same way he did. A small smile graced his lips as he placed a finger to her lips, silencing her before she could utter another word.
"I love you Regina Mills, and I know we will be together."
Regina's heart melted like hot butter at his mere whisper. Slowly David leaned in, his breath skimming her jaw before he brushed his lips against hers. Regina gasped in his mouth, her chest rising as her eyes fluttered shut. Slowly Regina returned the kiss, her mouth kneading with his before her lips parted slightly to grant him access, which he hungrily accepted, his lips ripping through hers. And through the intoxicating wine a sweet, yet acidic taste coated his mouth...apples. How could something feel so good and wrong at the same time? Yet David tried to savor the taste, the sugary, tangy apple taste, like her forbidden fruit. Their kiss soon grew fierce and passionate, his hands cupping the side of her face before they found her hair, his fingers threading through her thick locks.
Regina felt him push her up agonist the wall, his thigh deliciously grazing against hers before she wrapped her leg around his, her hands grabbing his collar as she pulled him in closer, the roaring fire yearning for his touch. Their tongues soon crashed fiercely, entwining in a heated passion as they both fought for dominance.
Regina's arms travelled up his shoulders and encircled around his neck. David's hands ran down the side of her frame until they rested on her hips, his lips now travelling down the side of her jaw. Regina tilted her head as his lips trailed down to her neck, gently sucking her collarbone. An erotic moan escaped Regina's lips. Her heart was pounding wildly like a stampede of elephants; her legs trembled, and she thanked god that the wall was there to hold her unstable weight. David must have felt the same because he drew back, panting.
" My rooms upstairs," Regina breathlessly whispered before his lips captured hers again.
She felt the inside explode as his tongue found hers again; the hungry yearn for his body consumed her, compelling her to jump. Regina's legs wrapped tightly around as his arms snaked around her waist, supporting her weight as they journeyed upstairs. The room was spinning and all sense fled her mind, and before she knew it she was falling from her arms, meeting the soft sheets. She leaned up on her arms; her knees bent slightly as she gradually regained her breath. Her eyes hungrily wandered over him as his fingers fumbled with material of his clothes before he crawled onto the bed. His eyes devoured the sight that awaited him: the heavy breaths that escaped her parted, crimson lips, her tousled hair that fell lusciously around her frame, her compelling, captivating eyes, her creamy skin, her dress's striking low neckline, her curves, her dark, mysterious allure.
David straddled her hips; his eyes following his hands as they slowly ran up her legs and snuck under the material of her address, savoring the feeling of her soft skin, her slender legs, her curves…A shiver licked Regina's spine as she felt his fingers caressed her thighs before his hands rested on her hips, squeezing her skin. His lips possessed hers again as his pushed against her, a moan escaping her lips.
Then in a flash Regina had pushed him off and rolled over him, pinning his arms to the side. A satisfied smirk danced on her lips, her eyes glimmering deviously in the moonlight, causing him to moan at the erotic sight. Her hands slowly roamed his torso, her nails tracing the faint lines that marked his skin. Gradually she lowered herself down, her lips grazing against his jaw before they wandered to the side of his face, her teeth teasingly nipping his bottom ear, causing him to shiver. Her lips trailed down to his chest, her tongue scraping his skin as she drove her hips into him once more. Her nails scraped his back as David arched his back and let out a groan. Regina brought her lips back to his before she drew back, staring into his eyes. She felt his heart thud against his chest as his eyes froze, mesmerized in hers, his hand caressing the side of her cheek. Her free reached for his as she dragged his hand down to the side, her fingers entwining through his. And at that moment Regina wanted to freeze time, to live in this moment forever, to stay in his embrace. And then it slipped out in a breathless whisper…
" I love you."
David's heart melted like a slowly dying candle as he mirrored her words, bringing his lips up to hers. Together, they embraced their love.
Gosh I'm awful at writing this stuff haha so tell me what you think. Thanks for reading. Lydia :)