Chapter Five: The Stableboy

The next morning, Regina's alarm signaled the time for her day to begin. She turned it off, but remained in bed for a few extra minutes, staring at the ceiling. She tossed and turned all night, her mind still processing the day's events. She didn't remember falling asleep, but knew it wasn't for very long considering her mind just wouldn't rest.

The house was too quiet that morning and her heart ached knowing exactly what was missing. There was no good morning kiss from Robin or the pitter patter of Roland's little feet or the groans from Henry when Roland tried to wake him up for the day. It was empty. She sat up and saw Pongo laying on the bed just below her feet. She smiled for the first time since Daniel returned upon seeing the Dalmatian's tail wag when he knew she was awake.

She rolled out of bed and straightened her silk pajamas before walking down the stairs to let Pongo run around the backyard. She poured herself a cup of coffee, set with a timer so it was ready for her each morning, and brought it upstairs with her while she dressed herself for work.

When she was done, she made her way back down the stairs and filled Pongo's food and water bowls before letting the dog back inside.

"There you go, buddy," she said petting him as he ate. She never ate breakfast, but without growing boys to cook for that morning she suddenly felt lonely again. She pulled out her phone and sent Henry a text that she was sure would embarrass him hoping that would lift her spirits.

Regina gathered her things and put a leash on the dog before making her way to Town Hall. With Henry staying with Emma that night to give his mother some space to think, she was responsible for Pongo. She didn't mind, but also didn't want to leave him alone in her house all day afraid that he would destroy her very expensive furniture. So she would have an office companion for the day.

She got to her office and sat behind her desk, Pongo at her feet busy with his bone. She tried to focus on the mounds of paperwork and messages, but her mind just wasn't into her mayoral duties that day. Her thoughts were consumed by the men in her life.

Feeling the stress rising from her core, Regina stood and paced around the office. She stopped often to look out the window or at the statue of Rocinante on her mantle as if these things would provide her with the answers to all her problems. She huffed in frustration, causing Pongo to jump up onto her couch and bark.

"I know, Pongo, but I can't relax. I have too much on my mind. Tell me," she began. "What would you do if you were playing house with your so-called soulmate and the first love of your life returns from the dead to whisk you away?" The dog whimpered and leaned down to place his face between his paws. Regina laughed and sat down beside him. "Tell me about it."

There was a light knock at the door and Pongo sat up, focusing his attention in that direction. She stood from the couch and moved to answer the door. Her heart felt heavy as her eyes were met with the sight of the stable boy.

"I know you said you needed some time, but I ran into Emma today and she mentioned you worked here-," he paused, taking in her stare before continuing. "I just needed to see you. Could I come in?"

Regina nodded and stepped aside to allow him entry. She knew he wouldn't sit unless he was offered a seat so she gestured toward the couch. He sat at one end and she returned to the other next to Pongo.

"Would you like a drink? Water? Apple cider?"

"Regina you don't have to be polite with me. If you're angry, be angry," he said and she couldn't help, but chuckle before responding.

"Trust me, Daniel. If I were angry, you'd know it."

They sat in silence, neither one knowing the proper thing to say. Daniel's laughter filled the air and Regina furrowed her brow in confusion.

"Do you remember when we first met? Your father just hired me as you were returning from your lesson and I tried to impress you by jumping over the railing to greet you, but ended up falling flat on my face," he continued to laugh and saw the smirk growing across her lips.

"And when I finally got my bearings and tried talking to you, you turned to leave so fast that your braid slapped me across the face," he said, causing a spark in memory for Regina.

"If I remember correctly, I believe Rocinante made it a point to get you with her tail as well," she laughed while he nodded, pleasant memories filling the void between them.

"Seems like just yesterday for me," Daniel said.

"That's because for you it practically was yesterday," Regina replied, silence returning to the room.

"You're right. I can't even begin to imagine what you've gone through all these years," he stated, his body turning to face her as he inched closer to her.

"It's unfathomable, Daniel," her voice was vulnerable, the memories of lives she destroyed to avenge a person who was never dead at all flashing in her mind. Poor, innocent Snow truly was innocent after all. The guilt Regina felt in that moment filled her dark heart.

"I'm sorry, Regina," tears filled his eyes as he placed his hand gently over hers. She didn't pull away. Now that the shock of his return had subsided, she appreciated how it felt having his warm, callused palm pressed atop her delicate, yet powerful hands. His eyes resembled the sky just before a sun shower when tears threatened to fall down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry I went through the portal. Perhaps it was selfish of me now that I see the pain I've caused you," he added, a single tear escaping his magnificent blue eyes. Regina leaned forward placing her hand against his cheek as she wiped the tear away with her thumb.

"What should you have done? Gone back to the stable knowing you would die, knowing I would watch it happen? You took a chance, not only to save your own life, but to spare me the pain of losing you to death rather than time. That's not something to be sorry for," she whispered, hoping to console him.

"But if I had gone back and accepted my fate, perhaps you'd have your chance at closure and happiness in this realm rather than having to reopen old wounds."

"Then you would be dead, Daniel, and I always liked you better alive," she said with a smile as he choked out a chuckle, the hope and natural innocence returning to his eyes. With a sigh she added, "I would have suffered regardless, but I know that it feels a lot better seeing you instead of trying to remember you."

Their eyes locked together, their bodies closer than either of them realized until that moment. The light reflecting in his eyes caused a sudden fluttering in her chest as she was reminded of that night on Firefly Hill.

Tears formed in her eyes, causing the chocolate brown to fade into a caramel, as it finally hit her that she had her Daniel back. There he was sitting beside her, holding her hand, staring deeply and lovingly into her eyes. She longed for this moment, worked tirelessly to have this again for so many years.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you," she whispered, finally giving in and letting the tears fall. Hearing those words caused a stirring within the stable boy. He pulled her into an embrace and Regina released a sob as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, afraid he would disappear if she let go.

"I'm here, Regina," he whispered, running his fingers through her hair. It was much shorter now, but he could never forget the texture of it, thick curls wrapping around his fingers in an embrace of their own.

Hearing him, feeling him hold her, Regina felt the overwhelming desire to kiss him, desperate to feel more. Before she could think twice about it, she pressed her lips against his fiercely, yet it was soft; a longing for the feeling her first love gave her all those years ago.

There was no doubt that she loved him and that a part of her always would. He was her first love after all and she had given him every part of her once, but now something was different. She yearned for more, but what it was she was seeking, she didn't know.

Suddenly, her mind brought forth an image of a certain outlaw, his dimpled cheeks pulled back into a smile that lit Regina's heart. She felt herself smile at the image before realizing that the lips she had hers pressed against were not Robin's. She pulled away from Daniel, her hands on his chest to keep him at arms length.

"I'm sorry," she began and made a bee-line for her desk to compose herself. "I need you to go."

"Are you alright," he approached her, a hand placed gently on her back before she turned to face him with pleading, desperate eyes.

"I'm not sure," Regina said, unable to meet his gaze.

"I understand," he said with a reassuring smile before making his way to the exit. He turned back to look at her one last time and added, "Whatever you decide, Regina, just know that I won't love you any less."