Hey guys! I hope everyone has had a lovely end to their holiday break. Best of luck to those who are going into midterm exams!
Just a few things I'd like to address before we get started, things that I've seen come up in recent reviews of my last update, just to clarify. Firstly, what Rumplestiltskin had warned Reya, happened already in the last chapter. In other words, Rumplestiltskin was warning Reya against Steve, and in the events of this previous chapter, Steve's true colors had shown. Therefore, there is nothing more to be revealed on Steve. Take note that I've said in the beginning in an AN, he's not a fairytale character, just a regular old Joe from our world ;) Secondly, as for Regina loving Steve, it was mentioned also in my last update that she may no longer love Steve, that she may be afraid of leaving him due to what he has done or had almost done. So it all comes back to her fear, the fears in her mind that keep her from accepting her love for Robin, thus keeping her still running back to Steve.
I hope I made this a little bit more clear for those who got confused. I apologize for any confusion, and am more than happy to answer any more questions anybody may have. That being said, I bring you Chapter 19! Please enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Regina works all hours of the night, sketching and perfecting a perfectly detailed depiction of the image of her choosing from the storybook. She has to hand it to the young brunette. Reya's idea saved her in a way she never thought possible. She gave her hope, a way of pushing through her current issues towards a goal. And Regina couldn't be any happier with how her painting turned out. Forty eight hours later, all of which she has worked tirelessly, the painting is sitting majestically upon her new easel; a perfect rendition of the image of the brunette queen sitting upon her beloved thief's lap, gently cupping his wrist that bears that famous lion tattoo. It is an elegant piece, whimsical as per her usual style. Regina added a sort of mystery to this certain masterpiece by use of darker colors, swirls of white, and fading techniques as if to make the image look as if it is something out of a dream…all the while keeping other aspects such as the tattoo clear and detailed as if it is real. She felt it appropriate, feeling from her heart that the image she was painting, lies on a thin border between reality and fantasy. As for Reya's curse, Regina even still has no idea what to believe, but she cannot simply ignore the fact either, especially if Robin is in the picture.
That is—if he is still in the picture. A part of her hopes he is…her heart. But her mind has made up its decision. Aside from the painting, those forty eight hours have been emotionally trying. Steve had come over and made her dinner. In his still ongoing, self-serving repentance, he even sat patiently by Regina as she sketched out her drawing, watching some mindless television. Regina was grateful for his efforts, and soon, by the day before the contest is to begin, that dreadful night that is not to be named faded into nothing but a memory—a bitter one at that—but still a memory.
Now today, this morning, the day of the contest, all thoughts are now consumed by the events of a very busy day ahead.
"A pantsuit? Really?" Regina scoffs, holding up the offending suit jacket and trousers that drape neatly over their two hangers. The brunette wrinkles her nose in disgust. "This is so not me."
Reya rolls her eyes. "Just try it on, mom, you'll look great," she insists, "And professional."
Regina sighs, groaning in annoyance. "I don't even know why I have this in my closet," she huffs, peeling the clothes from their respectable hangers, "I've never even worn clothes like this in my life."
The young brunette shrugs, smirking widely at the irony. "Your other half was very keen on it," she mumbles.
At this, Regina turns her head to stare back confusedly at Reya. "What?"
Reya shakes her head, still offering her a smug grin. "Nothing," she says before nodding towards the clothes. "Now try it on."
She watches eagerly as her mother shakes her head before turning her back once more before begrudgingly scooping the clothes up and trudging to the bathroom to change.
"And hurry up!" Reya adds, only to be answered with another groan.
"Who's the parent here?" Regina retorts from inside the bathroom, "I thought I was, or well, according to you…not the other way around."
Reya giggles in response, shaking her head fondly. It's nice for her to see her mother so upbeat, eyes glittering with excitement mixed with the anxiousness about the prospect of winning that blue ribbon. After a few weeks of turmoil, Reya knows Regina deserves a change of pace, some time where she can finally return her focus back towards what she does best.
"Does Robin even know you're here?" Regina asks, still from inside the bathroom, "Seemed pretty suspicious when you showed up on my doorstep this morning."
Reya shrugs, shaking her head again, although the older brunette cannot see. "No, I came on my own," she replies nonchalantly.
"And just how did you do that?"
"Walked to town and got a bus?" Reya offers, "It's not that difficult."
"Reya, you realize you can't keep running back and forth between the two of us. It's not safe."
"Well, soon I guess I won't have to," Reya sighs.
Silence follows for a few tense moments as the young brunette waits for a response.
"What do you mean?"
Reya heaves another sigh. "I mean that Robin is leaving the island," she answers, "He's taking another job."
More silence…for a longer period this time. Reya can just feel, what she hopes is, gloom settle in the air. She hears all movement still inside the bathroom.
"Why…?"
"He said he needed to get out of here. He said he needed a change…" Reya replies weakly.
At this, an audible and forced sigh sounds from behind the bathroom doors. "…This is all my fault," Regina mutters lowly, her voice slightly muffled this time, "If I hadn't—hadn't—"
"Rejected him?" Reya finishes.
"Yeah…" Another sigh. "But…you know, it's…complicated. We all knew that from the start," Regina says.
Reya frowns, sighing deeply. "Well, what does your heart tell you?"
"It doesn't matter what my heart tells me. It's about commitment. I've worked hard to build a life with Steve over the two years we've known each other. I can't just throw that all away. And Steve…knowing the way he reacted when he found out about Robin and I…I know that above all, I hurt him deeply."
"You're just making an excuse," Reya states boldly, "You're still afraid."
"Reya, can we please not talk about this now?" Regina groans, "Now's not the best time. I don't have time for this extra stress."
With one last sigh, Reya shakes her head. "Fine…" she mumbles, telling herself to remain patient. To the naked eye, this situation would seem hopeless and unsalvageable. It's all the same stuff coming up again and again. And it all comes back to one thing: Regina's fear. But to Reya, there is a difference this time. Whether Regina realizes it or not, she regrets rejecting Robin because she loves him. In other words, her regret is based purely on that one thing: her deep love for the man who pulled her from her monochromatic life and threw color into her eyes, helping her open herself to the possibility that there is something more out there for her. Hope. And love. So upon having this regret, that is another step forward and another barrier broken down. She admits this regret.
"Aren't you gonna come out now?" the young brunette asks, crossing her arms and tapping her foot.
Regina emerges from the bathroom, a slightly frazzled look upon her features, most likely from the news of Robin's new job. But apart from wide eyes, a slightly pale face, and heated cheeks, the older brunette looks absolutely stunning in a pantsuit. It's far more modest than her usual dress, but still holds elements that subtly flaunt her figure. Black jacket and trousers perfectly juxtapose a scoop-necked, fitted red blouse.
"Uh…Reya?" Regina asks, her brows furrowing as she regards the gaping young brunette curiously.
"Oh." Reya shakes her head. "Sorry, you just—you look really good. I mean really, really, good." A grin parts her lips. "You look all professional!"
The young girl's smile is infectious as Regina's lips spread as well. "You think?" she asks somewhat shyly, facing the mirror and turning from side to side.
"Yep!" Reya replies, "And your makeup fits perfectly. Honestly, that is definitely an outfit the Evil Queen would wear if she was in this world—well, I mean, she is."
Regina purses her lush, rouge lips and lifts a perfectly shaped eyebrow. She shakes her head. "Oh, enough of that," she huffs, fluffing her head with a theatrical toss of her hand. "Give it a rest and help me with the painting, will you? We gotta go."
The Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair, sponsored by the Agricultural Society, is quite the extensive event. The squeaky sounds of gears and the rumbling of engines along with the delighted screams of children and adults alike can already be heard as Regina and Reya turn down the street. A good sixty percent of the fair's expansive grounds is covered in an array of rides and contests booths. Alongside are rows of food trucks and booths and tables where families can enjoy a nice lunch. More rows of tents beside that are where local artisans, again, can sell their merchandise. This isn't where Regina and Reya are headed, however. For at the very back of the field, beside a large barn that houses and displays farm animals of all kinds, lies a vast hall where artisans may place their pieces on display for judging in the artisans' contest.
"This place is incredible," Reya comments, bouncing alongside Regina as she lugs her precious masterpiece wrapped in layers of bubble wrap. The young girl carries a large bag containing the rest of the display, which includes a few other minor paintings, her card holder, and other bits and bobs for decoration. Regina hopes that while she shows her masterpiece, tourists that may pass through would also take interest in her other paintings, hopefully leaving her with a decent amount of money at the end of the event.
"Yeah, it's pretty impressive," Regina replies, her eyes trained on their destination as they swerve through the already large crowd that had gathered even at this early hour. It's only a half an hour after the fair has opened. Yet, the place is teeming with people already.
Once inside, Reya waits patiently as Regina registers at the check-in. The young brunette follows dutifully to her mother's designated spot in the hall, where they are to set up.
"So is this like the flea market from last time where you sit here all day?" Reya says with a sigh as she hands Regina the last small painting for the display.
Regina nods. "I'm afraid it is," she replies, "You don't have to stay here if you don't want to, though. I've noticed you're quite independent on your own." She gives the young brunette a pointed look and a small smirk.
Reya smiles back pleasantly. "So I can go on rides?" she says, her eyes sparkling with hope.
Regina nods again before turning back to adjust her display. She assumes the young brunette must be halfway to the exit by now. But when she turns back around, Reya is still there, smirking as wide as ever. "What?"
"You realize I need money for the tickets, don't you?"
At this, Regina groans, rolling her eyes before reaching into her purse to produce her wallet. She hands Reya forty dollars in cash, to which the young girl whistles. "Thank you!"
"Yeah, yeah. Go ahead," Regina says with a wave of her hand, a tilted smile on her lips, "Knock yourself out. Just don't get into trouble."
And with that, the young brunette is turning on her heel and sprinting to the door. Regina laughs softly, undeniably attached to the young girl who has made such an impression on her life in such a small amount of time.
Reya enjoys herself quite extensively, going from one ride to the next; taking some rides twice and giving attitudes to the operators whose rides don't allow children of her age and/or height without a proper adult. She's just about to use up the rest of her tickets on her most favorite ride, a third time, when suddenly a familiar voice calls from behind her and amidst the noise of the crowd.
"Reya, I've been looking everywhere for you," Robin says with a slight annoyance as he rushes up to her, "Where the hell have you been?" He combs a hand through his hair.
Reya scowls. "I've been here," she states sassily, "Why do you care? You're leaving anyway tomorrow."
"That doesn't mean I don't care about your safety, Reya, you can't just run off like this."
"But you don't care about my safety or mom's. You're leaving us both with him."
Robin sighs deeply. "Reya, Regina reassured me of Steve. She explained everything. Look, I don't want to do this right here. Can you please just come with me, and we'll figure it everything out at home?"
"What is there to figure out?" Reya snaps, "You're leaving, right? So I left too. Because I know, unlike you, that mom—Regina—needs me."
Robin swallows hard, trying to mask the hurt in his eyes, even if it is his fault. "Reya," he says slowly, bending down to her level. He takes her by the shoulders and looks her profoundly into her wide chocolate eyes. "You realize I don't want to do this," he murmurs, "That I don't want to leave."
"So then why don't you?" Reya pleads, "Please…"
"I have to go. I just need to." Robin sighs, shaking his head, "There's something I told Regina a little bit ago. I told her that only she can save herself. And it's clear now, to me, that that means she doesn't want me or my help. She is fine on her own. It's just best we remain separate, less complicated."
"That doesn't mean you stop trying," Reya says. She shakes her head. "What happened to that honorable man you once were, the guy I know? The guy who wouldn't let anything get in the way of what's right? That's what you always told me. Don't let anything get in the way of doing what is right."
Robin shakes his head, looking upon the young brunette with a pained expression. "Reya, it's been decided."
Reya lets out a sob-like breath, closing her eyes. No tears escape, however, as she forces herself to remain strong. "Can you at least see her one last time?" she whispers, "Please? Just to say goodbye?"
At this, Robin lets out a long sigh and stands. Wordlessly, he takes her hand and squeezes it tightly. "Where is she?" he relents.
It has been a fairly good day for Regina so far…as good as the day of contest judging can be. She remains her usual pleasant self, donning a professional exterior and interacting with both customers and members of the board alike. A respectful smile graces her lips at all times as she finds that being in a pantsuit does help with such a demeanor. Though, she feels rather stuffy in this heated hall on a hot summer day. Nevertheless, the entire morning has gone smoothly. One of her side paintings has been sold for a nice one hundred fifty bucks, and another one is, at the moment, about to meet that same fate as Regina watches a customer carefully consider such a purchase. The brunette painter waits in anticipation, her lower lip trapped between her teeth. Finally, after a few intense minutes, the tourist relents and pulls out her wallet. Regina runs through the transaction with a wide smile on her face, delighted that more and more people have become drawn to her artwork, and it has gotten easier and easier for them to make a decision to make a purchase. Even if she doesn't win again, entering into this fair as second time was a good move.
Regina is just bidding the happy customer goodbye when suddenly she catches a movement in the corner of her eye. Turning her head, she sees Robin standing there; his wide blue eyes staring at her, lips parted as he silently regards her. She swallows hard, glancing for a moment towards Reya who stands quietly by his side before looking back up into those guileless blues.
Regina clears her throat, taking a step towards him. "Robin," she greets with a nod.
The fisherman shakes his head, unable to keep himself from staring up and down her pantsuit-clad form. "Regina," he begins with a lump in his throat. He swallows it down thickly. "You look…you look stunning." He can't help but compliment her.
At this Regina lets out a soft, nervous laugh, dipping her gaze to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, her signature nervous move. "Thank you," she replies, looking back up to offer a small, but genuine, smile.
Robin shakes his head again, taking another step towards her. "I just…wanted to see you—you know—because I…"
"I know," Regina interrupts with a sigh. She gazes profoundly at him, unable to mask the sadness in her eyes. She can read the same expression so well captured in his own. But they both understand. Her smile turns slightly pained. "Congratulations," she whispers, "…on your job."
"Thank you," Robin murmurs, chancing yet another step towards her so that they stand directly face to face. Reya turns towards the back of the display to give them both some privacy. The fisherman reaches forward, his fingertips lightly brushing Regina's hand. "You know this is difficult…" he confesses.
"I know," Regina says, her heart heavy, "…but it's for the best." She closes her eyes, shaking her head. "It's been too much."
"But I still don't regret one second of it," Robin replies, furrowing his brow. He looks into her eyes, his own blue orbs shining. "…I still love you," he whispers, his voice hardly audible.
Regina sighs softly, tearing her gaze from his, finding it too painful to look any longer. "I know."
Robin swallows hard again, chest constricting at her response. But there's nothing else he can do. He has done all he could. "Good luck, Regina," he adds tearfully, pushing a small smile through his painted frown. "You deserve all the success."
Regina smiles softly, her own wide eyes glistening. Every beat of her heart is painful. And she knows why…she knows why. "And you as well," she replies, "I hope you have nothing but the best."
Before she can even comprehend what she is doing, she grasps his hand and pulls Robin into a tight hug, resting her chin on his shoulder. She squeezes her eyes shut, pouring her heart and soul out into this final embrace as he does the same.
But the touching moment doesn't last when suddenly Regina hears a pointed voice behind her and she jumps in Robin's arms, pulling back immediately. She looks to find Steve striding towards the two of them. The man smiles tightly, wrapping his arm around Regina's shoulders and pulling her to him…staking his claim.
"There's my little artist," he purrs, kissing the side of Regina's head, all the while the brunette's eyes remain trained on Robin. Steve turns towards the fisherman, his eyes scathing. "And we meet again, I see," he spits caustically.
Robin shakes his head, raising his hands in defeat. "I was just leaving," he answers in a clipped tone.
"You better have," Steve states, "And you better stay gone if you know what's good for ya."
Robin's eyes narrow. "I'm taking a job on the mainland, Steve," he replies, "So I can guarantee you won't be hearing from me again." He shakes his head once more before drawing himself up against his better judgment and stepping towards the biker. "But you sure as hell will if you do so much as harm one single hair on her head." He glances at a gaping Regina before turning back to spear the other man with his stare. "I know what happened, and I swear to God, you better treat this woman like a queen because that's who she is. She is beautiful, clever, courageous, incredibly talented, and might I mention, generous. You are a lucky bastard for her to give you that second chance. And because she is willing to give you that second chance, so will I. So don't fuck it up."
Regina gasps, eyes now wide like saucers as she stands, taken aback at Robin's sudden bold move. Her heart is in her throat as she watches the man's deep blue eyes pierce those of Steve's, incredibly touched by the fisherman's sudden outburst. She has no words for what had just happened and neither does Steve. Both look on agape as Robin turns to give a short nod to Regina, catching her eyes for a brief moment, before turning on his heel and stalking off.
When he is gone, Steve turns to her, his eyes wide. "Is he for real?" he breathes.
But all Regina can do is continue to stare quietly in the direction in which Robin had left.
"Congratulations, Regina, on your win. You should be very proud."
Regina can't help but grin at the blonde gentleman clad in a navy blue suit. She grasps the man's hand, giving it a firm shake. "Thank you, Mr. Johnson," she replies happily, hardly able to contain her excitement as she tries not to visibly jump up and down in front of the head of the Agricultural Society. "I am. I'm so honored."
"And please, call me on Monday about a possible opening. I look forward to working with you," the rep from the esteemed Featherstone Center for the Arts adds, taking Regina's hand also.
Regina beams at the redhead, shaking her hand firmly as well. "I certainly will," she says, "Thank you so much for this opportunity. I've been waiting so long for this."
The representative nods, smiling kindly at the elated brunette before heading off alongside the blonde and continuing their way through the rest of the displays; stopping to give their congratulations to those who have also earned prizes, just as they'd done to Regina.
Regina lifts her head to the ceiling, a little bubble of jovial laughter escaping her lips as she tries to fathom what had just happened. She finally won the blue ribbon. And in doing so, finally earned her own exhibition hosted by the one gallery she'd had her eye on for quite some time.
"Congratulations, Regina," Steve says, heading towards her and taking her into his arms with a smile, "I knew you could do it."
Regina snorts softly, shaking her head. "You were worried I wouldn't make it, Steve," she says, pulling back with a raised brow.
Steve laughs gently. "I have to admit, I was," he replies, "Seeing you so downhearted after last year's contest was heartbreaking. But now, seeing you so happy in front of me. It was worth it."
Regina sighs, shaking her head once more. "I just…I still can't believe it."
As she looks up into Steve's eyes, her delighted expression falls slightly. If only… Her heart sinks once more. Robin would've been so proud of her. "See, Regina? I told you, hope and belief, and pushing through no matter what, that's what counts. You're so strong, my love." She can practically hear his words in her mind, what he would have said. She can just picture his smile, his lips as they press to hers in a warm and lingering, congratulatory kiss.
"Regina?" Steve asks with a frown, head tilted.
Regina blinks, bringing herself back from her reverie. She finds herself to still be staring up into the man's dark eyes, although hers were miles away just now.
"You all right?"
The brunette nods, offering a small smile, heart heavy once more. "I am…"
"I was thinking we should celebrate," Steve says pulling back but keeping his hands upon her shoulders. "How about we head to the fireworks tomorrow? Get a nice bite to eat, Mexican at Sharky's?"
Regina lets out a small sigh, nodding slowly in agreement. "Yeah," she answers distantly as she remembers Reya telling her that Robin is to leave at that time…that time tomorrow. She tries to ignore the sudden crushing weight upon her chest—the guilt, the regret. "Sure. Sounds lovely."
And there you have it, the penultimate chapter of Chasing Feathers! One more chapter to go!
Thank you all for your kind support, I loved each and every one of your reviews, and am so so grateful! Stay tuned for the grand finale, looking forward to it!
P.S- I will be piloting the beginning of another short multi chapter fic that I've had in mind for quite some time, alongside my final chapter of Chasing. So please be on the lookout if you're interested, and as always, let me know what you think when the time comes ;)
Thanks for coming by everyone, don't forget to review, and I'll see you very soon!