Chapter 3: The Lion Tattoo

A/N: Thank you all again! It's brings me great joy to know people are enjoying this.

And Tols thank you again for your review! I would love to know your thoughts on this one as well :)

This chapter is quite a long one and I'm sorry if it drags a bit but I didn't really want to split it.

Also I changed one of the genres to Drama as I realised that fits better for what I have planned.

Enjoy!

Even though sleep had caught Regina easily, it was anything but a peaceful night. She awoke many times, tossing and turning as her fever caused her to break out into a cold sweat and become incredibly restless. But she would eventually fall into exhaustion, her body tired from its battle against sickness.

When morning comes Regina wakes to the faint, melodic sounds of nature and muffled laughter coming from outside of the tent's walls. It was almost peaceful. But the brunette has no time to dwell on this. She needs to figure out a way to get out of this camp.

She couldn't summon Rumplestiltskin here. No, that would surely backfire as that would probably lead to the reveal of her true identity, and she can't have that. Unfortunately, she couldn't get up and waltz out of the camp either as her legs were still immobile, and according to Robin, that would be the case for the next couple of days. She can't even use her magic right now! So, that idea is shot down immediately.

No, she needs to figure out something that doesn't involve summoning someone, walking or using magic of any kind.

The only plan that comes to mind is to wait out the next couple of days until she can walk again and then resume her search for Snow White. Yes, as soon as Regina was able, she was going to leave this tent and sneak out of this camp, but not before grabbing some sort of weapon and possibly a horse. Once she's free, she would find her insipid step-daughter and kill her, finally succeeding in completing her revenge.

The brunette was musing over all the possible ways in which she could end the little brat's life, when she was suddenly interrupted by the tent's flaps opening and closing, causing her to glance up at who had entered.

Regina relaxes slightly as she realises it was just the thief, but then became incredibly annoyed as she becomes aware that privacy was going to be hard to come by. I've really got to get out of here.

"Good morning," the blue-eyed man greets, walking to the foot of the cot the brunette was currently occupying, "and how are we this morning?"

Regina only groans in response. She was anything but comfortable with this whole situation and her fever was giving her hell. "Other than having an aching body and being in a stranger's tent I'm just swell." the brown-eyed woman quips. She really just wants to be left alone with her aches and pains, not wasting her breath on the outlaw in front of her so, the brunette lowers her gaze hoping to silently tell him she's in no mood to talk.

However, he doesn't seem to get the message.

"Well, that's rather unfortunate," Robin replies, "especially seeing as this stranger has gone very much out of his way to provide some sort of comfort for the woman in his care." He then makes his way to Regina's side and sits down, a respective distance between them.

The brunette struggles to hide the smirk that forms on her lips. "I wasn't made aware that I was under his care." she remarks, slowly becoming less annoyed by the thief's presence.

"Oh, you most certainly are." he retorts, his tone playful.

"Oh really?" Regina chuckles.

"Yes," Robin replies, "and in fact, he even bothered to offer you breakfast."

The brown-eyed woman can't control the small smile that breaks out onto her lips. "Well, I suppose that is indeed very kind of him." she says letting her gaze meet his fully for the first time that morning, before quickly turning away. "Something to eat would be nice." Regina continues, her tone becoming slightly more eager at the thought of food.

The thief grins as he gets up. "I'll have him fetch some breakfast for you then." he responds, leaving the tent.

What the hell was that?! the brunette mentally asks herself as the tent flap closes. Did she just flirt with an outlaw? It would appear that she did. But it wasn't even that long. Oh, who was she kidding? It didn't matter how long or short it was, flirting is flirting. And she just flirted with an outlaw, and a highly wanted one at that.

What was wrong with her? Sure, she's used her charms on men before, but only when she wanted something from them, never for pure banter. So, why the hell was she having banter with an ordinary thief that happened to save her from certain death?

Regina honestly didn't know. But this became just another reason as to why she needs to leave as soon as possible.

However, she did have to admit it was a nice change to have a fun conversation that lasted longer than a couple of seconds. Or even a conversation that lasted at all. So, does that mean she enjoys his company? No! Of course not! A Queen enjoying the company of an outlaw is absurd! Isn't it?

Her thoughts were again interrupted as Robin enters the tent once again. But instead of becoming annoyed Regina is grateful for the plate of food he now holds in his hands. She didn't realise just how hungry she is until he hands the plate over to her. When was the last time she ate? The brown-eyed woman snatches it greedily, immediately digging into the various fruits and nuts that are piled on top.

"Someone's rather hungry." she hears Robin quip as he moves to sit in the spot he was occupying moments before.

Regina manages a shut up In between mouthfuls of blackberries and apples.

A silence passes between them in which the brunette munches on her breakfast, moaning occasionally in appreciation. Once she finishes, she licks her fingers and uses her hands to wipe her face clean of any juices that may have escaped her lips.

"Incredibly hungry it would seem." the outlaw chuckles.

Regina just glares at him as she quips, "And it would seem you have a habit for stating the obvious." intending to make the man stay quiet.

However, it appears to have the opposite effect. "At least I shown decorum when I'm eating in front of company." he comments.

"Well you try not eating for a while," Regina snaps, "and we'll see who's scoffing food down then."

"I'd rather not." Robin replies as he moves to grab another cloth and the bowl containing the salve. "Now," he says, "I need to tend to that wound again." Regina merely nods as she pulls her skirts up and manages to shift slightly so the injury is more accessible, as he dips the cloth into the solution. The blue-eyed man looks up at her then, "You already know this will sting."

Regina nods again as she asks, "So what boring topic of conversation will you address me with today, thief?"

The outlaw chuckles and replies, "I suppose food is out of the question."

The disguised queen can't help the laugh that escapes her lips, and surprises herself slightly with how light and carefree it sounds. But she doesn't dwell on it long as she then realises that he was laughing with her and is now smiling down at her and she can't help but smile back, their gazes' locking.

They stay like that for a time, brown orbs gazing into blue ones and Regina starts to get lost within them, noticing the slight flecks of navy that form a rim around the black of his pupil. After what feels like hours the brown-eyed woman becomes self-conscious under his intense gaze and feels heat rising into her cheeks, so she turns her head away.

What was it about this outlaw? How could one make her smile one minute and then laugh and blush the next? If she's being honest with herself there has only been one other man that has had such an effect on her. Daniel. Her handsome, loving Daniel. Since then all she's felt in an anger that runs deep in her veins, slowly consuming her soul. Regina genuinely hasn't felt that carefree in a long time. But here was this thief who was reawakening emotions she hasn't felt in a long time. So, did it mean that…? No! She had love and his heart was ripped from his chest and crushed. She would never find another soulmate; Regina is sure of it. Not even pixie dust could change that.

The brown-eyed woman snaps out of her reverie when she hears Robin clearing his throat. "Well, I suppose there's always sleep." he says casually as he unwraps the bandage from around her thigh.

The brunette gives a small chuckle in response. "Are you wanting to know if I slept well, or comfortably?" she asks raising an eyebrow before hissing as the thief brings the cloth now dipped in salve to her wound, effectively causing Regina to hiss as she's engulfed by an onslaught of pain. "Because I'm afraid I didn't get much of either last night." the disguised queen manages through gritted teeth. She shuts her eyes against the pain as the outlaw continues to dab the solution onto the injury, holding back a groan.

"That's unfortunate to hear milady, may I ask why?" the brown-eyed woman hears Robin question.

"Well, there's not much else to talk about, is there?" Regina snaps, her patience peaking and the outlaw chuckles in reply. But, she's also partly grateful for the distraction from the constant throb of her thigh, though she'd never admit it.

"As I said yesterday milady," she hears Robin reply, "I do have rather poor topics for conversation." before she feels his gentle touch apply the new bandage.

Yes, she does, and she can't help the smirk that graces her lips as she recalls that discussion. Regina then feels the pain in her thigh dull making it easier for her to open her eyes. When she does, the brown-eyed woman notices that Robin has rolled up his sleeves and is now putting the bowl away.

As he places the bowl down, a mark on his right wrist catches her eye. Regina can't make it out at first as it appears to be just a black mark on his arm. So, she leans forward slightly allowing the mark to become more visible and it appears that there is an outlining of something in the middle of the black mark. Regina now assumes that mark is ink, meaning that it's a tattoo on his wrist.

As she continues to study the thief's tattoo, she notices that there's an outlining of a shape within the ink. Upon closer inspection that shape is in the form of a…oh shit. She has to get out of here. She has to get as far away from here as possible. And she needs to leave now.

Regina frantically moves to sit up, only to fall back as a shooting pain runs up her thigh, making her gasp and clutch at her leg. Black spots appear across her vision as a wave of dizziness hits her and forces the brunette to shut her eyes. The brown-eyed woman can faintly distinguish someone calling out, but it sounds muffled and distant.

Suddenly Regina is overwhelmed with memories of a fairy, pixie dust and fate. Memories of finding another soulmate. Memories of closing the door on her second chance at love. Memories that feel like they occurred a lifetime ago. And then just as quickly as they came, the visions stop, allowing Regina to regain her senses. So, she opens her eyes hoping the ability to see will calm her down.

However, this doesn't help, as the brunette becomes acutely aware of the little space available within the small tent she currently resides in. Panic grips her then, her breath coming in short gasps and eyes darting in every direction. This cannot be happening. It's not possible. When she closed the door on that tavern, she shut out the last chance she had at love. There was just no way fate would give her a third chance, especially when fate was the one responsible for her loss of love in the first place.

All of a sudden, she starts shaking, almost convulsing. Regina registers two strong arms gripping her shoulders and realises they are the cause of her shaking.

"WILMA!"

Robin's yell causes something to snap within her and she forces his hands off her, avoiding his gaze. Slowly the brunette's breathing becomes steady as she manages to somewhat calm herself down with a few deep breaths.

"Wilma, are you alright?" Regina hears the thief ask.

"I'm fine." she replies, her voice suddenly very cold and distant.

"Are you sure? Because it almost looked- "

Abruptly, Regina cuts him off, "I said I'm fine." She then brings her brown orbs to lock with his, her gaze now cool as she continues, drawing on as much of a regal stance as she can muster and her voice lowering an octave, adopting the authoritative tone she has mastered as a Queen, "Leave."

His face immediately changes showing his confusion but as he opens his mouth to speak, she repeats the phrase more forcefully, "Leave."

Still looking completely bewildered the outlaw exits the tent.

Once he's outside Regina inhales a deep breath as she now finds she can control her breathing again. She had no choice. She had to make him leave; especially when she can't even move from her current position as she so delightfully rediscovered.

But now she was faced with an even bigger problem…

What's going to happen when he comes back?

It has been a few hours since Wilma asked Robin to leave her alone. So, he now sat against a tree just outside of the camp trying to figure out exactly what had happened. He couldn't understand it. One minute they were exchanging friendly banter to help distract her from the pain and then all of a sudden, she froze and before he knew it, she was asking him to leave with such coldness in her whiskey brown eyes.

Robin has no idea as to what he did to gain such a reaction from the woman. It's not like he said anything to offend her. The woman even seemed to be enjoying his company – well, at least he thought she didn't mind it. And he made sure he was respectful when he was tending to her wound.

The thief never felt so confused in his life.

Maybe the shock of the whole situation was only just starting to set in. That would definitely give some form of explanation as to her sudden change in reaction. And if that's the case, Robin knows he should check on her. But the woman clearly wanted him to leave.

Well, he has to return to camp sooner or later as he needs to finish planning the heist which he and his men are going to execute in two days' time. So, with that thought in mind Robin stands up, then stretches out the slight stiffness in his body from sitting in the same position for too long, before heading back to camp.

Once the outlaw reaches the campfire he calls out, "Men! Gather at the centre of camp!"

One by one the Merry Men leave their current tasks and take a seat around the dead campfire. As the last man takes his seat Robin addresses them, "Now, as you all know in two days' time we will pull off one of the biggest jobs we've ever done." The men nod in agreement, so the thief continues, voice serious, "I've brought us all together so we can formulate a plan."

"Isn't that your job, Rob?" David teases, "I mean you are the leader after all." His comment causes most of the men to chuckle but for Robin it only causes his annoyance to spike.

"See here- "

"That he is David!" Little John booms effectively cutting the outlaw off. "And I'm sure Robin already has a plan," John continues, "but like a good leader he is, he's giving us the chance to add to it." He then looks at Robin and nods.

The outlaw looks at his friend and returns the nod, murmuring a Right. Then he turns back to his men, "So the current plan is that we'll divide into pairs. Little John and Alan will go to the front of the Lord's manor to provide a distraction, whilst the rest of us sneak in through the servant's entrance, which is located around the back. Then we'll split off in our pairs and raid the manor and get as many valuables as we can find. Once the six of us have gotten all we can carry, we'll sneak out through the kitchens, but we'll have to make sure it's at different times to lower the risk of exposure. Then we'll all proceed to the town square where we'll again split up and take different routes through the town before meeting up at the designated rendezvous point. Any questions?" After Robin sees a couple of men raise their hands he quickly adds, "One at a time though men."

"How exactly are we planning on getting into the servant's entrance?" Much asks, cutting in front of the others before they can get a word in.

"Fair point Much," the thief replies, "we'll use the clothes we wore the last time we raided a manor, so we won't need to buy any new clothing from the nearby town."

The rest of the men, including Much nod their heads in what the outlaw assumes is understanding and approval. Will Stutley then voices his query, "What happens if the Queen's black knights are alerted and give chase or get in the way of our plans?"

Robin answers easily, "If Her majesty's knights figure out our plan and intercept us before we reach the manor we abort, but if they give chase when we've left the manor we lose them in the town square." The Merry Men nod again in understanding. When the thief sees no more hands are raised, he asks, "Are there any other questions?"

After a brief silence Alan raises his hand and says, "Yeah, I've got one." He pauses, seeming to gather his thoughts before continuing, "How come it's always myself and Little John who provide the distraction?" Alan's question causes the men around the campfire to burst into fits of laughter.

Before Robin can answer, Arthur is commenting to his friend, "It's only because you and John are the best jokers we have."

"Yes, I suppose that's true," the bear-like man chimes in, "no one can create distractions as well as us, eh Alan?" The other man nods in agreement as laughter continues to be heard around the campfire.

Once a minute or two has passed Robin decides to wrap up the meeting, "Alright, anyone else want to add anything else to the plan?" When no other comments are made the outlaw tells them, "Right, in two days' time we'll move out and make camp at the rendezvous point." The Merry Men nod in agreement before they all start to move off, but Robin stops them, "There's just one more thing I need to address." The thief makes sure he has everyone's attention, then continues, "Yesterday, whilst I was scouting, a person was about to be executed. A woman." Robin pauses trying to gage the reaction of his men. When no one moves to protest or comment the thief proceeds with his declaration, "I rescued her but as she was injured I brought her back to camp. Her name is Wilma and currently she cannot walk, so she's residing in my tent. But in two days' time she will be able to do so." adopting a serious tone Robin says, "No one but myself and Tuck are permitted in that tent as we don't want to overwhelm her." He is grateful when the band nods nod in agreement. With nothing left to be addressed, the thief then dismisses them.

They all break off save for John who stays behind. As soon as the other men are immersed in their tasks the bear-like man comments in a slightly apprehensive tone, "So they are a woman. No wonder you were hesitant in giving too much away."

Robin sighs as he sits on a nearby log, replying, "She genuinely needed rescuing."

"Anyone would if they were about to be executed." John dead-pans.

"Anyway," the thief says, attempting to change the topic, "what do you think of the plan? I honestly think nothing can go wrong. It's that simple."

"It is." John agrees. "But how does she fit into all of it?"

The outlaw cannot look at his friend as he tells him the truth, "I have no bloody idea."

There's a moment of silence and Robin knows that John is keeping himself from blowing his top at the outlaw's carelessness. The thief glances at his friend and sees that he was staring right back, then with his voice usually calm he says, "I'm not mad Robin, if that's what you're thinking."

Robin nods in acknowledgement.

John continues, "I am merely concerned about the safety of our camp." A lengthy pause follows and the blue-eyed man waits to see if his friend will continue. When he has seemingly said his piece, Robin opens his mouth only to close it upon hearing the loud, frustrated sigh that leaves Little John's lips. "Oh, who am I kidding Robin?" the bear-like man booms as he stands from his seat, clearly losing any composure he had gained, "What do you think you're doing?"

Robin suddenly becomes aware of the other men who are watching this scene unfold causing him to stand and move over to the man trying to make him shut up.

Alas, to no avail, as John moves closer to loom over the outlaw, continuing to boom, "Bringing someone – a woman in distress no less – into our camp in the middle of planning a heist? Have you gone mad?"

Robin again attempts to console the man, "John please," he pauses, waiting for the man in front of him to listen fully, "I will figure it out."

"'You'll figure it out'?" the merry man mocks looking overly skeptical. "This isn't a job that can afford mistakes for God's sake Rob!"

The leader of the merry men stares down his comrade, "I'm well aware Little John. But one job doesn't mean that I desert my entire code. My way of life!"

John now has the decency to look guilty at his leader's statement and to finally keep his mouth shut.

Robin then takes a step back, continuing to stare daggers at his friend as he mutters, "Give me until sundown tomorrow. I'll work it out by then."

The outlaw then turns on his heel and marches straight out of camp, collecting his bow and quiver as he does, hoping that the forest will help clear his head.

Quiver. Nock. Anchor. Inhale. Release. Exhale.

Robin repeats this mantra each time he nocks an arrow to his bow before releasing it. With each release, the tension from recent events slowly soars away as each arrow flies towards its target. As each arrow meets its mark – always on the bullseye mind you – the outlaw's mind becomes clearer, allowing him to have an open mind to think.

Robin loves the woods.

Out here he felt he could truly be himself. Out here there were no expectations for him to lead anyone. Out here there was no pressure. Only the soft rustle of leaves in the trees and quiet songs of the wildlife.

Usually Robin would appreciate these things, but not today. Today his thoughts keep wandering to a mysterious brown-eyed woman and John's accusations.

He still couldn't understand it. Why did she push him away so suddenly? And after they seemed to be having a comfortable conversation. Unless it was all one sided says a little voice in the back of his mind. And John! God, what was his problem? Can't the man just trust that Robin has everything under control?

"'Concerned about the safety of the camp' he said," Robin mutters to no one in particular as he continues to assault a tree with arrows, "'A job that can't afford mistakes' he said. Well, he can bloody run things around here then if he's so concerned." The outlaw's blood boils as he thinks of the encounter, becoming blind as rage clouded his senses.

Suddenly, there's a loud crack, breaking Robin from his rage. He looks in the direction the noise had come from, and to his surprise it was directly ahead of him. As the outlaw studies the tree in front of him, he soon discovers the source of the noise.

He had managed in his blind rage to split an arrow down the middle.

"Quite the aim there!"

Robin whirls around to the owner of the voice, slightly in shock that he had not heard him approach. Just how angry was I? the thief asks himself before mentally shaking away the thought. He then makes his way over to Tuck and mutters, "Shockingly enough."

"What's got you all worked up?" the friar asks, a surprisingly sombre expression marking his features.

Robin sighs as he rests his bow and quiver against a nearby tree before taking a seat on a conveniently fallen log. "You heard him; John practically claimed I was mad." the thief replies.

"That's not all though is it?" Tuck prompts as he moves to sit next to the archer.

Robin can't help but give a dry chuckle and shake his head slowly as he says, "I don't understand it, Tuck. I know I just rescued the woman but one minute she's smiling and making witty remarks, then the next she's cold and distant. She's insufferable!"

A slight pause follows, only to be broken by the friar clearing his throat. "Think of the situation from her perspective," he points out, "as you said, she was only rescued a little over a day ago. Of course, she's not going to be the most trusting or open at the moment."

"I know." Robin agrees with a slight nod of his head. "But it still doesn't explain why she practically forced me out – of my tent no less – with no actual reason." the archer near-shouts, still incredibly annoyed by the whole situation, "And on bloody top of it all John thinks he can tell me how to run my own camp!" He then hears a chuckle come from the friar, making him glance over. "I'm glad this amusing for you." Robin quips turning his head away.

"I'm sorry, Robin," Tuck smiles, "it's just, does she even know it's your tent?"

"I- Well I mean she- I think-…maybe-" the thief stutters only to stop upon seeing the I'm-not-buying-it look coming from his friend. "Alright she doesn't even know." Robin admits, feeling slightly sheepish, even though he probably shouldn't, she never asked where she was and he didn't think it was exactly necessary seeing as she'd be gone in a few days. Plus, it was the only available tent at the time.

"I'm not saying you have to tell Wilma all the details. Just maybe try to make her feel as though she can trust you." Tuck tells Robin, effectively breaking him out of his thoughts. "And don't push her Rob. Nothing good ever comes from pushing a woman who feels threatened" he adds and the thief nods his head in response, his annoyance slipping away slightly as he understands the meaning of his friend's words. He then feels a hand on his shoulder and looks over at the friar who gives him a reassuring smile, "Look, you won't have to deal with her in a few days' time, so try and hold out 'till then."

Robin chuckles at the comment, grateful that his friend has helped him to het himself into a better mood.

Tuck then gives him another pat on the shoulder before getting up and heading back to camp, the thief also getting up to collect his arrows from the tree. "Oh, and Robin," the friar calls out making the archer turn around to face his friend, "you and I both know John wouldn't have the guts to run this camp."

Robin laughs, nodding his head in agreement as he watches his friend head back to camp before turning back to the tree.

Tuck was right, after a few days he would probably never see Wilma again. He could get through a few days couldn't he?

After all she seems pretty keen on leaving, and he wouldn't even dream of stopping her.

Once Robin made his way back into camp he makes sure that the hunting party have left to go and collect something for an edible dinner. He then moves around, checking in with his men although being sure to avoid John – the archer was still mad at him and isn't ready to face the man or his words yet. He also checks on their supply in weapons, making sure that they'll have enough for the upcoming heist.

Robin decides that they do and then proceeds to check up on Wilma. The thief pauses outside of his tent not knowing if she'll try to get him leave as soon as he pushes the flaps aside. And if she does, well he'll stay and she'll just have to deal with it won't she? Because whether they like it or not he has to tend to her wound again.

A thought then occurs to him that he could just get Tuck to do it instead and not have to bother at all. But then the said friar's earlier words echo in his mind, "try to make her feel as though she can trust you."

Deciding that the best way to do that is to face her himself, he slowly pushes a flap to the side so he can peek in, and when he does relief washes over him. Wilma lays asleep on the lone cot within the tent. She looks rather peaceful in this state and a part of him is glad that she's getting the sleep she apparently lacked last night. Robin then proceeds to enter the tent and being the skilled thief that he is he manages to make no noise, so as to not wake the currently sleeping woman.

Then he moves over to the small table he keeps in here, grabbing a clean cloth and the fresh salve Tuck had conjured after their discussion in the woods, before sitting on the ground at a respectable distance from the brunette. The thief then lifts her skirts, making sure his movements are gentle to again prevent from disturbing the woman, because if he's being honest, Robin rather prefers her this way. And it's not that he doesn't like her company – he actually enjoys it, which is odd seeing as they're barely acquaintances – he just thinks that she's easier to get along with this way as her mouth can't comment on his every action.

After positioning Wilma's skirts so that they sit just above the wound, Robin gingerly starts unwrapping the cloth that's already covering it. He stops whenever he feels her stir slightly, and doesn't proceed until she's still again.

One the cloth is removed the blue-eyed man brings the bowl containing the salve closer. He dips the cloth into the solution before solely and softly dabbing it over the injury. At first, Wilma remains completely still, unaware of the salve being applied to her thigh, and Robin continues to gently dab the cloth over her wound. But no matter how softly he's applying the solution, the brunette begins to stir, causing the thief to pause in his actions. To his relief she only shifts slightly making a slight noise of discomfort all the while continuing to sleep.

As soon as she resettles, Robin dabs the salve over the wound once more. Then, he places the bowl and dirty cloth on the table before grabbing another clean cloth. He makes his way back over to Wilma, slowly and softly wrapping the new makeshift bandage around her wound. After making sure the cloth is secure the thief gently pulls down the brunette's skirts and straightens them out.

Robin then stands up and lets his gaze fall on the woman's face. He suddenly notices that her facial features, although beautiful, don't quite match the tone of her voice. Upon the eyes of a stranger it would seem that the voice that would leave her lips would have a light and soft tone to it. But this was not the case. Wilma's voice is neither light nor soft, it has more of a gentle rasp to it and has a rather low pitch. Robin couldn't help but wonder if the woman was hiding something, but quickly pushes it to the back of his mind. It's not like she could've used magic to change her appearance. Or could she?

The thief quickly decides that she probably can't use magic, as if that were the case she would've saved herself from being near-executed. But he still couldn't shake the feeling that she was hiding something. Deciding that he should check on how dinner is progressing he moves over to exit the tent.

"Do you make staring a habit?"

The outlaw turns around at the sound of her voice, finding that the woman is indeed conscious. "How long have you been awake?" Robin asks, as he was sure that his movements were careful and quiet from the moment he entered the tent.

Well, apparently not.

Wilma just shrugs before answering, "Only since you so rudely started applying that blasted solution on my open wound. This stinging would've woken the dead."

Robin immediately cringes. He really had thought she was in a deep enough sleep. But that doesn't mean he's in the wrong. "Well, unfortunately it was necessary." the blue-eyed man states.

Uncomfortable silence follows as the outlaw isn't sure what else needs to be said. He knows he should probably say something, but then again should he? It was her after all that had asked him to leave last time. With that in mind the outlaw turns back to the tent flaps and proceeds to exit the tent.

"Robin I- " the said man turns around, curious as to what she has to say, "I just…" The brunette's voice trails off as she seemingly contemplates her words. The thief raises his eyebrows, silently telling her he's waiting for her to continue.

Wilma sighs before meeting his gaze as she tells him, "I just wanted to apologise for my earlier behaviour."

"There's nothing to apologise for, milady." Robin states stopping the woman from continuing. "You've made it perfectly clear that-"

"No, I do." she presses, effectively cutting him off. "I shouldn't have forced you to leave earlier, especially when you've been nothing but kind to me." Wilma says.

A pause follows, and when she doesn't continue the blue-eyed man asks, "So why did you?" When the woman gives him a confused look he clarifies, "Why did you force me to leave? I mean to me it seemed all was fine."

The brunette breaks eye contact for a moment before her brown orbs settle on his blue ones, replying, "When I tried to sit up, I-I was hit with a severe wave of dizziness." Robin opens his mouth to comment on how that's no excuse when she beats him to it, "I know that isn't an excuse, I just-" she sighs almost in exasperation before proceeding, "I just got a flood of overwhelming memories, but I shouldn't have-I mean I didn't-oh, I don't know!" The thief notes that the brown -eyed woman is becoming increasingly frustrated as her voice has taken on an annoyed tone he realises he is becoming increasingly familiar with.

When she opens her mouth to make a comment – no doubt on how she shouldn't have to clarify her actions – and lose her temper in the process, Robin intervenes, "Look you don't have to explain. If you want to be left alone that's more than fine."

Something flickers across her features that the blue-eyed man can't quite put his finger on, but it's gone as quickly as it came, replaced with a hardened glare.

"I'll bring you something to eat in about an hours' time or less." the thief states as he turns on his heel and swiftly exits the tent.

God, she was an infuriating woman!

God, he was an infuriating man!

If I had magic right now he'd be nothing more than a pile of ash. Regina thought to herself as soon as the thief left the tent.

Regina thought she was being nice when she apologised – hence why she did it – and just because that outlaw runs the place it doesn't mean he has the right to force her into explaining her reasons behind everything. She's the Queen for God's sakes!

Sure, she had been short with him, maybe even to the point where she's being too snappy. But could anyone blame her? It's not every day that you find out you were rescued by your soulmate. Fate really can be cruel. How else would she be forced to stay in the very same camp where he resided?

And who the hell does he think he is? Telling her that she can be alone if she so desperately chooses! As soon as he made that comment her mind had flickered back to her cold and lonely castle. Bastard. She hates him. But she hates herself even more for letting yet another man get the best of her. Why bother when the only reward is a rush of unwanted memories mixed with new and hurtful ones?

If she was being honest the brunette wasn't even sure why he was destined to be her soulmate. He was so frustrating let alone likeable! The only reason she even apologised was so that some of the awkwardness might lift, as she realised it would be difficult to coincide with each other if the uncomfortable tension between them continued.

At first, it seemed like a good idea. Now Regina regrets ever coming up with it in the bloody first place. She should've just stayed cold and distant. Yes, it probably would've made things awkward, but now – now the tension is just unbearable.

From now on Regina would focus only on breaking her fever, healing her wound and finding Snow White. Once Snow was dead – only when Snow was dead – would Regina finally be happy.

She would prove Tinkerbell and her insipid pixie dust wrong; revenge was the only way to be happy.

Suddenly the tent flaps open, causing the brunette to jump up, but immediately regretting it as dizziness overcomes her yet again. Blasted infection. Those knights are as good as dead she tells herself as she closes her eyes in hopes to ease her spinning head.

As she's easing herself to lie back down she feels a damp cloth being placed upon her forehead. Regina has no idea as to who's currently holding it, she merely hopes it's not that annoying thief.

After what feels like hours, her head stops going around in circles and the brunette feels she can open her eyes. What she sees when she does surprises her to say the least. While she's relieved it isn't that thief she wouldn't go as far to say she's thrilled with the idea of a stranger entering her personal space for the second time in only a couple of days.

"Trying to sit up will only allow the fever to worsen," the stranger comments, his voice unexpectedly soothing even with a slight rasp to it, "you need to rest if you want to break it."

"I've had no choice but to rest." Regina snaps, as she's still in an annoyed mood.

When the man keeps the cloth on her forehead but doesn't reply she glances up at him. She notices that he's rather on the pudgy side and faintly smells of ale, causing her to assume he likes to drink. In appearance he seems like a relatively kind man, but nevertheless Regina can't afford to take any chances so she makes no further comment.

The silence continues as the stranger keeps dabbing the damp cloth to her head.

It breaks when he speaks, "Well, it appears that the salve is doing its job, your fever has appeared to lessen and your thigh is certainly healing, though you still won't be able to move. Not for another day at least." Regina just gives him a confused look. Who was he exactly? Almost as if reading her mind, he answers her un-asked question, "Friar Tuck, although everyone 'round here calls me Tuck. I'm the appointed healer of the group.

The brunette merely nods. At least she now knows the name of the stranger as well as his occupation – which explains the robes her was adorned with – and although she thought he was a part of the band of outlaws, her suspicions have been somewhat confirmed.

"So, Wilma, care to enlighten me as to why Robin appeared so frustrated upon leaving this tent?"

Regina can't help but to feel slightly proud that she's managed to get under the outlaw's skin. It's what he deserves in her point of view. It also didn't allude her that the friar knew her name, well her fake one anyway. It's not surprising. From what I can tell being inside this tent, it is a rather small camp. Noticing that the friar is still waiting for an answer she says, "I believe it's none of your business."

A smile appears on his face, causing Regina to glare at him. "What?" she asks, exasperated as the friar's allusiveness is starting to get on her nerves. This whole band must be made of incompetent men.

The only response she gets is a shrug, before Tuck removes the cloth from her forehead, after giving it a few more dabs. "I assume he's already tended to your wound." he comments, completely ignoring Regina's question, as he moves to put the cloth away.

The brunette just scoffs. If only this guy knew who he was really talking to. "Why should I answer your questions when you don't bother to answer mine." she snaps, her patience growing incredibly thin.

"First of all, that last one was more of a statement that a question as I can see the slave has been used." the friar replies, "Secondly, I think I actually asked you a question first and you didn't reply." He looks at her then a small smirk present on his features, as he sits at the other side of the tent near the small table.

Two can play at that game. "I did answer your question," the brunette snaps, "my answer was that it's none of your business."

"You're right." the man agrees. "I merely asked as no one has ever managed to piss off Robin in such a way, and I would love to know how you did it." Regina isn't sure whether he's joking or being completely serious, but from the look on his face it seems that he is indeed dead serious.

Deciding there's no harm in briefly retelling what happened between the thief and herself she relents. "I was trying to apologise for my actions earlier and explain the reasons behind them," she tells him, "when he stopped me and told me when to expect the next round of food."

Tuck nods, "Yes, our Robin is stubborn in his ways at times."

"Stubborn?" Regina grumbles, "More like intolerable." The friar chuckles causing the brunette to raise an eyebrow, "Something funny?"

"No," the man replies, "I just wouldn't say that to his face."

"Why not?" Regina questions. "It's the truth. If someone were to say it, they just might manage to put him in his place."

"While that may be true, Robin is a kind man to everyone he comes across." Tuck smiles. "I wouldn't take advantage of that if I were you."

His statement then makes the brunette curious, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I pray you won't have to find out." is the friar's only reply as he stands up and makes his way over to the exit. He turns around once he reaches the tent flaps aside, "I know Robin can be difficult to read, or to put up with even," Regina can't help but scoff at this, "but his heart is in the right place." he tells her. Then as he exits the tent he softly adds, "He didn't have to save you, but he still did."

Long after he's gone, Regina continues to stare at where the friar had stood, mulling over his words.

The disguised queen was now more confused than ever. It was almost as if she had been given a warning, but Regina had no intention of staying around long enough to discover the meaning behind it. As soon as she was healed she would be gone, resuming her search for Snow White.

But even then as she tries to continue formulating a plan for finding the brat, Regina's mind keeps replaying the recent conversation in her mind. The sooner I get out of here the better.

Only a few minutes pass before the tent flaps open again, this time revealing the thief holding a bowl in his hands. He now wears a somewhat calmer expression, one which the brunette hopes to reciprocate as Tuck's words play out in her mind, and deciding there's no harm in being civil.

The blue-eyed man makes his way over and hands her the bowl in silence. Regina then expects him to leave, only to be surprised when he sits next to the table. "I want to apologise." he gently utters, before she can ask him why he's still here.

The brown-eyed woman blinks at him before indicating with her head for him to continue, "God on then."

The outlaw sighs, looking at his hands for a moment, then meeting her gaze. "I'm sorry I didn't allow you to explain. I understand this whole experience would be quite overwhelming for you." Regina nods in agreement, he has no idea. "I also want to apologise if I upset you in some way earlier this morning." he adds and the brunette can tell it's sincere.

"No, you didn't upset me," she hastily replies, "as I said earlier, I just had a rush of memories I thought I had buried a long time ago." The brown-eyed woman then shifts her gaze to his tattoo which sits visibly on his forearm almost tauntingly and she can't help it as her breath unwillingly catches in her throat.

"I see." he says softly. Regina brings her gaze back to his, finding kindness and understanding swirled within his pools of blue. "Well, if you ever need to get something off your chest, I'd be happy to lend and ear if that were to make you more comfortable during your stay here." the thief offers.

"Thank you." the brown-eyed woman tells him, smiling softly and surprising herself as it feels genuine. Maybe this outlaw really wasn't so bad. Maybe she could get to know this man who was destined to be her soulmate. But only a little, she reminds herself, no good will come from getting attached.

So, with that in mind she asks him, "What's the meaning behind it?"

"Behind what exactly?" Robin enquires, cocking his head slightly.

"Your tattoo," she clarifies, "I noticed it earlier."

He ahhs in recognition, before motioning to it and replying, "It's my family's crest. I was marked with it when I was seventeen, as was custom." Regina listens intently, wanting to know the significance behind the tattoo that seemingly holds her fate. "It was a sign that I branded my loyalty to the family I used to call home." He pauses then, and the brown-eyed woman can tell he's reliving a clearly unpleasant memory. "There was an accident," he continues, "I lost everything I knew that day. So, I turned to thievery and that's all there is."

"I'm sorry." the brunette murmurs.

"It happened a long time ago." Robin assures her with a small smile but Regina can tell there is more to the story from the haunted look in his eyes, but she wasn't one to pry. She knew how painful the past can be, all too well, so she merely nods before remembering the bowl in her hands.

A silence falls over the pair as the brunette slurps at the broth inside of the bowl.

After a couple of minutes pass, Robin breaks the silence as he asks, "How was it exactly that you ended up at the mercy of the Queen's guard?"

Regina almost chokes at his question and avoids eye contact as she relives the events from a couple of days ago. Realising she's said nothing the brunette coughs before she answers, "It was just a big misunderstanding."

"How was it a misunderstanding exactly?"

Sheepishly she looks at him, trying to figure out the best explanation without revealing the truth. "I was caught doing something that was the exact opposite of what I was accused for." Regina blushes deciding that was the best way to describe the fiasco. "But you saved me, so it no longer matters." she adds trying to dodge the current topic of conversation and continue to eat her dinner.

Clearly the outlaw has other ideas. "But what was it that you were accused of?" he prods, "I mean should I be on the lookout for the Queen herself?"

"Trust me, you won't have to worry about her." the disguised queen chuckles as she finishes the broth. If only he knew.

Robin nods, "Alright, if you say so."

Regina then hands him the empty bowl and he stands, "Well, you should get some rest now."

She only nods in response, not knowing what else there is to say.

The thief then makes his way to the exit before turning around. Brown orbs lock onto blue once more, "Good night, Wilma." he says softly, "I hope sleep will be more forthcoming to you than it was the previous night."

Regina smiles at his comment. "Goodnight, Robin," she returns, "and thank you, again."

"You're welcome milady." Robin grins as he exits through the tent's flaps.

The brunette smiles softly to herself, staring at the space where he had been standing, before letting sleep claim her. But just before she closes her eyes she allows herself to dwell slightly on the feelings that are suddenly being reawakened within her. And as she closes her eyes, all she can think about is a kind-hearted thief with a lion tattoo and endless pools of blue, that if she wasn't careful she would surely drown in.

That night as Robin gives into slumber, a certain pair of whiskey brown eyes dance within his mind and something tells him that wherever those eyes go, trouble is surely to follow.

A/N: Congrats! You've made it! So Regina's discovered the tattoo and has no where to run, the perfect scenario am I right? But what'll happen when she's free to look for Snow?

Please review, I would love to know your thoughts on this.

Thanks for reading!