Chapter 5: Healing Hearts

A/N: Ok, yes I know I am posting later. Trust me it's a lot later than what I originally planned. I've just had a lot going on personally at the moment.

This chapter didn't really turn out how I wanted it to as I sort of had to rush to finish it, but I hope you will still enjoy it.

Please review! I would love to know your thoughts and what people are thinking when they are reading this. Please! I need feedback! (And I would especially like to know what your thoughts are on this Tols)

Ok I'll stop rambling - Enjoy! :)

He may or may not have lied that he had an errand to run. In all honesty Robin just needed an excuse to get his emotions in check. It has been a long time since he had confided in someone about Marian's death. Sure, his men were supportive during it all and he knew he could tell them anything, but they had each felt the effects of his late wife's passing in different ways. And at the time none of them had known how they should go about their grief. Robin especially.

So, the thief learned to bury his grief as he came to the conclusion that, it was for the best. He very well couldn't be a leader for his men or a father to his son if he let himself become lost in the agony that carried a hole in his heart.

But in saying that, Robin did allow himself the time to wallow during the quiet moments, often found when he would wander the woods alone, especially during the first year. He would let himself cry, yell or scream to his heart's content. Sometimes it would ease the heaviness in his heart. Other times it just added to the weight.

His men offered their support to the best of their abilities, and Robin was – is – grateful. They helped make it easier for him to keep going, though in the beginning it was difficult to wake up and get on with a new day.

The only thing Robin would wake up for at first, was his son. The only real joy that was left in his life at the time. Initially, Roland couldn't understand why his mother had to leave them and Robin's heart would break each time the boy would ask if she was ever coming back. The thief would smile sadly as he told his son that his mother couldn't come back to them, no matter how much they wanted her to. Robin would then continue to say how she would always be watching over them from heaven and would keep them safe.

Over time it became easier as the outlaw slowly accepted Marian's death, but he would never forget it. But instead of looking back on the memories with sadness and longing, Robin now remembers them with happiness and fondness.

So, it had surprised him when he was talking with Wilma at how easily the conversation flowed and at how his grief had resurfaced in an almost unbearable way and with a sudden sense of guilt as the memories that washed over him were ones he had not thought about in a long time. Too long in his opinion.

Robin can't understand it. He just gets this feeling that could talk to her about everything and anything. It's strange really, especially seeing as he hasn't ever expressed his feelings in front of anyone since Marian died. He doesn't know what came over him. All he knows is that once he saw the understanding and caring look in her eyes mixed with the soft touch of her hand against his, the emotions he had buried deep within his heart abruptly resurfaced and it all became too much.

So, he made an excuse to leave. But even as he was going in search of Tuck his smile had remained on his face as he thought of her comment. It makes him wonder if she feels a similar way, if she feels as though she could tell him things she wouldn't tell others. But even with her thoughtfulness he still needed some time to himself.

He had found Tuck rather quickly and was grateful and relieved that his friend was more than willing to keep Wilma company without needing a proper explanation. After thanking the friar Robin made his way into town as it would be easier to cover up his lie that way.

So, that is where the thief finds himself, wandering around the town square, aimlessly searching for something that doesn't exist.

And as his feet scuff along the cobblestones his mind drifts, trying to answer the question that keeps popping up in his mind; how was that woman able to reawaken these emotions he has not thought about in years?

Robin shakes his head as he decides he won't be able to come to a conclusion on his own. Instead he focuses on regaining control of his emotions as he cannot act clearly if his thoughts are tainted by them.

But even as he tries, he finds himself wanting to take the brunette up on her offer and tell her more about himself and in turn learn more about her. Robin sighs at the ridiculousness of it, because that's what it is; ridiculous. It's not like she's going to hang around once she's able to walk on her own two feet again. Nevertheless, his heart betrays him, tells him to open up to her more.

The whole reason I came here in the first place was to forget anything related to that conversation the thief tells himself before he is effectively broken out of his thoughts by a sudden shove. Robin stumbles forward slightly but once he regains his balance the outlaw whirls around with his fists up, ready to confront the man who had pushed him. Much to his surprise, he then comes face to face with one of the Queen's black knights.

The outlaw stands frozen for a moment, not yet sure as to how he should go about this. "And who do you think you are exactly to go walking into a member of the Queen's royal guard?" the knight booms, immediately drawing the attention of passers-by.

Deciding it would be best to avoid a full confrontation, Robin lowers his fists and bows his head, grateful that the hood of his cloak seems to be covering his true identity. "Pardon me my good sir, I'm afraid I'm not sure where my head is today."

He hears the man scoff. "I suggest you find it before you lose it permanently." he taunts.

The blue-eyed man doesn't reply and keeps his head low as he waits for the knight to walk away. Much to the outlaw's relief he does, and the odd person that had stopped to watch the scene unfold moves on. Robin then turns on his heel to walk back in the direction he was heading in before. "That was too close." he murmurs to himself, deciding that he'd quickly gather some extra supplies before heading back to camp.

Robin doesn't relax until the tents that make up his camp are in sight. But even then he glances over his shoulder, checking if he has been followed for what must be the thousandth time that day. When he decides he's in the clear yet again he continues into camp.

The thief doesn't go into the centre just yet, instead he goes over to where the supplies are kept and grabs the satchel that is slung over his shoulder. He empties the contents of the it into one of the storage chests they lug around with them. At least we'll be eating a proper meal tonight Robin muses before standing and turning to go relieve Wilma of Tuck's company.

But before he can take a step forward, Little John blocks his path. "I think we need to talk." the bear-like man says softly.

"Yes, I suppose we do," Robin replies as he looks the man in the eye, "but I'm not sure now is the best time."

The thief then moves to walk past him, but Little John grabs his arm. "How long are you going to keep avoiding me Rob?" he asks.

The outlaw sighs. "I don't know John," he answers honestly, "but right now, I need to focus my attention on the heist."

"Is that so?" John scoffs. "Then care to explain why a woman is sitting in the middle of camp? And in the company of a should-be-working-Tuck." the man gruffly continues.

Robin turns and looks the man dead in the eye as he replies, "Wilma is out of that tent because I will not allow her to be stuck in there while she's under my care." The thief pauses, letting the Merry Man know he's hitting a sore subject before adding, "And as for Tuck, I asked him to keep her company and he willingly agreed, claiming he had no other important work to tend to at that moment."

The blue-eyed man waits for a reply. When he receives none, he yanks his arm out of John's grasp and turns to walk to his original destination.

"Robin." The said man hears Little John call making him stop in his tracks, but he does not turn around. "I am sorry for what I said yesterday, it wasn't my place. I know you would never intentionally put us in harm's way."

The thief just nods. "I still need time John." Robin tells him. When there is again no reply, the outlaw continues forward, silently hoping that he will be able to find some kind of distraction to take his mind off of all troubles, past and present.

It's nice to be out in the open air again. Regina muses to herself as she continues to sit on the same log Robin had left her on – it's not exactly like she could move anyway. But in all honesty she doesn't care how much time has passed, she's just enjoying how the soft breeze feels against her skin, cooling her still warm face – as her fever has yet to break. The brunette revels in the peace and quiet that nature offers.

Regina didn't realise how much she missed – needed – the serenity and natural beauty in her life. I never should have shut myself off from this. the brown-eyed woman tells herself as she realises that if she didn't, she may not have done all of the horrors she has committed.

Or maybe her life would be exactly the same. I guess I'll never know.

Regina sighs. Quite frankly she didn't know what to think anymore. It's almost as if her whole world has been flipped upside down. One minute she's nearing closer to her revenge and the next she's unconscious only to wake up and discover she's stuck in a camp with her destined soulmate, with the addition of practically being forced to sleep on dirt. The brown-eyed woman exhales another sigh as she attempts to break from the spiral she's just put herself in, but isn't very successful.

What effectively snaps Regina from her thoughts is the sudden cough from next to her causing her to look at the man who had been silent for the past couple of minutes.

"Lost in thought?" the friar asks.

Regina gives a small chuckle, as she lets her eyes fall to her hands in her lap, "I suppose you could say that."

She hears the man hum in agreement. "It's amazing isn't it?"

"What is?" the brunette questions, a confused expression on her face as she turns he attention back to the friar.

"How one's mind can roam freely when there is nothing but quiet." Tuck clarifies. The brown-eyed woman merely nods, a small smile forming on her lips. "Want to share what's swimming around in your head?" he asks.

Regina shakes her head in response, "Thank you, but I'm not ready to share yet. I don't know if I ever will be really."

Tuck nods in understanding. "Well, if you change your mind, I'm sure there's a few of us that will be willing to listen." he offers with a small smile.

The brown-eyed woman returns it as she murmurs, "Thank you."

The pair again fall into silence. Regina finds that she's starting to like the company of this friar. He seems to appreciate the silence as much as she does. Even when he had come over when Robin had left, he hadn't forced her into any conversation, just offered her a kind smile. And when they had the odd conversation the topics were usually kept very generic, which Regina was grateful for.

She is still getting her head around how easily she has been able to talk to Robin and Tuck. Especially Robin. It's odd, seeing as she hasn't had someone she felt comfortable enough to really talk to – aside from her father of course. But here's these men – Robin in particular – who were doing everything they could to make her feel comfortable. And although Regina would bever admit it, she would say they have managed to do so, as she hasn't felt this comfortable around a human being in a long time.

The brunette was also touched that the thief would go to such lengths as to take her out of the tent, letting her have some fresh air and a change of scenery. She remembers the look of understanding he had on his face after she had said how she secretly felt about her freedom. At the time she was partially shocked that she had said it so openly – and she partially still was – but then she realised that it just felt right to be so open with him. Yes, that may be due to the whole soulmate thing, but soulmates aside, Regina genuinely feels as though she can tell Robin anything. It's a weird feeling, seeing as they still hardly know each other.

Suddenly the disguised queen hears the rustling of leaves, signalling someone's approach and automatically tenses. But as she turns her head to see who it is, she relaxes upon seeing it's Robin and gives him a small smile.

He returns it with what the brunette notices is a more forced one making her assume that something is on his mind. "Welcome back." she says, trying to aid in some form of distraction as he looks as though he could use one. "Was your trip successful?"

Robin sighs as he comes to a stop a few feet in front of her, a hand scratching the back of his head. "It was partly successful, I suppose." he replies.

The brunette nods as a slightly awkward silence falls over them.

The blue-eyed man clears his throat, before addressing the man beside her, "Um, you can go back to whatever you need to do Tuck."

The friar nods then faces Regina, "I'm sure I'll be seeing you later Wilma."

The disguised queen gives him a small smile and a nod in return before he turns and leaves, leaving her alone with the thief.

Regina pats the space next to her on the log, "Sit." Robin gives a slight nod as he sits down, leaving a respectable distance between them. "Something on your mind?" she asks softly. The outlaw shrugs and the brunette notices how his gaze remains ahead of him. "I mean it's alright if you don't want to say anything," she says, "it just looks as though something's troubling you."

"How can you tell?" he questions, still not bothering to look at her.

"Well if I'm being honest, you're wearing a very sombre expression for someone who is usually so cheerful, at least from what I've seen during my stay here." the brown-eyed woman replies. The thief looks at her then with a questioning look to which she gives a small chuckle before adding, "That, and you're being awfully quiet compared to the man I met a couple of days prior." He laughs at that and Regina surprises herself at how satisfied it makes her feel knowing she's given him something to laugh about, no matter how small it is.

"Yes, I suppose I have been rather talkative haven't I?" Robin replies.

The brunette hums in agreement. "Quite talkative indeed." she quips causing them both to chuckle before a now comfortable silence settles over them. The brown-eyed woman notices his gaze returns to the forest ahead and she gets a feeling that she knows exactly what's on his mind. So, for a reason she cannot quite explain, she decides to try to get him to open up a bit. "It's your wife isn't it?" Regina asks softly, knowing from experience that remembering a loved one who is long gone is a rather sore topic.

As she expected, his eyes immediately snap towards her, eyes that are filled with a pain and longing she knows all too well. The thief then averts his gaze slightly as he seemingly attempts to keep a hold of his emotions. He coughs slightly before softly stating with a voice thick with emotion, "Yes." After a short pause a dry and humourless laugh leaves his lips, "Memories are full of pain aren't they?"

Regina gives an equally unamused chuckle at his obvious statement. "They sure are." she replies.

Robin sighs, his eyes still fixed ahead of him. "I always tried to make her happy no matter what," he says, "she didn't deserve this life, but she agreed to it anyway. And because of that I vowed to myself that I would always treat her the way she deserved to be. I vowed to make her happy." There's a short pause as the blue-eyed man swallows thickly. "But then she became sick when she was pregnant with Roland," he reveals, "I was able to heal her with magical aid, and even though there were complications with the birth they both had managed to make it. But a few months after, Marian had a relapse of the same illness she had caught, only this time I couldn't find a magical cure, and each day she would slowly get worse and worse as her fever seemed to consume her. We tried everything we could but…" he trails off and Regina patiently waits for him to continue, knowing how difficult it is to relive such painful memories, and knowing this is something he obviously has to get off his chest. After an intake of breath, he continues, "But once the illness turned into pneumonia upon reaching her lungs…it was too late. So, each day I would bring her out of the tent and sit with her out here in the open forest, and at times I would truly fool myself into believing that she was perfectly healthy. That's how happy and content she looked."

Regina doesn't know what compels her to do it, but she reaches over and places her hand over his, offering some form of comfort. She notices how Robin's gaze moves to their hands but ignores it. "I'm sorry if my being out here brings on too many painful memories," she tells him, voice gentle, "if you need me to I can just go back to the tent."

But he quickly shakes his head, his eyes meeting hers, "No, it's alright. It's just that they're memories I haven't thought about for a while now."

Her heart aches as she recognises the guilt reflected in the thief's eyes. Aches because she herself knows how painful it is when you realise that memories you used to play over and over in your head become exactly just that. A memory. And the guilt you feel when those memories move to the furthest reaches of your mind so that they are one of the last things you think about. Regina knows exactly how he feels, hence why, with her hand still on his she offers again, "I can go back. I'd understand."

But he again shakes his head. "It wouldn't be fair to you." Robin retorts. The brunette opens her mouth to protest only to be stopped as he adds, "And in turn it wouldn't be fair to me." At this she gives him a confused look to which he gives a small chuckle. "I need to learn to move on and to live with those memories. It's what Marian would have wanted for me." he says.

Regina nods in understanding before they fall into a comfortable silence, their gazes remaining locked. They stay like that for a time, and Regina feels herself being pulled into the depths of his soft blue eyes. It's only when he shifts his hand does she realise that hers is still resting atop his. So, she removes it gently, brings it to rest next to her on the log and her eyes move again to look out at the forest ahead. The brown-eye woman then decides to break the silence, "I don't know if it's any consolation but, I'm sure she'd be proud of you for doing so." She turns her head ever so slightly, catching the dip of his head and she assumes he's gathering what composure he still has.

Then he chuckles softly before turning his head to look at her. "This may sound slightly crazy," he says, "but, hearing you say that just now means more than you'll ever know."

She smiles softly at him, and somehow she knows exactly how he feels. "That doesn't sound crazy at all." she tells him sincerely. This time when his blue orbs meet her brown, her breath catches as she notices something swirling within them that she can't quite put her finger on. Feeling her cheeks flush, Regina lowers her gaze to her lap where she has brought both of her hands.

"Earlier you mentioned how you don't miss freedom until it's gone." she hears him say to which she hums in agreement. "What did you mean by that?" the thief continues to ask.

The brunette sighs debating whether she should continue this conversation or try to end it. But it's in vain as she already knows she wants to share her feeling with him, which confuses her slightly – to say the very least. So, after and intake of breath, Regina says, "I've been trapped my whole life. My mother isn't the most caring or understanding of women. She was very controlling. But considering how my life has turned out, I now realise that I had a lot more freedom then, than what I do now." She gives an ironic laugh as she lifts her head slightly and shakes her head, "I thought that once I was married, I would be able to make my own decisions for once in my life," the brunette swallows thickly as she again lowers her head, "I couldn't have been more wrong." She closes her eyes as she is swamped by an onslaught of emotions.

Even though the disguised queen hasn't revealed the complete extent of Cora's iron grip, it's still enough to provide a painful reminder of how, in the end, her mother put her gain for power over her daughter.

She's broken out of her thoughts when she feels the warmth of his hand on her own, causing her to lift her head, her brown orbs finding his already intently staring at her. "I can't even begin to imagine how that must feel." he says and the caring tone in his voice and the way he's looking at her is almost enough for Regina to reveal a little more about herself.

But she doesn't. She doesn't because she knows that if she does, attachments will form.

And that is something that cannot happen – no matter how much Regina finds herself wanting to do so.

However, the brunette keeps her eyes locked with his as his hand remains on hers, taking the little comfort that he's offering her. She allows this moment as she has not been comforted in a long time. Has always prevented any sort of thing from happening. But Regina is coming to realise that she's growing tired of trying to bury her emotions especially when doing exactly that has prevented her from enjoying the world that she used to be so immersed in.

The pair don't talk much after that and the brown-eyed woman doesn't mind that one bit. Because sometimes sitting in silence can speak louder and far more clearly than any words that can be formed.

Regina doesn't know how long they spent sitting together. They did share the odd conversation, but they were of lighter topics and mainly consisted of friendly banter. The brunette now finds that she rather enjoys his company – more than she already did that morning. She supposes it's because he manages to make the odd laugh leave her lips and treats her as an equal – doesn't see her as someone to avoid. Regina knows it's probably only because he doesn't know who she really is. But for some reason she knows that even if he did he would still treat her as an equal, but possibly with a lot less respect – not that he shows much anyway.

She had stayed out for supper and got to meet the rest of the Merry Men who she found to indeed be very merry. The brunette had found that she also quite enjoyed their company, even if some crass comments were made.

She has now finished her meal. One of the younger men of the group – Alan she thinks his name is – offers to take her plate. The brown-eyed woman hands it to him as she gives him a small smile, murmuring a "Thank you."

He nods his head as he says, "You're very welcome." before giving a mock bow and causing Regina to give a light-hearted chuckle.

A few more minutes pass and she finds that she cannot wipe the smile from her face. She realises that this is the first time, in what feels like forever, that she has never enjoyed herself this much. The brunette then feels a hand on her shoulder and looks up to see Robin who is smiling down at her. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut your night here, milady." he says.

Her only response is to pout as she replies, "Must you? But the fun has barely begun."

He laughs at her response and Regina's features fall back into a smile. "Well, if you want to keep your fever by all means, enjoy yourself." the thief quips.

Regina rolls her eyes at his comment. "Alright," she concedes, "I suppose your words do have a point, not matter how small that point might be."

"Excuse me?" Robin exclaims, but she can tell it's out of humour rather than exasperation. "I will inform you that all my words have a rather large point to them, thank you very much."

The brunette just smiles and shakes her head as he continues his antics. "Well are you going to help me get to my tent, or are you simply going to leave me here to brave the elements?" she demands when he makes no point to move.

This time he's the one to chuckle as he lowers himself to her eye level. "I am more than willing to aid her majesty with getting back to her tent." he says, voice lowering as his blue orbs pierce into her brown ones. Regina finds her breath catching at his words and wonders for a second if he's managed to figure out who she really is before deciding that if that were the case the mischievous glint in his eyes would be non-existent.

Suddenly his arms wrap around her and he's lifting her from the log. She gives a yelp in surprise and winds her arms around his neck to keep herself steady. As he starts heading in the direction of the tent, Regina bids the rest of his men goodnight which they return in kind.

On the short trip from the campfire to the tent, the brunette can't help but marvel slightly at the taunt muscles that are flexing slightly underneath her fingertips. She bites her lip slightly as she decides that he is rather good looking and can see another version of herself being attracted to him but doesn't allow herself to dwell on it much.

Once they reach the tent, Robin lowers her onto the cot before quickly cleaning and redressing her wound.

"Thank you." she tells him.

He looks at her after placing the nearly empty bowl on the table as well as the dirty cloth. "For what exactly?" he asks.

Regina smiles softly as she replies, "For taking me out of this rather confining tent."

Robin chuckles at that before he moves to the foot of the cot. "It was my pleasure, milady." he says. "And if you wanted to," the thief adds, "I could take you out of this confining tent again tomorrow."

The brunette laughs as he emphasis same word she used to describe the tent. "That would be nice." she agrees.

He nods. "But, if your fever manages to break over night, I suppose you won't really need my help for that now will you?" he questions.

"No, I suppose I won't." the brown-eyed woman responds. "But I guess we'll see tomorrow, won't we?" she goes on to ask.

Robin again nods as he stands. "Goodnight, Wilma." he says gently.

"Goodnight, Robin." Regina replies. "And again, thank you," she adds, "today was wonderful."

"Any time milady." the thief comments as he gives a mock bow, making the brunette smile. He returns it before turning and exiting through the flaps of the tent. The disguised queen continues to smile to herself as she closes her eyes.

But before sleep claims her, Regina's mind wanders to thoughts of Snow White and suddenly she is reminded of why she's even out here in the first place. It suddenly dawns on her that she could leave tomorrow. She could finally find that miserable existence of a girl and end her once and for all.

Only the brunette finds that she doesn't want to leave this camp yet, not when one man and his men have managed to make her smile that much in a few short days.

Suddenly Regina becomes angry at herself. She shouldn't want this. She couldn't be happy this way. Or could she? The brown-eyed woman is then overwhelmed with too many emotions, making it impossible for one answer to form clearly in her mind.

However, she decides that one thing is certain. She cannot get attached to Robin Hood no matter how much her heart wants her to. In all honesty that should terrify her, but it doesn't. What does scare her though is the fact that she feels that she's already at a point of no return; because deep within her heart she knows.

She has already become attached to the honourable Robin Hood.

A/N: So seems like our Thief and Her Majesty may or may not be developing some form of feelings for one another. And what about Regina's plan for revenge? Can she still go through with it?

Guess you'll have to wait and see!

I may not post yet again until a fortnight's time as I need to focus on a part of this project at school. But I am going to get a lot of free time coming up soon, so hopefully I will be able to catch up on some writing for this story.

Please, please review! I know authors say this all the time but they are motivation! And I swear to you that if I find multiple reviews, I might be able to find it in me to post a chapter next week rather than the week after - but only if you review!

Overall, it's up to you guys. (If I'm sounding bossy I'm sorry)

I really hope you enjoyed it and stay tuned! :)