A/N: Emma finds Regina after the events of 2x10
She finds her curled up on the floor of the cellar, back against the wall and knees pulled tight to her chest. Coffee colored hair is thoroughly disheveled, ratted and stuck to mascara stained cheeks. Brown eyes that characteristically shine with confidence are dull and lifeless as the former Queen stares forward, looking but not really seeing.
If their intent had been to break her, they'd certainly done their job.
"Regina," Emma almost coos, dropping to her knees. She reaches out and tucks a few strands of damp hair behind Regina's ear. She expects anger, screaming, even a flinch, but there is nothing. The brunette makes no attempts to swat Storybrooke's Sheriff away; she merely slumps, grasping a wine bottle tight in one hand and a tiny picture of Henry in the other.
Holding her breath, Emma stands and surveys the scene. The cellar is a mess. Expensive bottles of wine lay shattered and a myriad of white and red wine coats the floor in a sticky residue. Tables and chairs are turned over and destroyed, wooden legs and arms scattered across the room.
Hurricane Regina hit with a vengeance.
"Emma," a slurred voice whispers in her ear and Emma jumps, turning on her heels.
"Regina, wha-" Her breath hitches in her throat as Regina steps close, so close that she can smell the stench of alcohol on her breath. There's a sudden spark back in formerly lifeless eyes and Emma's heart races. Fingers brush against hers and their hands meet in a fumbling embrace. She feels cool plastic press against her palm and she raises a brow before glancing down to find Henry's picture in her hand. "What's-"
"I surrender," Regina says plainly, and any previous menace in her tone has been trumped by the shakiness in her voice. She bows her head and rests it innocently against Emma's shoulder. "Tell him I love him." A pause. "Despite what he thinks, I have always loved him."
"Regina…"
Their eyes meet in a quick glance, full of passion and sudden understanding. Regina's sparkle with an overwhelming sadness that brings tears to Emma's own. She opens her mouth to speak, finally interested in the full story, but before she can find her voice, the brunette snaps her fingers and envelops herself in a puff of purple smoke. In an instant, she is gone.
And Emma knows, deep down, she may never see Regina Mills again.