This was written before the mid-season premiere aired. Any spoilers are unintentional. Just a different take on the Outlaw Queen reunion.

"Regina!" The desperation increases with each futile cry of the other woman's name. "Regina! It isn't him! He isn't real! We HAVE to go! Regina?!" Blue eyes fill with panic as the glowing worm hole begins to close.

For Regina, the rest of the world had melts away. She is oblivious to the urgency of their situation. Losing their way home no longer matters as she steps closer to her soulmate. Despite the fact he is hurling threats at her, his beautiful accent caresses her battered heart

Crystal blue eyes dart from the blond to the brunette when a rock shifts audibly under her boot as she continues to step towards him. "Well aren't you quite bold and audacious." Confusion contorts his handsome features as she seems so undeterred from having a weapon pointed at her chest.

Her heart flutters a little at the familiar description, hope shooting through her before she can talk herself out of it. That same hope propels her forward until a petite hand can raise towards the arrow. Her hand trembles, but It was not fear that causes it but rather the rush of emotions threatening to drown its owner. She can't break away from his eyes. Countless times she had gotten lost in their depths. She'd always found so much comfort and love in them. But now there is no familiarity in them. "Robin...you don't know me?" Her voice catches as a lump forms in her throat. But despite his obvious unfamiliarity with her, SHE KNOWS HIM. She knows he wouldn't hurt her. The arrowhead digs into her palm slightly and she can see his muscles begin to quiver slightly from the effort put on them to prevent the arrow from flying freely. There is an indent on her palm as it slides up the arrow's shaft to the gloved hand that holds the bow. She can feel the warmth through the leather that separates her from the familiar skin she missed so much. "Robin…" She is unaware of the tears falling down her cheeks until her tongue flicks out to moisten her lips only to be greeted by salty wetness.

The thief's eyes soften slightly though she can see that his guard is still well in place. "You're insane." He releases the stress on the bow, lowering it to his side. "Do you have a death wish? I could have killed you."

"No you couldn't….you'd never hurt me." The corners of her lips turn up slightly.

"You don't know that. You may know my name-I assume from all the wanted posters plastered across the land-but you don't know ME, Mi'Lady"

"But I do….Robin….I…." Another step brings her within inches from his body. A shudder shoots down her spine as the familiar scent of forest blended with his unique scent surrounds her again. It hurts to see him bristle and tense from the closeness, but she can't blame him for that. Her eyes search his for any sign that he is the man she loves and not some sick joke.

He scoffs a little, a hint of a smile causing one dimple to make its presence know. "I doubt I'd ever forget meeting you."

"Regina…." Emma tries again when she sees the hope and love filling Regina's eyes at the simple statement. The former queen may be desperate enough to trust this man, but she doesn't. "We have to go."

"I can't." Regina finally acknowledges her though her eyes don't leave his face. The last time she saw that face he had just turned to say his goodbyes. She never believed she'd be able to look at him again.

"It isn't HIM, Regina…" She tries again. "You said it yourself...this place..it isn't real...that is NOT your Robin…"

The outlaw's eyes fill with confusion. "Her Robin? I beg your pardon? What he bloody hell does that mean?" His hands lift to grip the petite stranger's arms, trying to hold her away from him. She was such a strange creature and obviously nuts….beautiful...breathtaking in every way, but nuts.

Regina's breath catches slightly at the familiarity of the touch. Even as he grips her, he was gentle - commanding but gentle. Her gaze lowers to his hands and her heart flutters. The tattoo. If there is dark ink hiding behind that leather...her hands lift quickly to grip his hand, fingers wrapping around the opening before stopping. But what if it wasn't there? What would that mean? Her soulmate was the man with the lion tattoo. Lost in thought, she yelps in surprise when the hand was ripped from her grasp.

"I have been more than patient with your...curious behavior. I have never hit a lady and I don't intend to start now. But you would be wise to keep your distance, mi'lady."

"Please…" Her voice cracks in desperation. "Your arm...please….I HAVE to know. I can't...I just have to know...please!"

He stares into the frantic mocha orbs for a few long moments. This was most definitely the strangest robbery he'd ever been party to. But there is something about this woman-something he can't understand. He feels himself drawn to her. He feels the need to appease her and ease the pain he sees staring back at him. And if humoring her strange request would bring her some some sort of peace, then so be it. Silently, he lifts his arm to her.

Her hands lift immediately, tugging at the material once more. She peels it from him, swallowing hard. Delicate hands move to the light material of his sleeve that now stands between her and what she hopes would be answers. Her bottom lip catches between her teeth, her heart racing like a wild stallion in her chest. It is so loud she is sure he can hear the thundering sound.