Everything was a mess. That was the only thought that could force its was through Regina's clouded, tangled, slightly muddled thoughts.

Everything. Was. A. Mess.

Regina had watched the bright yellow bug round the corner before getting into her own car and driving home. She hated Emma's car. Its colours were too happy for a day like today.

Sinking onto her bed, the brunette sat very still, letting her emotions crash over her like a fifty-foot wave. She could still taste Robin on her lips, and it made her want to vomit.

-ooo-

Emma had put her phone on silent. Her parents called and called, trying to figure out where she was, but she just buried her head beneath the covers and felt herself go numb.

The only thing to pull her out of her misery-induced haze was a call from Killian. He wasn't at the barbecue, so there was no way he could tell her parents she was home (he only had two numbers on his phone, neither of which were Mary Margaret or David).

Sniffing, she croaked, "Hey."

"Hello Swan. I wanted to know how your barbecue was going. Have you been overrun by hungry teenagers?"

She laughed, her throat thick. He always had a way of making her smile. "No, I went home."

It was only then that he picked up on her crackly voice and sniffles. "What wrong Ems?" he said, anxiety seeping into his voice.

"That's the last thing I want to talk about."

"Well then I guess I better come over and see what's got you in such a state."

"No no no, you guys probably have plans. You shouldn't ditch your date night for me."

Killian scoffed. "When have you ever known me to be disloyal Swan? You've been hurt, and I, your pirate in shining armor, must come to see what's gotten your heart in a twist."

Emma rolled her eyes, already feeling better. "Fine. See you in ten."

Sure enough, ten minutes later, there was a sharp rap on the door, and Emma opened the door to reveal Killian holding a bag of what the blonde just knew was grilled cheese.

The pair sat on the couch, and Killian threw a soft blanket over his friend. Having previously ripped a blanket or two with his hook, he opted out of the comfort.

"Now," he said between bites of the delicious snack, "will you please tell me what the hell is going on?"

"It's about…" Emma sniffed again, wiping a rogue tear with her thumb. "It's about Regina."

He shook his head sadly. "You two are like a tornado colliding with a hurricane. What happened?"

"It's a bit complicated. At the barbecue, Lily pulled me away to talk to me, and she said that Regina and I were looking at each other like…well to quote her… 'It's like you're the ocean and she's desperate to drown.' So I decided it was time to come clean. If Lily was right, then she felt the same." She tried to keep it together as she told the next part of the story. "When I came around the corner, I saw her kissing Robin. I guess I was just so shocked – I ran to my car and Regina followed. I told her everything, and at first she seemed like she didn't care, but by the time she left, we were both crying."

"Could this be why?" Killian asked, grabbing Emma's phone, which displayed several missed calls from her parents as well as Regina. He selected the latest voicemail, and together, they listened to the brunette's crackly voice.

"Emma… It's Regina. We need to talk. That kiss with Robin – it wasn't real. I shouldn't have done it. I'm a terrible person and I know that, but I just… I really need to see you." The voicemail ended, and Emma didn't speak. Instead, she picked up the phone and dialed Regina's number. She picked up on the second ring.

"Emma?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

"Meet me in front of the loft. Then, we'll talk." Then, she hung up.

Turning back to Killian, she said, "Thank you for coming over. I'm lucky to have a friend like you."

"No problem Swan."

She smiled. "Now go enjoy your date night."

-ooo-

Regina was anxious as she pulled up in front of Emma's parents' apartment. She didn't know what to expect. Emma had seemed angry but calm on the phone, and her expression was blank as she exited the building and got in Regina's car. The brunette took it as a queue to drive and started down the street.

They were both silent for a while, letting the air buzz around them, the space between them again heavy with unspoken words.

After a time, Emma said, "Say what you need to say Regina."

The brunette wrung her hands nervously. Emma's attitude was cold and off - putting – just as Regina's had been. It made her feel like this was a mistake. Taking a few deep breaths, she replied, "I don't love Robin."

"I know."

"You know?"

"I got your voicemail. After I got home and calmed down, I realized something. You were trying to make me jealous, weren't you?"

Regina nodded slowly. Then, silence.

Finally, she said, "What's going on between you and Lily?"

"Lily and I… we have a lot of history together, but that night at the motel – it didn't mean anything. I couldn't have anything with her because in the back of my mind, I could never shake the image of you."

"But when she pulled you behind the shed…"

"It was to tell me to get my shit together and tell you I felt."

Regina's eyes welled up with tears. "Oh god Emma. I thought… I really screwed everything up. I was petty and jealous, and I wanted to hurt you."

Emma ran her fingers through her hair. "You're not petty Regina." Her tone was almost exasperated. Then, her voice softened. "You're only human. You wanted to make me jealous, and it worked. I get it. I forgive you."

Regina let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. "So, what does that mean for… us?"

The blonde's voice was flat as she said, "Regina, pull over."

Nervously, the brunette complied, coming to a stop on a side street.

"Emma what – " She was cut off when Emma climbed onto her lap and kissed her, hard.

She froze, body rigid and cold, but the warmth of Emma's touch started to seep into her, and their lips moved together, bodies pressing against each other like they were meant to be.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard.

"What was that?" Regina asked, tucking a lock of hair behind Emma's ear. She hadn't moved from her place on Regina's lap.

"That was what I think about us. Life's too short to be jealous and fight and let stupid stuff get in the way. I could go dark tomorrow or the next day or the day after that, and I want to spend whatever time I have left with you. And if you feel the same way, then we'll work something out."

Regina smiled. "Emma Swan. I am irreparably, unconditionally and incomprehensibly in love with you, and I would like nothing more."

The blonde laughed. "Why are you so damn poetic?

"I'm not. Now, would you please get off of me? My legs are going numb."