A/N: Holy crap sticks. I don't know how many times I can say it but I am blown the hell away by the amount of love this fict has gotten. Thanks to everyone that has read it given me reviews, favorited it, followed it and/or followed me on tumblr because of it. You guys are amaze-balls. For seriously.

Warnings: Sorry guys, I had to put some plot stuff in this chapter. But I promise to get back to the steamy Dark Swan Queen bits in just a second. Hook and Robin are still around but I'm working on getting rid of them (Not like kill them, but our two favorite ladies need to break things off with them before they can move on to the next step of their relationship). Also Zelena is probably a bit OOC. I just can't stand the screechy thing that she does and so I made her more snarky. Snarky Zelena is my favorite. Not the overly jelly Zelena had does weird things for strange reasons.

Summary: The Evil Queen & the Dark One continue their mental chess game. Regina finds out a bit of Emma's endgame and has a conversation with Robin that was long overdue.

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

The wine was red. From the dark fruit notes and floral aroma of it, Regina's best guess was that it was a Malbec. Possibly from Argentina. That was both impressive and disheartening. She missed the sheriff who's wine knowledge was limited to "White Stuff," "Red Stuff," and "Why aren't we drinking whiskey?" Regina would give almost anything to have her back. To have a partner again. But that was beginning to feel like a fleeting dream.

It was too early for red wine, it being just the early afternoon, but Regina sipped the blood red liquid in her glass, anyway, eyes intently watching the Dark One as she did the same. Emma's tongue darted out to lick the wine coating her lips. Regina took a deep breath and let it slowly. It was like she was doing this on purpose. She probably was doing this purpose. And with the former Evil Queen still coming down for her high, it was hard to ignore. Her skin tingled at the memory of those lips at her neck, teeth scraping along her skin, making her heartbeat quicken, and her throat dry, like she had swallowed a mouth full of sand. She wanted to feel that way again.

God, did she want that in the worst kind of way.

Emma chuckled. "I'm flattered, Regina. Really."

Her eyes narrowed. "Don't get cocky, Miss Swan. It's not a good color on you."

"I'm not being cocky, your Majesty," she replied. "I'm just confident in my skills."

The brunette rolled hers eyes, taking a sip of her wine if only to buy some time. What did Emma want from her? To say the sex was good? It was. Was it the best she ever had? That remained to be seen. But she wouldn't say that either. She had only been in the presence of two Dark Ones in her lifetime. And she found that while they had considerable power, their feelings were just as fragile (if not more) as everyone else's.

"Emma, why am I here?" she finally asked. The wine glass was placed on the table between them. Her fingers caressed the brim, almost absentmindedly, but there was a subtle seduction to her movements. And that was completely intentional. Regina couldn't be the only one distracted and off their game. If Emma wanted to play dirty (no pun intended) then she needed to understand who she was dealing with.

Regina had been the Evil Queen. She didn't crumble in the face of true darkness. She was the thing the Darkness should fear.

Her efforts weren't going to waste. Emma had that hungry look in her eyes again. The one that Regina was now intimately familiar with. It had been a mere minutes since she was last in the blond's embrace and while it had ended before it truly begun, she craved another moment in the dark with the former savior.

Regina crossed her legs under the table, leaning back in her chair, and stared Emma down. Daring her to either make a move or tell her what the hell was going on between them.

"Don't make me ask again, Miss Swan…" she practically purred.

"Or what, Regina? You'll punish me?" Emma challenged.

"If I have to," was all Regina told her.

The Dark One took one last gulp of her wine, finishing it off before she placed the empty glass down. Her eyes raked over Regina's form and a smirk curled the end of her lips. "Would you believe me if I said that I needed a hero?"

Regina arched an eyebrow at that. "Yesterday you told me I couldn't be a hero. In the Vault you tried to remind me how much I liked to… play in the dark. Now you need me to be the hero? What are you up to, Emma?"

"Well, Regina that's for me to know and for you to figure out," the Dark One replied, cryptically. "I need to know if you're with me or not."

"And I'm just supposed to accept this on blind faith?"

Emma leaned in her chair, elbows resting on the table with her hands flat. "You trusted me once."

"I still do."

"Only parts of me," Emma said. "You still think my light will bubble to the surface and you'll have your savior back."

A frown furrowed Regina's brow and she looked on Emma with pain filled eyes. She laid a gentle hand over Emma's, squeezing it slightly, as she tried to reassure her. "No, I don't think that. I wish it were that simple. I wish that I was powerful enough to unburden you of the Darkness. I wish that it was me instead of you. Because you would have stopped at nothing. You would have done everything..." Regina stopped herself before she finished that thought. "Emma, you have done everything to save me. Now, let me save you."

The Dark One's mask slipped. And again Regina saw her Emma. She was there, silently pleading to be rescued. Sea green eyes, watering with the desire to be comforted; to be saved. But then it was like she remembered herself. Remembered the power she had. No one would make her feel weak again. How did Regina know? Because it was the exact the same way she felt when she embraced her inner darkness.

Emma snatched her hand away, her lips curling into a muted snarl. "You want to save me? Fine."

Suddenly they weren't in Emma's kitchen anymore, standing in what looked like a cave. But not one that Regina had ever been too. And she thought she knew Storybrooke inside and out. In the center of the cave was an ornately decorated sword, with a giant ruby pommel and a familiar pattern carved into the blade.

"This is Excalibur?" Regina asked.

"One part of it," Emma said with a nod, producing the Dark One's Dagger from thin air. "And this is the other part. If Excalibur is put back together, the dagger loses it's hold on me. You want to save me? Be the hero, remove the sword from the stone, and set me free."

Belle was right. Apparently it was true. Every Dark One wanted to be free of the Dagger. Every single one grew obsessed. It was a driving force in their lives, however long or short they may be. And Emma wasn't immune.

"If it's so important why not take the sword from the stone yourself?" Regina asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"Because like I said, I need a hero," Emma replied.

"You need a hero..."

The Dark One nodded. "Yeah, I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light. She's gotta be sure. And it's gotta be soon. And she's gotta be larger than life."

Regina rolled her eyes. Just when she thought Emma was lost to the darkness, she'd do something or say something and Regina would be reminded that there was an all-powerful ' Dork One ' hiding under all of that darkness.

"Come on, your Majesty," the Dark One urged. "No one believes you can be the Savior. My parents will never trust you again. Hook's never believed you could be good in the first place."

Regina scoffed. "Excuse me while I cry myself to sleep over your boyfriend's lack of faith in me."

"And then there's Robin," Emma continued. "You think he'll trust you now. You broke his heart, Regina."

And then it clicked. "You let us get caught."

Emma smirked. "Correction: I gave everyone an opportunity to show their true colors. And they did not disappoint. When are you going to understand Regina, it doesn't matter how much good you do, you'll always be the Evil Queen to them? Prove them wrong. Pull the sword from the stone. Make Excalibur whole. And set me free."

Rage filled Regina's entire being, it was like fire flowing through her veins. Emma had set them up; set her up. And for what? So she would pull some silly piece of metal from a rock? And what would that prove? How would that make her a hero in everyone else's eyes?

"I won't do it," she said. "I won't be the cause of your downfall."

They were standing face to face, so close Regina could smell the wine on Emma's breath. She could kiss her here and now. But she wouldn't. Not because she was unbelievably angry with her. But because Emma wasn't ready to give up her power. And Regina couldn't have her heart broken a second time if Emma chose power over her and Henry.

"Why not?"

"Because I love you, you idiot!"

Emma took a step back, blinking and shaking her head as if she had been slapped. Regina wondered what she was thinking. Usually Emma was about as transparent as glass. At least to her. However, neither one of them had seen this coming.

Regina's anger had subsided with that confession, and she reached for her. Emma tried to pull away but the brunette persisted. She took Emma's hand into her, her thumb lighting grazing her knuckles. For a moment she didn't dare to look up to meet her eyes. When Regina finally worked up the courage to glance up to her, she saw Emma for what she was now. The Dark One and the Savior. Emma had said before that Regina should know better than anyone there weren't any good or evil versions of people. Emma was still Emma. But she was also the Dark One. And right now it seemed she was having a hard time reconciling those sides of herself, the Light, and the Dark.

"Regina…" Emma breathed.

"I'll understand if you don't feel the same way, Emma."

The Dark One frowned but her hand closed around Regina's. "I… You shouldn't love me… It's dangerous… loving the Dark One, Regina, it'll only get you hurt."

"I know," Regina told her. "But it doesn't matter, Emma. It won't change how I feel."

When she didn't respond, Regina tried to step away but the blond's grip tightened and she pulled Regina against her. Emma's free hand snaked around her waist, holding her close. The move was so abrupt that Regina gasped, her hand on Emma's chest. She could feel her heart fluttering under her palm and Emma's breath was coming out in short, shallow puffs of warm, wine-soaked air.

Regina reached up and caressed the Dark One's lips with her fingertips. She thought about what it would be like to brush her lips against Emma's. To kiss her tenderly. To show her rather than tell her how she felt.

Emma sighed under her tentative touch. "I can't give you want you want."

"How do you know what I want?" Regina asked, raising up on her toes.

Her fingers were tracing Emma's jaw line, as their breaths mingled.

"Regina..."

"Shh..." the brunette whispered and leaned in to laid a soft kiss on the Dark One's cheek. She held it there for a moment, her lips lingering on soft, pale, but shimmering skin. She heard Emma suck in air, her hands convulsed on Regina's hips.

Then Regina was lifted in the air, her legs wrapping around Emma's waist, as the scenery changed in a blink of an eye. They were in a bedroom. Hopefully, Emma's. The blond was standing at the edge of a large bed, holding onto her queen like she was an anchor to this reality. Her lips were at Regina's neck, teeth scraping along her pulse point. The former Queen sighed at the contact, her hands at the nape of Emma's neck, holding her there as she was gently placed on the bed. The blond's body hovered over hers. Then Emma pulled away again, and Regina bit back a whimper at the lost of her lover's touch.

"Regina…" the Emma breathed, her lips dangerously close to the brunette's. "I… I…"

The former Evil Queen cupped Emma's face in her hands. "Don't... Just kiss me, Emma."

The Dark One was struggling with the person she was and the monster she was slowly becoming. It almost looked like she would close the short distance between them, and kiss her. But as her head dipped, Emma was suddenly pulled back by some unseen force.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me," she growled.

"What?" Regina asked, propping herself up on her elbows.

"Hook's outside," the Dark One replied. "And he's summoning me."

Regina rolled her eyes. "You have to go."

"Those are the rules," Emma told her, her gaze darkening. "I'm going to eviscerate him."

"Emma…"

The Dark One smirked. "Don't worry. I won't really… At least not today."

And then she was gone in the blink of an eye.

Regina sat up with a heavy sigh and straightened herself out before she followed Emma with flourish of purple smoke. Her presence would probably make matters worse, but she wasn't going to sit around and wait for Emma to sort things out with her pirate. Regina teleported herself near the front door, still inside the Dark One's manor. And when she opened the door, she found them on Emma's front porch. Hook was standing at the bottom of the stairs, with the Dark One leaning against the banister, her arms folded across her chest, a smug look painted on her features.

"Oh this is bloody rich," Hook spat. "The Dark One and the Evil Queen."

Emma chuckled, and glanced at Regina. "I dunno. I think it has a nice ring to it."

Regina tried not to smile. "Sounds like we're characters in one of Henry's comic books."

The Dark One nodded. "Cloak and Dagger: 2.0."

Hook sneered. "So, that's it, eh? After everything I've done for you Swan… This is how we end things?"

That raised Emma's ire. "Everything you've done for me? Like what? Joining forces with Cora to terrorize my parents? Working with Tamara and Greg to rid the world of magic? Helping them so they could torture Regina? Making a deal with Gold?"

"I tried to save you-"

"Because you wanted to get into my pants."

"And like she's any better…" he said, nodding toward Regina. "She failed you in Camelot just like the rest of us."

Emma smiled. "Yes, she did. You all did. But I'm nothing if not magnanimous."

Magnanimous?

The Dark One looked at her with a playful smirk. "Not just a pretty face, Regina."

When Regina chuckled, Hook rolled his eyes. "Couldn't have your own happy ending, your Majesty, so you had to ruin mine."

The former Evil Queen scoffed. "You've never needed my help with that. You've done a good job on your own."

Hook took a step forward like he wanted a fight and Regina conjured a fireball in her hand like it was second nature. And he stopped in his tracks.

"I think you better go, Killian," Emma warned. "Or don't. Personally I'd love to see how pretty you burn."

"She's not going to use that," Hook said. "She doesn't have the stones."

Regina's eyebrow quirked. "Would you like to test that theory?"

Hook sneered, practically snarling. "This isn't over."

Emma chuckled. "I think it is. I think it's been over for a long time. Goodbye, Killian."

And with a wave of her hand he was gone. Regina extinguished the flame in her hands and looked questioningly at the Dark One. Emma just sighed and told her that Killian was on his boat. Unharmed.

"See, Regina," Emma said. "This is how they'll all look at you from now on. Do you still want to work so hard to save them?"

Regina shook her head. "Not them. You."

"I told you how you can save me."

"You told me how I can free you from the Dagger," Regina said. "You didn't tell me how I can save you. But I'll find a way."

"Or you can just give up altogether. Stopping pretending to be the Savior and be the queen you were meant to be."

"With you at my side, I presume?"

The Dark One flashed a devilish grin. "Every Evil Queen should have a Dark One at her side." When Regina didn't respond Emma nodded. "Just think about it, Regina. My offer still stands. I want you with me. Like we were before. Well… not exactly like it was before."

Regina blushed. And Emma added, "I mean it. We're stronger together."

The Dark One closed the distance between them, her arms wrapping around Regina's waist, their bodies coming together as if they were molded for each other. She clung to Emma, holding her close. And then the blond kissed her on her cheek. And that was enough. Regina knew that Emma had to feel the same way. She had to love her. Even if she didn't say the words. It was true.

"The Darkness still loves the way you taste, your Majesty," she husked.

Regina's breath hitched. "You're making it difficult to say no to you, Dark One."

"Then don't."

"Emma…"

"Promise me you'll think about it."

Regina nodded. She could do that. She could think about it. As soon as she agreed, Emma was gone and Regina - well - she wasn't standing on the front porch anymore. The brunette was standing in her own kitchen. Bewildered for only a moment. And she smiled. Emma was giving her space. Which was good. Another moment in her arms and Regina might have agreed to anything. She supposed she had some thinking to do. Regina just didn't know what to do. And while she wanted to speak with someone, there wasn't anyone she could go to.

No one would understand.

Regina resolved that she needed to clear her head. A walk around town might do the trick but she didn't want to run into Henry, Belle, or the two idiots. So she went to the only place no one would look for her. The hospital; venturing into the lower levels where her sister was held.

"Oh, Regina is it Sunday already?" Zelena asked, as she entered the padded cell.

Regina cut her eyes at her sister and sneered. "Can it, Sis. This isn't a social visit."

The wicked redhead giggled. "So someone is in crisis, then? Is it our dear, sweet Robin?"

A regal eyebrow raised at the insinuation. "Our?"

"Well he is my child's father," Zelena replied, her tone dripping with such derision. "And while I'm not particularly fond of him, I know how much he means to you."

With a tightly clenched jaw, Regina regarded her older sister with cool disdain. She couldn't understand why Zelena hated her. Why her whole life was consumed with a kind of jealousy that had long since reached a level of unhealthy obsession. Perhaps she was projecting, transferring the vitriol she should have for their long since deceased mother to Regina. That… actually made some sense. She couldn't exact her revenge on their mother. So why not go after the offspring that took after her in so many ways?

Zelena pouted. "Oh, sis is there trouble in paradise? Shall I find Robin and kiss him to make it all better?"

She glared at her older sister at those words. "You know there are ways I can hurt you and not harm your child."

At that the Wicked Witch threw her head back and laughed. "Regina, as threats go that was sort of lackluster. Where's the fire? Where's the passion? Has Robin fallen out of your favor so quickly after you've done so much to save him?"

"Why I'm here has nothing to do with Robin," Regina spat. Her hand unintentionally went to her midsection, fingers splayed on her stomach, as if she was trying to hug herself.

Zelena noticed the gesture and again she giggled with delight. "Oh, my dear sister. You came to talk. Well, I'm thrilled that you thought of me. Go on then, tell sissy what's bothering you."

She moved to the side and patted the empty space on the cot. When Regina shot her an unamused look Zelena chuckled. "We're not there yet. Understandable. But no matter. You can still talk to me."

Regina sighed. "I shouldn't have come here."

When she turned to leave her sister called after her. "You came for a reason. Why not indulge me and who knows I might surprise you."

"You haven't yet," Regina sneered.

Zelena smiled. "I don't know. You were pretty shocked when Robin told you I was pregnant. Oh God, the look on your face..." When she saw the murderous glint in Regina's eyes the Wicked Witch straightened up and cleared her throat. "Too soon?"

"You think?"

"So why are you here?" She almost sounded sincere. The concern that shone in her eyes almost seemed genuine. Until Zelena shook her head. "Hormones," she explained, flippantly. "I still hate you. And when I get out of here I'll have my revenge."

Regina smirked. "It's good that I can still rely on you."

The Wicked Witch shrugged. "If you can count on family..." They shared a laugh and then Zelena asked again. "So what brings you to my little slice of heaven?"

"I need to talk to someone..." Regina grumbled.

Zelena looked at her like she had grown two heads. Then she chuckled, thinking it was either just a joke or that Regina was being sarcastic. But when she saw her younger sister wasn't being humorous, Zelena's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, you're serious. Because I thought you were joking. Desperate times indeed. Okay. What's going on, little sister?"

"If I tell you will you listen and not be an ass about it?" Regina asked.

"I can try," Zelena replied with a shrug. "I mean, there's a first time for anything."

With a sigh, Regina (against her better judgment) told Zelena the whole truth. Everything that had been going on since - well - always between her and Emma. She bared her soul to a sister that hated her, that wanted to destroy her. She told the story, pacing back and forth, with her gaze squarely fixed to the floor, and waited for Zelena to mock her. But she didn't. Even when Regina was done, the Wicked Witch was speechless.

"Oh…" Zelena finally said.

"Oh?" Regina asked. "Oh? That's it?"

"Well, I don't know what you want me to say, Regina," Zelena shot back. "I mean you and the daughter of your once mortal enemies… Well, that is a shocking turn of events." Before Regina could rebut the Wicked Witch stopped her. "I said shocking. I didn't say surprising. And as lovers go you could do worse… You have done worse."

The backhanded insult toward Robin was ignored for now. "What do you mean? Why isn't it surprising?"

Zelena gave her a pointed look. "Surely, you're joking. I mean, I know I haven't been around here for very long. But I thought everyone knew about the torch you held for the Savior. Well, former Savior. Newly christened Dark One. It's a step up. Having been somewhat romantic with a Dark One I can say that I approve. There's something incredibly alluring about someone who's tasted the darkness."

Regina made a face, holding her hand up to stop her sister from continuing. "Please stop or I may vomit."

"Would you like to hear about Robin and me instead?" she asked. "It's not an exciting tale. He's rather boring and-"

Regina headed for the for door. "And the moment is over. Goodbye, sis."

"Wait," Zelena called and again against her better judgment Regina stopped. "Do you love her? Do you love your Dark One?"

The former Evil Queen sighed and then she nodded. "Yes but it's beyond complicated. I just don't know what to do. Emma is the Dark One. And I have to either save her…"

"Or destroy her…" Zelena finished. "It's an interesting predicament you have gotten yourself in, little sister. But you do have an annoying habit of getting your way. Have faith. I mean until I get out of here, then..."

Regina nodded. "You'll destroy my happiness. Yes. I know. Well it's been nice, sis."

Zelena smiled. "Yes, let's promise to never do it again."

"Agreed."

"One quick question before you go."

"Yes?"

"Have you tasted the Darkness yet, Regina?"

"Goodbye, Zelena."

"I'll take that as a tentative yes," her older sister called as the door closed.

When Regina finally made it back to her home on Mifflin Street, Robin was sitting on the step near her front door. His head picked up when he heard her heels clink on the pavement. His face donned a sad smile when he looked at her and she took a deep calming breath before she continued on.

"Robin…"

"Regina…"

She moved passed him as he stood and opened the door, nodding for him to follow her. "Come inside."

He came in, closing the door behind them. Robin didn't utter a word as Regina went into the kitchen and trailed in after her. She put the tea kettle on the stove and retrieved the french press in one of the cupboards, as well as the coffee grounds. Since focusing on a simple task was easier than trying to talk things out with her fated love, she carefully measured out coffee ground and waited for the water in the kettle to come to a boil.

It's only when the coffee was ready to be served that Regina glanced Robin's way. He was sitting at the kitchen island, his eyes fixed at his hands on the counter. He didn't notice that she had turned around until she offered him a cup.

"Thank you," he said with a nod.

"You're welcome."

And that was it. They were silent for another long moment, each sipping their coffee. Regina wondered how they got here. She loved him. She loves him. But there just wasn't that pull anymore. Maybe there never was. Maybe she had just hoped. Maybe she thought that hope was enough.

"Regina, I think we should talk about this," he finally said, looking up at her with sad eyes.

She nodded. "Yes, we should."

Silence.

Robin chuckled. And it wasn't a happy sound. It was broken and bitter. Better to laugh at the pain then cry, Regina supposed.

"One of us has to start talking, Regina."

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I know. I just don't know where to start."

He nodded. "Did you do this because of Zelena?"

Regina shakes her head. "No, of course not."

"Then why?"

"I don't have any simple explanation for you, Robin," she told him. "And even if I did, there's nothing I could say that would make things better for you or me. I want to say that it just happened. But that's not true. Because whatever is happening between Emma and me, it's started the moment she brought my son back to Storybrooke."

"But we're fated…"

She held up a hand before he could say anything else. "I make my own fate, Robin."

"And now you think you should be with Emma? She's the Dark One, Regina."

"I'm well aware of what she is, Robin," she replied. "But I also know who she is."

"Those are one and the same."

"Often times, yes."

"I just don't understand. After everything, Regina... It can't just end like this."

She sighed, running her finger through her hair. "Maybe it has to."

"Regina… Please, we can make this work."

Putting the coffee mug down, Regina placed her hands on the counter and met Robin's gaze. She didn't know how she was going to make him understand, or even if he could. But Robin at least deserved this. A proper ending to their relationship.

"Robin, when we thought Marian returned, I understood," she began. "That was your wife and you loved her. While it hurt, I let you go. She wanted to leave Storybrooke and so you left. And I tried to accept that you had moved on. But the second I thought you and Roland were in danger I rushed to your side. And then you told me that Zelena was pregnant. And yes it was through deception and coercion that she got that way, but you asked me to understand, and I did. I accepted the truth. And then you asked me if we could still make things work that night in the bar. And despite wanting nothing to do with my sister, or her child, I clung so tightly to the possibility of a happily ever after that in reality was no longer mine. Because I wanted to win. For once. But this thing between us? It's too hard. It shouldn't be this hard. Being with you shouldn't be a constant uphill battle."

"And with Emma it's easy?"

"No, with Emma it's confusing. It's complicated. It's messy. But it's real. And it's something that is solely mine."

"What about Hook?"

Regina shrugged. "What about him?"

"He's Emma's true love, is he not?" Robin asked.

"Maybe. Maybe not. All I know is that every time Emma had a choice between me or someone else, she's chosen my happiness every time. That has to mean something."

For a long while Robin didn't say anything else. And she didn't offer anything else. Then he nodded. "Alright."

Regina frowned. "Alright?"

"Yes. I mean I don't like it. But it's not for me to like is it?"

"I'm sorry."

He sighed. "I know. That's what makes this worse. I hope you find your happy ending, Regina. It just saddens me that I won't be a part of it."

He stood, walking over to her, and offered his hand. She looked down at it and then met his gaze before she took his hand. He brought her hand to his lips and laid a kiss on her knuckles. She was uncomfortable but Robin apparently needed this. So she'd allow a certain extent.

Then Regina felt it as his other hand clamped down on her wrist. The bracelet that blocked magic.

"Robin? Why?"

He shot her a pained look, as a plume of green smoke appeared in her kitchen next to him and Zelena stepped forth with a smug look on her face.

"Don't blame our dear Robin Hood," Zelena said. "He was just following orders."

"Who's?"

Zelena laughed. "Well, mine dear."

Then there was nothing but blackness.

So, what do you guys think? Special Shoutout to hotkillerz. I don't think this fict is going down the Evil Queen/Dark One road. But I'm planning on writing an AU just for you with just that type of story line. So yeah.