A/N: I know, I know, OQ sexy times need to happen (!), but that has been pushed back one chapter. Thanks to Kris Morene for pointing out that Robin and Regina needed to have one more conversation before moving forward. :) I'm writing without a beta so feedback is really appreciated.


Robin felt his stomach knot as she led him to the living room. Less than a week ago they had been so happy here, and now things were complicated to say the least.

They looked at each other for a moment, an odd distance that had never been there before yawning open between them.

Robin broke the silence first.

"I know things are… difficult now. Messy. But in all of this I have one thing that guides me: I love you. That's what I know is right."

"I don't think we… it would probably be better for everyone if you just went home to your wife."

"Regina," he started, but she cut him off.

"I want you. I need you. But there are some things we have to face. I killed her," she said, her voice becoming agitated. "I may not have realized it at the time, but I killed her. Now she is returned to you. You could have your happy ending back."

There was a wildness in her eyes as she spoke.

"Every time I think I've paid for my crimes, fate reminds me that the ledger is far from clear. I am trying so hard to do the right thing here. Please don't make that more difficult than it already is."

"I cannot live a life based on a past that no longer exists, Regina. You only know what you think is right, that does not make it so. Is it right that I should feel empty? That I should touch one woman while longing for another? Is that better? "

Regina turned her head, walking a few steps away.

"It's not just that. I needed you. As selfish as it is, even if you were at the center of your own storm, even if duty bound you, I needed you and you weren't there. I don't blame you. There is nothing even to forgive."

She turned back to him.

"Logically I know this is my own weakness and it tears at my mind. But it hurts all the same."

"I know where my happy ending is," he said, stepping forward to clasp her hand. "How we get through this is together. It may not be easy, but I will never leave you to face things alone again. I swear it to you now."

She still looked so uncertain for a moment, he held his breath.

"You know I had the strangest dream the other night. In that moment I knew we would be alright, I was so sure. But then the dream was over."

"That was no dream. In my darkest moment my heart spoke to you. I don't understand how, but I know it was true. Do you trust me?"

"With all that I am," she exhaled.

"Then let us begin again from there."