My show opens this week. I hope this can tithe you over until then. Much love, my dears. Now, it's time to see this shit blow up.

Rumplestiltskin's alligator-skinned shoes clicked on the hardwood of Regina's foyer. He paused for just a moment, and it was just long enough for Belle and Regina to get their bareings in the next room. Belle began to climb off of Regina's lap, but slipped and toppled to the floor.

"Shit!" Regina cursed softly, before she could hold her tongue. Rumple didn't need another clue. He bounded into the living room, and rounded on Regina who had already turned around.

"Ah, there you are, dearie. Thought you could hide from me, did you?" He snarled. Regina climbed over the back of the couch and landed gracefully on the floor. She widened her stance, it was protective though not unlike any of The Evil Queen's normal poses.

"You royal bitch. You've finally pissed me off." He spat. In his one hand was his cane, and in the other a plume of purple magic shot from his palm and struck a wall. Flames erupted from the purple scorch mark. Regina barely drew breath. This man, this thing was dangerous on a good day. Regina's thoughts shot to Belle. She had to protect her.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but you'd better have a good reason for breaking down my door." She said slowly. Almost imperceptably she began moving toward her cabinet. It held her book. Her book was the only thing that could keep them safe. Today was not her day to make peace with death.

"I will not let you take anything else from me, you fucking monster." The Evil Queen decided. Rumple looked livid.

"That lipstick you've got smeared all over your face tells a different story, dearie." He said. His voice was low and menacing, unlike his usualy melodic banter. This was no game. Regina's hand shot to her face. She was caught. So, she did the only thing she thought could save her; it was the only thing she thought could save them both. Regina ran to her cabinet, but was met with Rumplestiltskin's cane. The force that met with Regina's shoulder was boneshattering. She screamed, but her other arm was alert and moving.

"Don't even try it, bitch." Rumplestiltskin said with a laugh. When the book was in her hand Rumple was one step ahead, knocking it out of her hand with a flick of his cane. Regina was almost powerless, but she had to save Belle. Regina didn't even risk looking in the other woman's direction to see if she was ok.

"You know, Regina, this is somewhat of a victory for you. I've never considered you a real threat to me. Stealing my girl puts you on a whole other playing field." Gold said, eyeing the magic eminating from his palm. Regina backed up against the wall, her thoughts racing. She had to do something and she had to do it quickly.

"So, let's play...dearie." Rumple finished, slamming his cane against the wall next to Regina's head. She saw Belle rising on the other side of the room out of the corner of her eye, thankful that the Dark One's attention was solely focussed on destroying her.

"I didn't steal her, Rumplestiltskin." The Evil Queen said, shaky but firm.

"Oh? No?" Gold growled.

"No. She kissed me. So, I suggest you fuck off!" Regina shouted back, ramming her good shoulder into Rumplestiltskin's chest. They fell to the floor in a flurry of snarls. Rumple grabbed Regina's broken shoulder and twisted it. She screamed and Rumple relished the noise. Belle, unable to watch any longer, jumped from behind the couch.

"Stop it! Stop it, please!" She screamed. Regina turned white and shakily rose to her feet only to be pulled down by Rumplestilitskin who rose instead. She landed with a thud, shaking. The pain in her shoulder was almost overwhelming and she worried that she would lose her grip on conciousness.

"Belle, what are you doing here?" Mr. Gold asked, this voice eerily calm. Belle approached slowly, but Rumplestilitskin's hand was alight with a menacing purple glow in an instant. The purple morphed to flame and he hovered his palm above Regina, making her wince.

"Not so fast, my dear." He warned. Belle stopped. Regina's eyes were fighting to remain open, sweat dripping from her brow.

"Leave her out of this, Rumple." The Evil Queen commanded. He responded by grabbing her good shoulder with his flame-ridden hand. Regina's screams rattled the windows, but Rumplestiltskin's grip on her was like a vice and she had no choice but to burn.

"Rumplestilitskin! NO!" Belle shouted as she raced to separate them. He pushed her back with his free hand. The flames subsided, and Rumple's hand slid to Regina's throat taking a firm hold. Her eyes shot open as she gasped for air. He turned to Belle, his grip starting to tighten.

"Does this mean it was all a ploy? Does this mean you were in league with her all along after all? I've never had much luck with women. I am quite fond of deals though. So, here's one, dearie. In exchange for your life, I will have her blood. I think it's fair." Rumplestilitskin concluded. Belle began to weep, feeling entirely responsible and entirely hopeless. Regina was going to die, and it was going to be entirely her fault. As if on cue, Ruby bounded into the room, tackling Gold to the floor. She was followed by Charming and the Blue Fairy who surrounded them faster than anyone could react. The Blue Fairy quickly encaged her dark adversary in a circle of fairy dust. Charming's gun was aimed right at the monster's head. When the crowd sank in, Regina finally let herself pass out. The last thing she saw was Belle's paniked expression.