Sorry this took so long... I have a lot going on.

Disclaimers are the same

Chapter 10

She was starting to go out by herself more and more, slowly giving trust to the citizens. Regina was sitting on a park bench, just thinking. Zelena was still urging her to go to the police, or at least visit Dr Hopper, but each time, she refused. Going to either one, would simply force her to revisit each time, and she just wanted to forget it all. She wanted to forget how every bruise made flinch, how she couldn't look at the scar on her lip without wanting to cry, how she still tensed at unknown contact. His face haunted her at night, imprinted clearly into her mind, taunting her, mocking her. Maybe she really did need to see Archie...

"You look like you could use a friend" It was a voice she only just recognised- she'd only met the person a few times. Regina turned to face the woman, Mary Margaret, the happy, smiling teacher who was married to David.

"Maybe I could" Regina admitted, shuffling along the bench to allow Mary Margaret to sit. The woman did, looking at Regina.

"What's on your mind?"

"Everything.." Regina sighed, running a hand through her hair. She didn't want to let the other in on too much: what had happened was her business.

"Why don't we go get coffee at the diner?" Mary Margaret offered, smiling as always. She stood, Regina following her.

~0~

The diner wasn't busy for once, just a few others sitting around tables, reading, or talking. The two women chose a booth near the end, both sitting by the window on their side. Regina looked out, heart slowing as her eyes landed on a car. There was someone inside, staring at her, watching her.

"Regina?"

Her focus was snapped back to the woman opposite her.

"I'm sorry, yes?"

"Ruby asked what you wanted" Mary Margaret nodded towards the waitress.

"Oh... I'll have a, uh, whatever she's having, please" She finally decided, avoiding anyone's eyes. Instead, her gaze fell back to the car. The man inside was still watching her. He was eating something, but his eyes would always remain trained on the brunette. Every time she looked away, she always ended up looking again. Something was off about this...

Instantly, her worst fears poked through. Daniel. Daniel had sent someone after her. What other option was there? He had... She was trapped. She would be forced to go back... She...

"So, how-"

"I'm sorry, I have to go" She mumbled, standing and practically running to the door. She stopped as she collided with someone walking into the diner. Regina only muttered a quick "sorry" before pushing past. She was stopped by a hand catching onto her wrist. Once more, her heart slowed, images of Daniel flashing through her mind.

"Let go!" Regina pleaded, turning to face whoever was there. It was Robin. He realised his mistake straight away, dropping his grip.

"I'm sorry" He bit his lip. "What's wrong, Regina?" He followed her glance to the car, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Is that guy following you?"

"I...I think so" Regina nodded slowly, finally meeting his eyes. Robin saw the fear in her face, it shone out of her eyes like a beacon. He led her back inside.

"Follow me" He looked at her for acceptance of his request. Regina nodded. Robin took her out through the back, through the kitchen- after Ruby allowed it- and into the back alley.

~0~

He only stopped when they were safely outside Zelena's house.

"Did you know the guy?" Robin asked, glancing around quickly for any sign of the car. Regina shook her head.

"I... No" But somehow, she felt like she did. His face had seemed so familiar to her, his name on the tip of her tongue. Robin searched her face, frowning slightly.

"You're lying."

"No, I'm not... I don't know him, but...but I think I recognise him"

"From where?"

"I-I don't know... Robin, I'm.." She trailed off, avoiding his gaze. He tilted his head, his face softening.

"What is it, Regina?"

"I'm...scared" She whispered, closing her eyes. It was the first time she had admitted it to someone other than herself. The first time she had fully come to terms with it. The first time she had completely accepted that the swirling darkness had poked through all her defences. Robin said nothing more, just reached forward and enveloped her in a hug. For the first time, Regina didn't flinch. Instead, she actually wrapped her arms around him in return, burying her head into his shoulder.

"It's alright, I'll be here, Regina. Every hour, every day. And if he ever comes to Storybrooke, I'll be happy to give him more than a talk"

Regina gave a shaky chuckle.

"Why is it you care so much? You barely know me" The brunette sniffed, looking up at him. Robin gave her a soft smile, pulling back so he could face her properly.

"Because no one should have to go through what you did. You went through Hell, Regina, and you survived."

"Doesn't feel like it. I'm broken"

"Broken things can be repaired" He replied. In the corner of his eye, Robin spotted a vehicle, black in colour, parked at the end of the street. His brow furrowed, before registering it was the same car from before. He nudged Regina.

"Don't look now, but the car is there again. Don't say anything, just act normal, and follow me inside" He muttered, opening the gate. Regina followed him in, fighting the temptation to peek over her shoulder at the car. They made inside, her heart beating wildly with worry. For the next hour, she just sat on his couch, staring into space. Honestly, her behaviour was worrying Robin. He would routinely look out the curtains, to see if the car was still there. It was. He gave up soon enough, sitting down next to her. Regina barely heard the words that he spoke.

"You'll be safe, I promise"

A/N Eek! Sorry for the really late update. As you know, I have to balance Fanfiction, school, and life (and usually I just focus on Fanfic because I'm a terrible student. JK). I honestly kinda forgot about this. Once more, it's a short chapter, once more I dislike it, and once more, I didn't quite know what to do with this chapter. I do, however, have an idea playing around in my head, involving the stranger in the car, Daniel, and Regina... We'll see how that goes.

Review as always!

-Oh, and small side point, a few of you PMed me in concerns to what happened with Regina having flashbacks. There will be more concerning that in the next few chapters, with Archie.

Thanks for staying with me,

-Oncie