Hello everyone :) Thank you for all the reviews and love this story has received! It seriously means the world to me. This chapter is left on a cliffhanger...whoops? I'm writing the next chapter right now, so hopefully the wait won't be too long. Please remember that in the end, everything will be okay :) I still have so much planned for this story, and I hope you still want to read after everything, lol. Here is chapter 13! Enjoy!

Chapter 13

~2012~

Robin's heart was beating out of his chest. He didn't know what was wrong with Regina. Ever since a few days ago, she had started acting strange, never really looking him in the eyes or avoiding him. They had been amazing, better than ever, give that time at the bar. It's been weeks since that night, and Robin thought they were growing stronger and stronger each day. But she wasn't smiling anymore. She was quiet. She kept to herself.

What had he done? This evening, this was the first time in five days she even came close to him. He had been sitting on the couch, watching a football game, when she came in the living room and curled up at his side. She dug her head into his chest, and curled her body against him. Robin put his arm around her, holding her tightly.

Was it possible that she didn't want this anymore? That she didn't want to be in this relationship with him? But she told him he was the only one she would ever love….what was going on? The questions swirling in Robin's mind were eating him alive, and he sighed, causing Regina to look up at him, her chocolate brown eyes filled with concern.

"You're leaving me, aren't you?" Robin chuckled sadly as Regina shifted in his arms, her eyes wide. Regina's mouth parted slowly, and she sat up, cupping his face in her hands, rubbing her thumbs across his jawline.

"Of course not…. Why would you think that?" Regina asked, but the look she received from Robin told her all. The truth was, she knew she had put distance between her and Robin the last week. But, she was just afraid. She loved him, God, so much. She would never leave him. And he would never leave her.

"Okay…. I know I've been a shitty girlfriend lately, but I promise it's not your fault….it's my mother's," Regina spat out with disgust, and Robin frowned, annoyance and anger starting to fuel through his body. He hadn't even met this Cora person yet, and he already hated her more than any other person in the world.

"Your mother? Regina, you owe absolutely nothing to her," Robin sighed as Regina laid her head on his shoulder, falling back into his arms. Regina closed her eyes and took in the scent of forest, one of the things that she could always count on the calm her.

"I know….I know….but you know her. She always finds a way to get under my skin," Regina felt Robin's scoff, but she said nothing, only curled next to him even closer.

"She gets under your skin? More like she controls your mind…. Regina, I'm not trying to sound rude or indignant, but Love, we both know she hurts you more than anyone else…. I hate seeing you cry, and I always feel so helpless because I can't do anything about it." Regina traced circles on Robin's chest with her index finger, her heart so happy that Robin cared about her as much as she cared about him.

"Robin, you are the only thing that does help when I'm upset. Just with a simple hug, I feel so much better. Don't ever say you feel helpless, because you are not…. But we've got a problem." Robin furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at her, and she frowned slightly. Regina's hand rose to Robin's hair and started brushing it out if his face.

"My mother is coming for a visit….and she wants to meet you." Regina winced as the words left her mouth. She could already see Robin's head starting to spin with every nasty phrase he could send her mother, and she sighed when he got up from the couch.

"Cora? Wants to meet me? I'd rather die." Robin announced as he walked over to the kitchen. Regina let her head fall as she rose from the couch and walked into the kitchen behind Robin, following him.

He went into the fridge and got a glass of water, almost slamming it against the counter. Regina grimaced, knowing he was against just the idea of the situation.

"Robin, please. I know this is the last thing you would want, but she just wants to know who I'm spending my life with,"

"Why should she have the right to know? Regina, Cora could care less about you. She treats you like some piece of shit on the bottom of her shoe! I don't understand why you constantly let her into your life when she hasn't even been in it for years." Robin shook his head, mad at the situation. Of course at the situation. Never at her. Never.

"She's still my mother, Robin. I'm sorry that my relationship with her isn't as great as your relationship with your mother," Regina crossed her arms, feeling like he was being unfair to her. But really, she knew he wasn't. But she's never been able to let go of the need for her mother's approval…

"Regina, you know that's not why I mean…. Listen, Love," Robin walked over to Regina and rubbed his hands up and down her arms as she stubbornly kept her eyes on the floor.

"I'm in love with you," Robin smiled, and Regina looked up into his eyes, hers shining with love and adoration, "I'm in love with you, and I don't think that's any secret. I don't want it to be. I will always do my best to keep you safe from any harm, and I intend to keep my promise forever…. And if meeting your mother is what you really want, then I will gladly meet her…. I just want you to feel like the beautiful, loving person you are." Regina smiled with tears in her eyes as she kissed her boyfriend's cheek, her crossed arms long forgotten.

"I love you so much. I don't know what I ever did to deserve you," Regina smiled as she wrapped her arms around Robin's neck. Robin smiled and brushed stubborn strands of hair out of her face.

"You gave me a chance," Robin answered, and Regina smiled.

"Best decision of my life," Robin chuckled as he leaned in for a kiss. Regina smiled when she felt his lips press against hers, the feeling of his love for her lighting up her whole body.

"Indeed it was, Milady."

….

Finally, it was Saturday. The day that Robin and Regina were both dreading. Today, Cora Mills would be coming by to visit. Regina was going to be sick. Robin wanted to punch Cora.

But, he promised Regina he would do this, and if that meant keeping his honor towards her, he would do it with a heartbeat. Regina had been running around their apartment all day, making sure it was perfect, and Robin couldn't help but wonder how she would act when the devil herself actually showed up.

Regina sat at the small kitchen table as she moved every glass and centerpiece to the exact, perfect location. Robin rolled his eyes with a smile as he hugged her from behind, his arms wrapping around her. Regina smiled when she felt Robin's arms circle her.

"Love, I don't think this is necessary," Robin explained as he kissed her cheek and let go of her. He walked over to a seat next to her and grabbed her hand, rubbing soothing circles up and down the back of her palm.

"You don't understand, Robin. If one thing is out of place, one, I will never hear the end of it. And then she'll start criticizing everything, and me…. I just want her to be proud of me for once," Regina sighed, looking into Robin's eyes. Robin smiled lovingly and kissed Regina's knuckles, knowing he would never understand how he fell in love with this beautiful woman more and more each day, as if his love for her could grow anymore.

"I'm proud of you, Regina. You will never know how strong you are. You may look over it, you may not even believe. But you are the strongest person I know…. I know, Regina. Every person wants their parents approval, and I'm hoping for both of us that she's changed. But your mother is not the most important thing in life. To me, or you." Regina smiled as she took in Robin's words, which caused the color in her cheeks to grow.

"You are the most important thing to me in the world. And if Cora thinks any less, then she doesn't deserve to be a part of your life. But if she tries to mend all her mistakes in the past, I will be happy that you can finally have that satisfaction…. But Regina, there are people that will never change…. I don't want you to feel stupid or worthless if Cora can't open her eyes and see the beautiful, intelligent, loving human being you are. Because like it or not, you're stuck with me for the rest of your life, and I surely wouldn't want her to be the reason behind the tears I never want to see."

Regina chuckled as she brushed stubborn strands of hair out of her face, letting Robin's words sink into her.

Her whole childhood, she had always believed that she was the reason why her mother had always been so cruel to her. That she wasn't worth it, shouldn't have a purpose on this Earth. She didn't know what she did, maybe it was the fact that she just existed, floating around like some life-threatening germ no one wanted. She had felt that way for eighteen years.

And then she met Emma and Killian. Her best friends. And a little over one year later, she met Robin, her best friend, her rock, her go-to person, her soulmate, the love of her life. He made her feel so loved and special and worthy, and Regina wasn't sure she could ever go back to the times when Robin or his words weren't there to comfort and soothe her. So yes, she was overly happy and excited that she was stuck with Robin. Because she wouldn't have it any other way.

"My mother's words will hurt. I know that. But if you're here, next to me, I know you'll be there to catch me before I even feel an ounce of unworthiness. And I love you so much for it," Regina and Robin smiled at each other, their eyes staring deep into each other's souls.

Not even a minute later, the doorbell rang, and Regina jumped. She looked at Robin, who nodded, with a lovesick smile on his face, and they both stood from their chairs. Regina walked over to the door, looking back over her shoulder one last time to Robin before opening the door.

She couldn't help the fake smile that plastered across her face when she came to sight with the woman she couldn't help but feel the need for.

"Hello, Mother,"

…..

~Present~

Regina sat on the edge of her bed, in the dark, playing with her necklace. She let her legs dangle off the bed, wishing the darkness would rise to her chest and let her drown. Her left hand rose to her head, and she brushed her fingers across her lips. She could still feel Robin's kiss on her lips. She could still remember his taste. She knew it was crazy. She knew it was over. It's been weeks since the wedding, two, to be exact, and she understood. It was over.

But no matter what, every time she closed her eyes, every time she went to sleep, he would always be there. His crystal blue eyes shining back at her, telling her she would be okay without him.

She hasn't slept since the wedding.

Regina's head was pounding. She slowly stood from her bed and walked to the bathroom to get medicine. She turned on the light, her reflection in the mirror catching the corner of her eye. She turned to look at herself and knew it. She looked just the way she had years ago when Robin left. She looked heartbroken.

There were bags under her eyes, which were red and puffy from crying so much. She looked physically and mentally broken down, and she didn't even want to know what people thought of her when they saw the state she was in. Makeup couldn't cover up everything. She should have learned from last time.

And it didn't help that the first few days without Robin she tried drink her feelings away. Those five days were not fun. Not at all. And no matter how many cocktails or shots of vodka she scourned down, no matter how much alcohol burned her throat, it did nothing to erase her memories of Robin at the end of the day. She should have known it's hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.

Regina rubbed cold water on her face, letting the faucet run. She let her head fall as her hands gripped the counter. This wasn't fair. This wasn't how she wanted her life to be. She wanted love. She wanted happiness. She wanted Robin.

All of a sudden, Regina felt a pain in her right shoulder. She gasped at the intensity it brought on, cursing hurtfully as she rushed to turn off the water. She grabbed her shoulder and spun around, the pain unreal.

What the hell was happening? She hadn't done a thing to it, and she knew it was perfectly fine, well until now. Tears welled in Regina's eyes as she looked up and prayed for the pain to stop. Not even five seconds later, the burning, excruciating feeling vanished. Regina took deep breaths as she regained her composure, rubbing her shoulder.

It was completely fine.

She moved her shift off of her shoulder, showing her bare skin. Everything looked absolutely fine. No cuts, no scars, no rash, no bruise. It was like nothing had ever happened. Regina closed her eyes and shook her head, convinced the lack of sleep was causing her to be delusional. Regina walked back into her bedroom, the medicine long forgotten, as she climbed back into bed and stared at the clock.

1:47 am.

Regina groaned as she turned on her side, her hand instinctively reaching over to the other side, which was vacant. It had been for many nights now. She just wished Robin was there to hold her in his arms. She wanted to feel loved. Whatever happened to that?

Regina closed her eyes, knowing absolutely nothing would come out of it. She thought about her life, the past month. One day, Robin wasn't there. The next day, he was. She spilled her coffee all over him. She had met Marian. She had been brokenhearted all over again. And then his parents came. She spent time with them. Then Marian left. She saw Paige again. She saw Will as well. Robin wouldn't leave her alone. And one night, she hadn't let him leave. The wedding. Their talk. Her hiding behind her apartment door.

It all happened so damn fast, yet it felt like just yesterday she had met Robin all over again. Don't forget about what happened with Daniel…. Regina mind called, and she winced in pain, knowing that if it were never for the alcohol that had been in her that night, she would have never clung to Daniel like she did. It hurt her just thinking about it.

She shouldn't lead Daniel on. He was a great guy...but he wasn't Robin. Regina sighed as she remembered the night that just happened weeks ago….

Tears stained Regina's cheeks as she forced a shot of vodka down her throat. It burned. Like hell. But she deserved it. Whatever she ever did, she deserved it for never being able to make Robin chose her.

Regina felt the presence another next to her on a bar stool, but she chose to ignore the figure. She just wanted to drink away her feelings in piece.

"I thought I recognized you from somewhere," Daniel teased, and the brunette looked up at him under her eyelashes. She rolled her eyes and played with the straw in her drink. Her fifth, her sixth? She didn't know.

"I'm not in the mood, Daniel. You can leave," Daniel smiled kindly as he took away Regina's drink, earning him a glare from her. Daniel sighed, all smiles and jokes aside.

"Regina, you're drunk." Regina scoffed and rolled her eyes, raking her fingers through her hair.

"And? You're not the boss of me. You're not a police officer." Regina froze as the words left her lips. You're not a police officer. God, she had said those same exact words to Robin back when they had their very first fight about him going into the police force. Her heart bled even more, wishing her superhero would come in here and save her.

"Hey, you okay?" Daniel asked as he saw Regina's face fall. She cleared her throat and nodded. She grabbed her purse off the back of the chair after laying dollar bills on the counter, standing up out of her seat, only to fall, Daniel catching her immediately.

"Come one. Let me take you home," Regina sighed but nodded in defeat, giving up. Daniel helped her walk, putting her arm around his neck, steering her through the crowded bar, and out the the sidewalk in the right direction. Regina tripped many, many times, but one certain stumble took the ground away from her, and she landed in Daniel's arms, perfectly. It was like they had danced, and he had dipped her.

Why did they fit so perfectly together?

Regina stared into his eyes, and if she really tried hard, if she tilted her head the right way and squinted, she could see Robin smiling down at her. Regina jumped up into Daniel's arms and tried to kiss him, but with her nonexistent balance, she tripped once again and her lips landed on his cheek. Daniel didn't necessarily push her away, but caught her and made sure he gave her space. He made sure she didn't do anything else she would regret later.

"Robin, my head hurts," Regina whined, closing her eyes, scrunching her nose. Daniel froze. Holy shit. She thinks I'm someone else.

"Regina, I'm not-"

"I know you don't love me," Regina interrupted with a hiccup, and Daniel's heart couldn't help but break for the brunette in front of him.

"I know it's oveerrrrrrr," Regina slurred, "Bbbbbut be my superherooooo and, and saaaave meee one last, one last." Daniel didn't know what to say. He had heard pieces about Regina's previous relationship, and from all the stories and vague, little details, he knew Regina was still in love with this man. Her eyes lit up when she spoke of him, even if he never told her that.

He couldn't recall ever learning his name, but he could bet his last dollar that his name was Robin. And Regina was in love with him. They had a past. They had history. Yet, Daniel couldn't understand how this Robin character couldn't be in love with Regina. When you talk about someone you love as much as Regina did, the other person could not have been not in love.

A love that important and true was shared on both sides. Something must have happened.

But Daniel is a gentleman, and he would never leave Regina like this alone, so he nodded his head in silence and managed to get her to tell him her address. Daniel carried Regina into her apartment and laid her down on the couch carefully. After making sure she was okay, he wrote a note to her on the coffee table and left, getting a call from her the next morning, thanking him for everything…

God, she had been so embarrassed. Hell, she still was. But nothing compared to the amount of heartache she was feeling. Regina fluttered her eyes as the lack of sleep caught up to her, consuming her as she feel into complete darkness.

….

Robin kept his head low, walking the busy streets of New York City. He stood right across from the old coffee, staring longingly as his eyes laid on the most beautiful figure he's ever seen. She looked exhausted.

Robin closed his eyes shamefully, knowing it was all his fault. He had made all her hopes and dreams of love vanish. He knew it was like a gunshot to the heart. He knew because he was sure he felt a million times worse then Regina.

Robin looked down to his shaking hands, cursing. He's never known how to deal with the loss of Regina. How was he supposed to survive it knowing both times, it was his fault? Knowing that he was the one responsible for both or their misery?

Misery. Most times, he thought he was the only one going through this hell. He knew he let Regina go. He knew he wanted her to get back into the world, to find love and happiness again. But he never thought it would hurt this bad. He never thought she would move on so quickly. But maybe, he deserved that, realizing that was just how hard and fast it had hit Regina when she learned that he had moved on so rapidly.

If only she knew the truth…..

But Robin knew many truths, and one of them? Regina has finally moved on. Into the arms as a man with light brown hair, and a style that was the complete opposite of his. Was that was she needed all this time? The exact opposite of what he was? Could that man treat her better than he ever had?

Robin had seen Regina in the arms of that man one late night right across from a bar, as he was walking the streets of New York City. He had been shivering, walking in the low degrees with nothing but a light jacket, wanting to freeze him and his heart, to see if he could stop feeling. But he had also had much drink in him that night. What he saw could have been wrong, but he was sure it wasn't.

Regina moved on. Robin had seen her lean in for a kiss, her arms wrapping around the man's neck, just like she used to do with his, and he couldn't bare to look anymore. He walked home alone, drinking himself to sleep until he woke up to the sun burning his crystal blue eyes, suffering from the worst hangover in his life.

But nothing was worse than knowing the one you love no longer loves you.

Robin was pulled back into reality when a cop car pulled to the side, right where he was. Robin furrowed his eyebrows as a man he hasn't seen in a while got out of the car, walking towards him, leaning on the hood as he smirked.

"I don't believe my eyes. Robin Locksley. You're finally returning from your whole month vacation?" Robin rolled his eyes as he faked a small smile, hoping it would fool John, his partner in crime. Literally.

"John, what are you doing here?" Robin asked, shaking his hand in respect as John sighed, shrugging his shoulders.

"What can I say? Everyone misses you at the department. Hell, some officers probably think you died," John chuckled, but frowned when he noticed Robin hadn't.

Over the course of time, Robin and John had been partners for about five years now. They were friends. They would laugh and joke around, and usually, if John said anything along those lines, Robin would chuckle with a humorous look in his eyes. His stance wouldn't be shitty, and the bags under his eyes would be nonexistent. What the hell happened?

"Hey, you good, man?" John asked, but Robin nodded nonetheless, the sadness in his eyes and facial expressions never leaving him. John's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and worry, wondering how the happy Robin Locksley turned into this miserable lad.

John could tell Robin was missing something….more like someone. John sighed as he crossed his arms, looking down for a brief moment before looking back up at Robin, who was staring longing in the distance.

"Is this about her?" John asked, and Robin closed his eyes, defeated. He couldn't keep everything inside forever, could he? But John's always been the one to push, so why would he stop now?

"I know what heartbreak feels like, Robin. And I want you to know you are not alone… If you are hurting this bad, then that lovely lady must feel even worse….. I remember the beginning of our friendship, you were just like this. The sad, lonesome look in your eyes." Robin sighed as he recalled that as well, although now, all he wanted to do was walk into that damned coffee shop and kiss the love of his life.

"You told me stories. About a beautiful brunette that stole your heart, and you stole hers…. You told me how she was a much better, loving person than you could ever be, and how it was all your fault. That she slipped through your fingers, and she would never know how much you truly cared about her…"

"John, stop." Robin growled, not wanting to hear this. Any of it. All the pain was overwhelming him, just like before. It felt like a huge waved had just crashed upon his head, drowning him. Like his light in the world had just vanished.

"I will get in the damn car, and I will come back to the station with you. I will work my ass off just like before, but I will not listen to anything more like that." Robin walked over to the passenger's side of the car and slammed the door as he got in, John shaking his head as he also walked over to the car, preparing the drive them back to the station.

…

"I don't know, love," Killian sighed, holding Emma's hand as they stood behind the counter of the coffee shop, waiting for customers to start filing in. It was a very slow day, with only Regina in sight. No other tables were being used.

"Killian, we never get a break. I think we should close the shop, take a day off, and try to get Regina out of her funk. Come on. You know ever since her and Robin's official split she's been acting just like before, and you and I both know she's too stubborn to talk to anyone about it. I think if she's surrounded by us, the people she cares about and who care about her, maybe her day will be just a little bit better." Emma smiled when she saw Killian nod his head in agreement, kissing him on the cheek.

Emma took of her apron, as well as Killian, as the blonde made her way to Regina's table. She had her glasses on, and was cuddled up in an oversized sweatshirt with a pair of old jeans. Today was definitely already not a good day.

"Hey, J. K. Rowling." Emma teased as she approached Regina's table, sitting in the seat across from her. Regina looked up from her laptop and attempted a smile, which would have worked on most people, if Emma wasn't most people.

"Hey Em. What's up?" Regina sighed as she leaned back in her chair. She folded her arms, her sweatshirt raising just beneath her chin. Regina looked around the coffee shop as she took her glasses off, eyes widening.

"Wow. Business is really booming today," Emma chuckled at Regina's statement. But even though she was acting like her old self, Emma knew the brunette was hurting deeply inside. She had heard about Regina's drunken encounter with Daniel, and how she hasn't gotten sleep in weeks.

The amount of times she saw Regina with red, puffy eyes just these past three days alone shows it.

"Yeah, yeah… Speaking of business, we're closing the shop in a few minutes." Emma pointed her thumb back in Killian's direction, who was putting away everything. Regina's eyebrows furrowed, hoping that didn't mean she would have to go back to her dark, lonely apartment. Most days, it helped knowing she could come here to escape.

"What? Why?" Regina asked, and Emma's smile was joined with a mischievous glint in her eyes, which caused Regina to tilt her head, frowning. She didn't want to do anything today, let alone whatever Emma came up with.

"Me and Killian are taking the day off, and you're coming with us," Regina groaned as she rolled her eyes, leaning her head on her hand. Never mind, she'd rather go back to her apartment.

"Em," Regina started, but Emma shook her head, not letting her say anything.

"Come on, Regina. We'll just relax and have some fun around the city." Regina sighed as she put her glasses in the case, starting to pack up her laptop as well.

"As much as I would love to be a third wheel with you and Captain Guyliner, I think it's better if I just go back to my apartment." Emma rolled her eyes, reaching for her best friend's hand, halting her movements of packing up her belongings.

"Regina, we all know you are not a third wheel….but me and you both know that this will be good for you… And we don't have to talk about Robin, or-"

"I'll go if you stop that sentence right now," Regina gritted through her teeth, and Emma nodded sympathetically. The blonde rose from her seat, going to tell Killian Regina would be joining them.

Regina sighed as she covered her face with her hands, wishing she could just disappear. She didn't want to be here anymore. She didn't want to be anywhere. But she would stay in this hell hole life for Emma and Killian.

It wasn't like anyone else cared about her, anyways.

….

Regina, Emma, and Killian had been out for a couple hours now, just shopping while they talked, and now, it was time for lunch. They went to one of their favorite diners, where they used to go all the time.

They were all sitting down, Regina answering one of Emma's questions, when her own gasp cut her off. Regina's hands went down to her stomach, clenching her jaw as she squeezed her eyes shut. A fierce, death-defying pain pierced her abdomen. It felt like a million knives were cutting at her insides, showing no mercy. Emma and Killian stared worriedly, seeing how Regina was on the verge of crying.

"Regina, are you okay?" Killian asked, both alarmed. Regina didn't answer, only gripping the table of the booth as the couple across from her watched her fingers turn white. Her breaths grew deep and she wondered what the hell was going on with her.

As fast as the pain came, it vanished, leaving Regina breathing deeply, her eyes moving in a frantic manner. Her hands reted back down at her side as she looked down at her stomach. She felt absolutely fine.

Just like what had happened with her shoulder previously. What the hell was going on? Was her body failing on her?

"Regina, what the hell was that?" Emma asked, trying to find some kind of truth in the brunette's eyes. Regina shook her head, standing from the booth with shaking legs, keeping her eyes anywhere but Killian and Emma.

"I, I don't know…. Just give me a second," Regina walked away from the table and into the bathroom in the back, which she found vacant, thankfully. Regina stood in front of the mirror, her hands gripping the marble counter. She looked herself over in the mirror before carefully lifting the bottom half of her sweatshirt.

Just like before.

There were no bruises or scars or scratches or even traces of anything abnormal. Her body looked just the way it hard before for the past several years. Regina set her sweatshirt back down as a tear slid down her cheek.

She has never felt that kind of pain before. Sure, she's felt emotional pain and heartbreak, but never something so physically. It felt like she was going to die. And maybe, she had hoped it would have ended her existence…..

Regina dried her eyes and took a deep breath before walking back out to the booth, where Killian and Emma followed her with worried, frantic eyes.

"Are you okay?" Emma asked, and Regina nodded her head, not wanting Emma to ask any questions when she didn't even know what just happened.

"Yeah, it was probably just a stomach cramp or something," Regina brushed it away as she caught her breath, sitting back down. Emma and Killian shared an uncertain look, but didn't push her any further. They didn't want to put Regina in any more pain than she already was.

But about two hours after their little trip, walking back home towards both their apartments, Regina stopped walking and winced in pain. She stumbled back, and as if in some miraculous moment, Killian caught her.

Regina tilted her head to the side in agony, wishing for the horrible things going through her body to stop. How was any of this fair? Or normal? She's felt excruciating pain in her shoulder, abdomen, and now, neck. What was going on? Was she truly okay?

Regina used one of her hands to cover the patch where the stinging, fiery sensation was being held on her neck. She groaned as the torturous discomfort only grew, worse than anything else she had ever felt in her entire life. She cried out, hoping it would stop as fast as the other ones did.

But it didn't.

It felt like she was losing all the oxygen in her body. It felt like she was dying. For real, this time. She couldn't stop the anguish that was tormenting her neck, and she felt tears fall down her face in hot, fast streams.

She heard Emma and Killian calling out her name in a distant way, like their voices were under water. She tried to open her eyes, only to see the world spinning. She held onto Killian and prayed that she would be okay. That this pain would end once and for all in just a few seconds.

"What's wrong with her?!" Emma shouted to Killian, who was struggling to keep Regina still in his arms. She was thrashing around, crying and groaning. Emma looked around for help, but found they were the only ones around. How the hell does that even happen in New York City?

Regina thought she felt blood oozing out of her neck, but when she lifted her hands, she saw nothing.

"Regina!"

Regina opened her eyes, and everything stopped. The world stopped spinning around her, Emma and Killian's voices weren't drowned in water any longer, and the burning, death feeling in the patch of her neck stopped. Regina breathed heavily as she regained her balance and stood out of Killian's arms, bending to the concrete ground as she put her hands on her knees, letting her head fall.

She was scared out of her mind.

What if something was wrong with her? Was there something going on with her body? Was it working against her? Was she developing some kind of disease? Some kind of illness? How was any of this happening? How did she feel on the verge of death one moment and then next, fine?

"Regina, we need to get you to the hospital," Emma exclaimed as a tear escaped the blonde's green eyes. Regina shook her head and stood back up again, slowly.

"No, I'm fine."

"That was not fine Regina! You need help!" Emma exclaimed, scared and worried about her best friend.

"You can't tell me this was just a cramp, Regina! You nearly passed out! How many other events have you had like this?" Regina sighed as she rose her hand to her head, trying to stop the intensifying pounding.

"It's, It's only been a couple of times…. Emma, I feel fine. Look at my neck! There is absolutely nothing wrong! I don't know why it hurt, but it did. But it's nothing." Emma rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. Regina was stubborn, but she was too.

"I'll let you go this time, but Regina, if this happens one more time, we are taking you to the hospital, and you can't do anything about it." Regina frowned, but nodded her head defeatedly.

She didn't know what was happening to her, and she didn't know why this was happening to her.

Only if she knew in hours to come, the man she loved the most would be feeling that exact pain, but only worse. If only she would have realized that she shared his pain….

~2012~

"Regina, Dear. It's so good to see you," Cora announced as she hugged her daughter in the most elegant way Robin has ever seen. Already, he could tell a fake smile was plastered on Cora's face, and Robin wasn't the only one who noticed it. Cora stepped out of her daughter's arms as she rose her eyebrows. In a teasing or humorous way, neither Robin or Regina knew.

"Are you going to invite me in?" Stay calm, Robin. Remember, this is for Regina, Robin reminded himself as his hatred for this woman only grew. What a way to come inside. Robin fought the urge to roll his eyes as Regina stammered, moving out of the doorway.

"Of course, of course. Sorry," You shouldn't have to apologize to your mother like that, Robin thought as Regina took Cora's coat and hung it in the closet. Cora waited with a hand on her hip, looking anywhere but him. Robin wished she would just disappear. Leave before he got the urge to punch her in her pretty, evil face again.

Cora's eyes landed on Robin, and her faux smile returned. She acted like she didn't know he was there the whole time. How was this woman so malicious and phony? What could have possibly happened to her to make her like this?

"And who is this young man?" Regina had just returned to the both of them, and she smiled when her eyes met her boyfriend's. It meant so much that he was doing this for her, even thought she knew how much he hated her. She would have to thank him later.

"Mother, this is Robin. My amazing boyfriend." Robin smiled lovingly in Regina's way before turning back to Cora with a smile full of less happiness, and definitely not love. He held his hand out, his honorful manners never put to rest.

"Robin Locksley." Cora frowned as she looked down at his hand, moving away from him, never even getting her hand close to his.

"A tattoo? Honestly, Regina, you couldn't find anyone better?" Robin gritted his teeth as he took his hand back, looking at Regina as she looked back at him, her eyes shining his way, as to say, This won't last forever, babe. You're doing so good.

"Robin is the best man I've ever known and will ever know, Mother. He loves me, so much better than anyone else in the damn world." Regina stated strongly, and Cora was taken aback by Regina's words. Her daughter never really found words to use against her, but now?

She grew up. She moved out. She's moved on. God, why was Cora's heart racing? Why were her palms sweaty? Was it possible that she was afraid to lose Regina more than she already had?

"Of course," Cora muttered, flipping her hair behind her shoulders. She looked between Regina and Robin, then finally cleared her throat.

"May I use the restroom?" Cora asked, and Regina nodded her head, showing her the way. As Cora disappeared into the end of the hallway, Regina sighed and walked over to Robin, her fingers finding their way to his perfectly combed hair. God, he was too much for her.

"I'm sorry she said that about you. Don't take it personal. She hates everyone." Robin rolled his eyes with a smile. She's a selfish, arrogant bitch. And the only thing Robin could do was pull Regina into his arms and kiss the life out of her. Robin pulled back moments later, and Regina was left with a smile on her face, her eyes closed.

"Not that I'm complaining," Regina started, wrapping her arms around Robin's neck, "but what was that for?"

"You are so strong. I love you so much Regina, but I love you even more for being able to move on from your mother. She is an evil, malicious monster, and I couldn't be any more proud of you for being the exact opposite. I don't even know how much courage that must have taken, but I love you even more for it." Regina blushed as she pulled Robin in for a hug, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

It was official. She knew she would have to marry this amazing, wonderful, loving man.

….

~Present~

"Well, look who it is. Robin Locksley, finally reporting for duty," Mulan, another one of Robin's partners, smirked as she got up out of her chair and hugged him, pulling back to find a tired and small smile painted across his features. Mulan didn't say anything, but went back to her seat, her paperwork long forgotten.

"Just glad to be back," Robin sighed, partially wishing he wasn't. He didn't want to be here. He wanted to be with Regina. He wanted to hold her hand as he told her everything, from how Cora threatened both their lives, to how he knew he would only hurt her even more if he stayed, which was why he left, both times. But she would never know.

She would never know he was totally, utterly, madly in love with her.

"Trust me when I say, we all are," Mulan smiled warmly. Just as she was about to say something else, the ringing of the phone at her desk cut her off. She rolled her eyes with a smile as Robin watched her reach for the phone, responding the same friendly way she always did.

But Mulan's cheerful expression didn't last long. She frowned and nodded her head, jotting down things on a piece of paper. Robin looked her over and noticed that she was getting emotional.

Oh no.

"There's been a report of two hooded figures with guns down at Baker Street. Right by the old warehouse," Mulan sighed quietly, pain evident in her eyes. Just from one look at her, Robin could tell this wasn't just two teenagers messing around. Whoever was on the phone was scared...scared out of their mind.

Robin nodded solemnly as he and John grabbed their guns, bullet-proof vests, and shields. Robin nodded hurriedly in Mulan's direction, hearing a be careful from her before practically running out to the cop car parked outside the department.

Robin and John rode in complete silence, down fifteen minutes of road. It wasn't like this was something new. Sadly, there had been many attacks and shootings recently, but this was different. There was something in Mulan's eyes that Robin couldn't get out of his head….

Robin and John got out of the car as Robin parked right outside the old warehouse, which had shut down years and years ago. Robin and John stood in their positions, standing against the wall secretly, holding their guns, ready and loaded. Robin realized that one of the many things he didn't miss about his job was the fear that he could die at any given moment. But he went into this knowing that. He understood. He understood that he would do what needed to be done to keep others from harm.

John gave Robin the signal, and in an instant, Robin knocked down the front door with a powerful shove and kick, breaking it down to the floor. Immediately, Robin and John noticed two dark figures moving around in the back, and Robin held his gun up towards them, John following the action.

"New York Police Department! Put your hands up!" Robin screamed across the room. And then…..BAM.

Gunshots exploded in the warehouse, bullets coming at the two officers from every way. Robin and John dodged every bullet flying their way, shooting back at the criminals. Robin heard John calling for back up over his shoulder, but the sound of bullets ricocheting off the walls, old dusty tables, and doors. Robin bent down to get a better angle to stop the malicious creatures, but howled in pain when he felt a stinging sensation ripple throughout his body. Robin's hand came up to his neck, cursing as it bled and bled and bled. Robin shot another bullet, which hit one of the hooded figures in the leg, trying to ignore the excruciating pain in his neck, but he fell to his knees as a bullet ripped his shoulder.

Robin heard John scream his name, as well as others, but it was no use. After the final bullet hit him, in abdomen, Robin fell to the ground, choking as he tried to breath. The pain was unbearable. He was going to die.

Robin felt tears slide down his cheeks as he screamed in agony, every single ounce of pain existing in the damn world colliding with his body. Robin fought hard to stay conscious, and eventually, he heard the sound of gunshots vanish away, saw four police officers hurry to the criminals through blurry vision.

Robin felt someone at his side, shaking him, telling him to stay, but he barely shook his head as he closed his eyes, surrendering to the darkness that was consuming his body.

She'll never know. Regina will never know I love her… She'll be better off. She'll be better off once I'm gone. Robin's last thoughts as he collapsed mentally and physically, complete black darkness washing over him, consuming his body as he was slowly spiraling down to hell….

…..

Regina looked out the window of Killian's car, tears forming in her eyes. She was wrong. She couldn't do this. She couldn't live without Robin. She couldn't live without him telling her how beautiful she was everyday, or how he loved her more than anything, or how she completely changed his world, and he never wanted to go back. But would it all be worth it if it was all lies?

Regina could briefly hear Emma and Killian's whispers in the background, but she looked down as her head leaned on the fogged up window. It had just gotten dark, the sun finally setting as this dreadful day was almost at an end. The brunette frowned as the radio station they were listening to faded out, breaking news coming in.

She didn't care about politics. She didn't care about that at all. She didn't want to hear anything right now. She just wanted to be left alone….

BREAKING NEWS: A shooting today in New York City has left multiple officers stable in condition. Head officer, Robin Locksley, in critical condition after suffering multiple gunshots to the neck, shoulder, and abdomen. More updates on this devastating situation to come.

Regina's head turned so quickly to the control center, she was sure she could have broken a bone. Regina's eyes widened as she lost her breath, holding onto anything she could as she felt like she was going to faint. She felt like someone had just punched her, and she had no air left. She felt like bricks upon bricks had fallen on her, pinning her down. She was useless. She was helpless. She was going to be sick. This wasn't happening.

"Oh my god. No. No, no no no no no no no! This isn't happening!" Regina started crying hysterically, thinking of every horrible, horrendous possibility that could happen as Emma and Killian shared worried and stressed glances. Killian immediately put his blinkers on as he sped past the streets of New York City, driving straight to the hospital at top speed. Regina tried to catch her breath as she gasped for air, her tears only growing and growing by the minute.

Killian pulled into the hospital, and before he could even park, Regina jumped out of the car while he was still driving, running into the hospital's entrance doors, finding the front desk immediately.

Regina was met with a friendly face, who smiled at her, as if she was completely oblivious to the way Regina was hyperventilating.

"Hi. How may I help you?"

"I, I-" Regina stuttered, trying to catch her breath and stop her tears. Just get to Robin. Get to Robin, "I need to get to Robin. Robin Locksley." The nurse, who's name tag read Mary Margarette nodded, her friendly smile turning more sympathetic than anything.

"How are you related to Mr. Locksley?" Regina lost her breath again as her eyes frantically raced everywhere. She didn't have time for this shit. She needed to be with the man she loved. Before it was too late.

"I, I'm his fiance," Regina cried, and Mary Margarette nodded her head as she pointed down the hallways she needed to go. Regina speeded down the hallways and turned to find Robin's family, Helen, Robert, Paige, and Will, all sitting down in the chairs, ancy.

Regina breathed out as she stopped completely. Will looked up first, the first one to notice her, and he got up from his seat, walking to her. He noticed her red, puffy eyes and broken hearted expression. He wasn't surprised she was here. He just wished he could see her again on much better terms.

"Regina," Will breathed, and Regina shook her head as she started crying again, not even trying to control her tears this time. Will took her in his arms, and Regina collapsed into him, covering her hands with her face as she rested her head against Will's chest. Will could feel Regina's sobs as her tears wet his shirt.

Helen and Robert looked up once they heard Will call Regina's name, and they were in disbelief. They knew she would come. They knew that once she heard, nothing would stop her from getting here. To Robin.

No, they weren't in disbelief because of Regina's presence. They were in disbelief because Regina was right. Because all those years ago, when Regina told Robin she wouldn't be able to deal with herself if she ever lost him because of his job. And now? That could happen.

Helen, Robert, and Paige sat in the waiting room, watching Regina as Will comforted her in his arms. Robin's parents shook their heads. This shouldn't be happening. Not to their son. Not to their daughter. Not to their family.

Across the room, Regina cried and cried and cried her heart out as she rested against Will, hiccuping as the emotion spilled out of her. This is it. I lost everything. I lost him. I lost him completely, this time. There's no way he can come back.

Regina pulled away from Will as she wiped her eyes, looking down. Where was Robin now? Was he in surgery? Was he being operated on? Was he laying a hospital bed? Was he even conscious? Would he even remember her? Would he want to remember her?

Regina turned around once she heard footsteps behind her, revealing Emma and Killian, both in tears. Regina shook her head as Emma walked up to her and gave her a hug. Regina closed her eyes so hard they hurt.

Robin shouldn't be going through this. She should be. She should feel his pain. Whatever pain, she should be suffering. Robin's never done anything to deserve this. Nothing.

What can't it be me? Regina thought. One thing for sure, she never in her wildest dreams imagined that this would be the cause of her going back to Robin. She always thought Robin would come to her….

She always thought Robin would live for her...