Hiding In The Dark

Chapter 14- My Way Or Your Way

"My deal is, your Princess for your precious son."

No one spoke for a long while, all eyes were glued to Emma as she glowered at Rumple. The imp merely grinned at her, his eyes dark and malicious. Regina's hand still gripped Emma's shoulder, though it seemed more for support now. Emma narrowed her eyes before blurting out her answer.

"Deal!"

"NO!" Was yelled in chorus as Regina practically pulled Emma's arm out of it's socket. She hoisted the princess up, burning eyes connecting with defiant emerald. Ruby half stood from her chair, hands partly outstretched in Emma's direction.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Hissed Regina, squeezing Emma's arm tightly.

"What needs to be done!" Emma snapped back as she tried to speak to Rumpelstiltskin once more.

"I accept this-"

"No she doesn't! You do not," The queen said firmly as Emma angrily pulled at her arm. "You will not speak again."

"I can see you're having one of your many lovers spats," Rumple cackled, drawing back everyone's attention. "But lucky for you, our kind has nothing but time. I'm willing to allow you another night to think my deal over."

"And if we refuse it?" Regina asked, clapping a hand over Emma's mouth before she tried to speak again.

"You won't." If he had shoulders he would have shrugged along with the short reply. "Because if you do… I will kill him."

As if she had been burned, Regina instantly recoiled from Emma as she lunged forward at Rumple once more. The force of her movement splintered the wooden table as soon as she connected with it, the wood shattered like glass.

"If you touch him," Emma breathed out, hovering over the imp. "I will destroy you and every other person in this world. I've come close to it before and I will again."

An amused look crossed Rumpelstiltskin's face as he grinned up at Emma, a manic look in his eye.

"Or maybe I won't…" He said, trailing off. Emma's eyebrows rose slightly, had she actually scared him? The thought was quickly banished as his eyes grew even more crazy as he cackled. "Perhaps I'll just turn him instead."

The face began to fade away, the only sound in the room was Emma's angered roar as her body glowed threateningly with light.

No one spoke for what felt like hours, each of them looking from one person to the other, the same outraged and fearful look on their faces. Emma didn't move, her body humming with pent up rage and magic as she stared slackened jawed at the spot Rumple's face had occupied only moments ago. Regina was the first to break from the shocked silence, amplifying her voice as she commanded those around her.

"Everyone out. Now!" No one had to be told twice as they all scurried away like frightened bugs. Several collided with one another in their haste to vacate the room quickly. Red and Graham hung back, along with Zelena, unsure if Regina wanted everyone gone. The brunette tilted her head towards the door, silently indicating that the royals needed to be alone. The remaining three slunk from the room, leaving Regina to glare daggers at Emma's arched back.

"Do you have a death wish?" She hissed, regarding Emma cautiously. Despite her own anger, the blonde was considerably more unpredictable when pushed.

"That saying doesn't really apply to me, Regina." Emma chuckled dryly, though there was no humour in her voice.

"How could you so willingly give yourself up?!" Regina demanded, advancing on Emma.

"How could you not? He is my son!" Emma yelled, rounding on the brunette who let out a frustrated noise.

"Our son." She snapped back and Emma rolled her eyes.

"If you want it to remain that way you will not stop me from doing this!" Emma voice was a harsh whisper, but she could not hide the slight quiver.

"I am not giving you up," Regina said softly, though her eyes were ablaze with anger. "I am never, ever, letting you go again."

"For once in your life will put aside your selfishness." The blonde snarled, squaring up to Regina who stood unfazed.

"You have no idea what the Imp has in store for you. For all I know I'm sending you off to your death."

"If it means Henry will come back safely then I will gladly lay my life down. I will do anything for him." She moved to push past Regina but was yanked back by an iron grip on her jaw. Emma snarled threateningly at the contact but Regina did not let up.

"We will find another way. Nobody has to die." She pulled Emma close, an olive hand gripping the back of her neck, fusing them together. The blonde quivered, the terrible fear for their son crashing down.

"I can't take that chance." She said finally, pushing Regina away and running from the room, fighting the tears which threatened to fall.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Emma had always loved winter. The cold air and fire lit nights created the most beautiful moments. Winter had finally arrived in the valley, bring a blanket of snow with it to cover the little town. The entire Mills estate was knee deep in snow, but that did not hinder the young vampire hurtling across the grounds.

A year had passed since her turning and though it had taken a very long time, Emma was finally adjusting to her new lease on life. The blonde was a blur to anyone who spotted her, leaving behind nothing but a deep track in the snow.

The trees hung low with the weight of the frozen powder, the end of the branches glistening with icicles. Frost danced up and down the bark in magnificent patterns, spiralling in every direction.

Emma finally came to stop, resting in a large clearing. She wasn't sure what part of the forest she had run to, nor did she really care. The blonde trudged over to a large log, sitting down upon the rotting wood. She ran her finger tips across the bark, watching curiously as frost erupted where she touched. She hadn't given much thought to how the vampire curse would change her nor what new abilities it would present. She had watched many of the other vampires while they worked, exerting their enhanced strength to build up the Mills estate or easily zip from place to place without using much energy. But despite how many she had observed, none of the other vampires, regardless of age, seemed to tap into the environment around them like Emma did.

She pulled her fingers back, frowning down at the icy pattern she had left behind. It never seemed to be anything big, the occasionally snowflake here and the strange combustions of an object there. None of it was enough to truly capture Emma's interest, her mind was often very preoccupied.

Emma turned slightly, her body tensing as the air shifted around her, her vision briefly darkening as a presence began to loom over her. She always felt the other vampire before seeing her, their bond making it difficult for either of them to sneak around.

In the blink of an eye, Emma was slammed into the ground, the snow beneath her cushioning her abrupt movement. The wet seeped through her clothes, but the blonde barely noticed, life in death had robbed her of many sensations, the feeling of being cold was one of them.

Emerald eyes first found red painted lips, curled into an amused smile which reached right up to the deep chocolate orbs peering down at Emma. Smooth olive skin crinkled slightly around the edges of the beautiful brunette's eyes as they flickered over Emma's face.

"Got you." She husked, dipping down to deeply kiss Emma, passion emanating off of them in waves. With difficultly, the blonde pulled back, smirking at Regina.

"I let you win." She sniggered at the deadpan look on the queen's face.

"Sure you did." Regina muttered, dropping her head back down to kiss Emma once more. An olive hand snaked up to lightly grasp the blonde's neck, pulling her closer. Emma moaned softly at the attention, eager to feel the warmth that was somehow created from the mere touch of Regina.

It had been difficult at first, extremely difficult. Emma had been beyond angry and betrayed, unable to believe what Regina had done to her. Months had passed before she had managed gain control of herself once more, the monstrous predator within had so effortlessly taken over. Though Regina was truly the one in control, she had hoped Emma would be able to find herself alone, to be able to return to the person she was. However, as time went on, Emma had only grown more hateful and angry at everything around her. Regina had feared she would never get the real Emma back.

Slowly, in the smallest of baby steps, Emma had learned to evolve and adapt to the new lifestyle. She gained control of her thirst, quelling the deep hunger which had threaten to consume her. With the aid of Regina, she had learned how to feed without destroying the human in he grasp.

Over the last few months, Regina had been adamant on rebuilding their relationship piece by piece. It was a task that proved to be the most challenging of all. Though constantly clinging to anger had been exhausting for the blonde, the worst of all it had been the loneliness. Her parents, though wary of her, had been somewhat accepting. Their love for her successfully trumping their fear. The example of love and faith had been the tipping point for Emma and the inspiration she needed to move past her anger at Regina. Overtime she had been successful… Mostly.

Emma pulled back once more, peering up at Regina with wide eyes. The queen sat back, uncaring of ruining her clothes as she settled in the snow. Reaching out, she pulled Emma towards her, bringing her close until the blonde was comfortably seated on her lap.

"Winter is far more enjoyable with you by my side again." Regina said lovingly, lightly kissing Emma's neck as she sighed in agreement.

"A found a good tree for the mansion, should be big enough to fill the foyer." Emma mumbled as she leant forward to nuzzle at Regina's neck, resting there.

"A Christmas tree?" The brunette asked, quirking an eyebrow at the younger woman.

"Yes," Emma smiled, "we can decorate it."

"Child." Regina chuckled, playing with blonde tresses.

"There is nothing childish about Christmas!" Emma snapped, her voice high. Regina laughed again, kissing at the pout.

"Of course not, darling." She mumbled, kissing Emma once more. Emma kissed her back. "I intend to you give every kind of Christmas you want."

"Naked Christmas?"

"Of course. What other way is there?" Regina smirked at Emma who shrugged. "I'm going to give you everything, Emma. If you want the world, you'll have it. The moon and stars? I'll climb up there and bring them to you myself."

"Cheesy." Emma mumbled, though she couldn't help her smile.

"I mean it. We are going to have everything. No matter what." Emma didn't reply, simply pulling Regina against her and burrowing her face into an olive neck once more.

Things would be good from here on. The worst possible thing had happened to them already, nothing could ever break them so far apart again… could it?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Regina didn't follow Emma, opting to let her blow off some steam. The tell-tale sound of the large front doors being thrown open rang throughout the house making Regina flinch.

Zelena slunk back into the room, a genuinely concerned look on her face as she regarded Regina carefully.

"The conversation didn't go to plan?" She said, frowning down at her table.

"What gave it away?" Regina asked sarcastically.

"She just threw my front doors off their hinges." Zelena shrugged. "Very destructive isn't she? I had that table imported from Peru. Hand carved."

"I'll get you a new table." The queen sighed, covering her face with olive hands.

"I couldn't care less about the table. I'm more concerned for the welfare of my nephew." Zelena muttered, kicking the remnants of the table aside and sitting down. Regina raised an eyebrow at Zelena's family claim but did not mention it, pleased that even her sister was on board the happy family train.

"I can't let her run off into Rumple's clutch. Who knows what he'll do her?! Or worse what he'll make her do." Regina's voice shook.

"You have another night to work this all out. In that time, you can gather enough forces and storm the Imp and take Henry back." Zelena suggested.

"I don't know if I can keep Emma still long enough. I don't know if I can stay still. He's my son! The longer I wait the more damage I may be causing." The brunette placed her hand over her heart, reaching out in hopes to sense Emma. She instantly felt a plethora of emotions, each crashing into one another.

"Look whatever happens you need to be on the same page with Emma. You must be united if you hope to end this. Go to her." The amber haired woman urged, placing a hand on her sister's arm. "Before it's too late."

"Thank you, Zelena." Regina covered her sisters hand, squeezing softly before she ran from the room, effortlessly carrying herself to Emma.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Emma sat in a heap at the bottom of a huge willow tree, the branches hanging so low she was easily obscured from view in the darkness. Across the dusty ground stood a large farm house with an aged porch wrapping around it. In her memory the house was smaller, without the extensions and new brick work.

Emerald eyes were settled on an incredibly old woman, rocking gently back and forth in the breeze. Her wrinkled eyes as were gazing out across the fields before her. She didn't move much anymore, her age long since catching up with her. But her eyes were still young and intelligent.

Weirdly, Emma was not surprised when the identical emerald pools connected with her own, their owner softly inclining her head towards the emotional vampire. She didn't move at first, wary of the invitation. She had only met the old woman once, so many years ago.

Curiosity got the better of her and Emma forced herself up, walking calmly towards the knowing woman. She stopped a metre or so away from the porch, taking in the little woman. She wore a hand knitted cardigan which covered her withered frame. Her face was lined and weather worn, many wrinkles surrounded her eyes and mouth. Long white hair was tied in a neat bun upon a head. Hair which Emma knew was once golden like hers.

"Most people don't believe you ever existed anymore." Her voice was croaky and strained.

"Those people are smart to believe that." Emma replied, tucking her hands into her the backs of her shorts.

"I never forgot." The elderly woman said softly, sad eyes looking the vampire over. "I remember the day you visited like it was only yesterday."

Emma closed her eyes briefly, remembering the tiny child that had barrelled into her with such enthusiasm. Children didn't know what she was, nor did they ever care. Emma had been so taken with the little girl's innocence.

"I look back on it often." Emma replied eventually, stepping a little closer. The woman held out her shaky hand to Emma, which the blonde only stared at.

"Everybody was so interested in you," she croaked, stubbornly not dropping her hand as she continued to speak. "I couldn't wait to tell everyone about you. Couldn't wait for them to see what you were to me." The wise eyes slowly turned sad as they stared at Emma longingly. "But you never came back."

Emma gave in at the words, climbing onto the porch and kneeling before the beautiful woman, taking the hand in her own. The woman gripped Emma's hand tightly, bringing the other hand to hold it too. The blonde dipped her head forward, wresting it upon their joined hands.

"You never came back…" She repeated again, making tears prick at Emma's eyes.

"Things changed. Terrible things happened. You were always safer if I didn't come back." Emma whispered, gripping the hand.

"I waited. I've been waiting for ninety years." The elder croaked, her voice emotional. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I watched you. Every time I've come back I've checked on you." Emma confessed. "I saw the party to held here on your wedding day. Watched you raise Lily and Doug. I was there for your golden wedding anniversary with John."

"You did?" The woman sighed with a smile, leaning forward with difficultly to touch Emma's face. "You were never a monster to me."

"I know." Emma finally let a tear slip down her face. She slowly stood up, still clutching the loving hand. "I'll always watch over you."

"You'll come back?" The woman asked hopefully, her voice quivering.

"I promise to come back. I will always come back."

"I'll wait until you do." She leant back into her chair, turning slightly at the sound of voices. "They're visiting me too."

Emma looked through the window, spotting a middle aged man with the same emerald eyes as her own. He carried a blonde child in his arms, laughing joyfully. Several others joined him, some adults and some children.

"Doug would love you. From what mother told me about you, the two of you are very alike." Emma studied the man for a while, smiling to herself as he played with his children. "Lily is a lot like father."

"Yeah?" The woman nodded softly.

"She's running the farm now."

"Good." Emma turned to look back out into the night, she could feel Regina coming. Sadly, turning back, she opened her mouth to speak. "I-"

"Don't say goodbye. I want the hope that you'll come back." The elder confessed, smiling at Emma. The blonde bent forward and kissed the top of her head, another tear falling.

"Until next we meet, Eva." Emma whispered. Eva smiled at Emma once more before the blonde stepped away, catching one more glimpse of the happy life around her.

With a heavy heart she walked back towards the willow tree, melting into the darkness. She turned in time to see the same man come outside and help Eva back into the house. Though she could no longer see Emma, the blonde could still feel her eyes.

Emma didn't acknowledge Regina as she turned into her arms, hugging the brunette tightly as she cried. Everything finally came out at once, all the fear and pain. Every regret she felt and every ounce of guilt on her consciences poured out of her and Regina held her tightly.

"I'm scared." She whispered and Regina held her even tighter.

"Every time I close my eyes I fear that you will be gone. I love you so much, Emma." Regina whispered. "I can't let you go to him, because I cannot face loosing you again. We will save Henry, we will. But risking your life will get us nowhere."

Emma didn't reply for a long time. She just stood there, clutching Regina for dear life. After a long while the blonde let go, sinking to the ground, turning her body to face the farm house.

"At the end… before I ran," Emma said softly, taking Regina hand in her own, "our problems were so huge it was impossible to see anything. So I ran, I let them consume me in a way that tore me apart. But I realise now, they only seemed that way because I was close up against them, and I was blocking myself from seeing… just how much I love you. That scares me, the love I have for you still scares me. Everything that happened is an ugly scar, cutting through us both. But no matter what happened, what we have is so beautiful. You and I are beautiful. Not what we are or what we have done. Just us. Forgiveness is a tricky thing, but I forgive you, Regina."

"Emma-"

"I must do whatever I can to protect you and Henry. Because you Regina… you will always be the love of my life."

"I can't let you go. It's selfish, believe me I know. But I need you, this world needs you. For more than either of us can ever know."

"You really think we can defeat him?" Emma asked, her eyes glued to Regina.

"Together you and I can do anything." Regina replied, cupping Emma's face gently, running the pad of her thumb across her lip as she spoke. "Please trust me."

"If a ninety four year old woman can hold onto the hope I would come back one day, then I can have faith in you." Emma said eventually.

"I love you, Emma Nolan." The blonde's eyebrows raised at the use of her last name. No one had called her that in nearly sixty years.

"I love you too."

A/N: Not gunna lie, I loved this chapter. Please review and tell me what you think and follow for more! Till next time Kids.