The Queen's Intimate Lover - Swan Queen

by KSQ

Caught in a world where royalty creates division between 2 kingdoms, where sex is a game, they meet unexpectedly although kept apart from each other for years. But can Regina find it inside herself to take another chance at love, even if it breaks and strips her of everything? And will Emma finally fight for her freedom to love the broken Evil Queen?

14. 13 - Remember To Forget

Read over the PROLOGUE. It was revised. Actually it is continuously revised. Because I wrote the entire story a year ago. But I have been forced to change A LOT of the plot since then. Like in the prologue, it might have appeared as if Snow and David had no idea about the romance between Regina and Emma. But as you will find out in this chapter, they know more than enough and will come to know more. I'm only trying to spice up the story a little more than I had it before. So if things change slightly, I'll let you know.

Please take your time and read this chapter. It has A LOT of drama and reveals. If you don't read it carefully, you might miss a few things.

Chapter Thirteen

'Remember to Forget'

xxx

Excerpt:

Regina gazed at Emma. She lifted her brown eyes to the sky, lips bitten and tears slid down pale cheeks. "Just kill me if you must." She begged. "Kill me, and have your daughter know of this glorious day."

"Noo!" Emma shouted, twisting in Snow's arms. "Don't kill her!"

"It makes two of us," Regina said hoarsely, locking eyes with the child. "I'm not afraid of death either."

Turning Emma's face away, Snow squeezed her eyes shut.

"You can't!" Emma fought her mother. "Stop it!"

His grip on the weapon was unsteady since Emma cried out. And David drove his sword through the woman at his feet and held it there.

xxx

Within three months, the Charmings erected a solid concrete wall around the kingdom with purpose. A wall so thick and sturdy, there was no way one could break their way through such a thing. Not a crack was detected in the cement, not a hole. In fact, it was tested by even the strongest man in the kingdom to investigate weak points.

The great iron gates were welded with more iron. Guards positioned ridiculously three feet away from each other wearing armor as if they were prepared for war. Brass chests that gleamed in the sun, their gear protected enough to deflect any magic. Not that such a requirement was needed because the very demon in question according to Snow was already deprived of her magical abilities. Still, crops and food supplies were carefully tested before entering the gates and the castle, to seek out any kind of poisons. Any kind of herbs that were harmful.

She had taste testers for their meals, their drinks, even the water that ran in their bathtubs.

Snow was taking extreme measures to see to no interference by the Queen. But truthfully, even David began to realize that it wasn't necessary because nothing was sifted out. Nothing was discovered in the form of poisons or deadly spells. No armed forces approached their kingdom or hid within the forest, awaiting attack. And when he voiced this to his wife, Snow snapped back, asking him if he wished to slip up and regret it. David eventually backed out and allowed her to man the plans. In due time, when everyone in the kingdom saw the drastic change in Snow White's countenance, they were slightly alarmed.

She appeared much more fatigued at first, seeing that things were put in place. But after a while, her eyes took on a darker shade. A round face that once suggested utter kindness now appeared fierce and lined from anger. Anyone who slighted her feelings were shouted at. Fists clenched, she would traverse the kingdom and deliberately seek out flaws. The soldiers were harshly treated, never allowed to sit down. And very soon, Ruby and Belle realized that they were witnessing exactly what they had feared.

Snow was somehow allowing her thirst for vengeance to eat an innocent mind up.

"You need to stop this," Ruby demanded one evening in the midst of a General Meeting. Such things were usually held every month but now one was called for every week. "Stop this ridiculous behavior and back down."

"I beg your pardon?" Snow glared at her, fists clenched. David inhaled deeply, caressing his chin with a finger. "Are you passing an order on me now?"

"Snow, if you could just realize that three months have passed and nothing has happened that signals any retaliation by Regina." Her eyes met Belle's and the bookie looked away. She obviously wasn't going to get any kind of back up from the other woman. "Nothing's happening. Just the fact that your freaking daughter remains in her room 24/7 without coming out. And all you do is focus on everything else except her."

"Right now, I really don't care about rebellious ways," Snow rolled her eyes. "She's trying to prove a point."

"That's pushing it," Belle suddenly spoke up bravely. She grew angry. "Emma isn't trying to prove a point. She's heartbroken. All she does is cry and shut everyone out, refusing to talk. Whilst you run around protecting the kingdom."

"Belle -"

"Your own daughter," the other woman ignored Snow, "wants you right now, and you're just ignoring her. This isn't the Snow White we know of. This isn't the woman we have come to know. You're becoming just like Regina," there were a few nods around the table, from the dwarves. "Running after revenge and forgetting who you really are."

Snow's eyes grew fiery and she squared her shoulders. "I am protecting my family!" a glare was thrown around the table. "Any of you would have done the same! She has poisoned my daughter. My own daughter... and I'm supposed to let it pass?"

"Regina and Emma are in...love...with...each...other," Belle said firmly, tears in her eyes. "For the sake of all things good and fair, put aside your stupid arrogance and hatred and see reason here. That this isn't what you think it is! This is honest, true, love!"

"Even I'm giving into it now," Ruby said warily. She sighed and sat back. "From the way Emma's been crumbling, I'm seeing that this wasn't a game or a joke or anything else."

"Oh please," Snow gave David a look but he avoided her eyes. He considered Ruby instead. "I don't believe a word of it. This is some spell or some wicked attempt to seize our forces."

"You're pathetic," Belle muttered.

The room grew quiet because no one had ever heard the woman speak out so boldly. For Belle to speak so harshly to Snow of all people, a friend she had kept for many years and had loved endlessly, even Ruby was stunned.

"I hate to say this to you right now Snow, but your behavior is unacceptable. Even as a mother. There are mothers in this kingdom who agree with me on this. Even Granny does. They're all saying that you're depriving your own daughter of a chance to explore the world. She needs to grow up and be independent. And I understand that loving the Evil Queen is taboo. But for crying out loud, you've basically shut off Regina's magic. I don't see why the hell you're keeping them apart still."

"What Belle said," Ruby spoke up. "Regina is powerless at this point."

"She's an evil bitch!" Snow stood up, hands pressed unto the table. Grumpy gasped. David was astonished by his wife's outburst. "Emma is my daughter and whatever I do or feel stands by me. No one shall move my decision."

"Building a freaking wall," Ruby began to tick off on her fingers, "a wall that serves no purpose. Locking the games with some heavy latches that take about fifteen damn minutes to lift up. Restricting transportation coming into the kingdom. I can't even get cloth delivered here to sew my dresses. I can't get visitors. We have a curfew. It's like living in a frigging prison if you ask me. This compound," she gestured around her, "is like a prison. And you're the only evil bitch running this kingdom whilst David sits with his mouth shut for good reason."

"Because he knows," Belle spoke up, her eyes on David, "that it's unfair. He knows how Emma is hurting. You've already made your point clear. You've threatened Regina. From what I've been told, she's terribly ill. So in a few months time, you'll get your wish granted. Long live the Evil Queen. But with her demise will come great suffering on Emma's part. You wouldn't only lose a daughter, but you'll lose the entire love of the kingdom you worked so hard to prove yourself to. You'll become a villain.

"If you could just give Emma a chance to tell you what she wants," August said and he shrugged. "She's a smart young woman. Takes after the two of you. So I can't see how she'll make a bad decision. I've seen her with Regina. And by all means, they're completely in love with each other."

"No they're not," Snow stated stubbornly.

"Snow..." David sighed.

The room grew silent again. Taking his time to respond, he deeply considered what his statement would mean. Welcoming such a thought to begin with. Believing that it would cause severe controversy internally but externally, it would come across as a good deed. A considerate gesture.

Somewhere upstairs, his heart latched unto Emma curled up on her bed. And David couldn't ignore that. He couldn't focus on blocking off Regina only as Snow was doing. His daughter was and always would be his first priority. Since she was a child, David always gave Emma her way. Anything she wanted, he gave it to her.

Memories of her telling him that she wanted nothing fancy from his travels stung his eyes. Because she was a very simply girl. She never asked for luxuries. Emma was so kind and considerate and compassionate. It wasn't a surprising thing that the kingdom was siding with her already because they genuinely loved her since she was a baby. And to have Snow focus on her hatred towards the one woman who Emma had decided to give her heart to. To have them shut out Emma's thoughts on the matter, keeping her out of this and behaving like inconsiderate fools. It pained him.

"Look, I don't want this as much as you do," he said to Snow, noting her hard eyes. "But at the end of the day, it all comes down to one factor. Emma. She's our daughter and our only child. If anything happens to her, then we'll regret it for the rest of our lives."

His wife inhaled deeply. She accepted that much.

"At this point, I have sided with you on trying to divide kingdoms for obvious reasons. But I think I speak for everyone here when I say, hasn't Regina suffered enough already? She's learned her lesson by spending seven years in a prison that almost killed her."

"And you're suddenly defending her?" Snow stared back. "If I can remember correctly, the last time she was to be executed, you wanted it more than me."

"But this time," David spoke up, "our daughter's heart is at stake. And whether we like it or not, whatever Emma feels, it's destroying her. She has an entire kingdom on her side that honestly believes in their Queen. Even Belle has become friends with her."

"She is manipulative and cunning," Snow stated, scowling. She stared at Belle. "How in the world you could betray me like this -"

"I didn't betray you, Snow," Belle defended herself. "I actually did the one thing any person with a heart would do. I listened to Regina, accepted she did wrong. Listened to how hurt she is, how she opened up to me. How much she admitted she loves Emma. And I became her friend."

"There must be some good in her. Emma was in her kingdom and no harm was done unto her. So why are we looking back when we should be looking forward?" David received acknowledgment nods from several people even a slight one from Grumpy.

Snow couldn't believe it. "Are you honestly welcoming the idea of burying the hatchet with...her?"

"One chance," David said. "Let's give Regina one chance to come to the table and to have Emma present. You and me, as expected. So that we can get a lot of things out in the open. If Belle wants to be here, then she can. If Ruby wants to, then so be it. But no one else must be involved. Just the six of us if present."

"Are you insane?" Snow stared at him in disbelief. "Surely you don't mean bringing her into this kingdom."

"I meant exactly that," David said firmly. "She's powerless, she's weak and vulnerable."

"She's sick," Belle said, "maybe if you see what you're doing to her then you'll listen to your heart."

"This isn't one of your romance novels that you read where everything is peachy and perfect," Snow retorted at Belle. "This is reality. And this is my daughter, not yours."

"Then this is where I draw the line," Belle stood up, hugging her books. She had tears in her eyes. "If you can't see reason here and listen to us and you wish to keep things this way, then I'll have to tell you that I don't want to be a friend of yours anymore. I don't want to be a part of this...council. I don't want to listen to what you have to say anymore. I'm sorry but this is ridiculous."

Ruby's eyes grew as wide as saucers. She licked her lips. "I draw the line too!" she spoke up. "Unless you agree to what David suggested. I want a chance to listen to what Regina has to say. I want to be here when that happens. If not, then I'm done. I think that one last chance doesn't seem bad enough."

But what seemed like a perfect plan turned out to be one that crumbled just as Emma's heart was. Snow slept on the thought of that plan for almost a week. She couldn't focus on anything else except that at breakfast, lunch and dinner. David refused to speak to her much until a decision was made for the better. And eventually she caved in. However, it wasn't exactly as they had discussed.

---

xxx

One night in their bed chambers as she remained tucked under the green satin sheets, David came in without a word. She studied his countenance and waited. Her pink brush was rested upon the brown oak vanity and Snow prepared herself for the declaration. But not just yet.

"How is Emma?" she watched him pull the windows close slightly to prevent the chilly wind from drifting in.

He frowned. "Why don't you ask her yourself?"

"Because she has asked her guard to prevent me from entering her room."

"Which proves that she already has power and charisma," he peeled away the sheet and slid in neatly. "It just goes to show that they're already siding with her on this. Above all, she's of age to make decisions. And if she asks for you to be kept away, then the guards have every right to follow orders."

"She's going to be nineteen in a week," she reached out for his hand and he allowed it. "We're going to hold a Ball then."

David sighed. "Snow, Emma doesn't need a Ball at this point. There's no point in planning one because she will not attend. What she needs is a chance to be listened to."

"I have listened to her and I don't like what she has to say."

"Neither do I," he admitted warily. "But are we going to keep fighting with her on this for however long it takes?"

"It wouldn't take long," Snow said softly, moving closer to him. Their fingers entwined. "Very soon, she'll get over this. It's just a phase. And she'll move on."

"So we're going to shut her away until she gets over these...feelings?" he frowned.

"How do we even know these feelings are genuine?"

"Maybe they aren't genuine. Maybe they're both confused. Maybe we misunderstood this."

"David, Emma blatantly told me that she loves Regina. That she's in love with her. Regina told me that she wants my daughter in more ways than one..."

"Which could bring us to a better compromise. We could have this table discussion. We could declare that they could meet, but with careful surveillance. Regina comes to visit Emma and not the other way around. There are ways to work around this. They'll have to accept it either way. Nothing seriously affectionate. Because we will not allow it. Just as friends."

Emma pleading with him to allow her the chance of meeting the Queen was still eating away at his heart.

Snow was giving in slightly. "I find it as a nice way to punish her still. She claims she has feelings for Emma but I don't believe a word of it. Therefore in my watchful eyes, if the two of them meet, I can either watch her struggle with her emotions. Or she can conceal them well enough and show Emma what a liar she really is."

"We bring them together but we keep them apart as an order," David said.

"And if one of them breaks the rule then there will be complete banishment, loss of privileges and no more chances." Snow was grinning.

"Or you could just let Emma move away from home and live with Regina..."

Snow's eyes grew wide as saucers. "What?"

David laughed. "I'm just kidding. Calm down, sweetheart."

She scowled, punched him and groaned.

"I'm going to try to take Emma horseback riding soon," David said softly, "hopefully we can talk or I can get her to talk to me. I'll suggest the table meeting but that's only if you agree to it."

Snow sighed. "Once she has the bands around her wrists, she can't hurt us. So I guess we can agree to it."

"But will she agree to it?" David wondered and feared the answer from the Queen. "I really don't think she will."

"Maybe we should await her response before telling Emma. I can send word along with Belle or Tinkerbell."

"I really think that you should deliver the message in person."

"That's not going to happen," Snow said. "I'm not going back to that castle. The interior gives me chills."

---

xxx

The change in Emma's appearance was dramatic to say the least.

She only wore black and her eyeliner took on a darker shade. Emerald eyes were always reddened from crying and her blonde hair was tangled up. Neal couldn't even pass a brush through fair tendrils. He tried. The poor man was shut out from the truth. Everyone refused to relate to him what had transpired. And Belle and Ruby could not tell him what had happened between the Queen and the woman he believed was his girlfriend.

Emma never wanted to discuss any of it.

Welcoming his presence in her room was annoying at first. He was often chased away, and pelted with books and brushes. But eventually after Paws eased his way in, mewling with a small note attached to his red collar, Neal was allowed in. He had asked to simply be her friend in all matters. She accepted and used him advantageously.

He was responsible for fetching books, for stealing chocolates and entertaining her. On many nights, Neal read poetry and showed her how to pick locks. They learned to play the guitar together with August sitting on the floor. She was just one of the guys eventually as they eased their way in, trying to lift her spirits in any way possible.

At first, Emma couldn't allow herself to feel anything but sadness. Her heart was broken. The pain was unbearable, to have all these memories and live with the thought of distance. To remember how she was touched intimately, how they held each other. How she took that knife from Regina's bloody hands and hugged her. All of it was so painful, Emma cried constantly. She couldn't sleep at all and would lie awake feeling trapped inside a prison. There was no way to escape. The guards escorted her everywhere. So eventually, she just gave in and stayed within her bed chambers for days.

Paws was the only one who knew how she felt entirely. The little yellow cat had grown almost a foot long and would curl up next to her face. She would hug the poor creature and cry her eyes out, explaining the pain and everything else. Speaking of how hurt she was and how Snow was hated. Emma even resorted to telling the cat that if a chance was managed, and a message could be delivered, then Regina should be told how much she was missed. Of course Paws couldn't travel from one kingdom to the next. But what started out as painful conversations ended up being rather fun when Emma imagined that somehow the cat had magical abilities.

"So when you transform into a human," she said one Friday afternoon just before horseback riding with her father, "remember to find her and tell her that we'll meet again, okay?"

Licking her face, the cat blinked blue eyes. "Mew."

"And tell her that I love her so much. Not a minute goes by without me thinking of her."

"Nooo," Paws batted her cheek.

"Not a day goes by without me -"

Her spectacles was taken between two white paws and tugged at. She scrunched up her nose, eyes squeezed shut and wrestled with the ball of fur. Eventually, David knocked and walked in on the cat being smothered with kisses and spoken to like a baby.

"So at least someone is receiving affections and love," he said smiling.

She immediately lowered her eyes, all cheerfulness disappearing.

"Are you ready to go horseback riding over highlands?"

"I don't have a choice, do I?" she got up, gathering blonde hair into a high ponytail. "My parents will always rule my life."

"Emma..." David frowned as she snatched up her brown leather satchel and a blood red hat with black lace trimmings. Something slightly nipped at his memory upon seeing the hat with the wide brim but he couldn't quite remember exactly. "Don't say that like it's a bad thing. Because it isn't. We just really care about you."

"Well stop caring so much that you give me no chance to let my heart beat."

"Sweetheart, it -"

"Let's go," she said, carefully hugging the one thing that still brought tears to her eyes whenever it was sniffed or caressed.

"You know you don't really need a hat since the sun is already going down in the other direction. We'll be riding east." David nodded at the guard and they stepped into the corridor.

"Trust me," Emma said following him, "I'll need it."

They saddled the horses. She chose her usual white stallion, red leather gear. David rode a chestnut female he had raised from since birth. And even as the guys working in the stables went around doing their work, a few of them sent her sympathetic smiles. He noticed the gestures. It was obvious that his daughter was considered a friend by many of them.

"It gets better," Michael, a tall and lanky blonde stable boy said softly. "I've done a few runs with her horses over the years and she's really a nice person. Has a mean streak and a tank of evil. But hey, if you can love her, then it just goes to show that she's a great person."

"Yeah," Emma hung her head, blonde hair tickling hunched shoulders. She toed the ground.

"Don't lose faith. Whatever is meant to be will happen. If it's her then..." he sighed, "it will be her. If it's someone else. Then you'll get a sign soon enough. But don't ever let anyone take hope away from you."

She patted him on his back and smiled. "The best hope talk I've had in a couple of days. I needed that. Thanks a million."

He smiled back and flipped her ponytail playfully. "Once you continue giving me those clothes of yours that are too small, and I get to give Sally, I'll always have a nice talk for you. By the way, she loves the two skirts you sent. My sister adores you."

"Tell her that I'll keep sending them for as long as I live," she said, her cheeks coloring slightly. "I love to spoil her."

"You love to spoil everyone, Princess." He winked and walked away.

David considered Emma with softened eyes and handed over the white horse whose mane was as blonde as hers. She led Jessie into the gated compound outside and waited. It was then when Belle appeared from beside the stable house, as usual hugging two books. Eyes wide, she patted the horse before watching her friend climb up.

"Hey, there's something we need to talk about."

Emma swung a leg over the stallion and steadied herself. "When I get back." She peered down at Belle and frowned. "What's up?"

"We had a meeting and just so you know, your dad is completely on your side." Belle offered a smile. "All he wants is for you to be happy. And he defended you in front of everyone, going against his beliefs in Regina. He even chopped down Snow's harsh remarks. So don't be angry with him. He just wants to be the best father ever. And right now, he's making an effort to make things happen."

The younger woman stared. She was speechless. David was rounding his horse outside now.

"I know, it's hard to believe. But trust me, things will work out. Just be patient."

"What are they going to do?" she couldn't contain her nerves. Emerald eyes grew wide. "Are they going to do something about Re-" stopping, her throat closed up. She swallowed. "Are they going to accept it?"

Belle frowned. "Not so fast, sweetheart. It will take lots of time. But don't give up hope. Now giddy up and enjoy yourself. Run free." She patted the horse's behind.

David galloped further enough to open the gates and then he beckoned for her to follow. She did, smiling at him warmly, believing what had been said because her father always understood. Even when it was ridiculous. He gave her a chance. And right now, he was the best father in the world for trying at least.

Emma allowed Jessie to run as far as she wanted, over small hills and along streams that bubbled with clear water. The evening wind was slightly cold but soothing. The sun was sinking behind them and she just felt the rush of the moment. A moment that tried to steal away her excitement but it was snatched by the wind and chased. Butterflies landed on her hair, and when she batted them away, David caught up laughing.

"Still a strong rider even though you lack practice."

She was breathless, clutching the reins. "Time makes you never forget. Plus Jessie is more practiced than me so she knows what she's doing."

He smiled. "She has a confident rider who also knows what she's doing."

"I'm just chasing the wind..." Emma shrugged.

David watched a Monarch butterfly attach itself to her blonde hair and snorted. "Someone is obviously sniffing your hair."

"What." Her hand reached up and felt the fuzziness of the insect. Immediately her vision was obscured with flapping wings as the butterfly landed on the horse's mane. She studied it and smiled. "Oh, maybe it's a lost relative or something."

"Do you still believe Ruby's story about butterflies being lost spirits?"

"Not lost," Emma corrected him, studying the orange and black wings, "just a freed spirit allowed to roam the earth anywhere they want to. They can cross realms too."

"With the way it's studying you, I might just have to tell him to back off," David smiled warmly.

"Not him," Emma hung her head and pulled the horse to face the other way, "I'm only interested in the shes."

"Really now?" he allowed his horse to strut up beside hers, considering the side of a face that was blushing. "So there is no chance for a man to win that heart of yours anytime in the future?"

"My heart is too occupied, dad," she reminded him.

"Hmm," their horses walked along the side of a hill that overlooked a river below. "So if I must ask, and you know I will ask, are you really...do you really find yourself attracted to Regina?"

Emma chewed inside her cheeks. She considered the water below as it gushed over jagged rocks. "Does it matter now anyway?"

"It really does matter."

Their horses stopped.

"Because your mother thinks that you're under a spell. I find that hard to believe. As much as Regina would try to enact some kind of revenge on us, I don't think she'd do that. Somehow it strikes me as odd that she even would try to put a spell on you at this point."

"It's not a spell," Emma said softly. "It's real."

"Belle and I spoke about it. I am convinced that there is truth in whatever it is. But still I cannot just accept it."

"At least you made an effort to understand what I'm feeling and what I'm going through," she said sadly, "mom just shuts it down and refuses to accept that whatever I feel exists."

David sighed. "She's just being your mother, Emma. As a parent, put yourself in our place and imagine what it must be like. To have your daughter actually admit to you that she might be attracted to a woman like Regina. The past is the past as you've said to us. But we cannot just forget that it existed. We've lived through it. Times when that entire field out there," he gestured with the wave of a hand, "was filled with troops battling against each other. She was horrible to us. Regina has always been our greatest enemy and for you to actually force us to believe that she has changed, it's really hard to do."

She remained silent because he was right. It was a struggle. But she didn't know about it. "Dad, I met her," her voice was small, "I just met her and I never even knew her then. And I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I was stunned. Literally. I was being attacked by a bunch of robbers and Regina just showed up and chased them away. She didn't have to but she did."

This was the first time David was hearing of this. He listened with keen attention.

"I was taken back to her castle where she could have killed me. In fact, she admitted to knowing who I was from the first time we met. Regina took me to her castle and healed my cuts. I was offered a place to stay, without threatening me or anything. And then the next day, she actually told me to leave and never go back because obviously you guys were considered. She didn't want to start any wars with you and mom. I was the one who kept going back. She chased me away...even told me that I was a waste of her time. And I was too young and I meant nothing. She chased me away, dad. I stayed away and..." Emma swallowed, "then when I was told to never contact her again, I went to her birthday Ball. Because I wanted to shout at her, to tell her how I had moved on and there could never be an...us. And then I kissed her."

His eyes widened. He held his breath.

"Dad, I actually...kissed her. Even when she tried to push me away again, I couldn't stop because for once in my life, I've met someone who I'm really interested in. She wows me. Literally every time we meet or talk. I'm amazed at how imperfect she is inside but she's not afraid to show it. Out of everyone I know, even you and mom, Regina has been completely honest with me when I've asked. She's been blunt but she speaks the truth when asked. And I feel that there is no realer person than a broken Evil Queen who just needs someone to give her a chance. And I gave her a chance. Belle did. Just look how she's changed. If you see her now, she's not the woman you knew a couple months ago. She's different."

"So the question is," his voice remained calm. "Are you in love with her in a sense that you'd defy everything to be with her? Or do you love her so much that you just want to heal what has been broken? To be there for her. As a friend."

"Everything you just said and more," Emma confessed hoarsely. "I want to be there for her."

"And does she want to be there for you?"

"Sometimes I don't know because she's just like you and mom. She's always thinking that letting me in will change what's between you guys. And the fact that you don't want to reconcile with her, I'm not allowed to even get in when I want to. She has this wall up. She does things that scares me. And still I just feel that if you give her a chance, she'll prove to you what all of it means."

"Can your attraction for her be misunderstood?" he had to ask, to put the idea in her head. "Perhaps you greatly admire her, and wish for a close, affectionate friend, one who you can talk to and bond with. But there isn't a need to be...in a sense...romantic."

"I've kissed her dad, trust me," Emma was bold, and she didn't confess the rest. "I'm in love with her. I've never felt this way about a guy or any other woman. I've been around Ruby, I've been close to Belle. And what I feel for Regina is beyond anything else."

"Fate has a strange way of playing with things," he admitted, frowning into the horizon as waves crashed below along the river bank. "Because when you were born, there was a prophecy that labeled you as the only one who would be the Evil Queen's undoing. And now as much as we tried to shut you away from her, you two have met. And look what's happening."

"Exactly," Emma nodded.

"No, it just proves that maybe what you feel for her might go both ways. Either you're attracted to her so that you can change her from a villain to a hero. Or you're in this for the long run."

"So you think when she does change for the better, I'm going to abandon her?"

"No, I think that you'll want to marry her then," he laughed. "Because from what I've heard from your mother when Regina was younger, she's really an amazing woman. Minus the evil side. And this brings me back to passing judgment. Your mother knew that side of Regina. And yet she has formed this hatred towards her. I have never known a good side of Regina. Never. So it must be surprising to have me consider giving her a chance. But this time, I'm prepared to do it because of you."

Emma grinned ear to ear and her cheeks grew warm.

"But," he lifted a finger, "if she slips up and hurts you, Emma, I can guarantee that she will not be given another chance. She already owes us based on the amount of chances we gave."

"Thank you, dad," she was breathless. "Thank you so much."

"Don't thank me. I'm just your father. And since you were a child I've always felt connected to you more than your mother. We understand each other. Maybe because you're not as girly as Snow wants you to be like. That's why the two of you aren't that close. But you've always kind of been like the son I never had."

"Geez, and I ended up falling in love with a woman..."

He laughed. "Maybe it's just a brief crush. But my mother, your grandmother always told me that we can never learn if we don't allow ourselves to live life and make choices. And if you choose this, then whatever happens, it's on your ticket. I just don't want you to get yourself involved in something that threatens your life."

"She's not going to kill me," Emma said, feeling extremely overwhelmed. "Trust me, dad. She's not. I can't vouch for you or mom though. I'm safe but you guys still need to work things out with her. I've done my part. And believe me, I am capable of handling her all by myself. She doesn't scare me and I can pull her in line when she slips up."

"Well wow," David was astonished. "That's...unbelievable. I have to admit that I'd like to see that with my very own eyes before accepting. Although it's not hard to believe since you're a strong-headed young woman."

They galloped back to the stables and Jessie whinnied, rearing up as Emma laughed giddily. She held on tightly, tugging the reins this way and that just to create some kind of thrill. And David watched the night wind lift blonde hair. He was suddenly reminded of that little six year old girl who used to ride Jessie's sister when she was younger. Another chestnut he had won in a gamble in Regina's kingdom. With a ribbon attached to her hair, Emma would race around the small fenced off area, laughing. Now she was so grown up, already a woman.

She was allowed to make her own choices.

"David," the tap on his shoulder immediately brought him back into the moment. When Killian was noticed, both of them shared a mutual look.

Chess. Between the two of them, Neal keeping score.

"Oh come on," Charming said frowning handsomely, "just because I missed one game?"

"We had the bets and were ready. You," he was nudged, "backed out."

"I didn't back out," he pointed at Emma, "I took my daughter for a ride. Which was far more important."

Hook folded his arms with a smug look. "Still lost your bets, mate. Deliver as promised."

They stared at each other and both wished to never back down. Never blinking an eye until David snorted. With the shake of his head, he gestured further inside the stables which by now was vacant. The only stable boy was outside observing Emma.

New hay had been fetched in. Water bowls filled as the horses whinnied, eyes moving when the two men walked by.

"I suppose even pleading for a new match wouldn't be accepted?" David lifted off the saddle from his horse and shook it out.

Killian leaned upon the wall, arms folded. "Depends on how much you plead. And how you plead." His dark eyes twinkled.

Another look was shared between the two of them. One diverted his eyes and sighed.

"I thought we promised that whatever it was would be forgotten of." Charming led the horse into her stall and closed the door. His mind was spinning dangerously.

"It happened." Killian would not back down.

"At three in the morning when I was drunk out of my wits," their eyes met. "And now you're going to hold it against me for the rest of our lives?"

"You use the word OUR so loosely," Hook pushed himself away from the wall and took two steps closer. "I for one cannot forget your escapades on the Jolly Roger. Getting all handsy on me."

David stared back. He smiled barely. "You fell, I picked your ass up. Apparently the floor seemed to have become your constant companion. Steering the ship three knots to the right and having waves crash over like a tsunami. A ship full of men."

"Have you or have you not been avoiding me since my return?" just about twelve inches remained between them.

David squared his shoulders, lifted his right wrists and scrubbed at a non-existent stain. Just then, Emma quietly slipped into the stables and noted the two men in close proximity. Pressing her back to a wall, she listened.

"For obvious reasons, distance is kept."

"All because you seem to forget easily for both of us."

"Killian, I can't forget that easily either. What happened that night was...awkward."

"To say the least," Hook nodded and swallowed, hands held behind his back.

"How the hell did we end up dancing together, I have no idea. But my head was heavy with alcohol and you seemed a suitable partner." They smiled at each other. "Somehow it could have been the eyeliner."

"Mate, don't make up excuses."

"Does Ruby know you swing both ways?"

The horses moved restlessly and Emma's emerald eyes widened.

"Does Snow know you used to sneak out and visit a gay bar?"

David laughed nervously, eyes lowered. "Imagine me telling her that. She'd most likely throw a tantrum, especially in these times. So for now, it's just something between us. Besides, I don't even go back there."

"Because maybe you have no reason to now?" Killian smiled handsomely, "since I'm constantly within the castle walls and in close proximity?"

"It was just one...kiss."

Emma pressed her hands to parted lips, heart racing.

"And before I leave for a few days, here's another one," Hook leaned forward, hands behind his back and pressed their lips together.

David pulled back slightly, resting his hands upon the other man's shoulders, feeling the smoothness of leather. "Let it be the last."

"An order or a dare?"

"An...order," David swallowed, his eyes on the Pirate's lips. Still he smiled. "Stay away from my daughter too. Because that's just...even more awkward."

"I'll try," Killian's cupped fingers caressed Charming's jaw lightly, "mate." And turning on the spot, he walked off through the hay and muck, disappearing into the night through the back door.

Quietly slipping out without being noticed, Emma ran to the castle, blonde hair flying behind her. She ran and was so breathless, her lungs were on fire. Eyes wide, the clap of boots upon concrete down the brightly lit corridors echoed. Guards watched her run past and smiled. They were glad to see the Princess out and about again.

She vowed to herself to never tell another soul about what had been witnessed. Because her father was owed that much. After all, he had sided with her on recent events. And as much as it was heavy betrayal, this wasn't about her. They would have to deal with their own drama. But to realize that her father had kissed another man! It was at first hard to accept, really hard to believe. A man who had signed up to be her suitor. Thank goodness she hadn't welcomed any affections from him! He obviously wished to get into the castle and to be in close proximity!

Maybe being attracted to the same gender ran in the genes or something. Snow often boasted about being completely in love with Ruby, Ariel, Belle and even Mulan when they were younger. Emma knew that her mother over-exaggerated. But they were closer than close. Now her father? Woah.

A GAY BAR?

He was actually looking for a guy or ended up there accidentally?

All of this raced through her mind as she ran to the library to meet Belle.

---

Xxx

Tinkerbell was tasked with the most important duty of all, according to Snow White.

Instead of performing the said duty herself, it was given to the fairy. She wished not to leave the castle and venture into the forest, traveling to a kingdom that was despised by her. So Snow remained where she was and sipped tea like a spoiled overgrown Princess. Before the warming fire. Within her own drawing room that was dimly lit, the windows thrown open. Eyes focused on the night outside, a vanilla cookie was taken up and dipped into the cup. She chewed slowly, awaiting a response.

When there was a knock on her door, she sat up immediately. "Come in," the cup was rested upon the table, eyes widened.

In stepped Tinkerbell, her girlish face appearing grim. Curly blonde hair was clipped up into a messy bun. As usual, a green shirt and trousers were fitted enough to hug a curvy body. Their eyes met and immediately Snow was about to rejoice from an announcement of a rejection of the offer.

"How goes it, Snow?"

"Good, good," the older woman waited, "and you?"

Tinkerbell hung her head. She toed the ground. "Conflicted."

"Did she decline then?" Snow leaned forward in her chair. "Did she decline the invitation?"

"No, she didn't decline but she wanted to know exactly why you wanted to see her. I told her that it's about Emma. And you want to see her about her relationship with Emma."

"Did you tell her about this being a round table meeting?"

"Yeah, I did." Tinkerbell's chest heaved. "She's not well."

Snow smiled. "Of course she isn't. That's expected, you know. It's her bad deeds, eating her up inside. All the bad things she did. It's destroying her and -"

"It's not that," the fairy grew defensive, "Regina really loves Emma and yeah, I agree that it's destroying her because her heart isn't used to being so mellow. But for the past couple of weeks, she's been losing herself. Drinking, to ease the pain. All she does is drink and stick to herself. She hardly talks to anyone, and she's lost weight."

"Good."

Tinkerbell stared at Snow, the other woman's gloved fingers pressed together. She couldn't believe someone could be that cruel.

"I want her to crumble so that when she finally comes to see Emma, somehow something is said, and she snaps. She snaps and hopefully it's at Emma and my daughter finally realizes what a mistake this was. Then I will not be forced to go further."

The fairy swallowed. "She's not eating anything."

"That's not my problem, is it?"

Tinkerbell scowled. She folded her arms. "For Regina's sake, since she doesn't have representation, I want to be at this...round table discussion. Or whatever it is."

"I'm sorry, but Belle is already there to support her as a friend. And from what I heard, to have you and Ruby in the same room as well, that would be too much drama on my hands. I just want to get this over with and move forward."

"So in other words, this isn't a step on your part to make things work out between Emma and Regina."

Snow's smile disappeared. The wind coming through the parted windows chilled the air more. "I'm giving Regina a chance to explain herself."

"To explain what exactly?" the fairy glared back. "To explain what you've already been told? And from what I heard, Regina told you in person that she has feelings for your daughter? That's what you want to hear? Because I don't trust this. What I'm seeing here is an opportunity for you to somehow find a way to embarrass Regina in front of Emma and push the two of them apart further. You want to put them in a room and then obviously you'll separate them again."

"That's out of line, coming from you," Snow warned.

"My Queen already knows what your intentions are. She's not stupid. So she'll be prepared when she comes here to defend herself. And trust me, there is nothing you can say at this point that would change this."

Tinkerbell squared her shoulders and glowered at Snow. The latter merely looked back until a glare grew softened. Because what she was beginning to realize was frightful. Belle and Ruby had sided with this ridiculous belief that Regina was in love with her daughter. Now Tinkerbell and even David. Of all the people to side with Regina, David arrived at this conclusion. That he was going to believe it, encouraging a meeting. So she wondered if something was indeed occurring here.

Snow sighed. "Alright, listen, it is not something I would easily encourage at this point. Because after all, Emma is my daughter. But after this meeting let's see what happens."

"I know you, Snow," the fairy said, still scowling. "You'd never agree to it for as long as you live. But at least there are people on Emma's side apart from you, even David. So let's see how long you can put up with the truth."

"You are dismissed." The older woman took up her cup of tea and sipped, eyes diverted. "Tell Regina that the meeting is set for Friday which is three days from now. Gives me some time to think even more. Same goes for her. If she backs out, send word immediately. I'll inform Emma of the agreement tomorrow. No one else must know of this except Regina, Emma, myself, you, David, Ruby and Belle. When it takes place, who are attending. Is that clear?"

The fairy rolled her eyes and nodded. "Yeah, whatever." And she left without another word.

"The nerve of these people," Snow scowled afterwards. "Actually believing that two women can become romantically attached to each other? For what purpose? This will never last. Am I the only sane one in this kingdom?"

---

xxx

Emma possibly made the biggest mistake thus far by agreeing to a night out with Ruby, Belle, Hook, Neal and August.

It was a rainy Wednesday afternoon, the middle of the week and she was going out. In fact, Snow and David had agreed to this without pressure. Their quick nods only proved to their daughter that it would be best for her to simply find a way to move on. To step over this drama and find someone else. Because Neal was quickly sliding into the friend zone and Hook was far from agreeable.

So dressed in a pair of tailored black pants, black leather belt, a comfortable pair of black leather shoes and a aquamarine colored shirt, she was ready. Ready to somehow try shots of alcohol from another land and numb the pain. Because that aching in her heart still remained. After being touched so deeply, intimately, after kissing someone for the first time like that. There was no going back. None.

"I suppose the end result is as usual tonight?" Hook considered August with a smile.

They chose chairs next to the bar with a good view of the activity inside. Dancing had already commenced, the kind of dancing that involved grinding one's body upon the other person sensually. Something that made Emma's throat dry whilst she imagined what it would be like to dance with a particular person like that.

"Getting a lady on my work table back home?" August snatched up his shot of Tequila and lifted it at Hook, "here's to good luck." He downed the liquid and sputtered. A hand clapped on his back. "Lucky bastard you are though. Already have a sexy woman to take home."

Ruby was eyed. Belle glared back and Hook stared at the counter. "She's the apple of another person's eye though."

"You mean Belle?" August leaned in closer and the pirate smelt cologne that was blocked from affecting him. "I noticed. At this point, we are surrounded by ladies who love the ladies."

"Except Emma." Neal took a seat next to them and smiled around. He ruffled the blonde's hair and she batted his hand away. "She's not one to stray."

"I think all ladies are born with the capability of falling for another woman," Ruby spoke up, throwing a glance at her younger friend. "We all have girl crushes and some of us just...act on those crushes. Then we find that we really would like the comfort of a woman instead. Romantically."

"You're a single man tonight, I'm afraid," August whispered to Hook. "She's just dumped you...unintentionally."

Belle's cheeks glowed. She sipped her glass of orange juice and smiled into it.

"And I'm beginning to realize that maybe trying to hide the obvious is becoming rather frustrating," Ruby gazed at Belle's glass. Her chest heaved. "It's just sometimes I wish that it was different."

"The feeling is mutual," Emma sighed. She accepted a shot of Tequila and sipped it. Without giving a care, the entire small shot glass was emptied. The liquid burned whist going down. "I wish that there was an off button."

Neal frowned. He remained silent though.

"Having a crush on the Evil Queen of all people sucks," she said fifteen minutes later, already swimming into murky waters whilst the alcohol kicked in.

Belle's eyes widened and Ruby swallowed hard. August threw a glance at Hook who considered Neal. Everyone waited for the response.

"She has that effect on many women," Neal returned, looking sideways at Emma. "But she's not the type to secure an attachment and work on it as a relationship. Which puts all those poor women in distress. Then there's Robin Hood..."

"He's just a facade," Hook contributed. He didn't like the outlaw. "The amount of times I've seen..." he swallowed, and checked his words, "heard him speak of Regina, he sounds like a lost puppy."

"Doesn't seem as if he's lost anymore though," Neal sipped his Scotch. "This morning whilst I was in the kingdom showing a house, I happened to see him exit the carriage, and taking Regina's hand, she was led out. Apparently they were going to the dressmaker."

Emma's cheeks colored slightly. She stared at the collection of bottles behind the bar nevertheless.

"Then August was there with me," he threw a glance at him. "We shared a drink in the pub, and he comes in. He says to August, today's my lucky day. A day out with her Majesty. He points out that she's enjoying it so far."

August swallowed hard, looking at Emma. "It was a great day to be honest. We showed a house to this couple and I was basically there to assess the furniture so..." he was trying to switch the conversation.

"If you ask me, she's better off marrying a man and securing her kingdom to silence all these talks about some wild affair with a woman." Neal wouldn't back down. "I wonder who the woman is. Poor thing she is though. Regina would never marry someone with no advantages. It's always a game to her. If she marries Robin -"

"Enough talk about Regina..." Ruby said, laughing nervously.

"Then she could get an heir and as papa often would say, an heir would be best. Blasted woman is fucking richer than the Charmings and all that wealth will go to waste?"

"Then why don't you try to marry her?" Hook joked, his eyes on Emma though.

"Because I don't have what it takes to please a woman like that, I'll be honest," Neal held up his hands and laughed. "Too powerful and too bitchy. Anyway, very soon we'll get the invite. To a wedding that will bound to happen. Regina and Robin. Outlaw babies."

Emma couldn't breathe. "Excuse me," she stood up, "I think I might throw up." Leaving her glass upon the counter, away she went to find the washroom. And when it was found, her blonde hair was held back. No air. Choking on bitter thoughts. She emptied the contents of her stomach, eyes burning and cried softly, head lowered.

An entire day by themselves. Wow. Emerald eyes were lifted and she stared into a face that looked haunted. Pale and older. Of course this was bound to happen some day or the other. The suspicions that destroyed her at nights. Him being in close proximity still, being able to comfort and share moments whilst she was locked away miles away. Robin had the upper hand and he could use it well. Leaning in when a woman was in need of someone. When she wasn't there, he stepped in and was helping to chase away any fears.

She hated him for being there when she couldn't.

Belle quietly came in and closed the door. The small washroom only catered for two stalls and a sink. The room was vacant except for them. She studied a pale face and eyes filled with tears. Hugging her younger friend close, a kiss was pressed upon blonde hair.

"You can't let his words get to you, sweetheart," she said softly, reaching for a paper towel. "You know the truth already, so why have doubts cloud your mind?"

"The truth?" Emma considered Belle in the mirror. "She has every right to move on from me. Every single one. And that's the part that hurts. The fact that she can, easily too. She could find anyone else because I'm not worth it. I'm not even someone to fight for."

"Emma -"

"And she's older, way older. Why the hell would she even want to tie herself down with someone as young as me? When he's a guy and he's the same age as her. He's handsome and kind, compassionate."

"I went to see Regina yesterday," Belle said softly, caressing her friend's hair. "I didn't want to tell you this because she forbid me to. But she's not well. She's had many sleepless nights, she wouldn't eat. She's lost weight. And it's all because of loving you. She misses you so much, Emma. She's been drinking and locking herself away. So Robin just decided to take her out. To get a new dress. It's a small gesture but she went along."

Trying to breathe, the blonde squeezed her eyes shut. "She's...sick."

"She is. But it takes time, yeah? If it's meant to be then it will happen."

"She could have sent a letter with you, anything to tell me how she's doing," Emma couldn't believe that her friend had visited on several occasions and not one word was sent back. "Anything."

"I can't speak for her but what I can say is just as you're hurt and wondering what Robin's doing, she's feeling the same, wondering what you're doing. Asking me if you're still dating Neal. If you've met anyone. She questions me constantly. And maybe some small part of her doesn't write to you because she's hoping that you'll move on. That you'll find someone and move on."

"That sounds just like her," Emma's chest hurt. "She has all this magic. All this power and still she can't come here, bust her way in and get me. Kidnap me for all I care. Anything to get me back. Thinking of it now, maybe this is what she wanted all along. For me to be shut away like this. Because the last time I was, not a move was made to get me back. I'm the one who kept going and going, making myself a frigging fool. And I got what I wanted. So now it's obvious that she didn't find anything worth keeping in me, I'm too immature, inexperienced. And she's suggesting for me to move on."

"It's not like that," Belle's throat ached.

"It's exactly like that." Turning the tap off, Emma wiped her face and threw the tissue into the small plastic bin. Then out the door she went, feeling weak.

---

Xxx

Regina weakly batted Tinkerbell's hand away and curled up on her bed.

"Don't you like the dress?"

The purple box was kicked off the edge of the bed, the tissues inside dancing out and unto carpet as red as blood. She couldn't care less about a stupid gown.

"I think it's nice," the fairy said, offering a smile. She eyed the bottle of Bourbon on the vanity next to the bed. "Did you try it on as yet?"

"What do I look like?" Regina was so hoarse, "a whimsical child? A teenager who can be bought gifts and easily mended?"

"Look, you don't have to be so harsh, okay?"

"Give me a fucking break. I can be as harsh as I desire. It's my right. Get the hell out of here." Growling, the red sheet was snatched and she buried her face into the fabric.

Sneaking slowly to the vanity, Tinkerbell reached for the bottle of alcohol and was about to take it away.

"If you leave with that, I'll be damned," Regina said, her brown eyes on fire. "Put it back and disappear. Leave me in my misery alone."

"You're drinking too much," the fairy announced, hugging the bottle still. "This is what? Your third bottle for the day? It's too much. You're damaging your freaking liver. Plus you haven't taken a bath. You smell. Eew." She wrinkled her nose.

"I'm weak." Her voice was so small.

"Because you haven't eaten for days."

"I can't," Regina sobbed, her face hidden.

That sound wounded Tinkerbell's heart. "Look," she said softly, "tomorrow you'll get to see her, okay? You'll wear that dress Robin and I bought and you'll put on some makeup, brush your hair and we'll go. Unless you want to go looking completely broken and hurt as you are. Then I'm fine with that too."

"Go away," Regina croaked, her leather boots digging into the sheets. "I don't want company."

"We have to practice what you're going to say," moving into the room, Tinkerbell sat on the edge of the bed. "Let's practice."

The headache was pounding, her skin aching terribly. Burning, the numbness around her wrists had turned into bruises from two bands made of iron. Eyes were sore and she was so weak, rising from her bed would bring on dizziness.

"As I said before and I made myself clear, I am not going. Why would an acceptance be given anyway?" Regina pointed out, her voice barely audible. "For them to put me in prison again."

"Belle will be there and so will I. Plus Emma will be there."

"What the hell can she do to prevent anything from occurring?" the brunette winced as every word sliced pain through her head. "She's defenseless."

"But so are you. And they have to be stupid to put a defenseless woman in prison again. You're just in love. Your entire kingdom is on your side because they've been waiting for you to change like this forever. Even David wants you to go."

"I don't give a shit about him," Regina growled. "He or his stupid, imbecile of a wife."

Tinkerbell swallowed. "There are people from their kingdom that actually want the two of you together. You and Emma. It would change things, they've said. It would bring an end to wars and these stupid feuds. Plus if you go, you'll get a chance to tell them a piece of your mind. With an audience too. With Emma there. You can tell her in front of them, exactly what they did to you."

"I'm not going," the Queen repeated. "I might be an idiot in love but I'm not foolish enough to walk into the lion's den."

"Come on!" Tinkerbell clapped her hands once, "wake up! You're stronger than this!"

"With my magic, I am undefeated but without it? No."

"Then it's time for you to suck it up and use whatever else you have to win this. Your magic can't keep ruling your life. Or protecting you. This is where you need to go in without a weapon and prove yourself worthy."

"I...said...get...out..." Regina growled, and snatched the bottle. "Get out or else I'll summon my guards to remove you."

Tinkerbell's eyes burned. Defeated, she stood up. "Okay, well there goes any chance of you even getting to see the woman you love ever again. A Queen would never back down like this. The Regina I know would find some way to get what she wants. She'd never ever let the Charmings take something away from her. Maybe," the fairy shrugged, "I was wrong about you. Love has destroyed you and you're just weak."

"GET OUT!" the brunette cried hoarsely. She took a hold of a pillow and pelted it at the fairy who dodged.

Leaving the room, Tinkerbell met Robin in the hallway and scowled.

"Is she awake?"

The fairy folded her arms. "No. She's asleep."

Robin frowned. A guard passed by them. "I find that hard to believe since it is just seven in the night and she hasn't slept as much in weeks."

"If you go in there," Tinkerbell warned, "I'll fight you back out. I'll use pixie dust on you and send you to another realm. Leave her alone."

Hands lifted defensively, Robin swallowed. "Okay, milady," he backed away slowly. "Easy there."

The fairy couldn't help but smile. She shrugged. "I get that you want to help her but she needs to be alone right now, okay?"

"As she wishes," he said. "Now what must I do with my night?"

"I kind of had the intention of playing a game of cards on the back balcony in the topmost tower," she toed the ground, hands held behind her back. "I needed a partner."

"Then count me in," he said smiling. "I just wished that we could bring her Majesty along with us, don't you?"

"Yeah...but three's a crowd."

"Indeed."

They both smiled at each other. Robin noted how Tinkerbell's cheeks blushed slightly.

---

xxx

Emma was sitting by the bar, watching August dance drunkenly with Hook. In each other's arms. It was fun to watch at first because August was out of his mind. Her dad should have seen this. She'd pay to see that confrontation.

Smiling to herself, she was surprised when Ruby got up and flattened the front of her red dress. Clearing her throat, Belle's attention was asked for and the bookworm searched the other woman's face.

"Um, I know you probably still hate me and all," Ruby began, noticing the slight blush on Belle's cheeks, "but I was wondering if you could just allow me to dance with you at least. We don't have to talk," she held up her hand, eyes wide. "You can think about giving me a second chance whilst dancing. I just want to...be...with...you right now."

"Why don't you go pull Hook away from August and ask him to dance with you?"

Ruby's cheeks grew slightly red. "Because I don't want to dance with him. I want to dance with you."

"And suppose I don't want to dance with you?" Belle asked stubbornly.

"Then I'll dance by myself. And imagine. You. With. Me."

Neal who sat next to Emma was completely ignored by the blonde since the night began. Both of them silently watched as Belle stood up, and entwined her fingers with the brunette. Smiling, she didn't say a word but blinked slowly. Ruby smiled back and swallowed.

"About time," Emma muttered, watching them walk off to join the dance floor.

A game of pools was happening in a corner, and the place was hardly occupied. The bartender wiped glasses and returned them to the shelf. His eyes remained on a page in the newspapers. He was reading the comics section.

"So I guess I said something out of line," Neal suggested. "Something way out of line because you're ignoring me and I know it's something I did."

She refused to answer him.

"Emma, I don't want you to be mad at me, okay? I love talking to you and hanging out. But blocking me off like this, it kind of hurts." Neal studied blonde hair, her shoulders hunched. "Let's talk about your crush on the Evil Queen then."

"That's exactly what I don't want to talk about right now," she muttered.

"Okay," he sighed. "Let's talk about...us?"

"There is no...us...right now,'" she said, keeping her eyes on the glass. "I told you before. I need a break. I'm going through some shit right now and I just need some space."

"Is this about someone else then?"

She didn't answer.

The music played on, guitar music accompanied by drums.

"Are you in love with someone else?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"How long are you going to keep shutting me out?" he was growing frustrated. "Keeping me guessing? I want to know what's up so I can help, as a friend."

The fact that he referred to himself as that slightly eased the tension. But his words that related to Robin still hurt. However, Emma realized that it wasn't his fault what he had seen. Anyone could have seen that, could have been sitting there and said the things that were said. It could have been August or Hook. It could have been a stranger. But Neal had told her the truth. What he saw. If he hadn't told her then yeah she wouldn't be in a stupid mood. Yet the truth wouldn't have been known. So in a sense, she should be thankful.

"Neal, there's something I have to tell you," she said hoarsely, head lowered, hands resting on the counter. "And I have to tell you because August, Hook, Ruby and Belle, they know already. And I can't keep it hidden from you because we're...you're a close friend."

He waited.

She sighed. "I think that I'm...I know...that I'm attracted to...women."

"Yeah?" he sipped his glass of Scotch, eyes on her.

"I'm attracted to..." she swallowed.

"Regina."

She blinked and felt her heart give a leap. "I'm attracted to...women."

"I suspected." He kept his eyes on her. "I mean, you're not exactly a girly girl. Wearing the pants and shirts like a dude."

"That doesn't mean anything though. I like being...feminine. I just don't like wearing dresses and stuff. And I kind of like my...boobs." She looked down at them.

"Just two handfuls that I like too."

"You twat," her hand lashed out at him and he laughed. "Can I get a peek? As a friend thing?"

She glared at him. Her chest heaved.

"I was kidding!" he held up his hands, "woah there, back down. I bet Regina can see them though, can't she?"

Emma just sighed and scrubbed her cheeks with the heels of hands that felt numb. "As if my life could get any worse right now."

"If it makes you feel any better, we can leave here and just go for a walk. Find a bench, gaze up at the stars. The moon. A quiet stroll."

It was such an intriguing idea but of course being alone with him felt somewhat uncomfortable at the moment. However, since the recent news on someone else making an effort to move past the hurt, Emma agreed to such a walk. So rising up, he grabbed his coat and the two of them signaled to Belle and Ruby that they were leaving. Ducking out of the small bar, they headed unto the lonely street. A street dimly lit with yellow lamps hung upon wooden posts. A few people darted by, a couple strolled past.

A cat yowled and pitched across the road.

Neal kept his distance, hands in his pockets as they started walking north, away from the castle. Something was clearly on her mind but nothing was revealed. Smart move, but mildly hurtful since the two of them had grown closer. Sharing words. Expressing feelings. Recently she appeared more composed and unlike herself. He was worried.

"Poor Ruby though," he tried to start a conversation. They had walked to the next street already. "She was forcefully detached from Tinkerbell, ended up with a slightly gay man, and now her heart is leading back to the one who is best suited."

"Forcefully detached?" Emma frowned.

"Yeah," Neal threw her a sideways glance. "You know, because of what Regina did."

She wasn't aware of anything in relation to that matter. "What did she do?"

Neal on the other hand was slightly surprised that Emma knew nothing on the matter. "She basically talked Tinkerbell out of dating Ruby. Simply because of Ruby being a werewolf. Didn't you know? I thought Ruby told you."

Emma wasn't quick on believing that. "I doubt whether Regina did any harm."

"Are you kidding me? The woman basically scared the shit out of Tink by telling her how Ruby could change and kill her. Rip her to pieces. Tink cried her eyes out. August and I had to take her out for drinks." He shrugged. "We met Robin then as well and he comforted Tink. But the bad part is, she told the poor fairy that she must not fraternize with the enemy. Which could mean you."

Remaining silent, the blonde simmered as they walked.

"Plus Regina apparently is best mates with Hook. Which made the affair seem more fishy. Because I still can't forget what I heard many years ago and it's been bothering me ever since you chose him as a suitor."

"What did you hear?" she was curious now, looking at him intently.

He waited until a woman passed by them carrying a small child in her arms. "Dad told me Hook was involved in the attempt to poison you when you were a child."

"No way," she shook her head.

They stopped. He took a hold of her shoulders. "Emma, papa never lies to me, okay? We have that trust no matter what. And he told me that Regina hired Hook to infiltrate the Charmings' trust and slip the poison in your food. When everything failed, he suddenly disappeared from this kingdom and didn't show up back until recently."

"But he's a friend of dad's..." she was growing worried.

"Exactly. He eases his way in like a snake and bites. But last time, he failed. Plus Hook has been seen at Regina's castle many times so -"

Suddenly that night when she almost fell out the window came to mind. When those two guards had been dragging someone along the grounds. And as soon as her eyes met the man held between then, she recognized something about his face. It had been Hook. She was sure of it.

"But why would he do that?"

Neal shrugged. "For money? His life was threatened? The main fact that he's here again and this drama with you and the Queen is happening, it looks wrong. Suddenly you meet Regina one night and you two become close? After all these years? I don't buy it. I don't believe in coincidences. Something was planned here but I just don't know what."

"The next time I see her," Emma swallowed, thinking about the possibility, "I'll ask her. She tells me the truth regardless. I'll ask her about Hook and Tink and Ruby."

"Good, you better ask her, because things need to be cleared up fast. Aren't you slightly pissed though?" he studied her face and wondered at the calmness. "I mean, she separated your two friends. She spoke badly about Rubes."

"I am...pissed. Trust me, I am." Emma's fists were clenched. "I'm just really tired at the moment and there has been enough drama in my life recently. So as dad told me, I'm trying to just...breathe. She had no right though. None. But I'll deal with her when we cross paths again. If she has done it then I'll be convinced that my belief in her had been slightly wrong all along."

"Because you just don't interfere in people's lives like that," Neal pressed on. "You don't. Yeah, Tink is her close friend and what not. I'd like to say fuck buddy. Because that's all she is to the Queen. But you can't tear apart a couple like that. Ruby has control of herself. She knows how to control it. And as much as I love Belle being with Ruby, the idea of it, I don't like when people tear people apart. As if they're in control of people's fates."

Just along a street they walked, where a dead end was arrived at. A fence running along the edge of a steep cliff that overlooked the valleys below and the forest beyond. The wind whipped blonde hair and he caught the strands. Laughing together, her hair was held back. She was pulled close, an arm wrapped around her shoulders.

Emma welcomed the warmth. The comforting feeling of having someone next to her like that. Someone who cared. Because at that point, the one person she cared about was a million miles away. She was probably tucked under the covers reading or something. Or sleeping with someone, because that's what happened when alcohol kicked in. Belle did say she was drinking again. Some random blonde who was paid for.

"Do you believe in love at first sight?" Emma took his hand and squeezed it upon the fence. "Like meeting someone and falling for them immediately."

"There was this girl," he said softly, "a long time ago though. When I was around sixteen. I believed something like that happened."

"Tell me more," she nuzzled her head into his chest.

"Well, I was never the type to date a lot of girls. Always the shy guy who used to move through crowds and pick pockets without anyone noticing me there. I robbed stores without getting caught. Things like that. And one day whilst I was trying to push my dirty little fingers inside a red purse, she turned around and caught me. In that moment, it's like the world stopped. For the first time, I was caught and someone actually noticed me there. And then she did the most ridiculous thing of all."

Emma upturned her face, eyes wide. "What did she do?"

"She took out her wallet and give me a couple gold coins. Then patted my head and said, 'next time, don't steal, just ask me instead. Now run along.' And I was so dumbfounded. After that I just stopped picking people's pockets and bags. I could get all the gold I wanted Emma. Anything because of dad. But just that streak in me to rebel, to act out, I did it for the fun. To prove something to myself. So that when she did that, she kind of shut me down for good."

"I guess someone always comes along and changes us," she focused on the forest again and watched the trees sway in the wind. "That one person who sweeps us off our feet and turns our lives round."

"Has Regina swept you off your feet?" he had to ask.

"Honestly, she did. But..." Emma sighed, "it was a wake up call too. Signaling to me that yeah I am attracted to women."

"So are you attracted to her to a point where you want to...date her and stuff?"

"No," she lied. "We're just friends. That's it. We met as we were supposed to some day. She told me things that hurt. She made me stronger in her own way. And now it's over."

"Aw, don't end the friendship like that," he patted her hand affectionately, "Regina needs a friend like you in her life. Like you and Belle. She needs people there to steer her back into the good side. She's lived her life too much in the pits of hell. Gosh, the days when she used to kill people without flinching. Riding that horse through battles and using her sword. Damn."

"She actually...fought alongside her soldiers?" Emma was surprised.

"Yeah! Dressed in her leather pants, no gear. She killed several of your parents' soldiers years ago during a war we had just out there," he pointed. "An invasion. Just before she was sent to prison. They attacked in the night and we were ready for them. In the end, she got caught and dragged to the prison. I heard that they put this spell on her and she was in so much pain, she couldn't fight back. But the amount of soldiers she killed though. She made it far. Was definitely coming to snatch you. And then they were ready for her."

Emma's eyes stung, just imaging Regina in pain.

"Like how much pain was she in?"

"They drove a sword through her, your mother I think. Or your father, I can't remember exactly. But they had her and Snow had you in her arms. And I was there, all dressed in my sexy gear. Yeah I fought," he blushed in the night. But she didn't see nor was focused on his charm. "I fought and came out alive. Pretty amazing, huh?"

"Yeah," she tried to sound amazed. Her voice trembled because of his recollection of the night. "Nice."

"She kind of used her magic to take you, saying that you were hers, I remember that. Because it was kind of scary. Shouted at Snow that you belonged to her because Snow had taken Daniel away from her, someone she loved. And then David held his sword at her neck. Papa showed up, these metal bands appeared around her wrists and she couldn't use magic. But the weirdest thing of all," he said as Emma allowed tears to fal, "was that you held unto Regina.

"I know," she croaked, suddenly remembering that night and it frightened her because she never did before.

She was seven years old.

She remembered a woman, and the smell of blood. Warm arms wrapped around her. The lady was stooping and was hugging her so tight. Warm breath upon her face as Snow had stared back in horror.

"I have what's mine now back away."

"No!" her mother had cried, eyes wide. "Regina, don't do...this. Please! Don't...Let...her go. Please. Oh god."

But Emma wasn't afraid. She remembered feeling comfortable, and safe with that other person.

"You took what I loved now I'm taking what you love, Snow White," Regina had bitterly declared, every word Emma felt from behind as she was held unto. "I have waited for this day for such a long time. Now it has come."

"Regina, we can work something out, okay? Don't take her away from me. Please. You can take me instead."

The hoarse laughter filled the air and Emma had blinked, her little heart racing. "I don't want anything else, you stupid woman. I want Emma."

"She's just a child."

"And as long as she lives, she'll be a threat to me. So why not take her now and deal with the situation by myself?"

"Are you going to kill me?" Emma had asked, suddenly holding unto the lady's leather gloves, her fair fingers blushed red. "Because if you are then I want to take my pony with me and my crayons and I don't want it to hurt."

Regina blinked. Snow watched something change in those brown eyes that burned from evil. "Be quiet, child."

"I will not be quiet, okay?" Taking a firm hold of the brunette's hands, Emma had released herself and turned around. "I am a Princess and I just told you what I want so don't disobey me."

Regina scoffed, smiling slightly. "Oh I must not disobey you? Do you know who I am?"

"Yeah, you're a Queen or something. And you're wearing too much eye makeup and it looks horrible. A Queen is supposed to be beautiful without makeup and I'm sure that you are."

They stared at each other.

"I know you." Emma remembered the face somehow. "You give me a hat and a doll. And you were nice to me. I was five."

"What?" Snow was dumbfounded. "You...met...her?"

Regina smiled. "Yes. We met. Now..." she waved her hand over Emma's head and emerald eyes grew dazed. The child blinked. "That's taken care of. Where was I? Oh right. She picked the blonde up into her arms and her hair was played with, stared at. "I was bidding my farewells. Goodbye Snow."

The cold feel of a blade upon her exposed back made the Queen freeze up. Just where her leather vest had been ripped.

"Let Emma go and get down on your knees," David warned from behind.

"Oh must we use such language in the presence of a child?" Regina smiled. "Your weapon doesn't scare me, you imbecile."

"How about now," came Rumple's voice. Emma felt something cold bite her legs and Regina gasped. Immediately, the blonde stared into brown eyes that grew wide and she could feel a change in the older woman.

"What is happening?" she asked, staring at the iron bands around the brunette's wrists.

Regina slowly fell to her knees and her grip on Emma grew slack. But it was miraculous because the latter still held on, even when her shoes clicked upon the pavement below.

"Let her go now and spare the child the misery, your Majesty."

Rumple stepped into view and smiled at Emma. He was stared at in horror. "Who are you?"

"I'm someone invested in your future. Now run along to mommy and be a nice girl."

But emerald eyes rested on Regina who bit her lips, trembling from the pain washing over her body. She couldn't move and merely stared into Emma's eyes.

"What are you doing to her?" she stared up at Rumple. "Is she in pain?"

"Yes she is. She's been a bad girl, dearie."

"No!"

Regina felt Emma's arms wrap around her neck and she was hugged tightly. The gesture brought tears to her eyes and suddenly, the pain slightly died away from attaching attention unto the child. She felt a flicker of something within her chest, almost like a change and she couldn't breathe.

"You have to stop this!" Emma demanded, glaring up at the man. "Stop it now and stop hurting her. She did nothing wrong, okay!"

"This woman tried to kill you, sweetheart," David studied the scene and frowned at Snow.

"Yeah but I'm alive still, am I not?" she looked up at her father and stared at the sword. "I'm not dead. I'm not afraid of dying. Once I have my pony."

Rumple beamed at the situation unfolding. He rubbed his hands in glee. "Ah, your Majesty, the prophecy is coming to light right before our eyes!"

"Shut up you fool," Snow warned. She rushed forward and snatched Emma up. Wrapped in her mother's arms, the blonde felt protected again and began to cry.

Regina gazed at Emma. She lifted her brown eyes to the sky, lips bitten and tears slid down pale cheeks. "Just kill me if you must." She begged. "Kill me, and have your daughter know of this glorious day."

"Noo!" Emma shouted, twisting in Snow's arms. "Don't kill her!"

"It makes two of us," Regina said hoarsely, locking eyes with the child. "I'm not afraid of death either."

Turning Emma's face away, Snow squeezed her eyes shut.

"You can't!" Emma fought her mother. "Stop it!"

His grip on the weapon was unsteady since Emma cried out. And David drove his sword through the woman at his feet and held it there. Because of her cries, he had driven the weapon through Regina's side, more than enough to miss her heart.

Emma's crying filled the air because she hadn't seen what had happened but somehow it was felt.

Rumple blinked. He swallowed. "That's enough for now. Let's...proceed to step 2."

Crumbling to the ground, the pain was horrific as Regina blinked through tears.

"You failed." Rumple said softly. But Emma remembered. "Blame it on the child. Now let's take care of your mess."

Emma was crying when Neal shook her. Clutching his arm, she held on and sobbed into his chest and all he could do was pat her hair. She didn't say a word, she didn't fight him off. Instead he was held unto.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, "I didn't mean to remind you of that night. So sorry."

"I...remember," she said hoarsely.

"And you never did before?" he frowned. "I suppose trauma or perhaps magic prevented you from doing so. Ah..let it all out," he rubbed her back.

"I saved her..." she said into his chest. "I...saved...her."

"In a way you did yeah. Had you not cried out then your father would have driven the sword straight through her heart."

She gasped into his blue shirt and felt weak. It was overwhelming, to remember that now. To live through that moment like that and realize that they had both changed each other's lives so much. Had she remembered? Emma wondered if Regina remembered that moment. If she did, could it make a difference at all? That she had saved her life? Maybe the seven years that followed somehow turned her against Emma again. But...

They had met more than once before.

---

Xxx

Regina couldn't sleep.

She groaned within the covers and felt her entire body on fire as usual. Magic trying to find a way out. Destroying her inside like flames trapped inside a furnace. Very soon, this would kill her and it wouldn't be long this time. Because one could only go so long without letting out magic. A building up of power inside, clawing at her insides and damaging a mind already insanely in love with a young woman. A woman who was miles away and really desired right then.

Reaching for her mirror upon the vanity, she gasped. The effort to even make a move was painful. But her fingers managed anyway and the object in question was rested upon the bed sideways. Her face looked dead. Lips were cracked and quivered.

"Show me..." she swallowed, "show me Emma..."

Her gaunt face staring back disappeared and a couple entwined came into view. At first she believed that the wrong scene had appeared until that distinct shade of blonde hair captured her attention. Wrapped in a man's arms, her face buried into his chest. His fingers ran through blonde hair and she stared, her eyes stinging as Emma pulled back slightly. They gazed into each others' eyes.

The feeling her heart swept through could be explained as someone stepping on a freshly baked croissant. Flattening it and leaving everything damaged and scattered. Because when Neal leaned down and pressed a kiss unto Emma's lips, Regina's heart felt the purest of pain. Dropping the mirror, her fingers grew stiff and she winced, curling up. It was like a strike of lightening through her body. Eyes squeezed shut, she rode out the pain and didn't manage to see Emma pull back, doubling over as well.

Losing her breath, the blonde was held by Neal and she felt the slice through her heart immediately.

"Em-ma", the Queen croaked, cracking as every second slipped by slowly. Eventually she slipped into unconsciousness and the world went black, a thick black that was filled with severe pain.

---

Xxx

The plan was enacted again and this time, the same participants were involved except Robin. He knew nothing of the arrangements and was purposely left out by Tinkerbell.

Regina thought that she was dressing for an early dinner in the evening with Belle.

Sitting at her vanity, she weakly tried to apply her eyeliner, fingers trembling. After twisting the line too much, she colored in the rest and arrived at a dangerously dark look. Heavy black around brown eyes that were bloodshot. A lot of mascara, in fact, a little too much due to unsteady hands. Lipstick as red as blood.

Next came the art of dressing. It was a difficult task all the same. Her strength had run away after a lack of eating so the corset couldn't be pulled tight enough. Tinkerbell came in and offered her services just in time. So that the newly bought dress ended up on Regina and she looked stunning still. In purple. A purple wide flowing skirt and a black corset. Black leather pants and knee high, high heeled black boots.

"Why the hell do you have to wear so much clothes to begin with?" Tinkerbell slipped on Regina's right boot and glared at the black stockings. "You're wearing leather pants, stockings, and boots. Do you have on underwear? I hope so!"

"Yes, I still have my modesty left, you twat." Regina allowed herself to be dressed, elbows digging into the bed as she leaned back.

Without her magic, the effort of dressing was too much. With one flick of her hand, she could put on an outfit. Now it was so hard. When everything was on finally, Tinkerbell used small black butterfly clips to create a style with waist long black hair. The end result was breathtaking but still, staring into those brown eyes gave away everything. Regina looked broken, so much, the fairy felt her heart ache. She took a few strands of black hair between her fingers from the front of the brunette's face and twirled it around.

Regina glared back.

"What the hell are you trying to do to me?" she growled. "I am not a doll."

"You are a doll. You're a huge doll."

Regina rolled her eyes.

"Hold out your arms, please." Tinkerbell tugged at the black corset, fitting it in line with the Queen's hips. She smiled. "Now lower them."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" the brunette smirked.

The wind came through the opened windows and lifted Regina's hair slightly. She couldn't feel a thing because her body still was on fire. The iron cuffs were eventually covered when her black leather jacket was slipped on. An article of clothing she hadn't worn in such a long time. She looked like a bad ass dare devil to Tinkerbell. A woman ready to kick ass.

As soon as Regina pushed open the doors to the grand dining room and didn't see Belle there, she froze up. But the plan was well thought out. So well devised that Tinkerbell quickly took a hold of the Queen's arms and pulled them back. Attaching the pair of handcuffs, she laughed.

"What the hell are you -"

"Walk," Tinkerbell gave her a push and Regina refused to move. "Or else I'll..." she swallowed, "I'll whip you senseless."

The Queen smiled barely. "Wait, is this one of your little role playing games? Did you dress me up to fuck me? Dominatrix style?"

Taking a hold of the brunette's arm, she was pulled out of the room. The fairy's cheeks glowed.

"Tink, I am not..." Regina licked her lips, "I have ceased playing bed games. Remove these cuffs because I already have on a pair of torturous ones. Tink, do as I say."

She was ignored and tugged along the corridor towards the front doors.

Brown eyes grew wide. "Tinkerbell! What are you doing?"

Belle's smile was the first thing to greet them outside in the courtyard. Two of the guards nodded and smiled.

"I've explained everything to these two nice gentlemen and they agreed to cooperate. Your Queen really, really needs this," she turned to each one of them and said with a pitiful expression. "Trust us. We're taking her to a happy place."

"French!" Regina growled through gritted teeth. "Explain!"

"When we're in the carriage and away from here." Belle bit her lips and helped Tinkerbell lead Regina to the vessel.

The brunette refused to step up and was pulled inside like a sack of potatoes. She had to give in because there wasn't enough strength to fight back. None at all. With the crack of a whip, the horses galloped off, the two guards following upon their own stallions.

"You are committing a criminal offense!" Regina hissed, her brown eyes fiery. The handcuffs were removed and the two women sat on either side of her, each holding unto an arm. "Both of you! I should punish you for this!"

"Punish us when we get back...whenever we get back," Tinkerbell inhaled deeply, smiling.

Belle studied the iron band around Regina's left wrist and saw how pale her friend's fingers were. "They have to remove these. Immediately."

"They?" the brunette swallowed. "I beg of you, please declare that you're taking me somewhere else instead of the Charmings' kingdom."

"We are taking you somewhere else instead of the Charmings' kingdom," Tinkerbell said smiling.

Regina breathed out a sigh of relief.

"We are taking you to the Charmings' kingdom," she said again, without skipping a beat.

A coldness washed over the Queen's body. "Are you two insane? Why would you do this to me? This is unbelievable!"

"It's the best thing at this point," Belle said squeezing her friend's arm. "Plus we'll be there with you. No harm will come to you once we're there."

"You are both powerless! Do you know what forces you're interfering with? Rumple is in charge of this operation and you're both taking me into the pits of hell to be destroyed." Tears filled her eyes. "Today I will surely die."

"Don't you dare speak like that!" Tinkerbell slapped her friend's arm. "Don't you dare. You have like one hundred more years to live so stop thinking that way. You're immortal. You're unstoppable. Nothing can kill you."

"I can't do this," Regina said. She cleared her throat. "Ladies, I command you to stop the carriage and let me out this instant!"

Both of them scoffed.

"Not today, your Majesty. Those orders wouldn't work on us. Deep down inside your heart, we know you want to see one person. And that one person is Emma." Belle smiled.

Tears filled her eyes. "I don't want to see her right now. She has moved...on."

"No she hasn't," Tinkerbell said. She stared at Belle. "She hasn't moved on. Has she?"

"No."

"Yes she has. I saw with my own eyes. Through my mirror. She was entwined in this...person's...arms." A tear leaked down her cheek. "She kissed this man and -"

"Belle!" the fairy leaned forward and searched the bookie's face. "What is she talking about?"

"Neal," French said, and she swallowed. "Neal is just a friend. A distraction. What she feels for you is far more than –"

"What she feels for me is temporary," Regina said, losing her breath as the carriage swayed. "This man, whoever he is. He has the advantage over me because of his proximity. His closeness to her. Of course she's going to welcome his affections. I am a million miles away and hopeless. I am weakened by such a...love for a woman I can never...hang out with. The word is hang, correct?"

Belle nodded, frowning slightly.

"How can we share dinner together? How can I be with her if there is an entire forest separating us? Tell me, what can possibly force her to stay attached to me? A woman with no hope." Regina covered her face with hands that shook. Her chest heaved.

"See this is why I wanted us to put the gag on her," Tinkerbell said warily. She stared at the front of the carriage.

"I'm damaged and I'm old and I'm losing my sanity -"

"She's going to talk and talk and talk nonsense all through the journey, depressing talk." The fairy's eyes fluttered close.

"My body is literally on fire," Regina growled. Her fingers curled up.

"That's because you're craving Emma." Tinkerbell sighed.

"If I might suggest," Belle tapped the brunette's wrist lightly, "it could be possible that true love wins out."

"Oh don't start with that true love nonsense," Regina warned in her husky voice. "If this is true love then I'll be damned."

"You'll be damned if you don't keep your stupid mouth shut," the fairy scowled. "Think positive and suck it up."

"Forgive me but the last time I began to think positive, a bitch shows up in my castle, an imp snaps these two bands around my wrists, AND I WAS FUCKED!" her voice filled the carriage. "I was destroyed! Emma was snatched from me! And now you're taking me to the bitch's lair. You're taking me to the kingdom belonging to a man who almost killed me by running a blade through my body many years ago. LET ME GO NOW!"

Tinkerbell folded her arms. "No."

"If you back out, Emma will really move on, Regina," Belle said softly, "you've got to fight for her. Somehow you've got to show you want her too. Remember the last time when she was caged in and you didn't fight? She thought you didn't love her. Now it's happening again. Emma told me that maybe you think she's not good enough, that's why you haven't even sent a letter with me in over three weeks."

"You didn't send a letter?" Tinkerbell stared at her friend in horror. "What kind of fucked up romantic are you? Don't you have like a code of romance or something? What happened to your romantic side?"

"Just shut up," Regina said to her, "and no, I did not send a letter. I didn't know what to write."

"How about your parents put iron bands around my wrists and threatened to kill me if I went near you for starters?" Belle said in disbelief. "Emma has no idea that you can't use your magic! I didn't know until Tink told me today. And obviously you're in pain. You're burning up terribly."

"You know, I lied to her earlier when I said that she was immature and inexperienced and that's why I wasn't interested in her." Regina batted away tears. "Because it is the other way around. I am too old and already over fifty and my heart feels like a lump of raw meat. And I simply cannot satisfy the wild, untamed heart of a young woman like her. She needs so much right now. She needs fun and games and wild experiences, walks in the moonlight, dancing. Can I keep up?"

"Yes you can," Tinkerbell and Belle said the same time.

"No, I cannot."

"If you think," the fairy began, "that I'll listen to you bitch about your age then you're wrong. Because I'll find something and silence you. So change the subject and talk about hope or something. Talk about what you're going to say to get them to let you see Emma. To let you court her. Tell us what you plan to do."

"Well I'm not prepared because I was kidnapped and here I am," Regina sassed. "So I'm not prepared."

"We'll help you," Belle said comfortingly. She patted her friend's back. "Don't you worry. Everything will be okay."

Somewhere in the Charmings' castle, a guard found Emma reading in the library just as the sun was going down. He cleared his throat and got her attention. She had been rereading a copy of Jane Eyre. Believing Regina to be a Mister Rochester.

"Your parents would like to see you in the grand meeting room on the middle floor," he bowed.

"What for?" she frowned, snapping the book close.

There was the clatter of horses' hooves down below and she reared her head outside. Emerald eyes grew wide when a familiar crest was identified upon the door. The guards dressed differently. Immediately, Emma's heart began to race. She sprang up and stared out the window.

"Immediately, your Highness," the guard said, clearing his throat again.

Belle stepped out, and then Tinkerbell. The doors were pulled close and there was nothing else. Her two friends stood by the carriage speaking to each other and she realized that maybe they had been given a ride home. It was rather strange for her parents' guards to allow Regina's armed forces inside the kingdom though. Unless it was urgent enough!

"Thanks!" she told the man standing in the room.

Throwing the book upon the table, she ran out the library and raced down corridors. One passage after the next. The square of sunlight just in front of her by the entrance.

What could it be? Bad news? Surely it couldn't be bad news! Perhaps something had happened to her! Maybe she had really fallen sick and was... Emma's vision was blinded by tears as she ran.

Someone filled the doorway and Emma stopped.

A ghost.

Both of them stopped and stared at each other, lips parted.

Emerald eyes watered immediately and she couldn't breathe. After almost three months. There she was.

"Regina!" she cried hoarsely. Her chest heaved.

The brunette felt so weak, she smiled anyway, her eyes filling with tears. "Emma," she could hardly speak.

Gathering her wits, the blonde ran towards the older woman, her white shirt and black tailored pants making her appear quite sexy. To a woman who realized that she couldn't live without the sight of emerald eyes in her life. And she just couldn't allow Emma to be with anyone else but her.

---

Xxx

A/N – Feel free to reread. I know it was too much to process. But the chapter remains above so you can go through it again. Confession, I might have made an error with Emma's age. When she first met Regina, she was 5. When she met her again, she was 7. Regina spent 7 years in prison and not 3. Just after that scene when David ran a blade through her. Sometimes I get mixed up and I have it written down. But my thoughts run ahead of me and I'm just typing as they come.

DAVID AND HOOK.

TINKERBELL AND ROBIN.

RUBY AND BELLE.

Some of you might disagree with the pairings. But what the heck. I'm telling it my way. Regina is not OOC. And yes, the next chapter will make you cry so much, I am warning you. But you'll get through it. Because I'm about to take romance to a whole new level. The intensity between Regina and Emma will drive you insane. REVIEW? Am I hated?