"I have hated you, liked you, loathed you and loved you, but not once have I thought you not to be a fool." Regina takes pity on the Sheriff when she finds her out in the storm; inviting her inside to escape its wrath. What starts as an aggressive game of sexual one-upmanship slowly evolves into something a little deeper; perhaps even a liking for one another...

Snow feels residual effects from the tear drop and begins to see Emma and Regina's relationship form before they do. . .among other things.

Regina knew that love – True Love – was the most powerful magic of all. A magic so rare and powerful it could transcend realms and break curses where in every dimension of time, the ones lucky enough to have a True Love would always be destined to find them. That bit of knowledge was what made her keep her distance from Emma Swan.

AU. Post-curse. "It's the sixth of October. A pivotal moment in Storybrooke's history and the turning point in Regina Mills' life. And it all began with a spell, a Sheriff, and a thief." Eventual Swan Queen.

Total fluff, some spoilers for tonight's episode. In which Regina's in love with Emma for much longer than she's probably known.

Emma uses Regina's tear in order to find her, and she ends up feeling everything Regina has ever felt. TW: violence, child abuse, rape

In an act of desperation, Regina casts a spell that takes her back to the day Henry leaves for Boston. She wants to keep Emma from ever entering Storybrooke, but when she takes Henry's place, she finds herself completely unprepared for the woman who answers the door. Regina has a chance to do it all again, but no matter what, she can't escape one fact. All magic comes with a price.

"The bed dipped, then slowly evened out as she lay down, spreading her weight across it. She stilled, and I held my breath, feeling her eyes as they bore into the back of my head. It was so new, this wanting of her affection, that I dared not allow myself to desire, only to let things happen as they may." — Swan Queen, Regina's POV. Post S2 finale.

Upon Regina's banishment, the small town of Storybrooke becomes protected once again by an enchantment that prevents anyone from leaving or entering Storybrooke. Emma and Regina find themselves on the edge of the town, wishing for a way to the other side.

Ruby makes Emma a dating profile. The only catch is that she's listed as a guy. That wouldn't be such a problem if Emma hadn't found Regina's profile and begins communicating with the Mayor

This is the sequel to The Debt. Read that story first or this will make little sense. Emma prepares to head home to Storybrooke filled with questions, anger and pain about Regina's actions, as she figures out what to do next. Swan Queen again ... eventually.