The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

Granny's Dinner

Graham stood beside Sidney, holding a dart. He was drenched in sweat, looking almost like he was in pain. Tossing the small object in his hand, he hit the center and Sidney whistled.
"Nice shot, chief. I betcha 20 bucks you can't do it again."
"Next round's on you," Graham said, picking up another dart.

Emma walked into the dinner and Ruby smiled.
"Emma, what can I get you?"
"Nothing," she answered. She tensed as a dart sailed past her and lodged in the wall behind her. She glared at Graham. "What the hell? You could have hit me."
"I never miss," Graham said. "You've been avoiding me… since last night when you saw me…"
"Leaving the mayor's?" Emma asked. "And yes, that is an euphemism. I'm not avoiding you, Graham. I just have no interest in having his conversation. It's your life, and I really don't care."
"If you don't care, why are you so upset?"

She frowned at him.
"I'm not upset!"
"If that were true, you'd be at the bar with me having a drink, not running away. Can we please talk about this? I need you to understand."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Uh, maybe so I can understand."
Emma rolled her eyes, "You need analysis, go talk to Archie."
"I wanna talk to you," he slurred.
"Well, your bad judgement is your problem, not mine."
"You don't know what it's like with her. I don't feel anything. Can you understand that?"

Emma scoffed and started out the door. He followed her.
"A bad relationship? Yeah. I understand a bad relationship. I just don't wanna talk about yours."
"Look, I know you and Regina have your own issues, and I should've told you about that before you took the job."
"Yeah," she agreed. "Why the secrecy? We're all adults. You can do whatever you want."
"'Cause I-I don't want you to look at me the way you are now."
"Why do you care how I look at you?"
"Because…"

A blurred forest appeared in his mind, a white wolf with two different colored eyes appeared. One was red, the other blue. It disappeared almost just as fast.
"What?" Emma asked. On a sudden urge, Graham kissed her. She pushed him away, her eyes angry. "What the hell was that?"
"Did you see that?" Graham asked, looking around for the wolf.
"How much have you been drinking?" Emma asked. "That was way over the line."
"I'm sorry. I just…"
"What?" she demanded. "You what?"
"I need to feel something."
"Listen to me, Graham," she said. "You are drunk and full of regret. I get it. But whatever it is you are looking to feel, I can tell you one thing. You're not getting it with me." She stormed away, leaving him standing in the street, alone.

Mayor's House

Graham knocked on the door, waiting for someone to answer. Regina opened it slowly, looking out confused at the late hour. She smiled softly when she saw Graham.
"Graham."
"Is Henry asleep?"
"Yes… why?" Graham entered the house, kissing he passionately, kicking the door shut behind him.

Outside the Castle

Snow White placed a white rose on her father's coffin. The Evil Queen watched her.
"Goodbye, father," she said. The Evil Queen approached her, touching her shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, Snow."
"I loved him so much," Snow whispered. The Evil Queen put an arm around her.
"So did I. The loss I feel for my husband must be nothing compared to the loss you feel for your father." Snow sobbed. "If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I may only be your mother through marriage, but I'm here for you, dear. Truly and forever."

Queen's Chamber

The magic mirror came alive as the Evil Queen flounced into her bedchambers.
"Congratulations," it said. "Your revenge is almost complete."
"One down. One to go," she said happily.
"She has no idea, does she?"
"That I'm responsible for his passing?" the Queen asked. "She sought comfort with me. Sickening. I could have ended her miserable existence right there… believe me, it was tempting."
"It would have sated your soul," the mirror told her.
"The kingdom is still loyal to her," she growled. "They would turn on me. They don't know the wretchedness inside of her as I do. They don't know what she did to me."

Sitting down on a sofa, the Queen looked thoughtfully at the mirror.
"We must be delicate in this next phase. Her demise must be handled with care."
"Perhaps one of your knights, your Majesty," the mirror offered.
"No," she shook her head. "I need someone adapted with murder. Bereft of mercy."
"Someone with no heart," the mirror mused. The Evil Queen smiled wickedly.
"Now you understand."
"Well, in that case, you need a huntsman."

The Enchanted Forest

The Huntsman dropped to his knees as the stag fell to the ground. He closed his eyes, laying a hand on the noble beast.
"You have died so that I may live. Forgive me. Your sacrifice is honorable. Thank you." He opened his eyes as a wolf approached him. "Don't worry boy, you won't go hungry tonight."

Mayor's House

Graham woke, drenched in sweat. Regina opened her eyes as he sat up.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I had the most intense dream. I was in the woods hunting, and I killed a deer. There was a wolf."
"A wolf?"
"Its eyes," Graham said slowly. "One was blood-red and the other one was black as night. The funny thing is, I think I've seen the wolf before."
"Come back to sleep," Regina said. "It was only a dream."
"It didn't feel like a dream. It felt like a memory."

Graham stood, pulling on his clothes.
"Graham?"
"I need some air. I need to think."
"Graham, please," she sat up. "Come back to bed."
"I left my car in the alley, and I need to go get it. Clear my head." He sat back down, pulling on his boots.
"Graham. Listen. It's late. You're tired, probably still drunk. Don't leave."
"Since when do you want me to stay?"
"You're not well." "I'm fine."

Quickly, he exited the large home. Outside, he dropped his car keys. As he reached for them, a wolf approached him. Graham backed away in fear. The wolf looked at him then trudged away.

The Blanchard Loft

Emma walked downstairs, noticing flowers on the kitchen table.
"Really?" she scoffed. She picked them up, throwing them into the garbage bin. Mary Margaret looked at her from the stove.
"Oh. Hey. Wait, what are you doing?"
"If Graham thinks flowers will work on me –"
"No, those were mine."
"Oh," Emma said, calming. "From David?"

Mary Margaret shook her head.
"No. Dr. Whale."
"Why would Dr. Whale… Are you serious?"
"I know, it's a disaster," Mary Margaret groaned.
"No, that's amazing!" Emma said. "You're getting over David."
"First of all, there's nothing to get over. And second of all: just one-night-stand."
"Not according to those flowers," Emma teased.
"Yeah, maybe I shouldn't have called him."

Emma stared at her, mouth dropping open in shock.
"Oh my god You called him? That's definitely not a one-night-stand."
"O-Okay, I'm still learning. I-I never had one before. I felt guilty."
"Why?" Emma asked. "There's nothing wrong with what you did. Trust me. One nighters are as far as I ever go."
"That's because you're—"
"Because I'm what?"

Mary Margaret frowned.
"Never mind."
"Yeah, tell me," Emma pushed. "What do I do?"
"You're just protecting yourself. With that wall you put up."
"Just because I don't get emotional with a man?"
"You don't get emotional with a man? The floral abuse tells a different story."
"What a story is that?" Emma asked.
"The one that's obvious to everyone – expect you apparently you. That you have feelings for Graham."
"Come on," Emma rolled her eyes.
"There's that wall."
"That's not a wall."

Picking the flowers out of the garbage bin, Mary Margaret put them into a vase.
"Really?" she asked.
"There's nothing wrong with being cautious," Emma said.
"Oh, true," her roommate agreed.
"But Emma. That wall of yours, it may keep out pain. But it also may keep out love." She took the vase and left.

Storybrooke Woods

Graham followed the wolf he noticed earlier. A distant howl could be heard. He heard the sound of a shovel digging and turned, finding Mr. Gold.
"Good morning, Sheriff," Mr. Gold said. "Sorry if I startled you."
"Right. Sorry, I, I thought you were a wolf."
"Did I forget to shave?" Mr. Gold joked.
"What are you doing out here so early?" Graham asked.
"A sport of gardening. Yourself?"
"I was looking for…"

Mr. Gold frowned, "A wolf. Yeah, I think I've been able to catch on. You know, to the best of my knowledge, there are no wolves in Storybrooke. Not the literal kind anyway. Why are you looking?"
"You'll think I'm crazy."
"Try me."
"I saw one in my dreams and then I saw one for real. Just a few hours ago. Did you – did you see anything unusual right there?"

Looking closely at his shovel, Mr. Gold shook his head.
"I'm afraid not. I do wish I could be more helpful." He walked past Graham. "You know, Sheriff, they say that dreams… dreams are memories… memories of another life."
"W-what do you believe?" Graham asked.
"I never rule out anything. Good luck, Sheriff. I do hope you'll find what you're looking for."

Enchanted Forest Tavern

The Huntsman and the wolf who accompanied him, walked down a forest path to a tavern. The entered and he walked up to a bar. A drink was placed in front of him along with a plate of food. He threw a chunk of meat down to the wolf.
"They are letting animals in here now?" Jim asked.
"This isn't a slaughterhouse," another man jabbed.
"Forget it," Jack snapped. "He might as well be one, too. I heard he was raised by 'em."
"He does smell like 'em," Pete chuckled.
"Pathetic, I've heard he cries over his kills," Tim snarked. "You believe that?"

Jack approached the Huntsman.
"Tell me, Huntsman: What kind of man cries over an animal?"
"An honorable one," the Huntsman said quietly.
"What do you know about honor?" Tim questioned.
"I have it. They have it. You don't."
"Animals have it?" Jim asked.
"They are pure of heart. Not selfish and self-serving like people."

The wolf stood and snarled at Pete.
"Tell him to stop threatening me," Pete warned. "Do you know what I do to pets that threaten me? I hang them on my wall." He drew a knife and the Huntsman stood, stabbing Pete's shoulder. Pete feel to the ground with a groan.
"He is not a pet."

Tim attacked the Huntsman, who fought him off by throwing him against a mirror. The mirror's glass broke. He picked up a shard, turning to face Jack and Jim. Their eyes were frightened, and they scurried off. The Huntsman put the piece of glass down on the table, briefly reflecting in it.

Queen's Chamber

Inside her dark palace, the Evil Queen watched the scene in the tavern through a mirror. Smiling, she turned to a guard. "He's perfect. Bring him to me." The guard nodded and left to do her orders.

Storybrooke Woods

Graham hurried through the woods, trying to find the wolf. He could hear the distant howling of a wolf and turned, catching a glimpse of the wolf's white fur. The wolf stood still for a moment and Graham was able to face it.
"What do you want?" The wolf turned and trudge away again. "HEY!" Graham whistled and the wolf turned back, approaching him. Graham rested a hand on the wolf's head. "Emma and Penny were right," he murmured.

Suddenly, buried impressions of a forest appeared in his mind. He raised a knife to kill a young woman who looked strangely familiar. Nearby, the wolf howled. When the image faded, the wolf was gone. Graham looked around confused then headed back to town.

Storybrooke Elementary School

The school bell rang, and Graham entered Mary Margaret's classroom.
"Mary Margaret, can I talk to you?"
She turned, "Graham, what's the matter? Are you okay?"
"I think we – I think we know each other." Mary Margaret smiled worriedly.
"Of course we do."
"No, no, no. Not from here. Not from Storybrooke."
"From where then?"
"Another life."

Queen's Chamber

The Huntsman entered the Evil Queen's chambers.
"Do you have a name?" she asked him. "Or shall I call you the Huntsman?" The man remained silent as she rose from her chair. "You're a tortured one, aren't you, Huntsman? Is this because your parents abandoned you to the wolves."
"They weren't my parents," the Huntsman said. "All they did was give birth to me. The wolves are my family."
"Wolves indeed. I always felt there were two kinds of people. Wolves and sheep. Those who kill and those who get killed. And you, Huntsman, you are most certainly a wolf."

The man looked around at the stone walls.
"Why am I here?"
"I'd like you to kill someone for me. Can you do that?"
"I kill for me. Why would I do anything for you?"
"Because I have much to offer. A place at my court. You'll become my official huntsman."
"I'm not interested in being a pet. This place is a cage."
"You'd be awash in luxury. Wanting for nothing."
"You've got an army at your disposal. What do you need for me?"

The Queen smiled.
"My prey is beloved by all the kingdom. I need someone who won't be blinded by that. Someone without compassion. Someone who'll have no qualms carving a heart out and bringing it back for my collection."
"That's me."
"As I suspected," she nodded. "Now, tell me: What will it take? What do you want? There must be something."
"Outlaw the hunting of wolves," the Huntsman said. "They are to be left alone. They are to be protected."
"Simple enough."
"So, who do you want me to kill?"

Snow White's Chambers

Snow sat at her vanity, running a brush through her hair.
"I wish you could come with me," she said, turning to her newest friend. "Oh, Lily! You'd love the summer palace."
"I sure I would Snow," the older girl shrugged. "But I have to stay here."

Turning, Snow gazed at Liliya's face.
"You still miss him," she observed.
"I don't," Liliya was quick to argued. "He left me. There's no need to miss him."
"Lily…"
"I'm fine, Snow. Now you must hurry to get ready."

The Princess did as she was told, not noticing the flash of sadness that spread across Liliya's face. She didn't need the reminder of what she had lost, but it had happened and now her heart would hurt for the rest of the day.

Storybrooke Elementary School

Graham looked up at Mary Margaret.
"Mary Margaret, how long have we known each other?"
"I don't know… A while."
"Do you remember when we met?"
"No."
"Me neither. I can't remember when I met you or when I met anyone. I can't remember Penny as a baby, who I've practically raised. Isn't that odd?"
"I don't know. I-I suppose that's just life. Things get hazy."
"Have I ever hurt you?"

Mary Margaret's eyes widened.
"Oh Graham, no. Of course not. What is going on?"
"Do you believe in other lives?"
"Like Heaven?"
"I mean, like past lives."
"You've been talking to Henry," she sighed. Graham looked at her confused.
"Henry?"
"Oh, he has this book of stories. He has been going on about how he thinks we are all characters from them. From another land. We've forgotten who we really are. Which, of course, makes no sense."
"Right. No, of course."

The teacher placed a hand on his forehead, frowning.
"Graham, you're burning up. Go home and get some rest. I think you'll feel much better after you've had some sleep."
"Right, you're absolutely right. I'm sorry I've disturbed you. Thank you."
"Of course," Mary Margaret smiled.

Enchanted Forest

Snow White walked beside a guard through the woods.
"You know," she started. "When I was a little girl, the summer palace was my favorite place. The mountains surrounding it felt like a cradle. They always made me feel safe. I look forward to returning to it now… Stuffy in there?" The soldier removed his helmet."Here," she said, offering him an apple.
"No."

Rubbing at his forehead, the Huntsman looked down at the princess.
"You're not a knight, are you?" Snow asked.
"What makes you say that?"
"Without fail, every one of my father's men has offered me condolences. Except you."
"Please accept my condolences."
"And they all know how to wear armor. She picked you to take me. Why?"
"I think you know," the Huntsman said.
"You're going to kill me."
"You have good instincts."
"And you have too much armor." She picked up a large branch from the ground and hit the Huntsman with it before running off.

Storybrooke Sheriff Department

Emma set a file on Graham's desk and picked up a dart. She threw it, aiming at the dart board, but missed. She went to pick up another dart as Regina walked in.
"Our taxes always hard at work, I see," Regina snarked.
"Graham isn't here. I assume he took a sick day – with you."
"Oh, so you're aware of us? Good – that's why I'm here. Because I'm also aware of your relationship with him."

Scoffing, Emma shook her head.
"I don't have a relationship with him."
"Oh? So, nothing's ever happened between the two of you? You forget, Miss Swan, I have eyes everywhere."
"Nothing that meant anything."
"Well, of course not. Because you're incapable of feeling anything for anyone. There's a reason you're alone, isn't there?"
"All due respect, the way I live my life is my business."
"It is until it infringes on my life," Regina hissed. "Stay away from Graham. You may think you're doing nothing, but you're putting thoughts in his head. Thoughts that are not in his best interest. You are leading him on a path to self-destruction. Stay away."

Mayor's House

Sitting in living room, Penny flipped through the Storybook. Her fingers lightly traced a drawing that looked suspiciously like herself and Graham. The figures were standing in a castle, the 'Graham' character leaning against a wall. The female was smiling at him over the top of a book. It was pretty and seemingly sweet

She looked up as the doorbell rang. Henry was the one to answer it.
"Hey, Sheriff," Henry said with a smile, seeing Graham. "My mom's not here."
"Actually, uh, I'm here to see you, Henry. I was hoping you could help me." Penny's ears perked up slightly.
"Help you with what?" Henry asked.
"It's about your book. Am I… in it?"

Enchanted Forest

Snow White rested in the forest, writing a letter. The Huntsman caught up with her.
"I hunt you, yet you stop to compose a letter. I will never understand your kind," he panted.
"I don't know these woods. You're obviously a skilled hunter – you'll find me." Snow looked up at him. "No matter what I do, I know how this will end."
"Yes," he agreed.
"There's one thing I ask that you do after you kill me. Please deliver this to the Queen." She held the letter out to him.
"Your tricks won't work on me," he said. "It's not a trick. Please, give it to her. Tell her I mean every word."

He took the letter and began to read it. He took a knife out his pocket and drew closer to her. He lifted the knife high, but then swung to cut a piece of stalk off a plant. He drilled holes along it.
"Use this when you need help," he said, shoving it into her hands.
"What?" Snow asked.
"It's a whistle. It will bring you aid. You will lead to safety. Now go, run!"
"I don't understand. You're not going to kill me?"
"Run!"

Henry's Bedroom

Frowning at Graham, Henry let him inside.
"Are you okay?"
"I… I keep seeing flashes… of someone who, who isn't me."

Henry's eyes went bright. He sat down beside Penny, stealing the book from her. He flipped through it as he asked questions.
"When did your flashes begin?"
"Right after I kissed Emma," came Graham's answer.

Both Henry and Penny's face screwed up in slight disgust.
"You kissed my mom?"
"You kissed Emma?" Graham gave his sister a look and she bristled.
"What did you see?" Henry asked, trying to get past the subject.
"A wolf. I saw that I had a knife in my hand, and I was with Mary Margaret."
"Were you about to hurt her?"
"Yes!"

Confusion spread across Graham's face as he looked down at the young boy.
"How'd you know that?"
"Because Mary Margaret is Snow White. Which makes you… the Huntsman." He placed the book in Graham's lap.

There was a picture of a hunter with a white wolf beside him. The wolf had two different colored eyes. Gently, he touched the drawing.
"So, you really think that I could be another person?"
"Makes total sense," Henry shrugged. "You were raised by wolves. That's why you keep seeing one. It's your friend, your guide. It's trying to help you."
"But there are no wolves," Penny muttered.

The girl stood, reaching for her shoes.
"Is it your night with Gold?" Graham asked.
"Yeah," she said, a small smile gracing her face. She kissed his cheek before grinning at Henry. "See you later, Henry."
"Bye Penny!"

As Penny slipped out of the room, Graham looked back at Henry.
"I'm remembering this because I kissed your mother. H-how is that possible?"
"Well, you two do have a special connection. She owes you her life."
"How?"
"Snow White's her mother and you spared her. If you hadn't, my mom wouldn't have been born."

Rubbing at his forehead, Graham hesitated with his next question.
"W-what happened after I spared Snow White?" Henry sighed, turning the pages again. "The Queen took your heart. She ripped it out. It's kinda her thing. She never wanted you to feel ever again."

Henry passed the book over, the picture depicting the Evil Queen in front of her vault.
"What's that?" Graham asked. "I saw that too. The wolf was howling at it."
"That's her vault. That's where she put your heart."
"The wolf wants me to find it," Graham realized as he stood to his feet.
"Thank you, Henry!" The boy watched as the Sheriff ran out, leaving him alone.

Outside the Mayor's House

Pacing up and down the street, Emma waited for Graham. She crossed her arms when she caught sight of him.
"Hey! I heard you're having a rough day."
"Who says?" Graham asked.
"Pretty much everyone," Emma shrugged. "Maybe you need to go home and get some rest."
"I'm fine," Graham dismissed.
"No, Graham. You're not fine!" Emma chided. "You just went to see a 10-year-old for help."

Graham huffed, looking everywhere but at her.
"He seems to be the only one making sense."
"What's going on?" Emma asked.
"What's really going on?" Blinking rapidly, Graham looked down at her.
"It's my heart, Emma. I need to find it."

Sighing, Emma tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.
"Okay. So how are you going to do that?"
"I just need to follow the wolf," Graham said.
Emma frowned, "What? What wolf?"
"From my dreams. He's going to help me find my heart."

Emma looked at him in confusion.
"I'm sorry… I thought we were talking in metaphor here. You really think that you don't have a heart?" He nodded quickly.
"It's the only thing that makes any sense. It's the only thing that explains why I don't feel anything."

Cautiously, Emma walked closer to him.
"Listen to me, Graham. You have a heart. I can prove it." She placed her hand on his chest, feeling an erratic beat. "See, it's beating. It's real!" She grabbed his hand, placing it on his chest. "Feel that? That's your heart."
"No. It's the curse," Graham disagreed.
"You can't really believe that's… true…"

She trailed off, looking over his shoulder. Graham stared down at her.
"What?" Turning, he followed Emma's gaze. In front of them stood a wolf. It looked at Graham before walking away, Graham quickly chasing after him.

Storybrooke Graveyard

Emma yelled after Graham as she chased after him through the woods.
"Graham! Graham! Be careful!"
"It's my friend," Graham yelled back. "It won't hurt us." The wolf howled and doubt crossed Emma's mind about the wolf's friendliness.

They soon lost the wolf but found themselves outside a crypt.
"What is that?" Emma asked, slightly breathless.
"My heart. It's in there," Graham said, noticing the symbol above the door. "I have to look in there."
"Oh, no," Emma shook her head. "Stop, stop."
"I have to get in there. Please!" Graham begged.

Emma tilted her head to the side.
"Graham come on. You really think that your heart is in there?" Graham nodded, no doubt in his face. She sighed, giving into him.
"Okay. Let's find out." She attempted to open the door, but it was locked.
"Come on!" She kicked it, and the door swung open.

Queen's Chamber

A guard escorted the Huntsman to the Evil Queen's chambers.
"Wait here," the guard said before exiting. The Queen entered and he noticed her black clothing.
"I see you're still in mourning."
"The time for mourning is over. I simply found that black suits me. Now, tell me, is Snow dead?"
"The young girl's heart as you requested."

The Huntsman indicated a bag hanging over his shoulder. The Evil Queen took a step forward in order to grab it, but the Huntsman pulled the bag out of her reach.
"First, there's something I must do." He took out the letter, holding it out to her.
"What's this?" the Queen asked.
"The girl wanted you to have it."
"Read it to me." He complied.

"Dear Stepmother,
By the time you read this, I will be dead. I understand that you will never have love in your life because of me. So, it's only fitting that I'll be denied the same joy as well. For the sake of the kingdom, I hope my death satisfies your need for revenge, allowing you to rule my father's subjects as they deserve, with compassion and a gentle hand. I know what you think you're doing is vengeance, I prefer to think of it as sacrifice, for the good of all.
With that in mind, I welcome the end. I want you to make my last message to heart. I'm sorry, and I forgive you."

The Evil Queen stole the letter out of his hand, marching over to the fireplace.
"Don't tell me you're becoming a sheep." She threw the letter into the fire.
"She put others before herself," he said. "And yet, you hate her. What did she do to you?"
"I shared a secret with her, and she couldn't keep it and that betrayal cost me dearly."

Turning back around, she held her hand.
"Now, show me here heart!" Taking his bag, she walked into a neighboring room. Carefully, she placed the heart inside a casket. The Evil Queen approached the wall of her vault made up of drawers. "It should open!" Angrily, she took the heart out of the casket. Then she stormed back towards the Huntsman. "This isn't a human heart! What did you do!"

Storybrooke Graveyard

Graham scoured the room for his heart while Emma looked at the sarcophagus standing in the middle of the room. The inscription read: Henry Mills. Beloved Father.
"It's got to be in here!" Graham said. "Somewhere!" He scanned the walls. "There's got to be a hidden door. A lever…. Something!"
"Graham," Emma stared at him in worry. "Hey, Graham. There's nothing in here."
"There has to be. If there isn't, then –"
"It's gonna be okay," Emma said.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Emma and Graham turned to see Regina holding a bouquet of flowers.
"What are you doing here?" Emma asked as she followed Graham out.
"Bringing flowers to my father's grave. Like I do every Wednesday."
"Don't blame her," Graham said. "It's my fault. I wanted to look in there."
"Really?" Regina asked. "Why? What were you looking for?"
"Nothing. It was – uh, nothing. It was nothing."
"You don't look well, dear. Let's take you home."

Regina grabbed Graham's hand, who quickly broke free.
"Regina, I don't want to go home. Not with you."
"Oh, but you'll go with her?"
"Hey!" Emma snapped. "This is between you two. Leave me out of it."
"She's right," Graham agreed. "It's between us. And things have to change."
"And I wonder, why that is, all of a sudden" Regina said slowly.
"It has nothing to do with her. I've realized that I don't feel anything, Regina. And I know now, it's not me. It's you."
"So, you're leaving me for her."
"I'm leaving you for me."
"Graham, you're not thinking straight."

Graham shook his head.
"Actually, for the first time I am. I'd rather have nothing than settle for less. Nothing is better than what we have. I need to feel something, Regina, and the only way to do that is to give myself a chance… It will be better for Penny too."
"Graham…"
"I'm sorry. It's over."

The mayor spun around and glared at Emma.
"I don't know what I ever did to you, Miss Swan, to deserve this. To have you keep coming after everything I hold dear."
"I told you, it's not her," Graham snapped.
"None of this happened until she got here."
"I'm sorry," Emma scoffed. "Did you ever stop to think that maybe the problem isn't with me, but with you?"
"Excuse me?"
"Henry came and found me. Graham kissed me. Both were miserable. Maybe, Madam Mayor, you need to take a good hard look in the mirror and ask yourself why that is. Why is everyone running away from you?"

Angrily, Regina punched Emma across the face, who fell into Graham.
"Regina!" Graham snapped. Emma recovered from the attack and punched Regina back in the face. Emma grabbed Regina and pushed her against the side of the crypt. Graham tried to pull them apart. "Stop! Stop! Stop!" Finally, Emma pulled away.
"Not worth it," she growled. She marched away as Regina looked at the Sheriff.
"Graham…" He glared at her before following after Emma.

Storybrooke Sheriff Department

Graham grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer and headed over to Emma.
"I don't know what came over me," Graham said. "I kinda lost my mind."
"It's okay," Emma said, taking the icepack and holding it against her cheek. "You were tired. And feverish. And heartbroken." Graham prepared iodine in order to apply it to Emma's wound. He stopped and looked at her.
"I don't know why I let myself get caught up with her."
"Because it was easy. And safe. Not feeling anything is an attractive option when what you feel sucks." She winced as he dabbed at the cut on her lip. "Felt that."

Storybrooke Graveyard

Regina walked into the crypt. She placed flowers on the coffin before gently pushing it away. It moved, revealing a staircase. Regina descended the stairs with slow precise steps.

Queen's Chambers

The Evil Queen slammed the heart down on the pedestal.
"Did you think you could fool me with the heart of a stag?" Trying to retreat, the Huntsman took a step backwards. She waved her hand and the doors to the room shut. "You're not going anywhere."
"She doesn't deserve to die," the Huntsman said.
"That's not up to you. I wanted a heart, and I heart I shall have."

Magically, the Queen shoved her hand through the Huntsman's chest. When she drew back, his heart was in her hand.
"What… what are you going to do to me?" She leaned forward, pressing her lips against his.
"You're now mine, my pet." She walked over to the wall of drawers and held up the heart, a drawer popped out, containing a casket. "And this is your cage. From this moment forward, you will do everything that I say. And if you ever disobey me, if you ever try to run away. All I have to do is squeeze."

As she squeezed the heart in her hand, the Huntsman doubled over in pain. "Guards!" she called. Two guards entered and grabbed the Huntsman by the arms. She smirked at him. "Your life is now in my hands – forever." She looked back at the two guards.
"Take him to my bedchamber." The guards pulled the Huntsman out of the room. The Evil Queen put his heart in the box and closed the drawer.

The Queen's Library

A few weeks after his imprisonment, the Huntsman found himself exploring the castle. He ended up in the library, looking around at the room. It was large, full of books and a roaring fire. It was probably the coziest place in the cold castle.

He walked around, stopping when he found a young teenage girl looking through a book. He cleared his throat and she jumped, the book nearly falling out of her hands.
"Who are you?" she asked, magic swirling in her right hand.
"I'm… I'm no-one."

She swallowed, the magic dying down.
"You're a prisoner here too?" she asked. He gave her a small dip of his head. She pulled the book close to her chest as he leaned against a wall. He examined her as she spoke again. She had dark hair and cautious brown eyes.
"I'm... I'm Lily," she told him."And I'm stuck here too."

As that piece of information dawned on him, two guards entered the library. She flinched, ducking her head. Seeing her panic, the Huntsman hid her small frame behind his larger one. The guards barely noticed him as they made their rounds.

When they had gone, Liliya looked up at him.
"Why did you do that?"
"Were they going to hurt you?" he asked, his voice low.
"They always do." "Why don't you use your magic? You clearly have some."
"I cannot hurt the Queen's guards," she snapped. "Besides, what would be the point? I have free rein now and would prefer not to spend the rest of my life in a cell."

Ever so slowly, the Huntsman nodded.
"Well, Lily, it seems we're in the same predicament."
"So, it would seem," she said. Her voice was tight.
"Then I shall make you a promise."
"Don't make promises you can't keep." His brow furled.
"I always keep my promises."
"You can't for always."
"Then I shall endeavor to try to protect you… if you'd like." A small smile appeared on her face.
"All right."

Storybrooke Graveyard

Reaching the bottom of the staircase, Regina walked up to a wall completely covered in drawers. Regina walked up to the wall, scanning it for a particular drawer. Pressing her hand to the drawer, it opened. Inside was a small casket. Carefully, Regina opened it, seeing the enchanted heart inside.

Storybrooke Sheriff Department

Graham pulled away from Emma, smiling at her.
"All better."
"Yeah."
"What?" Graham asked, confused at her face. Emma leaned in, kissing him softly.

Penny grabbed the handle of the door, pulling it open.
"I'll be out in a minute," she told her father before heading inside. She frowned as she saw Emma kissing Graham. He pulled away, staring at his deputy in confusion.
"Graham?" Emma asked. "You okay?"
"I remember."
"You remember what?" Graham cupped her face with his hands.
"Thank you." She gave him a tiny smile.

Clearing her throat softly, Penny alerted them to her presence.
"Hey, Penny," Emma said when she saw her.
"Hey, Emma." She looked up at her brother. "I left my…" He nodded, heading over to his desk. He pulled out a laptop and held it up.
"This?"
"Yes, please."

Storybrooke Graveyard

Regina took a closer at the heart, sighing sadly. She took a deep breath then slowly closed her fist around the heart.

Storybrooke Sheriff Department

Penny gasped as Graham suddenly doubled over in pain and fell to the ground.
"Graham!" she cried. She and Emma raced over to him. She grabbed his hand as Emma shook his shoulders.
"Graham! Graham! Come on, Graham!" Emma shouted. Penny released Graham's hand, pushing herself away as she sobbed. Emma leaned over the Sheriff's body, crying out his name.

Storybrooke Graveyard

Regina unclenched her hand and dust fell to the ground. She brushed off her hands before climbing the staircase back to the surface.