Chapter 6: Dealing With the Devil

"Fine! I quit!"

Ruby threw her apron at Granny before storming toward the door, giving Regina only a few seconds to step back to avoid a collision. She smirked, enjoying the conflict for a moment, but dropped it before entering the diner. Granny stood behind the counter, gazing off into the distance and not really paying attention.

"Granny? You okay?" Regina asked, trying to get the older woman's attention.

"Hmm?" Granny looked over at her before blinking, focusing again. She frowned. "Did you see that?"

Trying not to show her glee, Regina nodded. "I did."

Granny sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know how to get through to that girl. It's time she grew up. I know she can do great things and will be more than capable of running the diner when I'm ready to retire. But there's still so much she needs to learn and I worry that we're running out of time. I want to make sure I give her all the tools and knowledge she's going to need and not just throw her to the wolves."

"Oh," Regina said, surprised. She had thought it was just a squabble to help keep grandmother and granddaughter miserable. But Granny had serious concerns as well as plans for the future. And above all, she still loved her granddaughter and wanted the best for her. But she wasn't going to impose her wants and desires on Ruby, not wanting to control her life.

It wasn't something Regina was used to from a parental figure.

Archie's voice then echoed around her head: Why don't we talk about your childhood?

She pushed that voice down. Now was not the time to deal with anything about her childhood. There was nothing to deal with anyway.

"Well, you didn't come in here to listen to my problems," Granny said, standing up straighter. "What can I get you?"

"I'll take my usual, please," Regina said, glad for the change in topic. "Thank you."

Granny nodded. "Coming right up."

Regina watched the older woman disappear into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. Her phone began to ring and her heart sped up, hoping it wasn't Rumple. She sighed in relief when she saw Kathryn's name on her screen instead. Pressing answer, she said: "Hi, Kathryn."

"Hi, Regina," she replied. "Am I bothering you?"

"Of course not," Regina assured her. "What's wrong?"

Kathryn hesitated before sighing. "It's probably silly but I'm officially filing for divorce from David today. And I was hoping you would come to the courthouse when I do, you know, so I can have a friendly face there."

"I would be happy to," Regina told her. "What time?"

"About two o'clock," Kathryn said, sounding relieved. "Thank you so much, Regina. This means a lot to me."

Regina smiled as Granny returned with her order. "I'm happy to support you. Never hesitate to call me, okay?"

"Okay," Kathryn said, sounding lighter. "I'll see you in a few hours."

Ending the call, Regina paid for her order and took it from Granny. "Thank you. And good luck with Ruby," she told the older woman.

Surprise filled Granny's eyes as she said: "Thank you, Mayor Mills. I appreciate that."

Regina left the diner as a strange feeling filled her. She had never really paid attention nor cared about what happened to the people in Storybrooke before. Now, though, it seemed she did care about them – at least Kathryn and Granny as well as Robin and Roland.

Climbing into her car, her phone rang again. She checked the ID and groaned when she saw Gold's name pop up. Deciding to just send it to voicemail, she started her car and pulled away. Hopefully she could continue avoiding him for a few more hours, just until she was able to sort out her feelings toward his plan and perhaps come up with an alternate version they could both agree to.

She would be free of Emma Swan and Snow White soon and then hopefully, she could be free of Gold too.

Regina sat outside the courtroom where she had been told Kathryn's initial hearing was going to be. She kept checking her watch, growing more concerned as it went past two o'clock and slowly inched closer to two-thirty. It wasn't like Kathryn to be late, especially for something like this. With each passing minute, Regina couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Every so often, she would look over to where David sat and watch as he grew paler each time. He knew something was wrong too and was worried about Kathryn as well. Just because they were getting a divorce, she knew it didn't mean he wished his soon-to-be-ex wife ill.

In the eyes of this realm, David Nolan was a cheater but he was still a good man.

She glanced down the hallway, where Kathryn's lawyer paced with his cellphone attached to his ear. He then sighed, putting it in his bag as he approached Regina with a grim expression. "I can't reach her," he said.

"What do you mean you can't reach her?" David asked, sounding panicked as he jumped up from the bench. His lawyer grabbed him and encouraged him to sit down before he approached Kathryn's lawyer and Regina.

"Did your client mention any previous engagements that may be delaying her?" David's lawyer asked.

Kathryn's lawyer shook his head. "She said this was the only thing she had all day. She even took off from work because of it. I don't know why she's not here or why I can't reach her."

"Something must have happened to her," Regina replied, standing as she pulled out her own phone. Though she hated to have to talk with Emma Swan, she knew she had no choice. "I'll call the sheriff to check on her."

The lawyer thanked her as she dialed Emma's number. After a few rings, she picked up. "Hello, Madam Mayor, how can I help you?" Emma asked in a tone that seemed chipper but had a bite to it.

"I need you to do a wellness check on Kathryn Nolan," Regina said, hoping she didn't sound too annoyed. "She was supposed to be in court by now but she hasn't shown. No one can reach her either."

"Of course," Emma replied in a more somber and professional tone. "I'll head out to her house now and follow the route to the courthouse as well."

Regina thanked her and asked Emma to call her back. She tucked her phone away with a sigh. "I guess now we wait."

"I'll go let my client know," David's lawyer said. "He is very worried about his estranged wife."

He walked away and Regina stared at her phone, praying that Emma called back soon to reveal that Kathryn was in a fender bender or her phone died or something benign. She just hoped her friend was fine.

Kathryn's lawyer checked his watch. "I'm going to go talk to the clerk to see if the judge will let us start later."

"Good," Regina said, watching as he disappeared into the next room. She then glanced down at her phone, once again urging it to ring.

It stayed silent.

"She's fine, right?" David asked, rubbing his arm as he looked near tears. "She probably broke down or something, right?"

Regina narrowed her eyes, looking him over. He seemed genuinely upset about Kathryn's lateness and though she hated to have to comfort her second biggest enemy after Snow White, she realized she was going to have to.

"I'm sure that's the case," she replied, giving him a tight smile. "Kathryn will probably show up with Miss Swan any minute now."

He nodded. "Of course."

The door to the judges' chambers opened and both lawyers stepped out. David's motioned for him to head back down the hallway while Kathryn's moved closer to Regina. She frowned. "Well?"

"The judge is giving us twenty minutes. If she doesn't come by then, his clerk is going to reschedule for later in the month," the lawyer replied.

Regina pressed her lips together. "Is that bad?"

"Not necessarily," he replied, "but it will delay a lot of things I don't think either Kathryn or David want delayed."

She nodded as her phone rang again. Emma's name popped up on the screen and her heart skipping a bit. Regina answered it, her stomach twisting into knots. "Hello?"

"Regina, you should probably come to Kathryn's house," Emma said, stopping Regina's heart. "Something's happened."

Regina was pretty sure both she and David broke the speed limit as they arrived at Kathryn's house at almost the same time. Kathryn's lawyer was right behind them and Regina was certain David's would join them shortly. But for now, she was focused on the yellow crime scene tape across her friend's front door and felt as if she was going to be sick.

"Kathryn!" David called out, panicked. He started to run toward the front stairs. "Kathryn!"

Her lawyer grabbed David, holding him back. "You can't go in there."

Anguish filled David's eyes as she looked between the lawyer and the house. "But what if she needs help?"

"Sheriff Swan is in there," Regina told him. "And I'm sure the EMTs can also help her if needed."

She thought of Robin and wondered if he or his colleagues were on their way over. But then she frowned. Even with them speeding from the courthouse, she shouldn't have beaten any other emergency services. They should've been there already – or had they missed them? Pressing her lips together, she knew she needed to get answers.

"I can go in," she said. "Or at least go up to the door and see if I can talk with the sheriff. I'll see what she has to say."

"Thank you," David said, looking grateful and somewhat relieved.

Regina nodded before climbing the stairs up to Kathryn's porch. She stopped at the doorway, looking over the yellow crime scene tape into the house. It seemed dark, though she figured that was because her eyes were used to the sunlight, and she called out: "Emma? Miss Swan? Are you in here?"

"Coming!" Emma emerged from Kathryn's living room, a serious look on her face as she approached the doorway. "Thanks for coming, Madam Mayor."

She held up one strand of crime scene tape and beckoned Regina forward. "Come on in. There's something I want to show you."

Regina hesitated, hearing her mother scold that queens did not stoop to enter to any place. She wanted to snap that Emma should completely remove the tape for her to enter but she knew that it was against procedure. The tape needed to stay up so she pushed her mother's voice aside and ducked under the tape to enter Kathryn's house.

"What is it you want to show me?" she asked the sheriff.

"Over here in the living room," Emma replied, motioning to the room she had left. "Just a warning, it's unnerving."

Regina frowned, approaching the room. "What do you mean by…."

Her words died in her throat as she stood at the entrance of the living room and took in the room. Papers, no doubt associated with Kathryn's divorce filing, were scattered around the floor. A broken lamp lay on top of some paper, its ceramic base broken in two and the lightbulb inside shattered. Pictures that were placed on the end table were knocked over, resting either on the table or on the floor. The coffee table was also overturned and bile rose up in Regina's throat as she saw something red on it.

There clearly had been a struggle and someone had been hurt. Regina could only pray that it was not Kathryn or if it had been, that it wasn't serious.

"Have you found Kathryn?" Regina asked, hoping her friend was at least on her way to the hospital.

Her hopes were dashed when Emma shook her head. "I searched the house but she's not here. Her car is still here as are her keys, phone and wallet. From what I can tell, all her valuables are still here too. This was not a home invasion gone wrong."

"So what is it?" Regina asked, her stomach twisting in knots. "Do we have any leads on who did this or where Kathryn is?"

"My best guess is that this appears to be an abduction," Emma replied. "I'm still looking but so far there are no leads on who took Kathryn or where they took her."

Regina swallowed. "An abduction? In the middle of the day? Wouldn't someone have seen that?"

"Maybe," Emma replied, "but when I pulled up, everything was quiet and even now, have you seen any neighbors gathering outside to see what's going on?"

She motioned to the window and Regina looked outside. Only David and the lawyers stood there, no one else. It seemed if any of Kathryn's neighbors were home, they weren't noticing anything happening outside of their houses.

Which meant that if Kathryn had been abducted, there likely weren't any witnesses and the perpetrators were able to get away with committing a crime in broad daylight.

"Well, Storybrooke is a small town," Regina replied. "We should find her easily, right?"

"I hope so," Emma said, though she didn't sound convincing. "I'm going to go talk to David. See if he knows anything."

Regina nodded, thanking Emma. The sheriff hesitated before saying: "I need you to leave with me. This is a crime scene after all."

"Of course," Regina replied, walking with her to the door. "Please, find her."

Emma gave her a soft smile. "I'll do my best. Promise."

They left the house and Emma went over to talk with David. Kathryn's lawyer approached Regina, looking worried. "Where is she?"

"We don't know," she replied, telling him everything Emma had told her.

Panic and concern filled his eyes. He glanced over at David, who was talking with Emma as his lawyer hovered nearby. "You think he did this?"

"David?" she asked, surprised. She looked over at David as well and believed he was moments away of collapsing in the street, crying. Even if he had never loved Kathryn, he still cared about her and she shook her head. "No."

"I don't know if I can be so certain. Kathryn disappearing would make a lot of things about this divorce easier," the lawyer said. "He could get everything he wants and she gets screwed over."

Regina shook her head. "David's feeling really guilty about the cheating. I think he'll agree to anything at this point to make it up to her."

"Well, that would be nice," the lawyer replied with a little laugh. He then grew sober. "What about that teacher he was having an affair with?"

"Mary Margaret Blanchard?" she asked, surprised.

He nodded. "Maybe she thought they could be together faster if Kathryn was gone or maybe she wants whatever assets David may be giving up. I mean, wouldn't you want to trade a loft for a nice house like this?"

Regina glanced over the quaint blue two-story house and thought of the loft she had given Mary Margaret in this curse, the bedroom divided from the living room by a blanket and nothing else. She nodded. "I suppose so. But to hurt Kathryn for it? It doesn't seem…"

She trailed off as a chill swept over her. Regina knew exactly what happened to Kathryn and why. It made her sick and angry, though she tried to keep her expression neutral. She couldn't raise any suspicion that she knew what had happened because it would also implicate her.

And it would prevent her from killing Gold.

"Regina? Are you okay?" the lawyer asked, sounding and looking concerned.

"No," she said honestly. "My best friend has gone missing and I guess I'm now rethinking everything I know."

He nodded. "Understandable. These things just don't happen in Storybrooke."

"You're right," she agreed, glaring at Emma and all the changes her presence had brought to the happy town Regina had created. "They don't."

Emma then approached to ask Kathryn's lawyer if she could speak with him. Regina held her head a bit higher. "Do you still need me, Sheriff Swan?" she asked.

"No," Emma replied. "But if I do, I know where to find you."

Regina pressed her lips together but hurried back to her car. She climbed into the driver's seat and started up her car. Gripping the steering wheel, she pulled away from the curb and set her sights on Gold's Pawn Shop.

He had some explaining to do.

"We need to talk," Regina said, storming into Gold's shop.

He kept a neutral expression as he watched her approached. "I've been trying to talk, dearie. You weren't answering."

"Yeah, well, now I'm ready to talk," she said. "So let's go to your back room and talk."

"After you, dearie," he replied, motioning to the doorway behind him. She walked past him, her blood boiling at his smirk as she entered the backroom.

She whirled around to face him. "What did you do to Kathryn?"

"I did nothing," he replied, his face neutral. "Why? Did something happen to her?"

"Cut the crap, Gold, you know very damn well that something happened to her," Regina replied. "I didn't agree to this."

He hummed. "I believe you did."

"I agreed to set up Mary Margaret to get her out of Storybrooke forever," Regina replied. "I did not agree to put Kathryn in danger!"

"But you never came up with an alternative plan and time is running short," Gold told her.

She frowned, confused by his statement. "What do you mean time is running short?"

"Just that if we wanted to frame Mary Margaret, we needed to do it before Kathryn and David settled their divorce," he said, though he refused to meet her eyes.

"But if we weren't going to use Kathryn, we were going to have to come up with something else," Regina replied, "so that meant it didn't matter if they settled for divorce or not."

He didn't seem bothered by this. All he did was shrug in response. "You didn't offer up another option."

"Which should've been a clue to not proceed with something that could hurt my best friend," she snapped.

"Ahh, there it is," he said, almost gloating.

She frowned. "There what is?"

"I was wondering why you weren't jumping at the chance to destroy Snow White and why you were so hesitant," he said, walking closer to her. "It's because you care about someone involved."

"I am jumping at the chance to destroy Snow White," she protested. "I just think there was another way that didn't involve hurting Kathryn."

He hummed, studying her. She grew nervous and shifted from foot to foot. "What?"

"I was just wondering what your mother would say if she saw you now, all worked up over someone you care about rather than focused on your goal," he said.

Regina felt as if she had just been slapped. "How dare you," she replied.

Gold shrugged. "I'm just calling it as it is. And our plan is now in motion. If you want it to succeed, dearie, I suggest you get on board with it now and let it play out. Got it?"

"Fine," Regina said. "But if anything happens to Kathryn, I will make you regret it. Understand?"

"Oh, I understand," he replied, far more chipper than a man who was just threatened should sound.

Deciding she wasn't going to deal with that can of worms, Regina turned and left the backroom. She stalked out of Gold's pawn shop, slamming the door behind her for emphasis. Pausing outside the door, she sighed before climbing back into her car. Once she drove away from the store, she pulled into an empty parking lot and let herself sag in her seat.

Everything was a mess. Was she trying to have her cake and eat it too? Did Kathryn really have to get hurt so she could rid herself of Snow White for good? Was there another way or was it too late?

BZZT. BZZT. BZZT.

She jumped as her phone vibrated in her bag. Regina's heart lodged in her throat as she picked it up, wondering who was going to call her now. Her heart slid back down when she saw Robin's name appear on her screen. Answering the call, she said: "I am so glad to talk to you."

"I can hear it in your voice," he replied. "I've heard about Kathryn. How are you?"

"I feel awful," she said. "I hate situations I can't control and I wish I could snap my fingers and bring her back."

He hummed. "I know. I think we all wish we could do that. Is there anything you need?"

"I need a lot," she replied. "But can you come over tonight? Please?"

"Of course. Do you want me to pick up something for dinner?" he asked.

She smiled as she let her head fall back against the headrest. "I would appreciate that. Thank you."

"Then I'll grab something from Granny's and see you around six," he said. "That work?"

Regina hesitated. The last thing she wanted to do was return to her office and pretend to do work while worrying about her friend. But she also didn't want to inconvenience Robin by asking him to drop everything to come comfort her. She was an adult after all – she would be fine.

"Regina?" Robin's voice shook her from inside her head. "Regina, are you okay? Are you still there?"

"Yes," she assured him. "Sorry."

"Where are you? I'm going to come to you," he said, sounding really concerned now.

Guilt coursed through her that she had worried him so much that he was going to stop whatever he was doing to help her. "I'm fine, it's okay. I'll see you at six," she told him, trying to keep her tone light.

"Regina, I'm next to your car," he told her, surprising her. She slowly turned her head, finding him standing right next to her window with his phone pressed to his ear.

Ending the call, Regina stepped out of the car and looked him over, still surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I was coming out of the firehouse when I saw your car," he said, pointing across the street. She glanced over there, realizing that she had been so distracted she hadn't noticed she had pulled in across from where Robin worked.

He reached out and gently gripped her arm. Regina didn't know who made the first move but she soon was in his arms, leaning against him as he held her close. She closed her eyes, breathing in his familiar and comforting pine scent as tears started to run down her cheeks. Her body trembled and he rubbed her back, whispering soothing words to her.

Regina really liked when he comforted her.

"Let me drive you home," he said, running his fingers through her hair. "You need to focus on yourself right now."

She tried not to snort. If only he knew that this problem was caused because she had been too focused on herself. But instead, she said: "People will think I'm weak and not capable of leading."

He pulled back, shaking his head as he brushed some hair from her face. "Nonsense. I think people will understand if you take one day off. When was the last time you took time off?"

"I guess Henry's birthday," she said, knowing she always took the day off to celebrate with her son. It had been a tense birthday last year but she still did her best to make it special for him.

"You guess?" he asked, tilting his head. "Do you go on vacation?"

She frowned, knowing that she and Henry were the only two that could leave Storybrooke but she never took advantage of that fact. Before he ran away to Boston, Henry had not left their tiny town since she brought him home – and that was the last time she had left as well. Regina did try to do day trips with him around Storybrooke – there was enough to keep a young boy entertained in their little town and so they had seemed enough.

Maybe it hadn't been. Was that why Henry felt like he wasn't wanted or loved? Could she have spent more time with him?

"Okay, okay, forget I asked," he said, cupping the back of her head. "I can see it's taking you down a dark path you do not need to go now."

"Yeah," she said, feeling like she just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep forever. If only she still had a sleeping curse lying around.

He brushed her cheek with his thumb. "Please let me drive you home."

"Alright," she relented. "But if you get so much as a scratch on my car…"

"Wouldn't dream of it," he assured her, guiding her to her own passenger seat. He opened the door and helped her in. As she buckled up, he returned to her driver's seat and climbed in.

Robin adjusted her seat and mirrors before putting the car into reverse. He smiled at her. "You just relax and leave the driving to me."

"Alright," she said, closing her eyes. "Thank you."

He pulled the car out of the spot and then turned it toward the street. She felt herself sway with the motions until he was heading straight toward her house. Regina relaxed a bit, hoping she could find some peace amongst the turmoil Rumple had put into her life yet again.

Maybe one day she would get away from him.

Hopefully.

Regina was not used to have someone taken care of her.

Mother had not been one to coddle Regina and insisted that her daughter needed to toughen up. If Regina needed comforting as a child, it usually came from her father and was done behind her mother's back. None of her nurses or governesses treated her kindly and her husband certainly didn't treat her with any care or affection. The servants just did their jobs and didn't really care for her in either sense of the word. Regina got used to being the only one who would look out for herself and it had been no different in Storybrooke. She had kept herself separate from the people she had cursed and didn't have anyone she would call a friend. Graham had just been someone to scratch her itch every month and Sidney was more a pawn than anything else. Regina had been on her own for years and didn't think she needed anyone else.

Until now.

"Here," Robin said, setting a teacup and saucer down on her coffee table. "Maybe it's the Brit in me, but a good cup of tea always helps me feel better."

She smiled, picking up the tea. "Tea also helps calm me too. Thank you."

He rubbed her back. "John has already picked up Roland for me and Archie is picking up Henry for us. He'll drop Henry off shortly."

"Good," she said, feeling a bit selfish that she didn't want Robin to leave her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied. "So, how are you feeling now?"

She sighed before sipping her tea, trying to find the right word. "Unsettled."

He nodded. "I can imagine."

"I just wish this wasn't happening," she said sincerely.

"I know," he replied, wrapping his arm around her. "I wish it wasn't either. I know how much Kathryn means to you."

She gave him a weak smile. "Thank you."

"Do you want to take a nap? I can tell Henry that you have a headache if you want. I'm sure you'll want to talk to him about Kathryn yourself," he said.

"I think I'll wait for him," she replied, appreciating his offer and how he respected her rights as Henry's mother. At least someone in the town did.

Robin nodded. "How are things between you two?"

"The same," she admitted, still sore about the state of their relationship. "I don't know how much longer and I can handle the chill between us."

"Has Archie helped at all?" he asked.

She bit her lip, not sure how to answer that. At the moment, Regina wasn't willing to admit that she had given up halfway through her first session. He had really wanted her to give it a try and she couldn't even do that. She didn't want to let him down and lose him, not right now.

"It's only been one session," she said, somewhat truthfully. "It's not going to be resolved quickly, right?"

He nodded. "Right. It's going to take hard work and you have to be willing to put it in. And I know you will because you love Henry."

Though she knew he meant those words to be complimentary, they struck her as accusatory. Was Henry right all along? Did she not really love him if she wasn't willing to confront her own demons in order to improve their relationship?

Was she just too selfish to love anyone else?

"Hey, hey," he said softly, drawing her back out of her mind. "Maybe Archie can help you with these dark places you go to as well."

She nodded, lying through her teeth as she said: "Maybe."

Robin patted her knee with a soft smile. "Good. I hope you can find peace and happiness. You deserve it."

They heard a car pull up and doors open. Robin perked up, smiling. "Oh, I think the boys are here. I'll go get them."

As he left the room, guilt flared up inside her again. She knew he would not be so kind and compassionate toward her if he knew who she truly was. Regina didn't deserve anything.

Least of all someone as kind as Robin.

"Mom?" Henry appeared in the doorway. "What's going? Why are Robin and Roland here? Why did someone pick us up from school?"

"Have a seat," she said, patting the spot next to her. "We need to talk."

He eyed her as he sat down next to her. "Is it that serious?"

"I'm afraid it is," she said. "Kathryn was kidnapped today and we don't know by who or where she's been taken. Sheriff Swan is working to find her."

His eyes widened before narrowing again. "What did you do to her?" he asked.

"Nothing!" Regina insisted, though she knew she was lying. She hadn't signed off on Gold's plan to kidnap Kathryn but she hadn't done enough to stop it either.

"Liar," he said angrily. "You were just pretending to be her friend, weren't you? You just pretend to care about everyone! I bet you don't even care about Robin at all!"

Regina swallowed, feeling as if he had just pierced her heart with a knife. "That's not true, Henry. I care about Robin and Kathryn. And I love you."

He continued to scowl as he made some sound of disbelief. A shadow fell over them and Regina looked up to find Robin standing there. He placed his hand on Henry's shoulder. "Your mother is having a hard day and doesn't need these accusations today."

"She's just trying to make herself seem like a victim," Henry argued. "And she's not."

"You're right. I am not the victim," Regina agreed. "Kathryn is. And I am going to do everything I can to help bring her home."

Henry's eyes remained narrowed. "Why? So you can play hero?"

A lump formed in her throat as she wondered if her son would ever stop suspecting her motives. Then again, maybe she deserved it. She had been a villain for so long, maybe she just couldn't stop being one. Maybe he was right not to trust her.

"You're not denying it," he noted, sounding almost triumphant – as if he just caught her in her lie.

Maybe he had.

"Okay," Robin said, squeezing Henry's shoulder again. "I know I'm still relatively new to your life but I think it may be time we had a talk, man-to-man."

Henry brushed off his hand and stood. "Not if you're just going to defend her. The curse has you blinded to who she really is. If you knew, you would be on my side, not hers."

"Henry," Robin started but the boy pushed past him. He stormed out of the room and headed up the stairs. A few moments later, the slam of his door echoed around the house.

Robin sighed, collapsing onto the couch as he rubbed his face with his hand. "Did I just make things worse?"

She reached out, rubbing his back. Regina was grateful he was trying to help but hated that the same doubts that plagued her were now doing the same to him. "You didn't. He's just not willing to hear anything that contradicts what he believes."

"I was pretty stubborn at that age as well," he said. "Though I hope he comes around soon. You don't deserve that."

"Thank you," Regina said, feeling even more guilty than comforted. "But you barely know me. Maybe I do deserve it. Maybe I am everything he says I am."

Robin moved closer to her on the couch, shaking his head. "No."

She frowned. "No to what?"

"Everything," he replied. "We may not have known each other long, but I feel I know a good deal about you already. You do not deserve this and you are not everything he says you are."

"How do you do that?" she asked, wondering what it was like to see the world through such a positive lens.

He tilted his head. "Do what?"

"Try to see the best in me," she replied, holding her breath as she waited for his response.

"There is no trying involved," he told her. "I see the best of you because that's just who you are. And I wish you could see that too."

He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her toward him. Robin held her close and she rested her head on his shoulder as he kissed the top of her head. "Maybe Archie can help you with that too," he said.

Guilt washed over her again and she said: "One thing at a time."

"Of course," he said, kissing her head again. He then asked: "Would…would you mind if I did try to reach out to Henry again?"

"You want to?" she asked, touched by his offer.

He nodded. "I know it's probably too early in our relationship for me to take on a defined role in Henry's life but I don't want him to just think of me as Mom's boyfriend, you know? We both are package deals and relationships with our boys is just as important as our relationship with each other."

"You want me to have a relationship with Roland too?" she asked, surprised. She hadn't really considered how serious Robin wanted to get and found she liked the idea that she wanted to be in a serious, established relationship with him.

"I do," he said. "I know right now you don't feel like it, but you're good with children. He already likes you and I think he would enjoy spending time with you. Especially since he doesn't have too many maternal figures in his life right now."

She bit her lip. "I would love to spend more time with him. And I think spending time with you might do Henry some good."

"Then I'll see if he wants to do something with me this weekend," he said, rubbing her back. "Maybe you and Roland can spend some time together then, if you're okay with it. You know, with everything going on…"

"Right," she said, thinking of Kathryn and feeling guilty that she hadn't for almost a half hour. "I hope it doesn't go on that long."

He nodded. "Me too."

They sat together, Robin holding Regina close. She closed her eyes and drank in the support he gave her as well as how much he cared for her. While she hoped that they could bring Kathryn home soon, this moment reminded her how important it was for them to get Emma to leave. Regina knew that if Emma was successful in breaking her curse, she would likely lose everything – her peaceful life, her few friends, Roland, Robin and most of all, Henry.

She would not lose her happy ending.

Emma Swan had to go.

A/N: So, the first big change Robin's presence in Regina's life is the circumstances of Kathryn's kidnapping and the extent to which Regina was involved in it. What will happen? Will the plan work out this time? Or be even worse for Regina?

And will Robin be able to get through to Henry? Or will he only make things worse?

Keep checking back every Monday to see how the story unfolds!

-Mac