Eugene was definitely getting used to this. Admittedly, homesickness ebbed and flowed. Once in a while he'd sit by the window and stare at the cars dashing down the street, and he'd wish for nothing more than to never see one again. Of course, then he'd take something from his new fridge, and realize that technology was a definite upgrade. In fact, getting a snack seemed like a good idea.

He pulled himself from the bed, catching a quick glance at the clock. It read 3:44 AM. Eugene had been sleeping on and off, which was hardly unusual. A thief that's a heavy sleeper is a dead thief. A thief that eats often stays alive. The cold light of the refrigerator washed over him. In his half-awake state he hardly registered the human shape lurking in the shadows.

He swung around ,clumsily, to face the intruder. Regina stood there, perfectly upright with an ice-cold expression.

" Stay back creepy evil lady!" Eugene grabbed a knife and pointed it at her.

In return, Regina brandished the one already in her hand. As Eugene cursed under his breath, Regina began to speak.

" We both know why I'm here."

" No. You know why you're here. I'm just the guy standing here about to be filleted!" He shot back.

Apparently this was the wrong thing to say, as Regina promptly held the knife up to his neck. Remembering his own weapon, he did the same.

" I believe we're at a standstill queenie. Now stop being creepy and tell me what the deal is."

She rolled her eyes and continued. " For the record, I've been trained in swordplay since I was eight. But I'll relent. I want you to stay away from Rapunzel."

Eugene kept his eyes on her, not daring to look away. He let his arm brush against hers, people couldn't really register more than one point of contact. While she was talking, he swiped the knife from her hand. He had to keep her distracted though.

" Why? Are you her secret sister or something? Am I so handsome that you can't stand to see me with someone else?"

She narrowed her eyes. " Neither of you were supposed to be here. You're rocks in my relatively calm stream."

" Well then let me take them, take us out of here. I fancy myself as having enough survival instinct not to wage a war on you. Just let me get her memories back." For a split second she looked sympathetic to his plight.

" But will she feel the same?" He opened his mouth to respond, but he realized that she had a point. Rapunzel wasn't going to let all these people suffer. The moment she knew what was happening she'd leap into action. She continued talking. " I'm sorry, I am. But things are more fragile than ever. I'll lose everything if you succeed."

Eugene held his knife to her throat. As she backed up, he held it all the more firmly. " Listen here and listen well." All the cheer had gone from his voice. " Dawn chooses to do the right thing, like sparing you. I'm not that kind. You forget that I'm a thief by trade, I've stolen from more powerful people. I've gotten close enough to slit their throats."

She smoked again, admittedly with less confidence. " Try me." The lights flickered and she disappeared. For a moment, Eugene thought he was safe, that his threats had at least deterred her. Still, what did her have on her? Empty threats were all he could offer. No matter how much he wanted to wring her throat, he knew that in the end, she would win.

Dread paralyzed him. If it was fear, he would have worried that he wouldn't be able to fight back. However, it was dread. Dread means that you know the battle is over before it even begins. Still, he would fight. Rapunzel was worth the fight.