Author's Note:

This chapter has been re-posted as some of you have emailed me saying you cannot open the chapter, the chapter has been uploaded several times, or you cannot leave a review. I don't know what's going on, hopefully the issue has been resolved :).

Anyway, I'm back! Here's an update, I made it longer than usual as this update is way overdue. I hope you enjoy it, sorry for any mistakes.


Emma's POV:

After the situation with Blue, Regina walked me back into the station, waiting until I was settled before she left. Reminding me to call her if anything happens, such as Blue showing up again. As soon as she left I couldn't help but wish I stayed home. If I stayed home I wouldn't have to sit through this awkward silence with David, or pretend I'm doing work so I can avoid his gaze. I know he wants to say something, discuss what just happened and why I am so protective of Regina. Luckily, he's smart enough to let me be. I don't want to have to discuss why I'll do anything to protect Regina. Especially, when that is something I'm still trying to figure out myself.

Of course, I would always protect Regina no matter what, regardless of me being a Hybrid. But would I have considered killing Ruby if she hurt Regina a few weeks ago, I doubt it. I would have found another way to calm the situation down, something that didn't involve threatening my friend's life. If I just stayed home the situation between me and Ruby would have never happened, and I would have never uttered those stupid words to Regina. A small part of me feels like she knows exactly what I said. Her reaction alone shows me she knows exactly what I said, and because of this I know I'm going to be hesitant to go home and face Regina when the time comes.

It was only a few minutes before she messaged me to ask me if I was OK, and I respond with a short response, letting her know I was fine. Any further messages from her I ignored as they only made me more anxious. Hopefully, she just thinks I'm ignoring her messages because I'm busy.

I look down at my phone again to see that only a few minutes had passed since I last looked at it, nevertheless, it felt like hours ago. I let out a loud sigh once I realise I won't be able to get anything done with my mind running wild. The only thing I can think about is those three words, and how upset Ruby was when she left the station.

"Emma?"

"Huh? What?"

"I've been calling you for the past few minutes"

"You have? Sorry, what do you need?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to know if you were OK"

"David, I'm really not in the mood to have a heart to heart right now"

Just when I thought he was smart enough to leave me alone, and let me be, he goes and ruins it. I probably should be happy that I have a parent that actually cares about how I feel, and if I'm OK. However, he is 32 years too late.

"Emma, I know you're angry at me and your mother, and we're both sorry"

"I don't want to hear your apologies right now David. Honestly, I'm not ready to hear them right now"

David sighs out.

"You know what, I'm going on a lunch break"

"Emma, you just got here"

Not responding I pack my things up so I could leave.

"I think coming in today was a mistake"

"Emma-"

"I'll be back later, I just need some space"

Not giving David time to respond, I leave my desk, and begin to quickly make my way out of the station. Beginning the short walk towards Grannies. I know I won't be able to focus or do anything until I clear up at least one of these situations, and Right now I rather address the Ruby situation than the Regina one.

I don't want to think about how Regina may know what I said, or think about the possible scenarios of what could happen if she heard me say those three words. The thought she might want to discuss the situation scares me. Just to think all of this could have been avoided if I just stayed home makes me hate my stubborn traits. If I stayed home I wouldn't have seen Blue and Regina wouldn't have needed to defend me. If Regina didn't have to defend me I wouldn't have felt compelled to say those three words. Ruby wouldn't be mad at me if I just stayed in my room and waited until the next time I would change. It just felt so right to say those words to Regina, to defend her. In that moment that was what I felt and I needed her to know. The words just slipped out. If anything, it's her fault she called me her family, something I have always wanted since I was a little girl, an orphan.

I can't help but wonder if her reaction was different would I be acting the way I am? If she said she loved me back would I repeat the words again more confidently? Do I even want her to utter those words back to me? It would change everything, but do I want that? Do I actually love Regina Mills, or was it a heat of the moment thing? One thing I do know is that's something I don't want to dwell on. I don't want to think about the possibility of me being in love with my best friend, my sons other mother. Someone I'm not even sure could love me back, I've had enough rejection in my life to last me a life time. And something tells me if Regina rejected me, I wouldn't be able to come back from that. It would destroy me.

Anyone who is privileged enough to have Regina's heart would be the luckiest person on this earth. She loves with everything she has, her all. It just pisses me off to know Robin got a fraction of that love and he didn't cherish it, appreciate it. He chose his none existent 'honour' over her. I don't know how honourable one can be when your juggling two women at the same time. It doesn't make sense, in what world is that honourable? Gosh, I haven't thought about that prick in a long time. I'm so happy he left, now Regina has a chance to find someone who is worth of her time. Plus, I'm probably over reaching.

"Fuck. How can I be so stupid! I wish the world will just swallow me whole. Why can't I think before I speak?" I whisper harshly to myself.

I continue my walk to grannies in silence, however it wasn't long before I threw my hands up in frustration.

"Of course, she heard what I said, she pulled away so abruptly! Why am I even thinking about my best friend like this, she's not even Gay, well I don't think she is. I've never seen her with a woman before. However, I've not been with any female in Storybrooke, however, it does not mean I'm not Bisexual. The stupid dragon did hint that her and Regina had history. I don't even want to think about her and that dragon. I'll just have to avoid Regina until I sort my feelings out that's all. It will be easy, I will stay away from the mansion as long as I can without causing any suspicion".

Damn, people must think I'm crazy. They must think the saviour has officially gone mad. That all this saving the town has caused me to start talking to myself.

Standing outside Grannies, I take a deep breath to calm my nerves, and my racing thoughts. I don't know how long I was standing outside the door before I finally decided to enter the diner, but it couldn't have been more than a few seconds. I walk into the diner with purpose, looking for the tall brunette, and as soon as the bell made noise our eyes locked. She was stood behind the counter wiping the surfaces, and as soon as she saw me she told Granny she was going on a break. Not waiting for Grannies response, she begins to make her way out back and I quickly follow her.

"Ruby wait" I ignore the stares I received from my abrupt call. Once I was away from prying eyes, I used my inhuman speed to stop right in front of her. Her shock was clear on her face, however, she recovered quickly.

"Get out of my way Emma"

"Ruby, can we please talk"

"Why? You didn't want to before so why now?"

"Ruby, please. I know you don't owe me anything"

"Damn right I don't"

She brushed passed me to make her way to her room, and I grab hold of her wrist to stop her. She looked at my hand then back at me, and the look she gave me was enough for me to release my hold.

"Ruby, just hear me out. I'll tell you everything you want to know if you just give me a chance" She could clearly hear the desperation in my voice, the need to get her to understand. As she was starting to reluctantly give into my pleads.

"Fine" She hissed out.

"Talk"

"Right here? Can we at least go somewhere private?"

She doesn't respond; however, she makes her way to her room and I follow behind her.

Once we were behind closed doors, she signalled me to sit on the couch on the far side of the room, and I do so. She didn't come and sit beside me, she stayed standing, it was probably to feel like she was in control of this conversation we were about to have.

The room was dead silent, I knew if I did not initiate this conversation we would get nowhere.

"So, what do you want to know?"

"Start with how you became a Wolf. As far as I know you cannot become a wolf without being bitten or scratched by another Wolf"

"Did you know what Snow did to Maleficent?"

"No. Plus, what does Maleficent have to do with you being a Wolf?"

"Well, Snow and David were keeping things from me and I wanted to know what it was. You know how much I hate when people keep things from me. So, you can only imagine when I found out they were lying to me I felt betrayed. I know I probably was over reacting. In fact, I know now I over reacted, but at the time all I cared about was finding out the truth. So, I went to Gold, the biggest mistake I could have made. I know that now. He gave me a potion, he said it will help me get my answers, and it did, but the price was not worth the reward. After I got the potion I went to see Regina to see if she was lying to me too. Finding out she had made me even more anxious to know the truth, so I took the potion. Which made me into what I am now; a Hybrid"

"So, it's a curse"

"Yes"

"Can it be broken"

"Yes and no, I will always be a Wolf, however I can break the curse of Vampirism"

"OK. I still don't understand what Maleficent has to do with any of this"

"The secret they were keeping from me is I'm the saviour by default. They kidnapped Maleficent's child and removed all my darkness transferring it to Maleficent's child. To make it worse, they sent the child to another world, so now the child is lost without their mother"

"Wow, I didn't know Snow would do something like that"

"Yeah, the story of Snow White seems to ignore the fact that not only did she throw away her own child, she kidnapped another child, killed several people, and is the reason Regina is the Evil Queen"

"You know the only reason snow had to kill people and send you to this world is because of Regina. Plus, Snow was just a child"

"What's your excuse for her making Regina kill her own mother? Why does she act like Regina is Evil for no reason? Why does she like to ignore that Regina had to marry a man who was old enough to be her own father, and raise someone who was only a few years younger than her?"

"That was how things were in those times Emma, Regina is not the only one who had to live a life like that"

"Yes, but most people don't see their mother kill their love one because a little girl couldn't keep a secret! Most people are not called the Evil Queen because they're believed to be jealous of their step-daughter. Most were not brought up by someone like Cora. All of you fairy-tale people like to judge people without knowing anything, you see things black and white"

"She killed Snow's father Emma! Your grandfather!"

"And I'm sure she had her reasons"

"Do you even hear yourself Emma? Why do you defend Regina so much?!"

"The same reason you defend Snow. Snow has killed people, her heart is dark, she has cause people to suffer yet you still consider her a hero. Yet she can do no wrong in the eyes of the people in this town. Yes, she may have not gone to the extremes Regina has, yet by definition you should consider her a villain. Yet you don't, snow has done some evil things yet you all are so willing to forgive and forget. I have done some things I'm not proud of, things that none of you know about, yet I am considered a hero because I am the saviour and I can do no wrong. If you're just going to belittle and insult Regina without knowing her I'll just leave now. You're my friend Ruby, and I care about you, but I can't sit here while you throw insults at Regina"

"Wow. I can't believe Granny was right"

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing"

"You told Granny?!"

"Of course I didn't, she already knew there was something up with you. She said she knew as soon as you stepped into the Diner. When I came back to the diner angry, she knew I found out that you were the Wolf that attacked me"

"Oh"

"You know what I don't understand? Why you kept this from me"

"I wasn't ready to tell anyone Ruby"

"I'm not just anyone Emma"

"I know that Ruby, but what you have to understand is I was scared. I didn't know what was wrong with me when I changed. When I first changed I attacked Regina, I almost killed her Ruby. I wasn't worried about letting people know what I was, I was more concerned with ensuring I didn't hurt my son. That I didn't hurt Regina, especially as I found out I can only feed from her. You need to understand that I was trying to learn control, I still am. The reason I am even able to leave the house is because of Regina, she has taught me control over the past few weeks"

"Why can you only drink from her?"

"Gold made the curse that way, I don't know why"

She nodded in response.

"I would have eventually told you everything when I was ready, it's unfortunate you had to find out like this"

"… I'm guessing yesterday was the first time you changed into your Wolf form"

"Yes"

"You know I was actually trying to help Regina, I wouldn't have attacked her. She is clearly important to Snow, Henry, and now you"

"Why where you hovering above her?"

"I could smell blood on her, I was trying to make sure she was OK, then of course you came and attacked me"

"Yeah, sorry about that"

I try to say that with as much sincerity as possible, as I already know if Ruby wasn't my friend I would not be apologising for my actions.

"You're lucky you're my friend or I could have killed you, my Wolf probably subconsciously knew who you were"

"Please, I could have easily taken you. If anything, I could have killed you" I could not stop my response or the arrogant smirk on my face even if I wanted to. The growl she let out let me know she did not appreciate my response at all.

"You're a new Wolf, you would not be able to take me on"

"Your blood in my mouth said otherwise"

What the hell is wrong with me, I'm trying to make an amends not make things worse.

"That's a lot of confidence saviour"

"…So, are we good?"

"We're good. I just need a bit of time to adjust and get over the fact you didn't come to me first. I understand why you didn't but I'm still hurt, I'll get over it. Plus, I'm still a little angry that you attacked me and cause such damage. So, my pride is a bit wounded. Oh, and I just want to make clear you maybe my friend but these woods are mine, you are in my territory. Remember that the next time"

"It was your woods"

"Emma" she tries to give me a warning, giving me a look to let me know she was being serious, and I follow it up with my own look. Letting her know that I to was serious, it was as if the wolf in me had to let her know I was standing my ground. That I was very willing to fight for what I believed was mine, which makes no sense, as it should be her woods. She has been running in Storybrooke's woods longer than I have, these woods have been her's for years. Nevertheless, the Wolf in me did not care about any of these facts. For this reason, I know I need to leave, I want to leave here knowing I made some progress.

"Anyway, I should go I've been here longer than I intended to"

She doesn't respond, and I stand up getting ready to leave. However, I couldn't leave without asking her the question that has been nagging me the whole time.

"What did you mean when you said Granny was right?"

"It doesn't matter"

"Can you just tell me"

"I told her about your reaction to Regina, and how you're so quick to protect her. She just cleared a few things up for me. Trust me I didn't want to believe what she said, but the way you responded to just my words about Regina I know that she was right"

"Right about what?"

"That's not a conversation for today"

"Why can't you just tell me"

"Something tells me you're not ready to hear what I have to say"

She walked to the door, opening it waiting for me to leave.

Deciding to let the situation go, something telling me that I may not like what she had to say. I make my way out the door.

"Will I see you in the woods tonight?"

"Emma, I don't think it's best we see each other this full moon. Especially with what happened yesterday, we don't want a repeat"

"Yeah, I guess you're right, see you later?"

"Of course"

I give her a small smile and she mirrored it, and we both make our way back into the Diner.

"You two are finally done talking?"

"Yes Granny" The brunette rolled her eyes.

"Good. Now you can get back to work"

Once Ruby went back to work I ordered my regular, and it was only once I was done eating did I look at my phone. I had several missed calls and messages from both David and Regina. Messages that I refused to read, not feeling up to talking to anyone, especially Regina with how confused I'm feeling at the moment. I just concluded the reason David was messaging me was because I had been away from the station for several hours, and Regina wanted to know I was OK.

Leaving the Diner after deciding I had spent too much of my day in that place. I leave to make my way back to the station. However, as soon as I leave Grannies, the person I have been avoiding decided now would be a great time to show up.

"Emma"

"Hook"

"I'm surprised to see your alive Swan, I have been calling you for weeks. You've been ignoring my calls" The irritation was clear in his voice.

I really don't feel like dealing with him on top of everything else. Doesn't he understand that I need space, he's always trying to suffocate me with his clinginess.

"Killian, you know I need my space right now"

"How much space do you need?! It just seems like you're trying to avoid me at this point, you're not at your apartment anymore, you're not at your parents' house, and you're never at Regina's when I go there"

"You went to the mansion? Why? You know Regina does not want you there"

"Yeah I wonder why?"

"What are you implying?"

"It seems Regina wants to keep us apart"

"What?" I can't help but laugh at his words.

"You're living with her, no one sees you anymore, I don't see you anymore, she's clearly trying to keep you to herself. She doesn't want us to be together, can't you see that Emma?"

"Regina tolerates you because of me, she actually cares about my happiness"

"I care about your happiness Emma"

"Then why can't you just be patient with me?"

"I have been. Maybe If you cared about my feelings and my happiness you would be living with me and not Regina"

"You know Regina is helping me with something, which is why I'm staying with her and Henry, I told you this"

"No, you have only told me bits and pieces, you refuse to tell me everything. I don't even know why I'm wasting my time"

I can't lie, him calling me a waste of time hit a nerve.

"You know what, fuck you"

"Emma-"

"No, if I'm a waste of your precious time leave. Go. You don't have to stay in Storybrooke, get on your ship and leave"

"You know what, maybe I will leave!"

"You can't even trust me! Your so concerned about what I'm doing with Regina; my friend, my son's mother, and how she is ruining our relationship. Well guess what you did that yourself. Regina is and will always be a part of my life and if you can't handle that then leave. I'm dating you not Regina yet you act like it's the other way around"

"Whatever Emma, I'm done with this. Come find me when you know what you want"

I watch as he walks away and I'm not sure if he just broke up with me. It feels like it, can't help the little piece of sadness that fills my heart. Why can't people just be patient, am I not good enough for him that he can't wait for me to sort this whole situation out. Apart of me

doesn't want to give hook up as he is the only person who has truly wanted me for years. That has fault for me in his own twisted weird way, even if it was only for a limited amount of time. I don't know if I'm upset that the relationship maybe over, or if I'm upset I'm going to lose the security the relationship provided. The safety it gave to the little orphan inside me, the little girl that just wants to be wanted by anyone. Wants to be someones light, and not always feel like I'm disposable. I know I should probably ensure this relationship is over for good. I know this relationship is not healthy, especially as I'm in it for the wrong reasons. Nevertheless, I know I won't do that, I know I will hold onto this none existent relationship until I'm ready to let go. For the first time since I suggested we go on a break I don't think there's anything to hold onto and that terrifies me. Even though I tell him not to worry about my feelings towards Regina he probably should.

Regina's POV

It's been hours since I've seen or spoken to Emma. Ever since this curse we haven't spent this long away from each other, and this small fact has made me feel uneasy. If it wasn't for the blood bond we share I would have teared this town to shreds until I found where the blonde was. The fact that she didn't come home yesterday night only makes things worse. I haven't worried about another person who isn't Henry in years, I just don't understand why I decided to care for another person now. To make things worse that person had to be Miss Swan out of all people; the most reckless, insensitive person in this town. She's not been picking up my phone calls or answering my texts which makes me think; she is either avoiding me or something has happened. A small part of me hopes she is not avoiding me, as for the first time I am unaware of what I could have possibly done.

I've been looking for her for hours. As soon as I realised she was avoiding my texts and calls I made my way to the station only to find her not there. Of course, David didn't know where his own daughter was, I don't know why I even asked. So, I waited in her office, waiting for her to return from where ever she went. It was only until hours passed did I realise she was not coming back to the station, slightly irritated I even waited that long. Getting over my irritation, I checked other places I expected her to be such as; the mansion, Grannies, my vault, I even went to Hook's ship. Something I regret, having to hear the drunkard slur out that he should be the one sleeping with Emma, living with her, and how him, Emma, and Henry would make a great family. It took everything within me not to throw a fire ball at him, no one would know. I could have made it look like an accident, but Emma probably wouldn't want that. Once again, she has saved his life and he doesn't even know it. I just don't get it, why would you disappear at a time like this, it's wolves time. What if her transition was as bad as her first? What if she was in pain? What if she needed me, I wouldn't know. Not even my locating spell helped me find where she was; either because my emotions was messing with my magic or she didn't want to be found. I don't get it, why wouldn't she come home?

Before I could even try to answer the question, I hear the front door being opened before it was quickly shut. Without a second thought I use my magic to appear in front of her.

"Where the hell have you been?"

"Hi. Before you yell at me can I at least get some clothes?"

Not responding, I keep my gaze above her shoulders and use my magic to give her clothes.

"Where have you been?"

"I was out"

I couldn't help the patronising laugh that escaped my mouth.

"OK" I turn around to make my way back into the kitchen.

She can be so annoying sometimes. 'I was out', of course you were 'out'.

When I realised she wasn't following behind me I turned around to face her again.

"Have I done something wrong? Did I do something to upset you?" I couldn't help but ask, mother always said I could never do things right, that I'm a problem child, and everything bad that happened is my fault.

"I've been up all night thinking what I've done wrong and I can't come up with anything"

"You haven't done anything wrong"

"So why didn't you come home? Why have you been ignoring my calls and texts?"

"Regardless of what you think Regina I am an adult, I don't have to tell you if I'm coming home"

For the first time, I didn't know how to respond, I was shocked at her words and I know it was clear on my face. Where was all of this coming from?

"I know you're an adult Emma"

"Are you sure? Because it seems like you want me to report to you 24/7"

"Emma, If I've done something wrong just tell me, I'm a big girl I can handle it. Rather than do whatever were doing right now. Because right now I don't understand where any of this is coming from, I'm not trying to control you or monitor you. I'm just trying to help you and make sure that your OK. Ensure that you're Safe. That's all I've been trying to do these past few months"

"I know"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Look it's not you it's me, you have done nothing wrong"

"Now you just sound like you're going to break up with me. You know you're not doing a great job of assuring me I haven't done anything wrong"

She takes several strides towards me and takes hold of my hands. I wanted to step away to put some distance between us, something telling me whatever she was about to say or do would change everything. Whether it would be for better or for worse I didn't know.

"You haven't done anything wrong Regina. I just needed some time to myself, I needed to think"

"You couldn't have told me that? I know you're not telling me the whole truth"

She confirms what I already know when she doesn't respond.

"Do you not trust me enough to tell me?"

"This is not about trust Regina. What I say could ruin everything we have built these past few years"

"Did you bring anyone else back from the past?"

"What? No, of course not"

"Then whatever you tell me will not ruin anything" I tried to use a gentle voice but I know there was a hint of irritation present. I wish she would just tell me what is making her act this way. I know I probably shouldn't be reacting like this, it was only a few hours. However, I don't care in a few hours anything could have happened, especially in this town.

"So, you haven't be trying to avoid me"

Her silence was enough to answer my question. I try to detangle our joint hands but she just tightened her hold.

"Regina, I fucked up. I really fucked up, and I just needed time to sort out my thoughts. I promise you did nothing wrong"

"I don't understand Emma"

"I know, and I'm sorry"

"Emma, you can tell me anything, I won't get angry or upset. I promise"

"It's not something that can just be said"

"Whatever it is, just trust me"

"OK" She whispered

She releases her hold on my hands, and slowly brought her hands up to my face. Gently tracing my face with her fingers, she gave me an intense look as if she would find all her answers in my eyes. Her gaze moves to my lips, and my heart begins to race by this action alone. My heart was beating so fast if felt like it was trying to force it's way outside my chest. My heart was pounding so heard that I'm sure the sound was deafening to her ears.

She leaned down towards me and I automatically leaned up towards her. It felt like forever before our lips touched, it was a soft kiss, nothing rushed. Her lips were soft and smooth, it was like nothing I had experienced before. She kisses me until I was breathless and panting, only then did she pull away. We look at each other intensely, and before I could process what just happened her lips were on mine again. This kiss was more passionate and heated than the first. Her tongue brushed over my bottom lip asking for access which I willingly granted. She threads her hands through my hair, while I wrapped my arms around her neck pulling her impossibly closer. Pushing me against the nearest wall, her hands wondering over every curve of my body, and my body hummed in approval.

I tilted my head back giving her better access as she placed soft kisses on my neck. I let out an involuntary gasp which turned into a moan as she begins to nibble on the area below my ear.

"Em-ma" I moan her name out, not sure if I wanted her to stop or continue.

She pulls away from me, fear clear in her eyes, and before she could act on this fear I pull her down to kiss me. As soon as our lips touch again that was enough to bring back her confidence. She lifted me up and I automatically wrapped my legs around her waist, as she lightly sucked my bottom lip between her teeth. The moan that escaped my mouth shocked me. I slowly begin to grind myself against her, a difficult task with the little space I had between the wall and her body.

It was only the sound of the doorbell ringing that caused us to slowly pull away from our passionate kiss.

"Ignore it" She tells me attacking my neck again.

"OK" I whisper out, my voice not sounding like my own.

The doorbell rings again to our annoyance.

"Ignore it" She muffled against my neck, and the person continued to ring the bell.

"I can't. Whoever it is is not going anywhere"

Letting out a frustrated growl she slowly let me down, and I give an apologetic look. For the first time, I apart of me is angry at whoever interrupted us this time. I give Emma one last look before I walk towards the door. I let out a sigh before slowly opening the door.

"Regina"

"...Robin?"


Author's Note:

Don't be mad lol. I'm just using Robin as a means to an end, you will see what I mean by that in future chapters. For those who are freaking out, just know Robin will barely be in this story the same way Hook is barely in this story. On the bright side the kiss was real this time, no dreams lol.

In regards to when I will update: I will update whenever I can, I have a lot of work to do and semester has just started :(. *Sigh.

Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter ;P.