Emma parked her bug on the side of the road before getting out. The night was slightly chilly, but her jacket served as enough to keep her warm. And would continue to as she walked. She planned to come back eventually, but for now, she needed to go.

She had seen the way people looked at her; especially after all she had done as the Dark One. Whenever she walked through town, she heard their whispers and knew that they were talking about how Emma had gone from the Savior to the Dark One, and was now back to being the Savior.

Emma took a deep breath and walked to the town line. Leaving was the best thing to do for now. Eventually she would come back, but she had to escape all of the memories as well.

It was hard to forget how your son had looked as he glared down at you from his room. Emma didn't blame him; she had after all ripped out Violet's heart in order to break Henry's. But that look in his eyes was enough to make her cry.

And then there was how she had treated Regina. And the fact that she had become the Dark One to save Hook, trying to convince herself that he was her True Love because she had her own issues with loving another woman.

She had gotten over them in time, and now she and Regina were together. Everyone had seen it coming, except for Emma and Regina. But right now, it would be better for everyone (Regina included) if Emma left.

Just as she was about to step over the line, a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Just what do you think you're doing?" Regina demanded.

"Leaving," Emma said flatly, trying to pull away. "I thought that was obvious."

Regina tightened her grip. "Why are you leaving?"

"Because I want to," Emma said. "Now will you let go of my arm? I'm not leaving forever, I'll come back eventually."

"Eventually could be years," Regina said. "I know you, Emma. And I know that whatever is making you run has to be something that you're personally dealing with. But before I let you go, I want to know what it is."

"Why?" Emma asked. "So that you can convince me to stay? I don't think so."

"No," Regina said. "So that you can talk and finally someone listens to your problems instead of the other way around. You spend so much time fixing everyone else. When was the last time that you let someone else fix you?"

"I don't need fixing," Emma mumbled, trying again to pull away.

"Then why are you leaving?" Regina asked. "Is being in a relationship with me really that terrible that this is your only escape?"

"No!" Emma exclaimed, eyes widening in shock. "Why would you ever think that? I love you."

"Then why are you leaving?" Regina demanded.

Emma couldn't hide it any longer. Regina had a way of getting her to talk, and this time was no exception. "Because of all of the things I've done. I see the way people look at me and whisper. Some even walk on the other side of the street when they see me coming. And they have every right to. I took the heart of the girl that Henry was falling for just to break his so that I could get the tears that I needed. I became a manipulative monster that hurt everyone she loves just so that I could get what I wanted. And I hate myself for it and I have to go. I have to get away from everyone."

By the end of her speech, Emma was openly crying. Regina pulled her close and hugged her tightly, letting her cry out all of her frustrations with herself and every situation that had happened to her since becoming the Dark One, and even the Savior.

"Will this ever end?" Emma asked. "Will I ever just get to have a normal life without having to fight?"

"I don't know," Regina admitted. "But what I do know is that no matter what happens, your family will always love you. I know that you think leaving is the best option, but it's not. Your family could help you so much if you let them in. It doesn't even have to be your parents. Just Henry and I. Don't you feel better just telling me why you want to leave?"

Emma thought about it before nodding. She did feel better, not only from telling Regina, but also from being in her arms. She sniffed before pulling away, wiping her cheeks. "Okay. I'll stay."

Regina smiled in relief. She honestly didn't know what she would have done if Emma had left. She needed the blonde around. "Thank you. Now why don't we go home?"

Emma nodded. "I'd like that."