AN: You guys are all awesome, there really isn't anything else to say! Oh except, please ignore any minor mistake, and please let me know what you think of chapter 15 :-)

It's a usual Saturday morning in Storybrooke. Archie is out walking Pongo, smiling warmly at everyone he passes. Geppetto and Pinocchio are working together in the carpenter's small workshop. Mr French is arranging buckets of flowers on the pavement outside his shop, and across the street, Granny's is bustling with early risers in search of their morning caffeine fix.

This is a happy town, a caring town, where daily routines are predictable to a fault and everyone is quick to band together when times get tough. It's a town I built, a community I helped flourish. Yet somehow, I'm still public enemy number one.

I notice the way Archie's eyes shift nervously away from me when we pass on the street. His usual cheerful greeting turning awkward and unsure when directed at me. I see the way Geppetto subconsciously moves closer to his son at the sound of my heels. Even Belle's father darts back inside his shop as soon as he realises that I intend to cross the road.

The only person to offer me so much as an acknowledgement is David. And even then I feel several shocked gazes stare at us when he winds the window down on the cruiser to wave at me as he passes on his morning patrol. Sometimes I doubt that this town will ever truly forgive me for my past sins, and it saddens me to admit that this morning I feel as much an outsider as I ever did back in the Enchanted Forest.

Not for the first time I find myself questioning my judgement when it comes to risking my life for this ungrateful populace. But the sight of the police car as it turns the corner at the end of the road, quickly reminds me why I continue to do it.

Emma.

The truth is that I would do anything to protect her happiness. Sacrifice myself to destroy a crystal that was threatening to blow up the town. Give up my life with, Henry so that the two of them could forge a future together in New York. Fight a God so that she can marry the love of her life…

You see, Emma deserves a love she can be proud of. A lover she can walk down the street with and not fear judgement or ridicule. I'm not that person. Not yet. But I'll never stop trying to become someone worthy of her affections. I'll never stop hoping that one day, I will be enough for her.

Stifling a yawn, I push open the door to Granny's and silently curse myself for my tiredness. After Emma left last night, I refused to go to sleep. I was scared to dream. Scared that we'd meet up again in our own perfect little world.

I forced myself to stay awake. I read, watched TV, researched Thanatos, anything to prevent me from going to her. Finally exhausted, I fell into a dreamless sleep at about five o clock and when I woke to prepare for my meeting with Zelena, it was with a sense of emptiness at not having seen the blonde. That feeling hasn't left me since.

The ringing of the bell alerts the diner's occupants to my presence but no one really pays attention to it. Granny's head briefly pops through the service hatch where she offers me a tight smile, and Grumpy turns from his bacon and eggs to throw me a dark scowl.

Ignoring his obvious animosity, I hastily walk over to the booth Zelena is sat at and slide in opposite her.

"Did we have to meet up here?" I ask, my voice low as I can feel that wretched Dwarf's eyes burning into the back of me. "I feel like the latest attraction at a freak show!"

Replacing her tea cup back onto its small saucer, she smiles at me amused, "Oh stop being so dramatic," She chastises affectionately. "If you don't want the attention, then you have to learn to stop making a scene!"

I detect the pointed tone of her voice and instantly bristle at the implication that this awkward reception is somehow my fault, "Are you talking about Hook's welcome home party?" I ask, already aware of the answer.

She pauses as one of Granny's new waitresses stops at our table to pour me a black coffee and I nod my appreciation at the young woman.

"Well you did go all Carrie at the prom!" She replies as soon as we're alone once more.

"Carrie at the…" I frown at the surprising comment, and add two sugars to my delightfully bitter drink, "How do you even know that reference!?"

She shrugs, "I've been trying to understand this realm a little more…"

"And you thought that Stephen King was a good place to start?"

Despite our budding relationship, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't concerned about her choosing murderous, insane teenagers as an example of life in this world. After all, it wasn't that long ago she was stealing babies and challenging me to death duals in the street.

"What can I say?" She replies, smiling sweetly, "It turns out that I like horror!"

Her response does nothing to ease my worry, and when Grumpy overhears our conversation and growls low in his throat, I can't stop myself from throwing him one of my Evil Queen glares. If we're not careful, he'll have told the whole town that we're plotting against them by lunch.

"And you can stop sneering at everyone that so much as looks at you," Zelena adds, noticing my silent threat and leaning forward to whisper across the table to me, "Most of them are just concerned."

I scoff at her misguided assumptions, and take a sip of my drink, "After the story I read in the paper and the way they all automatically assume that I'm trying to destroy them, I highly doubt that!" I reply, still bitter at the negative way they reacted to the unintentional crack I caused in the town.

Determined to prove that their opinions aren't important to me, I straighten my back and raise my chin, staring down my nose at the dwarf who has finished his breakfast and is pulling his jacket on. I hear Zelena sigh.

"For someone who claims to be a changed woman, you're still very good at playing the Queen…" She comments, offhandedly.

I continue to watch Grumpy until he's left the diner, and then turn my attention back to my sister. It irks me to know that she's right. Despite doing good some regal habits are harder to shake off than others, and I do have a tendency to look down on the townsfolk as though I still believe they're the peasants they once were.

Still, I'm not about to give her the satisfaction of admitting it.

I snort, "Say's the Wicked Witch who was very recently planning her happy ending with the God of the Underworld!?"

Given the role she played in Hades fate my words are a potential low blow, but she doesn't take them as such. Her cavalier response – a simple eye roll - is a testament to how our relationship has changed.

"Look," She says, ending our petty squabble with something that resembles true concern, "I know that they have a tendency to assume the worst about you, and your unwavering superiority complex certainly doesn't help matters, but after Emma's speech the other day…."

"Emma's what?"

Her eyes widen at my obvious surprise and I can tell from her reaction that she's probably just told me something that the blonde didn't want to me to know.

"Oh!" She states, shamefully chewing on her bottom lip, "You…don't know about that?"

I shake my head, wracking my brain for a reason as to why Emma would keep such a speech a secret but unfortunately, come up blank.

My sister offers an embarrassed laugh, "It was nothing, really," She replies, her words a poor attempt to make light of a situation that was clearly something. "There was a little unrest after your appearance at the diner. Some of the townsfolk…"

I glance knowingly back to the stool that Grumpy so recently vacated, "The Dwarfs? Whale?" I offer, naming a few of my adversaries.

"Among others," She nods, "Some of them demanded your arrest…"

I feel the beginnings of a sharp pain in my heart, a pain that I haven't felt for several days, and Zelena is quick to detect the fall of my expression. "But as sheriff, Emma called a meeting at the Town Hall to try and calm the situation," She adds, unknowingly stopping the pain before it ever really begins.

"What did she say?"

My sister smiles fondly, "She defended you. She reminded everyone of exactly how far you've come. She listed all the things you've done for Storybrooke. How many lives you've saved. And then she explained that what was happening to the town was beyond your control. It was all very romantic…" She pauses to give me a sympathetic wince, "…or at least it would have been if her pirate hadn't been standing gallantly by her side the entire time."

I find Hook's presence irrelevant in the grand scheme of things because Emma defended me. She stood up in front of a town baying for my blood and made them believe that my life was worth saving…

"She really did that? For me?"

If I sound in awe it's because I am. No one has ever done anything like that for me. No one has ever been willing to take the chance. Snow got the closest when she stopped my execution, but even then it was on the proviso that I accept exile and lifelong banishment from society.

Maybe Emma's speech is the reason for some of the looks I received this morning!

"Yes," Zelena affirms, her changing tone enough to drag me from my dreamlike state. "Which is exactly why she'll bloody well flip when she realises what you intend to do!"

My mind is instantly brought back to the present and my reason for being here in the first place. I glance back to my sister, "She isn't going to find out," I instruct, reiterating her promise not to say anything about my plans.

"In theory that's a nice sentiment," She replies, clearly knowing something that I don't, "but I think you'll find the reality quite different."

She reaches into her bag, producing a golden apple which she puts on the table between us. It looks like some sort of ornament or paperweight, and at the very least appears gold plated.

I frown, having never seen anything quite like it before, "What's that?"

"Did the Evil Queen seriously just ask me what an apple was?"

I roll my eyes at her poor attempt at humour, "I know that you find yourself amusing, but I've met Ogres with more wit. What is it?"

"It's an apple of discord," She finally replies, sliding the it across the table towards me, "And you may find me irritating but I had to beg Rumplestiltskin for this!"

I pick up the strange object, testing the surprisingly light weight in my hands. There's an energy to it, a mystical power that reaches out to me. Whatever it is, it has strong magical properties.

"You got this from the Dark One?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at the mere suggestion of such a careless deal. Things that come from, Gold, are rarely worth their price.

She nods, detecting my hesitancy, "Don't worry, it's fully paid for."

"With what!?"

She looks offended, annoyed that I'd consider her naïve enough to fall for one of Rumple's underhanded deals, "With money!"

"Oh!" I reply, slightly ashamed at being so quick to judge her. "I'm sorry, I just don't trust that Imp."

She gives me a look that suggests I'm not the only Mills to fall prey to his devious schemes. "You and me both, Sis," She quips, and I mentally file away her bitter response as story to ask for on another day.

I return my attention back to the apple in my hand, it's power sending a not unpleasant thrumming down my arm. "So what's it for?" I ask.

"Well, if its name isn't self-explanatory enough, Greek mythology records it as tool to upset harmony and cause argument."

"And that's useful to me how?"

Zelena grins, "Because in layman's terms it's just a glorified messenger. One that has the ability to transcend realms."

I lift the glittering apple, closely studying it's smooth and shimmering surface. There's nothing overly interesting about it. No elven writing or magical markings, it's just an apple. And yet, something about the way it excites my magic tells me of it's worth, and I instantly know that Zelena's plan is to use it to communicate with Thanatos. I'm just not sure what she intends me to say.

"You want me to send a cease and desist to the God of death?" I ask, arching a disbelieving eyebrow.

She scoffs, finding the very idea ridiculous, "No, I want you to challenge him!"

Despite the Evil Queen's illusions of grandeur, Regina Mills is more than aware that she doesn't have the strength or power to take on a God, "Are you out of your mind?" I vehemently protest.

"Quite the contrary, little sis," She cheerfully replies. "Thanatos has only ever been defeated once, by the hero Heracles. Heracles challenged Thanatos to prevent him from taking the life of the Queen of Pherai. They fought, Thanatos lost, everyone survived!"

"And you think that I can beat a God?" I choke, realising that stories of the Evil Queen's exploits have been grossly exaggerated if she genuinely believes that.

She sighs, "Regina, you're a magical being. And that's all Greek heroes are. Besides, challenging him will force him to travel to this realm where he'll have to take on corporeal form to fight you. Face to face you're as strong as he is. Maybe stronger if Heracles story is anything to go by." She reaches across the table, gripping onto my hand in a show of sisterly support, "You can win this."

I briefly consider her logic, confident that on an even battlefield my magic is strong enough to match that of the most formidable foe. Maybe she's right, maybe this really is the way to win.

"And how do you propose we get this message to him?" I ask, toying with the idea of issuing such a challenge.

She smiles, "He has a conduit open which allows him to feed off Hook's soul. It links the Underworld to Storybrooke and as a God, Thanatos should have the ability to travel through it. We can also use it to send the apple to him."

"Where is this conduit?"

"In the forest. Near your tear. I detected it when we first investigated the earthquakes but I couldn't figure out the source…"

"Regina, you left your vault!"

Emma's surprised voice interrupts Zelena's plan and I look up to find her stood at the serving counter. Dressed in her trademark skinny jeans and red leather jacket with her latest accessory, Hook, standing faithfully by her side. I'd been so preoccupied with our conversation that I didn't even hear the diner bell ring as she entered.

I open my mouth to reply but my mind draws a blank. It's so hard to see her stood there with him - Storybrooke's second favourite couple reunited and completely inseparable – especially after the intimacy we've so recently shared.

I may have told her to give him another chance, but I certainly didn't want to be around to watch her try.

"I forced her to join me for breakfast," Zelena hastily cuts in, jumping to my rescue when she realises that I'm lost for words, "I had to drag her here, kicking and screaming."

For the first time ever, I find myself grateful for the quick thinking of an overprotective sister, but my appreciation quickly deteriorates when Emma begins to walk over to our table.

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me," The saviour quips, sharing a knowing smirk with the once wicked witch. "What's that?"

Observant as always, the blonde's eyes quickly land on the apple of discord, making it the attention of our awkward group.

"It's a gift," Zelena informs, saving me again with the speed of her lies. "I saw it and thought of, Regina."

"Just make sure she keeps it away from any turnovers," Emma jokes, her hand unconsciously slipping down to rest just above the sheriff's badge that's clipped onto the waistband of her jeans.

Feeling slightly insulted, I'm quick to find my wit amongst the rubble of my heartache, "You need not fear another attack from me, Miss Swan," I reply. "There's no point in putting someone under a sleeping curse when she has a dashing pirate to rush in and the save the day!"

The comment is light, but it's filled with such hidden undertones that when our eyes lock across the table, the sexual tension sparks to life between us once more.

I had meant is as a passing observation, a way of reminding Emma that despite our shared feelings she doesn't have to hide her relationship from me. Unfortunately, however, it's only served to draw light to our own desires and the very real possibility that if the Saviour should ever fall under such a curse, it would be the Evil Queen that would ultimately set her free.

We share a prolonged, heated gaze until an oblivious Hook unknowingly pulls us apart.

"Dashing indeed," He replies, smiling smugly. "And always happy to save a damsel in distress."

He presses a chaste kiss to Emma's unsuspecting lips and I snort at such a sickeningly macho display. If Emma did ever need such a rescue, she would certainly never welcome being referred to in such a weak, inferior way.

"If you're looking for damsels then you sailed to the wrong town," I sass, unable to stop myself from having one small dig at the man who holds the heart of the woman I love. "Though I'm sure it's escaped your notice, it's the women of Storybrooke who are the real heroes around here…"

His confident gaze flits back and forth between Zelena and I, and I detect his biting response before he even speaks, "Present company excluded."

Rage, which in truth is probably fuelled by jealousy, flares to life deep inside my chest. I clench my jaw, reining in my magic before I accidentally detach his manhood.

"Killian!" Emma scolds, detecting my change of mood and trying desperately to placate me, "Zelena and Regina are part of the reason you got to come back…"

"It was only a joke, Swan," The pirate is quick to reply, though something in his voice suggests otherwise. "When did you so get so protective of the Queen anyway? It wasn't that long ago you told me that you thought she was overbearing, egotistical and likely to be the reason for your murder trial!"

Stunned, my enraged glare flicks across to the suddenly nervous, blonde.

"It was ages ago…" She hastily defends, quick to explain further when the fire doesn't instantly leave my eyes. "…when we we're fighting the Ice Queen and you wouldn't talk to me…"

My expression finally softens at the timely reminder of the last time the tension was high between us. Only then, it was for a whole different reason.

"You look tired, Hook," Zelena cuts in once more. Expertly reading the direction our conversation is taking and quickly concluding that a continuation wouldn't be pleasant for anyone present.

He takes a long, deep breath at the careful observation, and it's only then that I realise she's right. His eyes are red, heavy and dull, his skin is almost grey, and his usually immaculate facial hair is overgrown and unshaven. Has Emma really not noticed the change in his physical appearance?

He grins salaciously, "You'd be tired too if you shared a bed every night with this one!"

He gives Emma a lecherous wink and I feel my stomach roll with jealously. It's one thing to be the bigger person in these situations, but it's something else entirely to remain gracious in the face of such obvious defeat.

Abruptly, I stand. "Excuse me," I state curtly, pushing past the grinning pirate as I exit the small booth and make a beeline for the bathroom.

As soon as I find myself alone in the small, two stall room, I go to the sink and wet my face with cold water. I have to get a grip on my out of control emotions. I told Emma to go to her pirate. I gave her my blessing. I have no right to react this way, no right to be angry at the thought of him kissing or touching her.

So why does the very implication boil the blood in my veins?

Wiping my face with a paper towel, I examine my reflection in the small mirror. It's been a while since I stared at my image with such self-hatred. Only before, where that hatred stemmed from the cold, murderous, expression I saw starring back, it now stems from weakness, my complete inability to either take what I want or just walk away.

Before I have time to fully collect myself, the door to the bathroom swings open once more, giving way to, Emma.

"Regina I'm sorry…." She begins to apologise, but I find that I don't have the patience or strength to hear it.

"You told me you weren't fucking him!" I shout, spinning on my heel to confront her.

Shocked by the tone of my voice and the use of a curse that I doubt she's ever heard me say before, she stops abruptly at the door to the first stall.

"We're not," She replies, green eyes searching mine.

"So why did he say that?" I accuse, venom dripping from my every word.

"Because he's Killian," She screams, her own anger rising to match mine, "He'd much rather say that then truth. Which is that we haven't slept together in close to two months."

I open my mouth to shut her down, to call her out as a liar and demand to know why she led me on, but I can't. I know she's telling the truth because I can see it in her hurt expression. And I also know that means that Thanatos really is a threat.

"Why do you even care?" She demands, her cheeks flushing red with anger at my continued silence. "This is what you wanted isn't it? You told me to give him a chance…"

"I told you to take what you wanted…" I argue, my words bitter though they have no reason or right to be.

The anger instantly falls from her expression, the rage in her eyes quickly replaced with a deep look of longing, "I want you…" She replies, her voice barely above a whisper.

Overcome with white hot desire, I grab onto the lapels of her leather jacket and haul her towards me, crashing my lips against hers. She groans deep in the back of her throat and her hands instantly rise to tangle up in my hair, pulling me closer.

"I want you so fucking much, Regina. You're all I can think about."

She gasps the words against my mouth, my name turning into an elongated moan when I suck on her bottom lip and slip my tongue inside.

Arousal pulses through every nerve ending in my body, igniting a burning lust that I've never felt with anyone before. I want to consume her, become a part of her, give every last inch of myself to her. But I can't. Not yet, and not like this.

I break the kiss, twisting my head to sever the thin trail of saliva that still joins us together. We're both panting, our bodies pressed tight together as we struggle to get as close as physically possible while still entirely clothed.

"You can't have us both," I finally reply.

We take a mutual step back from each other, and as I straighten out my clothes, I find that I have to restrain myself from snapping the button on her jeans and slipping my hand inside, taking what we both so desperately want.

Emma has Hook, and though their relationship is far from perfect, I have to at least allow them the chance to try. Otherwise I'll always wonder if she only came to me because it didn't quite work out with him.

If I am ever to be Emma Swan's, then it will be as an equal. As a hero whose revered and loved by everyone, a woman that she could never imagine being without. Currently I'm only second best, and that simply isn't good enough.

Without another word, I exit the bathroom and walk straight up to Zelena. I know what I have to do now, and I know why I need to do it.

"Come on," I instruct, gesturing for her to stand up, "it's high time that I challenged the God of Death to a dual that he's never going to win."

Regardless of who's heart Emma does finally chose there is one thing that I am now absolutely certain of.

I will make myself worthy of her, and I will earn the respect of this town.