My OutlawQueen heart is bleeding, so I keep writing. I decided to post my one-shots as a collection in this story. This one shows a noble Marian, as I actually imagine her to be. As much as Robin and Regina are my adoration, I can fathom Marian as cruel. So this is what I got for the fix up…

Bleeding Queen.-

Regina watched Robing again, and the joy she saw on his face was a dagger feasting on her heart. She couldn´t take it anymore. She was never an Evil Queen, as Snow called her, she had been a Bleeding Queen, and she was so again right now. She could act different, for Henry, but she was bleeding. It seemed… she was doomed to live with a bleeding heart for all the evil she had indeed done. She deserved it, so she ran away and left him behind forever. To his happy ending. Without her. She wanted to be alone, but Emma followed quickly and grabbed her arm.

"Regina, I´m sorry. I didn´t mean this…" she exclaimed, staring expectantly at her. "Calm down, for Henry. We can fix this".

"We can fix this?" Regina screamed. "Is that the best you can do? We can´t fix anything, Swan. You are determined to take everything I love away from me. Why? GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE!" she then shouted at the top of her voice and collapsed onto the floor. She didn´t want to cry, but tears flooded against her will and then her pain was spilled all around for people to rejoice, for all those who still hated the Evil Queen. It was only a few seconds before someone grabbed her arm, and she heard his voice calling her name. She squirmed and shook him away, but Robin grabbed her more firmly and made her stand. And then she saw it, the pain in his eyes. The last thing she wanted was his pity, and she felt like yelling at him too, but no word came. She was dry, as she had always been. Broken and lonely, the only way destiny seemed to want her to be. And it hurt like walking through hell. Barefeet.

"Why are you running away, Gina?"

"Are you even listening to yourself?" she snorted. "Go back to your wife and let me be".

She breathed deeply, he stared at her dumbfounded. Silence came. And Marian was the most flabbergasted one of them all. Her husband? The Evil Queen? Emma confirmed her thoughts.

"I told you she changed" Emma whispered. "They fell in love, they were really happy…"

"Really, Robin? The Evil Queen? You forgot me for the Evil Queen? I thought I knew you better than that. I´m your wife, for God´s sake! The mother of your only child!" she muttered, being the first one to wipe tears that night. She was shaking, angry and lost. What was this? A twisted joke of fate? He didn´t get a chance to reply.

"She´s right" Regina mumbled, gathering all the strength she had left. It felt very likely she would die that night, drowned on her heartache. "She is your wife. She is Roland´s mother, as much as I can love your baby, he´s not mine. I will never take your happiness away from you, or your son´s. I can´t stand in the way like this. So… let me go. Stay away… and you´ll be safe from me and my past. This is your chance, even if it is not with me. I won´t be as selfish as to hold on to you and make you miserable".

Every word shattered her soul a bit more, but she knew she needed to say it. Nothing would be worst that having by her side a man who resented her for being his choice. She had to let go. And not only him, a storm of tears was being unleashed to. He didn´t reply, cupped her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. For that brief moment, all she saw in his eyes was love, and maybe that small memory would be enough to help her go on. To know he did love her after all. Because that love told her something she needed to hear: she wasn´t a monster, she was worthy of it. Tears escaped his eyes too, and she also cupped his face. She stared intently, it was surely the last time she would get a glimpse into his soul. Three hearts were broken, and it was Emma Swan´s fault.

"Well" Marian attempted finally, she felt compelled to speak. "She is right Robin, I can see she´s not the Evil Queen anymore. The Evil Queen would have murdered me and… she´s just urging you to make the right choice. I´m doing the same. You don´t need to decide right now because I know… I should be dead, your vows to me were fulfilled, so don´t take this as a matter of honor, because I know you will. I will stay here and watch over Roland, allow you your time to think. But please, think with your heart. And do as it says. You have the kindest heart I know. It will lead you through the right way".

Regina opened and closed her mouth, speechless, she wasn´t expecting that. Robin left her to take Marian´s hands and kissed her forehead.

"Thank you, Marian. I never doubted your kindness".

And that was it. He turned away and walked towards that forest he smelled so much like.

Emma guided Marian back in to book her a room at Granny´s. Everyone was gone and she felt so empty. So hollow it hurt. A storm inside, void and raging. A hand placed softly on her arm and Snow murmured.

"Come on, let´s get you home. You need to rest".

"Yes, I will make some tea. Remember…" Tinkerbell started, grabbing her other arm.

"Just don't say pixie dust never lies" Regina snickered, leaning her damp face on her best friend´s shoulder.

Soft giggles bloomed. But they didn't move a step. Henry ran and hugged her tightly. She left Snow and Tink to hug him back. He was now the only light left in her life.

"I´m staying over, mom. And no curfew for tonight. I can sleep whenever I want and I can watch over you if I feel like doing so".

"Thank you" Regina muttered, kissing her son´s hair. And they all headed back to her mansion. She was still the Bleeding Queen, but at least, this time, she had people to thank for their help.

.-.-.-.-.-

It was a restless night, but much more peaceful than Regina had expected. She knew Robin would choose his wife and she was ready to face it without tears. He would set him free to be happy, the same way she had done with Henry. She still had her son… so there would always be a Prince by her side. Snow had left as soon as they got to her place to check on baby Neal, afraid Charming would be about to lose it. Tinkerbell made her tea and left too, leaving just mother and son. They slept in an embrace and Henry would caress her hair when she sobbed. It was strange, she felt as if she should always be the one comforting her son. And he was the one supporting her now. But she barely slept, if at all. They went for breakfast to Granny´s after the break of dawn and for the first time she allowed her baby to have a chocolate milkshake that early.

They sat side by side and cuddled up together. She didn´t know all the stories of all the characters, just those involved with herself, so Henry brought the book to show some of it to her as he sipped on his milkshake and she did the same. He seemed pretty interested in Jefferson´s story. She knew most of it, but listened anyway. As long as he was around, she didn´t mind bearing with the stories he loved. When they were done, she kissed his cheek.

"Okay, how´s school?" Regina smiled, even when a few hours before she thought it was impossible. Robin broke her heart, but she could pick up the pieces and mend it once more. And maybe, just maybe, store it where no one would be able to break it again.

"Actually, I need to get going" he said, giving her a tight hug. She returned it and kissed his head. Henry picked his milkshake and the book, ready to go. "See you later, mom. Love you".

"Love you too" Regina shouted after him so the running boy would hear. She wanted to walk him, but she saw him through the window and understood her mother instincts had stopped her. She saw Henry meet Grace and wrap an arm around her shoulder friendly. No wonder he was so interested in Jefferson´s story. And Regina found herself grinning again. She loved that boy so much nothing could ruin the happiness his love gave her. Not even Robin´s abandon, not even her dark fate. But as soon as Henry and Grace were out of sight, her heavy heart plunged again and she felt tears welling up. She wiped them fiercely in an instant. She wasn´t going to put up a show. She owed herself that much self-respect. She was about to raise when a voice called her name reluctantly, and she saw Marian standing in front of her.

"Hello. Can I help you?" Regina offered.

"I thought you might like to see Roland" she replied, and then Regina noticed the little boy holding her hand, watching her and waiting to be noticed. Regina extended her arms to him and Roland hugged her, climbing to her lap.

"Me tells mama me miss you, Gina" he smiled. And Regina smiled back to him. "That milkshake?" he asked, eyes wide open, as soon as he saw the Queen´s drink.

"Yes, it is. You can take it" Regina said, handing him the plastic cup, which he happily grabbed and sipped. The Queen noticed the horror in Marian´s face. "It´s not poison. It´s chocolate. All kids love it. You should try some, is good for the heavy heart…" she finally sighed. She was grateful for that last chance to spend some moments with Roland, surely the last time she would share a milkshake with him. "Thank you".

"So it is true" Marian whispered, watching them with surprise on her face.

"What´s true?" Regina asked, frowning.

"You have changed. You just nearly killed me, back in the past, and now… it seems you are a whole different person. It´s a bit hard to catch up. I wish one day my son will love me as much as your son loves you".

"I know I have done pretty awful things, but for Henry I changed, and he is my reward. I can tell you I love Robin, with all my heart. I was very happy with him, but once he told me he would have walked through hell to get you back. Now you are here, and his happiness is all I want. I would never hurt you, or your child. And you can be pretty sure I didn't put any spell on him. Actually, such a spell does not exist. I know he has a kind and noble heart, so if he loves you, you must be a good woman. Make him happy. Promise me that" Regina declared, looking down and caressing Roland´s hands, who was still sat on her lap.

"You´re right, he´s kind and noble. And if his love for me says such things… so does his love for you" Regina was about to protest, but Marian raised her hand to stop her. "Don´t. I could see last night how much he loves you. That´s why I set him free. Of course I want to see him happy. I want him happy by my side. I love him. But the pain of him being unhappy with me would be worst that the pain of not having him at all. I know he mourned me long and moved on. I have no right to demand him to walk back a path he can´t walk back anymore. It´s his choice, and whatever he chooses I will understand. Now, I´m asking the same from you. If I´m not the woman he wants, make him happy. Please" and when she finished, Marian´s voice was broken and they were both tear-eyed.

And the promise was silent. One of them would have to step aside and would do so willingly. Marian might have her doubts, but Regina knew it would be her and she was at peace with the idea. Destiny is something that can be fought, the trickiest thing she ever knew.

"Gina, me like stuffed toy. You have more stuffed toy?" Roland asked, leaving the empty cup and stared at her. The Queen thought a moment before she understood he meant the monkey she made from Zelena´s creature. She was about to say she could give him another one when he slipped from her lap and ran away. Ruby caught him a few steps later and spun him in the air before tickling his stomach, making the child laugh. Good think his mother didn't know the poor girl was a werewolf.

The place froze when the bell announced the door opening and everyone stared. Robin stood on the threshold, holding a rose in his hand. Regina thought he had never looked so dashing, never had been his whiff of the forest more appealing. She needed him more than ever. Her heart jumped wildly and she felt stupid. She wasn´t Snow White. She knew better than to expect a miracle. He approached the table and she breathed deeply. All she wanted was for this situation to end. It was like some of those twisted ridiculous pathetic reality shows she hated with all her soul. She wasn´t whinny and desperate. She was just hopelessly in love, about to let her man fly away forever. Robin didn´t greet them.

"Marian, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Regina saw the woman beam, and she understood, because the love for this man was something she could relate to. Marian looked at her and the Queen gave her a nod and forced a small smile of encouragement. Her last sacrifice for that outlaw she loved. She sighed and closed her eyes as she heard them leave. Not a single word of farewell for her, and that hurt, but finally it was all over. She could pick the pieces and build up her walls again, higher than ever. A world for Henry and herself, and no one else.

Unluckily, she opened her eyes and saw them through the window, staring at each other. He gave her the flower and she took it with a tentative smile. Why wasn´t it a huge grin? He talked a lot, she nodded and finally hugged him tightly. Regina turned away, watching them kiss was more than she could endure, and Ruby stared at her asking with her eyes if she should hand her the child back. Regina shook her head, and ran away. Roland had parents that would come for him. She would fetch him the plush toy someday anyway. He was happy playing with the wolf and didn´t even notice.

She nearly bumped into him at the door. She didn´t want to do it, but neither could she walk away without a single word. The fact he once loved her meant too much. So she grabbed his arm, even though she wasn´t strong enough to gaze into his eyes.

"I hope you will be happy. I really do. I will always love you" her voice was calm and steady. She felt numb, like flowing through a mist. She wanted to go back and sleep. She knew the last words were out of place, but she couldn´t hold them. It was what she felt. She wouldn´t hide it. She might not have a right to claim him, but she had a right to feel.

The Queen certainly didn´t expect what happened. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her senseless. His lips closed hungrily over hers, his tongue eagerly claimed for hers. Their bodies molded together and his hands travelled her back, sending shivers to her toes. She clang to him, to their last good bye, and she was glad she could get at least last. A final kiss to remember him, because right then, as her heart beat so madly against his and she was kissing him with all her soul she knew she would ever, not in a million years, love anyone else again. And what was she thinking when his mouth left hers for the last time, even when his arms held her even closer? That being destined for loneliness was the saddest fate of all.

"Then marry me, Regina".

The words reached her like a blur and it took her a few seconds to understand. She shook her head and stared at him in awe.

"W-what did you just say, thief?" she barely uttered.

"You heard me. Marry me. Be my wife. Make me the happy man you say you want me to be" he smiled at her and stroked her cheek. Surprised, she tried to pull away, but he held her strongly with his other arm and pulled her closer. "I won´t let you go, my Gina".

"I´m confused" she whispered, holding in hers the hand he had on her cheek. His closeness was so warming she felt stupidly happy. And hopeful.

"Wrong answer, milady. Maybe you need a little more prompting" he whispered to her ear and kissed her again. This time it was tender and his hand trailed soft circles on her back. It felt natural, it felt like being home. It felt as if it was meant to be. Pixie dust never lies. Damn you, Tink. And she was happy in his arms and kissed him back idly. She stroked his back too and rested against his body. Did the Bleeding Queen deserve this happiness? She did. Henry would say she was a hero. And heroes always come home.

"Yes. A thousand times yes" she managed to mumble against his lips, between butterfly kisses. And she was about to burst. And she needed to breathe deeply. And she just kissed him again because he was a drug she couldn´t get enough of. Simply, because he was her true love.

"And where´s she?" Regina then asked, knowing Roland was still with Ruby, but as soon as she called the boy, he came running to her and Regina lifted him in the air too. "Do you want me to turn your papa into a stuffed toy?" she whispered to his ear. They little one giggled and nodded, which made her laugh gleefully. With a twist of her hand, she brought and handed him a Simba toy. She remembered The lion king to be Henry´s favorite Disney movie. Roland hugged it and suddenly Hakuna Matata could be heard all around.

"Thank you, Gina" he chortled and kissed her cheek. Regina sighed happily and they left the place.

"She´s just waiting to take Roland" Robin replied, wrapping his arms around his fiancée and his son. "And what were your plans for the morning, milady?"

Regina laughed again, still overjoyed, and leaned to whisper to him.

"If you care to join me, I was planning to spend the morning in bed".

"Your wish is my command" he smirked mischievously at her.

.-.-.-.-.-

Please comment! My turn to be brave in the oven if you want more!