"This can't be real," Emma whispered. "This can't be real."
"Why not? Because you don't want it to be real? Because you're ashamed of me? Because I'm not supposed to feel anything? Because I'm evil and heartless?"
Regina was screaming. David would hear her. Where was he? Any minute, he'd return, and they'd both be caught. He'd skin Regina alive if he knew, savoring every minute, despite Mary Margaret's protests. Emma gasped for air, and Regina didn't let go.
"You know, Emma," she spat. "I'd rather rip your heart out myself than let him have you."
The venom in her voice didn't just come from a place of rage. It was pain in her voice that Emma heard, not hate. The only loathing the Queen had was obviously for Hook, not her. Emma couldn't figure it out. To her, it still felt surreal, like it was some freaky dream she couldn't wake up from. This is so fucked up, she thought, squeezing her eyes shut and trying to end the vision. But it wasn't a nightmare. For whatever reason, she wasn't scared. Certainly not calm. A little freaked out. Uncomfortable, maybe. Shocked, definitely. But not afraid. Regina was no longer a threat, and the pain that she finally recognized in her eyes only made her realize this even more.
"This isn't real." She was trying to convince herself. "I'm dreaming you. This."
"Why would you ever dream about me?" Regina laughed.
"I think about you a lot," Emma confessed. Shaking her head, she looked down and said, "This is so weird."
"Weird? That's all you can come up with after all of this? Weird?"
"Well, it is," she responded. "Look, just tell me what you want, okay?"
"Hook saves your father's life, and he gets some disgusting, fiery kiss. I save your life, and I get nothing but a 'Gee, thanks.'"
"What do you want, Regina?"
"I want more."
"Then take it."
Emma reached up and gripped Regina's arms, and the Queen didn't hesitate to take her opportunity. Their mouths moved together, and Regina pressed her body against Emma's. The blonde pulled away to breathe, but Regina shoved her back again, hungrily taking what she wanted from her.
"Wait," Emma gasped. "Wait. Listen to me. I just. . ."
"What?"
Regina sounded irritated, impatient. She wasn't good at waiting. Her hands clenched back into fists and she slammed one against the tree, just missing Emma's cheek. The other woman jumped.
"I just. . ." She stumbled the words. "What happened with Hook. . . It really did mean nothing. I'm sorry it hurt you. . ."
There was nothing else she could say. Nothing was going to take away the pain in Regina's eyes, not even her kiss. But she was surprised at Regina's rage, and she cowered away subconsciously. In a flash of realization, Regina recognized what she'd done as she stared down at her bloody knuckles.
"I'm sorry, Emma," she cried. "I didn't mean it."
"I know," Emma told her sincerely. "I know you didn't."
Emma wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly against her own chest.
"It's okay, Regina," she sighed.
Startling them both, David nearly jumped through the branches beside them. He gaped at them for a moment, then opened his mouth to speak.
"This is so messed up," he said, staring in disbelief.