Hey! *Crawls out of Swan Queen trashcan* Finally an update! I am beginning to feel very good about where this story is going, so please keep reading-its going to be good. I know there might be a bit of confusion as to why Regina cannot understand what Emma is trying to say, but the way I see it she thinks she has finally found her happiness with Robin Hood *ew*. She's not one to give up so easily on perceived 'true love', so please bear with me.

Also a slight disclaimer: I am a college student, so I am busy currently with my second round of exams; I am also in no way an English major and all my writing is for fun; I do not have a beta, so if there are mistakes please let me know or forgive me. I try very hard to give updates within reason and I proof-read all of my own work. Thanks for being such a great audience!

This next chapter is a little lengthier than the previous one. If you like the story thus far, please comment. I hope you all enjoy! Kisses xoxo

Previously:

"Yes, I know. You don't understand," Emma said almost inaudibly. Even though they were so close, Regina had to strain herself to hear her. "Let me show you then."

Regina was so confused her eyes darted to the ground as she tried to process what in the hell Emma was trying to tell her. She was completely oblivious to the fact that the blonde was starting to lean towards her.

~SQ~

Chapter 2

Emma tilted her head ever so slightly, closing her eyes in the process, and brushed her lips sweetly against the unsuspecting, ruby lips in front of her. It was slow and chaste as if they were former lovers saying goodbye for the last time. It was a ghost of a kiss that lingered no more than a few seconds.

Regina's eyes were wide with shock after Emma pulled away. Now she was even more confused than ever. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Emma's hand was still caressing Regina's cheek even after they had parted. They were still inches apart, breathing the same air. The brunette could sill feel tingling sensation that buzzed on her lips, which was the only way she knew for sure that it had actually happened.

Then something changed. "What the hell?" Regina gasped. She jumped backwards so quickly she almost tripped in the doorway. What the hell is going on? She thought stumbling to regain her balance.

"Emma…your hair," Regina stammered in utter disbelief. Since the darkness had taken refuge in Emma's heart, her whole body had been affected: her skin was paler, her hair was so light it was almost white, and her new wardrobe looked as if she had raided a modern Evil Queen's closet. But she was changing or it appeared so. Her hair seemed to be turning back into its beautiful gold ringlets that were still confined into a bun at the back of Emma's head. Her skin began to glow as color re-entered her complexion. She started to look like her former self Regina thought.

But just as the kiss, the color soon faded. Anyone that had not seen it for his or herself would not have believed it. Hell, Regina was having a hard time processing what was unfolding in front of her and if it actually happened.

"So you see now," Emma stated casually completely unfazed by Regina's confusion. "Unfortunately, I have work to do." And with that Emma turned to leave. She knew what she had done put her entire plan into jeopardy, but if things ended badly at least she could say she had not totally lost Regina.

Regina was stunned. Did she…? Regina internally questioned. She didn't want to think about what had just happened, but in her mind she was watching it over and over again: Emma leaning in and kissing her. To her surprise, Emma's lips had been surprisingly warm despite her cold demeanor. Something isn't right Regina panicked. Why hadn't she pulled away? She had Robin Hood after all. Why didn't she pull away?

Finally feeling the chilly Maine air brushed against her body, she re-entered her home and headed straight to her office. Once inside however, the thoughts didn't stop.

Robin Hood is my true love Regina stated. What kind of sick game is Emma playing at? The riddles were too much for her. Was Emma trying to destroy her newfound happiness? Was this part of her plan? What actually happened in Camelot? The strangest thing however, was that Emma wanted her to look at their past, but what past did they have? We hated each other!

Regina was so rattled that she didn't notice that Henry had entered her office. "Mom? Are you alright?" the not so little boy stated. He had seen Emma walk away only after glancing up at his window. He was furious with his other mother, but sadder than anything. He didn't want to see her. She had be an accessory to his broken heart, no, the cause of his broken heart.

"Oh Henry," Regina said running over to him and pulling him into a hug. "Emma came by and we—"

"Yeah I saw," Henry said returning his mother's hug.

"You saw?!" Regina practically collapsed in his arms.

"Yeah I saw Emma walk away," he said unsure what exactly he had said to make her almost hysterical. "Did she want to see me?" He questioned sadly.

Regina let out a long sigh of relief before she answered his question. Well that could have been…disastrous Regina thought. She couldn't imagine what Henry would think if he saw his two mothers sharing an intimate moment. It was just a kiss nothing more. They why did it make her feel all thingy inside?

"Yes, she wanted to see you Henry," Regina confirmed before pulling back to look at her son. He used to be so little she mused as she looked over his face. His eyes looked up in confusion as he could clearly see she was thinking about something. He's all grown up.

"Mom?" Are you sure you're okay?" Henry asked, starting to get concerned. He had never seen his mother like this. She was lost in thought and not the evil scheming type, which was odd. He loved his Mom, but sometimes she was just so hard to read.

"Yes Henry, I'm fine," she lied. She hated lying to Henry, but some things she just wasn't quite ready to share with him. Regina needed time to herself to think. Emma's hair was changing…

"If you say so," Henry said. "I'm going to go to my room now if that's alright," he politely said. After years of demonizing the woman that raised him, he realized he should be more conscious to show her some respect even if she was lying to him. He could forgive her because he loved her.

"Yes that is fine," Regina said. Her heart practically melting upon realizing how much had changed between them. The little boy that had run away to Boston to escape her evil clutches was now a charming, young man. It was a bittersweet realization that Regina knew she would have to get used to and accept. Oh Henry.

As he left the room, Regina sat down at her desk. Upon hearing the door click shut, she began to cry. She didn't know why she was crying or about what, but she needed to let whatever it was out. It was a strange type of sadness that wasn't actually sadness. She couldn't quite explain what she was feeling, which was even more frustrating. A longing perhaps? Regina couldn't control her sobs as she brought her hand to her lips. The tips of her fingers ghosted over where Emma's lips had been. Her entire body was trembling.

Emma she thought. The savior who had come into her town and destroyed her perfect little world ruining what she thought was her happy ending; the same woman that believed her when no one else did; the same woman that protected her against a mob—against her own parents. Emma and her long blonde hair and shinning green eyes that were so optimistic, just like her mother's. She is other mother of her son, who so graciously agreed to let Regina be apart of his life. After all she had done did she deserve a second chance from this woman?

~SQ~

Back at her own respected home, Emma paced in her shed. Her plan hadn't been to reveal the one thing that could potentially undo her to her most powerful enemy. No, Regina is not my enemy Emma thought. But she could ruin my plan she quickly justified. Yes, Regina was dangerous now because even though she might not understand now, she would eventually figure it out. It was only a matter of time.

"Would she leave Robin Hood though?" Emma mused out loud. She had never liked the theft and had no idea what Regina saw in that idiot. "He has no purpose," Emma disdainfully continued to rant. That stupid, bearded man seemed to only asked the most ridiculous questions at just the wrong time. Then again I was with Killian…Emma thought bitterly.

She looked up to see her collection of dream catchers each one containing its respective secret. Emma wasn't an idiot. She knew that eventually Regina and mystery gang would come snooping around in her house. It was only a matter of time before they found a dream catcher or saw the sword, but with their memories taken how dangerous could that be? Emma would always be ten steps a-head, so that even if they did manage to regain their memories it would be too late. Everything was going according to plan. Soon Rumple would pull the sword from the stone. Merida just needed more time to make him a hero. Emma's patience was wearing thin, but soon enough she knew it would all pan out.

Emma thoughts suddenly redirected back to that day when she had seen Regina's heart break. It was a terrible scene that unfolded in front of her. Cora had literally ripped out and crushed the heart of the man her daughter loved. Cruel and manipulative…that's Cora Emma thought as she sighed. To see Regina at such a young age in such a vulnerable state made Emma's heart cry. The one thing she had ever loved was torn from her right in front of her very eyes.

Then again, hadn't Emma known loss as well? She had seen Neal fall through the portal after being shot. Emma had practically grown up alone and lost. It wasn't until she came to Storybrooke that her life had changed. Yes, Emma knew that love was strength, but also dangerous. The more you love, the more you have to lose Emma thought. She refused to lose Henry. He would forgive her right? He certainly forgave Regina.

Regina. The woman who pushed her buttons constantly; the woman that taught her how to control her magic; the woman that raised her son when she was lost and couldn't even take care of herself. Oh how Regina had done a fantastic job with Henry. Yes it hurt to see her son raised by someone else, but hell she was glad it was Regina. Even though Henry wasn't Regina's son biologically, he had all of her most desirable characteristics. He fought tooth and nail for the causes he believe in, he never gave up even when the odds weren't in his favor, and he learned to protect himself. "He's just like his mother," Emma whispered aloud.

Regina wasn't just Henry's mother though; she was a strong woman. She never needed a man to protect her. In that respect, Emma and Regina were so similar. Both of them grew to look after themselves. They trusted sparingly if at all, which made them strong, but also lonely. Both women knew hardship and deep sadness from isolation. The things that shaped them made them unique. They could related and understand one another, which made them closer.

Yes Regina had a troubled past, but now Emma had seen a little glimpse of why she turned out be who she was—the Evil Queen. Emma could only imagine being forced to marry a man twice your age, which involuntarily made her shutter. Entering a loveless marriage after watching your lover die at the hands of your emotionally abusive mother, then having to live with the child that exposed your secret relationship. Regina deserved better Emma thought.

The darkness in Emma's heart had made her closed off and unfeeling, but she could still see clearly. Her reason was not damaged, just darkened and focused. I shouldn't linger Emma thought as she decided to leave the shed. She a distraction Emma thought. The blonde didn't have time to contemplate. She had work to do.

But oh how tempting it would be to see Regina squirm under her. Just the thought of Regina's embarrassment and confusion pulled a smirk to Emma's lips. Well sometimes distractions are necessary after a long day's work Emma mused. Oh yes, this is going to be fun.

~SQ~

Lying awake in her bed, Regina frustratedly turned to her side. As hard as she tried to push the…activities of today out of her mind, she simply couldn't do it. Emma was obviously playing her. There was no way she felt the sa—like that Regina cursed herself inwardly for thinking in such a way. She pulled the covers over her face hiding her crimson face from the world.

Sighing she threw the covers up again. "This is exactly what she wanted Regina," she stated to herself. "Get a grip."

She sat up and pulled herself out of bed. Maybe some water will do me some good she thought. As she proceeded down the stairs in her nightgown and slippers, she swore she heard a noise. A footstep perhaps? Whatever it was she certainly had not imagined it. Fuck she panicked. It was probably nothing trying to convince herself against the better of her judgment.

As soon as her foot hit the bottom stair she made a dash for the kitchen. Switching on the lights settled her nerves ever so slightly. She grabbed a cup from the cupboard and turned towards the sink to get some water. As she turned around she was greeted by the Dark One.

The cup shattered on the floor, but that was the only sound that filled the room. It had taken everything for Regina not to scream, but when she opened her mouth to ask Emma 'What the hell are you doing?' she found that she couldn't speak. Her pulse was racing and her breathing was quick, but she couldn't say anything. Shocked at her own inability to speak, she looked up at Emma hoping for an explanation.

"Cat got your tongue?" Emma mused as she walked towards the alarmed woman standing before her. Without her heels, Regina was much shorter than Emma. It was refreshing to see the woman at a physical disadvantage for once. The blonde noted that Regina was in a crimson nightgown that barely covered anything at all. Regina's beautiful, olive skin glowed in the artificial light.

Regina just glared at her. Still unable to speak and still waiting for an explanation she was less concerned with the Dark One approaching her.

"Oh no matter," Emma said. "I guess you'll just have to listen to what I have to say then." Emma stalked closer to Regina. The brunette was moving backwards trying to get away, but it was useless. Regina's back hit the counter and she had nowhere to go. Emma smiled deviously as Regina now realized the predicament she was in. Regina's eyes darted wildly around trying to find a way past the intruder. This is too easy Emma thought.

"Hmmm what to do, what to do?" Emma faked confusion. Her voice was light, but her moves were calculated. Running her fingers under Regina's chin, she forced the Mayor to look her in the eyes.

Regina was practically trembling. She had never been the one not in control. She made other people squirm under her touch and now Emma Swan—Emma fucking Swan—was making her feel completely and utterly helpless. Even if she could talk, she wouldn't have made a sound. Regina was trying her hardest to keep her heart rate under control. Her heart was beating like a hummingbirds and she could feel it all the way up to her ears. She had no doubt her face was starting to turn a little red.

Emma flashed her beautiful, white teeth before descending towards Regina's neck. She started slowly as she nipped and sucked gently on Regina's pulse point. Emma wanted to mark her. Emma wanted Regina to know that she belonged to her and only her. She could feel the other woman's initial short breath before she relaxed into the touch. Silently, she uplifted her silencing spell and to her delight she heard the most wonderful sound.

A slight gasp escaped Regina's lips. It feels…it feels good. It feels like…like magic Regina thought as she arched her body up to Emma's touch. She had never felt such an addicting sensation. It was as if magic was prickling over every nerve in her body—and she loved it. Regina's eyes shuttered shut as she was completely overwhelmed by the confliction. Emma's teeth lightly grazed her skin alternating with the sweet kiss. Slowly and deliberately Emma made her up Regina's neck to her jaw. Regina wanted—no needed—to feel Emma. In this moment she wanted nothing more than to concentrate every fiber of her being on this incredible feeling.

In between kisses Emma whispered, "Tell me to stop and I will." She continued her advancements up to Regina's ear where she nipped the brunette's ear lobe lightly, waiting for an answer. When no response came, Emma smiled into the next kiss and began to descend. She worked her way down to the hem of Regina's lacey nightgown.

Regina desperately wanted Emma closer; damn the consequences. Ever kiss on her skin was pure ecstasy. She had never felt more alive from such a simple touch. Regina brought her hand up in attempt to pull Emma's neck to closer, but Emma quickly moved away.

"Ah-ah-ahh," Emma scolded. "No touching."

"Emma I don't know what you think you are do—" Regina started to say, but was interrupted by the other woman.

"Why didn't you move away?" Emma questioned. Regina's face began to burn with embarrassment. The Mayor clearly had no control whatsoever and she hated that feeling more than anything else. Her fists were firmly clenched at her side, so tightly that her knuckles started to turn white. Emma's faux, innocent question was really more for her amusement than anything else. She knew the effect she had on the other woman; Regina just didn't want to admit it. She couldn't admit it just yet.

"I…I-I" Regina stammered. She couldn't answer because she didn't know. Why she didn't know was far too confusing. This was the second time she failed to push the blonde off of her.. All she could think about was the burning warmth where Emma's lips had just been. The blazing trail of teeth and lips would no doubt going to leave a mark. The way she felt when Emma kissed her skin was just so damn confusing. Why did the blonde have such affect on her? And why oh why did she actually enjoy it?

"You say you love Robin Hood," Emma sneered, spiting the man's name out with utter contempt and disgust. "But you seem to enjoy my touch more. How interesting. Tell me dear, is he a good fuck?"

At that, Regina found her words. She was being made a fool of, which made her dangerously angry about fiery rage. Emma was most certainly toying with her. "Get out!" she screamed feeling far too defensive. She felt like a trapped animal with no hope escape. How dare she?! Regina raged internally. Manipulating her into...submission was one thing, but mocking her relationship with the man she loved—loves—was something Regina would never tolerate. She cursed herself for being so vulnerable. She scowled at Emma trying her hardest to regain her composure.

The blonde, unfazed and unmoving just stood there. Her arms were crossed over one another and her weight was balanced on her right leg. She appeared indifferent at the angry woman in front of her, but also slightly amused. A smug smirk tugged at her painted red lips.

"I said 'get out Miss Swan' or do you have a hearing problem?" Regina said her teeth clenched with rage. She hated feeling like this. And worse, she didn't know what she was feeling. First get her away then think Regina thought.

"Oh I heard you," Emma said sauntering over. "But is that really what you want?" Her head tilted to one side as if to emphasize her question. Both of them knew the answer, but neither wanted to be the first to act.

Regina's dark brown eyes challenged the glistening green ones in front of her, refusing to back down. Even though she was hurt, she would never back down; never show her weakness. She would never give Emma the satisfaction, not now and not ever.

This was familiar, the heated looks and constant fighting, trying to one-up the other. This was what they both secretly loved. Neither would admit it, but this was exciting and exhilarating. This was feeling that they hadn't shared for a long time. Being a team they were unbeatable, but going against an equal—both a former rival and former friend—was far more challenging. Neither wanting to be the first one to break in this extremely familiar, unspoken game. This was a battle of wills that was so uniquely them.

"Yes," Regina finally affirmed after a few moments. "Get out."

"Very well," Emma smirked. "But when you have questions, you know where to find me." And with that, Emma disappeared in a cloud of smoke leaving a confused and angry Regina behind in the kitchen surrounded by the shattered remains of the drinking glass.

Feels! Feels everywhere. Rubelle parallels to true love changing the dark one? I think yes!

Next time: Is Emma manipulating Regina? What will happen the next time Regina and Emma see each other? What happens when Regina talks to Robin Hood? All this to come and more :) Be a dear and leave a review. Have a wonderful, Swan Queen filled day! Hugs xxx