Hi guys! Been a little bit. Hope you're all doing well and recovering well from Friday's episode :0 Anyway, as we're swiftly heading into Thanksgiving season, I'll hopefully have more time to write, so expect quicker updates ;) Thanks so much, though, for your patience!

"Fucking hell." He marches into the house, blood boiling.

"Steve," Regina placates, following swiftly after him. She knows he's angry. But what worries her the most is his interaction with Robin. And she can't help but get the unnerving feeling that their encounter was anything but warm. The thing is that she knows Steve is suspicious. She knows that he knows that something is amiss. But, of course, it's a tricky situation that she's been thrown in. For surely, if Regina told him everything, that would most certainly put a spanner in their relationship. In a way, this puts their whole foundation of trust at a risk. However, then again, shouldn't Steve trust Regina enough that she'll tell him what he needs to know?

"So now you're running off with them," Steve accuses.

Regina's eyes widen. "What? No, I'm not!"

"I thought you were painting like you said you would!"

"And I was. But you knew how guilty I felt last night. You knew how I wanted to apologize. When I went to see them, it was just then that I found out Reya was missing."

Steve shakes his head. "Regina, I really don't like this. I don't like how this has suddenly become the center of your world. All you do is spend your time worrying. You're distant, far away. It's like you're not even here practically most of the time. And you won't tell me anything. What am I supposed to think?"

"Steve, it's really not what you think it is."

"Really? Then what is it?"

"Steve—"

"No, really, Regina. I'm not kidding anymore." He shoots her a menacing glare. "What is going on? Tell me!"

Regina sighs, shaking her head. "Nothing, I…"

"Who are they, Regina? Really, who are they?"

The air between them falls silent as Steve's dark eyes bore into hers. "They're people from my past," Regina finally confesses, refusing to glance at him.

"You said you didn't have much of a past."

"And I don't. It's just…I guess…buried memories," Regina shrugs helplessly, "They showed up saying all these things about my past that I never even knew and now…I don't know what to do. Just please, settle with that. The rest you won't understand."

"What would I not understand?"

"I don't even understand so how on earth would I get you to understand it when I don't even understand it myself?" Regina groans, raising her hands to fist her hair frustratedly.

"Regina, do you realize how ridiculous you're sounding? You're the one not making any sense!"

"Maybe that's just it, Steve! Maybe I am going crazy, I don't know. But you have to trust me. I love you. That's never going to change."

"Then why do I feel like I'm losing you?" Steve states, narrowing his dark eyes at Regina.

The brunette shakes her head fervently, her own chocolate eyes wide. "You're not losing me," she replies vehemently, "I promise…"

Steve sighs, shaking his head as he steps towards her. Reaching out, he takes her face in his hands, holding firmly. "Look at you," he says, "You're shaking." He trails his hands down to grab a solid hold on her shoulders.

"This is not you. The woman I know is strong and confident…not this confused mess. You have to know I hate seeing you like this." He shakes his head, slowly this time; eyes gazing intently into hers. "I don't want you to see them again. Not her. Not him. They're not good for you. You know your place. Deep down you do. And it's right here." He gestures out towards the open living room space filled with her beloved paintings. Regina follows his gaze, taking in the sight of her sanctuary. "This is who you are, where you belong. With your paintings. With me."

Regina shakes her head, turning to gaze back up at Steve's dark eyes. Her heart beats firmly within her chest. Again, she feels that all too familiar feeling of fear pool within her stomach. She looks at the man before her, the man she's so convinced she loves…but she can't help but look right through his eyes, and focus on something else.

"I love you, Regina," Steve says, reaching down to grasp both her hands firmly. "I want us to be together. I need you." He lifts his shoulders in a slow shrug. "And I was going to ask you to move in with me. I'm hoping you'll say yes."

Regina blinks, her heart stopping altogether for a moment. In that second, she's sure she heard the man wrong. She can't believe her ears. Her jaw drops.

"Uh—I um—" Regina stutters, her mind racing. "—Are you sure?"

"Yes," Steve breathes, a smile coming to his lips. "I want you with me all the time."

"But…"

The man sighs. "Look, I know you're afraid. And I know this is a big step. But I'm willing to work through it if you are. There's nothing to be afraid of. Let me take care of you." He shakes his head. "Forget about them. They weren't here when we met and fell in love. Remember? Those were the best days I've ever had."

Regina snorts softly, shaking her head as she takes her gaze from him for a moment. "They were the best days for me too," she confesses, "…Eating burgers by the beach."

"The ketchup and grease getting all over your face."

She laughs softly. "That was a good burger."

"It was."

"So what do you say?" Steve asks, squeezing her hands in reassurance.

A small smile appears to stretch across the brunette's lips in reply. Her heart thumps in her chest as her mind wanders again to the thought of Reya and Robin. Robin. She shakes her head, forcing the fear to withdraw back into the shadows.

"Okay."

And so they continued on living a fairly happy life stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, and engaging in various political affairs to set order back amongst the villages of the forest. Regina and Robin's rise to power grew steadily; formidable queen and king by day, and stealthy thieves by night. And by the sixth month of their union, they had become just as powerful as Regina was right at the time of the first Dark Curse. Together, their rule was firm yet gentle at times, showing both mercy and justice when appropriate. The villagers have grown to love the royal couple; a welcome change for both Regina and Robin although it was undoubtedly strange at first.

For the most part, Regina and Robin were quite happy, content living their own little piece of a happy beginning. However, the burden of lifting the potion that had induced Regina's barrenness weighed heavy upon both of their shoulders. As time progressed, the pressure grew. Surprisingly, since it was Robin who initially introduced the idea, it had the worse effect on Regina as she had swiftly grown attached to the idea of moving on from their past and starting a family of their own. As days passed, she grew more and more anxious, the two having hit every dead end there was to hit on their journey of trying to find a cure. Every time they hit a new obstacle, Regina grew more and more disheartened. It broke Robin's heart to see her like this. And though he had magic, he still felt the frustration of feeling close to powerless in this endeavor.

"Don't give up hope just yet, Regina," Robin soothes this one particular difficult night. He holds her tightly in his arms, rocking her back and forth. It was the night Regina had tried one of the last spells in her book. It had taken her months and months to find the ingredients. But it was all wasted, having done nothing but give her a splitting headache.

"Robin, I don't know if I can do this anymore. I think we should just let it be," Regina sighs into his shoulder; her tears having made a small wet puddle on his tunic.

Robin frowns. "You're really giving up, are you, Regina?" he says, pulling back to look into his love's wide, red-rimmed eyes.

"I don't know what else we can do," Regina replies, shaking her head, "It's hopeless. The potion I used is too strong. We tried everything we could think of: spells, potions, incantations. We even tried to find Lake Nostos but it's all dried up. There's nothing left."

"I refuse to believe that." Robin shakes his head. "I refuse to believe that there's absolutely no way. You even told me yourself. All potions or spells or curses can be broken, no matter how powerful they are."

"But what if I'm wrong? What if this is the one exception?"

"It can't be."

"It can." Regina sighs deeply, looking up into her husband's deep blue eyes. "I want this Robin, more than I will ever say. Trust me. But if we can't have a child, we're going to have to find another way to move on with our lives. We can't be stuck on this forever."

"I refuse to think it should just end like this, Regina," Robin says, "We've come too far."

Regina shakes her head, reaching up to cup his face tenderly. "I love you, Robin," she murmurs, "I want us to be a family, the warm and loving family that neither you and I ever had. I guess I'm just saying, though, to prepare yourself. That simply may not be in the cards for us."

Robin sighs. Closing his eyes, he shakes his head and leans forward to press a soft kiss to his beloved wife's forehead. "Not if I can help it," he mutters.

Regina scours the aisles at the local art supply store in Oak Bluffs. It's a rainy day, four days since the time she parted from Robin and Reya at Menemsha Beach. And after her discussion with Steve, Regina thought it best to simply try and get back into the swing of things concerning her artwork. Another flea market two days ago has left her with limited inventory. And then there's the contest to think about. Having worked hard on her prized masterpiece late into each night, Regina is just about finished with only a small section of the piece left to do. It is coming out well, if she says so herself. And she's more than excited to show it off at the competition regardless of whether or not she wins that blue ribbon.

So here the brunette artist is, buying a few more tubes of paint and some new brushes with high hopes of finishing her painting tonight. With a smile at the cashier, Regina is then gathering her bag of goodies and heading from the store. Walking swiftly down the busy street, she clutches her bag to her chest, smiling at the prospect of sitting down all comfy and cosy, back in front of her easel, in the comfort of her home with a cup of warm tea by her side and MVY Radio in the background.

It's just when Regina is making her way from the throng of bustling shoppers that the rain really begins to pick up. She curses the sky, struggling to pull up the hood on her jacket with one hand while balancing her now soaked paper bag in the other. Regina is so fixed on trying to shield the bag and its precious contents inside that she doesn't realize exactly where she's headed. That is, until she's crashing straight into a firm body, causing her to drop her belongings in surprise.

"We must stop meeting like this." That familiar voice, for some reason, doesn't quite catch her by surprise. Figures.

Regina groans, bending down to retrieve her fallen bag. "You're not stalking me, are you, Robin?" she asks, looking up into a pair of sparkling blue eyes. Even in this weather, they appear just as bright as ever.

"No, far from it. I was just checking out a new tackle shop in town. Plus, why would I stalk you if fate decides to have our paths collide once more?" Robin retorts with a smirk. He picks up a tube of paint and hands it back to her.

Regina raises a brow. "Well, it seems like Reya's attitudes are finally rubbing off on you," she says, chuckling humorlessly. She takes the tube from him and drops it back into her bag. "Thank you," Regina adds in a murmur.

"Well, she can be quite the convincer." Robin smirks at the thought of her, continuing beside Regina as they make their way to her car.

"How is she, by the way? Causing any more trouble?"

Robin shakes his head. "If you mean trouble by running off again, then no. But you know her. She's still so adamant on—"

"I know," Regina says quickly, "But it's not going to happen. I know you want to console her and help her as much as you can. Honestly, so do I. But we can't keep playing into these ideas. It's giving her a sense of false hope."

"You really think it's false?"

"Are you really asking me this, Robin? Of course it is."

"But why?"

"You know why."

Robin sighs. "So we're just going to pretend that our kiss never happened?"

"It was a mistake, Robin. It never should've happened."

"You don't mean that."

"Yes I do."

Robin shakes his head firmly. In one swift movement, he swerves in front of her, blocking her path. "Regina," he states seriously as the brunette looks up at him, huffing indignantly, "No you don't."

"Robin," Regina whispers, tilting her head; eyes glistening. "Please don't put me in this position."

"So you do care about it, our kiss. Otherwise you wouldn't feel this way," Robin continues to press, regardless.

"It's complicated."

"I know it is, Regina, but running and hiding from what you really feel is only going to make it worse."

Regina shakes her head. "I do love him."

"I know you do," Robin replies. However, deep down, judging from what he saw that other day when she left with Steve, he can't help but think otherwise.

"Look, if this is partly about what Steve said to you, I'm sorry for whatever he said."

"He was quite curt."

"He was just being careful. But he's a good guy."

"I'm sure he is, Regina. I'm not saying he isn't." Robin sighs. "I guess, then, I just want to make sure you're happy."

"I am happy," Regina insists, shaking her head. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Robin exhales slowly, nodding quietly. "Okay." He swallows thickly. "Then do you think we could at least be friends?"

"Friends?" Regina repeats before snorting softly, "Don't we kind of have to be for Reya's sake?"

The man smirks slightly, tilting his head from side to side. "Well, yes, I suppose we do. But do you want to be friends?"

Regina sighs, staring back at him with large brown eyes. In her mind, she hears Steve's voice echo, commanding her not to see him again. Yet, as Robin stands in front of her, eyes wanting and hopeful, she find she can't deny. "Yes, I do," she sighs before shaking her head once more. "But just friends."

"Just friends," Robin clarifies with a firm nod, a small smile spreading across his lips.

So they continue to walk through the rain, not really caring anymore, for both are already soaked. As they talk much about nothing, the man can't help but be mesmerized by Regina once more. Even in her sopping wet state, he finds her even more endearing; the drops of rain bouncing off the smooth skin of her nose and cheeks, her hair sticking to the sides of her face and forehead. Robin knows he's putting both himself and her in a precarious position, especially after that little confrontation he'd had with Steve. Yet, he can't quite bring himself to care. After all, they've established they are just friends.

"Guess this is me," Regina announces and Robin looks up to find the two of them standing behind a simple black sedan.

The man surveys the vehicle with a nod before stepping around to graciously open the driver's door as she unlocks the car. "Drive safe," he bids as he watches the brunette slide in.

Regina glances up at him as he lingers by the still open car door. "You have a way of getting home?" she asks with a tilt of her head.

Robin nods. "I took the bus in," he replies.

"Let me give you a lift," Regina says with a slight frown, "Save you the hustle."

"Are you sure?" Robin asks cautiously.

Regina can't help but smile a little. In truth, something inside her doesn't want him to go just yet. "Yeah," she replies, "I'm sure. Get in."

The downpour of rain hits the Enchanted Forest as if it were a curse. Dark clouds thundered whilst trees remained bombarded by thick raindrops falling from above. Robin rode stealthily through the trees, silent like a shadow—like the thief he is in the night. Reaching just a ways off the border of their castle, he halts his steed and looks back just once, taking in the sight of his new home encompassed by the storm's thick clouds. Again, he thinks of his beloved wife sleeping peacefully in their bed; safe and sound. Oh how Robin hates to leave her alone like this. But this must be done. Their fate, their future, rests on the decision he has come to make tonight.

So through the trees, he steers his horse away, rushing swiftly through the night with his hood pulled up over his head so that no one may recognize. He passes the village like a phantom and turns to head towards the now dried up Lake Nostos. Hooves thud across the wet mud, kicking the sodden dirt all over the side of Robin's boots. Through the rain, he presses on until he arrives at what used to be the water's edge. What now remains is nothing but a dried up gaping hole in the ground, appearing dreary and desolate.

Robin slows his horse to a trot and then to a stop before hopping off. Dark blue eyes scan the lake's surroundings as his heart thuds wildly against his chest. Energy sparks like electricity in his veins, awakening the magic inside of him. And that's how he knows the man is close.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to stay away for long," the voice behind him giggles. Robin jumps, whirling around to come face to face with the man he has come to loathe—the man so intent on ruining his beloved's happy ending yet again. "I hope your ride wasn't too unpleasant."

"I'm not here to exchange pleasantries," Robin snaps, "…Rumplestiltskin."

"Ah, I suppose not," the Dark One sighs before taking a step closer to the thief. His beady little eyes scrutinize Robin up and down. "Just look at you, dearie. I can practically feel the magic working right through your skin. How does it feel to finally feel powerful?"

Robin shakes his head, his eyes staring daggers at the imp. "That is not relevant."

"Oh but it is," Rumple insists with a gasp, his eyes wide, "It most certainly is. Why else would you come here, thinking you could defeat me all by yourself." He tilts his head. "Does Regina know about this, by any chance?"

Robin grits his teeth. Steeling himself, he draws himself up, lifting his chin and boldly stepping forward. "I'll ask you one last time, Dark One," he states, "Relinquish your threat to my wife and her happy ending. Leave her alone. She has suffered enough. She's innocent."

"Nothing is innocent, dearie." Rumplestiltskin steps even closer, eyes scanning Robin's. "In this case, I simply refuse. So, now, you've come here to try and defeat me. Am I correct?"

"Oh, I'm not here to defeat you per se," Robin says, his eyes shining darkly, "I knew you would say no, so I'm here to strike a deal. And I know that you, Dark One, always are keen for a good bargain."

At this, the imp's eyes widen and he giggles in delight, clapping his hands and bouncing in his spot like some twisted version of a child. "Now, we're talking!" he exclaims. "What is your proposal, dearie?"

Robin nods, opening his mouth to speak. However, the Dark One is interrupting him.

"No wait!" Rumplestiltskin says quickly before a devious smirk spreads across his lips. "Let me guess." Robin sighs, closing his mouth and staring daggers at the man in front of him. "This isn't just about this so-called threat that I apparently have made. No, it isn't—is it, dearie?" The Dark One shakes his head. "I can see a sorrow, a yearning deep down within you. It extends further than the desire to want to defeat me. You're looking for your happy ending, the way you always pictured it to be." Robin swallows hard.

"Yes, you are content to be with your so-called destined soulmate, but that's not enough for you—is it?" Rumplestiltskin continues, "You want more." The little man giggles again. "A child," he hisses, "That's what you're after. Why else? But of course this isn't surprising. You want what you never had…a loving family. That's why you were the first to ask Regina, am I correct?"

Robin frowns. "How do you know that?"

"Oh, dearie, I know everything. Clever of you to think of a solution that both solves your internal desires and that you think will diminish my threat." Rumple shakes his head. "But, I will warn you. Having a child may give you everything you wanted with Regina. But it will not stop what's to come. My threat will still remain."

"I doubt that," Robin growls.

"You and she will destroy one another," the Dark One continues nonetheless, "There's darkness within you, both of you. And no matter how hard you try to keep it under your skin, no matter how far you've come with your little redemption, it will always win in the end. I shall take great delight in watching this work to my advantage."

"I will never hurt Regina," Robin hisses through gritted teeth.

"Not intentionally, no," the Dark One replies, "But I'm sure you're most certainly aware that your beloved wife would have quite the opinion about you wandering off into the middle of the night to rendezvous with the enemy?"

Robin grits his teeth, shaking his head firmly. "I'm doing what's necessary," he replies, "She will understand."

"What's necessary for who, dearie? For her, or for you?"

"For the both of us!"

"Mmm, if you say so."

Robin sighs, straightening himself once more. He takes another step forward into the imp's personal space. "Now since you're so clever you can figure out the bargain I wish to propose, will you agree?"

Rumplestiltskin thinks for a moment, lifting his fingers to his chin and rubbing it slowly for dramatic effect. "Hmm," he ponders playfully, "Well, you want me to give you a solution to your little baby problem. That much is clear. But, I'm a little fuzzy on the second part of your request. What will you give me in return?"

At this, Robin only smirks. With a swift motion, he's lifting his right hand. And there, clasped tightly in his grasp, is the Dark One's dagger. "Your freedom," he replies, "Your life. And should you refuse, I'll command you to find the cure for Regina's barrenness."

Rumple's eyes widen, clearly taken aback by the thief's slick move. "You are a clever boy, aren't you, dearie?" he hisses, shaking his head. "Since you're oh so clever, you must know that all magic comes with a price. And yours will most certainly be a steep one."

Robin shakes his head. "Then I'll pay the magic's price," he states boldly, "But all I want is for Regina to be happy. She wants this just as much as I do, for the exact same reason."

The Dark One shakes his head in defeat. Yet, he keeps that smirk plastered across his lips. "So be it," he says.

Rain pitter-patters against the windshield as they navigate their way through the vineyard's winding roads. The beams of their car's headlights do nothing but reflect off the dense fog that has seemed to shroud the daytime with darkness, making it difficult to see further than one to two kilometers. As they head further up island, the rain grows heavier, pelting the car from above and making it almost impossible for the windshield wipers to keep up. It's so loud that it practically drowns out the music played on the stereo.

"Jesus, I wonder what brought this on," Regina marvels, stepping on the gas; intent on plowing her way through the storm. "I feel like we're in a hurricane."

Robin shakes his head, continuing to stare out the window; the image of the world outside distorted by the water built up on the glass. The weather sure is peculiar indeed, however, nothing is normal nowadays. Turning his head, he glances back towards Regina. He gazes fondly at her concentrated expression as she keeps her eyes focused on the road.

"I'm so glad I didn't take the bike," she continues with a huff. "To be caught in this, that would be a nightmare."

Robin chuckles lightly. "I can imagine," he replies. He shakes his head again, shifting his body in his seat towards the brunette. "So you were telling me about your painting," he prompts.

Regina shrugs. "Well, there's not much to tell," she says, "I was just saying how it took me so incredibly long to figure out what palette to use for the colors of the cliffs. I was stuck between whether I should go with something more traditional and stick to the natural, earthy colors I captured in the photo or go off on a whim and use something more vibrant, maybe throw in a color you wouldn't expect like pink or purple. Eventually, I went with the latter."

Robin lifts a brow, intrigued at her decision. "How come you choose that?" he questions.

"The judges like to see stuff that's different, you know? They like to see stuff that is creative and unique. So I guess the idea of turning something normal and elevating it to something—well—less normal seemed like the right fit. It was a bold move, but I think I made it work."

Robin smiles softly at her, nodding his head in agreement. "I'm sure you did," he assures. Regina chuckles softly, turning to glance at him and offer a shy smile of which he has come to grow fond. "It's coming up soon, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. The end of next week, in fact," Regina answers.

"That's right," Robin breathes, "The busiest week of the summer. What day?"

"My painting will be displayed through all the four days the fair is being held, Thursday through Sunday. But the judging, I believe, takes place on Saturday."

"Will you be there for all those days?"

Regina looks over at Robin, raising a brow. Smirking, she purses her lips slightly at him. "Maybe," she drawls. "Will you be there?"

Robin chuckles, shaking his head at her. "Maybe," he replies with a grin. He gazes for but a moment into her eyes as she catches his, drinking in the dark chocolate of her orbs. It's then suddenly, upon glancing back towards the road, that Robin gasps. "Regina, watch out!" he abruptly shouts.

"Oh shit!" the brunette curses. A blur of movement and the car is swerving around a deer that shoots out in front. A heart wrenching thump and the car's wheels roll onto the muddy grass of the open field beside road. Gritting her teeth, Regina brings the car to a stop, thankful that she was able to quickly regain control. Letting out a held breath, she takes her shaking hands from her deathlike grip on the wheel.

"Are you all right?" Regina asks, looking towards a visibly shaken Robin.

Robin swallows hard, chest heaving. "Yeah," he pants, "I'm all right." He readjusts himself, letting go of the handle on the car door that he'd held for support. "Are you?"

Regina nods. "Fine," she answers.

"Geez, Regina. We would've been killed."

"Oh, seriously, now you're going to blame me?" Regina snaps.

Robin shakes his head fervently. "No, sorry," he relents swiftly.

Regina rolls her eyes. Turning to focus on getting back up onto the road, she presses hard against the gas pedal. The car's engine starts to roar as it revs, but it doesn't budge an inch. "No, no, no," Regina whines, "Come on!" She repeatedly stamps on the pedal, even willing it telepathically to go, but to no avail. "Damn you!"

Robin frowns, turning his head towards the now frustrated brunette.

"Fucking car, there's too much mud," Regina growls, "This thing's not four-wheel drive either." With a groan, she gives up, shutting the car off and throwing her head back against the headrest. She closes her eyes. Silence befalls the two as only the rain can be heard beating down upon the hood of the car.

"I'm thinking we should call someone to tow us out," Robin suggests, breaking the silence after a time.

"The nearest tow place is in Edgartown. That's forty minutes from here—if not, more," Regina moans, opening her eyes to gaze at him. "And in this rain..."

Robin sighs. "Well, it seems like this is our only option. I'll call."

With that, he's opening his cellphone, searching for the place. Regina remains silent, watching him quietly as he punches in the number. She listens to Robin as he explains the situation, only to be told that they must wait at least an hour for the truck to arrive. For there has been two other breakdowns before them and the trucks are working "as fast as they can". Robin turns to glance at Regina, giving her a sympathetic look. The brunette simply groans. Great, just great.

Thoughts? Hope you all enjoyed it! Looking forward to hear what you think ;) thanks for coming by, and stay tuned for more!