Hello all! Fortunately since finals and my fall semester of college has finished and I'm now on winter break, that means more writing time! So here, a little over a week after the last update, I give you my next chapter! This one is a bit shorter than the last ones have been. It's sort of a filler chapter, just meant to set the stage for everything that's to come in the final few chapters. Lots of foreshadowing so pay attention and enjoy! As always, feel free to drop me a comment, I love reading them ;)

Gentle waves lap softly against the sturdy rocks of the jetty. Before them lies the vineyard's dazzling signature sunset, a swirling watercolor of reds, oranges, yellows, and a hints of pink. Regina sits beside Steve, deep into her burger and fries as she stares out at the expanse of the ocean before her and the colors of the sunset reflected upon the waves. She can't take her eyes off the sparkling view; Steve's voice nothing but a white noise, a background to her own swirling thoughts.

"Regina." Steve calls her from her trance.

Regina turns her head to him, blinking up at his dark eyes. She frowns.

"Aren't you even listening?" the man asks, tilting his head with slight annoyance.

The brunette shakes her head, humming in reply as she swallows her bite of burger. She clears her throat. "Mm, yes—sorry—yes. I was…" She tilts her head. "What were you saying?"

Steve heaves a large sigh, rolling his eyes. "I was wondering if you've gotten some of your stuff together yet, you know, for the move-in. I was saying that I've got my truck fixed and ready to go. Can drop by tomorrow to grab any boxes you have ready for me, if you want."

"Oh," Regina says, blinking once more as she lowers her gaze towards her burger in hand. "I mean…so soon?"

"You're not backing out on me, are you?" Steve narrows his eyes.

"No!" Regina shakes her head. "No, no! Not at all. It's not that, it's just—it's happening so fast. I don't have anything together yet."

"Oh," the man answers minimally, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

The brunette sighs deeply, raising her head to look into his eyes. "Look, I've just been busy, you know, getting ready for the contest." She smiles slightly. "I finished my painting finally."

"Mm, that's nice," Steve replies somewhat dispassionately as he takes another bite into his burger.

At this, Regina frowns. "That's it? I mean, you don't even want to see how it turned out?"

"Why would I want to see how it turned out, baby?" Steve questions, "I already know that it'll be beautiful and all that, just like your other paintings."

Regina shakes her head. "Steve, that's not the point. I want you to see it. It's my pride and joy, the best one I've done so far. It's just, the colors I've used in this one…" She gazes intently at the man beside her.

But all she can see him do is seem to take great interest in his own burger than her words. "Sure it is, babe."

Regina frowns once more. "Seriously?" she huffs, placing her burger aside. She turns her body towards him, brows pulled tightly together. "What is up with you? Why do you act like this?"

"Act like what?"

"Whenever you talk about something you like, like your all-powerful biker group, I'm here to listen. Why can't you do the same when I talk about my painting, something I like?"

"I am listening."

"No, you're not. You're acting like you don't even care." Regina sighs. Even Robin has more care for her passion than him. And if he doesn't, he at least certainly hides it better than Steve.

"What are you talking about? Of course I care. I care more than anyone."

"Then why aren't you showing it? You could at least pretend to look interested." Regina scowls at her boyfriend.

Steve shakes his head. "Look, if you want me to look at your painting, then fine. But I don't think it needs my approval."

"This isn't about your approval, Steve," Regina says, "It's about you just appreciating something I've created."

"And I do. I do appreciate every painting you make." Steve sighs, edging closer to the wary brunette. He places his burger down and wraps his arms around her, pulling her firmly to his chest.

Regina sighs deeply, remaining tense in his chilled embrace as she stares out over the water once more. Silence befalls the two as they dwell on Steve's last words: the manner in which they were said undoubtedly far from sincere.

"Why do you want me to move in with you, Steve?" Regina questions after a time. "Really, why?"

Steve shrugs. "I want you with me all of the time," he answers.

"You said that already."

"Well, what's more to say? I want you with me so I can keep an eye on you."

Regina frowns, lifting herself from his embrace to gaze into his eyes. "Keep an eye on me?" she echoes.

"Well, you know, care for you. Protect you."

The brunette shakes her head. "Why would I need protection?"

"Do you want me to remind you about how distraught you were? How I had to literally call you back to earth and give you a reality check?"

"Are you saying that I was crazy?" Regina retorts cooly.

Steve glares at her. "You said so yourself. 'Maybe I am going crazy.'" He quotes her.

"Well, maybe even if I said that, you should have at least given me some kind of reassurance. You didn't even give me any comfort."

"Yes, I did!" The man gives her a wounded look.

Regina shakes her head. "Forbidding me to see Robin and Reya was not comfort."

"I was trying to help you."

"You were trying to control me, Steve," Regina snaps, "There's a difference."

"Regina, Regina, stop being so sensitive. I was only doing what's best for you."

"What's best for me?!" Regina's eyes widen. "Don't you think I'm the one who should decide that for myself?"

"Well, you didn't seem capable of it at the time. You're the one who said you were crazy, remember?!"

"That doesn't mean—!" Regina shakes her head, standing abruptly from her spot. "Forget about it," she mutters. A mixture of rage and hurt swirls in her gut as she grabs her motorcycle helmet and swiftly moves to brush past Steve. However, she doesn't get far before a firm hand latches around her wrist, pulling her back to him.

"Regina, please," Steve says, his dark eyes pleading. "Don't leave."

"Steve, let go."

"No, please. Just hear me out."

"I've heard enough." She tugs her wrist, but his grip remains firm and steadfast.

Steve sighs, loosening his grasp to reach up and take her face fervently with both hands. "Look, I love you, Regina." His eyes fiercely search hers. "I can't lose you. Not now."

"Maybe you should lose me if you think I'm crazy," Regina states bitterly. The irony is too great as she was initially the one who thought Reya was the crazy one. Now, the tables have turned.

"No, Regina. I think you were—are—lost," Steve replies. He shakes his head. "You need me. And I need you. As I've said before, let me care for you. Let me help you. I don't want to watch our relationship die off. I want it to grow. But the only way it can do that is if you trust me."

Regina sucks in a deep breath. "Steve, I do trust you. I'm trying. I really am. But what you've said hurt me."

"I'm sorry, Regina," Steve breathes, brows furrowing desperately, "I really, really am. Look, I'll try to be better. I'll try harder, even harder if that's what it takes." He shakes his head once more. "I'm not letting you go."

Regina closes her eyes, steeling herself, willing herself to stay strong. She gasps softly as she feels his lips against hers in a gentle kiss. And in her desperate state, she returns the kiss with even more vigor, ignoring the gnawing feeling in her gut, and instead, pouring out her heart and soul as best she can.

Robin paces the small space of his living room, deep in thought. He thinks back to the incredible morning he had. Was it all just a dream? Or did he really feel as if there was something there between him and Regina that wasn't there before? Could it be a step towards something even better? Or is all of this simply wishful thinking? How his heart aches for Regina, so much more than it had ever done before. It pains him to think of her in a relationship with that other man, a man from which he can't quite help but get somewhat of an unpleasant vibe. Something just isn't right, and he can't help but feel as if this biker—Steve—isn't all that he seems to be. But who is he to judge by one simple, however rather uncomfortable, meeting? And as much as he wants to otherwise, Robin knows he must honor Regina's decision despite the constant gnawing feeling in his gut. He cannot interfere.

"You're gonna wear out your floor if you keep pacing like that." A voice suddenly startles the contemplative fisherman from behind. Robin turns abruptly to see Reya standing in the doorway, a wide smirk plastered across her face.

"What?" he asks, perplexed. He shakes his head. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I saw you," Reya drawls, "I saw you and my mom—Regina—dancing together in the kitchen this morning. Are you just going to pretend that didn't happen?"

Robin sighs deeply, pacing one last time towards the couch, where he collapses wearily. "Trust me, Reya," he mutters, "I'd love to be able to pretend…" He drags a hand through his hair. "But I can't."

Reya frowns slightly, heading over to take a seat next to her cursed father. "Why can't you?" she inquires.

"I think you know why."

"I think I do have an idea," the young brunette replies with a smile. She chuckles softly. "You two did look very, very happy in there." She shakes her head, marveling at it all. "It's crazy how this happened so fast. All of a sudden, it's like a switch flipped. You guys go from constantly being at each other's throats to now dancing and laughing…and flirting."

"We didn't flirt," Robin defends.

Reya lifts a brow. "With your eyes, you did," she says, "Come on. It was so obvious! All through breakfast, you couldn't keep your eyes off each other. It was almost corny."

Robin rolls his eyes. "You are way too observant sometimes."

"But it's true! I can't believe it! It's finally happening."

"What is happening?" Robin questions with a frown as he glances towards the bouncing brunette. He looks into her sparkling brown eyes.

"You don't feel it? You're in love!"

At this, Robin's eyes widen as he feels his cheeks begin to heat. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait. That's not—that can't—"

"Yes it can!" Reya exclaims, "You're in love with her. I can see it now more than ever. That's why you played that song, right? You know the one about saying that you've got a key to her heart and all that?"

Robin sighs, shaking his head; a slight smirk playing on his lips. "You are quite clever, aren't you?"

Reya grins, giving the fisherman a smug look. "You know I'm right," she states, crossing her arms.

The man chuckles nervously before sighing once more. "You do realize that these feelings are just that—feelings," he says, his expression falling slightly, "You know that these feelings are irrelevant."

"But why?" Reya whines.

"Because she's with him. She has made her decision. I have to respect that. Remember that conversation we had way back on the boat? I feel like I'm right back where I started. It's not so easy. I can't just barge in between the two of them. It's dishonorable."

"But you're not right back where you started," Reya insists, "She feels it too now. I know she does. And maybe if you tell her, you two can finally be together."

Robin shakes his head, staring anxiously at the young brunette. "So you're telling me to just admit my feelings to Regina and everything will be all fine and dandy? Reya, this isn't a fairytale. It's not how it works."

"But you never know unless you try," Reya insists, "Trust me, daddy." She searches his deep blue eyes. "I can tell you've been restless all day. And this is why. You need to tell her." She reaches over and grasps Robin's hand firmly. "I know you want to. I know your heart wants to."

"Okay, Reya, steady. Steady…"

The arrow whizzes through the air and hits just short of the center mark on the target. A six year old Reya squeals in delight at the accomplishment.

"I did it daddy!" she exclaims, jumping up and down in his arms.

Robin laughs lightly, pressing a kiss to his baby girl's cheek before withdrawing his hands from hers. "That you did, baby," he whispers, beaming with pride. "Wonderful job!"

Reya giggles happily. "Again, daddy! Again!"

"Oh all right," her daddy chuckles, handing her another arrow. "Do you think you can do it without daddy's help this time?"

The young girl nods, plastering a determined look upon her features as she boldly takes the arrow from him. Robin grins as he watches his daughter position the arrow just as he'd taught her; her little tongue peeking out from her lips, brows furrowed in full concentration. Reya lets loose the arrow and it just misses the target, ending stuck up in the grass beside.

"Aww!" the young brunette whines, pushing her lower lip out.

Robin chuckles softly, wrapping his arms around her. "You'll get it again," he comforts, "I promise."

"But I did everything you told me to. I set it up right!"

"That you did, love, but it takes lots of practice, remember? Don't worry. It will come in time. It's like what I told your mother when she was first learning. Just be patient."

Reya turns to her daddy, brow furrowing. "You taught mommy?"

Robin nods proudly. "That I did. She was a natural." He smiles at the memory.

"Am I a natural?" Reya asks, her eyes wide with hope.

"Oh yes," Robin gushes, "You're so much like your mother. In everything."

The young brunette shoots him a smirk that she most certainly inherited from Regina, thus proving the thief's statement. "Like what?"

"Well, your smile, for instance. Your beautiful hair and eyes…your cheekiness."

"I'm cheeky, huh?" A voice sounds from behind them. The pair turn to gaze at the brunette queen striding towards them, floating elegantly across the grounds of the courtyard.

Robin grins at her. "Indeed, milady," he says with a laugh, rising to his feet. He heads over to greet his queen, pressing a swift kiss to his lips, and in doing so, catching a slight whiff of that apple fragrance about her that he so loves. "How was your ride?" he asks before glancing down at the mud splattered over her boots and the tails of her riding coat. "Bit muddy, I see."

Regina laughs softly, following his glance. "Still a bit damp from last night's rainfall," she dismisses, "It's of no matter. But thank you. It was wonderful." She smiles happily. Robin grins even wider, loving her even more like this: breathless and windswept.

"Mommy, I want to go riding too!"

"And you will, sweetheart," Regina says with a smile, bending down to her daughter's level. "We will go again, I promise. This weekend."

"Okay, mommy," Reya relents, wrapping her arms around her mother's neck. She stays latched tightly to her mommy as she stands up.

"Oh!" Regina huffs playfully, "You are getting way too heavy, dear."

Reya giggles into her mommy's neck. Regina catches Robin's glance, smirking slightly at the thief's endearing grin as he watches quietly.

"How about some lunch?" she suggests, smiling widely as she watches Reya cheer happily in agreement. Regina turns her head towards her husband once more. "Robin?"

Robin nods. "I'll be there in a moment, love," he announces. He watches as the pair disappear back into the castle before looking back towards the mess of arrows scattered in disarray upon the grass. With a sigh, he stoops down to begin collecting them when suddenly there's a gust of wind and a presence of magic in the air.

"It seems like you've gotten your happy ending after all, haven't you, dearie?" that dreaded familiar voice sings aloud.

Robin groans, turning to face the Dark One with an arrow in hand. "What are you doing here, Rumplestiltskin?" he asks wearily before stooping down to pick up another arrow.

"Oh, I'm just here to make sure you're happy with your end of the deal," Rumple states, "You know, finally having that child you always wanted. You look different now that you've got that fatherly aura about you."

Robin shakes his head, brows furrowed. "I am happy," he says simply, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Shouldn't you be worried about the price you still need to pay for your happy ending, dearie? I certainly would."

"So that's what you're here for," Robin mutters, approaching the man. His grip on the arrows tightens. "What do you want?"

The Dark One laughs aloud. "No, it's not what I want, dearie. It's what the lake wants—you know—the price for uncovering and reaping its secret waters. Remember?"

Robin sighs. "Of course I do." He shakes his head. "In order to uncover the hidden waters of Lake Nostos, the lake that returns something lost, something gained must be lost in return," he recites. His stomach curls at the thought.

"That's right!" Rumplestiltskin praises, clapping his hands together, "You remembered! And I look forward to that moment when the curse of the lake comes to collect its debt."

At this, Robin's eyes widen and his blood runs cold. "Curse—wait—what do you mean, curse?" he breathes.

"Just what I said," the Dark One says, "A curse! And it just so happens—since you've asked—that I'm here to deliver its prophecy." The dark man raises a gnarly golden finger towards the thief. "Mark my words," he hisses, "On your little girl's eighth birthday, the price of Lake Nostos will be upon you, and a curse will come and collect what has not yet been paid."

Upon saying this, Rumplestiltskin cackles, a plume of red smoke bursts from his feet. Robin stares in horror as the man vanishes before him, leaving him in nothing but silence, save for the rapid beating of his own heart.

A light buzzing from her phone wakes Regina from her restless nap. With a groan, she peeks her eye open to see her cellphone screen lit up with the indication of a new message. Reaching forward, she untangles her arm from Steve's embrace and grabs the device. It's a text from Robin.

Meet me at the lighthouse at Aquinnah in a half hour.

The brunette frowns at the message, glancing at the bedside clock. It's almost ten at night. Shaking her head, she types out a perplexed response with her free hand.

Why?

Regina glances swiftly behind herself at a still sound asleep Steve and sighs.

Just come…please?

Regina sighs once more, shaking her head. What's going on?

Fine. I'll be there.

And with that, she is slowly slipping the rest of the way from Steve's embrace. Quietly tiptoeing around the bedroom, she grabs her jacket, socks, and boots before padding out into the living room. Her heart flutters within her chest, fingers fumbling clumsily as she rushes to get ready. She can't ignore the unsettling feeling within her stomach that comes with doing something "illegal". Nevertheless, Regina is walking out of the door and heading swiftly towards her car, knowing that her motorcycle, with its rumbling engine, will be far too telling.

She arrives at Aquinnah just shy of thirty minutes and pulls up to the old lighthouse that sits perched amidst the marshy grass, looking over the very same clay cliffs that Regina had used as inspiration for her painting. Climbing the spiral staircase to the top, Regina finds a pacing Robin to the right of the giant light that revolves around and around at the center of the small enclosed space; his form and shadow flashing with each time the light rotates towards him.

He spots her instantly, all pacing brought to a halt as he approaches her swiftly. Without a word, Robin is taking Regina's face into both his hands and pressing a passion-fueled kiss to her lips.

"Robin, what's going on?" Regina asks apprehensively when the man finally pulls back breathlessly.

Robin shakes his head. "It's nothing," he breathes, "I—I just wanted—needed—to see you."

"How come?" Regina asks, tilting her head; her hands tightly clasped in his. "Is everything all right?"

"No, I mean, yes! Everything is fine," Robin says, "I just…" He glances towards the windows overlooking the view. "I just wanted to experience what you must have drawn in your masterpiece." He smile slightly. "You know, in person."

Regina frowns. She opens her mouth to retort, however holds her tongue and decides to play along. "First of all, it's ten fifteen at night and there's not much to see. And second, you've never seen the Aquinnah's clay cliffs in person?"

Robin laughs nervously. "First of all," he mimics, "The outline of the cliffs is still beautiful under the stars. And second, yes I have. But…they're so much more beautiful from up here, and even more mystical at night under the light of the moon," Robin says, tugging on her hand and leading her over to the window.

Regina chuckles softly, shaking her head slowly as she takes in the magnificent view of the cliffs once more. "For a man who has lived here all his life," she murmurs, "You haven't been here, to one of the most iconic places on the island."

Robin laughs gently. "Well, maybe I was just waiting for a reason to come up here," he answers with a shrug. He turns to face the brunette, his expression growing sincere. "Like now?"

"Now," Regina repeats, "What do you mean by now?"

The fisherman shakes his head. "I just…maybe deep down I just wanted to experience the view in some sort of special way. Like with a special someone…like you."

Regina sighs deeply, flashing Robin with a fleeting but wistful look. She closes her eyes, shaking her head. "So you made me drive all this way to look at this view with you to fulfill this 'special' dream of yours?"

Robin shakes his head once more. He takes a deep breath, his grip tightening on Regina's hand as he draws himself up and mentally prepares for what is to come. "No," he answers simply.

"No?" Regina prompts with a slight frown. She knew something was up. She looks up confusedly into his wide blue eyes, sparkling like the night sky; his preoccupied features bathed in the soft silver rays of the moon.

"No," Robin sighs. He clears his throat. "I told you to come because I want to tell you something—have wanted to tell you something—for the longest time. And…I was just afraid to do so. I doubted myself."

Regina's brows furrow even further, her heart beating rapidly within her chest; stomach knotting. She sucks in her breath, unknowingly holding it as she anticipates what is to come, the words she may or may not be ready to hear.

"Regina," Robin whispers quietly, almost secretively, "I've fallen in love with you."

Thoughts? P.S- It's a coincidence that the "curse" happens on Reya's eighth birthday, like in the show. I swear I'm not trying to copy ;)

Just want to let you know that I was amazed and touched by the amount of responses from last update. I'm so, so grateful for you guys who take the time to read and write fabulous reviews. You all are so incredibly kind and generous. Lots of love to you all!

Thanks for dropping by! Stay tuned for more and don't forget to leave a review, you know I love em ;) I'll see you in the next update, which should be fairly soon so look out! Thanks again!