Disclaimer: I do not own these character. This is purely for entertainment purposes.

AN:

This story takes place at the end of 3b, except none of the frozen shenanigans occur. Also simply because I'm a complete dumb dumb lets pretend like baby Neal doesn't exist yeah? Because I got about 20k into the story and I had a scene where all of a sudden it hit me that I just simply never included him in the story at all and I didn't feel like going back and rewriting minor details simply because he's a character that exists in the show.

Also I've written most of this story, as of right this moment I have about 40k. So this will be a long story, I already have an idea of where I want to end it but I'm not entirely sure how much longer that will take. That being said that is why I've rated it M. Keep in mind that these first few chapters are very much rated T and the smutt will be entirely avoidable if you'd rather not read smutt. If anything plot related happens during the smutt I'll be sure to fill ya'll in. My plan right now is to post a few chapters tonight, and then slowly continue posting until I've finished writing it.

Last but not least there is mention of OQ and CS, as well as appearances from Hook and Robin however this is very much a SQ story. All I'm going to say is a certain someone may or may not get punched in the face at some point and it was extremely satisfying to write.

Please feel free to leave a comment, I absolutely love knowing what you guys think!

She huffed and she stormed down the street toward her car, fists clenched. If she unclenched her hands she'd probably be shooting fireballs at the next person she crossed paths with. Of course that insufferable person just had to ruin her happiness. Always the villain, no matter how hard she tried. Maybe now wasn't the best time to be driving, she could feel the rage flowing through her body, putting all that anger behind a metal cage would probably end horribly and maybe a good long walk would help her funnel some of this pent up rage out.

How could she? Marian? Out of anyone in that god forsaken timeline she could have possibly had the nerve of saving, it just had to be the supposed dead wife of her fated true love. Never thinking of consequences, typical hero behavior. Just had to be the hero, just had to save a damsel in distress.

Before she realized it, she was at her front door. With a wave of her hand the door was unlocked and she was inside, the door slamming behind her. She closed her eyes as she leaned back on the door she had just slammed shut. With every fiber of her being she could feel the rage that was built up, the walk hadn't helped but at least no one had followed her. Now she had time alone to sort through this complicated mess that the savior so kindly had brought to Storybrooke. Emma just had to save that woman didn't she. Just had to mess with everything. The likelihood of Robin staying with her, instead of the mother of his child, was slim to none.

Her mind riddled on and with every thought about Robin the anger was slowly leaving her body and she couldn't figure out the feeling replacing it. Relief? No, what was there to be relieved about. She locked the door and then headed upstairs. Sleep, that's what she needed, just some well deserved sleep and then in the morning she would figure out her next step.

After changing her clothes and crawling into bed the only person she could think of was Emma. She tried to let her mind wander but nothing but that damned savior kept filling her head. Em-ma. It should be Robin in her head. Maybe it was just her rage clouding her ability to think about what she cared for most. Robin, she should probably speak to him sooner than later. Henry, he's most likely safe with the Charmings, she hadn't heard him come in and after the way she stormed off there was little chance anyone was going to be bothering her tonight. Finally her mind drifted to sleep and the dreams took over.

Standing in the forest she looked over and saw Zelena, "What are you doing here?" she sneered.

"Oh nothing dearie just checking in on my little sis. You just look absolutely dreadful…"

"Better than you greeny" Regina interjected

"I heard your little Robin left you. But that's not what's bothering you is it? Marian is back and you feel relieved, finally rid of that bumbling pine scented boy toy. True love just wasn't what you expected now was it, you're as alone as I am. That's the thing dearie, while being alone makes you weak and pathetic, it makes me stronger, I'm used to being alone." The two eyed each other down. Magic was at the tips of both of their fingers.

"Is that so? I thought mother not wanting you was what turned your skin that awful shade of green" fire was in Regina's eyes.

That snide comment clearly hit a note as Zelena screeched back "You didn't deserve her! I should have been queen, I am better than you in every way! But I will get what I desire, your happiness will be destroyed. Because happiness isn't in your destiny. The savior may have saved you from Robin but there isn't a chance she'll fall for you dear, you are the evil queen. She wouldn't fall so low to even dare to think of loving you."

For some reason that comment hit home. Anger rose out of Regina. Shooting a fireball at her sister with perfect aim.

A knocking at the door jolted her awake. Of course, right as she was about to blast her sister to the underworld, though that's probably where her sister was already. And while she had wanted to crush her sister why did that comment get to her? Her and Emma? She didn't exactly go weak at the knees for the women, their relationship was more of a friendship, if even that. She had tried killing Emma with a poisoned apple, but that was awhile ago, Regina was reformed now, more a hero than a villain… Was she really trying to validate what a dream version of her sister had said to her?

There was the knocking again. Probably best to get this over with, whoever wanted to talk to her knew she'd be home. It was 8am, much later than she'd normally sleep, but being that she wanted to seclude herself from the ramble she supposed she had simply let her body continue sleeping.

She threw on one of her best pant suits and strode downstairs, she wasn't going to let whoever was at the door have the advantage of knowing how unraveled she was. Sneaking a peek through the peephole she saw her. Dressed in her usual red leather jacket, Emma, of course, hadn't she done enough. Having her outside made her think of what Zelena had screeched at her in her dreams. Now was not the time for such thoughts.

She swung the door open grinning from ear to ear, fire in her eyes. She hoped the look would strike fear into Emma.

"Miss Swan, I was under the impression you never woke up before noon, what brings you to my residence? Did you bring someone else back from the dead to destroy my happiness? Zelena perhaps? Or maybe my mother?"

Emma grimaced "No, I-I'm really sorry Regina, I didn't know. I didn't mean to hurt you, I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You haven't responded to anyone's calls or texts."

"Any person with a brain larger than an apple would know that perhaps that was a hint that I wanted to be left alone, and of course you didn't know. And even if you did I'm sure you would have still saved her. Hero complex, seems to run in the Charming bloodline. She was supposed to die. But no, you just had to go and interfer. But I believe we had this same conversation last night. I don't want to see you Miss Swan, you've done enough damage. You're lucky I've changed. Good day." And with that she slammed the door in Emma's face

"I'm not going to give up on your happy ending Regina! I'll find a way, I really am sorry. If you need anything just ask. Henry is worried about you. Just… Just don't block everyone out, the kid still needs his mom" Her voice barely making it through the sturdy door. Regina leaned against the door much like she had the night before. Why were her feelings so unclear right now, she wanted to both rip Emma to shreds and to pull her tight and kiss her. She needed to keep Emma at arms length until she could sort this all out and hopefully that had worked.

Emma stood there awkwardly for a moment unsure if she should leave Regina alone, she didn't want to leave her alone. She really did want Regina to be happy, they'd been through a lot together. Sighing she knew Regina wasn't going to be talking to her, no matter how hard she tried. She had royally screwed up. Turning around she headed off to her yellow bug, her stomach leading her to Granny's.

The drive seemed to take longer than usual. All she could think about was wondering if Regina would be okay. She should have stayed. Her magic wasn't always the most well behaved but maybe she would have been able to magic her way into the house. But then she probably would have been faced with a fireball hurled at her. She needed to let Regina cool down. Hopefully they can mend their friendship and as much as Emma wanted more between them, that probably wasn't going to happen now that she had inadvertently broken up Regina and her true love. Maybe she should send Henry to see her. Regina wouldn't turn away her own kid right?

Finally the bug pulled up in front of Granny's. Maybe she should go back, but no Regina very clearly told her to leave. After a few minutes sitting there in her thoughts her hunger finally pulled her inside.

"Mom! Did you see her? What did she say?" Henry had almost jumped out of his seat from the far booth.

"Hey kid" she walked over sitting down next to him. Her parents sitting on the other side of the table. Both of them could see the defeat in Emma's eyes, Snow sent her a comforting smile.

"So? What happened?" Henry looked at her hope in his eyes.

"Sorry kid, she didn't exactly want to talk to me."

"But you talked to her" David asked hesitantly

"Yea.. But it didn't go well, I think maybe it's best if we give her some space. I messed up big time."

"You saved an innocent's life Emma. You didn't know. You didn't mean to hurt her." Snow placed a comforting hand on top of her daughters.

But maybe she had. She didn't know the women she saved had been Marian but she wasn't exactly upset that this meant that maybe Regina would now be single. Their friendship had grown much closer recently, but seeing her with Robin, happy. She knew there was not a chance her and Regina would ever end up as more than friends but she could always hope right. She realized all eyes at the table were on her. There was hot chocolate in front of her, which to her knowledge had not been there before. She looked up, Ruby was next to her looking at her almost as if waiting for a reply.

"You alright there Em? You look like you've seen a ghost." Ruby laughed. But she had a concerned look on her face. She'd heard about the blowout between Emma and Regina.

"Yeah, sorry just... got lost in thought for a second there. What did you say?"

"Wondering what you wanted to eat. Your usual?"

Well the real answer was Regina but she wasn't going to say that out loud. "Yeah, that's good. Thanks Ruby."

And with that Ruby's worried looks were walking away. Now all that was left was her family staring holes into her head.

Looking back toward her concerned little family, "I was just trying to think of a way to make it up to Regina. Henry? Maybe you should try contacting her. She might not want to talk to me. Maybe she'll speak to you?"

And with that he pulled out his phone and tried texting his other mother. Snow didn't look like she'd believed that answer but she'd accepted it for now moving on to other topics such as Emma's jaunt through their past. With food finally in front of all of them they began eating. The conversation stayed light. And with it drawing to a close there was no response from Regina, but Henry and Mary Margaret needed to be off to school. David stated he'd work the sheriff's station, giving Emma the day to herself. Henry and David made their way out. Snow paused as she stood up.

"Emma, I know something is bothering you. And it's more than just hurting Regina. I think I'd know my own daughter by now." She smiled down at Emma. The door chimed as Henry and David made their way out of the diner, Henry flashing her a smile and a thumbs up, the kid had faith in Emma fixing this problem, if only Emma had faith in herself like he did. Snow looked at the door and then back to Emma. "If you need someone to talk to.." her hand reached down to Emma's, "... I'm here. I just want you to be happy. Maybe I can help you solve this problem of getting Robin and Regina back together." And with that she was following the boys out of the diner.

Emma sat there staring at her now empty cup. She didn't want to get up. Every fiber of her being was urging her to go try to talk to Regina again but who knows where she'd be at this point anyways. So instead she sat there staring at the empty cup.

"You know if you look at that cup any harder I think you might hurt yourself." Ruby sat down across the booth from her. Sliding her a full cup of hot chocolate. "You looked like you needed another.

"Thanks Rubes," She absent mindedly swapped the two cups smiling at the extra cinnamon on top. The warmth in her hands felt good.

"I could spike it for you." Emma looked up at Ruby in surprise. "On the house?" Emma gave her a look that clearly said no. It was nine am, now was not the time for spiked hot chocolate. "What? You look like you could use it." Ruby laughed and then smiled her face slowly turning to a concerned look. "You wanna talk about it?"

"There's not much to talk about." Taking a sip of the warm drink. Not much was going to cure this guilt but at least Granny made some damn good hot chocolate. Emma couldn't stop thinking about Regina, she had started having feelings for her some time back in Neverland, and it had only grown stronger when she was helping Regina take down her wicked sister. She'd wanted to protect Regina at all costs, even if Robin was her fated true love. And it had somehow ended her up here.

"It looks like the guilt is eating you alive. You brought back…" She paused assessing Emma's facial change, a twinge of guilt and pain "... Well you know what happened. But it's not like you planned on hurting Regina. Why is this bothering you so much?"

"It's nothing." She paused, Ruby clearly not buying it, "Really. I'm going to try to find a way to get Regina back with Robin. I shouldn't have brought Marian back. I caused this problem I have to fix it."

"Why do you care so much about what happens to Regina?" Ruby almost looked like she was going to drill a hole into Emma's head with her eyes.

"We're friends. I don't know. I just want her to be happy. She deserves it." Ruby gave her a look like that wasn't the whole story. "What? It's true. She deserves her happy ending, I'll do whatever it takes.

"No… That's not it, is it? You are my friend you know. You can tell me what the real answer is. We are friends but it's like you're going above and beyond for her." There was a pause, the two friends assessing each other. Suddenly it was like Ruby was putting two and two together, her mind was putting the puzzle together. Her eyes getting wide.

"Oh my god. OH MY GOD" her voice rising in excitement, drawing attention from nearby diners but they quickly adverted their attention back to their food. Ruby leaned in close whispering excitedly "you've got a thing for the queen." Her eyes quickly darted back and forth taking in Emma's response which was to try to hide that fact. "Oh my god you do. You've got it bad, that's why you want her happy. That's why you've been fighting so hard for her to be happy, all those looks at Robin, I thought maybe you had a thing for him but no." Ruby was almost squealing. Well her secret was blown.

That didn't stop Emma from staring hard at the rest of her hot chocolate trying to avoid Ruby, but the wolf's excitement was hard to avoid.

Looking up she met Ruby's eyes. "Okay yeah, maybe I've got a thing for her. Does it matter? Nothing is going to happen now that I've split her from Robin." She went back to staring a hole in her hot chocolate, but Ruby clearly was still ecstatic that she had figured out Emma's secret.

"Not on purpose though." Ruby chimed "and who knows maybe this is the perfect opportunity?"

"How do you see that? She blames me Ruby. It is my fault. I didn't mean to, but I did."

"Well it's not exactly like you and her could get it on while she's with Robin. Maybe fate is working some magic. Regina will calm down and then you should probably tell her how you feel, maybe she feels the same way. She's been giving dirty looks toward the pirate. He has been hounding after your attention."

"Ruby!" Granny's yell was quite distinctive.

"Gotta go. Good luck Emma. Really. You two would make quite the couple. The queen and the savior." Ruby basically bounced out of her seat and back to serving. What Ruby said had been helpful. If Regina had been glaring down hook, maybe there was a chance. But Regina did despise the pirate anyways so it could just be the usual annoyance. But Ruby was the observant type, she'd notice out of place looks, it's what made her the town's best gossip. She sighed. Might as well go see what kind of damage control she could do.

Around nine Regina had managed to poof herself into her office. She didn't exactly feel like doing work but it would probably stop her from going on a rampage and murdering Emma and Marian. Her feelings were out of control. She didn't know what to feel. Maybe she didn't want to murder them, maybe she wanted to, thank them?

Her mind kept wandering back to her dream. Zelena had said that the savior wouldn't love her back. So what was she implying, Zelena must have been acting as her subconscious. But that would mean she had feelings for Miss Swan and that was an absolutely crazy idea, the blonde was insufferable, and her deep green eyes and the way she smiled, her ridiculous need to constantly wear red leather jackets that pulled close to her form.

No, these thoughts needed to stop right there. That green fairy had told her she was supposed to be, destined to be, with Robin. Robin, he did smell of forest…but cinnamon is better.. Emma. Why did every thought now lead back to the blonde, she sighed.

A text interrupted her thoughts, it was a second text from Henry, he was worried about her. She should probably reply to him. Her reply was probably harsher than she intended but she really didn't want to hurt him any more. Not now, not after everything they had been through to fix their relationship. She needed space from everyone. Hopefully he would understand that. She'll make it up to him when this was all over. Why is love so complicated.

Her mind went back to wandering. She shuffled the papers that were laying in front of her. These were the same ones she'd been looking at earlier. She glanced at the clock, five o'clock, so these were the papers that had been in her hands for 6 hours.

She checked her phone again. Three missed calls but no texts. The calls were all from Robin. Her phone went off again, Robin… Well at least he was persistent. She put away her papers, ignoring her phone. A new voicemail dinged. She'd listen to it later. For now she was going to go pick up her car that she had left near Granny's last night during the party she had stormed off from.

She headed to the door, and as she opened it she was suddenly face to face with Robin.

"Good you're here, I was hoping we could speak." Robin made his way into her office. This was as good a time as any to get this over with Regina decided. Shutting the door, she collected herself.

"So" she paused turning to face him, "the mother of your child is alive"

"It would appear that way. I-I love you." He paused. Regina's breath catching in her throat. "But I also love Marian. And I made a promise to her many years ago.."

Regina turned away from Robin, she didn't want him seeing the tears welling up in her eyes.

"... Till death do us part. And it did. And then it didn't."

A tear escaped Regina's eye. She should be angry. But all she was feeling was relief. Why wasn't she angry? She should want to tear Marian limb from limb.

"I hope you understand" he turned her around. Her guard was back up.

"I think I do. You should be with her, she's Rolan's mother. Whatever this is that happened between us. It was probably just a mistake"

"No." He took her hands looking into her eyes. Regina wanted nothing more than to run. "What we had, it was real. But this…" He sighed "this is complicated and I do love you but I love her as well. Her love came first and I have to do the honorable thing." He wiped away the tear that had now reached her chin. "I'm so sorry Regina."

She sighed, "You're an honorable man Robin Hood. She's a lucky woman. Good luck." And with that she removed herself from his hands and strode out of her office, out of the building and toward her car. She just needed to get as far away from him as she could. Because as much as it was paining her to leave him she couldn't help but feel relieved.

There was so much pressure, fate said they were supposed to be together but fate also said she was a villain and she had used light magic to defeat her sister. Fate be damned, she'd be fine without him.

She kept walking, she had managed to control her tears. She wouldn't want to look weak among the peasants. Her arms crossed very tightly in front of her and she made her way closer to her car. One more turn and she be where she needed to be and then she'd just have to drive home and she could go back to avoiding everyone. And here it was she walked around the corner and crashed into someone.

Cinnamon. Emma. They both stumbled backwards. She looked into the other woman's eyes. Emma looked like she was about to get attacked. Of course she'd run into her of all people. The one person she wanted to avoid the most because she couldn't figure out what the hell all these feelings were that were coming through.

"Miss Swan, it appears you are in my path, and you standing there gawking at me like I'm an angry lion about to rip your head off is not going to do anything. If you'd kindly move out of my path."

"No." Emma straighten herself up. She was not letting Regina get away from her this time.

"Excuse you?" Regina shot her a look that could kill.

"I said no. We need to talk, really talk Regina." She stood her ground. "Please?"

Regina's arms tightened "I've done enough talking for today, Robin and I are no longer an item. He's back with Marian, and I am alone, again. Thanks to you. The charming line yet again takes away my true love." Her words hit hard. She really didn't want to hurt Emma but right now was not the time to have this conversation. She went to side step around Emma but Emma moved with her.

"I'm going to fix this. You deserve to be happy Regina. Even if it's with Robin. After all you've been through," she paused. Regina saw Emma's eyes soften, what did that mean? Even if it's with Robin?

"What if I don't want to be with Robin, Em-ma? Did you think of that? He has a family, are you just going to tear them apart? Rip apart their happiness to try to fix mine? You brought her back and that can never be fixed. Why should you care so much anyways it's not like you'll ever love me." Her voice was stern, shock hit her and Emma at the same moment. She hadn't meant to say that last line but what's done was done. She nearly shoved past Emma to get to her car but the blonde made no move to stop her this time. She was done with this conversation. She needed to be alone. She needed to pretend that what she had just said hadn't been said.

She got into her car and shut the door.

"But what if I do." Emma just stared at the empty air in front of her. Her words not reaching Regina. The mayor was already driving away.