If Regina could, she'd burn a hole with her searing glare through the rug. Where just a few short hours prior, she was wrapped in Robin's embrace. She blinked slowly, not wanting to risk it, since anything seemed possible at this point. And besides, she did like that rug.

The queen didn't dare sit on the couch, but chose a deep backed chair pressed in a dark corner of the room. Bitterness coursed through her and mixed happily with the alcohol that was already spiking her sense of self-deprecation.

Glancing down at the pure liquid in her glass, Regina suppressed a grimace. Vodka wasn't her usual drink of choice. But, the burn was far too satisfying. She welcomed each gulp. The effect nearly that of a fireball in the pit of her chest.

Sloshing the liquid around her glass, Regina yearned to feel nothing. She was so close to happiness. Tasted it like the chocolate ice cream in a toddler's cone or the forest that clung to an outlaw's skin. Everything was in the palm of her hand and then, like the twisted past repeating – it was gone.

But deep below her anger and bemused depression, Regina felt happy. Not for herself, but for Robin.

There were nights, a lifetime ago, when she'd wake before dawn gasping for breath, forgetting for a moment that Daniel was gone. She prayed for him, would conjure any magic accessible; if only to have him back.

Now, just an hour before, Robin was given that chance. Emma may have ruined Regina's happy ending, but Robin's was still intact.

Regina wanted to laugh, but muffled it with a strong sip of vodka. Was this the timing that Robin spoke of? Was this exactly what Regina deserved? She couldn't let the thoughts cloud her mind. She couldn't go back. She wouldn't let her anger drive her into madness. She had Henry to think of. The burning red blotch on her otherwise coal heart.

And besides, Regina reasoned with a sigh; this wasn't like last time. With a curt nod, she finished off the last of the bitter drink.

Robin was alive and well. And more happy than she had ever seen him. And Roland – he had his mother back. No. No matter what Regina was feeling she knew that this was for the best.

Though, her revelation didn't stop her from melting the crystal glass into a pool of scorching liquid metal. It turned blue from the sheer heat her palm produced.

Blue like a certain man's eyes.

Bored and tired, Regina placed the bubbling liquid down and waved a careless hand over it. The goo turned back into her empty glass and with an arch of her brow, it was half empty once more.

Curving her blood red lips in a dangerous smile, she brought the glass to her parted mouth. The rim still burning from her sick amusement.

The doorbell chimed though the empty house. Sitting back with a scowl, Regina prayed for Emma's sake that it wasn't her beating at the door.

Marching into the parlor, Regina took a deep breath through her nose and nearly tore the handle off while removing the barrier.

To her greatest astonishment, Regina wasn't faced with Emma Swan, but, Robin Hood.

"Regina," he breathed.

One arm was braced against the door frame, as if her house was supporting his troubles. His free hand was rubbing down his stubbled chin.

She didn't speak. She barley breathed. Regina was afraid she'd spit fire or rush into his arms and cry. She wasn't a weakling. She was the damn queen.

"Regina, I – I had to come. But, I'm afraid I don't know what to say now."

He looked stricken. His blond locks no longer orderly, as if he'd been tugging at the root excessively. His hair now laid haphazardly atop his head in a clear disarray. Though, not an unappealing one. His eyes, so blue and kind, looked too bright, frantic, even.

"Why," Regina cleared her hoarse throat. The effect vodka and tears had on her.

"Why are you here?" trying desperately to muster some of that frosty tone she once had with the outlaw, Regina stared pointedly at him.

In his defense, Robin looked almost sorry to be there.

"You left the party," he mumbled.

Regina stood straighter. Was he mad? "Of course I left," the queen spat.

Robin's face contorted. He looked to be in a great deal of pain. He ignored her malice, changing topic.

"This is some dark magic that Ms. Swan has brought back with her, yes?"

Regina blinked, unintelligently gawking at Robin. Swallowing she said, "I'm sorry?"

"Marian is dead." Robin's voice cracked, "And now she is not. I – "

He breathed out ruggedly. It almost sounded like the first time she kissed him. A pang reverberated through her heart. The heart he stole back for her.

"And it's not like what we have is just going to disappear now – "

Regina's eyes brightened in the darkness momentarily. A foolish hope surged through her.

"But Roland – and Marian, she doesn't have any time lapse. She doesn't know she's been gone for – "

His voice kept breaking. Started out strong, sure of himself, and then faded.

Regina read the situation all wrong. She underestimated the powers that love possessed. She wasn't sure if Robin would understand. Magic was always fickle, true love odd. Could he understand that the confusion and pull he was feeling was out of either of their control? She wasn't sure if he knew she felt it too.

His eyes were pleading with her, "She is my wife, Regina. And you – "

What was she? Did either of them know? Rubbing her temple, Regina made a choice.

"Robin," she sighed. The exhaustion in her voice was clear, as was the finality.

"You have a chance that many would kill for," the truth of that couldn't be lost on him, "Roland has his mother back. You have your wife. There is nothing to mull over."

Her eyes were glassy. Robin's image was distorted into a porch lamp haze. She felt the calloused pad of his thumb swipe away a tear. She didn't know it escaped. But, instantly she felt lighter.

Though, that sensation might have been from Robin touching her. His other hand came to cradle her face.

Only hours ago they were blissfully happy. Regina blinked away her tears. Seeing clearer now, Regina noticed Robin's bright eyes were shining too.

"You don't need that second chance anymore." she whispered, her face close to his.

Regina could feel his hot breath on her face, see every fleck of blue in his eyes.

Robin peered down at her. He knew she was right. Whatever he was feeling for Regina, it couldn't compare to seeing Marian alive, before his very eyes.

He nodded at her words, slowly but, firm. Regina swallowed hard again, closing her eyes as Robin's forehead rested against hers.

"I am sorry Regina. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this to be possible."

"Anything is possible," she retorted bitterly.

Robin ignored the edge, his eyes lowering to her lips. They hovered there. "I suppose I should get back, there is so much to tell her."

Regina nodded against him. "Goodnight, Robin." she whispered, but it sounded more like goodbye.

"Goodnight M'lady," he breathed back, licking his lips.

As if losing an internal battle, Robin groaned hungrily before pressing his lips to hers. Regina made her own quiet sound of surprise while resting her hand against his scruffy face.

"It's like you said," Regina began after pulling away, "things are working out the way they're supposed to."

Robin's eyes closed, his head resting again on hers. "This isn't what I meant." he protested with a baseless laugh.

Clearing her throat, Regina whispered, "I know," before pulling out of his embrace and walking backwards into her house.

Robin's eyes never left her. With one final nod, Regina shut the door and let the strength of it support her until she knew her knees wouldn't buckle.

Regina's exhaustion didn't matter anymore. She wouldn't sleep that night. Dragging her tired body back into the living room, Regina ignored her insufferable pride that seemed to eat away at her; sitting defiantly on her precious rug, her head resting against the soft couch.

Summoning her drink from the side table, Regina had to reason with her recently acquired heart. She'd do it all night if needed. Regina wasn't expecting Robin to show up. He was always more than she expected. But, for him to feel some sort of obligation to her, after such a short time knowing each other, was both baffling to Regina and everything she wanted.

Using her free hand, she raised her palm flat in the air, letting a small, scorching ball of fire kindle, before she thrust it into the open fireplace, needing to feel some warmth.

She just needed to keep it together, for a little while. She needed to be good for herself and for Henry.

She didn't need Robin Hood. But that wouldn't stop her from wanting him, and what almost was.