In light of the new Snow Queen scenes of the past couple episodes, here is a little exploration into what could (should?) have gone down after the rescue at the warehouse in 2x21, "Second Star to the Right". A multi-chapter one-shot, if you will. Please note: I do not own the concept, plot, characters, or any other aspect of the show Once Upon a Time, and make no profit from this.

It was the first time in her life where Regina felt that she was in absolute control. Warning: Suicide attempt and swearing. Swan Queen.

Absorbing an evil curse into your bloodstream has a few side effects that no one was expecting, least of all Regina. Set immediately after episode 2X9 "Queen of Hearts". Swan-Queen.

[Post QoH]"It was one lesson I never did learn, one lesson she couldn't beat into me. Love is weakness and power is the only thing that matters. But she was right, it seems. I never wanted power, but love has made me weak over and over again."/ Emma and Regina have an emotional conversation and come to realize they have a lot more than Henry in common. SQ.

This woman looks nothing like the woman that Emma had met two years ago. Everyone has a breaking point, and Regina has reached hers. Post-ep quick fix for 2x10. SQ

There's so many ways to say 'I'm effing sorry.' Post episode 2x12, morning.

There are so many things that separate Regina from Cora—and how could she forget, how could she forget—but it's the littlest things that Emma values most. [Post 2x11: Emma apologizes.] [Part 1 of "when the time is right".]

Regina puts her life on the line to rescue Snow and Emma from the old world (and Cora), but due to the lengths she'll go, she'll need the Savior to save her as well. Non-romantic friendship SQ.

"Come to the party, Regina...It's Henry's birthday and you should be there." Emma is back in Storybrooke and she is determined to help mend Henry's relationship with Regina however she can.

Henry finds the Evil Queen injured in the woods. Post 1x22. Some briefly implied Swan Queen.

"She watches Regina. Because that is what Emma does. She watches people, tries to understand them, tries to predict their next moves. This is how she finds the lost, the forgotten."