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Sharp amber orbs didn’t miss the way he lifted his chin and swallowed at the mention of his first love. Your first love...Was that someone anyone ever got over? Regina had a new love, a true love, someone who understood her better than Daniel ever had even before her heart grew dark and her soul twisted. And now, certainly no one could read her better than him. But Daniel wasn’t someone she’d ever forget. She tried not to think of him too much. It wasn’t healthy. And she was pretty good for the most part at playing the avoidance game. But now...When everything was falling apart, of course her thoughts would turn there, to that darkness and despair.

When she’d stood there over Daniel’s corpse, pressing her lips against his, praying, hoping against hope that somehow true love’s kiss could work its magic and bring him back to her, she’d thought for sure she could never love anyone else but him. But Daniel hadn’t been cursed. So true love’s kiss had no power. It couldn’t restore a crushed heart. That night, it felt like the world had ended, like she’d lost absolutely everything.

But here she was now with a life for herself. She had a son she loved dearly. And she had someone truly special, someone who understood her tortured heart. She wanted to believe in him. She wanted to feel that even with Marion here, after everything, he’d trust her, know that she’d truly changed. She didn’t want to lose everything not again! How many times did the world wish to reset the playing field?! She’d had Daniel and then Mother coldly and callously killed him. She’d had Jefferson then he’d chosen Snow. No...That was wrong! She’d finally come to understand it. He hadn’t chosen Snow. He’d chosen her! He’d been trying to save her kind heart, stop her from making a foolish mistake, letting vengeance drive her. But she’d been too lost in her quest for revenge to see it. She felt betrayed; but, he’d tried to be her savior, her redemption before she needed redemption. She wasn’t a villain anymore. She could see that clearly.

“I have a new love too,” Regina said with a soft smile that crumpled so quickly had Hook not been paying apt attention he would have missed the expression entirely. “I hope..He can trust me.” Please..Please believe in her! If she had his support, she could handle anything! She could be strong!

She chuckled when he said he had to believe in her. So the belief was selfish? Well she could take that. The two of them...They weren’t villains anymore. But she still wasn’t sure if they qualified as heroes. And well...Maybe it was okay to be a little selfish.

“Do you honestly think you’ve screwed up as badly as I have?” she asked curiously. What chance did someone like him have at redemption? She felt his odds certainly had to be better than hers. She’d never fallen to Mother’s depths; but, she’d become a monster herself, letting her wrath, frustration, and deep seeded despair fuel her actions. She closed off her heart and gave into rage and desperation.

His slight smile coupled with the “I know” set her nerves somewhat at ease. So, at least she had one person on her side, one person who didn’t assume the absolute worst because of Marion.

She offered Hook a small smile. “Thanks,” she said softly. He was right. She shouldn’t let everyone rattle her so. What did the heroes know about redemption anyways?! They’d never needed it! She did; but, she could make it! She’d changed!

Jefferson was silent for a while. She wondered if he wouldn’t demand that she leave, say he cared nothing for her type of comfort. They had hardly parted on the kindest note. Perhaps in his grief, he’d rather be left alone. Regina had no idea how he felt about her after all this time.

Didn’t she? He’d first chosen Rumplestiltskin, then Snow, then Lyall. How many times did it take her to get it? She’d never be first. But that hardly mattered anymore! She was under no delusion that the two of them would be together. Yes...Once upon a time she’d loved him with all her heart. But those days were long gone! He’d made his choice! So why...Why was she so worried about him right now?! It didn’t make sense! This had to be some sort of indigestion! Her heart had fluttered earlier. That was proof!

He spoke and she nodded her head at his solemn words. “She did; but, this world is a cruel one Jefferson. Both of us know that all too well. What people deserve, they don’t necessarily get.” Her tone wasn’t harsh but surprisingly gentle for the ‘Evil Queen’. Hadn’t she deserved her happy ending with Daniel? And when her world had been turned upside-down that awful night, hadn’t she at least deserved some peace afterwards? Leopold brought her nothing but despair and misery. The only reason she’d clung to some semblance of sanity, had the briefest taste of hope was because of Jefferson. So..Didn’t she deserve to be happy with him at least? But no. That was not her fate. Every time she thought she held a little happiness in her hand, it was brutally and permanently pried from her fingers.

“But one can be enough, Jefferson,” she said softly. “Mother...I would have been better off without her. We both know that. But because Father was there to wish for my happiness if nothing else, I didn’t break.” She’d say she turned out alright. She thought she had. But she didn’t mention that for fear of Jefferson’s disagreement. And right now, the last thing she wanted to do was fight. He was clearly having a difficult time. She didn’t want to get into Snow or her quest for vengeance or any of Jefferson’s betrayals.

“I think it’s wonderful you want to protect your daughter. She’s lucky to have such a caring father,” she said tenderly. She wondered...Would her own father do this for her, sacrifice something he loved to keep her safe and happy? She wasn’t sure; and, the doubt saddened her. After all, he’d never once stood up for her when it counted, not against Mother or the king. And wishing only went so far. His verbal support had been a great comfort at moments because it was all she had. But that was the only thing he offered, words never action. He was too scared to help. So...She really didn’t know if he’d do the same in Jefferson’s position.

Regina was honestly a bit concerned that Jefferson would draw back from her touch. But he didn’t and so her lips curled into a smile, eyes moistening slightly. It was nice to know that Jefferson didn’t completely hate her touch. And the fact that he didn’t break connection...That had to mean he believed her, at least a little! She really didn’t want Jefferson to suffer like this, as much as she’d disliked Lyall and thought her the poorest of choices, someone unworthy of Jefferson’s affections.

She beamed at his thanks, clearly discerning the sincerity in his words, and that smile that flicked across her face had a type of innocence and purity not seen in her features for some time now. Yes, besides her clothes, for a moment, she was the spitting image of the naive queen Jefferson had first met.

He broke eye contact, cleared his throat, and casually pulled his hand back. The separation stung more than she thought it would, as much as she knew such a gesture couldn’t last forever. But the touch had given birth to a sweet dream, beautiful in its brevity. But it came so quickly and left so suddenly her mind didn’t have time to process exactly what it had been. And still, she felt its loss like a physical blow.  Her lips shifted downward and for a moment, she looked absolutely devastated. But just for a split second. She quickly rearranged her features, donning the composed regal mask of queen.

What brought her to the market? She didn’t want to lie; but, she didn’t care to mention Snow either. Snow was the last straw between them. She didn’t wish to remind either of them of such bitter tidings. But Jefferson was never one she cared to lie to.

“When I lived with Mother...I always wanted to go out and see the market,” she said softly, queen mask melting away like candle wax held up to to a flame, revealing a more tender and fearful expression. Mother had scoffed at Regina’s request time and time again, saying the market was for peasants; and, they had servants to buy their food and whatever else they wished for. Mother didn’t understand...It wasn’t just the market...Regina wanted to venture into the world, leave the estate if only for a short time. She wanted to meet new people.

“But I couldn’t.” Her tone was a little more crushed than she would have liked. So many times she’d tried to sneak away, to get out for a bit. But mother always caught her. She never made it as far as the market.

“Leopold wouldn’t let me either.” He almost never let her leave the castle grounds, only when there was some event she need attend as queen. And Market certainly didn’t qualify.

“No, I’m not specifically here for the mushrooms. But finally..I can see it! I’m out here so I thought I should. Is that so strange?” She supposed he would think it was. She was a queen after all. And Jefferson didn’t know her, not anymore.

Hook didn’t answer right away, giving Regina time to explain what she truly meant. Even after that he was quiet for a minute. She wondered if he was going to try and dodge the question or if he was just considering it seriously.

Not everyone had forgiven him? She supposed that was true. Snow and Charming still regarded him with suspicion although she would assume with less than they threw her way. But then...That was fair. Hook hadn’t personally wronged either of those Chramings. Regina, on the other hand, had quite the record of making them suffer. She’d lost track of just how many times she’d tried to murder or otherwise traumatize Snow White. Charming had never been concerned. He only got hurt to get to Snow either because he was in the way, trying to protect her or because he was Snow’s heart. Just as Hook had Once told Emma, he hurt Rumple’s heart, Belle was just where he kept it, the same logic applied to Snow and Charming.

Although for the most part, Regina had tried to leave Charming out of it. She’d only abducted him once to goad Snow into eating a cursed apple. It wasn’t that she had any love for Charming, far from it. She found him simple minded and tiresome. She’d been sincere when she asked Snow if she was really going to marry that. Besides, the pretty face, she really didn’t see the appeal. Guy was about as charming as a brick as far as she was concerned. He was tactless and dim-witted, a bad mix. The only real skill he had was with a blade. But why bother with that? Snow could fight well enough with her bow and arrow.

No, she'd tried to leave Charming out of it because well...She knew how it felt to have a lover harmed.  And...Even at her worst, she supposed she hadn't been entirely willing to put Snow through that.  It probably reminded her too much of Daniel.

But yes, for the most part, people seemed to give Hook the benefit of the doubt. They let him wander off on his own even in Neverland. When Regina broke off from the party, they’d been much more concerned. And when Emma suspected there was an issue with her and Tinkerbell...Well let’s just say she’d been less than understanding. Even now, everyone was so quick to jump on her past sins. Did they love rubbing salt in her wounds so much?! She was trying to redeem herself! She wanted that more than anything! She couldn’t take back her mistakes! All she could do was move forward!

She stared at Hook stunned, startled by his honestly when he admitted that he might not have forgiven himself. Regina nodded her head slowly. “I get that.” She wasn’t sure she’d ever forgive herself. Sometimes she wondered if she even deserved a happy ending after all the suffering she’d caused. But, she didn’t have all that much time to contemplate her own sense of forgiveness because she was constantly confronted by others’ lack of acceptance and understanding. Even if she didn’t entirely believe she deserved happiness, she’d defend herself! She’d be damned if anyone tried to tell her who she was or what she could get! Now she had the power to make choices for herself! And she wouldn’t let anyone else control what she was!

At her weaker moments, she’d wonder what Daniel would think. He’d loved Regina for her kind heart. He’d hate what she'd become, how she’d grown obsessed with vengeance. He never would have wanted her to hurt Snow White. Would even he be able to forgive her?

Storybrooke was a small town; and, news traveled fast. Given the outburst between Belle, Hook, and Rumple, she’d learned about Milah. “Do you ever worry you disappointed your first love?” she asked softly. Regina knew nothing about Milah. Maybe Milah loved the whole pirate package. But having someone rip your true love’s heart out right in front of you, crushing it before your very eyes...Regina knew better than anyone else how that traumatized a person, tainted them, ripping away whatever innocence they’d once had. Well...Not all at once. Afterwards...Regina had still been innocent. She’d lost it bit by bit, as the world continued to rain cruelty down upon her. Evil wasn’t born. It was made.

Regina nodded her head in firm agreement when he spoke of their sordid pasts. Yes...There was regret, so much she could drown in it.

“Do you really believe that? Is someone like me redeemable?” She’d really been working towards redemption. She’d been better!

It was easy for him to talk about strength of resolve! He wasn’t the one being tested right now! No, he was the one who’d proven himself a hero. And you know what...Regina had too! She’d defeated Zelena with light magic! But that was all forgotten the moment Marion set foot in Storybrooke!

“I’m not a villain anymore,” she said bitterly. The question was, would anyone believe that?

Regina just rolled her eyes at his cocky, “I know”. But honestly, she felt relieved. It was good to know that some things just never changed. Villain or...something resembling a hero like her, Hook still loved his rum (really alcoholic beverages in general) and was still arrogant as anything.

Had the two of them made the transition from villains to heroes? She still wasn’t sure. Back in Neverland, Regina had certainly been the most sketchy of the heroes. She needed to get her son back. So she was willing to get her hands dirty, do the tough but necessary work the others couldn’t stomach. She supposed being an ex-Evil Queen had its perks. Although she’d always detested the title, never viewing herself as such. But yes, she’d ripped out a boy’s heart to send a message to Henry. Snow had been less than pleased with that development. Emma actually had to restrain her mother so Regina could take care of things. But it had been for a good cause! And yes, she’d returned the heart! As always, Regina had a soft spot for children, even the lost boys. Thankfully Pan himself was no child but some demon spawn who was actually older than Rumplestiltskin. He’d been an adult apparently before he’d ever come to Neverland. So her sympathy was nowhere he could get at it, certainly not after he’d had her son abducted!

With Zelena, Regina supposed things had been a bit clearer. She’d come to a witch fight she’d been convinced she would lose, twice. But she did it so Zelena wouldn’t destroy the town Regina had built herself. As much as everyone loathed her, as mayor as well as magical creator, she was still responsible for Storybrooke’s well being. She wouldn’t let her half-sister dismantle the town, her one true home. Here she had Henry and Jefferson and Grace as well given things with Jefferson. (Grace was really so sweet, kind and caring! Jefferson had done a good job raising her.) She didn’t want to lose that, their trust and affection. Would Marion ruin everything?!

At least Hook was still on speaking terms with her. And he wasn’t staring at Regina like she was one gigantic walking, talking time bomb. She was sick of those suspicious glances! A few angry words and how quick everyone was to doubt her! She wasn’t that person anymore, hadn’t been for some time! She was no longer the Evil Queen! Could she never escape that reputation?! If she was good for a thousand years would people still find reason to question her intentions?!

Yes, Regina bet it had been one hell of a night for him too. No one was throwing the word monster in his direction; but, he’d traveled back in time. That couldn’t be easy. If Regina had been sucked into that mess of a portal, she’d have been terrified of tampering with the time space continuum or whatnot. Time travel was..Well no one knew all that much about it. If she had been there, every second she’d worry about distorting the time stream. No...Reading the butterfly short story would not have helped her nerves. As it was...Besides Marion ruining her life right now, she was concerned about what effect her presence had on things. Was she supposed to have done something back in the Enchanted Forest? Did Emma and Hook change something crucial? There was no point in vocalizing these questions as Hook wouldn’t know any better than her. And she had enough on her plate already. Really...She didn’t want to spare another thought for Marion. Although she very much doubted her mind would cooperate.

She somewhat sullenly nodded her head at Hook’s offer. The Rabbit Hole was hardly a place she frequented. Regina preferred drinking in the privacy of her own home. But she was too stressed to return home now. She was too scared to meet Jefferson or Grace. And Hook was right. Everyone she was trying to avoid was fortunately at Granny’s. If she went to the Rabbit Hole they wouldn’t trouble her. However if she immediately went home...She could just see one of the Charmings banging on her door, either demanding to know if she was okay or what she was up to. And she didn’t want to talk to any of them now! They didn’t get it, didn’t understand! And they all suspected her! She hadn’t done anything wrong! She wasn’t the idiot who’d jumped in a time portal and then dragged someone back!

Regina sighed. “Is it nice, having someone like me around, Hook?” she asked softly. “Your past is mostly a mystery. You were gone in Neverland for a while. But me...Everyone knows all about what I did as the Evil Queen. It must be so much easier to be forgiven, to be trusted when you’re standing next to me.” Regina was working hard to earn people’s trust. But for Hook, people always seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt. That was because of her wasn’t it? They’d look at Regina and then back to him and then think..Hey, at least he’s no Evil Queen.

Why?! Why did things always end up like this?! Every time she thought she was about to get her happy ending, something got in the way. Even before she’d been labeled a villain, things had never turned out well. She’d watched Mother rip out her true love’s heart and crush it right before the two of them ran away together. He’d proposed to Regina, given her a ring and everything! She’d made him see that she would choose him over a king any day! He was the one she loved, he was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with! He was her happy ending! But Mother saw to that! There was to be no family with him, no joy, just confinement.

Regina had made a mistake choosing to marry Leopold. Even with Mother gone..She just hadn’t known what else to do. Then when she thought with Jefferson she could be happy at least...Well...Things hadn’t gone so well there either. But now that the two of them had repaired their relationship, made it stronger than ever.  So she didn’t wish for her thoughts to linger there.

Then there was the curse. That was supposed to make her happy as it made Snow and everyone else who had ever wronged her suffer! But it wasn’t at all what she thought! It left a hole in her heart; and, she realized it for what it was when Owen came into her life. That little boy, the one who had sat in her seat and given her the gift..The one she still had even to this day even though he’d tortured her, strapped her to that awful table and electrocuted her...She still had it. She hated what he’d grown into. But she’d be forever grateful to that little boy who saved her, showed her just what she was missing. After he’d left...She hadn’t been ready to try adoption. She was too afraid of rejection. She wasn’t emotionally ready. But he’d planted the seed, telling her she’d have made a great mother. And when she was ready, she’d gotten Henry.

Owen couldn’t be her happy ending. And whatever she’d had at the time with Jefferson...That wasn’t really healthy for either of them. But at least she’d been under no delusion that that was her happy ending. So Henry...He was supposed to be that. But then Emma came to town; and, Regina panicked, terrified the woman was there to steal away her son. Yes...That had been her own fault. But...She’d just been scared!

And now here...People were finally starting to accept her, acknowledge that she’d changed. And when everything was going well, Emma had to bring back Marion, someone Regina had supposedly planned on executing, not like she could remember. She’d...lost herself for a while. Her heart had hardened, turned black and bitter, consumed with hate for all that had been stolen. Back then...She’d done a lot of things she regretted. And now Marion was there to remind everyone of them all! Why?! She wasn’t that person anymore, wasn’t a villain! And how quickly everyone turned on her, assuming the worst. Hadn’t she earned a little good will by now?!

She’d saved Storybrooke from detonating, willing to sacrifice herself to save her son. She’d helped protect everyone when it came to Neverland and Peter Pan. And when Pan cast the curse, she was the one who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up her son so that everyone could be safe. She’d even erased all of his memories of her. Nothing had ever hurt so much! But she never thought she’d see him again. And she wanted him to be happy! And then Regina had stopped Zelena with what...Oh that’s right...LIGHT MAGIC! And still all because Emma had been an idiot, traveled back in time and brought someone back with her, everyone was questioning Regina’s loyalty! Had Mother been right all along?! Would they never trust her?! Would even Jefferson be like that?!

No! She wouldn’t accept that! She was going to believe in Jefferson! Surely at least he would accept that she’d changed for good.

She knew that the smart thing to do would be to seek him out, run to him now. But she was too upset. Deep down, she was scared he would stare at her the same way everyone else did. Monster...That’s what Marion had called her. And no one was willing to jump to her defense. Maybe if Jefferson had been there...But he wasn’t one for social events. Really...She wasn’t either. But she got to see so little of her son these days. He was there so, she’d wanted to be there too for him.

Incredibly upset, she’d wandered into the woods. The woods spoke of freedom and had always been a great source of comfort to her. There was a forest just outside Mother’s estate. But Regina was hardly ever allowed to leave. And then later...Barriers were put up so she couldn’t. Leopold barely let her step foot outside the castle. But when he traveled and she could slip away, she just loved the sense of secrecy about the woods. There she felt she could do anything, be herself. She could hide away and just pretend she didn’t have to go back to either Mother’s estate or the castle. She could delude herself into thinking she was free for a short time. The forest had always been something of a safe haven to her. So she came to it now, hoping it would clam her down. Because clearly some dumb blond didn’t get when a woman needed space! “Not now, Swan,” apparently didn’t register! Hook at least told everyone to give her space after things blew up! He was the only one there who seemed willing to consider her feelings! Space was definitely good!

Well...Apparently he didn’t think she needed all that much space. Soon he was approaching her, offering to buy her a drink. But as he hadn’t assumed the worst or called her a monster, she was more willing to talk to him. And it felt less like he’d come to babysit her, make sure she didn’t do something evil and more like...She didn’t even know. Was he worried about her? Was that what this was?

He offered to buy her a drink; and, she was honestly tempted. Some alcohol might do her good about now.

She actually chuckled when he mentioned the pirate within him and rum. The two of them had a bit of history; and, yes she remembered his fondness for rum very well. She never saw him without his flask. But now she was grateful for it.

Regina accepted the flask. “Rum sounds really nice about now.” She took a sip, her lips curling up into a smile. “You have good taste.” Or maybe she was feeling so lousy anything would taste wonderful. But she wasn’t complaining. She needed something to take the edge off this evening.

She chuckled again. “Something stronger might not be a bad idea. It’s been one hell of an evening!” She just wanted to forget all about it!

“Seventeen to be exact,” she teased at his comment about traveling between realms which was of course sarcastic. He wouldn’t mail a wedding invitation to someone in any other world but this one. Well not unless they lived in another realm. But then he’d likely just personally invite them since they’d need his assistance to attend the wedding anyways.

No they both knew he’d never sent a wedding invitation. And they both knew why. Simply put, he hadn’t wanted her to come. Well tough! Here she was! Although...She really shouldn’t be here. She still couldn’t understand why she’d bothered. The news of his wedding should have been enough. Their story had ended long ago. This..This was some sort of epilogue for Jefferson. He meant nothing to her! It was best that she kept her distance!

But she’d come so she couldn’t very well leave without sharing a dance and perhaps speaking with Lyall. Although just watching the naive little ditz was enough to churn her stomach. So maybe not. She’d see how she felt.

“I’m a woman of mystery!” she replied to his remark about him thinking she’d have no desire to come. She shouldn’t have had any interest in coming! Really, what had she been thinking?! Of course he would have forgotten the promise he’d made to her so long ago by now. It would have been so simple for him to ask someone else the same question! The only solace she had was even if he should use the same words, he couldn’t possibly have used the same ring! That..that still belonged to her, the proof of the time they’d spent together.

Oh goodness! She was being sentimental! The thought was sickening! See?! This was why she shouldn’t have come! Jefferson...Even after all this time, he could still make her head spin, make her emotional. Why should she give him such power over her?! She was done with him! This...This was why she’d come! She’d hammer it into the ground. There was nothing more between them! He’d moved on, made his choice. If she hadn’t done so already, she must now do the same! Love was weakness and he would not, could not be hers!

It wasn’t the first time he’d been proven wrong. He thought he’d stay with her forever, until death due them part. Or...Was that all a lie?! Had he never intended to marry her? Was he always so willing to deceive her?! He’d lied about the experiment and then gone and chosen Snow! Well..It didn’t matter now! He could keep his damn reasons! They like him meant nothing to her!

Even after all this time, Regina knew Jefferson well, better than almost anyone perhaps even his blushing bride. So she could easily discern the question in his statement. He wanted to know if she planned on causing trouble, hurting his wife.

“Relax my dear Jefferson. I won’t spoil your special day. Far from it. I’ve come to give you two a gift!”

Jefferson jerked his head away from her caress. It was hardly surprising considering the circumstances; but, in her more fragile state, she’d be lying if she didn’t acknowledge the gesture stung somewhat. Once he’d yearned for her touch just as she’d longed for his. Or had that all been pretend, some game he’d played? Had he planned on betraying her from the beginning?

Even now...She hated herself for how weak Jefferson made her feel. That she could let someone stir her heart like this...Stroking his cheek...It was supposed to be a power ploy, a gesture to assert her dominance and control. But it awakened feelings, emotions that should have been long since buried, hammered into the ground. But fortunately, in a state like this, her heart was comparable to a sieve. What she felt, what she touched, what she stirred, it didn’t linger. It slipped right through before she could process or make sense of any of it. All she knew was that she felt something she shouldn’t. Maybe it was best that he pulled back quickly. She wasn’t here to rekindle old flames. She was...Why was she here exactly? Yes, she was depressed, crushed even after Owen’s abrupt departure. But what exactly did she expect Jefferson to do about it? Surely after everything she’d put him through, he’d be indifferent to her suffering at best and derive joy from it at worst. Why was she here?

“Call yourself what you like, Jefferson. But you will always be mine!” Her tone was firm and decisive and oddly enough, did not come off as possessive in spite of the words. And she, as difficult as it might be to accept, actually did believe those words. The two had shared so much from love to hate, from sweet ecstasy to bitter tears, from promises of a future and stability, a home to vile betrayals. After spending so much time together, divulging so much in moments of strength as well as weakness...Well bits and pieces rubbed off on one another. A part of Jefferson’s heart would always belong to her no matter who he slept with, no matter who he married. He would forever be her Jefferson.

“Her name was Grace,” she said cruelly, a wicked smirk playing across her lips. “Here, it’s Paige.” Jefferson didn’t want to play nice? Well then she wouldn’t play nice. Two could be biting and tart. Her vulnerability meant nothing to him, clearly. So why should his desperation mean anything to her?

He stepped back and paced; and, Regina let him. She didn’t physically have the power to step in anyways (not without magic). And why not let the caged little bird stretch his wings a bit? He couldn’t leave. Maybe now he’d have a taste of just what Regina had been forced to endure all those stifling years as Leopold’s wife. That hadn’t been the intent. But she wasn’t beyond appreciating such pleasures.

Her eyes widened a bit in concern when Jefferson waved the gun at his head. But she quickly recovered herself. She couldn’t show weakness to him now, not when he was like this. Amber orbs took on a callously bored expression. Jefferson wouldn’t shoot! He couldn’t! He had Grace to worry about! This..This was all a trick, some show!

“And why should I tell you anything?” she asked coldly. There was nothing to tell! The curse had already been cast. The only magic here was in the things she’d brought over. What was done could not be undone. Unless the curse was broken; and, Regina had no intentions of ever letting that happen, Paige would remain Paige forever. And sadly since things had gone horribly wrong for whatever reason, Jefferson couldn’t have her.

She stiffed slightly when Jefferson resumed pacing, once more waving the gun around. It made her nervous! If it went off...Without her healing magic, she couldn’t save him! And with the gun aimed straight at his head like this...He would die in minutes! She’d watch him bleed to death on the floor and..NO! He wouldn’t do that! He hadn’t given up on being reunited with Grace! So long as he thought there was hope there, he’d never commit suicide!

“You remember because I willed it. I didn’t want you to forget,” she said smoothly. “But you and I are the only ones who know.” And possibly Rumplestiltskin. He’d crafted the Dark Curse. It wouldn’t surprise her if he’d built in some safety measure to protect his memories. But she hadn’t confirmed that yet. He was acting like all the other Storybrooke citizens so far; but, no one could deceive like the Dark One. She’d have to be on her toes.

She’d wanted Grace to remember too so that she could be a family with Jefferson to help make amends for Wonderland. She wasn’t sure where she’d gone wrong. Maybe the curse had to punish Jefferson, rip away what he held most dear. Maybe Regina’s magic wasn’t up to the task. Her control was not what Rumple’s was, as much as she was loath to admit it. Or maybe the issue was she’d tried to play too much with the girl’s head. As a gift to Jefferson, she’d attempted to make Grace forget the separation. She would remember everything up until Wonderland; and, then Regina would fill in the gaps with warm family memories between her and her father. Maybe that had been too much and being unable to handle that, she’d been given a cursed identity like the rest. Regina wouldn’t know. Magic theory wasn’t her strong suit. But what she did know was that she was not confessing vulnerability to Jefferson. Let him think her power was immutable, that everything was as she willed it.