Author's Note: Rated M to be safe, and possible for later chapters. This is my first shot at fanfic, so hopefully you all like it. R&R, I'm open to all suggestions on how to make my writing better!

Chapter 1

Regina's surroundings changed instantly – although she did not feel herself moving – from the ornately decorated castle to a large monochromatic office. It was a strange feeling: she was still the Queen with all her memories from her previous life, yet she was also Regina Mills, mayor of Storybrooke, Maine. The curse had filled in every detail of her life here: she was the mayor of Storybrooke, had been for as long as anyone could remember, and was currently running for another term (unopposed of course, the people's fear of her in the Enchanted Forest was still prevalent in Storybrooke). Glancing at the clock on the wall (8:15 pm, as it should be), Regina began to gather her personal items. She tucked her papers inside a sleek black briefcase, grabbed her keys from the desk drawer, pulled her dark grey pea coat around her shoulders, and proceeded outside.

In her mind she knew that she had never walked this street before, but she headed straight for the black Mercedes Benz. She swung the passenger door open wide, tucking her briefcase inside, when she was suddenly aware she was no longer alone. A tall man with shoulder length hair was standing some two yards away from her. He was wearing a simple suit and tie and leaned nonchalantly against a heavy wooden cane.

Regina couldn't contain her gasp at seeing her enemy for the first time in Storybrooke. She had to force her breathing to return to normal as she reminded herself she had nothing to fear. This was not Rumplestiltskin the Dark One with powers that her own barely rivaled. This was Mr. Gold, the local pawn dealer, who although devious was truly harmless.

Oh who was she kidding? Rumplestiltskin would never be harmless, no matter his form.

"Pardon me, Ms. Mills. I didn't mean to startle you." Gold spoke casually. His voice was normal here, not the high-pitched sing-song one she had grown so accustomed to at home. No not at home, in the Enchanted Forest. Storybrooke was her home now, as it was everyone else's. Gold was under the curse just as the other residents of the town, she had no reason to fear him.

"Not at all, Mr. Gold," she replied, calmly meeting his gaze. "What brings you to city hall this evening?"

"Well," Gold began, moving closer to her until they were less than a foot apart. She stood her ground, not backing down before him. He had a strange glint in his eye. It was the same as one he had worn as Rumplestiltskin, when he had a trick up his sleeve and was about to drop it.

"I actually was here to add my name to the ballot this election."

Regina gasped, the shock sent her stumbling backwards until she felt to car's smooth surface against her back. "Not likely," she hissed. "I am the mayor of this town. Always have and always will and I will easily defeat you in any election."

"Perhaps," Gold mused, swinging his cane menacingly before his legs. "But you will withdraw your eligibility."

Regina scoffed. "And why in hell would I do that, Gold? Unlike most in this town, I don't owe you anything."

The corners of Gold's mouth turned up slowly, and suddenly Regina felt a pang of fear in her stomach. He didn't, he couldn't possibly, know. He couldn't remember the deal she had so foolishly made.

"I think, Madame Mills, that you will. Withdraw your name from the election. Oh I would love to have dinner with you tomorrow night. Be at my shop at 7:30, and do try to look nice

Please."