Till kingdom come…

I.


"Honestly Daniel, do I really need to be there?" the brunette huffs as she puts on her earrings.

Daniel laughs and stands behind his wife his hands rest on her shoulders slowly massaging them. "Please Regina, We're going to support Neal. He's my best friend. I promised we would go. Plus his father is my boss." He leans in and kisses the back of her neck.

"Well both of them are morons. I feel sorry for that poor girl. Marrying Gold…." She shivers thinking about the old man.

"Hey…he may not be the most charming man but everyone deserves a second chance at love." He turns Regina into his arms. "Please just try. Plus Neal is bringing his girlfriend, I hear she might be the one."

"Yeah of this month." She rolls her eyes in annoyance.

Daniel's head falls back as he laughs. "You truly are evil woman. I've been friends with him since we were kids. I would think by now you would at least tolerate him! He was my best man for god sakes!"

"Please he is reckless and immature. You almost got arrest because of him and his phase with criminal activities. I will bite my tongue for tonight. After all this is a wedding." She leans in and kisses him.

"That's the spirit." He says smiling against her lips.


They say that we have more than one love in our life time; our first love, an in between love and our true love. The first one is given when the world isn't completely understood, when hormones and infatuation are at an all-time high, most of the time it's written off as puppy love but most of the time it's lost. A brief moment that will always leave us wanting, it's our introduction to the complexities of love, sometimes it even leaves us broken. The second finds you when you find a sense of self, they help you and support you it feels right but then there is that kind of love that takes you by surprise. The one that makes you do things you never thought possible. It's instant and gritty and devours you whole. It's the greatest kind of love. The one that turns into epic stories that live on forever.

Now if you asked Regina who is her true love she would automatically respond with Daniel. He is a kind man and always brought the best of her out. Regina didn't grow up with the perfect parents. Love and affection was given by the nannies her mother would hire. She would come home excited about an A she received on a test to an empty house. The help were her friends and confidants. Her father Henry always kissed her goodnight and they would have tea parties when he was home from work. He was her best friend and when he passed away when she was eleven; it left a hole inside her.

Her mother Cora cared for her child but knew that structure and discipline were the tools needed to rear a child. She knew that Regina had the potential of being great. When Henry passed, gone was the childhood wonder and innocence that drench her chocolate eyes. His passing allowed an opening to be the apple of her eye and Cora would selfishly take it because his death made her daughter vulnerable and more pliable, she clung to her only parent left.

Regina had only been with two people and one of them she married. Daniel and his kind eyes came at a time when Regina was free in college. She was enchanted by the liberal ideals and politics. She was enraptured by the freedom one has, the opportunity to find where your talents lay. Of course even in college Cora had made the decision for her, Law School. She would not allow her daughter to pursue in her passion, Art. Regina was an avid painter.

Daniel found her along the trail behind the dorms, painting. He instantly fell in love with Regina's beauty, her long brown curls and olive skin. He needed to talk to her allured like a moth to a flame. Conditioned by Cora, the young brunette's demeanor was always like a rattle snake. Sharp eyes locked on her target ready to strike, always on the defense, never trusting. His soft voice calmed her and after her assessment that he would not cause her harm, she allowed him in. He saw her for who she was. He understood her temper and enjoyed it. He was the first person she laughed with. She felt like she actually did something right when her mother approved him. He came from money and was also in law. Everything after that seem to fall in place. They settled back to his childhood home, a small town in Maine, he was the business attorney for Mr. Gold. Regina found her place there too, her need for control found her a position as the Mayor of the small town. Things were as they should be. Or so she thought.

Gold's wedding to Belle French turned out to be a big affair. Most of the town was invited but it was in support of their beloved librarian. Even though Gold was looked at as a monster with his ruthless politics there was something about Belle that made him soft around the edges. Looks as though love can do wonders to even the darkest souls.

Regina stood next to Daniel for the most part of the night but they would leave each other's side to mingle. Daniel would talk to business associates and Regina to the citizens of her town. Regina weaved her way through the crowd trying desperately to get a drink. She grabbed the glass of champagne and quickly downed it. Her patience was wearing thin, she was tired and her heels were killing her. She was ready to tell Daniel that she wanted to leave, she had a budget meeting in the morning she couldn't be late for. Who even has a wedding on a Sunday?

"Weddings aren't your thing either?" said an amused voice behind her.

Regina downs the second glass and turns around. The liquid sliding down her throat decides to go down the wrong pipe and the brunette's body is racked in a fit of coughs. The young woman moves closer and pats her back.

"Are you ok?"

Regina's body tenses at the woman's touch and she moves away as she takes a few deep breaths and swallows thickly. "Yes. I'm fine just went down the wrong pipe." Her voice was deep and throaty.

The blonde grins and reaches for a glass of water. Their fingers touch as the woman hands Regina the glass and instantly the brunette feels sparks throughout her body. Eyes look up to meet with green irises bursting with gold displaying the same awe and wonder. The paler woman's chest rises and falls quickly. She licks her lips. "Have I met you before?" she asks with a fond recognition in her eyes.

"If we have… I would have remembered." Regina whispers in a tone that even surprises her. The blonde's lips twitch upward in a smile and Regina finds herself wanting to always be on the receiving end of those lips.

"Regina!" Daniel's voice snaps her out of her daze. She shakes her head trying to remove the fog that surrounded her. She realizes that they were just standing there staring at each other. Regina see's Daniel and Neal walking over; she quickly schools her features and smile at the men approaching.

"There you are Ems. I seriously need a leash on you sometimes." Neal says laughing as he walks closer to the blonde. Regina's insides recoil as Neal wraps an arm over the blonde's shoulder. The twinkle in those green eyes fade when Daniel does the same.

"Emma Swan. This is Daniel Stables and his wife Regina." Neal introduces them to the younger woman. Daniel shakes her hand first. "It's a pleasure to meet you Emma. You must be very special if Neal brought you back here." He hints in amusement. Neal and Emma look at each other and smile as his arm pulls the blonde closer making Regina react by extending her hand quickly. "It's nice to meet you Ms. Swan."

"Please. Call me Emma…" the blonde's hand slips into Regina's reconfirming that the sparks felt before was not a fluke. Regina's mouth dries as her eyes devour Emma. She was wearing a tight red dress that looked like a second skin, showing off the contours of her lean body. Legs and calves that looked like they were sculpted by Michelangelo, she stood tall in black pumps.

Regina wasn't shy in her appreciation to the feminine form most of her favorite paintings show cased the beauty of a woman but there was something about Emma that turned her insides into mush. Made her mouth water with thirst. Made her want to pick up a brush and paint. Emma… this woman who she met mere moments ago was an enigma, a wonder and Regina wanted to know anything about the woman whose smile burns her skin. "Regina…." The blonde's voice washes over her. Her name never sounded any sweeter.

Seriously how long do they end up staring at each other again? Emma clears her throat and pulls back. Her cheeks are red and flushed. She leans back into Neal, needing to ground herself. "What is it you guys do here?"

"I work with Neal's Father and Regina is the Mayor."

Her brow raises "Wow. The Mayor. How old are you?" Emma asks completely mystified with the brunette.

Regina laughs taken back by the blonde's lack of tact "Now dear, a lady never reveals her age."

"I didn't mean to offend you… it's just… you look so young." She licks her lips as her eyes slip down to the brunette's body. Eyes look back up with hunger. Regina grabs another glass needing to do something with her mouth.

Daniel wraps his arm around his wife's waist. "Regina is being modest. She's 27 and the youngest mayor in Storybrooke history." His loving eyes look at Regina. He was truly proud of her. His touch fills her with guilt. Her behavior is inappropriate. She's married and she is looking at Emma like…like something that doesn't make sense in her mind. She needs to control whatever this is.

"Darling…?" she looks into his brown eyes. "I'm not feeling well can we go home?"

Yes Regina run away. That seems like the best solution!

Daniel looks at her and smiles "of course. Let me just say goodbye to everyone." He leans in and kisses her. Brown eyes meet with green and she swallows thickly. Emma looked like a mix of anger and hurt. Something that Regina wasn't…didn't want to read in to.

"Hey Regina. Me and Ems are staying the week here. Maybe we can all do lunch or dinner before we head back to Boston." Neal asks

"That sounds wonderful Neal. I have to check my schedule but I'll have Daniel call you with the details." She dismisses him quickly.

"See ya Regina" he awkwardly hugs her then walks over to Daniel who is saying goodbye to his boss.

"Do you really have to go?" Emma says in a shy whisper.

Regina was taken aback by the vulnerability in the woman's eyes. Her voice breaks as she says "yes. I…I have to go." Regrettably she looks towards Daniel needing the reminder that she needed to leave now.

However the mental battle that was waging internally with her body relented; needing to touch Emma again she extends her hand out again. "It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Emma." Emma smiles as her hand touches Regina. The younger woman pulls the brunette into a hug. The moment their bodies press against one another it fits like a puzzle piece. Emma smells like vanilla and cinnamon and Regina can't control herself as she breathes her in deeply. The tip of her nose caresses the neck of pale skin. Emma's breath hitches as the touch radiates. Overwhelmed Regina pulls away. What the hell is wrong with her? Acting like this in public with Daniel feet away!?

"Goodnight Ms. Swan." She nods at Emma and quickly walks away. Her body tenses as she hears her voice "Goodnight Madame Mayor."

That night Regina initiates sex with Daniel. Her kisses are roughs and needy. Eye lids clench tightly as her mind races with conflicting images. Grinding her hips rapidly to sate the need that the blonde left in her wake. After her body collapses in exhaustion, Daniel holds her from behind; his breath evens out against her skin in a peaceful sleep as Regina's body tenses. Eyes wide staring in to darkness all she can think about is green staring back.


That dinner with Neal and Emma was avoided till the night before the couple was expected to leave.

For some reason Regina was slammed at work calling her in early in the morning and keeping her late into the evening. Daniel went out to dinner with Emma and Neal twice when she was unexpectedly pulled back in with emergency "Mayor Business". Really it was Regina avoiding the problem.

The morning after the wedding the only concrete thought in Regina's head was Emma Swan. Her green eyes that pierced deep inside her. The golden hair that she wanted to run her fingers through. Her thin pink lips what she craved to taste. Regina didn't even know she was attracted to the same sex. She never recognized any of the signs before.

No she wasn't bisexual.

She loves Daniel. She is attracted to Daniel. He satisfies her but Emma's lean body and tone arms looks like she could lift her and take her to heaven…

Regina squeezes her eyes shut. She needs to seriously get a grip. It's lust. People can be attracted to others while married to someone. It's only human. Right?

Saturday the office is closed and she couldn't avoid it any longer. Neal and Emma were coming over tonight and Regina's knees were permanently shaking. She cleaned the house from top to bottom, Went to the grocery store while Daniel went for a ride at the stables. She envied his calm demeanor but he wasn't the one attracted to his best friend's girl. She smiled and kissed him goodbye but her insides were screaming. It has to have been the alcohol. She had one glass too many. She tried to blame her behavior on anything else but nothing seems to make sense.

Regina wasn't the only one feeling like this, right? She saw the look in the woman's eyes. She felt her flinch in her arms. The tremble in her hands. This encounter must have taken them both by surprise.

The roast was in the oven, the table was set, and everything was perfect. She had 45 minutes left before Neal and Emma would arrive. She decides to get ready.

The cold shower pounded against her flushed skin, hoping to drown her thoughts she leans her head back. Her brown hair getting heavy by saturation. She thinks of what it would be like to press her lips against Emma's. The brunette's eyes squeeze tighter pleading for some release. Her skin burns and her insides throb. The need for the blonde is so consuming. In a moment of desperate weakness she gives in to her desires. Wet wrinkled fingers press against her aching sex. Thoughts of Emma fill her mind. She's lost all control. She pants heavily and whimpers as her arm burns, so close… the thought of green eyes looking up at her as her lips reach her sex… is too much of a visual and she explodes. Silently screaming, her legs tremble as she feels light headed. She plants her hands on the cold tiles and lets her head slump between her shoulders the cold water massages the tension on her neck.

What just happened? Regina jumps as she hears the bathroom door open.

"Hey baby. Mind if I join you?" Daniel knocks on the glass door with a mischievous grin. He tugs on his boxers and opens the door. "Whoa Regina, this water is freezing!" his body flinches at the droplets of water hitting his skin.

"I didn't notice." The brunette responds in a weak monotone as she turns her back to avoid looking in to his eyes. She just got herself off thinking of someone else. Guilt riddles her body. His touch makes her feel uncomfortable. "It's ok. I know a way to get warmed up." He moves closer pressing his body against her back. His lips kiss the crease of her neck but Regina moves away. "I'm done and I need to get ready for our guests."

"We have time…" Daniel tries to pull her back in to his arms. Regina's eyes flash him a look and he lets go with a sigh. "Really it's just Neal and Emma. There was no need to overdo it." He thinks about the formal dining room set up for what is supposed to be a causal dinner among friends.

"I could care less about your idiot of a friend" her voice snaps and she quickly stops and takes a breath as her eyes soften "But Ms. Swan is a guest and I feel awful for cancelling this whole week. It's my way of just making it up to them…"

He smiles at her. "Thank you"

She nods quickly and exits the bathroom.


The moment she finishes putting on her lipstick the bell rings. Regina looks at herself in the mirror once more. "Daniel they're here!" she says as she crosses the foyer. Trembling hands open the door.

Fuck.

Emma is standing at the door in tight jeans with boots laced up to her knees. A black leather jacket cloaks her body and a black scarf is wrapped around her neck. Golden hair curl down in waves almost covering her chest. A shy grin paints her features. "Emma…" the brunette whispers in awe which makes the blonde smile even more. It ignites a feeling inside her that scares her to death.

"Hi Regina."

"Please come in." Regina opens the door wider and the blonde steps through. Closing the door its stopped with a thud. "ouf."

"Oh heavens Mr. Gold."

"Geez Regina what's with the formal greeting? I hate it when you call me that Mister Gold is father."

"I know." She sasses back. Neal gives her a look then rolls his eyes. Looking over to his girlfriend "Emma, babe why didn't you wait for me? You practically ran to the front door."

Regina's brow raises looking at the blonde with a crooked grin. Emma looks back at her, her pale face flushed red. "I was cold Neal. I don't know why you have that bug…it doesn't even have heat."

Regina laughs and looks back towards the stairs as she hears Daniel coming down the stairs. "Neal…Emma hey." He walks towards Neal and hugs him and moves towards Emma and kisses her on the cheek. "Hey Dan."

"What did you say to make my wife laugh so loud?"

"Oh Emma was just complaining about the bug."

"Oh that beauty? What happen now?"

"Do you want me to list it?" Emma asks and Regina nods enthusiastically. She was completely interested on what the blonde had to say "The brakes are shot, the radiator is broken, the radio is broken, the power steering pump is loose and something is wrong with the alternator. "the blonde says in annoyance as she counts on her fingers. The room is filled with silence. Regina is the first to crack wit honest giggles. "I'm sorry dear but that sounds like maybe its time to get a replacement."

"Please Lady has been around since I was a teen. We've gone through so many scraps and we survived."

"As much as I want to listen to Ms. Swan bash your heinous vehicle. We have a dinner to eat."

She walks towards Emma "May I take your coat."

The blonde nods and turns around so Regina can pull it off. Just as her fingers were to touch the precious skin Neal pushes her hands away. "Don't worry I got it." He grins and winks at the blonde. His callous hands touch Emma and the insides of Regina burn. She wanted to grab the thick scarf wrapped around his neck and pull tightly till he turns blue. She shakes the image out of her mind and looks at the regretful green eyes that shine with disappointment.

"Follow me." She turns quickly and heads to the dining room and the others follow after her.

The sight of pink lips pressing against the silverware, the disappearing and reappearing act of that fork left Regina feeling envy. All night she watched that mouth devour her food. The moans of delight emanating from the blonde made Regina squeeze her thighs a little tighter. God this woman is going to be the death of her.

"You're a bounty hunter!?" Regina gawks at this latest tidbit. The blonde shakes her head. "I use to be but I then I passed the academy and I'm a cop."

"impressive."

"Thank you."

"Neal tell Gina how you guys met."

" I hope she arrested you." Regina mutters to herself but notices that everyone else heard her too.

"Actually, I did." She blushes even more and they all break the silence and laugh.

Wiping the tears from her eyes "Why did you arrest him?"

"He wouldn't stop hitting on me in the bar. It was crowded and someone shoved him. I thought he was trying to grab and I arrested him." Emma nudges Neal with her shoulder.

Neal smiles at her then says "After we squared it as a misunderstanding. I asked her out again and this time she agreed and we've been dating ever since."

Regina's smile drops in to a thin line "Charming."

The evening dragged on. They talked and laughed. Emma seriously was a wonder. Beneath her stormy green eyes that Regina wanted to just get lost in. Emma was funny and smart. She kept up with Regina's comments and added to the conversation.

It was time for them to go. Neal and Daniel were near the front door talking about the trip back to Boston.

"I had a wonderful time Regina."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

After putting on her coat and adjusting her scarf. Emma says goodbye to Daniel first then turns to Regina. The brunette extends her hand but the blonde dismisses it. She licks her lips then leans in. pink lips presses on the corner of the Regina's mouth. The mayor takes a sharp breath in. "It was nice meeting you." The blonde whispers.

"Indeed it was. Have a safe trip."


"Miss…MISS you can't go in there! She's on a business call!" the small red head shouts as she follows. The double doors to Regina's office burst open as Emma walks through the door. "Madame Mayor. I tried to stop her!" the red head says as she looks at her boss in horror as she watches the mayor holds her index finger up. "Yes thank you governor, I hope you have a great day sir." The brunette hangs the phone up.

The fierce gaze on the Mayor's face softens "No. It's ok Jean. Please hold my calls."

The smaller woman nods and rolls her eyes at the stranger who stands there with her arms crossed before she closes the door. Right after Regina hears the click of the door. "Good afternoon Ms. Swan. What are you doing here?"

"Please tell me you felt it?" Emma relaxes her arms as they hang between her body.

"Felt what dear?" brown eyes shift nervously.

"Us! Tell me you felt it too."

"I'm afraid to inform you that there is no us. I am married and you are with that idiot." Her voice raises thinking about Neal.

Emma's picks up the quiver in her voice. "Cut the crap Regina. I know you know."

"However fine-tuned your intuition is, I'm afraid this time you are wrong." She plants her hands on the desk and stands up. The brunette turns to look out the window.

"Really?" The cop's voices drops an octave that sends shivers down Regina's spine.

"Ye-" The brunette's words are cut short as the blonde turns her and pulls her in to a kiss. At first she does nothing by pure shock on how this situation escalated then when Emma's finger's thread into her hair, dull nails scratch her scalp at the same time as the blonde's tongue is swiped across her bottom lip…something snaps inside of Regina and she responds to the blonde in equal fashion. Chocolate eyes rolls back covered by lightly clenched eyelids Regina moan as the kiss deepens.

The passion of this kiss is ground breaking. It shatters Regina's knees as the blonde wraps her arms around her back pulling her against her body. Oh God. Emma is everywhere. The sensations that fill the brunette's body is like nothing she has ever felt. Like something was awaken inside of her. She was hyperaware of everything. The sounds of lips smacking against one another, heavy breathing through flared nostrils, small moans and whimpers as teeth bite and suck, the smell of vanilla and lilac. Emma pushes the mayor against the desk, her jean clad thigh presses in between Regina's legs raising the fabric of her skirt. Regina arches as her lips breaks the mind-blowing kiss to hang her head back. Fingers tangle into blonde curls pulling her against her neck. She hisses as Emma presses against her aching sex. How she wanted Emma to claim her. How this felt so right. The simple solution to an equation that's been plaguing her from the moment they met.

This body. These lips. Those hands, were meant to touch Regina, she was certain of it. The brunette gasps as the blonde bites the skin on her neck. What the hell is wrong with her? She's never lost control like this. She can't even mind over matter this situation. Her body wants Emma. Needs Emma and will continue until it has her. Regina pulls the blonde's hair cause the younger woman to moan. "You are truly exquisite." Her throat is deep and raw.

"You're not so bad yourself Madame Mayor." That comment is earned with a deep chuckle.

It's like a missing puzzle piece she didn't even know she lost. Her whole life was one manipulation and conditioning after another. Her mother dictated her future, kept the love she desperately wanted hidden away. Tamed her passion for Art. Daniel was the one free choice that her mother approved of. He was accepting. Daniel.

Oh fuck!

Regina painfully shoves the woman back.

"What the hell?!" Emma says in angry confusion.

Tan fingers touch her tingling lips. She shakes her head as tears fill her eyes. "We can't do this Emma. I'm married."

The thing about true love is that it never comes easily. The reason it makes an epic story is because true love over comes obstacles. It is fought for. You have to earn it, bleed for it, cry and ache for it because the moment you realize that this is your other half…you would do anything, absolutely anything to have it.


A/N: Thoughts? Thank you for Reading.