A/N: Well this is certainly longer than I expected it to be. I was going to continue it even further but that can wait until next chapter. I'll let you enjoy the fluff that this chapter ends with!
Regina sighed heavily, thudding her head against Daniel's chest. The towns people hadn't bothered her for days...in fact ever since she got her magic back they've been avoiding her at all costs and they decided to bother her now.
She groaned softly, not wanting to leave Daniel's embrace and hoping that if she didn't move the unwanted visitor would just go away.
She stood in silence for a whole minute and every thirty seconds, another round of knocks would sound at her door. Whoever it was was persistent and though most of her wanted them to leave her alone she was curious as to who could want to see her so badly.
And then a chill ran down her spine as she remembered the mangled, bloody body of Dr. Whale she and Daniel had left behind. She didn't think it was possible for a man who was so badly injured to find his way there so quickly but she was so afraid of losing Daniel, the doubt tugged at her mind.
Her whole body tensed and she gripped onto Daniel tighter, protectively even and of course he noticed straight away. "Regina? Who's at the door?"
"I don't know..." She muttered tensely and heaved another sigh before reluctantly pulling away from him. She was touched by the look of worry and concern in his eyes and she gently touched the side of his face. "Whoever it is, I'll take care of it." She leaned in and quickly kissed his lips before gently pushing him out of the foyer. "Just hide here."
"Regina...?" The panic was back in his voice again and it tugged at her heart painfully. She took her hands in his and squeezed them gently.
"Daniel, I promise everything will be okay." She shot him the best reassuring smile she could, squeezed his hands again, pushed him back a little more so he was safely out of sight and then headed back towards the front door.
She cleared her throat, straightening her clothing and wiping at the tear stains on her cheeks. Whoever was out there would not get the pleasure of seeing her vulnerability.
She let out a breath, threw on a brave face and pulled open the door.
A sigh of relief barely escaped her lips as her eyes fell on none other than the new acting sheriff, David Nolan. Once she was certain they were in no danger, she relaxed and even rolled her eyes at the presence of Snow White's husband. What did he want and was it so important that she had to leave Daniel's side?
"David," She plastered on an obviously fake smile, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
David pressed his lips together for a moment and then sighed, his hand moving down to his side. "He was worried about you."
Regina followed David's motion and found Henry at his side, staring up at her with his wide and concerned brown eyes. She couldn't believe she hadn't noticed him there at the start and the tension completely left her body at the sight of her son.
"Henry!"
She immediately kneeled down so she was eye level with him, staring back into his eyes. "You were worried about me?"
Henry nodded. "I saw you in town and you were acting strange."
She remembered first seeing Daniel in the road, wondering if it was just one of her many hallucinations of him. She remembered how she immediately rushed to her vault to find his body missing and then rushing to find Dr. Whale...she didn't even take notice to see if anyone was watching her. She felt a small twinge of happiness knowing Henry was.
"Are you okay?" He asked during her silence.
She smiled at him, reaching out to stroke his cheek softly. "Yes dear, I'm fine."
"Are you sure? Your eyes are red." Henry always was a perceptive little boy and though that was what ultimately led to the breaking of the curse, she loved him all the more for it.
She reached out her arms and pulled him in for a hug and to her immense relief, he returned it, wrapping his arms fully around her. She kissed the side of his head and closed her eyes, trying to remember the last time she received a genuine hug from Henry and knowing it had been way too long.
She suddenly found herself not wanting to let Henry go, at least not at the moment. It wasn't the most opportune time but her heart broke at the thought of having to let him go back with David.
"I'm alright, Henry." She whispered near his ear, holding onto him for a second longer before releasing him but remaining eye level with him. "How about you stay for dinner, hm?"
She slowly looked up at the man beside Henry and her lips twitched in a half smile. "You're welcome to stay as well."
To her surprise, David cast her a small, friendly smile and shook his head. "Thank you but no thank you, I've still got work to do. Henry is welcome to stay though."
She bit back a comment on how she should have the right to decide where Henry goes but she forced it back, knowing starting a war with his grandfather would not get Henry on her good side. Instead she just curtly nodded and turned back to Henry with a wider smile. "How about it Henry?"
Henry smiled back and nodded. "Sounds great, mom!"
She would always get that thrill of joy when Henry would call her that especially after Emma came to town.
"Great." She squeezed his shoulder gently before pushing herself back up to her feet, looking back over to David and looking him in the eye. "Thank you for bringing him here."
David nodded shortly. "He was worried about you, I couldn't deny him that."
Regina let a small, genuine smile cross her lips. To be honest she could always see what Snow had seen in the man and why she had so affectionately named him 'Charming' but she was too blinded by revenge to care. Now things were starting to change and perhaps she could start to like the man.
Regina stepped aside, motioning Henry in and David reached out to affectionately ruffled the boy's hair before Henry walked inside.
"Would seven be a good time to pick him up?" David asked.
Seven would give them enough time to have dinner but also leave her and Daniel alone for the night. Yes, seven was good. "Seven is fine."
"Alright, I'll be back at seven. Henry, behave yourself."
Henry raised his hand to his forehead in a salute to his grandfather and the older man chuckled, saluting back before walking off the front steps.
Regina closed the door behind him and glanced down at her son, who was staring up at her curiously, the worry still in his eyes.
"Were you crying?" He asked seriously and she smiled at his bluntness but also at his concern. She reached over, lightly grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled her against her side lovingly, shifting her hand to run her fingers through his hair.
"Yes, I was." She answered honestly and his head snapped up, his brown eyes wide and a question on his lips.
"But I'm alright now, Henry." She continued before he could ask. "And I want you to meet someone very special."
His little brow furrowed in confusion and she chuckled softly in amusement. "Daniel!" She called, looking over to wall in which she hid him behind and Henry followed her line of sight.
It took a moment but soon Daniel appeared in the doorway, looking a little apprehensive and curious and Henry cocked his head at the appearance of the strange man.
Daniel's eyes settled on the little boy next to Regina and his eyes widened as he recognized him from the pictures. The anxiety melted away from his face and was replaced with a warm smile and he took a few steps toward them. "Regina...is this...?"
She nodded with a proud smile. "Daniel, this is Henry, my son."
Daniel's eyes lit up and his smile grew as he kneeled down in front of Henry, holding out his hand. "Hello Henry."
Henry willingly took his hand and gave it a small shake but the question was still written so plainly in his eyes. "Who are you?"
Daniel blinked, quickly glancing to Regina and thinking of how to introduce himself. "I'm ah-"
"He's my fiance." Regina answered for him and met Daniel's eyes and they both broke out into smiles, remembering the status of their relationship.
Henry turned to her, eyes wide with surprise. "Your what?"
Regina kneeled down beside Henry so they were all now at the same height and she wrapped her arm around Henry's shoulders, keeping her eyes fixed on Daniel. "A long time ago Daniel and I were going to be married. We were..." She paused, her throat tightening at the thought of all the years separated by death. "...separated."
Suddenly in seemed to click in Henry's head as realization washed over his eyes. "He's the reason you hate Snow White."
Their conversation of just a few minutes ago rang in her head at his words. Daniel gazed back at her sympathetically, pain still in his eyes for knowing that she blamed little Snow. A small smile tugged at her lips, as she gave a curt nod to Daniel, reassuring him that she remembered their talk and then turned back to Henry, nodding more fervently. "Yes." She just answered simply, not wanting to dive into that with him.
Henry's brow furrowed in confusion. "But...he's dead."
Regina's smile grew and she reached out for Daniel's hand. "And now he's not."
"How?" Henry questioned.
Regina bit her lip softly. She did not feel like explaining to her ten year old son the methods of Dr. Whale's experiments. "How doesn't matter. At least not to me." She looked over at Daniel meaningfully and he smiled in return. "He's alive and that will be all that ever matters."
Daniel gave her hand a squeeze and they shared a loving smile. Henry glanced between them and saw something in his mother that he'd only ever seen a few times before, directed at him: love.
"You really love him." He observed and Regina looked at him, a genuine smile on her lips.
"I love him with all my heart."
Henry's lips twitched slowly into a smile. "He's your true love!"
The phrase that once made her sick now filled her heart with joy and she locked eyes with Daniel, whose blue eyes shone with love. "Yes Henry, he absolutely is."
When the door swung open at just five minutes after seven, David was met with the sound of laughter floating through the doorway and a radiantly beaming mayor standing at the door. He raised his brow, unable to keep the smirk off his face at the scene before him. He didn't think he ever saw, or thought he would see the sight of a blissfully happy Regina.
Her face only faltered for a second at seeing him, as if his presence reminded her that she had to give Henry up for the night. But still the smile remained on her face and she pulled open the door all the way. "Come in, David."
She didn't give him a time to answer before she walked away from the door, back towards the room where the laughter was coming from. David walked in, closed the door behind him and followed her curiously.
His eyes widened slightly at the sight before him. The expensive looking sitting room was covered with cushions off the couches and chairs and in the middle sat an unfamiliar man sitting with his grandson, unending laughter escaping their lips, grins on their faces and Regina standing near by, watching the two in adoration, an equal grin on her lips.
"What's going on in here?" David asked, a little chuckle in his voice.
Henry looked up at the sound of his voice and he gasped happily at seeing him. "Gramps!" He pulled out of the other man's arms and ran over to him. "We were just having some fun."
"I see that." He smirked as he observed the room. "I'm surprised your mother let you destroy her living room." He glanced at Regina.
She simply shrugged, the smile still on her face. "What is a little mess?"
David laughed softly. "That is true."
Daniel rose to his feet, straightening out his clothing and approaching them with a hesitant but warm smile. He held out his hand for David and the sheriff shook it immediately. "Pleasure to meet you, I'm Daniel."
"David...I don't think I've seen you around." David said.
"I haven't exactly been around." Daniel admitted quietly and David's eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity.
"You're new to Storybrooke?"
"In a matter of speaking." Regina broke in quickly, moving possessively to Daniel's side, the smile starting to fade from her lips as she eyed David.
David cocked an eyebrow suspiciously but noticing the look on her face and the way she suddenly wrapped her arm tightly around his and the look of apprehension in Daniel's eyes, he decided it would be a good idea to let it go for now. They were all having a wonderful time and he didn't need to ruin that especially when it seemed he might be starting to lean toward Regina's good side.
David nodded once and put a smile on his lips. "Well welcome to Storybrooke."
Daniel raised his brow and then smiled. "Thank you."
David nodded again and put his hand over Henry's shoulder. "Are you ready to go?"
Henry sighed but nodded then quickly ran over to Regina and wrapped his arms around her. Regina looked down at him, surprised and released Daniel to hug him in return. Henry smiled up at her and released her to hug Daniel.
"Bye Mom! Bye Daniel!" He called as he ran back to David.
"Goodbye Henry." They answered in unison and watched until David left with Henry.
Regina let out a sigh, not sure if it was out of relief that David didn't question Daniel or out of resentment that Henry had to leave. Then she felt Daniel's arm come around her and she figured it was both and even though she didn't want Henry to leave, she was grateful to be alone with Daniel.
"Who was that?" Daniel asked.
"Acting sheriff, David Nolan. He's also Snow's husband." Regina answered and his eyes widened.
"Husband?"
Regina nodded with a tight lipped smile. "As I said, you've been gone a long time."
He let out a breath, running his free hand through his hair. "And why did Henry call him 'Gramps'?"
Regina resisted an eye roll...she was still not too pleased with the fact that her son is biologically related to Snow White. "Henry's biological mother is Snow's daughter therefore making him grandpa."
Daniel blinked, his mind obviously reeling from the information and Regina reached out to touch his face. "I'll explain everything in time. You have a lot to catch up on."
He met her eyes and smiled softly, resting his hand over hers and leaning his cheek into her palm. "How long have I been gone exactly?"
Regina swallowed and looked down. "Almost fifty years." She muttered.
"Fifty...fifty years?" He echoed in shock. "How can that be? How can I have been brought back to life like this? How can you still look as beautiful and young as the day I left you?"
Regina smiled slightly at the compliment. "That is very sweet Daniel. I have grown older since that time but this curse I casted...it lasted almost thirty years and in that time not one of us has grown older. That was part of it," She sighed, "That everyone would be stuck forever in a land where time stands still. And as for you, shortly after you died I cast a preservation spell on your body so you wouldn't...so you would remain just as you were."
She noticed the confused and pained look in his eyes and lifted both hands to his face. "I needed you with me Daniel...no matter in what form."
His lips twitched slightly and he tenderly kissed her palm. "I am not angry with you for preserving me. If you hadn't...I wouldn't have been here now. And honestly, it is a much more attractive option."
She let out a half laugh and slipped her arms down and around his neck, resting her head against his chest and his arms came around her.
"I suppose I will understand one day while you casted that curse." He said against her hair and she stiffened in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back comfortingly. "As for now, I just wish to enjoy you."
She let out a sigh and her body relaxed as she nuzzled against him, soaking in his warmth and love.
She stayed in his arms as he led her toward the couch and together they collapsed, right atop the cushion-less couch.
Daniel landed on the springs with a groan, Regina landing on top of him with a shriek. Then they simultaneously burst into laughter.
"Perhaps we should clean up first." Regina suggested in between peels of laughter.
"Yes, I do suppose we should." Daniel answered, still chuckling.
So Regina climbed off of him and they quickly worked to place all the cushions back onto the couch and then they sat back down, Regina cuddling into his side, his arm lovingly thrown over her shoulder.
She hummed in contentment, closing her eyes as she listened to the steady beating of his heart.
"Daniel..."
His lips brushed across her hair as his thumb softly caressed the skin on her arm. "Yes, my love?"
"I'm so happy you're back."
He smiled gently. "As am I, Regina."
They stayed that way for an hour or so more, simply cuddling and making small talk occasionally and eventually she started to notice his heart begin to slow and his breathing become more deep and even, his voice dropping to being thick and husky, one she had once known very well as the voice he used as he fell asleep.
She lifted her head and smiled fondly at the sight of his eyelids drooping, but shaking his head softly to keep himself awake. He smiled at her when he caught her watching him and she leaned in to kiss him softly and then muttered against his lips. "It's been a long day. Let's go to bed."
He was so tired he only nodded in agreement and she rose from the couch and then helped him off, wrapping her arm around him as they headed upstairs to her bedroom.
"I'm afraid I don't have any men's clothes." She admitted as they stepped inside. She released him and walked over to her dresser, shuffling through the drawers and then she gasped as she pulled out a shirt, holding it in her hands.
Daniel walked over to her, his brow furrowing curiously. "What is it?"
She looked over at him, smiling softly as she held up the shirt. "One of yours...it was your favorite because it was my favorite. You wore it every time we had a secret night together...I kept it because...well I couldn't let it go."
She handed it over to him and he took it in his hands and smiling down at it. "I remember this. You said I had never looked so handsome or never felt so warm while wearing it."
"Yes." She whispered in agreement and found tears stinging at her eyes again. As much as she tried to hide it, Daniel caught on and took her into his arms.
"You won't need to rely on a shirt for my memory anymore. I'm right here and I'm never going to leave you."
"I know." She closed her eyes as she leaned against his chest. Then she let out a breath and pulled away, tapping her hands on his chest lightly. "Why don't you change out of these old clothes, hm?"
He smiled at her gently and brushed some of her hair away from her forehead. Then with her guidance went into the bathroom to change.
It was almost ten minutes and Daniel had not come out of the bathroom and Regina felt dread tugging at her heart. She left her room and headed towards the bathroom, her heart racing at the silence from within. She knocked on the door urgently, "Daniel?"
When she didn't get a response she tried the doorknob finding it unlocked and she pushed it open. She was mostly relieved at the sight of him still alive and standing upright but another uncomfortable feeling raced through her veins.
Daniel stood half naked in front of the full mirror just simply staring at his reflection in pure silence and Regina could see exactly why.
Running down the middle of his chest from the base of his neck to his abdomen was a large red scar. She swallowed thickly and walked slowly to his side, looking up at his stoic face hesitantly. "Daniel?"
"What am I, Regina?" He whispered, his voice solid but laced with terror.
"Oh Daniel." She sighed and rushed in front of him to block his view from himself and took his hands. "You're still you."
"I was brought back to life after years and years of being dead. I have someone else's heart inside of me. I..." His jaw quivered and she captured his face in her hands, bringing his eyes down to meet hers sharply.
"Listen to me, Daniel. You are still the same man that I knew, you are still the same man that I love. It doesn't matter to me if you have someone else's heart, all that matters is how you use it. Daniel..." She brushed her thumb across his cheek, looking into his petrified blue eyes.
"I don't want to be a monster, Regina." He whimpered.
"You are not a monster!" She insisted seriously, her fingers moving to lightly grip the back of his head. "You're my Daniel, my stable boy. This scar..." She trailed her hands down, her fingers ever so lightly tracing down the bloody scar. "It is the symbol of your life...it is nothing else."
He let out a shuddering breath as she leaned in and brushed her lips lightly over the top of the scar. "I love it because it is now a part of you, it is the reason you are still here. My love," She swallowed past the sudden lump in her throat as she locked eyes with him, "My Daniel...you are anything but a monster."
He stared down at her for a few silent moments and then a small smile tugged at his lips. He grabbed her by the waist gently and leaned in, meeting her lips in a loving kiss that grew a fire in the pit of her stomach.
"Did I ever mention how much I love you?" He murmured against her lips and she smiled in return.
"Yes...but it is always nice to hear it."
"I love you so," He kissed her once, "So.." He kissed her again, "So...so... much. My Regina...how are you so wonderful?"
She smiled sadly. "I'm really not so."
He pulled back from her to look down at her, frowning. "You are. Anyone who tells you otherwise does not know you."
She hummed thoughtfully and leaned in to kiss him. "Oh God have I missed you."
He returned her kiss gently, slipping his arms completely around her and pulling her flesh against him. The heat from his bare chest radiated deep into her and she slid her hands up his chest, making sure to avoid his scar to keep from hurting him and a shudder ripped through his body.
She broke off the kiss reluctantly, cuddling into his warm body for a moment longer and then pulling away from him and grabbing the shirt off the counter and handing it to him.
He smiled at her and slipped it over his head and her heart thudded in her chest at the sight of him and she smirked. "You have never looked so handsome."
He chuckled softly and they walked out together and back to her room.
"Go on and lay down. I have to change and I'll be right there." She said, giving his hand a squeeze and he nodded walking towards the bed. He crawled onto one side and rested his head on the pillow and she smiled fondly before walking out to change.
When she returned she found him curled up and sound asleep, and for once the sight of his motionless body gave her nothing but joy. She walked quietly over to her side of the bed and crawled up next to him, carefully slipping into his arms so as not to wake him and soon, wrapped in the warmth of her lover's embrace, she fell asleep.