Chapter 10: Regina

Epilogue

Counting the days is something I've learned to never do but weeks have passed and the everyday routines vary now. When I walk down the street I don't see the same faces in the exact same places anymore. Life is just as random here in Storybrooke now as anywhere else in this realm, or at least as much as Fate is going to let mankind assume it is. I still believe that this realm is the fairest of them all and perhaps that's what really keeps saving me.

I'm still waiting for the next thing to come along though since it always does for me. A person shouldn't get used to the idea of a lasting peace because no matter how much we crave its promise it isn't a sustainable resolution. The human condition will always desire some form of excitement to deliver us from the doldrums and this is a dangerous thought due to the fact that some of us are more inclined towards destruction. I will never share these thoughts with another though, it's not exactly what anyone would want to hear from a despised Queen who was prone to devastation.

Mary Margaret or Snow White if you prefer went back to teaching, minus the emphasis on ornithology. I had to push for that change in her curriculum. I won my argument on the basis that time is marching on and I'm sure the children of Storybrooke have heard enough on the subject of birds over the last twenty-eight years. I know I was past being able to tolerate Snow's silliness on the creatures nearly forty years ago. Only time will tell what will happen between the irritating woman and myself. The other day I caught Mary Margaret and David smiling at me though when I was in Granny's. I almost smiled back at them for I couldn't help myself, but I managed to rein it in before it was too late.

David Nolan is in the process of being divorced by Kathryn. The woman who I'm sure no longer regards me as a friend has her pride and her memories now and Princess Abigail never wanted to be tied to Snow's shepherd and now she isn't. I never had any real friends and I ruined the one I did have in Kathryn when I had her abducted to frame Mary Margaret. I made myself tell Kathryn the truth recently and I received the proper response for my actions this time instead of her believing I had some small part in saving her. I don't expect Kathryn to forgive me anymore than anyone else I've used, but she surprised me when she said that eventually she will.

Emma has been true to her word; meaning no matter how many times I've insulted her she still comes around. The Sheriff's even started bringing lunch to my office every so often and I've gotten to the point that I can talk to her. But aside from what I assume is merely a friendly gesture not even so much as a gentle nudge towards a change in our relationship has happened again and I'm relieved. My thoughts still stray to the day in my vault when I vanished Daniel's remains and it's one more thing to add to the memories I have of him. I will grieve his memory for as long as I'm alive and probably afterwards too.

Today is another day and I chose to escape my office early; drive out to the waterfront near where Henry's old castle playground resided. All traces of the aging structure are gone from sight and the now bare ground is starting to grass over in unplanned patches. I remember all too well how this was the place Henry preferred to meet Emma during those first few weeks. And contrary to what my son probably still believes I did not wreck his castle as an excuse to demolish it entirely.

I admit that I wanted to crush the small wooden castle when I saw those first pictures Sidney brought me of Emma and Henry together at this very place behind my back. But all that's in the past now and with both the windows of my car rolled down the wind off the ocean carries with it a brisk tang on the air I breathe. I considered getting out and going for a walk but after sitting in my car for the last fifteen minutes I've decided that I'm comfortable. And I'm content to just sit here for a while longer and watch the horizon. The sky isn't really blue but water is wet.

The sound of the wind on the water is soothing in a fashion so I close my eyes and lean my head back against the headrest. I have no idea of what I'm supposed to do with my life now. I suppose I can keep being Mayor because no one else has tried to take it from me, but then what. I can't see the future but I do know that I don't see myself staying here until the day I actually die and stay dead. In fact I already believe that when Henry's grown it would be for the best if I leave this place. So many new worries preside over my thoughts these days.

I take a deep breath but then my eyes spring open as a sharp knock on the roof of my car startles me for a second, and then the passenger door opens and a dark-haired woman slips inside without a word. The next thing has apparently arrived and I'm at a loss if I should summon my magic. I've never dared to use magic in such close quarters and furthermore a fireball, magical or not, isn't a smart move in a vehicle filled with gasoline. I prefer to never check out of this world in a literal blaze of glory.

"What do you think you're doing or are you even thinking at all?"

The woman ignores my words and she simply shuts the door, without slamming it. Then she turns her head and the long, wavy flowing curtain of dark brown hair moves just enough for me to see her violet and amber streaked eyes.

"You again?"

The woman smiles and then winks at me, "You missed me. Don't deny it. I have a sense for unspoken thoughts as you should know by now, Mills."

The last time I saw Strife she was a he, but this time it's the dark hair that's the biggest difference in place of the silvery-ashen grey hair color I've become accustomed to instead of a superimposed gender modification.

I roll my eyes, "What is it now?"

"Oh don't worry this is the last time I'll bother you, Mills."

"You bother me alright."

"Good." Strife said while brushing her hands down the front of her open coat. "Because that's exactly what I was aiming for and I never miss."

I scoff, "You said you were going to wipe my memories again that night at my house. Although, I can't recall every damn detail concerning what happened during your last visit to my home I do remember enough. Mostly you and you were wearing your more masculine window dressing."

"That was my intention." Strife said while shifting in the passenger seat and the supple leather barely acknowledges her weight. "I treated your memories, not Emma's, as though you'd been on one hell of an alcohol fueled bender. I needed your memories fuzzy, not entirely on the fritz. Poor Emma will never remember seeing me that night though."

"How convenient."

Strife chuckles and its then I assess how it has chosen to present itself this time. In place of the tall masculine frame, it's reverted back to a taller than average female and she's at least 5' 9''. The being beside me is wearing a long black wool coat that hangs perfectly; in fact the swallow tail cut of the coat's end is touching the floor of my car. The coat has white satin lining from what I can discern and she's wearing a simple white button up shirt. My eyes then track down over long, slim legs that are covered in fitting black pants with delicate looking black floral lace just above the knees. The whole visage is rather modern Victorian and the black pointy toed boots with a small heel completes the look.

"I'm glad you approve of my clothing choices again." Strife said and I glare at her on reflex. "I'm rather disappointed though that you think my shirt is simple though. It was inspired by the Regina Mills collection, minus of course how many buttons you choose to use or not use as it were."

I exhale loudly through clenched teeth, "Why are you here...again?"

Strife twists in her seat and turns towards me, "I had always planned on seeing you once more after you honored your first love by laying his remains to rest. I commend you for not burying him. I've always found that practice to be barbaric frankly."

"How so?"

"Think about it...would you like to be planted in the ground as though you were a sapling needing to put down roots? It's a body, an empty vessel, organic matter that will lay in the ground and rot."

I agree to an extent about putting a body in the ground, that's why I could never bring myself to do that to him. The headstones I left in my home realm where no more than monuments; symbols to mark the earth and nothing more, after all, the ground beneath held nothing of them that I could truly keep.

"How have you been, Regina?"

"You should know without having to ask. But I do appreciate why you're asking."

Strife smirks, "I see you've evolved some more since I saw you last."

"Are you certain you're not really some twisted patron saint of lost causes?"

Strife grins and it creates temporary lines at the corners of her eye, "I'm no saint, Mills. I've never been mortal and my purpose isn't a one-way street. I happen to enjoy the flaws of all creation. And I did tell you once during our time in my realm that if you ever lost your fire, so to speak, that it would be a true tragedy in my opinion."

I turn my head and chuckle while loosely grasping the steering wheel of my car, "I know that there are people in this town that would disagree with you, vehemently."

"Who cares what they think? What right do they have? You are your own person and that includes all the dark corners." Strife said and I turn my head to see her looking out through the windshield. The waves have small white caps on top of the watered down blue. "You wouldn't be you without all you've endured; the few and far between good things and the all too plentiful less than good that's happened in your life. And besides you'll finally change the all the denizens of Storybrooke's minds soon enough."

"What tender and enterprising words, dear. I feel as though I should make a wish since you sound like the fairy godmother I never had."

Strife snorts and I let go of the steering and turn in my seat enough to face her. The entity beside me has a classic profile and it's unlined and smoother to my eyes than no mortals face will ever be.

"Do you know what I wish for you, Mills?"

"What's that?"

Strife turns her head to look at me and those violet eyes are even more startling in daylight, "For you to realize that you can stop fighting to the near dead end for a happy ending."

"How the hell else was I supposed to get one?"

Strife smirks, "Let it come to you because the real work is recognizing it when you have it and then being smart enough to protect it. Oh, and I also wish for you to just forget about all the stupid fucking idiots that cross your path, because I promise you that they will trip and fall down all on their own eventually."

I suppose I should feel some shock about the language of this spiritual being but something tells me I shouldn't be, even though I can't recall any concrete details of what was no doubt my penance well spent in her realm.

"Regina, you and I both know that patience isn't a quality you possess but it wouldn't be utter shit creek if you just counted to ten like they teach in anger management instead." Strife said and I just stare at the open expression on her face. "Because by now I would think you've learned what happens when you go off all half-cocked, but full of fire that fire I love, and then all you get in the end is to lament on why it went balls and tits up."

I shake my head and grin in spite of a brief passing impulse to slap her, "You have quite an extensive foul vernacular at your disposal, dear."

"Naturally, where do you think you mortals got it from?" Strife said with a chuckle and I end up smiling. "You humans think everything you do is original but you couldn't be more mistaken."

I laugh, honestly laugh and it feels good to do it without worrying who might see me. I've rarely had the opportunity for something so easy and freeing as laughter. Though Rumpelstiltskin and even his cursed identity Gold found me amusing but I know now that was because I was always the joke and the punchline to him. It was deeply gratifying to send Gold packing with Emma's help that night weeks ago at the pawnshop.

"Gold can't hurt you anymore." Strife said and I stop laughing because she's reading my thoughts. I'd momentarily forgotten she does that. "No one can unless you willingly let them and the only reason people have a tendency to do that is because no one gets exactly the life they want."

A fresh sort of discomfort coupled with a twinge of anger runs through me. I've only really let one person hurt me in my life; my mother, while the rest of them took turns manipulating me at key moments.

"Regina, I came to see you today bearing gifts...so if you'll permit me?"

"Permit you to do what?"

"I want to give you one more memory from your time with me in my realm."

"Why? But more importantly how are you going to do that?"

Strife sighs, "I want to offer you a better memory than just the one where you were asked to lay Daniel's body to rest. And as for the how; you should recall that I've never touched you without your consent, yes?"

"How considerate of you to offer me something more pleasing." I said while looking up at the rearview mirror and getting a passing glance at my dark eyes staring back at me. "But at this point I'm not entirely certain what you've done to me and what you haven't. Touching included."

"Very well then, if you won't let me then I must extend the offer to you in another way." Strife said with a faint grin and then she turns completely sideways on the seat. "Kiss me."

"What?"

"Just a simple kiss, Mills. This is not a date and I'm not asking for some romantic tongue-lashing because you've shown me a good time. In fact I'd prefer not even the tiniest slip of tongue for this transaction."

I can feel my mouth hanging open and it takes a moment for me to get it back under control. Strangely enough there is no mocking expression on her face or any other signs of amusement at my expense now. I suspect now though that the tiny grin from a few moments ago was because she knew how I would react.

"Is it really that hard to believe, Regina? When you mortals put so much stock in a kiss, especially considering where you originally hail from?"

"No, I suppose not."

I don't know if I've really looked at her face closely but this time I'm going to. Unlike looking at a person you want to kiss or one that wants your affection there is no longing in those violet-amber eyes, no darkening, no rapid blinks. Her symmetrical face is perfect in ways that only highlight the fact she's not mortal, and her smooth skin has a tint to it. I move closer to her and I close my eyes and listen; there is no heartbeat but my own, and when my lips faintly graze her's there is no sharp intake of breath. So I lean in and press my lips completely against her's which feel as full as mine and then I gasp against her lips.

In no uncertain terms behind my closed eyelids I'm suddenly bombarded with a memory of Emma living with another blonde woman in Boston. They were happy but when Emma saw me there was an instant connection and despite my actions and words I did want Emma for myself. My first introduction to Emma Swan in my actual life deteriorated quickly and I was the cause of it, but in our fantasy meeting it wasn't confrontational but light, teasing and filled with anticipation. And fantasy or not I would never indulge in cheating but I don't think it would've taken much effort on my part to convince Emma to move on from her wholesome blonde girlfriend.

The overall feeling of satisfaction from that fantasy feels realistic on many levels; it feels like a life I could've had. My heart is pounding and I feel myself wanting to smile from the joy of it. I broke my own curse with True Love's kiss and I know that was only possible because I chose not to lie to my son about everything, and then I willingly chose to accompany him to face his origins head on and I won in the end. I chuckle when a flash of a memory from that fantasy replays the moment where the Emma Swan from that life in Boston wasn't Henry's birth mother, but she did look like the Emma Swan that I know.

I open my eyes and quickly pull away from the one-sided kiss, "I...What happens now?"

"Give Emma a chance if you actually want to because the force is as strong with her as it is with you." Strife said with a straight face while leaning away from me and I frown at her. "But for now how about you put your seatbelt on, safety first and all that, then start your car and by the time you've done all that I won't be sitting here bothering you anymore."

I roll my eyes and I try not to blink but it's like holding your breath though and you can only do that for so long. As I feign to even do so much as to start my car I see that sure enough the being that was sitting in the passenger seat is gone, but the memory of exactly who was sitting there remains. However, now there is someone else sitting in the seat and she looks stunned. I know I am too given what's happened in the last few minutes. I've clearly missed a step at some point.

"You kissed me." Emma said with wide sea-green eyes. "Why did you...but you pretty much said you didn't want me like that."

I hate being tricked and that's what has happened but it's not as though I can say anything contrary to my actions. There are only so many things I can say that won't make me appear as if the engine is running but nobody's behind the wheel? In short this can either become a very bad uncomfortable situation or it can be a good place to start again. I guess I should be thankful that Emma doesn't look as though I've committed something truly unforgiveable, that and she doesn't look like she wants to scrub her mouth out with a wire brush. In fact she appears to be rather amusingly shocked and her chin seems to want to disappear under the teal colored turtleneck she's wearing underneath her black pea coat.

"Emma, did you follow me again?"

"No, I said I wouldn't do that again and I meant it. I was doing my rounds and I spotted your car."

"Why are you in my car then?"

Emma blinks away whatever awkwardness she's apparently feeling and looks at me calmly while she pushes some of her long hair off over her shoulder.

"At first I was going to leave you alone but I thought I would at least stop and speak to you since I'm trying to be your friend here." Emma said as her attention meanders from me for a few seconds. "So I approached the driver's side and you looked like you were just taking a nap but when I touched your shoulder, or even when I said your name a few times you still didn't respond."

Emma quietly clears her throat and then looks down and fidgets with the sleeve of her coat, "So I went around to the passenger side, it was unlocked, so I got in and tried again. I even checked for a pulse because you were seriously starting to scare me; nothing I did was working, but then all of the sudden you were kissing me. It was kinda like sleeping beauty but in reverse; you know where the supposed comatose chick is the one leading the lip-locking."

I catch myself wanting to smile and laugh at Emma's idiotic words. It shouldn't be this easy but in the fantasy I now vividly recall it was that effortless given the circumstances or confines depending on how you perceive it. Perhaps, my fantasy self only allowed her feelings after it was proven that Emma Swan was no threat to her happiness. But regardless of the new perspective, my life now never will be that fantasy because the Emma Swan in my actual life is Henry's birth mother and nothing between us will ever be uncomplicated.

"Regina, what are you thinking about?"

"Lots of things, but nothing I want to talk about now."

"Okay."

I turn my head and look out at the faux blue horizon through the open window on my side. I feel Emma's eyes studying me or more accurately trying to read my mood. I'm surprised that she hasn't jumped out of the car as though she were fleeing a burning building. Of course thinking that brings me back to the fact that Emma did run out of a burning building only to run right back in to save me of all people.

The leather seat Emma's ass is perched on lets out a small rubbing sound and I turn my head back to see her leaning over the console to be closer to me, "What are you doing?"

Emma smiles, "I'm going to kiss you this time...unless you got a problem with that? You didn't exactly give me any warning before and I didn't get to enjoy it like I want to."

I start to say something caustic enough to keep her away from me but I change my mind when her hands tentatively cradle my cheeks. I try to keep my breathing shallow as Emma examines me so closely. I know she's waiting to see if I really want her affection, so I give her a sign, I close my eyes. I feel Emma's hands move faintly over my face, until both of her hands are resting just under my ears and then I feel the soft skin of her cheek against mine. Emma's breathing is rapid and steady and I feel her breath on my skin and it sends a ripple through me.

"I lied about...your magic. About how it was reacting to me because you are untrained."

"I know and it's okay." Emma said as she continues to tenderly hold me and breathe me in. "I picked a shit day to follow you to your underground lair. But just don't lie to me again, please?"

"I'll try."

"That's all I ask...for now."

I smile and I know Emma can feel it because I feel her answering smile against my neck. At this point I don't think I've ever longed for a kiss more and yet this is enough that is right up until the point I feel Emma press her lips to my cheek. My hands have been idle, an afterthought, but now they need a purpose. Blindly, I reach up and grasp Emma's arm and I feel the muscle through her coat. Emma scoots closer again and then her lips press into the corner of my mouth and I exhale roughly.

"Is this what you call a kiss, Miss Swan?"

Emma laughs and I open my eyes but all I see are her green eyes up close. Emma has irregular lines and bursts in her eyes that are blue and brown but green is the primary color.

"No, this is me touching you and this is what I call a kiss."

I close my eyes again as Emma's lips press onto mine with intent and intent is everything. My eyes are burning behind my eyelids. I'm crying only it's from an emotion that I've not felt nearly enough of. Happiness. The kiss isn't chaste but it also isn't unbridled lust which I'm grateful for. Emma hums against my lips and I take the opportunity to capture her lower lip between mine. The sound Emma makes tells me that in the not too distant future arousal is a definite possibility, because I know it is for me and that's something that I will have to become comfortable with.

"Regina." Emma said against my lips and I move back enough to break contact. "Your car sucks for making out in."

I scoff but I also smile, "I didn't acquire my car for this purpose but yes I see the design flaw."

Emma laughs and pulls back and as her hands leave me I feel their loss more than expected, which is perhaps why I cling to her arm longer than I should have. Emma doesn't seem to mind though.

"So..." Emma said drawing out a long pause and then she smiles. "Does this mean you like me more than you've let on?"

I clear my throat and reach for the ignition and start my car. The engine turns over on the first time. I have no reason to hide anymore, nothing left to hide behind and I can't decide if I should hold a grudge against Strife until my dying breath or send her a thank you card for saving me from myself. I won't be sending a card of course if it were at all possible.

"You like to project don't you, Emma." I said while hitting the button to roll up my windows because the breeze has a slight bite to it now. "And I still have a hair trigger impulse to berate you at any given moment. But so that there is no confusion; yes, I find you...tolerable."

Emma grins, "Ha! I'll happily take all that you can dish out so long as you keep calling me Emma."

"We'll see."

Time continues to move forward and so are the inhabitants of this curse created town. Somedays I pretend I don't notice the occasional harsh sideways looks from the denizens I exiled to this land along with myself, though I do find it funny that no one still has made any objections to me continuing to do my job as Mayor. I have no expectations on how long this place will hold together as the days go on. The restless part of me knows that there is no such thing as permanence. But a newly revived part of me that I haven't dared to name yet is steadily embracing this true chance for a fresh start; for however long it will last.

These last three weeks I've willingly chosen to see Emma as not only a potential ally, but as a friend and something more now. My old defense mechanisms or tools for survival would have dictated that the best course of action was to shove her as far away from me as possible. But I did the opposite and with each day I gradually feel a measure of guilt for the way I dismissed Emma on the day I vanished Daniel's remains. And it goes without saying Strife made sure it came back to nibble me in the ass. But I can't call Strife's actions as an all out lethal bite because its results have cost me nothing so far.

A firm knock on the frosted glass of my door interrupts my thoughts, "Enter."

"Mayor Mills, this just arrived for you." My part time assistant said while placing a small envelope on my desk and then she quickly retreats back the way she came.

For a few minutes I ignore the item sitting on my desk in favor of finishing my current task. After clicking my pen closed and tossing it to the side I reach for the pale green envelope which is unmarked save for my name printed on the front in elegant block print. Turning the letter over I see it's not sealed but rather the flap is just tucked in. I pull the flap of the envelope out and remove what appears to be a rather innocuous but trite looking card. The card itself is also in the same tone of pale green. I know this isn't something that is anywhere near the type of behavior I expect from Emma, and it certainly doesn't reek of Snow White's brand of heart stickers, unicorns and gag worthy rainbow brite goodness.

The front of the card is adorned with three violets tied up in a bundle with a purple ribbon, and directly next to the floral design is the phrase: 'Wishing you a beautiful day filled with all of the things that bring you joy.'

On second thought maybe this is Snow's first blunder in her attempt to try to kill me with kindness. The card automatically makes me want to kill it with fire and I haven't even opened the damn thing. I shake my head and with the afternoon sun streaming through behind me; warming my back, I frown and open the card. There are no other sickening messages on the inside of the card, instead the same precise block print is on the inside and after skimming over what the black ink spells out I actually start to read the message inside. I hadn't anticipated this but at the same time I'm in no way shocked. Someone apparently is still attuned to my thoughts.

The printed message reads: 'Our conversation wasn't pure fiction but it was a dream which is one of the ways for me to influence those I'm invested in. To put it plainly you needed a nudge, Mills. So stay mad at me or get over it. You do know that time isn't frozen anymore and I'm telling you that time is a wastin'. The Savior isn't the epitome of strength or goodness on her own. Better yet Mills you can be one hell of an anti-hero if you want. But when you and Emma are together, as equals, you are even stronger than you will ever be apart. Remember that if nothing else in the days ahead.'

I exhale deeply, close the card and chuckle. I'm almost tempted to keep the card but then again it could just be another temporary illusion, or more than likely something I would have to explain later should some other prying eyes decide to read it. So I summon up enough of my magic to burn the simple stock card in my fingertips. The edges turn black and begin to curl as the small flame grows and spreads. With the card burning in my hand I push away from my desk and walk over to the unlit fireplace in my office and cast the dwindling remains of the card upon the two small kindling logs in the hearth.

My life has changed again, only this time every choice so far has been mine. I've had enough time now to realize that even though I was urged to let go of Daniel completely it was still my choice. But the more I've tried to imagine what I went through, in what could only essentially be purgatory, the more I've realized that I obviously wanted to live because I'm not done yet. I don't know if I will encounter the spirit whose name means: 'conflict, discord and struggle' again while I'm still breathing. I smile because the moniker the spirit told me to call it is rather malleable in my mind and since it; she or he doesn't really apply, has been something I would say is closer to a guardian. I'd never thought that anyone was watching after me.

"Hey Regina."

At the sound of Emma's voice I nearly jump. Getting lost in your own thoughts can leave you open to unexpected things which include people. I can't say that I will ever speak to Emma about Strife, but then what is there to tell really?

"Sheriff Swan, shouldn't you be working or at least pretending to be?"

"Woo-hoo, you're all quick draw with the sassy humor and I've only been in the room a few seconds. Must be some kind of a record."

I turn away from the fireplace and move back towards my desk, "You're the one who informed me that you pretend to be Sheriff sometimes, dear."

Emma laughs and gracelessly plops down in one of the chairs in front of my desk. I grasp the back of my leather chair and swivel it to the side and sit down, as I turn towards my desk and roll myself closer to it I notice Emma leaning forward and placing a beverage cup on my desk's top.

"That had better not be coffee because I try to keep my caffeine intake to a single shot a day."

Emma chuckles, "It's completely unleaded and it's some kind of herbal tea. Ruby said it was your favorite and that the last time you were in the diner with Mary Margaret she ruined it by accident."

"I doubt that."

"Oh, come on Regina. Ruby told me it's not like she spit in it or anything that day because seriously how old would that make her?"

"Mid to late fifties, but with the mental capacity of a six year old?"

Emma unzips her official and now trademark red leather savior jacket and slouches back in her seat, "That's just mean."

I reach for the cup and take off the lid, "I'm simply calling it as I've come to see it, dear."

"Uh-huh."

I roll my eyes and sniff the drink before taking a small sip. Emma to her credit hasn't just put on blinders towards me even though things have changed between us. I'm thankful she doesn't see any need to pretend that our past isn't real anymore but at the same time she doesn't behave as though she's going to lord it over me. The tea is good and fairly close to the way I fix for myself at home.

"So..." Emma prompted and I look up over the rim of my cup at her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

In truth nothing is wrong but the one thing that I'm still getting used to. Emma is also grappling with the shift in how we interact now since the change between us. I believe that sometimes she's waiting for me to change my mind, but I'm not going to unless something happens that we can't come back from. When I take a chance on something or someone in this case I'm all in as the saying goes.

Emma shifts in her seat and grasps the chair handles with both hands, but then she moves them off and simply leans forward.

"This is new between us and I feel like I can read you pretty well, but I get the feeling that if I got up and came over there to give you a little kiss I might be on the receiving end of a not so friendly shove or even a light slap?"

"That's what you think?"

"Pretty much."

I put my tea down on the desk and lean back in my chair and cross my legs, "Well in that case perhaps you should test your theory Sheriff to see if you're misjudging things. You just might be reading me wrong."

Emma smirks and then rises out of her seat and moves around to the end of my desk. I swivel my chair around to meet her and I let my eyes roam over every inch of her, before I settle on those sea-green orbs that are looking back at me.

"You know it'll never be boring between us." Emma said as she leans down and places both hands on my chair's armrests. "You'll see to that with your need to wheedle me, and I'll hold up my end by calling bullshit when needed."

"And you think it's needed now do you, dear?"

"You asked and now that I'm standing here I don't think a little kiss is going to get the job done."

I smirk, "Well since you've worked so hard for it then I guess I can offer you something more after all."

Emma smiles and I close my eyes as her lips meet mine. Kissing her is always exciting, different and yet familiar. My heart rate speeds up as Emma increases the pressure, and unlike those first few times where I didn't know what to do with my hands, I reach up and bury them in her golden blonde hair. The texture of Emma's hair is fine but thick and the softness feels so good in the palm of my hand.

"Regina." Emma breathes against my lips. I dart my tongue out and lick her lower lip. "Oh, H-how far are we going today?"

"This far." I said and then I pull her back to my lips. "For now."

Emma groans and instead of keeping her at such an angle leaning down to me I uncross my legs and slowly stand up without sacrificing our contact. Emma's hands find my waist and I pull her flush against my body. I don't need the magic of True Love's kiss to prove anything to me because my magic is already reacting and with each kiss I'm willing to admit that getting lost with Emma Swan isn't the worst thing that could happen. My magic is never far from the surface and when it mingles with Emma's magic I feel it combine near my heart and it's a pleasant warmth that finds its target every time. Emma tilts her head to the side and further deepens our kiss and all the sense of worrying about the future seems silly to me in the here and now.

Unbeknownst to Regina, Emma and the other residents of Storybrooke an old red convertible with Minnesota plates is speeding along the road towards the town line and not far behind it is another car. A tan early 2000's model Chevrolet Impala is following close behind the classic car and behind the wheel of both cars is trouble. As both cars speed over the town line one right after the other the drivers and passengers of both vehicles laugh at their apparent success. All four people know exactly what Storybrooke is and their mission is to steal away a little boy named Henry.

In the same span of time Rumpelstiltskin stands at his vantage point hidden deep in the tree line near the town line and as the cars cross the line a smug smile begins to do a slow and rather demented waltz across his face.

-:::::::= END =:::::::-

Soundtrack: "Clean" by Big Data feat. Jamie Lidell, "Tongues" by Joywave, "Kiss Me" by She Wants Revenge & "Through Glass" by Stone Sour

Supporting Characters (in order of appearance) that populated Regina's 'fantasies':

Aging Hipster on the Train...'Black Beard'

The Young Girl on the Train...'Lily'

Regina's Faithful Boyfriend...'Will Scarlet'

Regina's Cheating Husband...'Prince James a.k.a the Bad Twin'

The Cheating Redhead in the Shower...'Princess Aurora'

The Tall Gothic Man at the Condor Club...'Jack Skellington'

The Go-Go Dancer at the Condor Club/Regina's Girlfriend...'Marian'

Emma Swan's Roommate/Girlfriend...'Elsa'

Closing Remarks:This story became more than I originally intended and I'm proud of that. I officially concocted this on May 30, 2015 but I didn't start posting it until several months later. Seeing this odd and not entirely straight forward journey through to the end took time and lots of self-motivation. I know some won't hesitate to point out that this isn't exactly a lengthy story, but I've never had any aspirations to become some long-winded wordsmith.

To any grammar police paying close attention to this story; slow your roll and turn off your sirens. Why? Because over the years I've already had complaints ranging from being too grammatically correct, to using improper grammar in dialogue and other forms of nit-picking antics that's enough to make you go crazy. But more to the point I wrote this story the way I wanted and now it's over and done with.

Finally, if you (the reader) are one of the few people who had faith/supported me from the beginning of this, Thank You. But if you (the reader and any in the future) made it this far and hated it may I remind you that it's free, nobody had a gun to your head and stating any negative grievances isn't something that I'm in need of.