A/N 2: Hello again!

Sorry for re-posting, but I since someone mentioned that they were a bit confused about the ending..that I had to do some minor adjustments in the last part. Because it's been all so very clear to me, but obviously not everybody was able to catch up. Sorry for that.

So, there are some minor changes at the end...I hope you understand better now.


A/N: Hello everyone!

It's time to say 'Good bye'.

I'm here now with the last chaper of "The Beauty of the Beast".

It has been quite a journey and I enjoyed every word I have written.

I want to thank everyone, who has found the time to read it. Thank you!

And thanks for all the reviews, the messages, the lovely words. You all are amazing!

And of course, my biggest thanks go to my dear friend Agata, whom I have written this story for. She is one of the most interesting people I have ever met.

She is outspoken and courageous, she is smart and so very funny. She is adorable and she has the heart in the right place. She truly is a beautiful soul.

I had to admit I'm a bit sad, because I have come to love the characters of my story, but it is time. It's time to let go.

So, enjoy the last chapter…I hope you'll love it as much as I do.

Big hugs to all of you,

Raven


The Beauty of the Beast

Chapter 50

"I really fucked up", Emma groaned and watched Ruby, who was sitting on the bed right beside her, their thighs touching.

"We both have", Ruby growled, "But I told you from the beginning…you should have told her."

"I couldn't. I still can't. And you know it. You know Regina, you know how she is", Emma hid her face in her hands.

"Yeah, exactly. And that's why you should have told her!"

"Well, it's too late now…I'll take care of my relationship once we are back in Storybrooke", Emma answered weakly, knowing full-well that there would not be much left of her relationship with Regina, except from a million pieces.


When Regina blinked her eyes open the next morning she had a killer headache. Clearly she had drunken too much whiskey before she had finally gotten to bed to fall into a nightmare plagued sleep.

Now that she was waking up she cursed herself, but the second the memories came back, the ones why she had gotten so wasted,Regina felt the urge to start drinking again.

Emma had left Storybrooke with Ruby – to spend the weekend in Boston.

And yet again she had left without a word, although she had promised to never do that again after her disappearance to the Enchanted Forest.

So, Emma had broken her promise, had lied to her.

Just like everybody else before.

And Regina was aware that she would never recover from that if Emma would not come back soon - to explain herself.

Although Regina doubted that there would be an explanation for this behavior, at least none that she would want to hear.


Emma wanted to call Regina, wanted to text her, but she did not dare to, because she was sure the mayor would not even bother to listen at this point.

Clearly Regina had talked to Mary Margaret by now, so she was screwed. No matter what.

She had never meant for things to go so wrong, but obviously life had other plans for her.

"Don't worry so much, Em. Or do you regret coming here?" Ruby hugged her close.

"No…no, I don't. I wanted this…and now I have to deal with the damage this decision has caused", Emma stated quickly.

"Maybe it won't be that bad…maybe she'll understand…"

"Yeah, sure…we're talking about Regina here", Emma fired back.

"As if I could forget that! Well, anyway…I'm starving…so, let's go, get some breakfast…and then I want to get inked!"

Ruby bounced through the room like a child, obviously all excited.

"You want to get a tattoo? Are you crazy?" Emma glared at her in disbelief before she added, "Why am I even asking?!"


Regina and Henry had spent pretty much all Saturday at the stables and she had tried to hide her sorrows from her son, but of course he had seen right through her.

And when Henry had told her that he had absolutely no idea what Emma was up to her heart had sunken even more. If it would be something good Emma would have told their son, because that's what Emma did. She had always put her trust in Henry, but when even he did not know it had to be bad.

And right that moment the last bit of Regina's hope had died.

Thanks to her son and Melech she had not broken down completely, but once they had returned to the mansion Regina had not been able to stop herself from falling apart anymore and so she had called David to take Henry for the weekend.

She needed some time for herself, needed to be alone.

But once Regina was alone in the mansion she felt worse than ever because she realized how close she was to turning back into the person she had once been.

Just without magic this time.

And she also realized how close she was to losing everything once again. But this time she would lose even more than the last time, simply because nothing could compare to the love she felt for Emma and Henry. Nothing she had ever felt before came even close to it.


Emma sat in the hotel room, lost in thought.

Ruby was in the shower and she was lonely. She wanted nothing more than to talk to Regina, but she was so damn scared.

She took a look at the clock and realized that it was close to midnight and she let the phone drop with a heavy sigh. Regina would be sleeping by now anyway.

This whole situation was so fucked up.


Regina had not been able to get any sleep at all.

She had been lying awake all night, debating whether she should try to call Emma or not. But she had not dared to because she was too afraid of interrupting something that would crash her whole world forever.

And now she was sitting at the harbor again, staring at the water, completely lost and in unbearable pain.

Why always her? Why couldn't she be lucky for once? Why couldn't she be happy?

Because you'll always be The Evil Queen, even without magic. Because there is no redemption for murderers. Not ever. You can become as good as you want, but that doesn't change that you have taken too many lives to count.

Her subconscious was playing her and Regina knew it, but there was nothing she could do about it. Maybe it was truth after all.


"Regina…"

The familiar voice pulled her out of her thoughts and Regina looked straight at Ashley, who had baby Alexandra in her arms, "Good morning…"

"Regina, I'm sorry for saying this…but you look horrible. What's wrong? Why are you here again?"

"It's nothing, Miss Boyd. Don't worry."

The blonde sat down on the bench next to the mayor, careful not to invade the brunette's personal space, "It's Ashley. My name is Ashley…and don't try to deny it…you are as miserable as one can get."

Regina glared at her and felt the urge to slap her, but of course it was not really an option, "While that might be true…Miss Boyd…I don't wish to talk about it."

Ashley knew that she was walking on thin ice, but she could not watch Regina suffer like that, "Is it because of Ruby and Emma going to Boston?"

"What do you know about it?" Regina snapped and regretted it immediately, when the baby started crying.

It took Ashley a while to calm Alexandra down, but once the child was back to sleeping soundly in her arms, she looked Regina straight in the eyes, "I don't know a thing. And from what I can tell you don't either…I have no idea what's going on, but I miss Ruby terribly."

"Oh really? Well, don't get your hopes up, because they might not even come back…" the mayor's voice was one dangerous, disgusted growl.

"Now hold on, Regina! What are you talking about? Please, don't tell me you think Emma and Ruby…you know", Ashley's voice was trembling slightly.

"What do you think they are doing in Boston? All by themselves I might add…"

"You can't be serious, Regina. Emma loves you…more than anything. You of all people should know that!" Ashley could not believe what Regina was implying. Emma and Ruby…that was impossible, right?

"I thought I knew…I also thought Emma wouldn't leave without a word again…she promised", Regina dropped her head, willed herself to stay calm because of the baby, "And now she ran off again. With the wolf…of all people. I guess you were right when you said that True Love doesn't exist in this world…"

"Regina, about that…forget I ever said that. I was just upset that day. Because I had seen Sean and Belle together and I don't know…I just…it was stupid to say that…especially since I realized recently that I might get my happy ending after all…maybe not the one I had expected, but still…this person just had to leave town…so I could become aware of my own feelings…", Ashley admitted and checked on her sleeping daughter.

"Wait…are you trying to tell me that you and Miss Lucas are a couple?" Regina eyed the blonde suspiciously.

"No…no, we are not. But that doesn't mean we can't become one", Ashley gave the mayor a hopeful smile.

"Well, I already told you, dear…I'm afraid you'll have to wait in line."

"Regina, that's bullshit…and you know it! Where is all this crap coming from? Emma Swan is so head over heels in love with you…practically the whole town is jealous of you. Just think about it for a second, Regina…Emma has done everything in her powers…to make sure you are happy. To make sure you are safe. To make sure that people leave you alone. She has saved your life…more than once…she was willing to sacrifice hers…what else does she have to do…so you will trust her? Because I don't know what she could possibly do, what she hasn't done yet."

Regina was taken aback by the blonde's words and in that moment she realized that Ashley Boyd was right.

Emma had really done everything for her and what had Emma ever gotten in return? Sure, she had prepared special dinners for Emma, she had made time so they had more quality time together, but all in all…had she ever really done anything to show Emma how much she meant to her? Besides giving her the diary for Christmas maybe. But still.

Why couldn't she trust Emma?

Sure, she was a bold woman, she did not always think about consequences, but when it came down to it, Emma had always been there, had proven that she was reliable.

Overwhelmed by her own thoughts Regina got up, mumbled an apology and headed off. She needed time to think. Alone.


Regina had spent all night with her thoughts and her fears and although it was killing her she had sworn herself that she would try not to assume the worst.

Emma deserved her trust. In fact the blonde deserved a lot more than that.

She would take a day off work and would cook all of Emma's favorite dishes, because according to Mary Margaret the sheriff and her deputy would return from Boston in the evening.

Because if there was one thing Regina had realized after her second conversation with Ashley – it was the fact that she had begun to take things for granted and that could not happen again. Emma was the most precious thing in her life and their love was definitely unique.

And Regina knew that she was not the biggest outburst on love, simply because of her upbringing, but she would cherish her time with Emma, her time with her family more in the future. And she would give Emma more credit for everything she was doing.


Emma stood in front of the Charmings' apartment door and hesitated. She feared what would await her once she would knock, but she could not hide from the truth forever.

But the moment she raised her hand the door swung open and Mary Margaret bumped right into her, "Hi Mom!"

"Don't even start, Emma. What are you doing here?!"

"We just came back from Boston and I wanted…" Emma began her explanation, but got cut short by Mary Margaret, "No! No, no, no. Get your ass over to Regina's and explain to her why the hell you left…"

"Mary Margaret, it's really complicated and I can't talk to her yet", Emma whined because her mother stared at her angrily.

"I really don't care, Emma. You are old enough to sort your stuff out. You made a decision and now live with the consequences. Go to the mansion, now!"


Regina had prepared everything for dinner and was pacing around in the kitchen. Henry was at the shelter with David and would sleep at the Charmings so Emma and her would have enough time to talk. And they really needed to do that.

They needed to have a serious conversation and Emma had to explain a lot of things, because there had to be a reason for her disappearance.

Regina was caught in a state between going crazy and hoping for the best, because while her heart told her that Emma would never hurt her, her head told her that she had been fooled once again.

The last few days had been nothing, but torture and she felt drained, emotionally and physically – thanks to the lack of sleep and the whole lot of crying.

But she had decided to give Emma a fair chance for once, which meant that the blonde would be innocent in her books until proven otherwise.

It was hard for her to accept the things for what they were, but for Emma she would try to stay calm, to keep her doubts and fears under control, to stay rational and yet loving.

When the front door opened Regina's heart skipped not just one beat before it went into overdrive.

She made her way into the hall and there she stood.

Emma Swan, looking all guilty and exhausted and Regina's stomach tightened immediately, but she managed to keep breathing, "Good evening, dear. Dinner is ready in about fifteen minutes."

The blonde's mouth fell open and she glared at Regina as if she had seen a ghost because of all the scenarios she had imagined – that had not been an option. She had thought Regina would spit fire as soon as she would enter the house, "Uh…uhm…yeah. I'll take a quick shower then."

That said she stormed upstairs, eager to get away before Regina could say anything else.


They had eaten dinner in complete silence, which had almost killed Regina's patience, but she had been aware that pushing Emma would lead her nowhere.

And the blonde had been quite surprised when she had recognized all her favorite dishes on the table, but had not said a word.

Now that they were done eating Regina could not stay quiet any longer, "Care to tell me where you have been, dear?"

"I've been in Boston, but I guess you already know that."

Regina nodded, "That I do, dear. I also know that you have been there together with Miss Lucas."

Emma looked at Regina, obviously trying to sense the brunette's mood and their eyes locked. Regina's stare became so intense that Emma had trouble holding it, "Is there anything you want to tell me, Emma?"

"Not at all. Been a rather boring weekend…besides the fact that Ruby got herself a wolf paw tattooed on her wrist. We were stuck because her car broke down. That's all", Emma had to break eye contact because she could not bear it any longer, "Anyway…I have to get going. Thanks for the very delicious dinner. I loved every bite of it."

"Where are you going?" Regina could not believe it. Emma was leaving? Again?

"Uh…just for a walk, really."


Regina's heart had sunken the second Emma had left the mansion, because she was well aware that Emma would meet up with Ruby, but what should she have done?

Forbid it?

Back in the days she would have done that, but she was a different person now. At least she tried to be, although the darkness was wrapping itself round her soul like a veil more and more.

And the familiar feeling of loneliness, pain and disappointment gave her a certain amount of comfort because it was what she had known all her life.

She had put all her hopes into this evening, but Emma had let the bubble burst without blinking.

What was she supposed to do now?


Emma was sneaking around in the darkness, her heart beating fast when somebody grabbed her arm and caused her to jump.

"Relax, Em…it's just me…" the familiar voice of Ruby Lucas swung through the night.

"Jesus, Ruby! You almost gave me a heart attack…for a moment I really believed that Regina has followed me", Emma tried to catch her breath before she hugged the brunette woman, "Thanks for coming."

"How did it go at home?" Ruby asked carefully.

"I don't know. Regina has cooked all my favorite stuff…hell, I feel so guilty. I couldn't even look at her…and I can't talk to her either…because I don't want to lie…so I kind of bailed out on her again…" Emma answered with a helpless shrug.

"Emma! Talk to her…tell her something…but you can't go on like that…" Ruby pleaded.

"Yeah…I have to talk to her eventually. But for now…let's go…we don't have much time."


Emma had not returned to the mansion till the morning and Regina was in a really bad mood. She was just glad that Henry was not there to witness it.

All her resolutions were out of the window by now and she was drowning in darkness more and more, but she did not care anymore.

Before the Boston trip Emma had been a bit strange, but now she avoided her completely. She did not even come home anymore.

So it seemed the decision was made already and she had not even gotten a say on it at all.

Regina decided to walk over to Granny's because she did not feel like driving, but on her way over she caught sight of Emma, who was entering the flower shop and a glimpse of hope showed up in Regina's mind.

Maybe Emma had realized that she had made a mistake after all?

She continued her way to the diner, praying that this whole insanity would be over soon, because she felt so torn and desperate and Regina did not know who much more she could take.

When she finally arrived at the diner she instantly caught sight of a brightly smiling Ruby Lucas, who was talking to Granny and Regina slid into a booth quickly, because she felt like she would faint any second.

Ruby seemed to hesitate to get to take her order too and Regina was glad that she had a few moments to regain her composure, at least a little, but when the waitress showed up at her table Regina felt like ripping hearts out again.

If only she could.

No, she would not go back there. Not even if she could.

She managed to order a coffee in the end and grabbed the newspaper, that was lying on the table to hide behind it.

Hide from Ruby and the rest of Storybrooke.

By the time the coffee was delivered Regina was caught up in an article about the horse therapy at the stables. Archie's project had turned out to be a success – at least some good news this morning.

When the diner door flung open Regina did not even bother to look up, but the words "The sheriff sent me" caught her attention and she dropped the newspaper.

And the next thing that dropped was Regina's jaw.

Belle's father stood there, a bouquet of the most beautiful dark red roses she had ever seen in hand, handing it to Ruby, who smiled sweetly and thanked the man before he left.

Regina did not know what to do or where to go.

She felt like a caged animal and she did not like it one bit. She would lose control over herself any minute and then she saw the white envelope in Ruby's hand, an envelope exactly like the ones Emma had always given her and then it was enough.

She had to get out of there immediately.


Ruby had watched Regina storm out of the diner as if the devil would be after her and had texted Emma right away, because the waitress had a feeling that things had just gotten worse. At least ten times.

Once Emma was sitting at the counter Ruby reported what had happened only minutes ago and the blonde sighed in desperation, "What am I going to do? Everything is completely out of control…"

"I know, Em…sorry!"

"It's not your fault…I just didn't expect any of this to happen and now it's one big disaster. Regina is close to breaking down…which is the worst about all of this…because I never meant to hurt her…at all."

"Yeah…and you really should talk to her…explain the situation to her", Ruby stated matter-of-factly.

"You know what, Ruby…you are right. I'll do it tonight…I have no idea how to manage everything…but this charade will end tonight", Emma jumped up, "I better get going…I have a lot to do."

"Emma? Emma, wait!"

But it was pointless.

All Ruby could do was watching Emma running out of the diner as if she had seen a ghost.


Regina had spent most of the day at the stables, seeking comfort with Melech, because the stallion was the only thing she could hold on to and it had made her feel a bit better, but once she had returned to the mansion the darkness of her thoughts had started to consume her once again.

Now that she sat in her study, a tumbler with apple cider in hand, Regina thought about her life and how useless she was after all.

She had failed again.

But before she could have drowned completely she heard the front door open and soon after that the footsteps of her son.

How would Henry react to all of this? Would he hate her again? Would he blame her for not being better, for not trying harder?

She would have fought, would have tried everything, but Emma did not even talk to her. So what could she possibly do?

"Mom, you need to get dressed!" Henry yelled from the kitchen, which caused Regina to get up. He knew exactly that he should not yell in the house.

Stalking through the hallway Regina tried to calm down, because she did not want to snap at her son. Things would get hard enough for him eventually.

For all of them.

"Hey, are these roses from Emma?" Henry asked as soon as he caught sight of his mother, who glared at him in disbelief.

"Roses?"

She did not understand. What was Henry talking about? But as soon as she entered the kitchen she saw them with her own eyes. Exactly the same bouquet Ruby had been holding in her hands in the morning.

What the hell was going on?

"There's a card too", Henry announced, grabbed it and handed it to his mother, who was absolutely startled.

This had to be one sick joke.

But then she recognized her name neatly written on the front of said envelope and she took it quickly to pull it open and reveal the message it held.

Emma's handwriting. No doubt about that.

Her eyes roamed over the quote again and again and it took Regina a while to take the words in, because they simply took her breath away.

'A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.' –Richard Bach

Tears were running down Regina's cheeks and she was more confused than ever.

What was this all about? What did it mean? Nothing made sense anymore.

"Mom, you better hurry. Mary Margaret and David will be here any minute. Get dressed…" Henry insisted.

"What? Why? Where are we going?" Regina knew she had lost track long ago.

"Just wear something comfortable…and hurry!"

That said Henry disappeared from the kitchen, leaving his rather lost mother behind.


Emma was pacing around like crazy and neither Ruby, nor Ashley were able to calm her down.

"What if she rips my head off before I can say a word?"

"She won't. I've met her twice on the weekend…and believe me when I tell you that Regina was more heartbroken than angry", Ashley commented.

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Emma glared at her.

"Everybody just calm down!" Ruby growled, "As you said, Emma…you made a decision and now you have to face the consequences. You ready?"

"No?" Emma looked as insecure as a school girl and Ruby started to smile, "Good. Because they are here."


David stopped the car in front of the cabin and Regina could not believe it. Torches led the way to the front door and made it look all the more homely.

She still had no idea what was going on, but she would find out soon.

They had dropped Mary Margaret and Henry off at the Charmings apartment and David had not said one word since then, but now he hugged Regina, "I know you had a hard couple of days…and I bet you are quite angry too…but please consider that this has not been any easier for Emma."

Regina nodded although she did not really understand the cryptic message from Charming and got out of the car.

And the first thing she saw was Ruby Lucas.

Of course.

But then she recognized Ashley, who was standing next to Ruby, holding the brunette's hand.

Could it get any weirder?

The second she started to walk closer Ashley and Ruby began to wave at Emma, who was leaning in the doorframe and Regina felt her heart racing in her chest.

Ruby and Ashley came right towards her, still holding hands, smiling at each other and when she passed them Ruby pulled her to a short stop, "Emma always meant well, don't forget that. Enjoy your evening, Regina."

And then the two women got into David's car and before Regina could realize it she was alone.

Except for Emma, who watched her every step.


When Regina finally stood in front of Emma she did not know what to say or do.

She was too confused, too scared and too overwhelmed to think straight.

All she wanted was to pull Emma into her arms and hold her close without ever letting go again.

But clearly she could not do that because she still was not convinced by this whole situation.

"Would you please come inside?" Emma asked carefully and moved so Regina could indeed enter the cabin.

And once Regina caught side of the interior she held her breath.

The whole cabin had been renovated. The furniture Gold had bought had been replaced. The walls had been painted and there was now a comfortable bed, a new dining table, a bigger couch and new kitchen equipment – everything in warm earth tones, which made the cabin look very cozy and comfortable.

And then Regina recognized all the frames on the walls, frames that held pictures of her family.

She looked at Emma, because she still did not understand. Not a thing.

"I guess I owe you an explanation…and more than that…an apology", Emma stated softly and took Regina's hand to lead them to the couch, "Please, take a seat. Want something to drink? A glass of wine maybe?"

All Regina could to was nod because she was so taken aback by the whole situation and she had no idea what to think of it.


Emma lit the fire in the chimney and brought a bottle of red wine, together with two glasses and put them on the couch table and then she finally sat down next to Regina, immediately taking the brunette's hand in her own, holding it gently.

"Regina, I…I know you are hurt…and probably really angry…but please, hear me out. Even if I don't deserve it", Emma began her little speech and when the brunette did not complain she continued, "I know what everything must have looked like the couple of days, Regina. But I swear to God that I never touched Ruby, except for a friendly hug. She helped me make this whole renovation thing happen…we've been working so hard…and I could not tell you…I could not tell anyone…because somebody would have spit it…and it could not happen…more about that later…and about Boston…the plan was to go there, pick something up…something I really needed…and come back…you were not supposed to ever find out…not because I had anything to hide…well, that's not entirely true…because I wanted to surprise you…and…and…"

Her rambling had become too much, even for herself, but the problem was that Emma's thoughts had started to do flip flops and she could not really focus anymore. She would even screw this up.

"Just take a deep breath…" Regina whispered and squeezed her hand gently.

Emma did as she was told and after a few moments she found the courage to continue her explanation, "The freaking car broke down…I thought we better not go with my death trap…because you kept telling me that it's not safe. So we took Ruby's car and the damn thing died on us. And I did not know what to do…I was so scared and I didn't dare to call you…stupid…I know", Emma dropped her head in shame, but Regina reached for her chin and made her look up again, "It was definitely stupid…but I felt the same way…so I understand."

"I expected you to be so mad when I came back…I thought you would bite my head off", Emma admitted weakly, "I was not prepared for a nice dinner and stuff. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for being so strange…and for avoiding you…but I did not want to lie…and I could not tell anyone…and…you might never forgive me…and…"

"Emma, stop!" Regina had not meant to sound so harsh, but she was on the edge and had little control over herself. She knew that everything Emma had said was true, she could see it in the blonde's eyes and although a part of her screamed for payback she would not let Emma suffer now.

It would get them nowhere. One of the things she had learned from the past. Revenge only mad everything worse, but never better. And Emma had done nothing wrong. Sure, Emma could have handled some things differently, but that also counted for herself. She could have called Emma for example - instead of doubting her. They both had made mistakes over the last couple of days, but Regina was ready to let it slide, ready to forgive - this once. Because deep in her heart she knew that Emma was truly sorry for what had went wrong although it had not even been in her hands. And yet again Emma's intention had been to do something great for her and she could see that now. Bright and clear.

"I spent the last few days crying, cursing and God knows what else…you are aware of my habit to assume the worst…and what can I say. Old habits die hard. Hell, I needed a lecture from Ashley Boyd to see clearly again! She made me see that I have no reason to doubt you. You've always been good to me, have always put me first. Though you disappearing is something I will never get used to…but I still have hope that you will stop with this nonsense at some point…and we all make mistakes. God knows how many I have made in my life. You really have put me to the test this time and I was close to losing my mind, I admit that. It would be easy to argue with you now and a part of me is really tempted, but I also see that you have been a victim of circumstances. I believe you when you say you have never meant to hurt me or betray my trust and I feel a bit ashamed for assuming otherwise, because you deserve better than that. I can see that now. Emma, please know that I am aware how lucky I am to have you. And I don't want to fight right now, I don't want to fight at all. I just want to hold you in my arms and never let go again, because I love you."

Regina looked at Emma, honesty and sincerity shining in her stunning brown eyes. She waited for the blonde to make a move, to pull her into a hug, but nothing happened.

And that had Regina confused again. What had she done now?

She had managed to get over herself, over her fears and had acted like an actual human and yet Emma did not react, which made Regina uncomfortable once again.
And then Emma got up and her instincts told her to follow suit because otherwise the blonde might bail out again and she would not let that happen.

So there they stood facing each other and Emma took Regina's hand once again, "There's a reason why I had to go to Boston and to why we renovated the cabin. I wanted this place to be truly ours...and I never meant for you to see it before the weekend, but as you said...circumstances have changed. I never planned on wearing my red leather jacket either, but nevermind. I had to go to Boston because I needed something I would not get in Storybrooke. At least not without everyone knowing and spilling. You know how nobody in Storybrooke can stop themselves from gossiping. And as I said before...that could not happen. I didn't even dare to tell Henry, because I had to do this my way. Because I want to do this..."

Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath, remembering her conversation with Henry from a few weeks ago. He had asked her if she even wanted to get married and she had told him that she had thought about it recently, but that she was not sure if Regina wanted that too. That had been the moment when Henry had told her about his talk with his mom, a talk around the time Emma had moved in with them. She had been so surprised about Regina's words, had been so surprised about the fact that Regina had told Henry that she would give up her dream about getting married because she did not want Emma to feel pressured and be uncomfortable. And that had been the day Emma had made up her mind. That day Emma had made up her mind.

She took another deep breath and locked eyes with Regina once again, "I never thought I would be this happy one day and here I am, feeling like the luckiest person, because I have you in my life, Regina. When I first came to Storybrooke I wanted to smack you, I admit that. And later on I might even considered strangling you for a moment or two…but Henry succeeded in getting us to a point where we finally got along…and I will be forever grateful for that. Getting to know you has been the most amazing journey of my entire life. I've never wanted a house or a family...I never wanted to be committed like that after growing up as a foster child and moving all the time...because I knew I could not have it anyway. And for me there was no point in chasing after some childhood dreams because they seemed to be out of reach…but then I came here and met you and that turned my whole world upside down. You made me see things differently and you made me want things I could have never imagined. With you I found the missing part of the puzzle, I've found my home and I found myself. Because you have the keys to my locks and the other way round. We are meant to be and everybody has realized that by now. I don't care how boring Storybrooke can be, because for me every day is exciting.. simply because I get to see you. I want forever, Regina. And I want it together with you…no matter what life might throw at us in the future because we can overcome any obstacle…together." That said Emma got down on own knee and pulled a small box out of her red leather jacket. She opened it with trembling fingers and held out a beautiful diamond ring, "I love you with everything I am. And I want to be with you for the rest of my life. No matter what has happened in the past, no matter how many flaws you think you have…I will always choose you, Regina. Because I'm done running, because I know where I belong. And that's why I am asking you now…will you marry me?"

"Yes."

A simple word, all soft and tender – a simple word, that should change their future forever.

Emma put the ring onto Regina's finger, careful not to hurt her and it turned out to be the perfect fit.

Tears were streaming down Regina's cheeks.

Tears of surprise, tears of relief and tears of joy. She had never thought this would ever happen, but dreams could come true after all.

She had never believed in miracles, but now she had found hers.

It was standing right in front of her in the form of Emma Swan.

When they finally wrapped their arms around each other their surrounds disappeared within a heartbeat, because Regina and Emma were so caught up in one another.

Both of them were smiling, their eyes sparkling and then they finally leaned in to share the most breathtaking kiss they had ever experienced.

A kiss that sealed what could not be apart, a kiss that sealed the love of two women, who had walked through hell to find themselves.

And each other.

And when Emma locked eyes with Regina once again she could finally see it – the true beauty of the woman, who held her heart.

The true beauty of the woman who had wandered in darkness for so long, feared like a beast.

The true beauty of Regina Mills.


~We grow up with all these fairytales, that are supposed to teach us some lessons. They give us hope, they make us believe that True Love exists. And all these fairytales inspire us, feed our imagination, make us dream big dreams.

But then we grow up and reality hits us for the first time. It hits us and all our dreams start to fade, our imagination begins to concentrate on rational things instead of going after some childhood fantasies. And we begin to struggle because we want to do the right thing, which leads us to ignore the voice of our heart. Because True Love does not exist in the real world or that's what we come to realize after getting our heart broken for the first time.

And as life goes on we begin to wonder if it might be true – can love be weakness?

Once the darkness consumes us we are sure about it and there is no doubt that love can be pain, that it indeed can be weakness.

But once we find the right person, once we find our one True Love, life becomes more colorful and we start to feel like children again.

Because this love warms us up, takes our breath away, brings light into the darkness and from one moment to the next we have our dreams back, we are back in Fairytale Land.

True Love gets us back on our feet when we fall, it reminds us to never give up, it gives us hope and it encourages us to never stop fighting.

Because True Love can break any curse, because True Love can brighten the darkest of hearts.

Because True Love is the most powerful magic of all.~

The End.