Disclaimer: I don't own Once upon a time or any of its characters.

Author Notes: Well, we have arrived to a turning point. So, without further delay, on to the story!

Saturday Morning

Regan stirred as the morning light filled the room, slowly opening his eyes and blinking several times to get rid of the remains of sleep. When his vision cleared, he was faced with the sight of a slightly scarred, naked back as his bed partner faced away from him.

He smiled widely as he remembered the events from the night before; their amazing date, dancing at the club, sharing a relaxing bath before finally consummating their relationship. Just the memory of being deep inside her made him shiver with delight.

Reluctantly, he sat up and reached for his phone, checking for missed calls or messages. His eyebrows shoot up almost to his hairline as he read the text he had gotten from Dr. Whale.

John Doe is awake; we're keeping him in observation for the time being. Just letting you know.

He sighed as he noticed It was already mid-morning. They needed to be going back soon. He put his phone away and leaned closer to Emma to kiss her shoulder, deciding to let her sleep a while longer while he went to take a shower.

Despite his efforts to be quiet, Emma had woken up as she felt him leave the bed and rolled onto her back, stretching lazily. She grinned as she felt the delicious soreness between her legs. Though they hadn't been too rough, it had been a while since she slept with a man who knows what he's doing.

She heard the shower start in the bathroom and smirked, leaving the bed to join her man.

Smut Scene Alert

When she walked in, she was greeted by the sight of her boyfriend's naked body as he stood under the spray. He turned to face her as he heard her walk inside the shower stall.

"You mind if I join you?" she asked in a coy tone, wrapping her arms around him, shuddering slightly when she came in contact with his wet skin.

"The day the answer to that question is a no, you have my permission to shoot me" He joked, pulling her into a kiss. His mouth tasted fresh and minty, having brushed his teeth beforehand. She pulled away and reached down between his legs, moving her hand back and forth almost lazily.

"You know, I never got to repay you for last night" She mused casually, licking her lips as she lowered herself to her knees. His eyes were wide but bright with excitement, and without breaking eye contact, she boldly took him in her mouth, closing her lips around his girth and sucking the tip.

His hands reached for her head, holding her hair back as she bobbed her head back and forth in a slow, steady motion. Her mouth felt amazing on his cock, her hands roaming over his thighs and abs as he tried his best not to buck his hips lest he hurt her in his eagerness.

It didn't take him long to grow hard as a rock, demonstrating his sexual prowess. When she used to do the same thing to Neal, it took forever to get him off and he tended to be overzealous, often leaving her sore and uncomfortable, which is why it wasn't a frequent thing. Regan was another story, his response to her was empowering and his iron self-control ensured he didn't force her down or hurt her.

His groans echoed loudly as they filled the bathroom. The sight of Emma on her knees for him, watching her pink lips wrapped around him so intimately, was driving him wild, enticing his deepest instincts. He was nearing the edge, but the alpha male in him wanted to make her feel good too. Fearing he might not last much longer, he quickly pulled her up.

Emma was confused when he gently pushed her off and gasped as she found herself pressed against the cool tiles, bracing her hands against the wall. He kicked her legs apart slightly and held her hips firmly, pulling her back against his middle, feeling his erection poking against her.

"Fuck, Reg. What's gotten into you?" She asked with a breathy laugh which soon turned into a moan, feeling the familiar sense of fullness as he pushed inside her smoothly.

"Nothing, baby. Just…seeing you on your knees for me made me want to get into you" He breathed against her ear, their skin slapping together loudly as he slammed into her in quick, sharp thrusts.

Emma was a hot mess as she pushed her ass back against him, meeting him thrust for thrust. Last night had been intense lovemaking but this? This was just plain fucking, and she loved it. He was always soft and gentle with her, though in their most intimate moments he could see glimpses of his darker nature. She was embarrassed to admit that it appealed to her, perhaps because she knew that, no matter how far gone he was, he wouldn't harm her.

"Oh fuck! Fuck me, my King!" She purred as she looked at him over her shoulder, bite her lips seductively as she smirked.

That snapped something loose in him and it was visible. She watched in awe as Regan left and the Evil King took over. His already intense movements became almost punishing, his hot mouth on settling on her neck as he bit her pulse point.

"Like this, Princess? Is this what you want, for your King to make you his?" He growled and reached between her legs, roughly rubbing her clit with his fingers.

"Yes, yes! Don't stop, please!" She cried out, her legs trembling and threatening to give away at any moment.

"I won't stop! Now come for me!" he commanded, and she couldn't do anything else but comply, screaming his name as an intense orgasm washed over her with breathtaking intensity. Regan wasn't far behind, keeping her tightly against him as he filled her with his release, his mouth on her neck as he groaned.

They stood there, feeling the aftershocks of their almost animalistic coupling. Emma had her forehead pressed against the cold tiles, taking bit gulps of air. Regan carefully pulled out of her and turned her around, hugging her to him. As the euphoria died down, he was back to his normal self.

"Did I hurt you, babe? Was I too rough?" he asked worriedly, lifting her head and meeting her gaze. She shook her head and grinned, kissing his chin "No, you didn't. It was very intense, but I enjoyed it. I will be sore for a while though" She mumbled against his mouth as they kissed between words.

End Smut Scene

They resumed their shower, washing each other happily. They got out shortly after and dried out. Emma needed a moment to brush her teeth and blow dry her hair, so Regan went back to the bedroom to order some room service.

By the time Emma walked back to the bedroom, the food was there, and Regan was lounging in bed is his boxers. Out of the corner of her eyes she could see him watching her, so she dropped her towel, bending down and giving him a nice view of her backside as she rummaged in her back for some underwear.

She put on a matching set of panties and bra, climbing back into bed to join him "Enjoy the show?" she teased.

He smirked "Immensely. You're a tease, you know that?"

"Mm, obviously, otherwise how I am going to keep you interested?" She chuckled.

"Believe me, babe. I'm already hooked" he admitted, sighing as if pained, though his mirthful eyes gave him away.

"So, what was that, back there? Why did the sight of me on my knees worked you up so much?" She asked, very curious.

Regan looked at her seriously "Because it showed the amount of trust you have in me" He answered, elaborating when she looked at him in confusion "You have so much fire in you, you're strong and resilient and I know you can take charge and keep me in line if necessary, but being vulnerable is never easy. So, seeing you willingly get down to your knees for me made me feel powerful and determined to be the best possible mate to you" He paused, trying to find a way to be clearer.

"It made me want to be assertive and take charge, not to dominate you, but to show you that you can be vulnerable with me and let go, even at my darkest moments, and be sure that I will never cross the line. Despite my past, I can be the man you deserve, someone to lean on and be everything you need, both in the bedroom and in our everyday lives" He explained shyly.

Emma melted. Seriously, is this guy even real? Moments like these made her wish she could have met his father. This can only be the result of being raised by a good man and according to Regan, his mother did the exact opposite of that, trying to mold him into an unfeeling ruler. Maybe Henry Sr. didn't have what it took to save his son from becoming dark, but he ensured he could come back from it and be happy.

She kissed him deeply, placing a hand on his chest, right above his heart. It was her way of silently letting him know that, everything he wanted to show her, she already knew it to be true. She was tempted to tell him those three little words that were begging to be let out, but this was not the time or place to do so.

He grinned at her, getting the unspoken message and sat up, reaching for the food tray "Now, how about some breakfast?" he offered, smirking when her eyes light up. She really loved food.

After teasingly feeding each other pieces of fruit, they got dressed. Regan made sure they weren't forgetting anything before they left. A quick check out and they were on their way to retrieve his car.

It had been a perfect trip but now it was time to go back home, to their son.

Halfway through the drive, Regan remembered something "Shit! I forgot to tell you. Your father is awake!" he exclaimed.

Emma's eyes widened "Really?! How do you know?"

"Uh, I got a text from Whale. I read it after I woke up and kind of forgot with all the morning excitement" was his sheepish response.

Emma didn't care though, all she cared about was that her dad was out of his coma. She knew he wouldn't know who she was, but she was happy all the same "Ok, now what?"

"Well, the idea is to get them together, right? You could suggest to Miss Blanchard to be his guide in town, he won't know anyone else so it's perfect. We can arrange a job for him at the animal shelter, which coincidentally, she also volunteers at on the weekends" He rolled his eyes at that one. Snow White around animals? Shocking.

"Ok, that's not a bad idea. What about housing though?" She asked, reminded of her own struggle to get a place when she first came to town.

"Mm, we should check the housing files at town hall. Technically, every person the curse took was given a place to live. Since he was supposed to be unconscious, I don't know if he was included in that" he frowned.

The rest of the drive was spent in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When they crossed the town line, Emma called Whale and told him to expect them, driving straight to the hospital to see David. They would rather take care of this now than to pick up Henry and leave him again afterwards.

When they arrived, he got some looks. They weren't accustomed to see him dressed so casually. Victor was waiting for them "Mr. Mayor, Deputy" He greeted, shaking their hands cordially before he took them to David's room.

"He has a clean bill of health; his cognitive responses are normal, and he shows minimal muscular atrophy. Aside from the amnesia, he's in prime condition" he relayed to them. They entered the room to find the man of the hour was awake and lo and behold, Mary Margaret was there.

She blushed and made to leave, stopping when the mayor spoke to hear "You can stay, Miss Blanchard" He said to her, swallowing his usual disdain to keep things cordial in Emma's presence.

"David, is good to see you in better spirits this morning. I want you to meet some people. This is our Mayor, Regan Mills and the Deputy Sheriff, Emma Swan. He was the one who found you and brought you here and Miss Swan is in charge of the investigation of your case" Whale explained in a professional tone.

David smiled at them and Emma was floored as she saw her own smile mirrored on his face "Nice to meet you, Mister Mayor, Deputy. Thank you for all your help. It's a bit frustrating not remembering anything, but at least I'm awake now, uh?" He said, trying to keep a positive attitude.

"Indeed, Mr. Nolan. I see you've met Miss Blanchard, already" He smirked, enjoying their embarrassed looks "Don't worry about your memories, I'm confident you will get them back with time. The most important thing right now is for you to recover, then we can see about reintegrating you to society. What do you think, Deputy?" He asked.

That was her cue to add her own commentary "Mayor Mills is right, Mr. Nolan. Try to stay calm and just focus on your recovery. I assure you I'm doing my best to investigate what happened to you" She lied smoothly "I know it can be overwhelming to be the new guy in town though, so maybe it would be good for you to have some sort of guide" she suggested.

In unison, all eyes turn to Mary Margaret and she blushed "Me?" she asked, though her eyes were hopeful.

"Well, you're here now, right? Plus, you already known each other. You've been reading for him for weeks, so he's somewhat familiar with you" she pointed out "Mr. Nolan, you're ok with that?"

"Call me David, please. And yes, if Miss Blanchard agrees, I would love for her to be my guide" He agreed with a charming grin, figuring there could be worse things than a pretty lady playing tour guide for him.

"If you're sure, then it would be my pleasure" she accepted with a shy smile. Though her feelings for the mayor were still present, she felt something special when she was with David. He just woke up but, so far, he seemed like a decent person and she admitted, he was very easy on the eyes. Besides, it was obvious Regan and Emma were together, so it would better for her to try and move on.

Emma looked back and forth between them, raising an eyebrow at their painfully sweet interaction. It was unsettling to know these two were her parents.

Regan thought that little scene looked like something out of a hallmark movie. It was sickening. He rolled his eyes and cleared his throat "Well, that's settled then. I'll be back soon to discuss your living situation David and we'll see about getting you a job once you're ready, but for now, we'll leave you to it. If you'll excuse us, we have to pick up our son" He said, giving them a cordial nod.

Emma took his hand as they walked out, giving them a smile and a small wave. The last thing they heard was David asking "Son? Are they together?".

They drove to Granny's, eager to see their baby boy. The small bell above the door announced their presence. Henry saw them instantly and ran over to them "Mommy, daddy!" he shouted happily. Regan picked him up and kissed his mop of hair "Hello there, little man. You missed us?" He asked with a grin, passing him to Emma so she could greet him as well.

"Thank you for watching him, Granny. How was he?" Emma asked the approaching older woman, holding Henry against her hip

"He was an angel. Went to bed on time and had a hearty breakfast too. How was your trip?" she asked, looking at them over her half-moon glasses.

"It was great, just what we needed" Regan said, looking more relaxed than ever before "We're hungry though. How about our usuals and a grilled cheese for Henry?".

Granny nodded "Go sit down. I'll have your food ready in no time".

They did as they were told and sat down at their usual booth, patiently listening to Henry babble about his overnight stay with the Lucas'. A short while later, Ruby delivered their food with a smile "Order for my favorite pair and their cute little pup" she winked, lingering a bit to chat with the youngest Mills.

Henry preened at her words, basking in the attention of the beautiful young woman. Emma raised an eyebrow and gave Regan a look, blaming him for passing his womanizing ways to their son. He just smirked proudly.

From the afterlife, Henry Sr. was doing the same.

They spent the rest of the day watching movies with Henry, after the boy agreed to postpone their weekly riding session for the next day.

On Monday, Regan instructed his secretary to check the property files to see if there was something in David Nolan's name. Unfortunately, there was nothing. Figuring he might have lived in an apartment; he checked the files he had on every person in town to see if there was an address for him. That was also a bust.

Rumple had created the curse. But Regan, as the caster, could choose the parameters regarding the people it took and their alternative lives, with the exception of Rumple himself. The most important ones he added were; to keep Snow White and her Prince separated and miserable and for Regan himself to live with immense wealth and power.

But magic, dark or light, was sentient in a way. Normally, David would have had an alternative life like everyone else. But since he was severely injured at the time, the curse had to modify his outcome at the last moment, which is why, he was kept in a magic induced coma in the ICU, isolated from everyone. He wasn't expected to wake up before the curse broke, so he wasn't given a home.

After lunch, and after dropping Henry off at daycare, they went back to town hall to discuss their options. One was for David to stay at Granny's for the time being, not ideal but not the worse outcome. Another was to let him stay at the mansion, but with the uncertainly of not knowing when the curse would break, they couldn't risk it.

There was another option, but Regan was hesitant to mention it. His conflict must have shown on his face because Emma asked him what was wrong.

He took a deep breath "There's something we haven't considered. David could stay with Snow at her apartment. It would take some convincing, but it could work" he suggested, his heart racing like crazy.

Emma looked at him, knowing the answer before she asked, "And where would I live in that scenario?".

"At the mansion, with Henry and me" he answered, equal parts brave and nervous.

Emma regarded him silently. She would be lying if she said she didn't love the idea. But were they ready? They had been dating for almost a month, not nearly enough time for them to take that step under normal circumstances.

But they were not normal.

They loved each other, they hadn't told each other yet, but they knew it. They already had a child, had known each other for years, officially for four months before they started to date. They knew each other better than anyone else, their pasts, their fears and hopes. But the memory of what happened with Neal and how much he hurt her gave her doubts.

'It's not the same thing. Regan is doing his best effort to seek redemption for his dark past, for you and your son. Neal Cassidy ran away like the coward he always was and left you in prison, pregnant with a child he promised to raise with you. A child you wouldn't have seen again if it wasn't for the man that is asking you to live with him' her subconscious reminded her sternly.

Regan swallowed "We don't have to if you're not ready, Emma. We can find another alternative, ok? You are more important to me" He told her with a small smile, giving her an out.

She looked at him, really looked at him. His eyes, like his heart, were guarded but hopeful. Wasn't this what she always wanted? Someone who loved her and considered her needs, a real family. What more could she ask, truly? Waiting wouldn't change anything. She will still be afraid even if they waited years.

So, mustering all her courage, which was a lot considering she was the Savior, she got closer to him and sat on his lap. She cupped his worried face and nodded, a wide smile growing on her face.

"Yes, I will move in with you and Henry" she whispered before she kissed him deeply. She felt him smile into the kiss and pull her closer, letting her know how happy he was with her answer.

Needless to say, the rest of the day wasn't all that productive.

Five months later

Regan's words were prophetic.

When they first suggested it, Mary Margaret was a bit resistant to the idea of letting David stay with her, but Emma appealed to her logic and kind nature. He was just a guy that had lost most of his life and was trying to start fresh. He was a good man, with no criminal record. Also, she couldn't deny she felt a connection to him considering the short time they've known each other, and they were already on their way to become good friends. For God's sakes, she had offered her guest room to Emma with much less than that. Plus, it would be temporary, until something available came up.

The last one was a lie, but M&M didn't need to do that.

Finally, she agreed to take him in. David's smile was radiant when they told him and he promised her, he would wouldn't disrespect her or her home. That was all it took for the last of her doubts to disappear. It did help that, at first, Emma spend a lot of time with them, acting as some sort of buffer, which turned into Emma becoming good friends with David.

For Mary Margaret, it was an adjustment, living with a man, but not that different from living with Emma. David worked at the animal shelter during the day and they spent their evenings together. They split the rent and bills and alternated with the chores. It didn't take long to settle on a routine that worked for them both.

One night, after almost four months of being roommates, David asked Mary Margaret on a date and she accepted happily. Although her feelings for Regan were still in the back of her mind, she couldn't deny that she was in love with David. They had been dating for the last month, and unlike Regan and Emma, they were taking their time and going slow. It was risky enough that they lived together, so they didn't want to rush and make a mess of things.

So far, it was working.

As for Jefferson, going to therapy really paid off. While he couldn't mention actual details of his life for obvious reasons, he was able to deal with some of his issues. Like his feeling of inferiority for growing up poor, his fear that he wouldn't be able to give his daughter a good life and that the loss of her birth mother would eventually affect her negatively. Finally, he worked through some of his anger at losing years with his daughter and at the person he perceived had caused it.

Ultimately, he accepted that what happened couldn't be changed. He and Regan would never be able to make up for what they did to each other, but they could accept responsibility for their actions and move on.

Mr. and Mrs. Grace were understandably afraid when Regan and Jefferson first visited them. They feared that he could take little Paige away from them, since he never really lost his parental rights. But he assured them that he wouldn't do that to them, he knew what it was like to lose a child and he wouldn't put them through that. Besides, he owed them for giving her a good and happy life. He just asked to be part of her life.

Paige, who was only a couple of years older than Henry, was a bit confused with the situation, but it was explained to her that while she had been raised by the Grace's, they weren't the parents she had been born of. Her birth mother had passed away and her father had just been able to come back for her. She understood, as much as a child her age could.

At first, they went out as a group, so she could get accustomed to her new normal and to the new man in her life. It was awkward, getting to know each other with an audience and trying to find common ground for conversation, but they managed. She told him about school, her friends, her favorite tv shows and everything else she could think of. He told her about her mother, the kind of woman she had been, the adventures they had together and the joy he felt knowing he had a daughter.

He won her over by telling her stories about crazy worlds and odd characters, which she found absolutely fascinating. Eventually, they started to hang just the two of them, since he proved that he wasn't a creep and the little girl genuinely enjoyed his presence. He took her out for ice cream, to the park, to the movies and occasionally, he joined her and her adoptive parents for dinner.

For the last few weeks, she had been staying with him during the weekends. She liked his big house and his big collection of funny hats.

Things for Regan and Emma were going great too. Henry was over the moon when his mother moved in with them. She was still apprehensive about it, but day by day, her doubts were put to rest until, one day, she realized she wasn't afraid anymore.

Their daily routine didn't change all that much, with the difference that, at the end of the night, they went to bed together and every morning, they woke up next to each other. Still, they were able to discover new things about each other. For example, Emma didn't know he liked to exercise. Obviously, she knew he was fit, but she assumed that he maintained his body by being careful about his habits.

Boy was she wrong. Before they lived together, she had no reason for going to the basement, but after she moved in, she found out he had a personal gym there. A treadmill, a weight bench and barbell with several different weights and a couple of mats for regular exercises. Most days, he woke up early and did a full workout. But on his most lazy ones, by his standards anyway, he was content with running on the treadmill.

Sometimes she joined him, though it was more an excuse to stare at him. The sight of his bare chest, all sweaty and muscles flexing and contracting with effort was a treat. A couple of times they put the workout mats to another, more pleasurable use.

Regan, on the other hand, discovered she absolutely loved scary movies, more specifically, psychological thrillers. When they weren't watching Disney and other child friendly movies with their son, he was being mentally scarred by some film of her choosing. Watching 'Silence of the Lambs' was an experience. He was the Evil King and even he was disturbed by the sick imagination of the people that made those movies.

The worst part? Every time, she went to sleep like a baby right after. After she made him watch the 'It' movies, it took him forever to fall sleep for weeks, half expecting that creepy clown to appear in his bedroom.

Speaking of bedroom, their sex life was better than ever. They weren't afraid to experiment with the dynamics of their lovemaking or to try new things. Some didn't work, other were so awkward it made them laugh. They had a lot fun, learning each other's weak spots or kinks. Emma loved when he let his inner evil king out, safe in the knowledge he wouldn't go too far. Regan liked it when she took charge, being under her mercy gave him a thrill he didn't think was possible. The Enchanted Forest was a very patriarchal place and women taking charge, especially in the bedroom? It was unheard of. He didn't care though, he was happy ignoring all that 'middle ages bullshit', like Emma called it.

This particular night was special. They were celebrating their six months anniversary. They opted to stay in, preferring a night at home than to go out. Regan cooked a delicious dinner and dessert for them, accompanied by a bottle of wine from his personal cellar.

Henry was spending the night at his friends' house. He met Nick and Ava at daycare, becoming instant friends. Their father, Michael, was happy to host a sleepover at his house.

After dinner, Regan and Emma retired to the living room. He had her arm around her waist while he held her hand with the other one, her own free hand resting on his shoulder as they swayed to Linda Ronstadt's 'I love you'. Their faces were very close, their noses rubbing together occasionally.

"Did you ever think we would get here?" He asked, his smooth voice breaking the comfortable atmosphere.

Emma smiled and shook her head "No, but I hoped. I didn't think I was ever going to have a life outside of my son, but when I met you, I wished to have that life with you" she answered, looking at him adoringly.

"Same for me. I thought no one would ever truly love me, not all of me anyway, so I didn't try. Until you" he murmured, meeting her gaze at her with an intensity that left her breathless.

They finally had the life they had always dreamed of, a life they thought unreachable for so long. Their past had been worth it. All their pain, their struggles and disappointments had shaped them into the people they were today, the Mayor and the Deputy.

The King and his Queen.

"I love you, Regan" She said to him, her eyes alight with happiness. She watched as a beautiful smile adorned his handsome face.

"I love you too, Emma" He returned, leaning down slowly. She met him halfway and their lips met in a loving, passionate kiss.

A rainbow-colored light sparked from their fused lips and spread outwards, reaching every corner of Storybrooke.

The curse had been broken.

To be continued.

Next chapter, the reactions from the townsfolk as they wake up with their memories. What will happen?

As always, thanks for reading and don't forget to leave a review.