Thanks guys for all the reviews! I really tried hard with this fic, so I hope I did it justice :) It has a loooot of fluff, which was fun to write. Seriously though, you guys are so lovely and awesome for keeping up with this fic! I just had to say that. Anyway, onto the update.

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time

Her Dark Knight

The sun beamed down onto the forest in glittering, golden strands. Regina and David sat on the checkered, woolen blanket in the clearing of the woods. The trees towered over them, shading them from the sun, and the gentle chirps of the birds and the rustling of the leaves drifted through the atmosphere. They sat near the mile long, murky, tranquil lake, chatting, laughing and occasionally stopping to admire the beautiful scenery.

" It really is beautiful here, you sure know how to pick a spot," Regina said, tearing her eyes away from the shimmering lake, her legs curled to the side.

David took a sip of lemonade, flashing a smile." It is stunning. Apparently me and Kathryn use to come here regularly, I knew you would like it."

Regina rummaged through the basket before she pulled out the container of chocolate covered strawberries. She popped one in her mouth and let out a blissful sigh, her eyes closed as the sweet sensation coated her tongue. She opened her eyes and smiled at David who was staring at the container.

" Hmmm, I always thought of you as an apple lover."

Regina tilted her head to the side, her eyes gleaming. " Well, strawberries are delicious as well. Care for one?"

She sat up on her knees and took a strawberry, leaning in. David blinked before he opened his mouth, accepting the sweet fruit.

" Mmm, it's delicious. I bow my head down to the Queen of deserts," he said playfully, his head bowing down.

Regina let out a light laugh, her eyes turning back to the lake. " Thank you David," she said suddenly, turning back to him. " Thank you for joining me. I'm sure you know that I don't have many friends in this town, and ever since recent events, Kathryn doesn't want my friendship either. But I am grateful for yours."

David was taken back at her sudden comment. " Of course. I'm only sorry that Henry wasn't here to enjoy all this." He stopped when he saw her eyes fall. " I'm sorry," he added quickly, but she cut him off.

" No, that's fine dear. But sometimes I can't help but think, where did I go wrong?" she paused, letting out a small sigh. " Maybe being a single mother and the Mayor of Storybrook was too much for me to take on. Maybe somewhere along the path I was so busy running the town that I began to neglect my own son."

She stopped, her voice caught in her throat. Suddenly she felt David's hand in hers as he gave it a gentle squeeze. She looked back up at him, her heart quickening at his touch.

" No, Regina, that's not true," he paused, his eyes staring into hers. " You are the most ambitious woman I have ever known. Day after day you rise up above the people who loathe you and do your work for Storybrook. Yet above all this you're a single mother to Henry, and one of the most caring mothers I have ever seen. You put him before yourself and any of your Mayor duties. Regina, Henry does love you. He's just going through a rough stage, but it will get better. I know it will."

Regina's eyes were lost in his as her heart raced, the fire stirring inside of her. She felt like she was seeing him in a new light.

" You really think so?" she whispered.

" Of course."

He released her hand, extinguishing the fire. Regina's eyes broke away from his as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, blinking. What was wrong with her? She took a deep breath, slowing down her racing heart. She felt…odd. Unfamiliar warmth rushed inside of her, it tingled her skin and flushed her cheeks. They were feelings she felt when she was young, when she was with Daniel…Regina stabbed the thought. No. She couldn't be feeling this. She was just using him for her revenge: that was all. Regina composed herself and looked back up at David, giving him a small smile.

"Thank you David, I appreciate it. You're very sweet."

Their eyes drifted off to the lake again. Then David's eyes spotted a round, smooth rock, it was shaped like a disk and would fit perfectly in the palm of his hand. He walked over to the edge of the lake and picked up the rock, admiring it in his hand. Regina frowned and stood up, following him.

" What is it?"

" The perfect skipping stone," he whispered, his eyes travelling to the lake.

Regina arched an eyebrow. " Skipping stone?"

David gave her a puzzled look. " Don't tell me that you've never played with a skipping stone before?"

Her silence gave him the answer. Laughing, he took a few steps back and eyed the target. He threw the stone, watching it skim across the water before it landed in the middle of the lake with a plunk, sinking. Regina raised her eyebrows.

" And this is supposed to be entertaining?"

David laughed before he picked up another rock, putting it in her hand. " Yes, it is. It's something that we've all done as kids. Go on, have a go."

Regina stared at the rock before she took a few steps forward. " Very well then."

She stared determinedly at the water before she threw the rock across the lake, her feet wobbled precariously as she tried to maintain her balance. David quickly caught her arm as he helped her stand up again. Her eyes shot out to the water where she saw the rock sink a few meters away from her. She blew a strand of hair away from her eyes, turning back to David with a small smile.

" Well, it seems that I may need some practice."

David chuckled and she turned to him with a questioning look. " Well, you can't expect to succeed wearing that." He gestured to her high heels and she stared blankly at them. He gave her an incredulous look. " You always wear high heels, don't they get uncomfortable after awhile?"

Regina stiffened. " Well becoming the Mayor involves some sacrifices."

"Just take them off and we'll try again."

Regina wanted to object, she felt ridiculous throwing a rock across the water. But she decided against it, what harm could it do? She unbuckled the straps of her shoes and slipped them off. Regina picked up another rock and was about to throw it when she felt David's hand catch hers. She felt him close the distance behind her as his hand guided hers to the side. He raised her hand in the air before he pushed it through the air. Regina released the rock and watched as it hurtled through the air before landing on the water, it skipped before it came to a stop in the middle of the lake, a meter away from David's rock.

Regina realized that her hand was still in his. He released her hand and she slowly turned to him, a small smile gracing her lips. Then Regina felt it. The tingling, warm sensation that rushed under her skin as her heart quickened. She shook her head as she tried to clear her mind.

" That was much better," David said, smiling.

" Thank you David." Regina paused, not knowing what else to say.

Bending down she picked up another rock and threw it across the lake. Her ring flung off with it: gliding in the air it landed just after the rock. Regina gasped, her eyes wide with horror as she clutched her naked finger.

" What is it?"

Regina could barely speak. " My ring," she managed to say in a quivering whisper. " I-it flew off with the rock."

David looked out across the lake, his eyes saddening. " I'm sorry."

Regina ignored his comment as she took of her other ring, placing it inside the container with the strawberries. David watched her, puzzlement passing his eyes.

" What are you doing?"

Regina walked towards the water, not bothering to turn around as she stared out into the water. " I have to get it back."

" Regina, that's absurd! The water's deep and layered with sharp rockers. You don't even know where it landed."

Regina shook her head. " You don't understand," she said softly, her eyes closing. " I have to retrieve it."

And before he could say another word she dove into the water. Regina swam through the water as her eyes frantically searched through the muddy depths, her heart thumping with anxiety. She ignored the stinging pain in her eyes and the icy coldness that was numbing her skin as she continued to swim.

I need to find it…I need to find it…

The words desperately circled her head. She had to find it: it was the only thing she had left of Daniel. Then she saw it, the faint glimmer that winked through the brown fog. Quickly she swam down to retrieve it at the bottom of the lakes, scrapping it out from the dirt. Yes, she had it.

She swam up before she let out a painful gasp, pain running up her ankle. She looked down and to her horror saw her ankle was trapped in the bed of rocks. She winced, trying to free her foot but it wouldn't budge. Her lungs were screaming for air as she frantically tried to free herself. Her brain was fogging up and her vision became a blur of swirling colors. Her eyes fluttered as she slowly released the ring. Regina faded into unconsciousness.

…

David peered out into the lake, his mind consumed with worry. It had been a few minutes since Regina had dove into the lake and she hadn't resurfaced since. And he may not know her well, but he knew that she mustn't be a strong swimmer. What if something had happened to her? No, he had to go after her. Quickly he unbuttoned his shirt and carelessly tossed it aside. Taking off his shoes he dived into the water.

David swam furiously through the lake, his sturdy arms swiftly breaking through the water. Then he spotted the unconscious woman floating in the water, her hair in a tangled mess around her face and her foot, clutched in the rocks grasp. Quickly he swam deeper and tried to heave the rocks but they didn't budge. Clutching onto the rock he gave a harder pull and the rock was released with a grind. But he didn't have time for a relieved smile. Quickly he began working with the other rocks, freeing them one by one until Regina was free. He grabbed her waist and pulled her in closer as he began swimming up, his mind slowly clouding as his lungs begged for air. Then he saw it, the glimmering, golden object. Quickly he grabbed the ring with his free hand before he broke the surface, gasping for air.

He swam to the shore and laid Regina down on the grass before he crawled up the banks, coughing up the water as he continued to inhale deeply. He crawled over to Regina, his face furrowing with concern as he noticed that she was still unconscious, and by the looks of it she wasn't breathing. He took her hand and placed the ring on her finger. Brushing away a strand of hair from her eyes he opened her mouth with one hand and blocked her nose with the other. Taking a deep breath he pressed his mouth against hers, exhaling in the oxygen. He then pressed her chest three times with both of his hands. He repeated this process before Regina's eyes flung open as she gasped. She leaned up, coughing and spluttering as she breathed deeply. A smile stretched across David's face, he had done it: she was alive.

Regina searched the area before her eyes found David, a few meters away from her, breathing heavily. Quickly she tried to stand before the sharp pain ran up her ankle, she groaned in pain, toppling over. Her sudden movement alerted David's attention. He walked over and noticed her uncomfortable, crumpled position.

" Regina, you know you can't stand with that sprained ankle," he said, repressing a chuckle as he knelt down to her level.

Regina winced, nodding. " So I realised," she shook her head, trying to erase the sudden, piercing headache.

It was then that he noticed her trembling shoulders and chattering teeth.

" You're shivering." Quickly he took his shirt that was lying on the side and wrapped it around her shoulders.

Regina looked back up at him and gave him a thankful smile.

" Thank you. Really, thank you for saving me. If you hadn't…well, I think it's safe to say that I wouldn't have made it."

" Don't mention it. And hey, look down."

Regina followed his eyes and gasped when she saw the golden halo on her finger, her lips open in astonishment as a smile spread across her face.

" You found it," she breathed in disbelief, bringing her trembling hand up to her eyes.

David smiled, his eyes twinkling. " It meant a lot to you," he said sheepishly.

Suddenly Regina flung her arms around him in a grateful hug, causing him to topple over. Regina's eyes widened at her careless actions as she quickly released him, composing herself. David sat down, letting out a small chuckle.

" I'm sorry for that, it's just that…you don't know how much this means to me."

David stared at the object curiously as Regina sat up in a more comfortable position. " Why is the ring so important?"

After all, it was obviously a cheap ring. The gold was fake, and it possessed no extravagant jewels that gave it any value. Regina took the ring off her finger and brushed it against her lips, her eyes closing in remembrance. She turned her attention back to David, her hand enclosing around the precious jewel.

" It was my engagement ring," she whispered.

David's eyes widened in astonishment. The thought of Regina having a husband, or being in any relationship for that matter, had never crossed his mind. He assumed that the people of Storybrook hadn't thought about this either. But it made sense; of course she must have been in love with someone at some point in her life.

" But you're not married," he whispered, immediately regretting his indelicate words.

" No, I'm not," her voice caught in her throat as her chest tightened. " He passed away."

David's eyes fell. " I'm sorry."

Regina shook her head at him as she placed the ring back on her finger. " He's long gone now anyway."

The two sat in silence for a while before David spoke. " Have you ever thought about loving anyone else?"

Regina's eyes widened at the statement. " No…I haven't dear."

Love is weakness Regina

Her mother's words reverberated in her mind. She felt David take her hand in his.

" Maybe you deserve that, another chance at love."

Regina blinked back up at him as she slowly pondered the thought. Her mind drifted off to the memories of Daniel. Did she want that? Yes, of course she did. She wanted Daniel back more than anything in the world, but could she possibly have that with anyone else? Could she love anyone else? The very thought of it was ludicrous…No, couldn't. She didn't need love. She needed revenge.

She felt the fiery passion burn inside her as her eyes grew with rage. She needed Snow White at her mercy, and that was what she would have.

" It's late," she said suddenly, her eyes drawing to the sky. The sun was setting and the evening had arrived. "Henry will surely be back by now, and I have to go cook him dinner."

David nodded. " Kathryn will be expecting me."

He helped Regina up on her good foot and she wrapped her arm around him as he helped her into the car. He retrieved their goods and packed them away before he drove off.

…

Regina lent back against the doorway, letting out a relieved sigh as the pressure on her sprained ankle was released. She smiled as she watched David bring in the last of the items into the house. The drive home went smoothly, they chatted and laughed, and David hadn't brought up the topic of her marriage, which she was grateful for. Her mask was slowly melting when she was with David, revealing her softer, informal side. And she didn't like it. She was furious that he was effortlessly able to tear down her wall and reveal her vulnerable, soft side. But she was angrier with herself for the mixed feelings that were stirring inside of her, and she knew that he was to blame.

Maybe he was right, she suddenly thought. She had been alone for so many years, then she had Henry, but he was slowly drifting away and she felt more alone then ever. Except when she was with David. She shook her head. No. She couldn't be weak and succumb to the spontaneous feelings that were consuming her. I'm using him for my revenge, that is all, she told herself firmly. She was sure that these feelings were temporary, after all she was lonely and in a weak moment. The feelings would pass.

" Thank you David," she said as he returned. "For taking me away from the paperwork and giving me a pleasant evening. I enjoyed it. Thank you for being my knight in shining armor," she finished jokingly.

" Well, more like flannel," he replied playfully.

David placed her black high heels near the front door. " That's the last one," he paused as a small chuckle escaped his lips. He paused, as she gave him a questioning look. " Why is it that whenever we're together, one of us gets injured?"

Regina laughed as she looked down at her sprained ankle. " It is ridiculous."

There was an awkward silence before David spoke. " Well Kathryn's expecting me so I better be off."

Regina took his shirt off and gave it back to him with a small smile. " And I expect Henry will be back soon. Take care."

David gave her another smile before he departed. As if on cue Regina saw Emma's car pull up to the side. Regina wasn't even surprised. Much to her annoyance, Emma now regularly picked Henry up from his Sunday appointments with Doctor Hopper. Most likely they had just finished lunch.

" Ms. Swan, it's nice to see you finally returning my son."

Emma suppressed an eye roll as she made her way up the stairs, Henry following her. The sudden sound of an engine captured her attention and she saw, to her horror, David leaving. It was then that she noticed Regina's drenched dress and sprained ankle.

" What was he doing here?"

Henry also noticed David's departure. He turned to Regina, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. " What are you two doing?"

He had assumed- like Emma-that their affair had been a one night thing that wouldn't be repeated. Yet David had come again: and he knew his mum had no excuse to see him. He knew it had to be part of her plan, some twisted, evil plan to ruin Snow White's happiness. She was seducing him with some potion. And he wouldn't have it.

" I know what you're doing," he said slowly as the answer came to him. " You're trying to keep them apart and ruin her life."

Regina lowered herself down to his level, her eyes softening. " Henry, I-"

" Well it won't work!" he yelled, cutting her off.

He stormed inside the house, leaving Emma and Regina alone outside. Regina shut her eyes, her chest tightening at her son's sharp words. She turned to Emma, her lips pursed.

" What do you want Ms. Swan?"

Emma raised her eyebrows. " Nothing, I'm just wondering why David was here earlier."

Regina raised an eyebrow. " And how is that any of your business? Tell me, why is it that every time David and I spend time together, you're suddenly here? Like last night for example."

Emma stifled a laugh. " Oh please, let me assure you madam Mayor, I have no intentions of following you. Last night someone alerted the police when they saw that man attack David, and I may remind that I am the police."

Regina's eyes narrowed. " Well let me assure you that nothing is going on between me and David. We're just friends."

Emma's eyes narrowed as she stared into the Mayor's eyes, trying to detect a lie before she slowly nodded. "Okay."

Regina placed her hand on her lips, staring incredulously at the blond. " Ms. Swan, is it that hard to believe that I may have a friend?"

Emma was taken back at her sudden comment. "Look, I'm just looking out for Mary. I don't want her to hurt anymore and-"

" And what?" Regina cut her off, her eyes round. "Are you suggesting that I'm hurting her, or in some way ruining her relationship with David? Ms. Swan, I have no intention of doing that. The past few nights were unfortunate misunderstandings that David cleared up with Kathryn and Ms. Blanchard. Now I suggest you leave my property at once, I have matters to attend to."

Like one sprained ankle that's hurting like a bitch.

Emma stared at the woman in disbelief. " Fine. But I'm holding you to your word."

Regina watched as she left her property before she turned around and hobbled back into the house, wincing in pain. She sighed with relief when she sat down on the dining chair. Her eyes travelled up the stairs where she assumed Henry had gone, locking himself in his bedroom. A pang ran through her heart. David's word drifted back to her.

He's just going through a rough stage, but it will get better. I know it will.

Maybe he was right. She could only hope, she did love Henry dearly and only wanted him to be happy. Her phone buzzed in her bag and she picked it up, flipping it open. The corner of her lips tugged into a satisfied smile as she read the message.

I got the pictures. I will send them to her tomorrow morning. Sidney

Thanks for reading guys! So what did you think? Constructive criticism would be loved. Please review for an update! Though again, it'll take a while to come around, as I'm back at school etc. Anyway, thanks again!

Lydia :)