Hey guys, I thought that after the previous long update of 2 weeks, i knew you guys deserved a decent, long chapter in a shorter amount of time :) haha so I hope all those long nights of writing this was worth it. ANd I do hope it's not too cheesy or cliche, i tried not to be, but my shipper's heart and love of cuteness and fluff couldn't help it! Anyway, this was inspired by a pic of the gorgeous, stunning Lana Parrilla. Here: And in this chapter, I wanted to further explore the Regina's change, and how she was a completely different person around David, almost like her youthful, old, bubbly self.

Anyway thank you to everyone who've reviewed, because of your support I got this update up :-) Anyway, onto the chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time. This is written for entertainment purposes only.

X: Twilight Rendezvous

Regina stared at the car-mirror anxiously as her trembling fingers coated her lips with another layer of blood red lipstick. She took a deep breath before exhaling, rechecking herself one more time. It was ridiculous really that she was so nervous, but she hadn't seen David in a week and was determined to go to the extra effort to impress him. She wore an off the shoulder ebony, silk pencil dress that streamed down to her knees and had a plunging neckline and backline. She complimented the outfit with a pearl necklace and her plum six-inch high heels, her face graced with her usual dark makeup. It was only now that she realized her outfit might not be entirely practical for the forest, but what she was most nervous about was her hair. Regina couldn't help but shake her head again as she stared at her new style, honestly, what the hell compelled her to get it done? Her luscious, glossy hair rippled down in thick curls around her shoulders, freshly styled with her new extensions. Yes, extensions. It indeed looked different from her shorter, fluffy hair that fell around her neck. She bit her lips nervously; well she couldn't remove them now, though she deeply regretted getting them. What if he thought she was trying too hard? Even though that was obvious, she still didn't want him to know that.

Regina wanted to scream at herself as she made her way into the depths of the forest. Why was she so nervous? Why did she put so much effort into her appearance? They were spending a day at the forest for god's sake, and it wasn't like this was a first date, after all, they had already had sex. But somehow Regina felt like this was their first, proper date together, and with that thought in mind, her lips tugged into a smile. She spotted David in the clearing.

She walked elegantly towards him before the couple broke out in a run, unable to remain composed for longer their arms greeting each other in a tight embrace. Regina felt her feet leave the ground and couldn't help but let out a light laugh as she was spun around in the air, secured in his arms before he gracefully lowered her down. Her arms encircled around his neck once her feet were planted on the earth, her lips meeting his in a tender kiss, his teeth sucking her bottom lip, causing her to shiver with excitement. She released him from her embrace, a blissful sigh escaping her lips.

David's eyes drank in her presence, and as always he was captivated by her allure, but this time there was something different.

" Your hair," he whispered as he took a strand of her soft lock in his fingers.

Regina shook her head. " It's ludicrous I know, I assumed I just wanted to do something a little different and…special," she paused with a small smile as she met his eyes. " Do you like it?"

" I love it, you look beautiful Regina, as always. And quite frankly, I feel underdressed now."

Regina's eyes flickered to his jeans, leather jacket and dared she think of it, his crisp, flannel shirt. David's eyes paused as he stared at her lethal high heels and extravagant dress. He raised an eyebrow.

" Really Regina, high heels? You sure they're not a little impractical here…in the forest?"

Her eyes followed his before she gave him a teasing smile. " So you don't like them?" she asked playfully, elegantly lifting her foot behind her so they were in full display.

David shook his head in amusement before he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer. Indeed, he noticed her sudden change, and even Regina was starting to notice it too. Around David a bubbly, youthful, fiery natured fueled by her new happiness and love for David grew inside of her, bursting with energy. He released her and reached into his jacket, pulling out a blindfold.

" Hey, I have a surprise for you. So as absurd as this sounds, I'm going to need you to wear this blindfold."

Regina raised a questioning eyebrow as she stared at the material. " Oh? And if I refuse? I was never fond of surpri-"

Her voice was cut off to a yelp as the material was wrapped around her eyes, the blindfold secured. She folded her arms, but her lips were pulled in a small smile.

" Is this really necessary?"

She could already feel David's hand in hers as he guided her into the forest.

"Regina, I spent the past hour of my free afternoon in the sun setting this up for you, the least you can do is cooperate."

Regina rolled her eyes at his words, but she sensed the playfulness in his voice and obediently followed him into the clearing. After a few minutes they came to a stop, and she felt his warm breath against her ear as his fingers skimmed the back of her neck, causing a shiver to caress her spine.

" Ready?" his bare whispered brushed against her ear, releasing her hand.

Regina bit her lip and nodded, allowing him to remove her blindfold. And the sight took her breath away.

Laid out before her was a splendid, romantic picnic, though it wasn't just like the picnic they went on. No…it was something else. The long, fluffy sheepskin blanket was laid out across the leaves. Soft rose petals scattered the blanket, and flickering flames danced on the apple-scented candles, sitting on the outskirts of the blanket it emitted the sweet fragrance. An ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne sat in the middle, two glasses stood by its side and in the middle sat platters of deserts; raspberry-chocolate cupcakes, banana-caramel shortcakes, custard tarts, apple cinnamon crumble and apple butterscotch dumplings.

Regina shook her head incredulously as she approached the layout, her mouth still opened in astonishment. Her hands still in his she allowed him to lead her over to the blanket and Regina sat down, curling her legs to the side, but she was still unable to take her eyes off the stunning setout.

" So…what do you think?"

Regina finally turned her attention to him, still shaking her head. " It's beautiful, it's romantic…I love it. Thank you David."

He gave her a half smile before he turned his attention back to the food, grimacing slightly. " Though I admit…I'm no Master Chef, not like you anyway."

Regina followed his eyes, an amused laugh escaping her lips as she noticed a few deflated cupcakes, the burnt sides of the apple dumplings, the broken, messy apple crumble, errors that were caused by simple mistakes that she would have never made. But nonetheless, they still looked delicious.

" Well, shall we get started then?" Regina asked before reaching for a cupcake.

She bit into the cake, sighing at the delicious combination of strawberry and chocolate. She offered it to David, allowing him to take a bite, a chocolate chip smudging the corner of his lips. A wicked smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she finished the cupcake.

" Dear, you have a little something there," she said, pointing to her lips.

Just as David reached for a napkin Regina leaned in, resting her hands on the ground for balance she placed her lips at the corner of his mouth. The sweet taste of chocolate and strawberries coated her tongue as she sucked the chocolate stain away. She drew back, licking her lips, her eyes glinting.

" Got it."

David shook his head, the corner of his lips pulled in a half smile. " What am I going to do with you?"

She flashed him a smile in return, and as she reached for an apple dumpling, she couldn't help but wish for this night to never end.

…

The hours flew by like a speeding falcon, and soon twilight had fallen, painting the sky a blended navy, turquoise and peach. Most of the plates were empty, crumbs scattered the blanket and as Regina fell back in his arms, comfortably sitting between his legs, she closed her eyes, letting the warmth and contentment takeover.

David's lips twitched into a smile as he looked down at the resting figure, like a sleeping angel. His eyes drifted towards the tranquil, rippling lake as an idea pieced in his head. It was summer and the air was muggy, so perhaps this idea wasn't so insane? He gently pushed Regina from his lap, causing her to stir as she blinked up at him.

" Regina…I was thinking, now don't lash out at me for the ridiculous idea…but what do you think about going for a swim?"

Regina's eyes widened as she watched him stand up, unbuttoning his shirt. " What? Now? In that lake?" She cast a glance at the murky water. " Aren't their…leeches lurking in the depths? Besides, I'm not sure if it's entirely…safe. "

David repressed an amused chuckle as he saw the fear grow in her eyes at the thought of swimming with leeches. He reached for her hand, helping her up to her feet. Regina reluctantly followed him towards the lake, shaking her head: she was actually considering this.

David turned around, his face pleading. " Come on Regina, when in your life have you ever done something out of your comfort zone? Something fun and spontaneous?"

Regina raised her eyebrows. " Well I can think of a few, though they're not open for discussion."

David slipped of his shirt, noticing that she still had no intentions of following him. " Okay Regina, but you'll be sorry," and flashing her a grin he dived into the lake.

Regina gasped as the water sprayed onto her dress, wincing, but she couldn't help but laugh as she saw David, looking ridiculous as he leisurely floated in his jeans, his head rested on his hands.

" Come on, the water's great."

Regina rolled her eyes, but the smile was still dancing on her lips.

Come on Regina, when in your life have you ever done something out of your comfort zone? Something fun and spontaneous?

No, she'll admit, she's never been much of the 'free flow woman', and generally stuck to her sophisticated, professional persona. But her heart was pounding, yearning to jump in with him, and though it was ridiculous, she couldn't help but want to be in the water. She took a deep breath as she considered it. The water did look refreshing, especially since the night's muggy heat made her skin sticky, and the idea of being in his arms with the gentle water lapping against her skin was tempting.

And before she knew it, she was unzipping her dress, mentally screaming at herself. Why the hell was she doing this? It was absurd, it was pointless, it was childish. What was she thinking? Yet as she unstrapped her shoes, she felt a small smile creep onto her lips, because a rush of nervous energy surged through her at the thought of breaking her comfort zone and acting like a thoughtless, love-sick teenager. And she would be in his arms, so she admitted it, it did have its appeal.

Regina paused as the dress dropped down to a pool around her, noticing David's hungry, lustrous eyes roaming her naked figure. Her lips curled in a mischievous smile as she sauntered towards him, her hips swaying deliciously and her hand resting seductively against her hips as she lent to the side, an innocent eyebrow raised. David's breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding as his eyes slowly drank in her flawless, creamy skin and naked curves.

" Something catch your eye dear?"

And in a flash his hand caught hers, pulling her into the water, Regina's laughter dying as she plunged into the cool depths. The first thing she felt was the icy, cold water, nipping her skin, but as soon as she swam a few meters and rose above the water, her body slowly grew use to the new temperature, and it was refreshing. She swam towards David, her eyebrows raised in a 'happy now' expression.

" There, I'm in this freezing water. Though I still stand by what I said, that this display is completely pointless-"

His lips pressed against hers, silencing her protest in a hungry, passionate kiss, his hands sliding up her arms, pulling her in closer. Regina surrendered to his kiss, the warmth running inside her, up to her cheeks and to her fingertips. He pulled back, her fingers tracing the sides of his face.

" Sometimes you talk too much," David whispered. Regina still didn't look convinced, and he added, " And you can't deny that you're not enjoying this."

David's hands encircled around her waist, pulling her in closer. Regina's fingers explored his torso as he planted a kiss on her neck, causing her head to tilt back in pleasure, his lips grazing down the side of her neck and to her shoulder.

" Or this," he murmured into her ear.

His hands ran up her thighs, her stomach, her hips and the rest of her naked curves, caressing her skin.

" Hmmm," Regina said thoughtfully, her arms snaking around his neck, a blissful sigh escaping at his touch. " Perhaps it's not that bad."

She captured his lips in another kiss, pulling him down towards the lake. Her legs wrapped around his waist as her mouth parted, allowing him to deepen the kiss, the bubbles drifting above them. She felt his tongue run across her lips, causing her to shiver with excitement as his tongue slipped inside, intertwining with hers. It wasn't long before the couple quickly swam back up, breaking the surface they gasped for air.

David couldn't help but laugh at her sudden change of behavior as she grinned, breathless.

" Spontaneous enough for you dear?"

David returned her smile, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her in closer. "Very," he murmured into her hair.

Regina rested her head against his shoulders; her body against his as one thought ran through her mind. Perhaps this wasn't such a bad idea.

…

Regina shivered as she accepted David's jacket, whispering a thank you as she put on the jacket and laid back down, her head resting on his lap, her knees slightly bent. The ends of her hair were still dripping with the salty water, but other then that she was mostly dry, David having given her the old checkered picnic basket's blanket to use as a towel whilst he dried out naturally.

She was changed again and his warms arms were protecting her, and she couldn't be happier. A blissful sigh escaped her lips as David threaded his fingers through her thick locks that entangled gracefully on his lap, still mystified by her stunning, long hair. Regina caught his hand brought it down to her side, her fingers entwining through his. She stared at the glittering stars, glimmering like jewels they hung in the shadowy night sky.

" It's beautiful, isn't it?" David whispered, reading her mind.

A small smile graced her lips. " Yes, it is."

Just when she was about to comment on the amazing night, something caught the corner of her eyes. Her eyebrows knitted in a small frown as she turned to the object, noticing a ribbon blue box, small enough to fit in the size of her palm, sitting next to the empty plates. She stood up, breaking from his embrace as she walked over to the box. She picked it up and examined it. In a dash David was beside her as he quickly tried to retrieve the item, before she snatched her hand away.

" What's this?"

" Regina, it's nothing, just pass it back."

A teasing smile danced on her lips, her eyes drawn to the box. " And if I refuse?"

"Regina," David said more sternly, making another swipe for the object, but yet again she snatched it away.

David repeated the process again, his voice growing firmer, but he only managed to make Regina laugh at his attempts as she teasingly held the box in the air, away from his reach. And David didn't know now, but before he knew it they were running through the forest, David after Regina as she let out another laugh, the box clutched in her hand, her hair flying through the wind. They had run thirty meters and were now in an area bedded with autumn leaves and towering trees. And David was so close now, her hair teasingly whipping in front of his face, her arm in his reach….

His foot caught on a thick, tree root and David tripped. Regina quickly turned around at the sudden yelp, her eyes widening as David fell on top of her: the couple landed on a mountain of forest leaves. They remained there; Regina winced at the pain as she lay on the leaves, David on top of her, locking her waist between his knees to prevent her from escaping. He looked down, about to reach for the box when he stopped, her sight taking his breath away.

Her hair cascaded lusciously around her shoulders, her full, crimson lips opened with her heavy pants, her enticing eyes, dark with desire…slowly he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, it wasn't until he felt her respond that he quickly snatched the box held loosely in her hand, drawing back he grinned victoriously.

Regina's eyes widened with surprise before they flared in anger at his trick. " Why you-"

" Took back what was mine," he cut her off, still grinning.

Regina rolled her eyes but still smiled, amused by their previous escapade. " So are you finally going to reveal what the mysterious object is?"

David smiled. " I didn't want you to see it yet because…well I wanted this to be a surprise, I wanted to show you in the end. But since you're so stubborn…"

Regina sat up to take a closer look as he opened the velvet lid, she gasped. On the ivory pillow within the box lay a delicate, silver sterling chain. A crimson-heart jewel hung from it, the outsides embellished with glittering crystals, glimmering in the moonlight. Regina's hands covered her mouth at the beautiful object, her heart melting like burning candle wax as she let him place the necklace around her neck.

" Happy Valentines Day," he whispered.

Regina was still speechless at the gift. She took the heart in her fingers before she looked back up at him, her face softening in a smile. " Thank you dear, it's beautiful."

" And there's more, open it."

A frown pinched Regina's brows as she noticed the small gap that ran down the side of the heart. She opened the gap with her nail and the heart opened, revealing a picture of her and David at the ball. Her eyes smiled lovingly, lost in his eyes as his lips brushed against her hand. She vaguely remembered when she hired Sydney as the photographer for the ball, and stressed that he had to take as many photos of them together as possible, to have something else to hold over Snow White. But she didn't know about this photo. Regina could feel the tears of happiness beginning to build before he took her hand in his, meeting her eyes.

"The necklace symbolizes my promise to you to be true, to always be there for you when you need me, to be with you through the good times and the bad, but above all, if you let me, it's my promise to remain in your life and always love you," he paused and waited for her to respond, but she was still speechless. " So…I take it as a yes?" he asked playfully.

Regina nodded, her lips pulled in a smile as she fought back the happy tears.

" Yes, of course," she breathed. "I would want nothing more."

David smiled, though the answer wasn't completely surprising, he was still relieved. His fingers ran through the locks of her hair again as he casted another glance at the locket, a mischievous smile creeping onto his lips. " Well, I might add that the locket wasn't cheap. So…I'm sure we can find some way for you to make it up to me."

Regina raised her eyebrows questioningly as she lay back down. " Oh really?"

" Uh huh," he whispered, leaning back down and pressing his lips against hers.

Regina hungrily responded to his kiss, David's lips ripping through hers, sucking and nibbling her lips, discovering her sweet, apple sensation that he loved so much. Regina cupped the sides of his face, pulling him in closer, their tongues dancing in a heated passion, their stomachs burning with desire as the fire sparked inside. He straddled her hips and pushed against her, a moan rising in her throat as her hands slide down to his naked torso, her nails raking his chest. Another moan escaped her lips as she arched her back with his thrusts; his lips travelling down to the corner of her neck, he hungrily sucked and bit her sensitive skin raw, causing another erotic groan to escape her lips. Her head tilted back to allow his lips to venture down to her collarbone, her fingers grazing the back of his neck, his hands sliding up the ends of her dress.

She had something, something that filled the void deep inside, something that had persisted for years that not even Mary Margaret's sweet kissed could fill it. But over the past days the void grew smaller, she was filling the emptiness within him with the flickering fire that burned with their love.

Regina suddenly broke the kiss and paused, panting. David drew back, his eyebrows knitting in a frown.

" Something the matter?"

" Do you hear that?" Regina listened closer before she quickly sat up. " It's my phone!"

David's frowned deepened. " Do you really need to take it-?"

His voice cut off as she began running back to the clearing to retrieve the call. David repressed a sigh as he quickly ran after her.

" Is it really that important?" he called breathlessly.

" It could be Henry, and I don't want to risk missing this call just in case it is him."

David's face softened as they reached the picnic sight and Regina received the call. Though he loved and admired her motherly nature, he couldn't help but sigh in frustration, his desire for her building.

" Hello?" Regina asked breathlessly.

" Hey Regina, it's Mary Margaret."

Regina's blood froze at the sound of the woman. " Oh…"

Suddenly she felt David's fingers skimming the back of her neck before he lifted up her hair and brushed his lips against her skin. Regina repressed a moan that was rising in her throat as she tried to hold her phone in her trembling hands.

" So I was just confirming the dinner tomorrow night, you're still going right?"

" O-of course," Regina replied, David's lips trailing up to her jaw, his hands sliding down the sides of her frame.

" Excellent. And don't be shy to do some baking, I may be the queen of roasts, but I'm awful at baking."

" Mmmm…." Regina murmured, his breath caressing her ear as his hands wandered over her curves, pulling her body against him.

" So I shall see you at seven tomorrow night?"

Regina gave another murmur in reply, his fingers pulling down the sleeves of her dress, deliciously grazing his lips down her shoulder.

" Okay, I'm looking forward to it. Good-"

Regina dropped her phone before she could finish, the anticipation killing her. She whirled around and her arms quickly snaked around his waist as she surrendered to his blissful kiss. She quickly pulled apart when she remembered his mischievous escapade earlier, punching him on the shoulder, her eyes narrowed in a stern look. David yelped, rubbing his shoulder.

" You…before-," she spluttered, pulling herself together. "That was Mary Margaret."

David froze, his eyes wide. " Regina," he said slowly after the silence. " I want to break up with her…it's just…it's not fair on her…or you."

Regina closed her eyes and sighed, nodding. " I understand, and I'm sorry, it wasn't fair on you for me to make you continue with this. But it's for the best."

David took her hand in his, his fingers entwining with hers. " You know what this means? We'll be official, are you sure you're ready for this to go public, Madam Mayor?" he asked seriously, though she sensed the playfulness in his voice.

Regina stifled a laugh and bit her lip, as the realization came to her. Storybrook's reaction, the peoples' reaction, they would indeed act differently around her for the first few weeks. Most of them she imagined would be quite cold towards her. But as she stared into his eyes, she knew it would be worth it. " Yes, I am," she replied softly with a smile, giving his hand a small squeeze.

David's eyes were still mesmerized by hers and somehow he couldn't believe his luck, he had found the woman who had stolen his heart and in return gladly gave him hers. And now they would share a future together, and he couldn't wait.

Regina reached for the phone, her eyes widening when she saw the time. " Shit," she whispered. " It's already ten thirty, no doubt Henry's wondering where I am, my meetings never run this long."

She gave David an apologetic look as she released his hand. " I'm sorry…I want this night to last forever, but I should go."

David nodded.

Regina bobbed down as she began stacking the plates and packing the glasses back into the basket before David stopped her.

" Don't worry about it, there's not much to pack."

" No David, I couldn't-"

" I insist, it's no trouble."

" And I insist that I help," she said firmly, though she was smiling.

David shook his head but helped her to pack up. Once everything was back in the basket he turned back to her, a smile pulling the corner of his lips.

" So I'll tell Mary tomorrow morning," he promised.

A smile graced Regina's lips at the thought of finally and officially being with him.

" I look forward to it."

David led Regina out of the forest and back to her car before their lips met in a final sweet, tender kiss. Regina opened her car door and hesitated, turning back to him.

" I love you," she whispered, her eyes lingering on his.

David's heart melted like hot butter as he mirrored her words, watching her duck inside she drove off into the night. Yes…they would finally be an official couple. Surely they would have there happily ever after.

Thank you for reading! So too fluffy? Please leave a review, and though I have a clear idea of what I want next, give me your opinion as to what you want to see. And don't think that this is coming to an end, because I still have lots of drama in stall :) Also, I would love some fanart,fanvids or something based on this fic or evil charming in general. It would really bright up my day, so if their are any artists, or you know of any evil charmng stuff, please send me a message! Thanks again!

Lydia :)